GK Current Affairs Quiz October 15, 2019: General Knowledge section of Versionweekly aims to help every competitive exam aspirant to revise the day at ease. Instantly obtain Latest Daily Current Affairs with all essential info, Be the first to know all the Today Current affairs 15 October 2019 top news, Major Issues, Current News, Important events in National Current News as well as International level with clear explanation.
GK or General Awareness section can be the easiest section in all government, banking, SSC, railways exams when followed regularly. Aspirants of competitive exams such as IBPS, UPSC, SSC, SSC CPO, SSC CGL, Bank PO, Bank Clerk, IBPS, Railways, Government Jobs, UPPSC, MPSC, APPSC, TSPSC, SI, Constables etc can refer to the general knowledge questions and answers daily from this series of articles.
- GK Current Affairs Quiz October 16th, 2019
- GK Current Affairs Quiz October 17th, 2019
- GK Current Affairs Quiz October 18th, 2019
Q. Which Country topped the AIBA Women’s World Boxing Championships in 2019?
A. US
B. China
C. Japan
D. Russia
Answer/ Explanation
Correct Ans: Option D
Explanation: India finished with one silver and three bronze medals at the AIBA Women’s World Boxing Championships 2019. The tally of 4 medals has put India at the third position out of the 51 countries that participated in Championship. Russia topped the tournament with six medals, followed by China with a medal tally of 5.
Q. According to the report by Brand Finance, India ranked is the _________ most valuable nation brand in the world.
A. 7th
B. 21st
C. 33rd
D. 47th
Answer/ Explanation
Correct Ans: Option A
Explanation: India became the seventh most valuable nation brand in the world. Brand Finance compiled the annual report on the world’s most valuable nation brands. The report showed India’s brand value increased by 19% in the year 2018-2019 to $2,562 billion.
Q. With which International organization, the Government of India has signed a $190 Million loan for projects in Rajasthan?
A. New Development Bank
B. World Bank
C. International Monetary Fund
D. Asian Development Bank
E. World Trade Organization
Answer/ Explanation
Answer: D
Explanation: The Asian Development Bank and the Government of India has signed a $190 Million loan for projects in Rajasthan.
Q. Eliud Kipchoge has become the 1st athlete to run sub 2-hour marathon with an unofficial time of 1 hr 59 min 40.2 sec. He is from which country?
A. Kenya
B. Jamaica
C. South Africa
D. Zimbabwe
E. Uganada
Answer/ Explanation
Answer: A
Explanation: Kenya’s Eliud Kipchoge has become the 1st athlete to run sub 2-hour marathon with an unofficial time of 1 hr 59 min 40.2 sec.
Q. Who among the following chaired a meeting on ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat’ under which the government plans to hold people-to-people exchange between states to enhance knowledge about each others culture?
A. Home Minister Amit Shah
B. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh
C. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman
D. External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar
E. Prime Minister Narendra Modi
Answer/ Explanation
Answer: E
Explanation: Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a meeting on ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat’ under which the government plans to hold people-to-people exchange between states to enhance knowledge about each others culture.
Q. Name the typhoon which recently striked Tokyo, capital of Japan after fierce rain and wind paralysed the capital.
A. Haiyan
B. Hagibis
C. Mangkhut
D. Irma
E. Megi
Answer/ Explanation
Answer: B
Explanation: Typhoon Hagibis striked Tokyo, capital of Japan after fierce rain and wind paralysed the capital.
Q. Which Organization is to lend India for the construction of Tranche 2 road?
A.World Bank
B.Asian Development Bank
C.International Monetary Fund
D.International Bank for Reconstruction and Development
Answer/ Explanation
Correct Ans:Option B
Explanation: The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Government of India signed a $190 million Tranche 2 loan on 13 October. The loan is to upgrade 754 kilometres of state highways and major district roads (MDRs) to two-lane or intermediate- lane standards. It is expected to benefit about 26 million people in 14 districts of Rajasthan.
Q. NITI Aayog has decided to create EEZ to make India an education hub to attract 2 lakh foreign students annually from ________.
A. 2022
B. 2024
C. 2025
D. 2023
Answer/ Explanation
Correct Ans:Option D
Explanation: The policy think tank of the Indian government NITI Aayog has decided to create Exclusive Education Zone (EEZ), an action plan to make India an education hub to attract 2 lakh foreign students annually from 2023. The decision was announced at a multi-ministerial meeting hosted by NITI Aayog vice-chairman Rajiv Kumar.
Q. On which day the United Nations observes International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction every year?
A. 11 October
B. 12 October
C. 13 October
D. 14 October
E. 15 October
Answer/ Explanation
Answer: C
Explanation: The United Nations observes International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction on 13 October every year.
Q. Name the boxer who has won the bronze medal in the 51kg event of World Women’s Boxing Championships held in Ulan-Ude, Russia.
A. Busenaz Cakiroglu
B. Manju Rani
C. Chuthamat Raksat
D. M C Mary Kom
E. Yang Liu
Answer/ Explanation
Answer: D
Explanation: M C Mary Kom has won the bronze medal in the 51kg event of World Women’s Boxing Championships held in Ulan-Ude, Russia.
Q. Where is the headquarter of Asian Development Bank?
A. Manila, Philippines
B. Seoul, South korea
C. Beijing, China
D. Moscow, Russia
E. Cape Town, South Africa
Answer/ Explanation
Answer: A
Explanation: Headquarter of Asian Development Bank: Manila, Philippines.
Q. Where is the headquarter of United Nations?
A. Paris
B. New York
C. Geneva
D. Italy
E. The Hague
Answer/ Explanation
Answer: B
Explanation: Headquarters of United Nations: New York.
Q. The meeting on ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat’ which highlights India’s diversity and furthers national unity, was held in?
A. Kolkata
B. Jaipur
C. Chandigarh
D. Mumbai
E. Delhi
Answer/ Explanation
Answer: D
Explanation: The meeting on ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat’ which highlights India’s diversity and furthers national unity, was held in Delhi.
Q. The United Nations observes International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction every year. What is the theme for 2019?
A. Reducing the economic loss of disasters
B. Live to Tell
C. Reduce disaster damage to critical infrastructure and disruption of basic services
D. Knowledge for Life
E. Reducing the number of affected people by disasters by 2030
Answer/ Explanation
Answer: C
Explanation: The United Nations observes International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction every year. Theme for 2019: Reduce disaster damage to critical infrastructure and disruption of basic services.
Q. __________ provides IT infrastructure and services to taxpayers, central/state government, and other stakeholders for implementation of GST.
A. NITI Aayog
B. MietY
C. GSTN
D. GST-IoT
Answer/ Explanation
Correct Ans:Option C
Explanation: The GST Network provides IT infrastructure and services to taxpayers, central/state government, and other stakeholders for the implementation of GST. It aims to provide reliable, efficient, and robust IT Backbone for the smooth functioning of the GST regimen. It also enables economic agents to leverage the entire nation as One Market with minimal Indirect Tax compliance cost.
Q. GSTN is to launch an improved version _________ of the GST return filing portal on 22 October.
A. 2nd
B. 3rd
C. 4th
D. 5th
Answer/ Explanation
Correct Ans:Option B
Explanation: The Goods and Services Tax Network (GSTN) is to launch an improved version 3 of the GST return filing portal on 22 October. It aims to make the process easier. The announcement was made by the GST Network CEO, Prakash Kumar.
Q. The government announced to fund __________ for infrastructural development in the villages across the country.
A. Rs.25 lakh crore
B. Rs.30 lakh crore
C. Rs.50 lakh crore
D. Rs.75 lakh crore
Answer/ Explanation
Correct Ans:Option A
Explanation: Centre has announced Rs.25 lakh crore for infrastructural development in the villages across the country. It was announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 13 October. The move aims to strengthen rural infrastructure. The fund will be used to construct modern storage centres for crops also.
Q. Which medal was won by Indian boxer Manju Rani in the 48-kilogram weight category of the Women’s World Boxing Championships?
a. Gold
b. Silver
c. Bronze
d. None of the Above
Answer/ Explanation
Answer: (b) Silver
Explanation: Indian boxer Manju Rani participated for the first time in this championship. She was defeated 4–1 by Ekaterina Paltseva of Russia in the final. At the same time, India has won 1 silver medal and 3 bronze medals in this competition.
Q. What percent of India’s growth rate has been projected by the World Bank for the current financial year?
a. 8%
b. 7%
c. 6%
d. 5%
Answer/ Explanation
Answer: (c) 6%
Explanation: In earlier estimates, India’s growth rate for 2018-19 was 6.9% but in its recent edition of growth rate projection, the World Bank has estimated 6% of growth rate for India. As per the World Bank’s estimate, India’s growth rate in 2021 will be 6.9%.
Q. When is World Day Against the Death Penalty observed?
a. 10 October
b. 11 October
c. 12 October
d. 13 October
Answer/ Explanation
Answer: (a) 10 October
Explanation: On this day, people raise their voice against the death penalty. The United Nations Human Rights Office has called on all countries to approve and implement a global treaty that calls for the abolition of the death penalty.
Q. Which country’s energy company ‘Total’ has announced to buy 37.4 percent stake in Adani Gas?
a. Nepal
b. France
c. China
d. Russia
Answer/ Explanation
Answer: (b) France
Explanation: The announcement came nearly one year after both companies announced a 50:50 joint venture for natural gas imports and retail sales. After this agreement, ‘Total’ and ‘Adani Parivar’ will own 37.4-37.4% shares. The remaining 25.2% stake will be held by common investors.
Q. Which international organization has recently published a report about the violation of labour rights in tea gardens of an Indian state?
a. Oxfam
b. WWF
c. CARTA
d. Obama Foundation
Answer/ Explanation
Answer: (a) Oxfam
Explanation: As per the Oxfam’s latest report, labours get just Rs. 137-167 despite working for more than 12 hours every day. However, the Assam government has recently announced to raise workers’ daily wages Rs. 351 but situation has not yet improved. Assam is the biggest tea producer state.
Q. On which social media platform, Prime Minister Modi has become the world’s most-followed global leader?
a. Twitter
b. Facebook
c. Instagram
d. YouTube
Answer/ Explanation
Answer: (c) Instagram
Explanation: Over 30 million people are following Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Instagram, which is the highest number of followers of any leader in the world. Indonesia’s President Joko Widodo comes second because 25.6 million people follow him and Barack Obama comes third with 24.8 million followers.
Q. Which country is to set up a high-level group to tackle India’s trade deficit?
A. U.S.
B. China
C. Japan
D. N.Korea
Answer/ Explanation
Correct Ans:Option B
Explanation: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping agreed to set up a high-level group to tackle India’s trade deficit at the summit held in Mamallapuram, Tamil Nadu. The high-level group will be led by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman from the Indian side and Chinese Vice Premier Hu Chunhua.
Q. When was the NITI Aayog formed?
A. 2014
B. 2016
C. 2015
D. 2017
Answer/ Explanation
Correct Ans:Option C
Explanation: NITI Aayog was formed on 1 January 2015. It is headquartered in New Delhi.
Q. Who won the Dutch Open women’s singles 2019 title?
A.Wang Zhiyi
B.Gabriela Stoeva
C.Stefani Christy
D.Selena Piek
Answer/ Explanation
Correct Ans:Option A
Explanation: China shuttler Wang Zhiyi won the Dutch Open women’s singles 2019 title which was held at Almere, Netherlands.
Q. Where is Curitiba located?
A.Spain
B.Italy
C.Brazil
D.Poland
Answer/ Explanation
Correct Ans:Option C
Explanation: Curitiba is the capital of the southern Brazilian state of Paraná. Notable skyline features include the Panoramic Tower, with an observatory on top. Known as a cultural center, Curitiba is home to a number of performance venues, including the Wire Opera House, a structure of tubular steel with a transparent roof, and the huge Teatro Guaíra, with diverse programs.
Q. How much did the Asian Development Bank (ADB) lend for the construction of Tranche 1 road in July 2017?
A.$120 million
B.$175 million
C.$220 million
D.$255 million
Answer/ Explanation
Correct Ans:Option C
Explanation: The Tranche 1 loan of $220 million was signed in July 2017. The loan upgraded about 1,000 km of state roads.
Q. Who won the Dutch Open men’s singles 2019 title?
A.Lakshya Sen
B.Prakash Padukone
C.Pullela Gopichand
D.Saina Nehwal
Answer/ Explanation
Correct Ans:Option A
Explanation: Indian shuttler Lakshya Sen won the Dutch Open men’s singles title at Almere, Netherlands. This is his maiden Badminton World Federation (BWF) World Tour title. He won the title by defeating Yusuke Onodera of Japan in the summit. He secured 15-21 21-14 21-15 to defeat Onodera.
Q. What is the name of Indian nun who was declared saint by Pope Francis recently?
a. Norah Williams
b. Jenifer Gobalchar
c. Vandana Narayan
d. Mariam Thresia
Answer/ Explanation
Answer: (d) Mariam Thresia
Explanation: Mariam Thresia, a nun from Kerala, has been given the title of saint 93 years after her death. Sister Mary Thresia was given the title of Saint by St. Francis of Vatican, Pope Francis.
Q. What is the name of the person who invented ‘Phenakistoscope’ and Google celebrated his 218th birthday with a Doodle recently?
a. John Pattison
b. Joseph Antoine Ferdinand
c. Dracker Ontario
d. Richard Brown Williamson
Answer/ Explanation
Answer: (b) Joseph Antoine Ferdinand
Explanation: Joseph Antoine Ferdinand Plateau is known for his invention ‘Phenakistoscope’. This invention, later, gave birth to the modern day cinema and moving images. He invented this device in 1832.
Q. Which Indian player has won Dutch Open Badminton 2019?
a. Harshit Chaudhary
b. Arpit Gupta
c. Vivek Joshi
d. Lakshya Sen
Answer/ Explanation
Answer: (d) Lakshya Sen
Explanation: Indian badminton player Lakshya Sen won the Dutch Open title 2019. He defeated Yusuke Onodera of Japan with 15-21, 21-14, 21-15. Lakshya Sen belongs to the Uttarakhand state. He is the student of Prakash Padukon Badminton Academy.
Q. Which state/UT has started postpaid mobile service after 70 days of ban?
a. Bihar
b. Uttar Pradesh
c. Jammu and Kashmir
d. New Delhi
Answer/ Explanation
Answer: (c) Jammu and Kashmir
Explanation: Postpaid mobile services in 10 districts of Jammu and Kashmir resumed on October 14 afternoon. All mobile and landline services were stopped from August 5 in the valley due to security concerns in the area. Services were blocked since Article 370 was revoked.
Q. Who participated in the BRICS Culture Ministers Meet 2019 from the Indian Side?
A.Rajnath Singh
B.Prahlad Singh Patel
C.Amit Shah
D.Dharmendra Pradhan
Answer/ Explanation
Correct Ans:Option B
Explanation: BRICS Culture Ministers’ Meet was held at Curitiba, Brazil. Shri Prahlad Singh Patel, Union Minister of State for Culture and Tourism (Independent Charge), participated in the meeting. In the meeting, the countries reaffirmed to contribute towards stronger bonds of friendship and cooperation in cultural fields amongst member countries.
Q. The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Government of India signed a _________ Tranche 2 loan.
A.$190 mn
B.$170 mn
C.$150 mn
D.$120 mn
Answer/ Explanation
Correct Ans:Option A
Explanation: The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Government of India signed a $190 million Tranche 2 loan on 13 October. The loan is to upgrade 754 kilometres of state highways and major district roads (MDRs) to two-lane or intermediate- lane standards. It is expected to benefit about 26 million people in 14 districts of Rajasthan.
Q. How many MoUs were signed at the 3-day India International Cooperative Trade Fair was in New Delhi?
A. 30
B. 53
C. 62
D. 75
Answer/ Explanation
Correct Ans:Option D
Explanation: A 3-day India International Cooperative Trade Fair was in New Delhi from 11th October to 13th October. The trade fair was first-of-its-kind. At the three day IICTF, 75 MoUs were signed. IICTF was held to promote cooperative to cooperative trade within India and abroad, leading to enhanced rural and farm prosperity. 75 MoUs were signed at the three days IICTF.
October Current Affairs
JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research launched
President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind, laid the foundation stone for the campus of JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research at Varuna Village, Mysuru.
The Global Campus of JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research at Varuna Village is a tribute to Sri Shivarathri Rajendra Mahaswamiji whose 104th Jayanti is being celebrated this year (2019).
Government to introduce POSHAN atlas
The government is to introduce POSHAN atlas under POSHAN Abhiyan.
The announcement was made by Union Minister of WCD Smriti Irani at the 5th National Council on India’s Nutrition Challenges.
POSHAN atlas is developed by the Ministry of Women and Child Development in association with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and Deendayal Research Institute. The atlas aims to tackle malnutrition.
World Health Organisation (WHO) India Cooperation Strategy launched
The Union Health Ministry has launched the World Health Organisation (WHO) India Country Cooperation Strategy (CCS) 2019–2023: A Time of Transition on 9 October 2019.
The strategy will provide a strategic roadmap for the WHO to work with the Indian government towards achieving its health sector goals.
It will help in improving the health of its population of India.
World Standards Day: 14 October
World Standards Day (or International Standards Day) is celebrated internationally each year on 14 October.
- The aim of World Standards Day is to raise awareness among regulators, industry and consumers as to the importance of standardization to the global economy.
- Around the globe, it is celebrated by the members of IEC (the International Electro-technical Commission), ISO (The International Organization for Standardization) and ITU (The International Telecommunication Union).
- 2019 theme: Video standards create a global stage
Prahlad Singh Patel participates in BRICS Culture Ministers’ meeting in Brazil
Union Minister of State for Culture and Tourism Prahlad Singh Patel participated in BRICS Culture Ministers’ meeting held in Curitiba, Brazil.
- Mr Patel asserted that BRICS for India is a valuable forum for consultation, coordination and cooperation on contemporary global issues of mutual interest.
- He also proposed to add literature as another field of cooperation between the countries to enhance cooperation in the field of literary works.
India extends Line of Credit worth USD 30 mn to Sierra Leone for rice cultivation
India and Sierra Leone signed six agreements including extended a credit line of 30 million US Dollars for rice cultivation.
- Vice President Venkaiah Naidu and Sierra Leone President Julius Maada Bio committed to further strengthening bilateral relations.
- Mr Naidu reached Freetown, capital of Sierra Leone on the second leg of his ongoing five-day visit to the West African countries.
- Mr Naidu’s visit marks the first high-level visit from India to the two African countries.
India, Japan to hold joint military exercise ‘Dharma-Guardian’ 2019
A joint military exercise Dharma-Guardian 2019 will be conducted between India and Japan at the Counter Insurgency and Jungle Warfare School, Vairengte in Mizoram from October 19 to November 2.
- The Indian Army and the Japanese Ground Self Defence Forces (JGSDF), comprising 25 soldiers each, will participate in the exercise.
- The exercise is an annual training event which is being conducted in India since 2018.
- The scope of this exercise covers platoon-level joint training on counter-terrorism operations in the jungle and urban scenario.
PM Modi becomes the most followed leader on Instagram
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has become the most-followed elected world leader on photo-sharing app Instagram.
- He is ahead of US President Donald Trump, Indonesian President Joko Widodo and former president Barack Obama.
- With 30 million followers, PM Modi leads the list of world leaders on Instagram, with Joko Widodo coming in a close second with 25.6 million followers on the popular app.
- Barack Obama comes in third with 24.8 million followers while, Donald Trump, trails behind with 14.9 million followers.
Points to Remember
- Barack Obama is the most followed politician with 107.5 million followers on his personal Twitter.
- He is followed by US President Donald Trump with 62.6 million followers on his own personal Twitter.
- Narendra Modi, the Prime Minister of India is the third most followed politician with 50 million followers.
10th edition of ‘Rashtriya Sanskriti Mahotsav’ under the Ministry of Culture inaugurated in Jabalpur
The Governor of Madhya Pradesh Shri Lalji Tandon in the presence of Minister of State for Culture and Tourism (I/C), Shri Prahalad Singh Patel inaugurated the 10th Rashtriya Sanskriti Mahotsav in Jabalpur in Madhya Pradesh.
- Ministry of Culture, Government of India is organising the 10th edition of Rashtriya Sanskriti Mahotsav under the Ek Bharat Shrestha Bharat initiative in Madhya Pradesh from 14th to 21st October 2019.
- The National Cultural festival will display diverse forms of folk, art and culture of 22 states.
- The concept of National Cultural Festival was conceived in the year 2015.
- The festival is being organized in Madhya Pradesh for the second time.
Simone Biles breaks the record for most world medals won by any gymnast
Simone Biles broke the all-time record for most medals by any gymnast at the world championships by winning the balance beam competition at the World Gymnastics Championship in Stuttgart, Germany.
- It’s the 24th world championship medal for Biles, breaking a tie on 23 with the Belarusian men’s gymnast Vitaly Scherbo.
- Biles scored 15.066 on the beam after a near-flawless routine.
Manju Rani settles for silver medal in World Women’s Boxing Championship
The Indian women’s boxing contingent ended the World Boxing Championships campaign with a record four medals after Manju Rani bagged the silver in the 48kg category final.
- 19-year-old Manju lost the gold-medal bout 1-4 against 2nd seed Ekaterina Paltceva of Russia but still managed to finish as the best Indian performer in this edition.
- This was Manju’s maiden appearance at the World Championships.
- India finished with one silver and three bronze medals after Jamuna Boro, Lovlina Borgohain and MC Mary Kom clinched the bronze medals in their respective categories.
Lakshya Sen wins maiden BWF World Tour title
Indian shuttler Lakshya Sen clinched his maiden BWF World Tour title by winning the Dutch Open men’s singles at Almere in the Netherlands.
- Lakshya rallied from a game deficit to defeat Yusuke Onodera of Japan 15-21, 21-14, 21-15 in a final that lasted 63 minutes.
- Lakshya, currently ranked 72nd, had won the Belgian Open last month and reached the finals of Polish Open this year.
- He had also won the Asian Junior Championships, a silver at Youth Olympic Games and a bronze medal at World Junior Championships last year.