General Awareness Test (May - 15) - Set 3

1)   Who will be the new Governor of Meghalaya appointed by the President of India on 12th May’15?

a. Shri Ram Naik
b. Sheila Dixit
c. N D Tiwari
d. V. Shanmuganthan
Answer  Explanation  Related Ques

ANSWER: V. Shanmuganthan

Explanation:
V. Shanmuganthan has been appointed as Meghalaya Governor.


2)   First International Day of Yoga would be celebrated at the historic National Mall in Washington featuring yoga demonstrations by experts and Indian dance &music on ______________

a. 21st June 2015
b. 1st June 2015
c. 12th July 2015
d. 30th June 2015
Answer  Explanation  Related Ques

ANSWER: 21st June 2015

Explanation:
Indian Ambassador to the US Arun K Singh said, the event is being organised by the Indian Embassy in the US in association with the Friends of Yoga, which is an association of Yoga organisations in the region. Indian Embassy is organising a series of curtain raiser Yoga events during the months of May-June 2015, including at the World Bank, at Durga Temple and Rajdhani Temple in Virginia.


3)   Which painting of Picasso has become the most expensive painting to sell at auction, going for 179.3 million dollar at Christie's in New York?

a. Girl before a Mirror
b. The Weeping Woman
c. Woman of Algiers
d. Boy Leading a a Horse
Answer  Explanation  Related Ques

ANSWER: Woman of Algiers

Explanation:
Picasso's 'Women of Algiers' has become the most expensive painting to sell at auction, going for 179.3 million dollar at Christie's in New York. The previous world record for a painting sold at auction was 142.4 million dollar for British painter Francis Bacon's Three Studies of Lucian Freud.


4)   Which state Chief Minister on 12th May’15 inaugurated the water ATM facility dubbed as Samajwadi Shudha Payjal Yojna for Roadways bus stations?

a. Bihar
b. Delhi
c. Haryana
d. Uttar Pradesh
Answer  Explanation  Related Ques

ANSWER: Uttar Pradesh

Explanation:
To begin with, this facility has been installed at Charbagh of Lucknow and other 100 bus stations of the state. Through it the passengers will get best potable water at the most affordable price of two Rupees per liter.


5)   In Tamil Nadu, AIADMK Supremo Jayalalithaa became the Chief Minister for the ______ time in 2015.

a. Third
b. Fifth
c. Seventh
d. Eighth
Answer  Explanation  Related Ques

ANSWER: Fifth

Explanation:
The party seems to wait for the directions from Jayalithaa and then O Paneerselvam will resign as Chief Minister. Only then AIADMK party MLAs can elect Jayalaithaa as the legislative party leader. After that the letter of support by party MLAs will be given to Governor Dr K Rosaiah. Then the day of taking over as Chief Minister will be announced. Jayalalithaa had taken over as Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu four times in 1991, 2001, 2002 and 2011.


6)   By what percent, Consumer Price Index (CPI) fell in the month of April 2015 as against 8.48 percent in April last year due to decline in the prices of food articles?

a. 4.87%
b. 2.56%
c. 3.14%
d. 2.90%
Answer  Explanation  Related Ques

ANSWER: 4.87%

Explanation:
The inflation for March 2015 was at 5.11 percent. Data released by Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation on 12th May’15 mentioned that Inflation in food items like pulses and products was recorded at 12.52 percent highest in the category. Milk and its products registered a price hike of 8.21 percent , Spices at 8.7 percent. Whereas the inflation in vegetables and meat stood at 6.63 percent and 5.50 percent. The ministry also said that the rural inflation stood at 5.37 percent whereas urban centres registered CPI of 4.36 percent.


7)   Industrial production growth in March 2015 slowed to _____ percent, compared to 5 percent a month ago.

a. 2.5%
b. 4.2%
c. 2.1%
d. 5.9%
Answer  Explanation 

ANSWER: 2.1%

Explanation:
The government released factory output data that showed that industrial production growth in March slowed to 2.1 percent, compared to 5 percent a month ago.


8)   Who has been unanimously elected as the new Chairman of Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts (EPCH) in the 144th Meeting of Committee of Administration (COA), held in New Delhi on May’15?

a. Sanjay Kumar
b. Dinesh Kumar
c. Abdul Khan
d. M J Aslam
Answer  Explanation  Related Ques

ANSWER: Dinesh Kumar

Explanation:
Mr. Kumar, representing M/s Orient Art &Crafts, New Delhi, is a leading exporter of handicrafts from India. He has been associated with the handicrafts sector for more than four decades. Mr. Kumar runs retail business of handicrafts products and has manufacturing units as well. He has served in various capacities as member of the Committee of Administration, President - Trade Fairs, and Vice-Chairman - EPCH. Mr. Kumar is also one of the Directors of India Exposition Mart Ltd., Greater Noida.


9)   Who has been appointed as the new chairman of National Safety Council on May 2015?

a. K Satish Reddy
b. Venu Srinavasan
c. Abhineet Sharma
d. Rajesh Kumar
Answer  Explanation  Related Ques

ANSWER: K Satish Reddy

Explanation:
Chairman of Dr Reddy’s Laboratories Ltd, K Satish Reddy, has been appointed as the new chairman of the National Safety Council (NSC). He will succeed Venu Srinivasan who steered the working of the council since July 2011.


10)   Which city will host the Indo-Global Pharma Expo and Summit 2015 scheduled to be held in July 2015?

a. Lucknow
b. Mumbai
c. Pune
d. Hyderabad
Answer  Explanation  Related Ques

ANSWER: Hyderabad

Explanation:
The theme of Indo-Global Pharma Expo and Summit 2015 will be Innovation and Advances.


11)   Who has been appointed as the President of Japan’s multinational telecommunications and internet company SoftBank Corp on 11th May’15?

a. Nikhil Kumar
b. Nikesh Arora
c. Ravindra Kumar
d. Ajeet Singh
Answer  Explanation  Related Ques

ANSWER: Nikesh Arora

Explanation:
Indian-born Nikesh Arora was on 11 May 2015 appointed as the President of Japan’s multinational telecommunications and internet company SoftBank Corp. He succeeds Masayoshi Son, Chairman and CEO of the Softbank Corp.


12)   On 14th May’15, Supreme Court dismissed a bunch of petitions filed by various telecom companies, including Vodafone and Bharti Airtel, seeking ________.

a. Abolition of Net Neutrality
b. Increased in Call Rates
c. Extension of their spectrum licenses
d. Implementation of Net Neutrality
Answer  Explanation  Related Ques

ANSWER: Extension of their spectrum licenses

Explanation:
Petitioners were seeking extension of their 20-year spectrum licenses by another 10 years. The telecom operators had also challenged the government's decision to reject their applications for extension of their licenses and auction the spectrum surrendered by them.


13)   In which city of China, Prime Minister Narendra Modi held Summit level talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping on 14th May’15?

a. Xian
b. Beijing
c. Guangzhou
d. Shanghai
Answer  Explanation  Related Ques

ANSWER: Xian

Explanation:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping held talks at Xian in China. The talks lasted for about 90 minutes during which the two leaders discussed wide ranging issues including peace and tranquility on the border, trade imbalance and investment climate.


14)   Name the scheme that envisages boosting the skill of artisans, craftsmen and weavers who are already engaged in their work, started by the Union Minister for Minorities Welfare Najama Heptullah from Varanasi on 14th May’15?

a. Minority Welfare Scheme
b. Bunkar Yojna
c. Ustad Yojna
d. Kaarigar Yojna
Answer  Explanation  Related Ques

ANSWER: Ustad Yojna

Explanation:
Under the scheme, the artisans and weavers will not only get training and skill orientation but also they will be given help to sell their products.


15)   Name the award given by President for lifetime achievement in Classical Tamil to SV Shanmugam for 2011-12 and R Krishnamurthi for 2012-13?

a. Tolkappiyar Award
b. Kural Pitam Award
c. Kural Awards
d. None of these
Answer  Explanation  Related Ques

ANSWER: Tolkappiyar Award

Explanation:
President Pranab Mukherjee on 14th May’15 conferred the Presidential Awards for Classical Tamil for the years 2011-12 and 2012-13 on scholars for their outstanding contribution to the development of Classical Tamil language and literature.


16)   Who has been conferred with the Kural Pitam Award given by the President of India for the year 2011-12?

a. U.Alibava
b. Eva Maria Wilden
c. K. Iyyappan
d. K.Jawahar
Answer  Explanation  Related Ques

ANSWER: Eva Maria Wilden

Explanation:
Kural Pitam Award is given to eminent scholars of Classical Tamil of non-Indian origin.


17)   In which city, Minister of State for Power and Coal Piyush Goyal inaugurated the New Solar Passive Building of the National Institute of Solar Energy?

a. Bhubaneshwar
b. Dehradun
c. Chandigarh
d. Gurgaon
Answer  Explanation 

ANSWER: Gurgaon

Explanation:
The National Institute of Solar Energy (NISE) is the apex National Centre of research and development in Solar Energy under administrative control of the Ministry of New & Renewable Energy, Government of India. It coordinates solar energy research & technology related work in the country under the Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission (JNNSM).


18)   Name the train that was going from Washington to New York and derailed on 12th May’15 leaving more 200 people injured?

a. Luxrail
b. Amtrak Train
c. Bullet Train
d. Blue Train
Answer  Explanation 

ANSWER: Amtrak Train

Explanation:
According to safety experts an Amtrak train derailed in Philadelphia, killing at least seven people, was travelling at twice the speed limit.


19)   In which state a two-day international conference on Conservation of natural and cultural values of Khangchendzonga National Park will begin from 15th May’15?

a. Sikkim
b. Assam
c. Kerala
d. Goa
Answer  Explanation 

ANSWER: Sikkim

Explanation:
The Khangchendzonga National Park was reportedly selected as one of the top 100 Green destinations in the world last year, while a proposal to nominate it as a World Heritage Site has been posed to the UNESCO. The conference assumes significance in view of a proposal from the State Government for declaration of the Kanchenjungha National Park as a World heritage site remains under consideration of the UNESCO.


20)   Which state’s High Court has prohibited credit cooperative societies in the state from accepting deposits from people without getting licence from the Reserve Bank of India?

a. Maharashtra
b. Gujarat
c. Rajasthan
d. Uttar Pradesh
Answer  Explanation 

ANSWER: Rajasthan

Explanation:
The division bench headed by Chief Justice Sunil Ambwani gave the orders while hearing a PIL which had raised suspicion on the credibility of the societies in terms of the deposits taken from non-members.

The court observed that these societies are carrying out banking activities without any permission from RBI.

The court also considered the ATM installations by these societies as a banking activity. In its order, the bench said that the societies' directors will have to return the entire deposited amount to the depositors as per rules.


21)   In which district, Haryana Government will soon set up an international level museum at a cost of Rs 30 crore to display significant archaeological findings?

a. Panipat
b. Sonipat
c. Jind
d. Panchkula
Answer  Explanation  Related Ques

ANSWER: Panchkula

Explanation:
The work to set up museum at Panchkula would commence within next 3 to 4 months, the work on museum at Rakhigarhi would be taken up within a month. A state-level museum at a cost of Rs 5 crore will also be set up at Rakhigarhi village in Hisar district to display various items excavated at Rakhigarhi which is the biggest site of Harappan civilization in the South-east Asia.


22)   Deflationary pressure continued for the sixth straight month, as Wholesale Inflation dropped to a new low of ______ in April 2015.

a. -2.65%
b. -1.34%
c. -0.50%
d. -4.10%
Answer  Explanation  Related Ques

ANSWER: -2.65%

Explanation:
This was largely due to a fall in the prices of fuel and manufactured items. Inflation, as measured by the Wholesale Price Index, was 5.55 percent in April 2014.


23)   By what percent is food grain output likely to fall in 2014-15 crop year?

a. 10%
b. 5.25%
c. 8%
d. 3.5%
Answer  Explanation 

ANSWER: 5.25%

Explanation:
India's food grain production is estimated to have declined by 5.25 percent to 251.12 million tonnes in 2014-15 crop year. The country had registered a record food grain production of 265.04 million tonnes in 2013-14 crop year. The production of most of the Kharif crops fell because of the poor monsoon last year and Rabi crops due to the recent unseasonal rain and hailstorms.


24)   Name the youngster who won her maiden world title by bagging the gold in the under-15 category of World School Chess Championships concluded at Pattaya on 14thMay’15?

a. Sunita
b. Ravita
c. Priti
d. Tejaswini
Answer  Explanation  Related Ques

ANSWER: Tejaswini

Explanation:
In the event that concluded at Pattaya, Tajaswini - Aurangabad-girl defeated Kavinya Miyuni Rajapaksa of Sri Lanka in the ninth and final round.


25)   Which state’s sports department in collaboration with Australian Trade Commission is to launch a state wide sports awareness campaign?

a. Andhra Pradesh
b. Haryana
c. Punjab
d. West Bengal
Answer  Explanation 

ANSWER: Punjab

Explanation:
No explanation is available for this question!


26)   How many agreements have been signed between India and China for bilateral cooperation in several areas including economy, trade, science and technology and culture?

a. 24
b. 11
c. 9
d. 16
Answer  Explanation  Related Ques

ANSWER: 24

Explanation:
These agreements include enhancing cooperation in Railways, mineral and mining sectors, space, tourism, trade, vocational education and skill development. Both the countries will also establish Additional Consulate General. Both the countries have also agreed to establish China-India think tank forum and three sister cities.


27)   With which Indian Channel, China Central Television (CCTV) has signed an agreement for exchange of television programmes related to art, culture and development?

a. Times Now
b. Doordarshan
c. Sony
d. Colors
Answer  Explanation  Related Ques

ANSWER: Doordarshan

Explanation:
Prasar Bharathi CEO Jawhar Sircar, who signed the agreement on behalf of India in Beijing on 15th May’15, said that the agreement enables both Doordarshn and CCTV to share programmes on their networks free of cost.


28)   Which ministry has decided to launch a nation-wide unique and single emergency response number that can be used in case of any emergency, especially by women in distress?

a. Ministry of Social Justice
b. Ministry of Human Resources
c. Ministry of Health & Family Welfare
d. Ministry of Home Affairs
Answer  Explanation  Related Ques

ANSWER: Ministry of Home Affairs

Explanation:
On 15th May’15 the Ministry said, it has invited proposals from reputed companies to participate in the competitive bidding process for implementation and maintenance of the Nationwide Emergency Response System. It was felt that various emergency call numbers like Police, Fire and Ambulance could be integrated into one to not only act as receivers of emergency calls but also as responders in a very quick time. The project will also integrate all smart communication facilities like calls, SMS and online chat platforms into one.


29)   109th Birth Anniversary of freedom fighter Sukhdev was celebrated on ________.

a. 15th May 2015
b. 1st June 2015
c. 2nd July 2015
d. 3rd June 2015
Answer  Explanation 

ANSWER: 15th May 2015

Explanation:
Shaheed Sukhdev was the close associate of Bhagat Singh and Rajguru. The trio laid down their lives for the freedom of the country. Punjab government has organised a state level function in the memory of Sukhdev at Ludhiana.


30)   On 15thMay’15, the Vice President of India Shri M. Hamid Ansari conferred the “Pt. Haridutt Sharma Award” in the field of Journalism, Writing and Social Services to __________.

a. Pratibha Patil
b. Jhumpa Lahiri
c. Anurradha Prasad
d. Aradhna Kumari
Answer  Explanation  Related Ques

ANSWER: Anurradha Prasad

Explanation:
Anurradha Prasad, Editor-in-Chief-News-24 Channel awarded in the field of Journalism, Writing and Social Services. Pt. Haridutt Sharma was a renowned journalist and eminent writer. In his memory, this Annual award is given in the field of Journalism, Writing and Social Services for the outstanding contribution in their respective field.


31)   What is the theme of the 6th National Conference on Nuclear Energy that was organized by ASSOCHAM in New Delhi on 15th May’15?

a. Power Production Medium
b. Nuclear Energy: A ‘Clean’ Energy option
c. Non-Conventional Energy
d. Green Energy
Answer  Explanation  Related Ques

ANSWER: Nuclear Energy: A ‘Clean’ Energy option

Explanation:
No explanation is available for this question!


32)   Which award has been launched by the Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare, Shri J. P. Nadda to public health facilities on 15th May’15?

a. m-Swasthya Award
b. e-medicines Award
c. Kayakalp Award
d. MedAid Award
Answer  Explanation  Related Ques

ANSWER: Kayakalp Award

Explanation:
The Health Minister stated that the “Kayakalp” initiative will encourage every public health facility in the country to work towards standards of excellence to help the facilities stay clean and hygienic. This does not apply only to physical cleanliness, but to develop and put in place systems and procedures for activities such as bio-waste disposal or protocols etc.


33)   On 15th May’15. Minster of Road Transport, Highways and Shipping, Shri Nitin Gadkari launched the state of the art integrated data collection system. Which technology would use this system that compiles information on road assets, condition of the pavements and traffic?

a. GPRS Technology
b. VSAT Technology
c. Telecom Technology
d. Laser Technology
Answer  Explanation  Related Ques

ANSWER: Laser Technology

Explanation:
The outcome of integrated data collection system will assist in developing an accurate and scientific maintenance planning mechanism, finalizing road safety measures and development of the National Highways network in India. The data collected will be stored and managed through a web based application, which will be hosted in the public domain. The application, when fully developed, can also be accessed by smart phones. Information collected from this project will be useful for Transport Ministry, Finance Ministry, NHAI, State PWDs, Police departments, funding agencies, developers and citizens. The software will be equipped to interface with the indigenous Bhuvan satellite images. The survey vehicle is equipped with three cameras including pavement view, 15 advanced Lasers and GPS connected to Gagan satellite.


34)   Whose offer has been approved by the Ministry of Urban Development for cooperation in conducting the ‘Cities Challenge’ competition to select the cities for financing under the Smart Cities Mission of the Government?

a. Bloomberg Philanthropies
b. BBC
c. Future Group
d. None of these
Answer  Explanation  Related Ques

ANSWER: Bloomberg Philanthropies

Explanation:
Bloomberg Philanthropies will act as Knowledge Partner for the Smart Cities Mission. The Mission for building 100 Smart Cities was approved by the Union Cabinet on April 29, 2015. Under this Mission, central government will spend Rs. 48,000 Cr. over the next five years for providing an assistance of Rs.100 cr per year for each selected city.


35)   By what percent has Canada planned to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions below 2005 levels by 2030?

a. 20%
b. 25%
c. 30%
d. 35%
Answer  Explanation  Related Ques

ANSWER: 30%

Explanation:
The US has committed to a 26 percent to 28 percent cut by 2025 from 2005 levels. The European Union has a target of 35 percent below 2005 levels by 2030. Japan is proposing to cut its greenhouse gas emissions by up to 26 percent by 2030.


36)   On 16thMay’15, what edition of anniversary of joining the Indian Union is Sikkim celebrating?

a. 47th
b. 40th
c. 67th
d. 69th
Answer  Explanation  Related Ques

ANSWER: 40th

Explanation:
It was on this day in 1975 that this erstwhile Kingdom joined the Indian Union as its 22nd State following the 38th Constitution amendment.


37)   State Bank of India (SBI) on 14th May’15 launched contact-less credit and debit cards called__________-.

a. Touch Card
b. Swipe Card
c. sbiINTOUCH
d. sbiSWIPE
Answer  Explanation  Related Ques

ANSWER: sbiINTOUCH

Explanation:
With these cards, a customer can transact by just tapping or waving it against the reader of the point-of-sale machine.


38)   On 14th May’15 which state government banned the digging of borewells beyond 200 feet in the state with a view to check the steep decline of groundwater-level?

a. Uttar Pradesh
b. Maharashtra
c. Goa
d. Gujarat
Answer  Explanation  Related Ques

ANSWER: Maharashtra

Explanation:
The decision came in wake of increase in the digging of new borewells by farmers and private players due to water scarcity during the summers.


39)   Which country’s scientist discovered a new state of matter called the Jahn-Teller-metal having a rich combination of insulating, magnetic, metallic and superconducting phase?

a. Japan
b. India
c. United States
d. Germany
Answer  Explanation  Related Ques

ANSWER: Japan

Explanation:
The research provides important clues about how the interplay between the electronic structure of the molecules and their spacing within the lattice can strengthen interactions between electrons that cause superconductivity.


40)   Who launched the website of NITI Aayog on 18th May’15?

a. Pranab Mukherjee
b. Bibek Mukherjee
c. Narendra Modi
d. Arvind Panagariya
Answer  Explanation  Related Ques

ANSWER: Arvind Panagariya

Explanation:
The Vice Chairman of NITI Aayog, Dr. Arvind Panagariya launched the website of NITI Aayog in New Delhi. The website www.niti.gov.in will provide details of the constitution, functions and current activities of the Aayog. The reports prepared by the institution in its initial stages have also been shared on the website. The website has a unique feature of NITI Blogs, which will incorporate articles, field reports, work in progress, and opinions by NITI officials.