GK Current Affairs Quiz 17-12-2019 with Questions and Answers for Banking, UPSC, Railways, RRB NTPC, SSC

GK Current Affairs Quiz 17th December 2019 with Questions and Answers: General Knowledge section of Versionweekly aims to help every competitive exam aspirant to revise the day at ease.

GK Current Affairs Quiz 16th December 2019

Q. Edelweiss Asset Management Company has launched India’s 1st Corporate Bond ETF (exchange trade fund) named as?
(a) India Bond ETF
(b) Bharatiya Bond ETF
(c) Indiana Bond ETF
(d) Hindustan Bond ETF
(e) Bharat Bond ETF

Answer

Answer: (e) Bharat Bond ETF
Explanation: Edelweiss Asset Management Company has launched India’s 1st Corporate Bond ETF (exchange trade fund) called the Bharat Bond ETF.


Q. Who among the following was recently crowned Miss World 2019?
(a) Tony Ann Singh
(b) Suman Rao
(c) Jogbani Tunzi
(d) Opelie Mezzino

Answer

Answer: (a) Tony Ann Singh
Explanation:Miss Jamaica Toni-Ann Singh won the Miss World 2019 Title. Miss France Ophely Mezino and Miss India Suman Rao were the first and second runners up of the beauty contest.


Q.India’s Suman Rao concluded her Miss World 2019 campaign at which position?
(a) Winner
(b) First runner-up
(c) Top 10
(d) Second runner-up

Answer

Answer: (d) Second runner-up
Explanation:India’s Suman Rao won the second-runner up title in Miss World 2019. She was crowned Miss India 2019 on June 15, 2019. Rao took the initiative to help tribal women through financial freedom in the ‘Beauty with a Purpose Segment’.


Q. Viswanathan Anand has launched his autobiography titled as __________
(a) Chess Master
(b) Brain Master
(c) Pawn Master
(d) Mind Master
(e) Vishwa Master

Answer

Answer: (a) Chess Master
Explanation: Viswanathan Anand has launched his autobiography titled as ‘Mind Master’.


Q. Name the country which has formally released its new National policy Framework ‘Vistas of Prosperity and Splendor’.
(a) Sri Lanka
(b) Bangladesh
(c) India
(d) Indonesia
(e) Myanmar

Answer

Answer: (a) Sri Lanka
Explanation: Sri Lankan government has formally released its new National policy Framework ‘Vistas of Prosperity and Splendor’.


Q. Name the former Prime Minister of Algeria who was recently elected as the President of Algeria.
(a) Abdelkader Bensalah
(b) Emmanuel Macron
(c) Justin Trudeau
(d) Cyril Ramaphosa
(e) Abdelmadjid Tebboune

Answer

Answer: (e) Abdelmadjid Tebboune
Explanation: Abdelmadjid Tebboune, the former Prime Minister of Algeria was elected as the President of Algeria.


Q. Name the Thailand’s famous massage which has been added to UNESCO’s (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) prestigious heritage list.
(a) Hot Stone Massage
(b) Nuad Thai Massage
(c) Balinese Massage
(d) Lomi Lomi Massage
(e) Thai Bamboo Massage

Answer

Answer: (b) Nuad Thai Massage
Explanation: Thailand’s famous 2000-year-old massage, Nuad Thai was added to UNESCO’s (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) prestigious heritage list.


Q.Which state’s police was honoured with the President’s colour recently?
(a) Telangana
(b) Delhi
(c) Gujarat
(d) Uttar Pradesh

Answer

Answer: (c) Gujarat
Explanation:The Gujarat Police was recently honoured with President’s Colour for its services and courage. This honour is the biggest honor given by the President to the Armed Forces, Para Military Forces and State Police Forces.


Q.The train service between which two Pakistani railway stations was resumed after 22 years?
(a)Wagah and Attari
(b)Lahore and Wagah
(c)Lahore and Peshawar
(d)Raiwind and Gujranwala

Answer

Answer: (b) Lahore and Wagah
Explanation:The train service between Lahore and Wagah resumed operations after 22 years on December 15, 2019. The shuttle train services between the two stations will complete three round trips daily for Rs 30 per ride.


Q. Abdelmadjid Tebboune, former Prime Minister (PM) of Algeria was elected as the President of Algeria. He will succeed?
(a) Ahmed Gaid Salah
(b) Noureddine Bedoui
(c) Abdelaziz Bouteflika
(d) Ahmed Ouyahia
(e) Abdelkader Bensalah

Answer

Answer: (e) Abdelkader Bensalah
Explanation: Rashtrapati Bhavan hosted a conference of 46 Heads of Central Universities and Institutes of Higher Learning in several fields including agriculture, pharmaceuticals, aviation, design, petroleum and energy.


Q. Which day is celebrated by India as Vijay Diwas to commemorate India’s victory over Pakistan in 1971 war?
(a) 13 December
(b) 14 December
(c) 15 December
(d) 16 December
(e) 17 December

Answer

Answer: (d) 16 December
Explanation: Abdelmadjid Tebboune, former Prime Minister (PM) of Algeria was elected as the President of Algeria succeeding Abdelkader Bensalah.


Q. Google has revealed that it’s powerful mapping service, Google Earth has covered more than ______ of the world.
(a) 99%
(b) 98%
(c) 97%
(d) 96%
(e) 95%

Answer

Answer: (b) 98%
Explanation: India celebrates 16 December as Vijay Diwas to commemorate India’s victory over Pakistan in 1971 war.


Q. Where is the headquarter of UNESCO?
(a) New York, USA
(b) Geneva, Switzerland
(c) The Hague, Switzerland
(d) Paris, France
(e) Manila, Philippines

Answer

Answer: (d) Paris, France
Explanation: Google has revealed that it’s powerful mapping service, Google Earth has covered more than 98% of the world.


Q. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has chaired the first meeting of the National Ganga Council held in?
(a) Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh
(b) Patna, Bihar
(c) Chandigarh, Haryana
(d) Indore, Madhya Pradesh
(e) Jaipur, Rajasthan

Answer

Answer: (a) Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh
Explanation: UNESCO is headquartered at Paris, France.


Q. The present Union Minister of Coal and Minister of Mines of India is?
(a) Dharmendra Pradhan
(b) Pralhad Joshi
(c) Smriti Zubin Irani
(d) Harsh Vardhan
(e) Arjun Munda

Answer

Answer: (b) Pralhad Joshi
Explanation: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has chaired the first meeting of the National Ganga Council held in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh.


Q. Who among the following chaired the first meeting of the National Ganga Council held in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh?
(a) Narendra Modi
(b) Raj Nath Singh
(c) Amit Shah
(d) Ramvilas Paswan
(e) Gajendra Singh Shekhawat

Answer

Answer: (a) Narendra Modi
Explanation: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has chaired the first meeting of the National Ganga Council held in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh.


Q. Name the Jamaican girl who was announced as the winner of the Miss World 2019 beauty pageant held at the ExCeL London.
(a) Ophelia Mezino
(b) Suman Rao
(c) Daniella Lundqvist
(d) Tony-Ann Singh
(e) Lucy Brock

Answer

Answer: (d) Tony-Ann Singh
Explanation: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has chaired the first meeting of the National Ganga Council held in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh.


Q. The World Design Organization is all set to launch its new global programme World Design Protopolis in?
(a) Mumbai
(b) Hyderabad
(c) Gandhinagar
(d) Chennai
(e) Bengaluru

Answer

Answer: (e) Bengaluru
Explanation: Tony-Ann Singh of Jamaica was announced as the winner of the Miss World 2019 beauty pageant held at the ExCeL London.


Q. Which of the following ministries will establish ‘Sustainable Development Cell’ for promoting sustainable coal mining in the country?
(a) Ministry of Home Affairs
(b) Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers
(c) Ministry of Coal
(d) Ministry of Earth Sciences
(e) Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change

Answer

Answer: (c) Ministry of Coal
Explanation: The World Design Organization is all set to launch its new global programme World Design Protopolis in Bengaluru.


Q. 3-times Olympic middle-distance champion Peter Snell passed away recently. He belongs to which country?
(a) New Zealand
(b) Austria
(c) France
(d) Japan
(e) Finland

Answer

Answer: (a) New Zealand
Explanation: The Coal Ministry will establish ‘Sustainable Development Cell’ (SDC) for promoting sustainable coal mining in the country.


Q. FASTags or prepaid rechargeable tags for toll collection have become mandatory for all vehicles from 15th December 2019. FASTags works on which technology?
(a) Bluetooth
(b) GPS
(c) WiFi
(d) Radio Frequency Identification Technology
(e) NFS

Answer

Answer: (d) Radio Frequency Identification Technology
Explanation: New Zealand’s 3-times Olympic middle-distance champion Peter Snell passed away.


Q. India celebrates the National Energy Conservation Day every year on ____________ to recognise and celebrate the efforts towards energy conservation.
(a) 13th December
(b) 14th December
(c) 15th December
(d) 16th December
(e) 17th December

Answer

Answer: (b) 14th December
Explanation: New Zealand’s 3-times Olympic middle-distance champion Peter Snell passed away.


Q. ______________ hosted a conference of 46 Heads of Central Universities and Institutes of Higher Learning in several fields including agriculture, pharmaceuticals, aviation, design, petroleum and energy.
(a) Rashtrapati Bhavan
(b) Pragati Maidan
(c) Jantar Mantar
(d) Vigyan Bhawan
(e) Taj Hotel

Answer

Answer: (a) Rashtrapati Bhavan
Explanation: India celebrates the National Energy Conservation Day every year on 14th December to recognise and celebrate the efforts towards energy conservation.


Q.When is Vijay Diwas observed?
(a)16th December
(b)15th December
(c)13th December
(d)11th December

Answer

Answer:(a) 16th December
Explanation:Vijay Diwas is celebrated every year on December 16 to commemorate the day India established its victory over Pakistan during the 1971 war. India’s victory liberated east Pakistan and paved the way for the formation of independent Bangladesh.


Q.Which country will host the 36th International Geological Congress, scheduled to be held in March 2020?
(a)Nepal
(b)Pakistan
(c)America
(d)India

Answer

Answer: (d) India
Explanation:The 36th International Geological Congress will be hosted by India. It will be held in New Delhi with theme – Geosciences: Basic Sciences for Inclusive Development. The International Geological Congress (IGC) is the prestigious global platform for the advancement of earth science.


Q.When is National Energy Conservation Day observed?
(a)10th December
(b)11th December
(c)14th December
(d)16th December

Answer

Answer: (c) 14 December
Explanation:The National Energy Conservation Day is commemorated annually on December 14. The day’s objective is to showcase India’s achievements in energy efficiency and conservation. In India, the Energy Conservation Act 2001 was enacted by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (B.E.E.)


Q.The protest against citizenship amendment act led by students from which university turned violent in New Delhi on December 15, 2019?
(a)Jamia
(b)AMU
(c)JNU
(d)MANUU

Answer

Answer: (a) Jamia
Explanation:The protest march by students of Jamia Millia Islamia turned violent on December 15, 2019 after a part of the mob clashed with the police and set public vehicles on fire. The students were protesting against the implementation of the citizenship amendment act 2019.


Q. _____________ will launch rover “MARS 2020” in 2020.
(a) ISRO
(b) SpaceX
(c) NASA
(d) European Space Agency
(e) Roscosmos

Answer

Answer: (c) NASA
Explanation: Union Minister of Coal and Minister of Mines: Pralhad Joshi


Daily Current Affairs – International

Longest UN climate talks ended in Madrid with no deal on carbon markets

  • The longest UN climate talks ended in Madrid with no deal on carbon markets.
  • Delegates from almost 200 countries failed to come up with more ambitious targets to cut green house gases at UN climate talks.
  • It failed to fulfill the terms of the 2015 Paris agreement prompting UN chief Antonio Guterres to lament a “lost opportunity” to fight global warming.
  • The two-week long negotiations which extended till yesterday saw no agreement on major issues such as Article 6, loss and damage, and long term finance.
  • Under the Article 6 of the Paris agreement signed in 2015, the countries had agreed to set up a global carbon market system to help developing countries decarbonise their economies at lower cost.
  • The countries have tried and failed to agree the rules governing this mechanism.
  • Despite holding the longest climate talks ever in 25 nearly annual editions, the sleep-deprived negotiators, left one of the thorniest issues for next year (2020) summit COP26 in Glasgow in UK – how to deal with carbon emissions.
  • The international community lost an important opportunity to show increased ambition on mitigation, adaptation and finance to tackle the climate crisis.”
  • Few countries came to this year’s talks with the plans to reach the Paris agreement, even as the EU agreed its long-term target of reaching net zero emissions by 2050.


Sri Lankan government formally releases its new National policy Framework

  • Sri Lankan government formally released its new National policy Framework meant to guide the government ministries and departments in implementing their policies.
  • The framework titled ‘Vistas of Prosperity and Splendor’ is aimed at achieving fourfold outcome of being a productive citizen, a contented family, a virtuous, disciplined and just society and a prosperous nation.
  • Among the main objectives are maintaining a 6.5 per cent or higher GDP growth rate under the macroeconomic programme, achieving a per capita income exceeding 6,500 US dollar during 2020 to 2025.
  • The policy further elaborates to keep the unemployment rate below 4 per cent and the inflation rate below 5 per cent, as well as to manage the government revenue and expenditure to keep the budget deficit below 4 per cent of GDP.
  • The policy mandates to implement a national and international partnership based on principles of priority to national security, friendly and non-aligned foreign policy.
  • It also mandates an administration free from corruption and new constitution that fulfills people’s wishes.


China suspends additional tariffs on US goods after two sides announce major breakthrough in trade war

  • China suspended additional tariffs on US products after Washington and Beijing announced a major thaw in their trade war.
  • China’s finance ministry announced today that it will suspend the planned addition of 10 percent and 5 percent tariffs on some US imports.
  • China will continue to suspend additional tariffs on US-made autos and spare parts.
  • The move follows US President Trump’s cancellation of new tariffs on Chinese products as part of a phase one trade deal.
  • China’s commerce ministry had agreed with the US a mini-deal that includes a progressive rollback of tariffs and the protection of intellectual property rights.
  • The two sides have yet to sign the agreement, which represents a major breakthrough in the 21-month standoff between the world’s two largest economies.


Poland left out of EU’s agreement

  • The European Union (EU) left Poland out of a 2050 climate neutrality agreement.
  • The agreement is part of a plan to make Europe the first climate-neutral continent.
  • Poland was left out as it demanded more funds for economic transition and support for nuclear power.
  • The country resisted the plan during hours of intense debate and was left out of the new commitment.


Daily Current Affairs – National

Nation celebrates Vijay Diwas today (16 December)

  • The Nation celebrates Vijay Diwas today (16 December, 2019) to commemorate India’s victory over Pakistan in 1971 war.
  • Rich tributes are being paid to the martyrs who laid down their lives during the war.
  • It was on this day in 1971, the chief of the Pakistani forces, General AA Khan Niazi, along with 93 thousand troops, had surrendered unconditionally to the allied forces consisting of Indian Army and Mukti Bahini.
  • The end of the war also resulted in subsequent secession of East Pakistan into Bangladesh.
  • On the occasion Vijay Diwas, Prime Minister Narendra Modi salutes the courage and valour of Indian soldiers. In a tweet, Mr Modi said, the history created by our army on this day in 1971 will always be engraved in the golden words.
  • In Kolkata, a wreath laying ceremony will be held at ‘Vijay Smarak’ at Fort William the Head Quarters of Eastern Command to mark the day.
  • It is a landmark event in the history of India as it was an outstanding example of peoples aspirations supported by a military action which resulted in birth of a new nation, Bangladesh.
  • Eastern Command was at forefront of the war.
  • It organized a 3 day events in Kolkata beginning for 14th December, 2019.
  • A delegation of dignitaries comprising of ‘Mukti Joddhas’ from Bangladesh as well as Indian war veterans are taking part in the celebrations.
  • ‘Vijay Divas’ is indeed a Day for Remembrance of our brave solders and ‘Mukti Joddhas’ who sacrificed their lives for a noble cause and also a day for taking pledged to save our home land from any possible attack of external enemies.


Ticket cancellation charges of AN 32 Courier Service reduced

  • For the convenience of passengers travelling by AN 32 Courier Service from Kargil to Srinagar and Jammu, the ticket cancellation charges have been reduced from the existing 300 rupees to 150 rupees per passenger.
  • The decision was taken in a meeting held by Chairman and Chief Executive Councillor, LAHDC, Kargil, Feroz Ahmad Khan.
  • The meeting was convened to review the necessary arrangements for the operation of the AN 32 Courier Service during the winter season.
  • It was also decided that no employee of the Education Department and the Health Department, Kargil would be appointed as Liaison Officers (LOs) and Assistant Liaison Officers (ALOs) for this Service.


Ayush Minister gives information about Ayurveda, Siddha & Unani system’s recognition in neighbouring countries

  • The Indian systems of Ayurveda and Siddha are recognized in Nepal and Sri Lanka and the Unani system in Bangladesh.
  • Minister of State for Ayush Shripad Yesso Naik gave this information in a written reply in the Lok Sabha last week.
  • The Ayush Ministry has signed country-to-country MoUs with 22 countries for cooperation in the field of Traditional Medicine and Homoeopathy.


Government took several initiatives for providing Ease of Doing Business

  • The Corporate Affairs Ministry has taken several initiatives for providing Ease of Doing Business to law-abiding corporates.
  • This is in pursuance of the objective of providing greater Ease of Doing Business, bring about greater transparency in corporate structure and fostering better corporate compliance to enhance the efficiency of the process under the Companies Act of 2013.
  • They include the creation of an institution of a robust Insolvency and Bankruptcy framework.
  • India has improved its ranking on the World Bank’s Doing Business 2020 report moving up 14 positions to 63rd position as compared to 77th position in 2018.
  • India’s leap of 14 ranks in the Ease of Doing Business ranking is significant considering that there has been a continuous improvement since 2015 and for the third consecutive year India is amongst the top 10 improvers.
  • The Ministry has contributed towards insolvency resolution. India’s ranking jumped 56 places to 52 in 2019 from 108 in 2018. Recovery rate increased from 26.5 per cent in 2018 to 71.6 per cent in 2019.
  • The Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (Second Amendment) Bill, 2019 was introduced in the Lok Sabha on 12th of December, 2019.


Employability increased by nearly 50 percent

  • The India Skills Report said that nearly half of the professional degree holders are employable now.
  • The report was released by Wheebox, People Strong, CII.
  • Earlier, nearly 70% of the professional degree holders were found to be unemployable.
  • Nearly 47% of the students who were surveyed are found to be employable or ready to take-up jobs in 2019.


Ministry of HRD implementing a ‘Samagra Shiksha’ scheme

  • Ministry of HRD is implementing the Scheme of Vocationalisation of School Education
  • under ‘Samagra Shiksha – an integrated scheme for school education’.
  • Under the scheme, a vocational subject is offered for Classes IX to XII along with the general education.
  • Till 2018-19, the scheme has been implemented in 8654 schools, with a reported enrolment of more than 10 lakh students.


Assam Government launched anti depredation squads

  • Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal launched 15 Anti-Depredation Squads of the State Forest department recently to deal with human-wildlife conflicts in the state.
  • The squads will operate in 15 major human- wildlife conflict districts to ensure the safety of both humans and wildlife.
  • The state forest department has engaged specially trained 50 frontline staff for it.

37th National Symposium of Heads of Police Training Institutions held in New Delhi
  • The 37th National Symposium of Heads of Police Training Institutions was held in New Delhi which was organized by Bureau of Police Research & Development (BPR&D).
  • The theme of the Symposium was ‘Optimal Utilization of Resources-Through Sharing and Networking’.
  • Directory of Indian Police Training Institutions (DIPTI) was also released during the event.

Daily Current Affairs – Economy

CBDT extends advance tax payment deadline for northeastern region to Dec 31

  • The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) has extended the date for payment of third installment of Advance Tax for financial year 2019-20 to 31st December, 2019 for the North Eastern Region. Earlier, the deadline was 15th of December.
  • The decision to this effect was taken in view of the recent disturbance in the region.
  • Advance tax payments, under the direct taxes category, are made four times in a financial year.


Mandatory to link PAN-Aadhaar by Dec 31: Income Tax Department

  • The Income Tax Department has said that it will be mandatory to link Permanent Account Number (PAN) with Aadhaar by the end of this month (December, 2019).
  • This will facilitate to reap seamless benefits of income tax services.
  • The deadline for linking PAN with Aadhaar was extended till the 31st of December, by Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) through an order issued in September this year.
  • Earlier, the deadline was 30th of September.
  • In order to link a PAN with Aadhaar online, the assesse is required to log in to the e-filing portal.
  • The Income Tax Department also provides an SMS-based facility to enable the linking.
  • Aadhaar is issued by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) to a resident of India and PAN is a 10-digit alphanumeric number allotted by the I-T Department to a person, firm or entity.

Daily Current Affairs – Awards

President Ram Nath Kovind to present Visitor’s awards 2019

  • President Ram Nath Kovind will present the Visitor’s awards2019 at Rashtrapati Bhavan on 17 December, 2019.
  • The awards will be conferred during the conference of Vice-Chancellors of Central Universities, Directors of IISERs and Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore. Subsequent to the presentation of the awards, the conference will witness presentations by several sub groups of the heads of institutions.
  • These will on issues such as the promotion of research, innovation and entrepreneurship, industry-academia linkages, filling up of vacancies, creating and utilising alumni-based endowment funds and completing infrastructure projects.
  • Apart from the heads of 49 institutions of higher learning, Human Resource Development Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank and Minister of State for Human Resource Development, Sanjay Dhotre will attend the Conference.
  • Secretaries of concerned Departments, Chairmen of University Grants Commission and AICTE will also take part in it.


Gujarat police was honoured with the Presidents Colours award on 15 December

  • Gujarat police was honoured with the President’s Colours award on 15 December 2019.
  • Gujarat became the seventh state police force in India to be bestowed with the honour of the President’s Colours.
  • It was presented by the Vice President, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu. He paid homage martyrs of Gujarat Police.
  • President’s Colours is also called NISHAAN. Now, the emblem will be worn by all the police officers of Gujarat on the left-hand sleeve of their uniform.
  • The proposal for President’s Colours was initiated by the office of the Director-General (DG) and Inspector General of Police (IGP), the head of the Gujarat Police.
  • It was forwarded to the Ministry of Home Affairs, on 21 February 2019, by the home department of the Gujarat government.
  • On 7 March 2019, the awarding of the President’s Colours to Gujarat Police was communicated.
  • The President’s Colour is the highest honour bestowed upon a police force in India.
  • The honour recognizes the invaluable contribution of the police force to society.
  • Earlier, it was awarded to states of Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Jammu and Kashmir, Tripura and Assam.

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