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Objective Current Affairs: February, 2018
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Target 2017 - Prelims General Studies Test Series


Last Updated: March 10, 2018
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Objective Current Affairs: February, 2018

1.
Which state government has launched Zero Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF) project to promote organic
farming?
[A] Punjab
[B] Himachal Pradesh
[C] West Bengal
[D] Assam
Correct Answer: B [Himachal Pradesh]

Explanation:
Jai Ram Thakur, the Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh, has launched Zero Budget Natural Farming
(ZBNF) project to promote organic farming. The purpose of the project is to increase agriculture produce
and the income of farmers by the year 2022. The ZBNF is a farming practice that believes in natural growth
of crops without adding any fertilizers and pesticides or any other foreign elements. The word “Zero
Budget” refers to the zero net cost of production of all crops (inter crops, border crops, multi crops). The
inputs used for seed treatments and other inoculations are locally available in the form of cowdung and cow
urine. A ZBNF practicisng farmer has lower cost of inputs and thus has better capacity to increase the
incomes. At the same time, ZBNF crops helps in retaining soil fertiliting and is climate change resilient.
2.
Who has been appointed the new director general of the Sports Authority of India (SAI)?
[A] Neelam Kapoor
[B] Parag Kishore .IN
[C] Nandani Jain
[D] Rajiv Saxena
Correct Answer: A [Neelam Kapoor]
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Explanation:
Neelam Kapoor, a 1982 batch officer of the Indian Information Service (IIS), has been appointed as the new
director general of the Sports Authority of India (SAI). At present, she is the Principal Director General of
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the Directorate of Field Publicity. The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet approved her appointment
to the post till her superannuation, i.e. July 31, 2019. Kapoor was also the Principal Director General of the
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Press Information Bureau in the UPA government. As PIB chief, she was in-charge of information officers
attached to every central government ministry.
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3.
The 2018 Data Privacy Day (DPD) is observed on which date?
[A] January 30
[B] January 31
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[C] January 29
[D] January 28
Correct Answer: D [January 28]

Explanation:
The Data Privacy Day (DPD) is observed every year on January 28 to raise awareness and promote privacy
and data protection best practices. It is an effort to empower people to protect their privacy, control their
digital footprint and escalate the protection of privacy and data as everyone’s priority.
4.
Which union minister has launched 2.8 Peta Flops High Performance Computer (HPC) system ‘Mihir’?
[A] Arun Jaitley
[B] Suresh Prabhu
[C] Harsh Vardhan
[D] Nitin Gadkari
Correct Answer: C [Harsh Vardhan]

Explanation:
Dr Harsh Vardhan, the Union Minister of Earth Sciences (MoES) , has launched a 2.8 Peta Flops capacity
High Performance Computer (HPC) system ‘Mihir’ in Noida to improve India’s weather forecasting. The
new HPC facility is expected to improve weather forecasts at the block level across India, predict extreme

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Objective Current Affairs: February, 2018

weather events, and offer high resolution seasonal and extended range forecasts of active/break spells of the
monsoon. The facility will also make possible very high resolution coupled models for prediction of cyclones
with more accuracy and lead time. The new system will be India’s largest HPC facility in terms of peak
capacity and performance and will propel India’s ranking from the 368th position to the 30th in the list of
top 500 HPC facilities in the world.
5.
Which country has become the world’s largest steel producer in 2017, as per latest report published by World
Steel Association (WSA)?
[A] Japan
[B] India
[C] United States
[D] China
Correct Answer: D [China ]

Explanation:
China has remained the world’s largest steel producer in 2017 by producing 831.7 million tonnes (MT),
according to a latest report published by World Steel Association (WSA). Japan has acquired 2nd position
while India overtook the US to become the world’s 3rd largest steel producer. India’s crude steel production
grew by 6.2% to 101.4 MT in 2017 compared to 95.5 MT in 2016. The Global steel production reached 1,691.2
MT for the year 2017, up by 5.3% compared to 2016 when the output was 1,606.3 MT. The WSA is one of the
largest industry associations in the world. Its members represent approximately 85% of the world’s steel
production, including over 160 steel producers with 9 of the 10 largest steel companies, national and
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regional steel industry associations, and steel research institutes.
6.
What is the theme of the 2018 World Leprosy Day (WLD)?
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[A] Zero Child Leprosy
[B] Leprosy defeats, Live transform
[C] Zero Disabilities in girls and boys
[D] To live is to help to live
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Correct Answer: C [Zero Disabilities in girls and boys]


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Explanation:
The World Leprosy Day (WLD) is observed every year on the last Sunday of January to support those
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suffering from leprosy and educate those taking care of people suffering from this disease. This year, in
2018, it falls on 28 January and its theme is ‘Zero Disabilities in Girls and Boys’. Leprosy is one of the oldest
recorded diseases in the world. It is an infectious chronic disease that targets the nervous system, especially
the nerves in the cooler parts of the body – the hands, feet, and face.
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7.
What is the India’s rank in the 2017 EIU Global Democracy Index?
[A] 42nd
[B] 64th
[C] 33rd
[D] 21st
Correct Answer: A [42nd ]

Explanation:
India has been ranked 42nd out of 165 countries at the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU)’s annual Global
Democracy Index due to rise of conservative religious ideologies and increase in vigilantism and violence
against minorities as well as other dissenting voices. This year’s report which also measured the state of
media freedom around the world noted that in India, media is ‘partially free’. Moreover, journalists are at
risk from government, military and non-state actors and radical groups, and the threat of violence has a
chilling effect on media coverage. The EIU is the research and analysis division of the UK-based media
behemoth “The Economist Group”. The list is topped by Norway, Iceland, Sweden, New Zealand and
Denmark. The index ranks 165 independent states and two territories on the basis of five categories:
electoral process and pluralism, civil liberties, the functioning of government, political participation and
political culture.

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Objective Current Affairs: February, 2018

8.
Which city is hosting the 7th India Energy Congress (IEC) 2018?
[A] Jaipur
[B] New Delhi
[C] Bhopal
[D] Shimla
Correct Answer: B [New Delhi]

Explanation:
The 7th edition of India Energy Congress (IEC) 2018 has started in New Delhi with theme “Energy 4.0:
Energy Transition Towards 2030” on February 1, 2018. It was organised by World Energy Council (WEC)
India and inaugurated byUnion Power and New and Renewable Energy Minister R K Singh. Under the
theme “Energy 4.0”, the 7th edition of IEC assumes greater significance in the context of grand transition in
the global energy scene. IEC is a unique platform for national and international decision makers, experts
across the energy industry to exchange views and share knowledge, expertise and experience.
9.
Anu Kumar has grabbed the first gold medal of the Khelo India School Games in 1500 metres. He hails from
which state?
[A] Uttar Pradesh
[B] Jharkhand
[C] Uttarakhand
[D] Rajasthan .IN
Correct Answer: C [Uttarakhand]

Explanation:
Anu Kumar of Uttarakhand has grabbed the first gold medal of the Khelo India School Games in 1500
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metres at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on February 1, 2018. Tamil Nadu athletes won two of the six gold
medals on the opening day of the games. The rest were shared between Uttarakhand, Kerala, Uttar Pradesh
and Haryana. Anu Kumar is a past 800-metres silver medalist for India at the World School Games in
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France. In the girls category, C Chanthini of Kerala won the gold medal in 1500-metres run. Abhishek Singh
of Uttar Pradesh won the Shot Put with an excellent throw of 18.73 metres while Praveen of Tamil Nadu
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won the triple jump in his sixth attempt with 15.22 metres. Haryana girl Pooja excelled in the Shot Put and
won the gold with a best of 13.88 metres.
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10.
The National Power Training Institute (NPTI) is located in which city?
[A] New Delhi
[B] Chennai
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[C] Dehradun
[D] Faridabad
Correct Answer: D [Faridabad]

Explanation:
The National Power Training Institute (NPTI) is a national apex body in India for training and human
resources development in the power sector with industry specific technical interface. It is an autonomous
body under Ministry of Power, Government of India and caters to the training needs of the power industry
in India and abroad. Beside this, it is the only institution of its kind in India catering to the core power
Sector and allied energy sector apart from University of petroleum and Energy Studies, Dehradun. The
NPTI’s headquarters is located at Faridabad, Haryana.
11.
In the Union Budget 2018, the Union government has announced to build a tunnel through the Sela Pass. The
Sela pass is located in which state?
[A] Sikkim
[B] Arunachal Pradesh
[C] Manipur
[D] Himachal Pradesh
Correct Answer: B [Arunachal Pradesh]

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Objective Current Affairs: February, 2018

Explanation:
In the Union Budget 2018, the Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley has announced the government’s plan to
build a tunnel through the Sela Pass located at an elevation of 13,700 ft which will ensure faster movement
of troops in Tawang, a strategically- located town in Arunachal Pradesh bordering China. The proposal to
build the Sela pass comes amid concerns in the defence establishment over China’s growing assertiveness
along the nearly 4,000 km-long Sino-India border. The Sela pass is located between the Tawang and West
Kameng districts of Arunachal Pradesh and considered crucial from strategic perspective.
12.
Which country is the partner country at the 32nd Surajkund International Crafts Mela 2018?
[A] Uzbekistan
[B] Turkmenistan
[C] Kyrgyzstan
[D] Oman
Correct Answer: C [Kyrgyzstan ]

Explanation:
The 32nd Surajkund International Crafts Mela 2018 has started at Faridabad, Haryana on February 2, 2018.
The Mela is organized by the Surajkund Mela Authority and Haryana Tourism in collaboration with Union
Ministries of Tourism, Textiles, Culture and External Affairs. This year, Uttar Pradesh is the theme state
and Kyrgyzstan is the Partner Nation. The 17-day cultural extravaganza will see a spectacular showcase of
regional and international crafts, handlooms, traditions along with some mouth-watering multi-cuisine
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food for the visitors. Representing the ethos of rural India, the Mela celebrates the unique diversity of
Indian traditions and culture. Around 20 countries & all the states of India will participate in the fair. The
Surajkund Mela will continue till 18th of this month from 10.30 am-8.30 pm.
13.
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Which country has recently joined Ashgabat agreement?


[A] India
[B] China
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[C] Israel
[D] Iraq
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Correct Answer: A [India]

Explanation:
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India has recently joined Ashgabat Agreement on the establishment of an International Transport and
Transit Corridor between the Iran, Oman, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. The agreement was signed in
April 2011, which envisages facilitation of transit and transportation of goods between Central Asia and the
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Persian Gulf. The accession to the Agreement would diversify India’s connectivity options with Central Asia
and have a positive influence on its trade and commercial ties with the region. India’s accession to the
agreement will come into force on February 3, 2018. This agreement will complement India’s presence in
Chabahar Port, INSTC as well as future accession to Eurasian Economic Union (EEU). The Ashgabat
agreement is a Multimodal transport agreement between Oman, Iran, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan,
Kazakhstan, Pakistan and India for creating an international transport and transit corridor facilitating
transportation of goods between Central Asia and the Persian Gulf.
14.
Which state government has won the 2018 Geospatial World Excellence Award?
[A] West Bengal
[B] Gujarat
[C] Punjab
[D] Odisha
Correct Answer: D [Odisha ]

Explanation:
The Odisha government has bagged the Geospatial World Excellence Award- 2018 for successful IT
application for tracking of mineral production, dispatch and value accrued on real time basis through its
i3MS website based software. The award was given by Y.S. Chowdray, the Union Minister of State Science &
Technology, in the Geospatial World Forum Meeting held at Hyderabad. The GPS linked web based software

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Objective Current Affairs: February, 2018

“i3MS” has been designed by the scientists of Odisha Space Application Center (ORSAC), Bhubaneswar.
About 3,000 geospatial experts from 90 different countries attended the event.
15.
Who has been honoured with the 2018 Sahitya Akademi Bhasha Samman award?
[A] Thakazhi Sivasankara Pillai
[B] Rahul Sankarnarayan
[C] Shesh Anand Madhukar
[D] Visvanatha Satyanarayana
Correct Answer: C [Shesh Anand Madhukar]

Explanation:
Shesh Anand Madhukar, the eminent Magahi writer & scholar, has been honoured with the 2018 Sahitya
Akademi Bhasha Samman award at Sahitya Akademi Auditorium, New Delhi. The award consists of Rs 1
lakh cheque and a memento. Madhukar is the 2nd writer of Magahi language to be given the award. He has
been working extensively for the development of the language. In his long and illustrious career, he has a
large body of work to his credit in both Magahi and Hindi. Some of his important works in Hindi are
“Magahi Kavita Ke Bimb”, “Eklavya”, and “Bhagwan Birsa”. In Magahi, his well-acclaimed works are
“Eklavya” and “Magahi Bhulachal Hey”. Currently, Sahitya Akademi honours writers from 24 regional
languages, but Bhasha Samman identifies those languages which are equally spoken in different parts of the
country. The award is an attempt to make the writers of other languages feels equally important.
16.
Who has taken charge as the new Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) of the Indian Army?
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[A] J S Sandhu
[B] Anil Chauhan
[C] P S Jain
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[D] A K Bhatt
Correct Answer: B [Anil Chauhan]

Explanation:
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Lt. Gen Anil Chauhan, who has vast experience in counter-insurgency operations, has taken charge as the
new Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) of the Indian Army. As DGMO, Lt Gen Chouhan will
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oversee various operations of the Indian Army including along the LoC in Jammu and Kashmir. He
succeeded Lt General A K Bhatt, who has taken charge of the 47th Corps Commander of Srinagar-based 15
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Corps (also called the Chinar Corps) of the Indian Army.


17.
Which city is hosting the 2nd edition of Nobel Prize Series-India 2018?
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[A] Panaji
[B] Chandigarh
[C] New Delhi
[D] Kochi
Correct Answer: A [Panaji]

Explanation:
The 2nd edition of the Nobel Prize Series – India 2018 was inaugurated in Panaji, Goa on February 1, 2018.
The theme of Nobel Prize Series – India 2018 is “Science Impacts Lives”. The event is jointly organized by
the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Ministry of Science and Technology, India along with the
Government of Goa and Nobel Media AB. The purpose of the 2-day programme is to stimulate engagement
in science, literature and peace through interactions with Nobel laureates. Such interactions include
lectures, round table discussions and meetings between Nobel laureates and experts, teachers and students.
The 1st edition of Nobel Prize Series-India was held in Gandhinagar, Gujarat in January 2017.
18.
Mary Kom has won gold in which weight category at the 2018 India Open boxing Tournament?
[A] 64kg category
[B] 60kg category
[C] 54kg category
[D] 48kg category

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Objective Current Affairs: February, 2018

Correct Answer: D [48kg category]

Explanation:
In Boxing, five-time world champion Mary Kom has clinched gold in the 48 kilogram category among
women at the 2018 India Open boxing Tournament in New Delhi . She won against Filipino Josie Gabuco in
the final by 4-1. In 64 kilogram category, Pwilao Basumatary was the first among the women to fetch a gold.
The former world and Asian bronze medalist claimed a 3-2 win over Thailand’s Sudaporn Seesondee. In the
men’s draw, Sanjeet picked up India’s first gold of the day in 91 kilogram class when he upstaged
Uzbekistan’s Sanjar Tursunov.
19.
Who has been appointed the new vice-chancellor of Banaras Hindu University (BHU)?
[A] Neeraj Tripathi
[B] B A Chopade
[C] Kuldeep Mehta
[D] Ajay Singh
Correct Answer: B [B A Chopade]

Explanation:
B A Chopade has been appointed the new vice-chancellor of Banaras Hindu University (BHU). He is at
present the vice-chancellor of Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada University. President Ram Nath Kovind,
who is the Visitor to the university, approved Chopade’s appointment recently. The post was lying vacant
after Girish Chandra Tripathi went on leave following the ruckus on campus in September 2017. Chopade
will take charge from BHU Registrar Neeraj Tripathi, who had been holding the additional charge of the top
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post since October 2017.
20.
Srihari Natraj has grabbed gold medal in 100-metre Backstroke category in swimming at the Khelo India
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School Games. He hails from which state?


[A] Madhya Pradesh
[B] Uttarakhand
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[C] Maharashtra
[D] Karnataka
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Correct Answer: D [Karnataka]

Explanation:
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Srihari Natraj of Karnataka has grabbed the gold medal in 100-metre Backstroke category in swimming in
the Khelo India School Games at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi. In Boys high jump, Delhi’s
Shahnawaz Khan won the gold medal. Ikram Ali Khan of Madhya Pradesh clinched gold in Boys Discus
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Throw. In Girls 800-metre running, Maharashtra’s Tai Bamhane grabbed the gold medal. In Boys category,
Anu Kumar of Uttarakhand came first.
21.
Who has been bestowed with the V Shantaram Lifetime Achievement Award 2018?
[A] Shatrughan Sinha
[B] Anurag Kashyap
[C] Vishal Bhardwaj
[D] Shyam Benegal
Correct Answer: D [Shyam Benegal]

Explanation:
Shyam Benegal, the veteran film producer and director, has been bestowed with the prestigious V.
Shantaram lifetime achievement Award 2018 for his contribution to the promotion of the documentary
movement. The award, carrying a trophy, a citation, shawl and cash prize of Rs 10 lakh, has been conferred
on Benegal by Maharashtra Governor C.V. Rao at the Mumbai International Film Festival (MIFF) 2018
valedictory function on February 3, 2018. Benegal has made 28 great films like Ankur, Mandi, Bhumika and
Manthan. Besides that, he has made 41 documentary films on various social topics. His work on television
consists of several popular series including the 53 part series ‘Bharat Ek Khoj’ first broadcast on
Doordarshan in 1988. He also made the much acclaimed ‘Samvidhaan – The Making of the Constitution of
India”. He is the recipient of the national award in 1982 for the film ‘Satyajit Ray’. The Government of India

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Objective Current Affairs: February, 2018

has honored him with Padmashree, Padma-Bhushan and Dada Saheb Phalke award earlier.
22.
Which city is hosting the 2018 Kala Ghoda Arts festival?
[A] New Delhi
[B] Kochi
[C] Mumbai
[D] Kolkata
Correct Answer: C [Mumbai]

Explanation:
The 2018 Kala Ghoda Arts festival has started at Cross Maidan in Mumbai, Maharashtra on February 3 and
will go on till February 11. It is in news recently because the Bombay High Court has refused permission for
cultural events as part of the Kala Ghoda Festival at public properties free of cost and without imposing any
conditions, which were granted by the Maharashtra government. The 2018 theme of the fest is “Hara
Ghoda” to promote sustainable living, recycling and environment-friendliness. It is an open platform to
discuss contemporary issues led by individuals from different disciples.
23.
The Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) has recently signed a project agreement with World Bank for
Jal Marg Vikas Project (JMVP). It is signed for which river?
[A] Narmada
[B] Ganga
[C] Godavari
[D] Kaveri
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Correct Answer: B [Ganga]

Explanation:
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The Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) has signed a project agreement with the World Bank (WB)
for Jal Marg Vikas Project (JMVP) on Ganga to enhance navigation on National Waterway-1 from Varanasi
to Haldia. Beside this, the Government of India and the World Bank has also signed a $375 million loan
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agreement for JMVP. The signing of the pact comes after Union Cabinet approved the implementation of
$800 million JMVP for capacity augmentation of navigation on River Ganga. The JMVP, which is expected
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to be completed by March 2023, is being implemented with the financial and technical support of the World
Bank. The development and operations of the National Waterway-1 project will lead to direct employment
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generation to the tune of 46,000 and indirect employment of 84,000 in the states of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar,
Jharkhand and West Bengal.
24.
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The Assam Government has signed an MoU with National Building Construction Corporation (NBCC) for
construction of Twin Tower Trade Centre in Guwahati. Where is the headquarters of NBCC is located?
[A] New Delhi
[B] Kochi
[C] Chennai
[D] Kanpur
Correct Answer: A [New Delhi]

Explanation:
The Assam Government has signed an MoU with the National Building Construction Corporation (NBCC)
Limited to build a Twin Tower Trade Centre in Guwahati at a cost of Rs 1950 crore. The Twin Tower Trade
centre has enacted a pro-active Act East Policy to elevate and harness the strengths of North-East India and
reduce the isolation of the region by improving all round connectivity and civic infrastructure. This trade
centre will generate once established and made operational, by connecting us with South East Nations and
being a major trading hub thereby increasing economic interlinkages. The headquarters of NBCC is located
in New Delhi.
25.
Which country’s team has won the 12th edition of ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup 2018?
[A] Australia
[B] New Zealand

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Objective Current Affairs: February, 2018

[C] West Indies


[D] India
Correct Answer: D [India]

Explanation:
India has won the 12th edition of ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup 2018 after thrashing Australia in the final
by eight wickets at bay oval at Mount Maunganui in New Zealand on February 3. With this win, India has
lifted the ICC Under-19 World Cup for the record fourth time. India’s star batsman Manjot Kalra led his
team to the victory as he made brilliant unbeaten century riding on 8 fours and 3 sixes. He was adjudged
Man of the Match and Shubman Gill Man of the Series.
26.
Which union minister has launched India’s first sentiment index “CriSidEx”?
[A] Nitin Gadkari
[B] Arun Jaitely
[C] Narendra Modi
[D] Sushma Swaraj
Correct Answer: B [Arun Jaitely]

Explanation:
Arun Jaitely, the Union Finance Minister, has inaugurated India’s first sentiment index “CriSidEx” for micro
and small enterprises in New Delhi. CriSidEx, which is developed jointly by SIDBI and CRISIL, is a composite
index based on a diffusion index of 8 parameters and measures MSE business sentiment on a negative to
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positive scale. This index will give the detail breakup of the sentiment sentiments and analysis as the sector
sees it for the current quarter and for the next quarter. The current parametric feedback was captured
through a survey of one thousand one hundred MSEs in November and December last year.
27.
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Which country has launched the world’s longest zip line?


[A] Oman
[B] UAE
D

[C] France
[D] China
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Correct Answer: B [UAE]

Explanation:
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The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has launched the world’s longest zip Line “Jebel Jais Flight ” in Ras al-
Khaimah. The 2.83km zip line allows thrill seekers to jump from the peak off the UAE’s highest mountain
“Jebel Jais”. The Jebel Jais Flight zip line launches from 1,680m above sea level, at the peak of the Jebel Jais
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Mountain. Ras al-Khaimah currently gets 1 million tourist visitors a year and aims to drive 100,000 of them
to use the zip line. It was recently awarded the Guinness World Record for world’s longest zip line.
28.
Which task force has been constituted by the Union government to study use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in
military?
[A] Gulshan Rai task force
[B] Natarajan Chandrasekaran task force
[C] Ravi Shankar Prasad task force
[D] Alphons Kannanthanam task force
Correct Answer: B [Natarajan Chandrasekaran task force]

Explanation:
The Department of Defence Production (DDP) has constituted the multi-stakeholder task force task force to
study use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in military. The 17-member task force will be headed by Tata Sons
Chairman N Chandrasekaran. The task force will study the whole gamut of issues surrounding strategic
implications of AI in national security perspective.
29.
The book “Exam Warriors” has been authored by which union minister?
[A] Piyush Goyal
[B] Maneka Gandhi

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Objective Current Affairs: February, 2018

[C] Prakash Javadekar


[D] Narendra Modi
Correct Answer: D [Narendra Modi ]

Explanation:
The book “Exam Warriors” has been authored by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to inspire youth to face the
difficult moments of examinations and life with fresh and new energy. It emphasizes the importance of
play, sleep & even travel. It was released by External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj at a function in New
Delhi on February 3, 2018. The book is said to be interactive, with illustrations, activities and yoga exercises,
and intended to be a friend to youths not only in acing exams but also in facing life. It is published by
Penguin India. Currently, it is available in English and will soon be published in multiple languages.
30.
Who has taken charge as the new Director General of the National Security Guard (NSG)?
[A] Sudeep Lakhtakia
[B] Sarath Chand
[C] Rajiv Rai Bhatnagar
[D] V S Vagede
Correct Answer: A [Sudeep Lakhtakia]

Explanation:
Sudeep Lakhtakia, the 1984-batch IPS officer of the Telangana cadre, has taken charge as the new Director
General of the ‘black cats commando’ force National Security Guard (NSG). DG of National Security Guard
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(NSG) and will hold the post till July 2019. He succeeded S P Singh, who retires on January 31, 2018. Prior to
this post, Lakhtakia was serving as a Special Director General in the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF)
headquarters in New Delhi. The NSG was raised as the federal contingency force to counter terrorists and
hijack-like incidents in 1984. It is under the authority of Ministry of Home Affairs (MoHA).
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31.
Which city is hosting the first-ever International Kala Mela?
[A] New Delhi
D

[B] Surat
[C] Kolkata
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[D] Jaipur
Correct Answer: A [New Delhi]
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Explanation:
The first-ever International Kala Mela has been inaugurated by the Vice President of India M. Venkaiah
Naidu at the Indira Gandhi National Centre for Arts in New Delhi on February 4, 2018. The aim of the event
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is to focus on direct interaction between the artist and the connoisseur and also educating and raising
awareness about art. The Art Festival, organised by Lalit Kala Akademi, will continue till the 18th of this
month wherein artists and groups will showcase their work. More than 800 artists from all over the
country are expected to participate in the event. Many Embassies and Cultural Centres will also take part.
Some the countries taking part in the event are China, Venezuela, Portugal, Sri Lanka, Poland, Mexico,
Bangladesh, France, United Kingdom, Spain and Brazil. There are around 325 stalls for Indian artists and
organisations including International representations.
32.
The 2018 World Cancer Day (WCD) is observed on which date?
[A] February 5
[B] February 3
[C] February 4
[D] February 2
Correct Answer: C [February 4]

Explanation:
The World Cancer Day (WCD) is observed every year on 4th February to raise awareness about cancer, its
treatment and to encourage methods of its prevention. The primary goal of the day is to reduce the illness
and related deaths by 2020. The 2018 tagline “We can. I can” will explore how everyone – as a collective or
as individuals – can do their part to reduce the global burden of cancer.

© 2018 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | https://www.gktoday.in 10


Objective Current Affairs: February, 2018

33.
Hukum Singh, who passed away recently, was the MP from which Lok Sabha constituency of Uttar Pradesh?
[A] Saharanpur
[B] Rampur
[C] Kairana
[D] Ghaziabad
Correct Answer: C [Kairana]

Explanation:
Hukum Singh (79), the BJP MP from Kairana in Uttar Pradesh, has passed away in Noida, Uttar Pradesh on
February 3, 2018. He belonged to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). He was a member of the Panel of
Chairpersons of the 16th Lok Sabha and the Chairperson of the Standing Committee on Water Resources.
He was 7-time MLA from UP and had also served as a Cabinet Minister in Uttar Pradesh governments
under both BJP and the Congress.
34.
Who has been sworn-in as the new Chief Justice of Bangladesh?
[A] Md. Muzammel Hossain
[B] Sheikh Mujibur Rahman
[C] Mohammad Shafiul Alam
[D] Syed Mahmud Hossain
Correct Answer: D [Syed Mahmud Hossain]

Explanation: .IN
Syed Mahmud Hossain has been sworn-in as the 22nd chief justice Chief Justice of Bangladesh. He
succeeded acting chief justice Abdul Wahab Mian. Mian was appointed as the acting chief justice after the
Bangladesh’s first Hindu chief justice Surendra Kumar Sinha resigned in November 2017 amid graft
AY

allegations. Juestice Sinha was at the centre stage of the dispute after the apex court delivered a verdict
declaring void 16th constitutional amendment, scrapping Parliament’s authority in impeaching Supreme
Court judges.
D

35.
Which union ministry has launched Green Good Deeds campaign?
O

[A] Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation


[B] Ministry of Women and Child Development
KT

[C] Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare


[D] Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
Correct Answer: D [ Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change]
G

Explanation:
Dr Harsh Vardhan, the Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, has launched people-
oriented campaign “Green Good Deeds” to sensitize the people and students, in particular, about climate
change and global warming. Referring to the crucial role played by “Polio Sainiks” for Pulse Polio campaign,
Dr Vardhan has underlined the need for “Green Sainiks” to broad-base the Green Good Deeds movement
and to take it down to the grassroots level successfully. The Environment ministry has also appealed to the
teaching community to join the campaign to make people aware about the cause of the campaign.
36.
The unique, first-of-its-kind, floating market has come up in which city of West Bengal?
[A] Siliguri
[B] Jalpaiguri
[C] Kolkata
[D] Medinipur
Correct Answer: C [Kolkata]

Explanation:
The unique, first-of-its-kind, floating market has come up in Patuli in Kolkata, West Bengal. The market is
similar to the ones on Dal Lake in Srinagar and in Bangkok. The project is being implemented by Kolkata
Metropolitan Development Authority (KMDA). There are 228 stalls, set up on 114 boats, with zone-wise
demarcations for fish, meat, vegetables, grocery, etc. Wooden ramps have been constructed, over which

© 2018 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | https://www.gktoday.in 11


Objective Current Affairs: February, 2018

people will walk to reach the boat of their choice. Modern technology is being adopted to ensure proper
oxidation of the water and thus maintain ecological balance. The surrounding path beside the water body, a
canal, on which the market is being set up, is being decked up with paver blocks. The market will be run
through a cooperative. The prices will be similar to those in normal markets.
37.
Which HRD Ministry-appointed committee is drafting new National Education Policy (NEP)?
[A] Ram Shanker Kureel committee
[B] K Kasturirangan committee
[C] V G S Rathore committee
[D] KJ Alphonse committee
Correct Answer: B [K Kasturirangan committee]

Explanation:
The 9-member committee, headed by former ISRO chief K Kasturirangan, was constituted by the Union
HRD Ministry to draft new National Education Policy (NEP) on June 2017. The committee will submit its
report by March 31, 2018. After that, the HRD Ministry will deliberate on the report and thereafter
suggestions of the committee will be presented to the Union Cabinet for its approval. The committee also
includes former IAS officer KJ Alphonse and Ram Shanker Kureel, who has a wide experience in the field of
agricultural sciences and management. The committee has been appointed keeping in mind that the
members bring expertise related to the diverse areas of education. Significantly, the panel also reflects the
diversity of the country as the members belong to different sections as well as regions. The existing NEP
was framed in 1986 and revised in 1992. .IN
38.
In the Union Budget 2018, the Central Government has allocated Rs 48,000 crore for which scheme to
encourage farmers for solar farming?
AY
[A] KUSUM scheme
[B] KUTSUB scheme
[C] KUSUN scheme
[D] KUTUB scheme
D

Correct Answer: A [KUSUM scheme]


O

Explanation:
The Central Government has announced a Rs 1.4 lakh-crore KUSUM Scheme to promote decentralised solar
KT

power production of up to 28,250 MW to help farmers. The acronym KUSUM stands for “Kisan Urja
Suraksha Utthaan Maha Abhiyaan”. In the Union Budget 2018-19, the Centre has allocated Rs 48,000 crore
on the 10-year KUSUM scheme. The scheme would provide an extra income to farmers by giving them an
option to sell additional power to the grid through solar power projects set up on their barren lands. It
G

would help in de-dieselising the sector as also the DISCOMS. Under the scheme, the Central Government
will provide subsidy to farmers on setting up of solar power plants on their barren land. The 60% subsidy on
the solar pumps provided to farmers will be shared between the Centre and the States while 30% would be
provided through bank loans. The balance cost has to be borne by the farmers. As a result, Kusum Scheme
will solarize agricultural pump sets to double the income of farmers by 2022.
39.
Who is the newly appointed Chief Executive of the Nuclear Fuel Complex (NFC)?
[A] Dinesh Srivastava
[B] Garima Singh
[C] Nitin Chopra
[D] Vikram Jha
Correct Answer: A [Dinesh Srivastava]

Explanation:
Dr. Dinesh Srivastava, the distinguished nuclear scientist, has taken charge as the new Chief Executive of
the Nuclear Fuel Complex (NFC). He succeeded G. Kalyanakrishnan. In this capacity Dr. Srivastava will also
be Chairman of the NFC Board. Prior to this assignment, he was holding the position of Deputy Chief
Executive in NFC. Previously , he had worked for 3 decades in Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC),
Mumbai and is a senior Professor in Homi Bhabha National Institute (HBNI), Mumbai.

© 2018 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | https://www.gktoday.in 12


Objective Current Affairs: February, 2018

40.
Sudha Karmarkar, the veteran theatre artist has passed away. She hailed from which state?
[A] Tamil Nadu
[B] Karnataka
[C] Goa
[D] Maharashtra
Correct Answer: D [Maharashtra]

Explanation:
Sudha Karmarkar (83), the veteran theatre artist, director, and pioneer of Children’s Theatre in
Maharashtra, has passed away in Mumbai on February 5, 2018. Karmarkar founded the children’s theatre in
Mumbai which is known as ‘Bal Rangbhumi- Little Theatre’ and directed various plays for children. She not
only directed the plays but also acted in the plays. She initiated the movement of Little Theatre in 1959 with
Madhu Manjiri the first ever children’s drama and since then the children in more than three decades
enjoyed the plays which were truly meant for them. Many stars in Marathi film and stage industry emerged
through this movement.
41.
Which state government has launched DASTAK campaign to eradicate deadly Acute Encephalitis Syndrome
(AES) and Japanise Encephalitis (JE) disease?
[A] Uttar Pradesh
[B] Madhya Pradesh
[C] Andhra Pradesh .IN
[D] Himachal Pradesh
Correct Answer: A [Uttar Pradesh]

Explanation:
AY

The Uttar Pradesh has launched massive door to door campaign DASTAK in association with UNICEF to
eradicate deadly Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES) and Japanise Encephalitis (JE) disease in the state. The
war cry of DASTAK is Darwaja khatkhatao, AES aur JE ko bhagao. In DASTAK campaign, the whole state
D

machinery with the help of UNICEF will now literally go door to door in 38 JES and AE affected districts
which mostly fall in the Tarai region of the state which contributes to about 60% of the total AES cases all
O

over the country. In this massive campaign, many departments of the state especially health, rural
development, primary education will work together to spread awareness about the diseases through mass
media communication, provide clean drinking water, initiate sanitation drive, ensure vaccination and early
KT

treatment so that disease should be nipped in the bud. Children of 600 schools in the affected areas will also
be part of this campaign.
42.
G

Zhang Beiwen has won the 4th edition of India Open Badminton tournament 2018. She hails from which
country?
[A] Germany
[B] United States
[C] Thailand
[D] France
Correct Answer: B [United States]

Explanation:
Zhang Beiwen, a professional badminton player from America, has won the 4th edition of India Open
Badminton tournament 2018 in New Delhi on February 4, 2018. In the final, she defeated Olympics and
World Championships Silver medalist PV Sindhu by 21–18, 11–21, 22–20 at Siri Fort Indoor Stadium. It was
the fifth meeting between Sindhu and Zhang and the head-to-head record now is 3-2 with Sindhu losing
this match.
43.
Which state government has launched the ‘Gobardhan Yojana’ to support farmers?
[A] Assam
[B] Gujarat
[C] Rajasthan

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Objective Current Affairs: February, 2018

[D] Haryana
Correct Answer: D [Haryana ]

Explanation:
The Haryana government has launched the ‘Gobardhan Yojana’ to provide for the sale of organic manure
and cow urine with an aim to benefit farmers. Under this scheme, a provision of Rs 11 crore has been made
to provide benefits of various projects. According to official release, the Gobardhan Yojana would help in
doubling the income of farmers and next time, the MSP would be given with additional benefit of 50% over
the cost of production.
44.
Michael N Hall has been chosen for the 2018 Genome Valley Excellence Award of Telangana. He hails from
which country?
[A] United States
[B] France
[C] Switzerland
[D] Japan
Correct Answer: C [Switzerland]

Explanation:
Eminent molecular biologist Professor Michael N Hall of the Biozentrum University of Basel, Switzerland,
has been chosen for the 2018 Genome Valley Excellence Award for his pioneering work in discovering the
nutrient-activated TOR (Target of Rapamycin) proteins and their central role in the metabolic control of cell
.IN
growth. The award will be presented to him during BioAsia 2018, an annual flagship event of the Telangana
government. The award, instituted in 2004, was in recognition of the transformative advances toward
biomedical research and facilitating improvement in human life and was chosen by an international
advisory board consisting of eminent personalities of the life sciences industry.
AY

45.
Which country has successfully launched the world’s smallest rocket to carry tiny satellite into orbit?
[A] China
D

[B] Japan
[C] Australia
O

[D] South Africa


Correct Answer: B [Japan ]
KT

Explanation:
The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) has successfully launched the world’s smallest rocket with
the ability to put a tiny satellite into orbit. The experimental SS-520 sounding rocket lifted off from the
G

Uchinoura Space Center. It carried a microsatellite TRICOM-1R, a three-unit CubeSat weighing about 3
kilograms. The CubeSat will now be used to collect images of the Earth’s surface via multiple cameras. This
satellite launch was a re-flight of the TRICOM-1 mission, which was lost in SS-520’s failure in 2017.
46.
The Ghodazari Wildlife Sanctuary (GWS) will come up in which state?
[A] Tamil Nadu
[B] Karnataka
[C] Odisha
[D] Maharashtra
Correct Answer: D [Maharashtra ]

Explanation:
The Maharashtra Government has recently approved Ghodazari Wildlife Sanctuary in Chandrapur district
as a new wildlife sanctuary in the state. The decision was taken at the 13th meeting of the Maharashtra
State Board for Wildlife, chaired by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. The sanctuary, in the North East of
Tadoba, will include 159 sq km of Brahmapuri forest. This will not only save the forest but will also improve
tourism in nearly 40 villages in the area.
47.
Which online security campaign has been launched by Google India to safeguard internet users?
[A] #SecureInternetKiya

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Objective Current Affairs: February, 2018

[B] #OnlineSecurityKiya
[C] #InternetSafetyKiya
[D] #SecurityCheckKiya
Correct Answer: D [#SecurityCheckKiya ]

Explanation:
Google has launched new online security campaign #SecurityCheckKiya in India to promote security
awareness among general public. The purpose of the campaign is to protect young and first-time web users
from account hijacking, safeguard Android devices from malicious apps and secure all their personal data if
they lose their device. Under the campaign, Google recommended three simple steps for Internet safety. It
includes reviewing security settings and Google account activity. Furthermore, ‘Google Play Protect’ service
scans and checks Android devices for any harmful apps. Find My Device app from Google helps a user to
easily long away.
48.
Who has won the ‘Times Power Women of the Year 2017’– Pune for Global PR award?
[A] Pooja Chopra
[B] Sonali Kulkarni
[C] Shabnam Asthana
[D] Niharika Kumari
Correct Answer: C [Shabnam Asthana]

Explanation:
.IN
Shabnam Asthana, an Indian public relations expert, speaker, and entrepreneur, has been honoured with the
‘Times Power Women of the Year 2017’- Pune for Global PR. The Times Group recently celebrated the
invaluable contribution of women by introducing The Times Power Woman 2017 (Pune) awards. These
awards were initiated to celebrate the victories of women who have been a great source of inspiration.
AY

These awards focused on the women of Pune and the prestigious list included 34 select women with power,
supremacy, command and control. These awardees have been instrumental in working towards the
improvement of the socio-economic, art, health, education, and fashion, scientific and intellectual potential
of the society.
D

49.
O

Who has been sworn-in as the new Chairman of the Federal Reserve?
[A] Jerome H Powell
KT

[B] Janet Yellen


[C] Ben Bernanke
[D] Randal K. Quarles
G

Correct Answer: A [Jerome H Powell]

Explanation:
Jerome Hayden Powell has been sworn-in as the new Chairman of the Federal Reserve for a four-year term
on February 5, 2018. The oath was administered by Vice Chairman Randal K. Quarles in the Board Room. He
succeeded Janet Yellen, the first woman to lead the US central bank in its 100-year history. He was
nominated to the position by President Donald Trump on November 2, 2017, and was later confirmed by the
United States Senate. Prior to this appointment, Powell served as a member of the Federal Reserve Board of
Governors .
50.
The Gandhi Sagar Dam is built on which river in Madhya Pradesh?
[A] Narmada
[B] Chambal
[C] Son
[D] Tapti
Correct Answer: B [Chambal]

Explanation:
The Gandhi Sagar Dam is built on Chambal river and is located in the Mandsaur & Neemuch district of
Madhya Pradesh. It is a masonry gravity dam, standing 62.17 metres (204.0 ft) high, with a gross storage
capacity of 7.322 billion cubic metres from a catchment area of 22,584 km2. The dam sports a 115-MW

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Objective Current Affairs: February, 2018

hydroelectric power station at its toe, with five 23-MW generating units each providing a total energy
generation of about 564 GWh. The dam’s reservoir area is the second-largest in India (after the Hirakud
Reservoir), and attracts a large number of migratory and non-migratory birds throughout the year.
51.
The Assam Government has signed MoU with which cab company for a pilot project of app-based river taxi
services in Guwahati?
[A] Ola
[B] Uber
[C] Meru
[D] Carzonrent
Correct Answer: A [Ola ]

Explanation:
The Government of Assam has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with cab-hailing company
Ola for a pilot project of app-based river taxi services in Guwahati. This MoU was signed during the
ongoing Global Investors Summit: Advantage Assam. According to the MOU, bringing water taxis on the
online platform will strengthen the transportation ecosystem. The river taxi will be a machine-operated
boat, a faster and safer mode of travel than its conventional alternatives. Ola will pilot high-speed taxis on
the Lachit Ghat, Machkhowa to North Guwahati route, bringing the commute time down to 2-5 minutes
from 45 minutes by road.
52.
Which state hosted the first-ever Pelican Bird Festival-2018? .IN
[A] Karnataka
[B] Andhra Pradesh
[C] Kerala
AY

[D] Tamil Nadu


Correct Answer: B [Andhra Pradesh]

Explanation:
D

The first-ever Pelican Bird Festival-2018 was held at the Atapaka Bird Sanctuary on Kolleru lake in Andhra
Pradesh on February 4, 2018. Over 5,000 pelican birds from various countries reach Kolleru Lake every year
O

during winter by travelling over 3500 km. The Kolleru lake is located between Krishna and Godavari delta
and is one of the largest freshwater lakes in the country. The fest was jointly organised by the Andhra
KT

Pradesh Tourism Authority (APTA) and Krishna district administration.


53.
Which Indian airport has become the world’s busiest single-runway airport?
G

[A] Indira Gandhi International Airport


[B] Rajiv Gandhi International Airport
[C] Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International airport
[D] Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport
Correct Answer: C [Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International airport ]

Explanation:
The Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International airport has become the world’s busiest single-runway
airport, after creating a new world record for single-runway operations by handling 980 arrivals and take-
offs in 24 hours, or almost one flight every minute on January 20, 2018.
54.
The Ministry of Railways has signed MoU with which Union Ministry to augment services in Railway
hospitals?
[A] Ministry of Women and Child Development
[B] Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation
[C] Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment
[D] Ministry of AYUSH
Correct Answer: D [Ministry of AYUSH]

Explanation:
The Ministry of Railways has signed MoU with Ministry of AYUSH in New Delhi on February 6, 2018 to

© 2018 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | https://www.gktoday.in 16


Objective Current Affairs: February, 2018

augment Ayush services in Railway hospitals i.e. New Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai and Guwahati. As
per MoU, Ministry of Railways will provide logistics and infrastructure in the form of Land & building,
Equipments, Furniture, AYUSH medicines and consumables as well as Manpower. It will organize and
provide orientation training to newly recruited AYUSH Doctors and AYUSH Paramedicals. Ministry of
AYUSH in turn will provide all other technical inputs required for introduction of AYUSH Systems in the
five identified Railways Hospitals. The Ministry will also provide technical knowhow regarding the
pharmacopoeia, medicine inventory, hospital planning. Presently, Indian Railways is running 126
Homeopathic Clinics and 40 Ayurvedic Clinics through Staff Benefit Fund under Welfare Section of
Establishment Directorate.
55.
Which union ministry has launched the Start-up-India ranking framework?
[A] Ministry of Commerce and Industry
[B] Ministry of Human Resource Development
[C] Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment
[D] Ministry of Law and Justice
Correct Answer: A [Ministry of Commerce and Industry]

Explanation:
Suresh Prabhu, the Union Minister of Commerce and Industry, has launched the Start-up-India ranking
framework in New Delhi to help the Startup India initiative to drive economic growth of the country. The
tools are: the State and Union Territory Startup Ranking Framework, the Compendium of Good Practices
for Promoting Startups in India and the Startup India Kit. These will act as catalysts to help the Startup
.IN
India initiative to drive India’s economic growth. The key objective of the Startup States and Union
Territories ranking framework is to encourage States and Union Territories to take pro-active steps
towards strengthening the Startup ecosystems at the local level. The Ranking Framework will measure the
impact of each step initiated at the local level for building a strong Startup ecosystem. The Ranking
AY

Framework will also enable continuous learning through the dissemination of good practices.
56.
What is the current repo rate, according to 6th Bi-monthly Monetary policy statement for 2017-18?
D

[A] 6.55%
[B] 6.25%
O

[C] 6.0%
[D] 5.75%
KT

Correct Answer: C [6.0%]

Explanation:
In the 6th Bi-monthly Monetary policy statement for 2017-18, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has kept the
G

key interest rate “repo rate” unchanged at 6% and reverse repo at 5.75%. Also, the Marginal Standing
Facility (MSF) rate and the Bank Rate kept at 6.25%. The decision of the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC)
is consistent with the neutral stance of monetary policy in consonance with the objective of achieving the
medium-term target for consumer price index (CPI) inflation of 4% within a band of +/- 2%, while supporting
growth.
57.
Shubhankar Sharma is associated with which sports?
[A] Cricket
[B] Golf
[C] Tennis
[D] Badminton
Correct Answer: B [Golf]

Explanation:
Shubhankar Sharma from Chandigarh has become the highest ranked Indian golfer after grabbing 72nd
position in the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR). He has won the Maybank Championship in Kuala
Lumpur, Malaysia. Sharma now also has the rare distinction of leading both the European Tour Race to
Dubai and the Asian Tour Order of Merit. Shubhankar’s latest success also helped him join the exclusive
club of Indians who have achieved two wins in the same European Tour season, the others being Jeev
Milkha Singh (2006) and Anirban Lahiri (2015).

© 2018 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | https://www.gktoday.in 17


Objective Current Affairs: February, 2018

58.
Which city is hosting the 5th edition of South Asia Region Public Procurement Conference (SARPPC-2018)?
[A] New Delhi
[B] Kathmandu
[C] Dhaka
[D] Colombo
Correct Answer: A [New Delhi ]

Explanation:
The 5th edition of the South Asia Region Public Procurement Conference (SARPPC-2018) was inaugurated
by Arun Jaitley, the Union Minister of Finance and Corporate Affairs, in New Delhi on February 5, 2018. The
theme of the conference is “Public Procurement and Service Delivery”. The purpose of the 3-day Conference
was to enable the Heads of Public Procurement and other key stakeholders in the eight South Asian
countries to meet and learn from one another and from experts in the field of public procurement. The
conference was hosted by Government of India (GOI), through the Public Procurement Division (PPD) of the
Ministry of Finance and All India Management Association (AIMA). It is held under the auspices of the
South Asia Region Public Procurement Network (SARPPN), which is sponsored and facilitated by the World
Bank, Asian Development Bank and Islamic Development Bank.
59.
What is the theme of the 2018 World Wetland Day (WWD)?
[A] Wetlands and Tourism
[B] Wetlands for our Future – Sustainable Livelihoods .IN
[C] Forests and Wetlands
[D] Wetlands for a Sustainable Urban Future
Correct Answer: D [Wetlands for a Sustainable Urban Future]
AY

Explanation:
The World Wetlands Day (WWD) is observed every year on February 2 to mark the adoption of the
Convention on Wetlands in the city of Ramsar in Iran in 1971. The 2018 theme is “Wetlands for a Sustainable
D

Urban Future”. It highlights the value of wetlands in securing local livelihoods through activities as fishing,
rice farming, tourism and water provision. The day is observed to promote, create awareness and ensure
O

positive and affirmative action for conservation of wetlands.


60.
KT

The Kandaleru Dam is located in which state?


[A] Kerala
[B] Maharashtra
G

[C] Andhra Pradesh


[D] Goa
Correct Answer: C [Andhra Pradesh]

Explanation:
The Kandeleru Dam is an irrigation project built on the Kandaleru River in Rapur Mandal, Nellore district,
Andhra Pradesh. The project is part of the Telugu Ganga project which supplies drinking water to Chennai
city from the Srisailam reservoir on Krishna River.
61.
Which committee has been constituted by Union Government to expedite capital acquisition for Armed
Forces modernisation?
[A] Rabindra Thapa committee
[B] Vinay Sheel Oberoi committee
[C] Vijayan Kumar committee
[D] Narendra Singh committee
Correct Answer: B [Vinay Sheel Oberoi committee]

Explanation:
Nirmala Sitharaman, the Union Defence Minister, has constituted a 13-member advisory committee to
monitor and expedite capital acquisition projects for the modernization of the armed forces. The committee
will undertake an independent review and check the status of ongoing critical projects worth more than Rs

© 2018 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | https://www.gktoday.in 18


Objective Current Affairs: February, 2018

500 crore. It will also suggest measures to improve the capital acquisition process. The committee, headed
by Vinay Sheel Oberoi, will have to present an initial status report on identified projects to the Defence
Minister by March 31.
62.
Which country has become the world’s first country to repeal same-sex marriage?
[A] Greece
[B] Portugal
[C] South Africa
[D] Bermuda
Correct Answer: D [Bermuda ]

Explanation:
Bermuda has become the world’s first country to legalise and then repeal same-sex marriage. The governor
of the British island territory John Rankin approved a bill reversing the right of gay couples to marry,
despite 2017 Supreme Court ruling that authorized same-sex marriage. It is a step towards seeking to
balance opposition to same-sex marriage on the socially conservative island while complying with
European court rulings that make sure same-sex couples are recognized and protected in the territory.
63.
Which city is hosting the National Meet on Grassroot Informatics- VIVID 2018?
[A] Pune
[B] Nagpur
[C] New Delhi
[D] Jabalpur
.IN
Correct Answer: C [New Delhi]

Explanation:
AY

The National Informatics Centre (NIC) is organizing a three-day National Meet on Grassroot Informatics-
VIVID 2018 in New Delhi from February 8, 2018. The event has be inaugurated by Electronics and
Information Technology Ravi Shankar Prasad at India Habitat Centre. The theme for VIVID 2018 is – Cyber
D

Security and Innovation. The aim of the meet is to showcase the various initiatives of NIC in creating and
enhancing the security of Digital Infrastructure in the country. VIVID would be an extensive platform for
O

knowledge sharing which would empower 240 NIC district officials from across the country to interact and
leverage on each other’s experience and best practices.
KT

64.
Madavoor Vasudevan Nair, the Kathakali maestro has passed away. He hailed from which state?
[A] Kerala
G

[B] Karnataka
[C] Andhra Pradesh
[D] Tamil Nadu
Correct Answer: A [Kerala ]

Explanation:
Madavoor Vasudevan Nair (89), the Kathakali maestro, has passed away while performing at Agasthyacodu
Mahadeva Temple in Anchal, Kerala on February 6, 2018. A recipient of several awards, including Padma
Bhushan, he was the follower of the Kaplingattu School, the particular style of south Kerala. Madvoor had
also worked as a faculty in the Thekkan Kalari (Southern school of Kathakali) of Kerala Kalamandalam and
was the principal of Kalabharathi performing art institute.
65.
NCERT has collaborated with which internet company to teach students digital safety?
[A] Microsoft
[B] Twitter
[C] Facebook
[D] Google
Correct Answer: D [Google ]

Explanation:
The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has signed a pact with Google to

© 2018 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | https://www.gktoday.in 19


Objective Current Affairs: February, 2018

integrate a course on ‘Digital Citizenship and Safety’ in information and communication technology
curriculum. The integrated course will be implemented in more than 1.4 million schools across the country
from next academic session in April 2018. NCERT has curriculum on IT and communication technologies
embedded in teachers training programme. The curriculum developed by NCERT in collaboration with
Google will be used to train students from class I – class XII across 1.4 million schools in India where they
will learn how to become good and responsible digital citizens. The curriculum is spread into four themes –
being smart, being safe, being a digital citizen and being future ready.
66.
Who has become the world’s first female cricketer to take 200 wickets in One-Day Internationals (ODI)?
[A] Jhulan Goswami
[B] Veda Krishnamurthy
[C] Smriti Mandhana
[D] Neetu David
Correct Answer: A [Jhulan Goswami]

Explanation:
Jhulan Goswami, India’s veteran pacer, has become the first female cricketer in the world to take 200
wickets in One-Day Internationals (ODI) cricket. She achieved the feat when she bagged the wicket of South
Africa opener Laura Wolvaardt during the 2nd ODI of the 3-match series at the Diamond Oval in Kimberley.
Beside her, Australia’s Cathryn Fitzpatrick is at 2nd spot with 180 wickets followed by compatriot Lisa
Sthalekar on 146. India’s Neetu David occupies the fifth spot with 141 wickets. Interestingly, the first male
cricketer to pick 200 ODI wickets was also an Indian – the great Kapil Dev. .IN
67.
Where is the headquarters of Centre for Science and Environment (CSE)?
[A] Udaipur
AY

[B] New Delhi


[C] Jhansi
[D] Patna
Correct Answer: B [New Delhi]
D

Explanation:
O

The Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) is a not-for-profit public interest research and advocacy
organisation based in New Delhi. It works as a think tank on environment-development issues in India, poor
KT

planning, climate shifts devastating India’s Sundarbans and advocates for policy changes and better
implementation of the already existing policies. It is in news recently because the CSE has been ranked the
top environment policy think tanks in India while it has secured the 16th position in global rankings by the
Think Tanks and Civil Societies Program (TTCSP) of the Lauder Institute at the University of Pennsylvania.
G

The TTCSP conducts a research on the role policy institutes play in governments and civil societies around
the world.
68.
According to Prime Minister’s Research Fellows scheme, how many meritorious students of B. Tech and M.
Tech to get fellowship every year?
[A] 2000
[B] 2500
[C] 1000
[D] 1500
Correct Answer: C [1000]

Explanation:
As per Prime Minister’s Research Fellows scheme, the Union Government will give fellowships to 1,000
meritorious students of B. Tech and M. Tech every year. The fellowship amount will be Rs. 70 to 80
thousand per month. Apart from this, a research grant of Rs. two lakh will be provided to each of the fellows
for a period of five years. Under the scheme, the best students, who have completed or are in the final year
of B. Tech or Integrated M.Tech or M.Sc. in Science and Technology streams from
IISc/IITs/NITs/IISERs/IIITs, will be offered direct admission in PhD programme in the IITs/IISc.
69.

© 2018 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | https://www.gktoday.in 20


Objective Current Affairs: February, 2018

John Mahoney, the noted actor passed away. He hailed from which country?
[A] United Kingdom
[B] United States
[C] Brazil
[D] Canada
Correct Answer: B [United States]

Explanation:
John Mahoney (77), an English-American actor of stage, film and television, has passed away in Chicago,
United States on February 4, 2018. He was best known for playing the blue-collar patriarch Martin Crane in
the American sitcom Frasier, which aired on NBC from 1993 to 2004. In addition to his film and television
work, Mahoney also worked as a voice actor and was particularly passionate about his stage work on
Broadway and in Chicago theatre. He was born in UK but he got US citizenship in 1959.
70.
Which city to host the 6th World Government Summit (WGS-2018)?
[A] New Delhi
[B] Kathmandu
[C] Colombo
[D] Dubai
Correct Answer: D [Dubai]

Explanation:
.IN
The 6th edition of World Government Summit (WGS) 2018 will be held in Dubai, United Arab Emirates
(UAE) from February 11 to 13. The Indian delegation will be led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The
summit acts as a knowledge exchangehub between government officials, thought leaders, policy makers
and private sector leaders, and as an analysis platform for the future trends, issues and opportunities facing
AY

humanity.
71.
Who has been sworn-in as the new Chief Justice of Kerala?
D

[A] K. T. Koshi
[B] Arijit Pasayat
O

[C] Navniti Prasad Singh


[D] Antony Dominic
KT

Correct Answer: D [Antony Dominic]

Explanation:
Justice Antony Dominic has been sworn-in as the new Chief Justice of Kerala on February 9, 2018. Kerala
G

Governor P. Sadasivam administered the Oath of Office in the presence of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan at
Raj Bhavan in Thiruvanthapuram. Chief Secretary Paul Antony read out the Presidential order appointing
Justice Dominic as the Chief Justice of the state. Senior High Court judges, judicial officers, cabinet
ministers, political leaders and other officials filled the audience.
72.
Which state has topped the overall medal tally at the first-ever Khelo India School Games (KISG-2018)?
[A] Tamil Nadu
[B] Maharashtra
[C] Haryana
[D] Punjab
Correct Answer: C [Haryana ]

Explanation:
Haryana has topped the overall medal tally at the first-ever Khelo India School Games (KISG-2018) in New
Delhi after winning the 102 medals which include 38 gold and 26 silver. Maharashtra has acquired the 2nd
position with 111 medals while Delhi with 94 medals came third. The Khelo India School Games was a part of
the Khelo India programme which has been introduced by the Union Sports Ministry to revive the sports
culture in the country at the grassroots level and make India a sporting nation. The 16 sports disciplines
including Archery, Athletics, Badminton, Basketball, Boxing, Football, Hockey, Judo, Kabaddi, Kho-Kho,
Shooting, Weightlifting and Wrestling were the part of the weeklong event. It was organized at multiple

© 2018 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | https://www.gktoday.in 21


Objective Current Affairs: February, 2018

venues across Delhi including Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium and Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium.
73.
Which state has topped the Health Index progressive report, which is recently released by NITI Aayog?
[A] Punjab
[B] Kerala
[C] Uttar Pradesh
[D] Tamil Nadu
Correct Answer: B [Kerala ]

Explanation:
Kerala has topped the list of larger states on overall health performance in the Health Index report released
by Niti Aayog while Uttar Pradesh appeared at the bottom among larger states in terms of overall
performance. As per the index “Healthy States, Progressive India’ report for large states, Kerala was
followed by Punjab, Tamil Nadu and Gujarat. Besides Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Bihar and Odisha are among
the states that performed poorly in the health index. Among small states, Mizoram ranked first, followed by
Manipur and Goa in terms of annual incremental performance. The Health Index will act as a tool to
leverage cooperative and competitive federalism, accelerating the pace of achieving health outcomes. It has
been evolved through comprehensive study and inputs from World Bank India and Ministry of Health.
74.
Who has been appointed as the first independent female director of International Cricket Council (ICC)?
[A] Indra Nooyi
[B] Archana Bhargava .IN
[C] Tulasi Munda
[D] Tulasi Munda
Correct Answer: A [Indra Nooyi]
AY

Explanation:
Indra Nooyi, the PepsiCo Chairman and CEO, has been appointed to the International Cricket Council (ICC)
Board as its first independent female director. She will join the Board in June 2018 to align with the term of
D

the ICC Independent Chairman. The Independent Director will be appointed for a two-year term although
she may be re-appointed for two further terms with a maximum six-year consecutive period of service.
O

75.
Which city to host the 2nd edition of National Micro Drama Festival (NMDF-2018)?
KT

[A] New Delhi


[B] Jaipur
[C] Bhopal
G

[D] Patna
Correct Answer: A [New Delhi ]

Explanation:
The 2nd edition of Thespis 2 – National Micro Drama Festival (NMDF-2018) will be held at Kamani
Auditorium in New Delhi on February 11, 2018. With a total of 30 dramas, each not longer than 10 minutes,
will pay tribute to theatre artistes and activists including Tom Alter, Vallabh Vyas, Mangalam Swaminath
and Radhakrishnan Wayanad. The participants will also be awarded under 10 different categories including
best production, best direction, and best script. The fest is to be organised by Delhi-based theatre group
‘Vriksh the Theatre’, which will be based on different themes and titles around the current situations
witnessed by our society. The festival is named after ‘Thespis of Icaria’, who lived in the 6th Century BC and
was the first Actor ever appeared on stage to perform alone. The plays will take place in different languages
which include regional languages like Punjabi, Urdu, Tamil, Bengali, Malayalam etc.
76.
B.G. Banakar, who passed away recently, was the former speaker of which legislative assembly?
[A] Himachal Pradesh
[B] Punjab
[C] Karnataka
[D] Jammu & Kashmir
Correct Answer: C [Karnataka ]

© 2018 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | https://www.gktoday.in 22


Objective Current Affairs: February, 2018

Explanation:
B.G. Banakar (91), the former speaker of Karnataka legislative assembly, has passed away in Haveri district,
Karnataka on February 7, 2018. He was elected thrice to the Legislative Assembly and was Minister for
Animal Husbandry in the Devaraj Urs Cabinet. He served as Speaker of the Assembly for four years from
1985 to 1989.
77.
Who has been chosen for the 2nd edition of Akbar Kakkattil Award 2018?
[A] U K Kumaran
[B] N S Madhvan
[C] T D Ramakrishnan
[D] Subhash Chandran
Correct Answer: C [T D Ramakrishnan]

Explanation:
Writer T.D. Ramakrishnan has been chosen for the 2nd edition of Akbar Kakkattil Award 2018 for his novel
“Sugandhi Enna Andaldevanayaki”. According to a press release by the secretary of the Akbar Kakkattil
Trust, filmmaker Adoor Gopalakrishnan will present the award comprising a purse of Rs 50,000, a citation
and a memento to Mr. Ramakrishnan at a function to be held in Kozhikode on February 17, 2018.
78.
What is the India’s rank in the 2018 Intellectual Property Index (IPI), which is released by U.S. Chamber of
Commerce Global Innovation Policy Center (GIPC)? .IN
[A] 46th
[B] 44th
[C] 45th
AY
[D] 47th
Correct Answer: B [44th]

Explanation:
D

India has been ranked 44th out of 50 countries in the 6th edition of Intellectual Property Index (IPI-2018),
which is released by U.S. Chamber of Commerce Global Innovation Policy Center (GIPC). As per report,
O

India’s ranking reflects a relatively strong performance in the new indicators as well as positive reform
efforts on patentability of computer-implemented inventions (CIIs) and registration procedures for well-
known marks. The United States has topped the list, followed by the U.K and Sweden.
KT

79.
The Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR) is located in which city?
[A] New Delhi
G

[B] Chennai
[C] Jaipur
[D] Lucknow
Correct Answer: B [Chennai]

Explanation:
The Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR) is an Indian institute of national importance,
headquartered at the CSIR Campus in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. The institute is established for the purpose of
granting doctoral and post-doctoral degrees. It is a meta-university with study centres in 37 laboratories
and 6 units of CSIR, spread across 23 cities of India.
80.
Who has been sworn-in as new Chief Justice of the High Court of Manipur?
[A] Manjula Chellur
[B] Sujata Manohar
[C] Abhilasha Kumari
[D] Sukhda Pritam
Correct Answer: C [Abhilasha Kumari]

Explanation:
Justice Abhilasha Kumari has been sworn-in as new Chief Justice of the High Court of Manipur on February

© 2018 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | https://www.gktoday.in 23


Objective Current Affairs: February, 2018

9, 2018. Governor Dr. Najma Heptulla administered her the oath of office at Raj Bhavan in Imphal. Chief
Minister Nongthombam Biren Singh, former Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh, Ministers, MLAs and
Judges attended the swearing-in ceremony. Earlier, Justice Abhilasha was a judge of the Gujarat High
Court.
81.
Which city is hosting the 4th Nepal Buildcon and Wood International Expo 2018?
[A] New Delhi
[B] Shimla
[C] Lucknow
[D] Kathmandu
Correct Answer: D [Kathmandu ]

Explanation:
The 4th Nepal Buildcon and Wood International Expo 2018 has started at Kathmandu on February 9, which
was inaugurated by Deputy Prime Minister of Nepal Kamal Thapa. Manjeev Singh Puri, who is Indian
Ambassador to Nepal, graced the event as guest of honour. The purpose of the 3 day expo is to provide a
single platform to architects, engineers, builders, construction material suppliers, interior decorators,
furniture, lighting, heavy machine and equipment manufacturers and other stake holders. Over 200 brands
and products are being displayed through more than 150 stalls. More than 80 companies from India are also
participating in the expo through an Indian Pavilion, which has been set up jointly by Ministry of
Commerce, CII and Commerce Wing of Indian Embassy.
82. .IN
Which city is hosting the 2018 International Conference on Unani Medicine?
[A] New Delhi
[B] Burhanpur
AY

[C] Patna
[D] Kochi
Correct Answer: A [New Delhi]
D

Explanation:
The 2018 International Conference on Unani Medicine has inaugurated by Dr Jitendra Singh (the Union
O

Minister of Development of North-East Region) with theme “Integration of Unani System of Medicine in
Mainstream Healthcare” in New Delhi on November 10, 2018. The purpose of the 2-day conference is to
KT

promote integration of Unani Medicine in mainstream healthcare across the globe. This year is special for
Unani fraternity as it is the 150th Birth Anniversary of Hakim Ajmal Khan. To mark this day, the Central
Council for Research in Unani Medicine (CCRUM), under the Ministry of AYUSH is organizing the
conference as part of Unani Day Celebration. Besides national delegates, countries like South Africa, UK, Sri
G

Lanka, Bangladesh, China, USA, Portugal, UAE, Slovenia, Israel, Hungary, Bahrain, Tajikistan, etc is also
participating in the conference. The conference will cover issues related to globalization, research,
standardization, quality control, safety assessment, and industry perspective.
83.
Chandrasekhar Rath, the veteran litterateur has passed away. He hailed from which state?
[A] Jharkhand
[B] Odisha
[C] Manipur
[D] Uttar Pradesh
Correct Answer: B [Odisha]

Explanation:
Chandrasekhar Rath (89), the doyen of Odia literature, has passed away in Bhubaneswar, Odisha on
February 10, 2018. Rath was conferred with several awards, including Kendra Sahitya Akademi Award,
Odisha Sahitya Akademi Award and Atibadi Jagannath Das Samman for his contribution in the field of
literature. The writer was nominated for the prestigious Padma Shri award this year.
84.
Which Indian personality has been conferred the ‘Grand Collar of the State of Palestine’?
[A] Sushma Swaraj

© 2018 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | https://www.gktoday.in 24


Objective Current Affairs: February, 2018

[B] Lata Mangeshkar


[C] Narendra Modi
[D] Amitabh Bachchan
Correct Answer: C [Narendra Modi ]

Explanation:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been conferred with the ‘Grand Collar of the State of Palestine’ by
President Mahmoud Abbas for his key contribution to promote relations between India and Palestine.
President Abbas conferred the Grand Collar of the State of Palestine on Modi after the conclusion of the
bilateral meeting between the two leaders. Mr. Modi is the first Indian Prime Minister to make an official
visit to Palestine. The Grand Collar is highest order given to foreign dignitaries – Kings, Heads of
State/Government and persons of similar rank. It has in the past been awarded to King Salman of Saudi
Arabia, King Hamad of Bahrain, President Xi Jinping of China, amongst others.
85.
Which union minister has launched ASH TRACK Mobile App to monitor fly ash from thermal plants?
[A] R. K. Singh
[B] Giriraj Singh
[C] Mahesh Sharma
[D] Hardeep Singh Puri
Correct Answer: A [R. K. Singh]

Explanation:
.IN
R.K Singh, the Union Minister of State (IC) for Power and New & Renewable Energy, has launched a web-
based monitoring System and a Fly Ash mobile application “ASH TRACK” in New Delhi on February 8, 2018.
These platforms will enable better management of the ash produced by thermal power plants by providing
an interface between fly ash producers (Thermal Power Plants) and potential ash users such as – road
AY

contractors, cement plants etc. The app will show coal based power plants situated within the radius of 100
km and 300 km from the user’s location. Therefore, any app user can select power station from where he
wants to take fly ash. Ash availability, distance from user’s location, details of contact person will be
displayed in the app.
D

86.
O

Which railway zone has become the first Rail Zone in India with 100% LED Lighting at railway stations?
[A] North Eastern Railway
KT

[B] South Central Railway


[C] South Western Railway
[D] North Central Railway
G

Correct Answer: B [South Central Railway]

Explanation:
The South Central Railway (SCR) has become the first railway zone in India to complete 100% LED lighting
at all the 733 stations under its jurisdiction. Division wise details of LED stations includes Secunderabad
-162, Hyderabad -100,Vijayawada -158, Guntakal -157, Guntur -76and Nanded -80 Stations. This provision of
LED lighting is expected to save 32 lakh units of electrical energy worth Rs 2.7 crore per year.
87.
Who has been appointed as non-executive chairman of the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI)?
[A] B Sambamurthy
[B] Dilip Asbe
[C] Biswamohan Mahapatra
[D] Uttam Nayak
Correct Answer: C [Biswamohan Mahapatra]

Explanation:
Biswamohan Mahapatra has been appointed as non-executive chairman of the National Payments
Corporation of India (NPCI) for a period of two years, with effect from February 8, 2018. He succeeded B
Sambamurthy, who was the interim chairman of the NPCI board. Apart from him, Dilip Asbe is the
Managing Director & CEO of the organisation.
88.

© 2018 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | https://www.gktoday.in 25


Objective Current Affairs: February, 2018

The 2018 National Unani Day (NUD) is celebrated on which date in India?
[A] February 10
[B] February 13
[C] February 12
[D] February 11
Correct Answer: D [February 11]

Explanation:
The National Unani Day (NUD) is celebrated every year on 11th February to mark the birth anniversary of
great Unani researcher Haqim Ajmal Khan. He was an eminent Indian Unani physician who was versatile
genius, freedom fighter, educationist and founder of scientific research in Unani Medicine. This year (2018)
is special for Unani fraternity as it is the 150th Birth Anniversary of Hakim Ajmal Khan. To mark this day,
the Central Council for Research in Unani Medicine (CCRUM), under the Ministry of AYUSH is organizing
the 2018 International Conference on Unani Medicine in New Delhi on February 10 as part of Unani Day
Celebration. The theme of the 2-day conference is “Integration of Unani System of Medicine in main stream
healthcare”.
89.
Who has been appointed as the new MD & CEO of SBI Card?
[A] Hardayal Prasad
[B] Vijay Jasuja
[C] Dinesh Khara
[D] Puneet Gulgotia .IN
Correct Answer: A [Hardayal Prasad]

Explanation:
Hardayal Prasad has been appointed as the new Managing Director & CEO of the SBI Card with effect from
AY

February 1, 2018. He succeeded Vijay Jasuja, who retired on January 31, 2018. SBI Card has a customer base
of over 5.7 million and a market share of 16%.
90.
D

The Almatti Dam is built on which river in Karnataka?


[A] Krishna River
O

[B] Kaveri River


[C] Godavari River
KT

[D] Brahmaputra River


Correct Answer: A [Krishna River ]

Explanation:
G

The Almatti Dam is a hydroelectric project on the Krishna River in North Karnataka, which was completed
in July 2005. Geographically, it is located in the Bijapur district. The target annual electric output of the
dam is 560 MU. The dam holds a gross water storage capacity of 123.08 TMC at 519 meters MSL.
91.
The 2018 National Productivity Day (NPD) is observed on which date in India?
[A] February 09
[B] February 12
[C] February 11
[D] February 10
Correct Answer: B [February 12]

Explanation:
The National Productivity Council (NPC) is observing National Productivity Day (NPD) on 12th February
2018, and National Productivity Week till 18th February. It is the 60th Anniversary of the National
Productivity Council (NPC) and is being celebrated as Diamond Jubilee Year. The theme for the 2018
National Productivity Week is – Industry 4.0 Leapfrog Opportunity for India. Industry 4.0 would mean the
convergence of real and virtual worlds – the next phase in bringing together conventional and modern
technologies in manufacturing. This will result in the “Smart Factory”, which is characterized by versatility,
resource efficiency, ergonomic design and direct integration with business partners.
92.

© 2018 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | https://www.gktoday.in 26


Objective Current Affairs: February, 2018

Under whose chairmanship the 4th meeting of Economic Advisory Council to Prime Minister (EAC-PM) held
in New Delhi?
[A] Narendra Modi
[B] Arun Jaitley
[C] Arvind Panagariya
[D] Bibek Debroy
Correct Answer: D [Bibek Debroy]

Explanation:
The 4th meeting of the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister (EAC-PM) was held in New Delhi
on February 12, 2018 under the chairmanship of Dr Bibek Debroy. During the meeting, the Council
discussed the possible modalities of implementing the National Health Scheme announced by the
government in the Union Budget-2018-19. Besides, presentations were made on Health Reforms, World
Bank Report on Indian Economy and on Indian Fiscal – Monetary Framework.
93.
Who has taken charge as the new Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kashmir Range?
[A] Munir Ahmad Khan
[B] Rajendra Ramrao Nimbhorkar
[C] Swayam Prakash Pani
[D] Ashok Ambre
Correct Answer: C [Swayam Prakash Pani]

Explanation: .IN
Swayam Prakash Pani (41), a 2000-batch Indian Police Service (IPS) officer of the Jammu and Kashmir cadre,
has taken charge as the new Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kashmir Range on February 12, 2018. With
this, he became the youngest officer to hold the post. Pani has served in key positions, including deputy IG,
AY

south Kashmir range, senior superintendent of police, Kulgam and Kathua. He has also held position in the
served in the Intelligence Bureau and National Investigation Agency (NIA). He replaced Munir Ahmad Khan,
who has been given the charge of Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) security and home guards.
D

94.
Which Indian swimmer has become the first Asian to swim across Ocean Seven?
O

[A] Bhakti Sharma


[B] Ashwin Menon
KT

[C] Rehan Poncha


[D] Rohan More
Correct Answer: D [Rohan More]
G

Explanation:
Rohan More, the Pune-based Indian long-distance swimmer, has become the first Asian and the youngest
person in the world to swim across the Ocean Seven. Despite sudden drop in water temperature, he covered
the distance in 8 hours and 37 minutes. The Ocean’s Seven marathon consists of seven long-distance open-
water swims, which includes the North Channel, the Cook Strait, the Molokai Channel, the English Channel,
the Catalina Channel, the Tsugaru Strait and the Strait of Gibraltar. With this feat, Rohan has also become
the 9th person in the world to swim across Ocean Seven.
95.
Kishan Gangolli has won the 13th edition of National Chess Championship for blind. He hails from which
state?
[A] Karnataka
[B] Odisha
[C] West Bengal
[D] Assam
Correct Answer: A [Karnataka ]

Explanation:
Defending champion Kishan Gangolli from Karnataka has won the 13th edition of the National ‘A’ Chess
Championship for the blind in Mumbai on February 12, 2018. The championship was organised by All India
Chess Federation for the Blind (AICFB). With this feat, Gangolli became the champion for the fifth

© 2018 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | https://www.gktoday.in 27


Objective Current Affairs: February, 2018

consecutive time with 10.5 points. Gujarat’s Ashvin Makwana stood second with 9.5 points, Soundarya
Kumar Pradhan of Orissa with 9 points came third, Aryan Joshi of Maharashtra with 8.5 points, came fourth
and Odisha’s Subhendu Kumar Patra with 7.5 points was at fifth position in the National ‘A’ Chess
Championship for blind. These top five players in the championship will form the Indian team for the
forthcoming ‘World Team Championship’ for the blind to be held in Bulgaria in July 2018.
96.
Which hockey team has won the 8th Senior National Women’s Hockey Championship tournament-2018?
[A] Madhya Pradesh
[B] Railway Sports Promotion Board
[C] Jharkhand
[D] Haryana
Correct Answer: B [Railway Sports Promotion Board]

Explanation:
The Railway Sports Promotion Board has lifted the 8th edition of Senior National Women’s Hockey
Championship 2018, thrashing Madhya Pradesh 4-0 in the final to finish the tournament without losing a
game on February 11. Vandana scored two goals while Priyanka Wankhede and Anupa Barla one each. In the
bronze medal match, Haryana beat home team Jharkhand 2-0.
97.
The first-of-its-kind Centre for learning Sanskrit language has come up in which city?
[A] Chennai
[B] Ahmedabad .IN
[C] Delhi
[D] Patna
Correct Answer: B [Ahmedabad ]
AY

Explanation:
Rajnath Singh, the Union Home Minister, has launched the Centre for learning Sanskrit language in Gujarat
University in Ahmedabad on February 10, 2018. The first-of-its-kind spoken Sanskrit centre centre will offer
D

a six-month course for people on how to speak the language. The classes will be held on Saturday and
Sunday. In it, no prior knowledge of Sanskrit is required and the first batch shall begin in 10 days. The fees
O

have been fixed at Rs 500.


98.
KT

Asma Jahangir, the renowned human rights lawyer passed away. She hailed from which country?
[A] India
[B] Israel
G

[C] Myanmar
[D] Pakistan
Correct Answer: D [Pakistan]

Explanation:
Asma Jilani Jahangir (66), Pakistan’s renowned human rights lawyer, social activist and an outspoken critic
of the country’s powerful military establishment, has passed away in Lahore on February 11, 2018. She was
known for her outspoken nature and unrelenting pursuit for human rights. Asma was the first woman to
serve as the President of Supreme Court Bar Association of Pakistan. She became a champion democracy
activist and was subsequently imprisoned in 1983 for participating in the Movement for the Restoration of
Democracy against the military rule of Pakistan’s longest-serving President Ziaul Haq. In 1986, she moved
to Geneva and became the vice-chair of the Defence for Children International. She remained there until
1988 before moving back to Pakistan. In 1987, she co-founded the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan
and became its Secretary General until 1993 when she was elevated as commission’s chairperson. Asma also
played an active role in the famous Lawyers’ Movement to restore Iftikhar Chaudhry as the chief justice of
Pakistan.
99.
Which union minister has released India’s first-ever Highway Capacity Manual (Indo-HCM) in New Delhi?
[A] Arun Jaitley
[B] Nitin Gadkari

© 2018 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | https://www.gktoday.in 28


Objective Current Affairs: February, 2018

[C] Maneka Gandhi


[D] Narendra Modi
Correct Answer: B [Nitin Gadkari ]

Explanation:
The Minister of Road Transport & Highways, Shipping and Water Resources, River Development and Ganga
Rejuvenation Nitin Gadkari has released India’s first-ever Highway Capacity Manual (Indo-HCM) in New
Delhi on February 12, 2018. The manual has been developed by CSIR – CRRI on the basis of an extensive,
country-wide study of the traffic characteristics on different categories of roads like single lane, two-lane,
multi-lane urban roads, inter-urban highways and expressways and the associated intersections on these
roads. The manual lays down guidelines for when and how to expand or manage different types of roads
and their intersections and the level of services to be put in place. It is designed to be a useful tool for
guiding road engineers and policy makers in the country. It has been developed based on the unique nature
and diversity of traffic on Indian roads.
100.
The National Sugar Institute (NSI) is located in which city of Uttar Pradesh?
[A] Lucknow
[B] Kanpur
[C] Agra
[D] Varanasi
Correct Answer: B [Kanpur]

Explanation: .IN
The National Sugar Institute (NSI) is located in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh and was established in 1936. It is
involved in research, training and advisory services to the sugar and allied industry, and functions under
the Department of Food and Public Distribution of the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public
AY

Distribution. It provides technical education and training in research in all branches of sugar chemistry,
sugar technology, sugar engineering and allied fields. The institute provides assistance to central and state
governments in matters relating to sugar and allied industries.
D

101.
Who will be the first female Hindu lawmaker in Pakistan since 1947?
O

[A] Krishna Kumari


[B] Chandra Prabha
KT

[C] Pallavi Lachhani


[D] Shivani Prasad
Correct Answer: A [Krishna Kumari]
G

Explanation:
Krishna Kumari will be the first female Hindu lawmaker in Pakistan since 1947, when Pakistan gained
independence from Britain. Nasir Shah, the spokesman in the provincial government of Sindh Province,
stated that Kumari is poised to become lawmaker in the 3rd March 2018 elections for the Upper House of
Parliament after the country’s Opposition party nominated her for the Senate’s upcoming elections. Kumari
has worked as a social worker and also for a Pakistani charity seeking to create awareness among people
about the importance of education and the struggle to achieve basic human rights, guaranteed under
Pakistan’s constitution but often trampled upon by landowners and tribal chieftains.
102.
Who has been honored with the 2018 Ibrahim Prize for Achievement in African Leadership?
[A] Hifikepunye Pohamba
[B] Pedro Pires
[C] Joaquim Chissano
[D] Ellen Johnson Sirleaf
Correct Answer: D [Ellen Johnson Sirleaf]

Explanation:
Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, former Liberian President, has been honored with the 2018 Ibrahim Prize for
Achievement in African Leadership for excellence in African leadership. The $5 million African Leadership
prize is awarded by the Mo Ibrahim Foundation which honors role models on a continent where many

© 2018 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | https://www.gktoday.in 29


Objective Current Affairs: February, 2018

leaders have stayed in power for decades. Sirleaf, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate and Africa’s first female
president, is also the first female and only the fifth person to receive the Ibrahim leadership award since it
was established in 2007.
103.
Who has become the first Indian golfer to qualify for the China Ladies PGA Tour?
[A] Vani Kapoor
[B] Gaurika Bishnoi
[C] Sharmila Nicollet
[D] Saaniya Sharma
Correct Answer: C [Sharmila Nicollet]

Explanation:
Sharmila Nicollet from Bengaluru has become the first Indian golfer to qualify for the China Ladies PGA
Tour. She fought her way back into the tournament in the last two rounds to earn a card for the Tour, which
had Women’s World rankings points also. Sharmila, who played on the Ladies European Tour before losing
her full card, played her three rounds in the CLPGA Tour Qualifying School in 77-73-72 to finish in tied 21st
and pick one of the 30 cards available in the 88-player field.
104.
Johann Johannsson, the renowned musician has passed away. He hailed from which country?
[A] Brazil
[B] Iceland
[C] Zambia
[D] Italy
.IN
Correct Answer: B [Iceland]

Explanation:
AY

Johann Johannsson (48), the acclaimed Icelandic musician, has passed away in Berlin, Germany on February
8, 2018. He was known for giving background scores to films such as “Arrival”, “Sicario” and “The Theory of
Everything”. He won a Golden Globe in 2015 for his score to the Stephen Hawking biopic. His work is
D

stylised by its blending of traditional orchestration with contemporary electronic elements


105.
O

What is the theme of the 2018 World Radio Day (WRD)?


[A] Radio and Sports
KT

[B] Radio and Peace


[C] Radio and World
[D] Radio is You
G

Correct Answer: A [Radio and Sports]

Explanation:
The World Radio Day (WRD) is observed every year on February 13 to remember the unique power of radio
which touches lives and brings people together from every corner of the globe. It is the day, in 1946, United
Nations Radio was established. The 2018 theme ‘Radio and Sports’ will promote the inseparable relationship
between sports and gender, as well as how improved gender equality in sports broadcasting can lead to
greater freedom of expression for all..
106.
Which Indian city has been named in the list of 15 wealthiest cities globally, as per latest report by New World
Wealth?
[A] Delhi
[B] Hyderabad
[C] Mumbai
[D] Chennai
Correct Answer: C [Mumbai]

Explanation:
India’s financial capital Mumbai, with a total wealth of $950 billion, has been named 12th wealthiest city
among the top 15 wealthiest cities globally. Mumbai also features among the top 10 cities in terms of
billionaire population. The city is home to 28 billionaires, individuals with $1 billion or more in net assets.

© 2018 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | https://www.gktoday.in 30


Objective Current Affairs: February, 2018

According to a new report by New World Wealth, the list was topped by New York with a total wealth of $3
trillion. London ranked second in the list with $2.7 trillion, followed by Tokyo ($2.5 trillion), and San
Francisco Bay area ($2.3 trillion). Total wealth, refers to the private wealth held by all the individuals living
in each city. It includes all their assets (property, cash, equities, business interests) less any liabilities.
Government funds are excluded from the figures.
107.
K P Ramanunni has been conferred with the 2017 Sahitya Akademi Award for Malayalam literature. He hails
from which state?
[A] Andhra Pradesh
[B] Kerala
[C] Tamil Nadu
[D] Karnataka
Correct Answer: B [Kerala]

Explanation:
K P Ramanunni from Kerala has been conferred with the 2017 Sahitya Akademi Award for Malayalam
literature for his novel “Daivathinte Pusthakam”, which deals with India’s communal situation, at a function
in New Delhi on February 12, 2018. He received a casket containing an engraved copper-plaque, a shawl and
a cheque of Rs 1 lakh. However, the highlight of the event was that Ramanunni donated his prize money of
Rs 1 lakh to the mother of Junaid Khan, the teen stabbed to death on a Mathura-bound train from New Delhi
in June 2017. Junaid Khan from Haryana was lynched to death while he was returning home after Eid
shopping. .IN
108.
Parbati Ghose, who passed away recently, was the first female filmmaker of which state?
[A] Odisha
AY

[B] Assam
[C] Manipur
[D] Nagaland
Correct Answer: A [Odisha]
D

Explanation:
O

Parbati Ghose (85), the first female filmmaker of Odisha, has passed away in Bhubaneswar on February 11,
2018. She was a symbol of women’s empowerment when an idea like empowerment was unheard of. Her
KT

other important works include short film ‘Pitei Nani’ on women emancipation, biopic on the noted
philanthropist and freedom fighter Malati Choudhury, serial ‘Pura Puri Parabarika’ for Doordarshan,
telefilm ‘Paribartan’ on tribal health in their local dialect and telefilm ‘Pratibha’ based on the famous novel
by Utkal Kesri Dr. Hare Krushna Mahtab to mark the celebrations of 50 years of Independence.
G

109.
The Central Institute of Agricultural Engineering (CIAE) is located in which city?
[A] New Delhi
[B] Bhopal
[C] Chennai
[D] Pune
Correct Answer: B [Bhopal]

Explanation:
The Central Institute of Agricultural Engineering (CIAE) is located in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh.. It is a higher
seat of learning, research and development in the field of agriculture. The CIAE is an autonomous body, an
Indian Council of Agricultural Research subsidiary, under the Union Ministry of Agriculture.
110.
Who has been conferred with the 2017 Sahitya Akademi Award for Assamese literature?
[A] Vyakaranna Baso Varsh
[B] Urmi Ghanshyam Desai
[C] Afsar Ahmed
[D] Jayant Madhab Bora
Correct Answer: D [Jayant Madhab Bora]

© 2018 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | https://www.gktoday.in 31


Objective Current Affairs: February, 2018

Explanation:
Jayant Madhab Bora has been conferred with the 2017 Sahitya Akademi Award for Assamese literature for
his novel “Moriahola”. The annual Sahitya Akademi awards for 2017 were presented at a function in New
Delhi on February 12, 2018. The awards were given in 24 languages. The awarded works includes Seven
novels, five collections each of poetries and short stories, five works of literary criticism, a play and a book of
essays. Excerpts are as follows: Afsar Ahmed received the award for his Bengali Novel ‘Sei Nikhonj Manusta’
and in Bodo language Rita Boro was presented the honours for her Novel ‘Thwisam’. While in Dogri, Shiv
Mehta received the award for his short stories ‘Banna’, Urmi Ghanshyam Desai got the award for her
literary criticism Gujarati Vyakaranna Baso Varsh. The awardee received a casket containing an engraved
copper-plaque, a shawl and a cheque of Rs 1 lakh.
111.
The celebration of 70 years of India-Russia Agricultural Relations has held in which state?
[A] Rajasthan
[B] Uttar Pradesh
[C] Madhya Pradesh
[D] Assam
Correct Answer: A [Rajasthan ]

Explanation:
India and Russia has celebrated 70 years of bilateral relations in the field of agriculture at Suratgarh in
Rajasthan on February 14, 2018. Both Indian and Russian delegations visited the Central State Farm (CSF) to
.IN
commemorate the 70 years of agriculture relationship between the two countries. The CSF was set up in
Suratgarh in 1956 with the assistance from erstwhile USSR. Russian scientists helped in laying the
foundation of agriculture in the deserts of Thar, which brought about a change in the agriculture farming in
nearby areas including fringe area of Punjab. Minister of State for Agriculture Gajender Singh Shekhawat
AY

and his Russian counterpart Sergey Beletskiy has inaugurate Russian Machinery Museum and visit a Cattle
Breeding Centre.
112.
D

Bolla Bulli Ramaiah, the former Union minister has passed away. He was associated with which political
party?
O

[A] Indian National Congress


[B] Telugu Desam Party
KT

[C] Telangana Rashtra Samithi


[D] Bahujan Samaj Party
Correct Answer: B [Telugu Desam Party]
G

Explanation:
Dr Bolla Bulli Ramaiah (92), the former Union minister and veteran TDP leader, has passed at Tanuku in
Andhra Pradesh on February 14, 2018. He began his career in 1953 as an employee in the Andhra Sugars and
rose through the ranks to become its chairman and managing director. Ramaiah, who was known as a
genial person, joined the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) during its inception and became an MP in 1984. He was
elected to the Lok Sabha from the Eluru constituency in 1991, 1996 and 1999 and served as the Union
minister of state for commerce during 1996-98 in the United Front government.
113.
Which country to host the 8th edition of Theatre Olympics 2018?
[A] Russia
[B] Brazil
[C] India
[D] China
Correct Answer: C [India ]

Explanation:
India will host the 8th edition of Theatre Olympics in New Delhi from February 17 with theme “Flag of
friendship”, which will continue till 8th of April. The event will inaugurated by Vice President M Venkaiah
Naidu at Red Fort. It is being organised by National School of Drama, under the aegis of Ministry of Culture.
Over 25,000 artistes from 30 countries will participate in the Theatre Olympics. The 51 day long nationwide

© 2018 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | https://www.gktoday.in 32


Objective Current Affairs: February, 2018

theatre extravaganza will be held in 17 cities including Ahmedabad, Bhopal, Patna, Kolkata, Mumbai,
Guwahati and Jammu. It will see 450 shows including 65 shows by international artistes, 600 ambient
performances and 250 youth forum shows. It’s first time that the Theatre Olympics will be held in India
that will serve to create a dialogue between Indian and global artistes.
114.
Muzaffar Hussain, the noted writer and journalist has passed away. He hailed from which state?
[A] Uttar Pradesh
[B] Kerala
[C] Goa
[D] Madhya Pradesh
Correct Answer: D [Madhya Pradesh]

Explanation:
Muzaffar Hussain (78), the noted writer, thinker and journalist, has passed away in Mumbai, Maharashtra
on February 14, 2018. Born on March 20, 1940 in Madhya Pradesh, Hussain came to Mumbai in his youth
and soon became proficient in many languages. In his illustrious career, he bagged several state and
national level awards in literature, besides Padma Shri in 2002. He was conferred with the Lokamanya Tilak
Jeevan Gaurav award for journalism by the government of Maharashtra in 2014. He was known as a pro-
Hindutva writer and was also praised by the RSS.
115.
Who has been elected as the new President of Sahitya Akademi?
[A] Chandrashekhara Kambar .IN
[B] Madhav Koushik
[C] Prathibha Ray
[D] Bhalachandra Nemade
AY

Correct Answer: A [Chandrashekhara Kambar]

Explanation:
Prof. Chandrashekhara Kambar, the eminent Kannada writer and Jnanpith winner, has been elected as the
D

new president of Sahitya Akademi in the election held for the post. He is the third Kannada writer to head
the country’s premier literary institution, after Vinayak Krishna Gokak (1983) and U.R. Ananthamurthy
O

(1993). Hindi poet Madhav Koushik has been elected as vice-president. This is the second time election was
held in the history of Sahitya Akademi, after Ananthamurthy’s election to the post. Prof. Kambar has served
KT

as member of the Akademi executive board for over 10 years and was vice-president for 2013-18.
116.
Which of the following is the India’s first online radio station?
G

[A] Radio Sansar


[B] Radio Umang
[C] Radio Aadhaar
[D] Radio Teacap
Correct Answer: B [Radio Umang]

Explanation:
India’s first online radio station “Radio Umang” has launched on 2018 World Radio Day themed around
peace, humanity and hope. It comes packed with inspirational stories, engaging talk shows and lots of
soothing music. Listeners can tune in to this online radio station through web streaming or download the
app. With 24 hours programming, it has found listeners in Hindi speaking regions of India and in over 60
countries worldwide.
117.
Which Indian state hosted the 12th edition of International Conference on Corporate Social Responsibility
(CSR-2018)?
[A] Chattisgarh
[B] Odisha
[C] Karnataka
[D] Andhra Pradesh
Correct Answer: C [Karnataka ]

© 2018 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | https://www.gktoday.in 33


Objective Current Affairs: February, 2018

Explanation:
The 12th edition of International Conference on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR-2018) was held in
Bengaluru, Karnataka on February 9, 2018. The 2018 theme was ” Responsible CSR: a New Agenda Beyond
Governance”. The 2-day conference was attended by over 400 experts and delegates from all over India and
abroad. In the conference, the prestigious Golden Peacock Award 2017 was presented. The leadership award
for philanthropy and social change was presented to Vineet Nayar, the chairman of Sampark Foundation.
118.
Who has bagged the 2017 Sahitya Akademi Award for Kannada language?
[A] Jagdish Lachhani
[B] Baig Ehsas
[C] Bhujanga Tudu
[D] T P Ashoka
Correct Answer: D [T P Ashoka]

Explanation:
Noted Kannada critic T P Ashoka has bagged the 2017 Sahitya Akademi Award for Kannada language for his
literary criticism work “Kathana Bharathi”. The annual Sahitya Akademi awards for 2017 were presented at
a function in New Delhi on February 12, 2018. The awards were given in 24 languages. Excerpts are as
follows: In Santhali, Bhujanga Tudu got the award for his poetry ‘Tahena Tangi Re’ and Jagdish Lachhani
was awarded for his Sindhi essays ‘Aachhende Laja Maraan’. In Telugu, Devipriya was awarded for her
poetry ‘Gaali Rangu’ and in Urdu, Baig Ehsas was honoured for her short stories ‘Dakhma’. The awardee
.IN
received a casket containing an engraved copper-plaque, a shawl and a cheque of Rs 1 lakh.
119.
Which union minister has inaugurated International Conference on Operations and Maintenance “Indian
Power Stations 2018”?
AY

[A] R.K. Singh


[B] Vijay Sampla
[C] Ajay Tamta
D

[D] Arjun Ram Meghwal


Correct Answer: A [R.K. Singh]
O

Explanation:
The 3-day International Conference on Operations and Maintenance “Indian Power Stations 2018” has
KT

inaugurated by R.K. Singh, Union Minister of State (IC) for Power and New and Renewable Energy, in New
Delhi on February 13. The Minister exhorted the NTPC to become India’s power sector multinational by
setting up power plants in other Nations and become world’s largest power producer. He also added that
G

there was huge opportunity to export cheap power to neighbouring countries which will be beneficial for
the entire region.
120.
The Bansagar dam is built on which river in Madhya Pradesh?
[A] Tapti River
[B] Narmada River
[C] Chambal River
[D] Son River
Correct Answer: D [Son River]

Explanation:
The Ban Sagar Dam is a multipurpose river Valley Project built across Son River in Shahdol district of
Madhya Pradesh. The dam irrigate an area of 2,490 km² in Madhya Pradesh, 1,500 km²; in Uttar Pradesh and
940 km² in Bihar. The water sharing of dam take place among three states: Madhya Pradesh (2.5 km3), Uttar
Pradesh (1.2 km3) and Bihar (1.2 km3). It also provides power generation of 425 MW in Madhya Pradesh.
121.
Which city is hosting the India’s first-ever radio festival?
[A] New Delhi
[B] Pune

© 2018 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | https://www.gktoday.in 34


Objective Current Affairs: February, 2018

[C] Mumbai
[D] Kanpur
Correct Answer: A [New Delhi]

Explanation:
India’s first-ever radio festival has started at the UNESCO House in New Delhi on February 15, 2018 to mark
World Radio Day (WRD-2018). The festival has been organised by International Association of Women in
Radio and Television in partnership with UNESCO. The festival includes live performances, an exhibition,
and slotted panel discussions. Apart from touching on the theme for World Radio Day 2018 – Radio and
Sports – the festival is also examining the potential of the medium as a platform for social change, ways to
make it more creative and will trace the journey of music on the radio.
122.
Which state has won the Senior Women’s National Football Championship 2018?
[A] Manipur
[B] Madhya Pradesh
[C] Punjab
[D] Tamil Nadu
Correct Answer: D [Tamil Nadu]

Explanation:
Tamil Nadu has lifted their maiden title in the 23rd edition of the Senior Women’s National Football
Championship 2018 by defeating Manipur in the final by 2-1 at the Barabati Stadium in Cuttack on February
.IN
14. Indumathi has also adjudged the player of the final as well as the tournament for her superlative
performances.
123.
Who has been sworn-in as the new Prime Minister of Nepal?
AY

[A] Sushil Koirala


[B] Sher Bahadur Deuba
[C] KP Sharma Oli
D

[D] Khil Raj Regmi


Correct Answer: C [KP Sharma Oli]
O

Explanation:
Khadga Prasad Sharma Oli, the chairperson of Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist-Leninist) , has
KT

been sworn-in as the 41st Prime Minister of Nepal, after his Left alliance routed the ruling Nepali Congress
in the country’s historic parliamentary and local polls. President Bidhya Devi Bhandari administered the
oath of office and secrecy to the newly-elected Prime Minister on 15 February 2018 under Article 76 of
G

newly adopted Constitution of Nepal. Oli, who is known for his pro-China stance, has served his first stint
as Prime Minister of Nepal from 11 October 2015 to 3 August 2016.
124.
India has signed how much amount of 2nd loan agreement with New Development Bank (NDB) for Rajasthan
Water Project?
[A] $200 million
[B] $100 million
[C] $115 million
[D] $185 million
Correct Answer: B [$100 million]

Explanation:
India has signed the second loan agreement of $100 million with New Development Bank (NDB) for
Rajasthan Water Sector Restructuring Project for Desert Areas on 13th February 2018 at New Delhi. This is
the first tranche loan approved by the NDB under the Multi Tranche Financing Facility of $345 Million for
this project. The project implementation period is six years. Rajasthan government will implement the
project primarily through its Water Resources Department. The purpose of this project is to rehabilitate the
678 kilometre long Indira Gandhi Canal system built during 1958 to 1963 to prevent seepage, conserve
water, and enhance water use efficiency as mandated by both national and state level policies on water use.
125.

© 2018 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | https://www.gktoday.in 35


Objective Current Affairs: February, 2018

Which country to host the World Sustainable Development Summit – 2018?


[A] South Africa
[B] Nepal
[C] Brazil
[D] India
Correct Answer: D [India]

Explanation:
The World Sustainable Development Summit – 2018 will be held in New Delhi on February 16. The summit
will address a wide variety of issues, including combating land degradation and air pollution, effective
waste management and create financial mechanisms to enable effective climate change mitigation. The
theme of the 2018 Summit is – Partnerships for a Resilient Planet, which seeks to create action frameworks
to resolve some of the most urgent challenges facing developing economies in the backdrop of climate
change. The summit is the flagship forum of the Energy and Resources Institute (TERI). It seeks to bring
together on a common platform, global leaders and thinkers in the fields of sustainable development,
energy and environment sectors. Over 2,000 delegates are expected to participate in the summit, including
policy makers, researchers, diplomats and corporates from around the world.
126.
Which state has become the India’s first state to opt out of the National Health Protection Scheme “Modi
Care”?
[A] Karnataka
[B] Punjab .IN
[C] West Bengal
[D] Kerala
Correct Answer: C [West Bengal]
AY

Explanation:
West Bengal has become the first Indian state to opt out of the National Health Protection Scheme (NHPS)
“Modicare”, which was unveiled in the Union Budget 2018. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee Banerjee has
D

stated that West Bengal already has made hospitalization and medical treatment free of cost for its citizens,
so it doesn’t see the point of spending on a separate programme that will do the same. Under the provisions
O

of the Modicare, the Centre will contribute Rs 2,000 crore to the scheme, out of a total cost of Rs 5,500 crore
to Rs 6,000 crore. State governments are expected to pay the remainder.
KT

127.
The world’s first autonomous pods has launched in which city?
[A] Berlin
[B] Dubai
G

[C] Paris
[D] New York
Correct Answer: B [Dubai]

Explanation:
The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) of Dubai has launched the test of the world’s first autonomous
pods at the World Government Summit (WGS) in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE) on February 11, 2018.
The autonomous pods are designed and engineered in cooperation with the US-based Next Future
Transportation. These are designed to travel short and medium distances in dedicated lanes. They can be
coupled together in as little 15 seconds or detached – depending on the riders’ destination – in five seconds.
Each pod is fitted with cameras and electromechanical technologies to carry out the coupling and
detaching, which can be activated while the pod is in motion.
128.
The India-Russia Agriculture Business Summit 2018 was held in which city?
[A] New Delhi
[B] Pune
[C] Bhopal
[D] Jaipur
Correct Answer: A [New Delhi]

© 2018 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | https://www.gktoday.in 36


Objective Current Affairs: February, 2018

Explanation:
The India-Russia Agriculture Business Summit 2018 was held in New Delhi on February 13. The two
countries discussed trade relations in the agricultural sector. The summit was organized by the Ministry of
Agriculture & Farmers Welfare. Additionally, the Russian and Indian delegations visited the Central State
Farm (CSF) to commemorate the 70 years of bilateral relations in the field of agriculture in Suratgarh,
Rajasthan on February 14, 2018. The CSF was set up in Suratgarh in 1956 with the assistance from erstwhile
USSR. Russian scientists helped in laying the foundation of agriculture in the deserts of Thar, which
brought about a change in the agriculture farming in nearby areas including fringe area of Punjab.
129.
Which Indian app has won the best Best M-Govt Service Award at 2018 World Government Summit 2018?
[A] Paytm app
[B] Tele-Law app
[C] Umang App
[D] mAadhaar app
Correct Answer: C [Umang App]

Explanation:
India’s Umang App has won the Best M-Government Service award in the Accessible Government category
while Aadhaar won the best emerging technology award at the recently concluded 6th edition of the World
Government Summit 2018 in Dubai, where India had the status of ‘Guest of Honour’ country. The summit
acknowledged technology pioneers for providing global solutions to global challenges. The mobile
.IN
application “Umang App” provides users a unified platform that combines government departments and
services, facilitating transactions for citizens. The award acknowledged Government of India’s efforts to
provide convenient services to its citizens. The Aadhaar project was recognized as the world’s largest
biometric enabled identification programme which provides access to service income tax, passport services,
AY

bank accounts, social services benefits aimed at providing 1.2 billion citizens unique identification card with
fingerprint, eye-print and other vital data. The award recognized the efforts of the Government of India
(GoI)’s invention and innovation in the field of technology and making the country completely digitalized.
D

130.
The Omkareshwar Dam is bulit on which river in Madhya Pradesh?
O

[A] Son
[B] Narmada
KT

[C] Chambal
[D] Tapti
Correct Answer: B [Narmada]
G

Explanation:
The Omkareshwar Dam is a gravity dam on the Narmada River just upstream of Mandhata in Khandwa
district, Madhya Pradesh. It is named after the Omkareshwar temple located just downstream. An
associated hydroelectric power station located at the base of the dam has an installed capacity of 520 MW.
The Narmada is the largest river in Madhya Pradesh, flowing towards the west and falling in the Arabian
Sea.
131.
Who has been appointed as the new Vice Chancellor of the Tezpur University?
[A] Jagadesh Kumar
[B] Yoginder K Alagh
[C] Tariq Mansoor
[D] Vinod Kumar Jain
Correct Answer: D [Vinod Kumar Jain]

Explanation:
Vinod Kumar Jain, the former Professor of the Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), has been appointed as
the new Vice Chancellor of the Tezpur University. He will serve as the vice-chancellor for a period of five
years from the date he takes charge until he attains the age of 70 years, whichever is earlier. Prof Jain was
conferred D Phil from the Sussex University, Brighton UK in 1982. He served as a scientist, class I
(1983-1985) in the Department of Physics, Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) New Delhi before joining

© 2018 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | https://www.gktoday.in 37


Objective Current Affairs: February, 2018

JNU’s School of Environmental Sciences as an associate professor in 1985. Prof Jain has been actively
involved in research activities for the past 36 years.
132.
Which city is hosting the India’s biggest international conference on pharmaceutical industry “India Pharma
& India Medical Device 2018”?
[A] New Delhi
[B] Pune
[C] Bengaluru
[D] Jaipur
Correct Answer: C [Bengaluru]

Explanation:
The third-edition of international conference and exhibition on pharmaceuticals industry and medical
devices- India Pharma 2018 and India Medical Device 2018 – has started in Bengaluru, Karnataka on
February 15, 2018. It was inaugurated by Ananth Kumar, Union Minister of Chemicals & Fertilizers and
Parliamentary Affairs, with the theme – ‘Affordable & Quality Healthcare’. The key highlight of the
conference is a workshop by World Health Organization (WHO) on “Regulatory System Strengthening and
Prequalification updated by WHO”. The 3-day event is being organized by Department of Pharmaceuticals
(DoP), Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers, in collaboration with Federation of Indian Chambers of
Commerce and Industry (FICCI). More than 20 international drug and device regulators will participate in a
meet with Indian regulators.
133. .IN
The world’s tallest hotel ‘Gevora’ has opened in which city?
[A] Paris
[B] Beijing
AY

[C] Tokyo
[D] Dubai
Correct Answer: D [Dubai]
D

Explanation:
The world’s tallest hotel ‘Gevora’ has opened in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE) on February 11, 2018.
O

The gleaming gold 75-storey Gevora Hotel stands 356 metres, or nearly a quarter of a mile, tall. The hotel
has 528 guest rooms and suites and four restaurants. It has 232 Deluxe Rooms, 265 one-bed room deluxe
KT

and 31 two-bedroom suites. It also have a pool, jacuzzi and health club as well as a luxury spa. Dubai is also
home to the world’s tallest building “Burj Khalifa”, which pierces the city skyline at 828 metres (half a mile)
high.
G

134.
Who has been appointed the new governor of Bank of Japan (BOJ) ?
[A] Hiroshi Nakaso
[B] Haruhiko Kuroda
[C] Masayoshi Amamiya
[D] Kikuo Iwata
Correct Answer: B [Haruhiko Kuroda]

Explanation:
Haruhiko Kuroda has been reappointed as the governor of Bank of Japan (BOJ) for second five-year term by
the Government of Japan. His second term will come into force when the current one ends in April 2018.
Kuroda will be first governor to serve two terms since 1954. The Bank of Japan is the central bank of Japan
and it is headquartered in Tokyo, Japan.
135.
Which country to host 2018 Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit?
[A] China
[B] India
[C] Kazakhstan
[D] Tajikistan
Correct Answer: A [China]

© 2018 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | https://www.gktoday.in 38


Objective Current Affairs: February, 2018

Explanation:
The 18th Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO-2018) will be hosted by China in the city of Qingdao in
June, 2018. China had taken over the rotating chair of SCO after the17th SCO summit 2017, which was held
in Astana, Kazakhstan in June 2017. The SCO is consists of China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan,
Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, India and Pakistan. The SCO focuses on security- related issues of the region
especially on counter terrorism cooperation.
136.
Which union minister has inaugurated the World Sustainable Development Summit – 2018?
[A] Harsh Vardhan
[B] Jual Oram
[C] Narendra Modi
[D] Anant Geete
Correct Answer: C [Narendra Modi]

Explanation:
The World Sustainable Development Summit – 2018 has inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at
Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi on February 16, which has been organized by The Energy and Resources
Institute (TERI) to discuss frameworks to resolve climate change crises in developing countries. The theme
of the 2018 Summit is – Partnerships for a Resilient Planet – which seeks to create action frameworks to
resolve some of the most urgent challenges facing developing economies in the backdrop of climate change.
The 3-day summit will see participation from over 41 countries, bringing together different stakeholders in
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the fields of sustainable development, energy and environment sectors. The conference will address a wide
variety of issues, including combating land degradation and air pollution, effective waste management and
create financial mechanisms to enable effective climate change mitigation.
137.
AY

Who has been sworn-in as new President of South Africa?


[A] Cyril Ramaphosa
[B] Kgalema Motlanthe
D

[C] Cyilmso Motlanthe


[D] David Mabuza
O

Correct Answer: A [Cyril Ramaphosa]

Explanation:
KT

Cyril Ramaphosa, head of the ruling African National Congress (ANC), has been sworn-in as the new
President of South Africa on 15 February 2018. He was elected as the fifth president of South Africa by the
ruling party politicians after the resignation of Jacob Zuma. Ramaphosa, who is an anti-apartheid activist,
G

trade union leader and businessman, served as the Deputy President of South Africa from 2014 to 2018.
138.
Who has been named the EY Entrepreneur of the Year 2017?
[A] E Sreedharan
[B] Sanjiv Bajaj
[C] Puneet Dalmia
[D] Nithin Kamath
Correct Answer: B [Sanjiv Bajaj]

Explanation:
Sanjiv Bajaj, managing director of Bajaj Finserv, has been named the EY Entrepreneur of the Year 2017 for
solutions in lending, life and general insurance and wealth advisory. He will represent India at the EY World
Entrepreneur of the Year Award (WEOY) in Monte Carlo from June 13, 2018. Dr. E Sreedharan was honored
with the Lifetime Achievement Award for transforming the face of public transportation in India.
139.
Khwaja Haleem, the former Uttar Pradesh minister has passed away. He associated with which political
party?
[A] Nationalist Congress Party
[B] Bahujan Samaj Party

© 2018 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | https://www.gktoday.in 39


Objective Current Affairs: February, 2018

[C] Samajwadi Party


[D] Indian National Congress
Correct Answer: C [Samajwadi Party]

Explanation:
Khwaja Haleem (78), the former Uttar Pradesh minister and senior Samajwadi Party leader, has passed
away in New Delhi on February 16, 2018. Haleem, who belongs to a family of freedom fighters, completed his
masters’ degree from the Aligarh Muslim University in 1969. He started his political career with the Youth
Congress in the early 1970s.He later joined the Lok Dal and was elected to the Vidhan Sabha from Aligarh
Assembly constituency in 1980. He remained a Mulayam Singh loyalist ever since, and was elected twice for
the Vidhan Parishad. In 1990, Haleem was appointed as the chairman of Uttar Pradesh Minority
Commission and was the member of the Samajwadi Party Central Committee for nearly two decades. In
2014, he was appointed as advisor in tourism department by then chief minister Akhilesh Singh Yadav.
140.
The Bheemgarh dam is built on which river in Madhya Pradesh?
[A] Barna River
[B] Sindh River
[C] Tawa river
[D] Wainganga river
Correct Answer: D [Wainganga river]

Explanation:
.IN
The Bheemgarh dam is built across the Wainganga river in Chhapara tehsil of Seoni district of Indian state
of Madhya Pradesh. The dam is also known as Sanjay Sarovar Bandh and Upper Wainganga dam. It is
known as the biggest Mud / Earthen dam of Asia. It is bounded by mountains from all sides
141.
AY

Which Indian-origin personality has been honoured with the Scientific and Engineering Academy Award at
the Oscars Scientific and Technical Awards 2018?
[A] Vikas Sathaye
D

[B] Jignesh Kumar


[C] TS Jain
O

[D] Vandana Sharma


Correct Answer: A [Vikas Sathaye]
KT

Explanation:
Vikas Sathaye, a Pune-born person has been honoured with the Scientific and Engineering Academy Award
at the Oscars Scientific and Technical Awards 2018 at Beverly Hills in Los Angeles, California. Sathaye and
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his team received the award for his contribution towards conceptualisation, designing, engineering, and the
implementation of the ‘Shotover K1 Camera System’ during his stint at Shotover Camera Systems in
Queenstown, New Zealand. The Scientific and Engineering Award is given for scientific achievements that
produce a definite influence on the advancement of the motion picture industry.
142.
Which state hosted the 6th Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) India Regional Conference?
[A] Chhattisgarh
[B] Bihar
[C] West Bengal
[D] Assam
Correct Answer: B [Bihar ]

Explanation:
The 6th Conference of Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) of India Region was inaugurated by
Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan in Patna, Bihar on February 16, 2018. The 2-day conference discussed
subjects of ‘Parliament’s role in the development agenda’ and ‘Legislature and Judiciary’. Over 100 delegates
from India and abroad, including Australia, Britain and Uganda, are participating in the conference.
Speakers of State Assemblies, Chairpersons of Legislative Councils and delegates from across the country
also took part. The theme of the conference is ‘Role of Parliament and Parliamentarians in achieving the
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)’. In the conference, Parliamentarians discuss a number of topics

© 2018 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | https://www.gktoday.in 40


Objective Current Affairs: February, 2018

including Parliament’s role in the development agenda and the relationship between the legislature and the
judiciary.
143.
The 54th Munich Security Conference (MSC-2018) was held in which country?
[A] France
[B] Belgium
[C] Brazil
[D] Germany
Correct Answer: D [Germany ]

Explanation:
The 54th Munich Security Conference (MSC-2018) was held in Munich, Germany from February 16-18 to
discuss pressing security issues, including North Korea’s nuclear and missile programs and the Syrian civil
war. US Defense Secretary Jim Mattis, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and Japanese Foreign
Minister Taro Kono attended the meet. The issue of North Korea’s nuclear weapons development program
was high on the agenda. The MSC is an annual conference on international security policy that has taken
place since 1963.
144.
Who has inaugurated the 8th edition of Theatre Olympics 2018?
[A] Narendra Modi
[B] Ram Nath Kovind
[C] M Venkaiah Naidu
[D] Sumitra Mahajan
.IN
Correct Answer: C [M Venkaiah Naidu]

Explanation:
AY

Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu has inaugurated the 8th edition of the Theatre Olympics at Lal Quila in
New Delhi on April 17. The event has been organised by National School of Drama under the aegis of
Ministry of Culture. The theme of the festival is – “Flag of Friendship”. The 51-day long nationwide theatre
D

extravaganza will feature Indian and international theatre groups, eminent theatre personalities along with
their performances. 30 countries are participating from across the globe. It will include 60 ‘living legends’
O

series conversing with theatre enthusiasts and 50 ‘master classes’ on various art forms. The 51-day long
nationwide theatre extravaganza will be held in various cities. The event will continue till 8th of April.
KT

There will be exhibitions, seminars, symposia, interactive discussions and workshops with well-known
authors, actors, designers and directors.
145.
G

Which state to launch cheap sanitary pad scheme “Asmita Yojana” for rural women?
[A] Punjab
[B] Haryana
[C] Maharashtra
[D] Rajasthan
Correct Answer: C [Maharashtra ]

Explanation:
The Maharashtra government will launch cheap sanitary pad scheme “Asmita Yojana” on the International
Women’s Day for rural women. Under the scheme, girls in Zilla Parishad schools will get a sanitary napkin
packet at Rs 5 while rural women can avail it at a subsidised rate of Rs 24 and Rs 29. The scheme, catering to
girl students and women in rural areas, will be formally launched on March 8, 2018.
146.
Which oil company to introduce Asia’s first large scale CO2 injection technique at Gandhar field?
[A] Oil and Natural Gas Corporation
[B] Indian Oil Corporation Limited
[C] Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited
[D] Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited
Correct Answer: A [Oil and Natural Gas Corporation]

Explanation:

© 2018 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | https://www.gktoday.in 41


Objective Current Affairs: February, 2018

The Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) will soon launch Asia’s first large scale CO2-injected project in
its Gandhar oil field in Gujarat to recover an extra 20 million barrels of crude oil under the Enhanced Oil
Recovery (EOR) programme which is being undertaken to improve India’s energy security. The EOR
programme is set to play a crucial role within the country for recovering up to 20% of residual oil from such
ageing fields.
147.
Who has been conferred with the 5th edition of Yash Chopra Memorial Award 2018?
[A] Jackie Shroff
[B] Asha Bhosle
[C] Poonam Dhillon
[D] David Dhawan
Correct Answer: B [Asha Bhosle]

Explanation:
Legendary singer Asha Bhosle has been conferred with the 5th edition of Yash Chopra Memorial Award
2018 on February 16 in Mumbai for her outstanding contribution to the Hindi film industry. The award has
been instituted by MP T Subbarami Reddy in the memory of Chopra, who died in 2012, in association with
Anu Ranjan and Shashi Ranjan. The award also carries a cash prize of Rs 10 lakh. The previous recipients of
the award were Lata Mangeshkar, Amitabh Bachchan, Rekha and Shah Rukh Khan.
148.
India and which country has recently signed pact to avoid double taxation & to prevent fiscal evasion?
[A] Israel .IN
[B] Myanmar
[C] Iran
[D] Sri Lanka
AY

Correct Answer: C [Iran ]

Explanation:
India and Iran has recently signed Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA) and the Prevention of
D

Fiscal Evasion with respect to taxes on income in New Delhi. The Agreement will stimulate flow of
investment, technology and personnel from India to Iran & vice versa, and will prevent double taxation. The
O

Agreement will provide for exchange of information between the two Contracting Parties as per latest
International Standards. It will improve transparency in tax matters and will help curb tax evasion and tax
KT

avoidance. The Agreement also meets treaty related minimum standards under G-20 OECD Base Erosion &
Profit Shifting (BEPS) Project, in which India participated on an equal footing.
149.
G

Which state is hosting the National Banana Festival (NBF) 2018?


[A] Karnataka
[B] Odisha
[C] Andhra Pradesh
[D] Kerala
Correct Answer: D [Kerala ]

Explanation:
The National Banana Festival (NBF-2018) has started at Kalliyoor, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala from
February 17 to 21. The festival is organised by Centre for Innovation in Science and Social action (CISSA) in
partnership with Kalliyoor Grama Panchayat and a host of National and State organisations. The two-day
event is aimed at helping farmers from across the country get exposure to new technologies and new
species in banana cultivation. The Banana Festival exhibition will showcase everything about banana. This
will provide first-hand information to the farmers and general public about its multifaceted uses.
150.
The Ranganadi Dam is located in which state?
[A] Punjab
[B] Arunachal Pradesh
[C] Himachal Pradesh
[D] Jammu & Kashmir

© 2018 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | https://www.gktoday.in 42


Objective Current Affairs: February, 2018

Correct Answer: B [Arunachal Pradesh]

Explanation:
The Ranganadi Dam is a concrete-gravity diversion dam on the Ranganadi River in Arunachal Pradesh
which serves a run-of-the-river scheme. The dam is intended for hydroelectric purposes and is part of Stage
I of the Ranganadi Hydro Electric Project and supports the 405-megawatt Dikrong Power House.
151.
Which city is hosting the World Congress on Information Technology?
[A] Jaipur
[B] Patna
[C] Hyderabad
[D] New Delhi
Correct Answer: C [Hyderabad ]

Explanation:
The prestigious World Congress on Information Technology has started in Hyderabad on February 19, 2018.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the inaugural session of the 3-day IT summit through a video
link. The World Information Technology and Services Alliance is organising Congress while the National
Alliance of Software and Services Companies and the Telangana state Government are jointly hosting the
prestigious event. Over 2000 delegates including heads of IT majors, visionaries, Government leaders and
academia from 30 countries will take part in the Congress being held for the first time in India. Over 150
global thought leaders will share their views during the Congress.
152.
.IN
Gundu Hanumantha Rao, who passed away recently, was associated with which field?
[A] Politics
[B] Law
AY

[C] Film Industry


[D] Science
Correct Answer: C [Film Industry]
D

Explanation:
Gundu Hanumantha Rao (61), the noted Telugu film comedian, has passed away in Hyderabad, Telangana on
O

February 19, 2018. Rao, born in Vijayawada, started his film career with “Aha Na Pellanta” in 1987 and acted
in around 400 films such as “Rajendrudu Gajendrudu” and “Yamaleela”. He is known for his roles in
KT

Pellaniki Premalekha Priyuraliki Subhalekha (1992), Rajendrudu Gajendrudu, Mayalodu, Jodi No.1, Nenu
Seetamahalakshmi, Kedi No.1, etc. He acted in over 600 movies in Telugu and is a popular TV artist.
153.
G

The 44th Khajuraho Dance Festival 2018 will held in which district of Madhya Pradesh?
[A] Ujjain
[B] Chhatarpur
[C] Sagar
[D] Singrauli
Correct Answer: B [Chhatarpur ]

Explanation:
The 44th Khajuraho Dance Festival 2018 will be held at the temple town in Chhatarpur district on February
20. The fest is being organised by the culture department of the Madhya Pradesh government. The 6-day
fest will showcase classical dances including Kathak, Odissi, Bharatnatyam, Kuchipudi, Kathakali and
Mohiniattam. This year, the Art Mart (which is part of the festival) would showcase paintings of
international artists from Germany, France and China among other countries. During the festival, dances
are performed in an open- air auditorium, usually in front of the Chitragupta Temple dedicated to the Sun
God and the Vishwanatha Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temples at Khajuraho, built by the Chandela
dynasty between 950 AD and 1050 AD, are world-wide known for their erotic.
154.
Who will be the new Chairman of the Indian Council of Historical Research (ICHR)?
[A] Arvind P. Jamkhedkar
[B] Achala Moulik

© 2018 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | https://www.gktoday.in 43


Objective Current Affairs: February, 2018

[C] Shereen Ratnagar


[D] P. V. Parabrahma Sastry
Correct Answer: A [Arvind P. Jamkhedkar]

Explanation:
Archaeologist and historian Arvind P. Jamkhedkar will be the new Chairman of the Indian Council of
Historical Research (ICHR). He will replace Prof. K. Sudershan Rao, whose term as ICHR chief was mired in
controversy. The post fell vacant after Prof. Rao’s retirement. Prof. Jamkhedkar is at present Chancellor of
Deccan College, Pune, known in academic circles for its archaeology department. Prof. Jamkhedkar, who
taught at Dhule, Nagpur and Mumbai, was vice-president of the Asiatic Society of Mumbai from 2007 to
2013. He is also editor of the Journal of Asiatic Society of Mumbai .
155.
Which online payment service provider has partnered with Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) for
deployment of PoS terminals?
[A] Paytm
[B] JioMoney
[C] Freecharge
[D] PhonePe
Correct Answer: D [PhonePe]

Explanation:
PhonePe, the online payment service provider, has partnered with Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) to
.IN
deploy its own Point of Sale (POS) payment terminals across all IOCL retail outlets nationally. As part of the
pilot program, PhonePe PoS devices have already been installed at 30 IOCL outlets. The device will allow
IOCL customers to pay using UPI, credit and debit cards, PhonePe wallet, or other external wallets
including JIO money and Freecharge.
AY

156.
Which state to have India’s first artificial intelligence centre?
[A] Andhra Pradesh
D

[B] Maharashtra
[C] Kerala
O

[D] Tamil Nadu


Correct Answer: B [Maharashtra ]
KT

Explanation:
India’s first Artificial Intelligence (AI) centre will be set up by the Maharashtra Government in Mumbai.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis will launch the plan for the institute during the Magnetic Maharashtra
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Summit and at the Global Economic Conference in Canada in March 2018. The AI institute will give a fresh
impetus to the fourth industrial revolution, and promote Mumbai as an investment destination in
innovations and data analysis. The main aim of the centre is to integrate artificial intelligence in the field of
social development.
157.
Didier Lockwood, the noted jazz violinist has passed away. He hailed from which country?
[A] Canada
[B] Germany
[C] Brazil
[D] France
Correct Answer: D [France]

Explanation:
Didier Lockwood (62), the noted French jazz violinist, has passed away in Paris on February 18, 2018. He was
known for his use of electric amplification and experimentation on different sounds on the electric violin.
Lockwood was a disciple of the late Stephane Grappelli.
158.
The Botanical Survey of India (BSI) and UK’s Natural History Museum (NHM) have signed pact for
cooperation in the field of genetic/taxonomic studies. Where is the headquarters of BSI?
[A] Pune

© 2018 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | https://www.gktoday.in 44


Objective Current Affairs: February, 2018

[B] Kochi
[C] Kolkata
[D] Chennai
Correct Answer: C [Kolkata]

Explanation:
The Botanical Survey of India (BSI) and UK’s Natural History Museum (NHM) have signed a Memorandum
of Understanding (MoU) in New Delhi on February 16, 2018 for cooperation in the field of genetic/taxonomic
studies, research and training, conservation in India, including species and habitat conservation
assessments, etc. The MoU will pave the way for BSI staff to work in Natural History Museum, London and
vice-versa and they will share fairly and equitably the benefits that may arise from the collection, study and
conservation of the plant materials such as seeds, herbarium specimens and tissue samples and exchange
associated data and images. NHM will help BSI in capacity building in areas of systematic botany and long-
term conservation of plant genetic resources in India. The headquarters of BSI is located in Kolkata, West
Bengal.
159.
What is the theme of the World Day of Social Justice 2018?
[A] Preventing conflict and sustaining peace through decent work
[B] Workers on the Move: the Quest for Social Justice
[C] Promote global justice & poverty eradication
[D] A Just Transition – environmentally sustainable economies and societies
Correct Answer: B [Workers on the Move: the Quest for Social Justice] .IN
Explanation:
The World Day of Social Justice is observed every year on February 20 to recognize the need to promote
efforts to tackle issues such as poverty, exclusion and unemployment. It is an opportunity to recognize
AY

social and economic injustices in the world — and to find ways to help those affected. The day aims to break
down the barriers created by gender, class, race, sexuality and religion to create a world that promotes
health, opportunity and justice for all. The 2018 theme is “Workers on the Move: the Quest for Social
Justice”.
D

160.
O

The Kallanai Dam is built across which river in Tamil Nadu?


[A] Kaveri
KT

[B] Godavari
[C] Krishna
[D] Tapti
G

Correct Answer: A [Kaveri ]

Explanation:
The Kallanai dam is an ancient dam, which is built across the Kaveri river in Tiruchirapalli district in Tamil
Nadu. It is the 4th-oldest water-diversion or water-regulator structures in the world and the oldest in India
which is still in use. Originally, the dam was constructed by the Chola king Karikalan in 2nd century AD.
161.
Which city is hosting the National conference on doubling farmers income?
[A] Hyderabad
[B] New Delhi
[C] Kochi
[D] Chennai
Correct Answer: B [New Delhi]

Explanation:
The National conference on “Agriculture 2022- Doubling Farmers’ Income” has started at National
Agriculture Science Complex (NASC) in New Delhi on February 19, 2018. It is organized by the Union
Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare (MoA&FW). The 2-day conference is organized with a view to
identifying various critical issues relating to agriculture and farmers’ welfare and finding appropriate
solutions. The main aim of the conference is to build a consensus around appropriate recommendations
that will help in shaping the vision of the government. The participants of conference comprising farmers,

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Objective Current Affairs: February, 2018

farmers’ associations, scientists, economists, trade industry, NGOs and policymakers. In the Budget 2018,
the government has proposed fixing of the minimum support price of Kharif crops at least 1.5 times over
the cost of production.
162.
Which city is hosting the regional conference of southern states on water resources?
[A] Hyderabad
[B] Thiruvananthapuram
[C] Kochi
[D] Chennai
Correct Answer: A [Hyderabad]

Explanation:
The Union Water Resources ministry is holding the regional conference of southern states in Hyderabad on
February 20, 2018 to resolve the pending inter-state water issues. During the meeting, issues such as the
implementation of the latest orders of the Supreme Court on sharing of Cauvery waters, interlinking of
rivers like Godavari-Cauvery, notification of jurisdiction of Krishna and Godavari Water Management
Boards, Polavaram Project are among issues scheduled to come up for discussion. Ministers and Principal
Secretaries of Water Resources of Six southern states – Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry,
Karnataka, Kerala, Telangana are scheduled to take part in the meeting which will be chaired by Minister of
State for Water Resources Arjun Ram Meghwal.
163.
Which committee has been constituted by the Union Government to study Brahmaputra and flood control
.IN
measures in Assam?
[A] Rajiv Kumar committee
[B] Prithvi Gupta committee
AY

[C] Nishal Jain committee


[D] Kirti Kumar committee
Correct Answer: A [Rajiv Kumar committee]
D

Explanation:
The Union Government has constituted a committee headed by Rajiv Kumar, the Vice Chairman of the NITI
O

Aayog, to study the Brahmaputra and flood control measures in Assam and neighboring states .
164.
KT

The UK – India Joint research projects on clean water & energy has launched in which city?
[A] Pune
[B] Jaipur
G

[C] New Delhi


[D] Bhopal
Correct Answer: C [New Delhi]

Explanation:
The UK – India Joint research projects on ‘Water Quality Research’ and ‘Energy Demand Reduction in Built
Environment’ were launched in New Delhi on February 20, 2018. The projects were jointly launched by NITI
Aayog member Dr V K Saraswat, Department of Science and Technology Secretary Ashutosh Sharma and
Research Councils UK- India Director Daniel Shah. The Water Quality Research programme has 8 projects
and ‘Energy Demand Reduction in Built Environment’ programme has four projects, with a total joint
investment of up to 15 million British Pound. These projects aim to deliver mutual benefits and research
solutions not only to the UK and India but also to address shared global sustainable development goals of
clean water and clean energy.
165.
M.S. Anantharaman, who passed away, was noted personality of which musical instrument?
[A] Guitar
[B] Violin
[C] Tabla
[D] Sarangi
Correct Answer: B [Violin]

© 2018 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | https://www.gktoday.in 46


Objective Current Affairs: February, 2018

Explanation:
Noted violinist M.S. Anantharaman (94), an exponent of Parur style of violin playing, has passed away in
Chennai, Tamil Nadu on February 19, 2018. The Parur School is known for its violin recital by mixing the
basic features of Carnatic and Hindustani styles.
166.
Who has won the 2018 Rotterdam Open men’s singles tennis tournament?
[A] Grigor Dimitrov
[B] David Goffin
[C] Stan Wawrinka
[D] Roger Federer
Correct Answer: D [Roger Federer]

Explanation:
Roger Federer, a Swiss professional tennis player, has won the 2018 Rotterdam Open men’s singles tennis
tournament by defeating Grigor Dimitrov in the final by 6-2-6-2 in Rotterdam, Netherlands. It was his 97th
career title. This was Federer’s 3rd title in Rotterdam following successes in 2005 and 2012. In the Open era,
only American Jimmy Connors has won more titles than Federer, with 109.
167.
Which company has got audio-visual production rights of the 11th of the Indian Premier League (IPL-2018)?
[A] Oppo
[B] Reliance .IN
[C] Star India
[D] Vodafone
Correct Answer: C [Star India]
AY

Explanation:
Star India, the official broadcaster for the Indian Premier League (IPL), has got the audio-visual production
rights of the 11th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL-2018). The 2018 IPL will be held in Mumbai,
D

Maharashtra from April 7 to May 27. The announcement was made on February 19 when the BCCI opened
the bids for the audio-visual production rights for the IPL and the 2018-19 domestic cricket season.
O

168.
Which of the following start-ups has been recognized as the Startup of the Year 2017?
KT

[A] 9Stacks
[B] Milkbasket
[C] Vahdam Teas
G

[D] WishBerry
Correct Answer: B [Milkbasket]

Explanation:
Milkbasket, India’s first and largest micro-delivery platform, has been recognised as ‘Startup of the Year’
2017 at the 7th Small Business Awards held in New Delhi. The startup of the year award is dedicated to
young SMEs, aged 7 years or less, with great potential to become big in local/international markets.
169.
Which country to host global World Environment Day (WED-2018) celebrations?
[A] India
[B] China
[C] South Africa
[D] Brazil
Correct Answer: A [India]

Explanation:
India will be the global host of 2018 World Environment Day (WED), which is scheduled to be held on June 5,
2018. The theme “Beat Plastic Pollution” urges governments, industry, communities, and individuals to
come together and explore sustainable alternatives and urgently reduce the production and excessive use of
single-use plastic polluting our oceans, damaging marine life and threatening human health. The World
Environment Day is a UN Environment-led global event and is the single largest celebration of our

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Objective Current Affairs: February, 2018

environment each year.


170.
Which film has won the best film award at the 71st British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA)
Awards?
[A] The Shape of Water
[B] Call Me by Your Name
[C] Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri
[D] Darkest Hour
Correct Answer: C [Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri]

Explanation:
Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri has won the best film award at the 71st British Academy Film
Awards at the Royal Albert Hall in London, England on February 18, 2018. The movie was directed by Martin
McDonagh. The movie is about a woman seeking justice for her daughter’s murder.
171.
Which Empowered Expert Committee (EEC) has been constituted by the University Grants Commission
(UGC)?
[A] Pritam Singh committee
[B] Jorge Paulo Lemman committee
[C] Tarun Khanna committee
[D] N Gopalaswami committee
Correct Answer: D [N Gopalaswami committee]

Explanation:
.IN
The University Grants Commission (UGC) has recently constituted a four-member Empowered Expert
AY
Committee (EEC), which is being entrusted to conduct the appraisal of applications for short listing 20
Institutions of Eminence. N Gopalaswami, former Chief Election Commissioner of India is the Chairperson
of the committee. The government is likely to announce the names of the selected institutions by April
2018. The committee was constituted by the UGC after the approval of the central government, as per the
D

UGC (Institutions of Eminence Deemed to be Universities) Regulation, 2017, and UGC (Declaration of
Government Educational Institutions as Institutions of Eminence) Guidelines, 2017.
O

172.
Which union minister has launched New Swajal Project in Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand?
KT

[A] Narendra Modi


[B] Maneka Gandhi
[C] Uma Bharati
G

[D] Arun Jaitely


Correct Answer: C [Uma Bharati]

Explanation:
Uma Bharati, the Union minister of Drinking Water and Sanitation, has launched the Bagori Ganga Gram
project, New Swajal Project at Bagori and Gangotri Iconic Place at Dunda village in Uttarkashi district of
Uttarakhand on February 20, 2018. Besides creating cleanliness, providing basic amenities to the people of
Ganga bank villages, these projects would also generate employment. The Open Defecation Free (ODF)
village Bagori is one of the 24 pilot Ganga Villages picked up to be transformed into Ganga Grams this year.
Swajal is a community owned drinking water programme for sustained drinking water supply.
173.
Which country has recently declared to impose a ‘carbon tax’ from 2019 to cut its greenhouse gas emissions?
[A] India
[B] Singapore
[C] Malaysia
[D] Japan
Correct Answer: B [Singapore ]

Explanation:
The Singapore government will impose a ‘carbon tax’ from 2019 to cut its greenhouse gas emissions and
make companies more competitive as global agreements on climate change take effect. According to

© 2018 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | https://www.gktoday.in 48


Objective Current Affairs: February, 2018

government, the tax would be levied on all facilities producing 25,000 tonnes or more of greenhouse gas
emissions a year. The tax, to be applied to all sectors, will be Sg$5.0 ($3.8) per tonne of greenhouse gas
emissions from 2019 to 2023, after which the levy will be reviewed and possibly raised to between Sg$10
and Sg$15 per tonne by 2030.
174.
Which committee has been constituted by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to look into bank frauds?
[A] Y H Malegam committee
[B] A.K. Misra committee
[C] Nandkumar Saravade committee
[D] S Raman committee
Correct Answer: A [Y H Malegam committee]

Explanation:
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has constituted a new 5-member expert Committee under the
chairmanship of Y H Malegam, a former member of the Central Board of Directors of RBI, to look into the
reasons for wide divergence by banks in asset classification and provisioning by banks and measures to
prevent frauds. The committee will also look into the issue of huge non-performing asset divergences —
between what banks classify and what is detected in RBI inspection — and recommend steps to address the
issue. The other members of the committee are Bharat Doshi, S. Raman and Nandkumar Saravade. A.K.
Misra, Executive Director of RBI, will be the Member-Secretary of the committee.
175.
Which country has won the 5th Commonwealth bridge championship 2018? .IN
[A] China
[B] Australia
[C] India
AY

[D] Japan
Correct Answer: C [India]

Explanation:
D

The Indian team, led by Kiran Nadar, won the 5th Commonwealth bridge championship, held from February
14 to 18 in Gold Coast, Australia. India beat Australia 103-65 in the final, after negotiating 11 rounds of
O

qualification phase, followed by the knock-out stage from the quarterfinals. B. Satyanarayana, Jaggy
Shivdasani, Rajeshwar Tewari, Sunit Chokshi and Keyzad Anklesaria were the other members.
KT

176.
Which telecom company has signed pact with Japan’s NTT AT for futuristic technologies & 5G test?
[A] Vodafone
G

[B] Idea
[C] Reliance
[D] BSNL
Correct Answer: D [BSNL ]

Explanation:
State-owned telecom firm BSNL and Japan’s NTT AT along with their Indian partner Virgo Corps, have
signed a MoU (memorandum of understanding) to collaborate in futuristic technologies such as artificial
intelligence / IoT and jointly create a 5G test bedan agreement to collaborate in developing futuristic
technologies. The agreement is in line with the vision of the Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Japanese
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe to collaborate on the next generation technologies and use the expertise of India
in software and Japanese expertise in manufacturing.
177.
Which country is hosting the 22nd edition of the World Congress on Information Technology (WCIT-2018)?
[A] Brazil
[B] United States
[C] India
[D] Japan
Correct Answer: C [India]

Explanation:

© 2018 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | https://www.gktoday.in 49


Objective Current Affairs: February, 2018

The 22nd edition of the World Congress on Information Technology (WCIT-2018) has been inaugurated by
Prime Minister Narendra Modi through a video conference in Hyderabad on Feb 19, which will continue till
Feb 21. The WCIT is held for the first time in India. Beside this, the 26th edition of NASSCOM India
Leadership Forum (ILF) was also held in the same venue later on. Since NASSCOM is the host of the WCIT,
the 26th edition of India Leadership Forum (ILF) is a limited edition. Telangana is the state partner for both
the events. At least 20 CEOs from Fortune 500 companies and 100 other top executives besides over 5,000
delegates are expected to attend the conference.
178.
Which city is hosting the 2018 Sanskriti Mahotsav ‘Swachhagrah – Bapu ko Kaaryaanjali”?
[A] Hyderabad
[B] Varanasi
[C] Patna
[D] Shillong
Correct Answer: B [Varanasi]

Explanation:
The Sanskriti Mahotsav “Swachhagrah – Bapu ko Kaaryaanjali” has started at the Man Mandir Ghat and
Assi Ghat in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh on February 21, 2018 to celebrate the creative and cultural industries
in Varanasi and to focus attention on the need for Swachhta by using cultural forms. The 2-day Mahotsav
will integrate the tangible and intangible heritage along the river-belt and will see the engagement of the
academia, artists, artisans, writers, poets, environmental and cultural forums on the use of cultural
expressions for conservation and protection of the river and the ancient city. It will cover a profusion of art
.IN
forms from classical, folk music, dance and visual arts and would offer the chance to experience the best in
established and emerging virtuosity.
179.
AY
The Union Cabinet has recently approved Silkyara Bend-Barkot Tunnel as part of ‘Chardham Mahamarg
Pariyojana’. The tunnel is located in which state?
[A] Jammu & Kashmir
[B] Uttarakhand
D

[C] Himachal Pradesh


[D] Punjab
O

Correct Answer: B [Uttarakhand ]

Explanation:
KT

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has
given its approval to the construction of 4.531 km long 2-Lane Bi-Directional Silkyara Bend-Barkot Tunnel
in Uttarakhand as part of ‘Chardham Mahamarg Pariyojana’. The tunnel will have escape passage including
G

approaches on Dharasu -Yamunotri section between Chainage 25.400 Km. and Chainage 51.000 Km. The
project will be falling along NH-134 (old NH-94) in the State of Uttarakhand and will be built under
Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) Mode. This is funded under NH (O) Scheme of Ministry
of RT&H and forms part of ambitious Chardham Plan. The construction period of the project is 4 years.
180.
Where is the headquarters of the Centre for Policy Research (CPR)?
[A] Kochi
[B] Lucknow
[C] New Delhi
[D] Jaipur
Correct Answer: C [New Delhi]

Explanation:
The Centre for Policy Research (CPR) is an Indian think tank focused on public policy. It was established in
1973 and located in New Delhi. It is one of 27 national social science research institutes recognized by the
Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR), the apex advisory body of the Government of India for
the promotion of research in the social sciences. The aims of CPR are to develop substantive policy options
on matters relevant to the Indian polity, economy and society; to provide advisory services to governments,
public bodies and other institutions; and to disseminate information on policy issues through various
channels.

© 2018 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | https://www.gktoday.in 50


Objective Current Affairs: February, 2018

181.
What is the India’s rank in the global Corruption Perception Index (CPI) for 2017, which is recently released by
the Transparency International (TI)?
[A] 76th
[B] 93rd
[C] 55th
[D] 81st
Correct Answer: D [81st ]

Explanation:
India has been ranked 81st out of 180 countries in the global Corruption Perception Index (CPI) for 2017,
released by Transparency International (TI), which named the country among the “worst offenders” in
terms of graft and press freedom in the Asia Pacific region. In 2016 India was in the 79th place among 176
countries. The index, which measures perception of corruption in the public sector, uses a scale of 0 to 100,
where 0 is highly corrupt and 100 is very clean. India’s score remained intact at 40 points in both 2016 and
2017. This year, New Zealand and Denmark scored the highest scores with 89 and 88 out of 100,
respectively. Somalia was found to be the most corrupt country in the world. The 2017 index highlights that
the majority of countries are making little or no progress in ending corruption, while further analysis
shows journalists and activists in corrupt countries risking their lives every day in an effort to speak out.
182.
Which state government has officially launched Parivartan scheme – Cleanliness & Pollution Free Drive ?
[A] Haryana .IN
[B] Uttar Pradesh
[C] Chattisgarh
[D] Madhya Pradesh
AY
Correct Answer: A [Haryana ]

Explanation:
The Haryana government has officially launched the Parivartan scheme, which is designed to address 10
D

issues including cleanliness and pollution, in 46 developmental blocks of the state. The 10 issues include
facilitation of financing, making agriculture profitable and sustainable, improving health services,
O

implementing Swachh Bharat, decongesting market areas, engaging the youth, checking air pollution,
ensuring availability of identity-related services, effective policing, and ensuring road order and conduct.
Under this scheme, the state government will provide training (practical) to the employees and thus will
KT

create strong training workforce in the state. This is a unique scheme in order to ensure that the benefit of
all government scheme must reach the people.
183.
G

Avani Chaturvedi has become the first Indian woman to fly fighter aircraft solo. She hails from which state?
[A] Gujarat
[B] Himachal Pradesh
[C] Madhya Pradesh
[D] Rajasthan
Correct Answer: C [Madhya Pradesh ]

Explanation:
Flying officer Avani Chaturvedi from Madhya Pradesh has scripted history by becoming the first Indian
woman to fly a fighter aircraft solo. She flew a MiG-21 bison in her first solo sortie from IAF’s Jamnagar
base in Gujarat on February 19. She is one of the three in the first batch of female pilots, besides Bhawana
Kanth and Mohana Singh, who were inducted in Indian Air Force fighter squadron in 2016. They were
commissioned as flying officers after the government took the decision in 2015 to open the fighter stream
for women on an experimental basis in three women pilots had undergone strenuous training programme
to fly fighter jets. The IAF has already selected the next batch of three women trainee pilots for the fighter
stream.
184.
The 6th edition of annual joint military exercise ‘Garuda Shakti-2018’ has started between India and which
country?
[A] Indonesia

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Objective Current Affairs: February, 2018

[B] Brazil
[C] Sri Lanka
[D] Myanmar
Correct Answer: A [Indonesia]

Explanation:
The 6th edition of annual joint military exercise ‘Garuda Shakti-2018’ has started between Indian and
Indonesian Army in Bandung, Indonesia on February 19, 2018. This joint exercise between Indian and
Indonesian Special Forces highlights the increasing trust and cooperation between the two armies. The aim
of exercise is to build experience sharing in counter-terrorism operations, close quarter combat and other
areas of special operations. It is a two-week long joint Military drill.
185.
Who will chair the NITI Forum for Northeast, which will be set up by the Union Government?
[A] Vice-Chairman of NITI Aayog
[B] Minister of State (I/C)
[C] Ministry of Development of Northeastern Region (DoNER)
[D] All of the above
Correct Answer: D [All of the above]

Explanation:
The Union Government will set up the ‘NITI Forum for North-East’ to identify various constraints on the
way of accelerated, inclusive and sustainable economic growth in the North East Region of the country and
.IN
to recommend suitable interventions for addressing identified constraints. It will also review the
development status in the NER. The forum will be co-chaired by the Vice-Chairman of NITI Aayog and
Minister of State (I/C), Ministry of Development of Northeastern Region (DoNER). The forum will have its
Secretariat in the Ministry of DoNER. The Forum may examine and address any other issues which are of
AY

importance but not specifically spelt out in its Terms of Reference. It may devise its own procedure to
conduct its business/meetings/fields visits or constitution of Sub-Groups etc.
186.
D

Kunhiraman Panoor, the renowned author and human rights activist has passed away. He hailed from which
state?
O

[A] Kerala
[B] Andhra Pradesh
KT

[C] Karnataka
[D] Tamil Nadu
Correct Answer: A [Kerala ]
G

Explanation:
Kunhiraman Panoor (84), the renowned author and human rights activist, has passed away in Kannur,
Kerala on February 20, 2018. He was known for his work ‘Keralathile Africa’, in which he portrayed the ill-
fated, slavish lives of Kerala tribals. He had won the Kerala Sahithya Akademi award for comprehensive
contribution in 2006.
187.
Which union minister has inaugurated the ‘International R&D Conclave’ in New Delhi?
[A] R.K. Singh
[B] Manoj Sinha
[C] Mahesh Sharma
[D] Alphons Kannanthanam
Correct Answer: A [R.K. Singh]

Explanation:
R.K. Singh, the Union Minister of State (IC) for Power and New & Renewable Energy, has inaugurated the
‘International R&D Conclave’ in New Delhi. It is a 2-day conference on Emerging Opportunities and
Challenges of R&D in Indian Power Sector. It has been organized by Central Electricity Authority (CEA). The
conference was stressed upon the need of a dedicated R&D department in CEA to coordinate the research in
the power sector. The sessions in the Conference will focus on R&D activities in Thermal Generation, Hydro
Generation, Renewable Energy, Transmission, Grid Operation, Distribution, Trading, Marketing and Tariff.

© 2018 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | https://www.gktoday.in 52


Objective Current Affairs: February, 2018

188.
Which state government has recently made vaccinations compulsory for school admissions?
[A] Karnataka
[B] Punjab
[C] Uttar Pradesh
[D] Kerala
Correct Answer: D [Kerala ]

Explanation:
The Kerala government has recently made vaccination compulsory for school admissions to Class 1 from
the 2018-’19 academic year. Parents will have to show details of immunization shots given to children
during enrolment in school. The health minister of Kerala KK Shailaja has released the new health policy
draft. The move comes in the wake of stiff opposition from certain communities against the vaccination
drive. Other provisions of the new policy include a standard treatment guideline for all hospitals, including
private institutions, and transgender clinics at all district hospitals. An antibiotic guidelines committee will
also be formed to prepare a policy for antibiotics. The purpose of the new health draft policy is to reduce
maternal mortality rate from 66 per lakh to 30 per lakh in the short term, and infant mortality from 12 per
lakh to eight. It aims to reduce neonatal mortality from seven per lakh to five. The draft envisages a new
Kerala Public Health Act to cover all issues in the health sector.
189.
The Raja Lakhamagouda dam is built across on which tributary of Krishna river in in which Karnataka?
[A] Koyna River .IN
[B] Ghataprabha River
[C] Mand River
[D] Venna River
AY
Correct Answer: B [Ghataprabha River]

Explanation:
The Raja Lakhamagouda dam is a dam constructed across the Ghataprabha River in the Krishna River basin.
D

It is situated at Hidkal village in Hukkeri Taluk of Belagavi district in North Karnataka. The dam with the
height of 62.48 metres and 10 Vertical Crest Gates, impounds a large reservoir with a gross surface area of
O

63.38 Square kilometres, and storage capacity of 51.16 Tmcft. It is an earthen and masonry dam which caters
to the Irrigation needs for over 8,20,000 acres, and Hydel power generation.
KT

190.
The Uttar Pradesh government has signed pact with which online company for khadi products sale?
[A] FlipKart
[B] Paytm
G

[C] Amazon India


[D] PhonePe
Correct Answer: C [Amazon India]

Explanation:
The Khadi and Village Industries Board of Uttar Pradesh has signed a pact with Amazon India to facilitate
online selling of Khadi products. As part of an MoU, Amazon India will educate, train and enable rural khadi
artisans to directly sell their products to Amazon.in customers across the country under the brand of UP
Khadi. The portfolio online will include products such as khadi shirts, kurtas, dhotis, towels and gourmet
food which has a tremendous potential and demand in urban areas.
191.
The India International Textiles Expo (IITExpo) has started in which city?
[A] New Delhi
[B] Kathmandu
[C] Kolkata
[D] Colombo
Correct Answer: D [Colombo ]

Explanation:
The 3-day India International Textiles Expo (IITExpo) has started in Sri Lankan capital of Colombo on

© 2018 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | https://www.gktoday.in 53


Objective Current Affairs: February, 2018

February 21, 2018. It is being organized by Powerloom Development & Export Promotion Council (PDEXCIL)
with the support of Union Ministry of Textiles & Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India
(GoI). The Chief Guest at the inauguration ceremony was Dr. Sarath Amunugama, Minister of Special
Assignments of Sri Lanka. At the event, about 45 exhibitors from various textile clusters of India are
displaying variety of fabrics, home textiles, traditional items etc. suitable for apparel, industrial, technical
application and general consumers. This would be a unique opportunity to see the products of reputed
Indian textile companies under one roof.
192.
The Telangana government has signed a technology partnership agreement with which country at the World
Congress on Information Technology (WCIT) 2018?
[A] Sri Lanka
[B] Taiwan
[C] Japan
[D] Australia
Correct Answer: B [Taiwan]

Explanation:
The Telangana Government has signed a technology partnership agreement with the Taiwanese city of
Taoyuan to facilitate learning and knowledge sharing in emerging technologies and their implementation
at the World Congress on Information Technology (WCIT) 2018 in Hyderabad on February 21. Taoyuan is a
hub for firms working in new-age technologies such as robotics and IoT (Internet of Things). Therefore, the
partnership would promote knowledge sharing between various entities. It would provide insights into
.IN
implementation of IoT, robotics and other emerging technologies, including VR/AR in governance and for
offering government-to-citizen services. The WCIT, which was conducted in India for the first time, was a
grand success with about 2,500 delegates attending it.
AY
193.
What is the theme of the 2018 International Mother Language Day (IMLD)?
[A] Quality education, language(s) of instruction and learning outcomes
[B] Inclusion in and through education: Language counts
D

[C] Linguistic diversity and multilingualism count for sustainable development


[D] Towards Sustainable Futures through Multilingual Education
O

Correct Answer: C [Linguistic diversity and multilingualism count for sustainable development]

Explanation:
KT

The International Mother Language Day (IMLD) is celebrated every year by UNESCO on February 21 to
promote awareness of linguistic and cultural diversityand promote multilingualism. This year, in 2018,
UNESCO commemorates the 70th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and its bold
G

statement that ‘no discrimination can be made on the basis of language’, and celebrates its translation into
more than 500 languages. The 2018 theme is “Linguistic diversity and multilingualism count for sustainable
development”.
194.
India will co-host the first International Solar Alliance (ISA) summit with which country?
[A] France
[B] Germany
[C] Japan
[D] Canada
Correct Answer: A [France ]

Explanation:
India and France will co-host will co-host the first International Solar Alliance (ISA) summit at Rashtrapati
Bhavan in New Delhi on 11th March 2018, where at least 10 heads of state are expected to be present. The
ISA will see representation from over 120 countries and multilateral bodies like the United Nations, World
Bank and Asian Development Bank (ADB). The ISA is a treaty-based international body for promotion of
solar energy in alliance with 121 countries, which are lying fully or partially between the Tropics of Cancer
and Capricorn. The summit would discuss various projects being prepared by different countries in areas
including rural electrification, off grid solar, water supply and irrigation.

© 2018 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | https://www.gktoday.in 54


Objective Current Affairs: February, 2018

195.
Suresh Seth, who passed away recently, was associated with which political party?
[A] Bahujan Samaj Party
[B] Bharatiya Janata Party
[C] Indian National Congress
[D] Nationalist Congress Party
Correct Answer: C [Indian National Congress]

Explanation:
Suresh Seth (86), the former Madhya Pradesh minister and senior Congress leader, has passed away in
Indore on February 21, 2018. He was popularly known as `Sher-e-Indore’ for vociferously raising issues of
public interest and corruption. Seth had served as the minister for urban administration in then chief
minister Arjun Singh’s cabinet, and also as the Indore Mayor.
196.
What is the theme of 7th edition of the Youth Festival 2018 in New Delhi?
[A] Let Love Live
[B] Let Unite for Nation
[C] Let Save Trees
[D] Let Help Nation
Correct Answer: A [Let Love Live]

Explanation:
.IN
The 7th edition of the Youth Festival has started with theme “Let Love Live” at Central Park in New Delhi on
February 22, 2018. The 6-day is organised by Sahitya Kala Parishad and the Department of Art, Culture and
Languages, Delhi Government. The main purpose of this fest is to promote young performers. This year’s
festival is focused on “celebration of the freedom to love” and will host performances that drive home this
AY

message among the youngsters of Delhi.


197.
Billy Graham, the renowned Christian evangelist has passed away. He was related to which country?
D

[A] France
[B] United States
O

[C] United Kingdom


[D] South Africa
KT

Correct Answer: B [United States]

Explanation:
Billy Graham, one of the most widely heard Christian evangelist in history, has passed away in North
G

Carolina, USA on February 21, 2018. He is credited for transforming American religious life through his
preaching and activism. His leadership summits and crusades in more than 185 countries and territories
forged powerful global links among conservative Christians, and threw a lifeline to believers in the
communist-controlled Eastern bloc. Dubbed America’s pastor, Graham was a confidant to US Presidents
from Dwight Eisenhower to George W. Bush. In 1983, President Reagan gave him the Presidential Medal of
Freedom, America’s highest civilian honour. Graham’s reached millions of people through his pioneering
use of prime-time telecasts, network radio, daily newspaper columns, evangelistic feature films and globe-
girdling satellite TV.
198.
India has contributed how much amount of aid for rehabilitation work in cyclone-hit Tonga?
[A] $2 million
[B] $1.5 million
[C] $1.0 million
[D] $2.5 million
Correct Answer: C [$1.0 million]

Explanation:
The Government of India (GoI) has contributed $1 million aid for the rehabilitation efforts in kingdom of
Tonga after the Tropical Cyclone Gita caused massive destruction in the Pacific island nation. India has
allocated $500,000 in the India-UN Development Partnership Fund for the rehabilitation efforts while

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Objective Current Affairs: February, 2018

$500,000 will be provided for immediate relief assistance. The India-UN Development Partnership Fund is
supported and led by the Government of India (GoI) and managed by the United Nations Office for South-
South Cooperation. The Fund supports Southern-owned and led, demand-driven, transformational
sustainable development projects across the developing world, with a focus on least developed countries
and Small Island developing states. The United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
reported that the Category 4 cyclone was the worst on record to hit Tonga.
199.
The Chandrapur Super Thermal Power Station (CSTPS) is located in which state?
[A] Maharashtra
[B] Madhya Pradesh
[C] Tamil Nadu
[D] Odisha
Correct Answer: A [Maharashtra]

Explanation:
The Chandrapur Super Thermal Power Station (CSTPS) is located in Chandrapur district of Maharashtra.
With the total capacity of 3340MW, the plant is largest power plant in the Maharashtra. It accounts for
more than 25% of total Maharashtra needs. The plant gets water supply from Erai Dam when in normal
conditions.
200.
Which country to host the 23rd edition of the World Congress on Information Technology (WCIT-2019)?
[A] Mexico .IN
[B] Brazil
[C] Canada
[D] Armenia
AY

Correct Answer: D [Armenia]

Explanation:
The 23rd edition of the World Congress on Information Technology (WCIT-2019) will be held in Yerevan,
D

Armenia. The WCIT is the largest and the most reputable international event among worldwide IT leaders.
It brings together high-level officials from different countries, heads of multinational organizations,
O

universities and scientific research centers, non-governmental organizations’ representatives and many
more. The event includes discussions of legal, political and economic trends affecting IT business processes,
KT

presentations of innovative solutions, B2B meetings and so on. The WCIT 2019 will be the first Congress
being held in Europe since 2010.
201.
G

Which country to host the 2018 SAARC Business Leaders’ Conclave?


[A] Nepal
[B] Myanmar
[C] India
[D] Sri Lanka
Correct Answer: A [Nepal ]

Explanation:
The 2018 SAARC Business Leaders’ Conclave will be held in Kathmandu, Nepal from March 16 to 18, with an
objective to promote investment, innovation and entrepreneurship in the region. The bi-annual event of the
SAARC Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SAARC-CCI) is going to be held in Nepal for the second time
and the government is going to host the regional event jointly with SAARC-CCI. Former President of India,
Pranab Mukherjee, has been invited to deliver a keynote speech in the conclave. Former president of Sri
Lanka Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga has also been invited to address the meet. Top-notch
business people from the region will be addressing the conclave. India has so far conducted this event three
times, and Nepal and Sri Lanka have organised it once so far.
202.
Which Indian sportsman has clinched the men’s singles title at the Austrian Open International Challenge
badminton tournament?
[A] Srikanth Kidambi

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Objective Current Affairs: February, 2018

[B] H. S. Prannoy
[C] B. Sai Praneeth
[D] Parupalli Kashyap
Correct Answer: D [Parupalli Kashyap]

Explanation:
Reigning Commonwealth Games champion Parupalli Kashyap has won men’s singles title at the 2018
Austrian Open International Challenge badminton tournament. He defeated Malaysia’s June Wei Cheam in
straight games late last night to clinch his first international title in over three years. Kashyap looked in
good touch throughout the tournament as he didn’t drop a single game en route to his title win.
203.
Aruna Budda Reddy has created history by becoming the first Indian gymnast to win an individual medal at
the 2018 Gymnastics World Cup. She hails from which city?
[A] Kochi
[B] Hyderabad
[C] Chennai
[D] Kolkata
Correct Answer: B [Hyderabad]

Explanation:
Aruna Budda Reddy, who hails from Hyderabad, has competed at the 2018 Gymnastics World Cup and
created history after becoming the first Indian gymnast to win a medal in an individual event at the
.IN
Gymnastics World Cup by claiming a bronze medal in the women’s individual vault event at Hisense Arena
in Melbourne, Australia on February 24, 2018. Aruna scored 13.649 average points to finish third and claim
the bronze medal at the Hisense Arena. Tjasa Kysslef of Slovania took home the Gold, while Emily
Whitehead of Australia won the Silver.
AY

204.
Who authored the book “Hari Singh Nalwa: Champion of the Khalsaji – 1791-1837”?
[A] Vanit Nalwa
D

[B] Aravind Adiga


[C] Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni
O

[D] Rohinton Mistry


Correct Answer: A [Vanit Nalwa]
KT

Explanation:
On February 23, the Director General of National Archives of India (NAI) – Pritam Singh launched a Book
reading series -“Archives Reads” in New Delhi to showcase importance of archival records. This Book
G

Reading Series commenced with the book titled “Hari Singh Nalwa: Champion of the Khalsaji – 1791-1837”
authored by Dr. Vanit Nalwa, a senior consultant Psychologist. This book chronicles the life and times of
Sardar Hari Singh Nalwa, one of the great pillars of Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s empire. Hari Singh Nalwa was
the commander-in-chief of the Sikh army along its border with Afghanistan.
205.
India and signed how much amount of loan with Asian Development Bank (ADB) for improvement and
expansion of water supply in Bihar?
[A] $84 million
[B] $68 million
[C] $95 million
[D] $111 million
Correct Answer: A [$84 million]

Explanation:
The Government of India (GoI) and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) have signed a $84 million loan for
improvement and expansion of water supply in Bhagalpur and Gaya towns in Bihar. This is the second
tranche of ADB’s $200 million Multi-tranche Financing Facility (MFF) for Bihar Urban Development
Investment Programme, which was approved in 2012. The Project 2 will improve access to better quality
and sustainable water supply, for the people of Bhagalpur and Gaya towns. It will also promote better water
management practices that will result in a citywide coverage with 24-hour uninterrupted supply of treated

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Objective Current Affairs: February, 2018

water of 135 litres per capita per day in both cities. The loan will have a 25-year term, including a grace
period of 5 years, an annual interest rate determined in accordance with ADB’s lending facility based on the
London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR), and a commitment charge of 0.15% per year.
206.
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has recently launched the Ombudsman Scheme for NBFCs. The NBFC
Ombudsman will have office in which of the following cities?
[A] Kolkata
[B] Chennai
[C] New Delhi
[D] All of the above
Correct Answer: D [All of the above]

Explanation:
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has launched Ombudsman Scheme for redressal of complaints against the
Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs). The scheme will provide a cost-free and expeditious complaint
redressal mechanism relating to deficiency in the services by NBFCs covered under the scheme. The
scheme will cover all deposit-taking NBFCs, and based on the experience gained. The scheme will initially
cover all deposit-taking NBFCs, and will subsequently include companies with asset size of Rs 100 crore and
above with customer interface. Additionally, the mechanism will provide an option to the NBFC in question
to appeal against the decision of the Ombudsman before the appellate authority. The NBFC Ombudsman
will have offices in four cities – New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, and Kolkata – and will handle complaints of
customers in the respective zones. .IN
207.
Which city hosted the 4th edition of Economic Times – Global Business Summit (ET-GBS 2018)?
[A] Pune
AY

[B] New Delhi


[C] Mumbai
[D] Hyderabad
Correct Answer: B [New Delhi ]
D

Explanation:
O

The 4th edition of Economic Times – Global Business Summit (ET-GBS 2018) was held in New Delhi with
theme “New Economy – New Rules” on February 23-24. The GBS is a flagship initiative of the Times Group
KT

that envisions to bring together visionaries, thought leaders, heads of state, policy makers, academicians
and corporate heads cohesively driving a singular agenda for Scripting Economic Change, by connecting
the building blocks of Economics for India and the Globe. It is a platform with multitude of policy makers
and industry leaders under one roof.
G

208.
The International Conference on Sustainable Biofuels (ICSB-2018) will be organized in which city?
[A] Patna
[B] Guwahati
[C] New Delhi
[D] Shillong
Correct Answer: C [New Delhi]

Explanation:
The International Conference on Sustainable Biofuels (ICSB-2018) is jointly being organized by Department
of Biotechnology, Govt. of India on behalf of Mission Innovation and Biofuture Platform in New Delhi from
February 26-27, 2018. The 2-day event will bring together experts from Biofuels sector to take stock of
current knowledge, share information and best practices, and build consensus on the actions most needed
to move forward. Senior Government Officers, Technical Experts, Academicians, Researchers and
Representatives from various Countries, Industry and Investors will participate in the event. The
Sustainable Biofuel is one of the Seven Mission Innovation Challenges and India Co-leads this along with
other countries Brazil, Canada and China. The conference will seek to a clear understanding of the
development in bio-economy made by participating countries, increase awareness of policy makers about
the challenges faced by the industry-investor for commercial scale up of advanced biofuels.

© 2018 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | https://www.gktoday.in 58


Objective Current Affairs: February, 2018

209.
Kunwar Bai, the brand ambassador of Swachch Bharat has passed away. She was native of which state?
[A] Chhattisgarh
[B] Madhya Pradesh
[C] Bihar
[D] Rajasthan
Correct Answer: A [Chhattisgarh]

Explanation:
Kunwar Bai (106), the brand ambassador of Swachch Bharat, has passed away at Raipur in Chhattisgarh on
February 23, 2018. A resident of Kotabharri village in Dhamtari district, Kunwar Bai was in the national
news as a mascot for Swachch Bharat campaign; she sold all her goats to construct a toilet at her home. Not
only was she applauded by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the PM also touched her feet and felicitated her
during a public meeting in Rajnandgaon in February 2016.
210.
Neelabh Mishra, who passed away recently, was associated with which field?
[A] Sports
[B] Law
[C] Journalism
[D] Film Industry
Correct Answer: C [Journalism]

Explanation: .IN
Neelabh Mishra (57), the Veteran journalist and editor-in-chief of Delhi-based National Herald, has passed
away in Chennai Hospital. In 2016, he steered the re-launch of National Herald, the newspaper founded by
India’s first prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru in 1938, as a digital news website. In 2017, Mishra relaunched
AY

the National Herald as Sunday newspaper, and then National Herald’s sister publications Navjivan and
Qaumi Awaz as news websites.
211.
D

The Indian Navy will host the multi-national MILAN series of exercises in which state/UT?
[A] Daman & Diu
O

[B] Gujarat
[C] West Bengal
KT

[D] Andaman and Nicobar islands


Correct Answer: D [Andaman and Nicobar islands]

Explanation:
G

The Indian Navy will host the multi-national MILAN series of exercises under the theme of ‘Friendship
Across the Seas’ at Port Blair in Andaman and Nicobar islands from March 6 to March 13, 2018. Besides
fostering co-operation through naval exercises and professional interactions, MILAN also provides an
excellent opportunity to the participating navies to come together in a spirit of collaboration and mutual
understanding to nurture stronger ties. It is a congregation of littoral navies conducted biennially by the
Indian Navy under the aegis of the Andaman and Nicobar Command. The purpose of Milan 2018 is to
showcase the rich heritage and pristine natural beauty of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands to the foreign
visitors.
212.
Who has been elected the new Deputy Prime Minister of Australia?
[A] Michael McCormack
[B] Mathias Cormann
[C] Mathias Cormann
[D] Barnaby Joyce
Correct Answer: A [Michael McCormack ]

Explanation:
Michael McCormack has been elected as the new Deputy Prime Minister of Australia, after being selected as
the leader of the country’s National Party. McCormack succeeded former Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby
Joyce who was forced to resign last week amid public anger over an extramarital affair with his former

© 2018 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | https://www.gktoday.in 59


Objective Current Affairs: February, 2018

press secretary. The leader of the National Party automatically becomes deputy prime minister under the
terms of the coalition agreement with Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull’s Liberal party.
213.
TSR Subramanian, who passed away recently, was the well-known former secretary in which department of
India?
[A] Secretary-General of the Lok Sabha
[B] National Security Adviser
[C] Cabinet Secretary of India
[D] Secretary-General of the Rajya Sabha
Correct Answer: C [Cabinet Secretary of India]

Explanation:
TSR Subramanian (79), the former Cabinet secretary of India, has passed away in New Delhi on February 26,
2018. He served as the cabinet secretary from 1996 to 1998. Subramanian worked hard to protect the
bureaucracy from political interference. He was part of a group of bureaucrats that filed a PIL seeking
directions from the Supreme Court for insulating bureaucracy from political interference following which
the Supreme Court rolled out key civil services reforms in 2013. He was a 1961 batch IAS officer from Uttar
Pradesh Cadre. He also wrote several books on India and governance such as “India at Turning Point: The
Road to Good Governance”, “GovernMint In India: An Inside View” and “Journeys Through Babudom and
Netaland: Governance in India”.
214.
What is the theme of the 21st National conference on e-Governance 2018? .IN
[A] Internet of Things and e-Governance
[B] Technology for Accelerating Development
[C] Artificial Intelligence & e-Governance
AY

[D] Technology for Humankind


Correct Answer: B [Technology for Accelerating Development]

Explanation:
D

The 21st edition of National conference on e-Governance has started in Hyderabad, Telangana with theme
“Technology for Accelerating Development” on February 26, 2018. The conference, which is jointly
O

organised by the Government of India (GoI) and Telangana Administrative Reforms department, will
provide a forum for Secretaries of Administrative Reforms and Information Technology of the Centre and
KT

the State Governments, IT Managers and software solution providers to exchange views, discuss issues and
analyse various solution frameworks. The two-day conference will deliberate on several aspects of the e-
governance including its universalization and replication, governing e-governance, best practices,
emerging technologies and synergising role of national and state governments.
G

215.
Who has won the gold in the men’s event at the IDBI Federal Life Insurance New Delhi Marathon 2018?
[A] Gopi Thonakal
[B] Nirbhay Athare
[C] Bahadur Singh Dhoni
[D] Nitendra Singh Rawat
Correct Answer: A [Gopi Thonakal]

Explanation:
Reigning Asian Champion Gopi Thonakal retained his title at the IDBI Federal Life Insurance New Delhi
Marathon in New Delhi on February 26. Gopi, who is also in the Indian Army, had clocked 2 hour, 15 minute
and 16 seconds to clinch the gold under ideal running conditions. However, he missed the tough
Commonwealth Games qualification mark set by the Athletics Federation of India by three minutes.
Nitendra Singh Rawat was second, while Bahadur Singh Dhoni took the bronze. Around 65 elite Indian
athletes took part in the full marathon of 42.195km. In the women’s event also, Monika Athare retained her
title. Monika Athare clocked 2 hours, 43 minutes and 46 seconds, ahead of last edition silver medallist Jyoti
Gawte and Monica Raut who finished third.
216.
Bhanu Kumar Shastri, who passed away recently, was the former MP of which constituency in Rajasthan?

© 2018 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | https://www.gktoday.in 60


Objective Current Affairs: February, 2018

[A] Jaipur
[B] Udaipur
[C] Kota
[D] Jodhpur
Correct Answer: B [Udaipur]

Explanation:
Bhanu Kumar Shastri (93), the founder member of Bharatiya Jana Sangh and former MP, has passed away in
Udaipur, Rajasthan on February 24, 2018. He was the member of Lok Sabha from Udaipur in Rajasthan and
was also chairman of Khadi Board.
217.
The Aditya Birla Idea Payments Bank has started operations. As per which section of the Banking Regulation
Act 1949, the RBI issued licence to the bank?
[A] Section 23 (1)
[B] Section 24 (1)
[C] Section 22 (1)
[D] Section 21 (1)
Correct Answer: C [Section 22 (1)]

Explanation:
The Aditya Birla Idea Payments Bank Ltd (ABIPBL) has become the 5th entity to begin operations as a
payments bank with effect from February 22, 2018. The ABIPBL is a joint venture between Aditya Birla
.IN
Nuvo Ltd (51%) and Ideal Cellular (49%). The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has issued a licence to the bank
under Section 22 (1) of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949 to carry on the business of payments bank in India.
The other payments banks that have started operations include Airtel Payments Bank Ltd, India Post
Payments Bank Ltd, Paytm Payments Bank Ltd and Fino Payments Bank Ltd. The other applicants that are
AY

yet to set up payments bank include Vodafone m-Pesa Ltd, Reliance Industries Ltd and National Securities
Depository Ltd.
218.
D

Which country has been elected as the vice-president of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF)?
[A] India
O

[B] China
[C] Japan
KT

[D] Indonesia
Correct Answer: B [China]

Explanation:
G

China has been elected as the vice-president of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) at the plenary
meeting in Paris on February 23, 2018. In its plenary meeting, the FATF placed Pakistan under “grey list” to
monitoring in its International Cooperation Review Group until June 2018 for compliance of Anti-Money
Laundering and Combating Finance of Terrorism regulations. It gave Islamabad time till June 2018 to
prepare an action plan against terror groups operating from Pakistan. The FATF was set up in 1989 with the
primary goal of setting standards to combat money laundering, but in 2001 its mandate was expanded to
include countering terror financing. It can take action such as financial restrictions against any country.
219.
The Assam government will observe ‘Rhino Day’ on which date to generate public awareness on protection of
the one-horned pachyderm?
[A] September 21
[B] September 22
[C] September 23
[D] September 24
Correct Answer: B [September 22]

Explanation:
The Assam government will observe September 22 as ‘Rhino Day’ to generate public awareness on
protection of the one-horned pachyderm. It was officially declared at the 10th meeting of the State Board for
Wildlife, which was chaired by Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal. The day will be exclusively dedicated to

© 2018 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | https://www.gktoday.in 61


Objective Current Affairs: February, 2018

the approximately 2,500 rhino population in the state would be a tribute to the rhinoceros, which are the
“pride of Assam”. The state government will soon launch the State Rhino Project in line with National Rhino
Project in Assam for protecting the pachyderms from threats of poaching.
220.
The Jawahar Sagar Dam is built across which river in Rajasthan?
[A] Tapti river
[B] Chambal river
[C] Narmada river
[D] Son river
Correct Answer: B [Chambal river]

Explanation:
The Jawahar Sagar Dam is a dam across the Chambal River. It is situated about 24 km (15 mi) south-west of
Kota, Rajasthan. The dam has a catchment area of 27, 195 km ² and provides relief to the people of the area
during times of severe water shortage. It is one of the dams which have been built under the Chambal
Valley project of State of Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh. The dam also produces 99 MW (3×33 MW) of
hydropower.
221.
Which high-level committee of Union Government has recently approved financial assistance to several flood
affected states?
[A] Rajiv Gauba committee
[B] Rajnath Singh committee .IN
[C] Arun Jaitley committee
[D] Rajiv Kumar committee
Correct Answer: B [Rajnath Singh committee ]
AY

Explanation:
The high-level committee for Central Assistance Chaired by Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh has
approved financial assistance of Rs 1711 crore for Bihar which was affected by floods in 2017. The committee
D

also approved assistance of Rs 1055 crore for Gujarat which was also affected by floods. Apart from this, Rs
838 crore have been sanctioned for West Bengal and Rs 420 crore each have been sanctioned for Rajasthan
O

and Uttar Pradesh which were also affected by floods. Tamil Nadu will receive Rs 133 crore and Kerala will
receive Rs 169 crore which were affected by cyclone Ockhi. Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh will get Rs
KT

836 crore and Rs 396 crore. The two states were affected by Kharif drought in 2017.
222.
Kanakalata Mohanty, the noted author has passed away. She was associated with which language?
G

[A] Malayalam
[B] Tamil
[C] Telugu
[D] Odia
Correct Answer: D [Odia ]

Explanation:
Kanakalata Mohanty (82), the noted Odia author, has passed away in Bhubaneswar, Odisha on February 26,
2018. She has written several novels, including ‘Ete Andhara’, ‘Kete Jwala’ and ‘Anuradha’, and more than
100 short stories. She was also recognized by All India Radio (AIR) as a noted lyricist, particularly for her
devotional songs on Lord Jagannath.
223.
Who has bagged the prestigious Aravindan Puraskaram for the best debutant director of 2017?
[A] Sanju Surendran
[B] P S Manu
[C] Sagar Chaya Vanchar
[D] Atanu Ghosh
Correct Answer: C [Sagar Chaya Vanchar]

Explanation:
Sagar Chaya Vanchar, director of Marathi film ‘Redu’ (Radio), has bagged the prestigious Aravindan

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Objective Current Affairs: February, 2018

Puraskaram for the best debutant director of 2017, instituted in memory of iconic Malayalam filmmaker late
G Aravindan. The award, comprising a cash prize of Rs 25,000, a memento and a citation, is instituted by
the Chalachitra Film Society. The expert panel observed that Vanchari’s film expresses the ripples and
changes that resulted in the life of a rural Konkan village during the seventies after the arrival of a radio in
the hamlet. The award will be presented on March 15, 2018, on the 27th death anniversary of Aravindan.
224.
What is the theme of the 15th Edition of BioAsia conference 2018?
[A] Right Time, Right Now
[B] Power of the Fast, Force of the Future
[C] Leveraging India to Succeed Globally
[D] New Era of Life sciences
Correct Answer: A [Right Time, Right Now]

Explanation:
The 15th Edition of BioAsia conference 2018 was held in Hyderabad with theme “Right Time, Right Now”
from February 22-24. It is the annual flagship life sciences and pharmaceuticals conference of the Telangana
Government. About 1500 delegates from 55 countries participated in the 3-day conference with focus on
strategies to take on the rapid phase of change, ways to develop new models for distribution and healthcare
delivery, among others. In it, Ireland, Netherlands and South Africa were the International Partners while
Gujarat, Assam and Rajasthan were the partner states for this event.
225.
The Tamil Nadu government has tied up with which software company to accelerate cloud technology
.IN
adoption?
[A] Alphabet
[B] Tata
AY

[C] Infosys
[D] Microsoft
Correct Answer: D [Microsoft]
D

Explanation:
The Tamil Nadu government has tied up with Microsoft to accelerate cloud technology adoption. The
O

partnership aims to reform education sector, build tech capacity and enhance digital literacy across all
levels. As a part of the agreement, Microsoft will adopt 7 schools identified by the government and train
KT

their teachers and students around building 21st century skills which includes critical thinking, creative
coding and gaming, app development, robotics, and entrepreneurship. It will also offer its Microsoft
Innovative Educator Program to all educators in primary, secondary, vocational and tertiary education
across the state. Additionally, the company will train and provide a digital literacy certification District
G

Education Officers (DEOs) in Tamil Nadu.


226.
The 7th Meeting of Eminent Persons Group (EPG) on Nepal-India Relations was recently held in which city?
[A] Kanpur
[B] Shimla
[C] Kathmandu
[D] New Delhi
Correct Answer: C [Kathmandu]

Explanation:
The 7th meeting of Eminent Persons Group (EPG) on Nepal-India relations was held in Kathmandu, Nepal
on February 25, 2018. The various bilateral issues including 1950 Peace and Friendship treaty, trade,
environment, border and hydropower were discussed during the two-day meeting. EPG is a joint
mechanism consisting experts and intellectuals from India and Nepal. It was set up in February 2016 to
provide suggestions for updating all existing bilateral treaties and agreements between both the countries.
The 8th meeting of the group will be held in New Delhi.
227.
The Union Government has launched 2nd project of Swajal Yojana in which state?
[A] Uttar Pradesh

© 2018 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | https://www.gktoday.in 63


Objective Current Affairs: February, 2018

[B] Rajasthan
[C] Chattisgarh
[D] Gujarat
Correct Answer: B [Rajasthan ]

Explanation:
Uma Bharti, the Union Minister of Drinking Water and Sanitation, has launched the 2nd project of Swajal
Yojana at village Bhikampura, Karauli, Rajasthan with a budget of more than Rs 54.17 lakh. Besides ensuring
the availability of clean drinking water to every household round the year, the project would also generate
employment. Swajal is a community owned drinking water programme for sustained drinking water
supply. Under the scheme, 90% of the project cost will be taken care by the Government and the remaining
10% of the project cost will be contributed by the community. The Operations and management of the
project will be taken care by the local villagers.
228.
Recently, CSIR has signed MoU with IORA to designate CIMAP as coordinating center on medicinal plants.
Where is the headquarters of Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (CIMAP)?
[A] Lucknow
[B] Jaipur
[C] Bhopal
[D] Delhi
Correct Answer: A [Lucknow ]

Explanation: .IN
The Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR) has signed a MoU with the Regional Center for
Science and Technology Transfer (RCSTT) of Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) for designating Central
Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, Lucknow (CSIR-CIMAP) as Coordinating Center on Medicinal
AY

Plants. The IORA Center at CSIR-CIMAP will establish a database on the important medicinal plants, their
value added products, related experts and industries of the IORA member states and organize meetings and
training programmes to promote trade, commerce and scientific exchanges to complement the strength
and limitation of the member states. The IORA is an association of 21 countries and 7 dialogue partners
D

which have identified 6 areas of cooperation including medicinal plants.


O

229.
Who led the Indian delegation at the 20th Conference of Commonwealth Education Ministers (20CCEM)?
KT

[A] Satya Pal Singh


[B] Manoj Sinha
[C] Mahesh Sharma
[D] Jitendra Singh
G

Correct Answer: A [Satya Pal Singh]

Explanation:
Dr. Satya Pal Singh, the Union Minister of State for Human Resource Development (Higher Education), led
the Indian delegation at the 20th Conference of the Commonwealth Education Ministers (20CCEM) in Nadi,
Fiji during 19-23 February 2018. The theme of the Conference was “Sustainability and Resilience: Can
Education Deliver?” The purpose of the conference is to discuss solutions to some of the Commonwealth’s
most pressing education challenges, including low enrolment rates in preschool, primary and secondary
schools, low adult literacy and persisting gender disparities in education.
230.
The Central institute of Psychiatry is located in which city?
[A] Shimla
[B] Pune
[C] Ranchi
[D] Kolkata
Correct Answer: C [Ranchi ]

Explanation:
The Central institute of Psychiatry is one of the premier training centers in India for mental health
professionals. It is directly governed by the Government of India and is located in Kanke, Ranchi in

© 2018 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | https://www.gktoday.in 64


Objective Current Affairs: February, 2018

Jharkhand.
231.
What is the theme of the 2018 National Science Day (NSD)?
[A] Science for Nation Building
[B] Scientific Issues for Development of the Nation
[C] Science and Technology for a Sustainable Future
[D] Science and Technology for Specially Abled Persons
Correct Answer: C [Science and Technology for a Sustainable Future]

Explanation:
The National Science Day (NSD) is observed every year on February 28 to mark the discovery of Raman
effect by Physicist CV Raman on 28th February, 1928. The purpose of the day is to spread the message of
importance of science and its application among the people. The theme of NSD-2018 is “Science and
Technology for a Sustainable Future”, which has been chosen for the purpose of raising public appreciation
of the scientific issues involved.
232.
Who has won the 2017 Laureus World Sportsman of the Year and Comeback of the Year awards?
[A] Roger Federer
[B] Virat Kohli
[C] M S Dhoni
[D] Cristiano Ronaldo
Correct Answer: A [Roger Federer]

Explanation:
.IN
Roger Federer, 20-times Grand Slam champion, has won the 2017 Laureus World Sportsman of the Year and
AY
Comeback of the Year awards at the 18th edition of the awards ceremony in Monaco. Federer, who returned
to the world number one ranking, had clinched the Australian Open and Wimbledon titles in 2017 after the
7-year break of winning any major. He won the 2018 Australian Open also. Beside this, Serena Williams has
won the World Sportswoman of the Year award after winning her 23rd grand slam in 2017. Formula 1
D

constructors’ champions Mercedes picked up the Team of the Year trophy, while wheelchair athlete Marcel
Hug bagged the Sportsperson of the Year with a Disability. Brazilian football club Chapecoense were given
O

the Best Sporting Moment of the Year for their response in adversity following a plane crash in 2016 in
which they lost the majority of their team.
KT

233.
Vijayendra Saraswathi has become the 70th Sankaracharya of Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam. The Hindu monastic
institution is located in which state?
G

[A] Kerala
[B] Tamil Nadu
[C] Andhra Pradesh
[D] Karnataka
Correct Answer: B [Tamil Nadu]

Explanation:
Vijayendra Saraswathi has become the 70th Sankaracharya of Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam, traditionally
referred to as Kamakshi, on 28th February 2018 with the demise of Sri Jayendra Saraswati Swamiji. The
Kanchipuram mutt is a Hindu monastic institution, located in Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu. It is a pilgrimage
for Hindus all around the world and particularly in South India. It is known as Shri Kanchi Kamakoti
Peetam, and the head of the matha is referred to as a “Sankaracharya”. The mutt was established by Adi
Shankaracharya about 2520 years ago.
234.
What is the India’s rank in the 2018 Inclusive Internet Index (III), which is recently released by the Economist
Intelligence Unit (EIU)?
[A] 88th
[B] 47th
[C] 19th
[D] 24th

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Objective Current Affairs: February, 2018

Correct Answer: B [47th ]

Explanation:
India has been ranked 47th out of 86 countries in the latest Inclusive Internet Index (III-2018) report, which
was commissioned by Facebook and conducted by the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU). The index is
topped by the Sweden, followed by Singapore and the US. This year’s index covered 91% of the world’s
population and an expanded data set of 86 countries, up from 75 countries in 2017. The index assessed a
country’s Internet inclusion across four categories: availability, affordability, relevance and readiness. The
EIU is a British business within the Economist Group, providing forecasting and advisory services through
research and analysis.
235.
Who has been appointed as the new editor-in-chief of the television channel Rajya Sabha TV?
[A] Sudhir Chaudhary
[B] Nidhi Razdan
[C] Rahul Mahajan
[D] Shereen Bhan
Correct Answer: C [Rahul Mahajan]

Explanation:
Television journalist Rahul Mahajan has been appointed as the new editor-in-chief of the television channel
Rajya Sabha TV. He is currently a consulting editor in Prasar Bharati. Mahajan has been a journalist for 26
years, starting off with Hindi daily ‘Jansatta’. He later branched out to television news. He worked with
leading Hindi television channels such as Aaj Tak, Zee News and Star News. .IN
236.
Which state cricket team has won the 2018 Vijay Hazare trophy?
[A] Saurashtra
AY

[B] Karnataka
[C] Maharashtra
[D] Hyderabad
D

Correct Answer: B [Karnataka ]

Explanation:
O

The Karnataka cricket team has won the 2018 Vijay Hazare trophy after defeating Saurashtra in the final by
41 runs at the Feroz Shah Kotla, Delhi on February 27. With this, It has won the Vijay Hazare trophy 3 times.
KT

During the tournament, Karnataka’s Mayank Agarwal scored 723 runs and won the Player of the match
award. Beside this, Mohammed Siraj from Hyderabad took 23 wickets in the tournament.
237.
G

Which city hosted the 2nd India-Korea Business Summit 2018?


[A] New Delhi
[B] Ahmedabad
[C] Shimla
[D] Kochi
Correct Answer: A [New Delhi]

Explanation:
The 2nd India-Korea Business Summit 2018 was held in New Delhi on February 28 to strengthen the
economic relationship, boost trade relations and increase investments between India and Republic of Korea.
The 2018 theme was “India-Korea: Scaling up the Special Strategic Relationship through Trade and
Investments”. The summit addressed various issues across industries and was attended by over a 1000
delegates, including 425 South Korean delegates from 90 Korean companies, senior government officials
and political leaders. It was organized by the Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP),
Ministry of Commerce & Industry, in partnership with ChosunILbo, KOTRA, Confederation of Indian
Industry (CII) and Invest India.
238.
What is the India’s GDP growth rate forecast for year 2018, as per latest report by Moody’s Investors Service?
[A] 7.6 %
[B] 7.7 %

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Objective Current Affairs: February, 2018

[C] 7.5 %
[D] 7.8 %
Correct Answer: A [7.6 %]

Explanation:
Moody’s Investors Service has recently estimated India’s GDP growth forecast for year 2018 & 2019. In it, it
has kept the GDP growth forecast for India in the calendar year 2018 unchanged at 7.6 % and for 2019 at 7.5
%, amid signs of economic recovery from the negative impact of demonetisation and disruption caused by
GST roll out. In its global growth forecasts for 2018 and 2019, Moody’s said the Budget for fiscal year
beginning April 1 (2018-19) includes some measures to stabilize rural economy that was disproportionately
hit by scrapping of high denomination 500 and 1000 rupee notes.
239.
The Nimoo Bazgo Power Project (NBPP) is located in which state?
[A] Himachal Pradesh
[B] Jammu & Kashmir
[C] Punjab
[D] Uttar Pradesh
Correct Answer: B [Jammu & Kashmir]

Explanation:
The 45MW Nimoo Bazgo Power Project (NBPP) is a run-of-the-river power project on the Indus River
situated at Leh district of Ladakh region of Jammu & Kashmir (J&K). The project is designed to generate
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239 MUs of energy. The Power station comprises of a 57m high concrete gravity dam, 3 intake structures on
the power dam portion on right bank for diversion of water through 3.3 m diameter steel penstock of about
55.0 m long, a surface power house located at the toe of the dam on right bank and a short tailrace channel.
The power house has an installed capacity of 45 MW (3 x 15 MW). It was inaugurated by the Prime Minister
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Narendra Modi on August 2014.


240.
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has recently raised currency derivative trade limit to how much amount for
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residents and foreign portfolio investors?


[A] $150 million
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[B] $200 million


[C] $50 million
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[D] $100 million


Correct Answer: D [$100 million]

Explanation:
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The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has raised exposure limit under Exchange Traded Currency Derivatives
(ETCD) trading for residents and foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) to $100 million across all currency pairs
involving the Indian rupee. The RBI’s decision to raise the limit will help entities engaged in forex
transactions to maintain their currency risks in a better manner. The ETCD is a financial instrument that
trades on a regulated exchange, and whose value is based on the value of another asset. These are
derivatives that are traded in a regulated fashion. These derivatives can be used to hedge exposure or
speculate on a wide range of financial assets like commodities, equities, currencies, and even interest rates.
Earlier, the RBI had imposed a limit of $15 million for USD-INR and $5 million for other currency pairs of
Indian rupee with Euro, Japanese Yen and British Pound.
241.
Which state government has started Asmita Yojana to provide sanitary napkins at subsidised rates?
[A] Maharashtra
[B] Gujarat
[C] Rajasthan
[D] Karnataka
Correct Answer: A [Maharashtra ]

Explanation:
On the occasion of International Women’s Day (IWD-2018), the Maharashtra government has started
Ashmita Yojana under which sanitary napkins at subsidised rates will be provided to rural girls and women

© 2018 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | https://www.gktoday.in 67


Objective Current Affairs: February, 2018

across the state. As stated by state government, the scheme will emerge as a model scheme for the country.
The girls studying in Zilla Parishad schools will get a sanitary pad packet for Rs 5. Meanwhile, the women
living in rural area can avail the sanitary packs for Rs 24 or Rs 29.
242.
Which country hosted the World ATM Congress (WATMC-2018)?
[A] Belgium
[B] France
[C] India
[D] Spain
Correct Answer: D [Spain ]

Explanation:
The World ATM Congress (WATMC-2018) was held at Feria de Madrid in Spain from March 6 to 8. It is the
world’s largest international air traffic management (ATM) exhibition and conference attracting thousands
of delegates each year. In it, the Airports Authority of India (AAI) participated and showcased its
achievements and initiatives.
243.
Pyare Lal Wadali, the famous sufi singer passed away. He belonged to which state?
[A] Odisha
[B] Punjab
[C] Rajasthan
[D] Uttar Pradesh
Correct Answer: B [Punjab]
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Explanation:
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Pyare Lal Wadali (75), the famous Sufi singer, has passed away in Amritsar, Punjab on March 9, 2018. He was
the younger of the singers of legendary Sufi set Wadali Brothers. The Wadali Brothers – comprising
Puranchand Wadali and Pyarelal Wadali – had carved a distinct mark for themselves in the genre of Sufi
music. Born into the fifth generation of musicians, Pyarelal and Puran Chand Wadali became popular with
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their Sufi music and were spotted after performing at the Harballabh temple in Jalandhar in 1975. The duo
had taken the country by storm some years ago, by their hit album featuring Sufi songs such as ‘Tu mane ya
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na mane dildara’, ‘aasan te tenu rab manya’ and Tanu Weds Manu’s ‘Rangrez mere’.
244.
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Who has been sworn in as the 10th Chief Minister of Tripura?


[A] Biplab Kumar Deb
[B] Prabhash K Devvarman
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[C] Pradyot Kishore Manikya


[D] Jishnu Debbarma
Correct Answer: A [Biplab Kumar Deb]

Explanation:
Biplab Kumar Deb, a member of the royal family, has been sworn-in as 10th chief minister in Agartala on
March 9, 2018. He is the state president of BJP in Tripura. Jishnu Debbarma took oath as the deputy chief
minister. With this, BJP ended the 25-year Left Front rule in the State by winning 35 out of the 59 seats. Its
ally, the Indigenous People’s Front of Tripura, won eight seats, taking the tally to 43. As per the Constitution
of India, the Governor of Tripura is the state’s de jure head, but de facto executive authority rests with the
chief minister.
245.
Which city to host the 2018 National Legislators Conference?
[A] Jaipur
[B] Shimla
[C] New Delhi
[D] Lucknow
Correct Answer: C [New Delhi]

Explanation:
The 2018 National Legislators Conference will be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the

© 2018 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | https://www.gktoday.in 68


Objective Current Affairs: February, 2018

Central Hall of Parliament House, New Delhi on March 10, 2018. The purpose of the Conference is to provide
a platform to Members of Parliament, Members of Legislative Assemblies and Members of Legislative
Councils across the country to share their experiences. The theme of the conference is — “We For
Development”. About 170 public representatives are expected to participate in the Conference. The
Conference will offer a special opportunity to the delegates whose constituencies have greater possibilities
and aspirations of development. Union Cabinet Ministers, Chief Ministers, Presiding Officers of State
Legislatures, Members of Parliament and Members of State Legislatures will attend the function.
246.
Which country to host the first-ever International Solar Alliance (ISA) summit?
[A] Bangladesh
[B] Germany
[C] India
[D] France
Correct Answer: C [India]

Explanation:
The first-ever International Solar Alliance (ISA) summit will be held at the Rashtrapati Bhavan cultural
centre in New Delhi on March 11, 2018. The one-day conference will include an Inaugural Session, followed
by Plenary and Technical Sessions and will be attended by Heads of State/Heads of Government, dignitaries
from the United Nations, Presidents of Multilateral Development Banks and global funds / financial
institutions, leaders from energy-related institutions, corporate sector, and civil society. The ISA is
conceived as a coalition of solar resource rich countries to address their special energy needs and will
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provide a platform to collaborate on addressing the identified gaps through a common, agreed approach.
The ISA initiative was launched at the UN Climate Change Conference in Paris on 30 November 2015 by
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the then French President Francois Hollande.
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247.
Who has been appointed as the new Special Director in Enforcement Directorate?
[A] Karnal Singh
[B] Vivek R Wadekar
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[C] Vineet Agarwal


[D] DK Gupta
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Correct Answer: B [Vivek R Wadekar]

Explanation:
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Vivek R Wadekar, the 1991-batch Indian Revenue Service (IRS) officer, has been appointed as the new Special
Director in the Enforcement Directorate (ED) by the Union government for a period of five years. The ED is
the central investigative agency, under the Union finance ministry, that enforces the Prevention of Money
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Laundering Act (PMLA) and the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA) in the country.
248.
The headquarters of the Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) has shifted from Chennai to which place?
[A] Ballabhgarh
[B] Udaipur
[C] Kanpur
[D] Bhopal
Correct Answer: A [Ballabhgarh]

Explanation:
The headquarters of the Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) has been shifted from Chennai to
Ballabhgarh in Faridabad District of Haryana for better coordination between the environment ministry
and the AWBI for carrying out the animal welfare activities. It was informed by Mahesh Sharma, the Union
Minister of State for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, in written reply to Rajya Sabha . According
to Rule 3 of the Animal Welfare Board (Administrative) Rules (1962), the headquarter of the AWBI shall be at
New Delhi or at such other place as the central government, may, after consultation with the Board direct.
The AWBI was established in 1962 under Section 4 of The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act (1960).
249.
Which of the following has become the India’s first Union territory to run completely on solar power?

© 2018 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | https://www.gktoday.in 69


Objective Current Affairs: February, 2018

[A] Chandigarh
[B] Diu
[C] Lakshadweep
[D] Andaman and Nicobar Islands
Correct Answer: B [Diu]

Explanation:
Diu has become the India’s first Union Territory (UT) to run 100% on solar power energy. Diu has a total
area of 42 square kilometers and the installation of the solar power plants here has been done in over 50
acres. On a daily basis, the Union Territory generates a total of 13 megawatts of electricity from solar power
plants out of this 3 MW is contributed by rooftop solar plants and 10 MW by others. With this, Diu has
managed to generate surplus solar power for its residents, reducing their electricity costs, in a span of just
three years.
250.
Anjum Moudgil is associated with which sports?
[A] Boxing
[B] Shooting
[C] Badminton
[D] Tennis
Correct Answer: B [Shooting]

Explanation:
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Indian shooter Anjum Moudgil from Chandigarh has clinched her first International Shooting Sport
Federation (ISSF) World Cup medal- silver in the Women’s 50m Rifle 3 Positions (3P) event at the ongoing
2018 ISSF World Cup Rifle/Pistol/Shotgun stage in Guadalajara, Mexico on March 9, 2018. Former junior
world champion China’s Ruijiao Pei won the Gold Medal in that event.This was India’s 8th medal of the
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competition and the first silver after having won three golds and four bronze medals.
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