Apr2013

Current AffairsApril 2013 Current Affairs from April 1, 2013 to April 30, 2013 A publication of Nirdeshak.com Current Affairs- April 2013 Curated by Ravindra Agnihotri CONTENTS April 1, 2013 /08 Engaged in several initiatives which focus on developing and implementing value-added learning tools and systems for today’s youth. Was actively involved in educational radio segment. Developed methodology and framework of NTS, a one of its kind of service providing testing solutions for competitive exams. Founder of nirdeshak.com April 2, 2013 /09 April 3, 2013 RAVINDRA AGNIHOTRI /10 April 4, 2013 / 11 April 5, 2013 /13 April 6, 2013 /1 4 WWW.NIRDESHAK.COM 01 02 WWW.NIRDESHAK.COM 2013 /19 April 15. 2013 April 12. 2013 /26 April 10. 2013 /29 WWW. 2013 /28 /24 April 18. 2013 /18 April 14. 2013 /27 April 11.NIRDESHAK. 2013 /21 April 16. 2013 /25 April 8.NIRDESHAK. 2013 /23 April 17. 2013 /16 CONTENTS April 13.COM . 2013 /26 April 9.CONTENTS April 7.COM 03 04 WWW. NIRDESHAK. 2013 /41 /36 /43 WWW. 2013 /33 April 27.COM . 2013 April 30.CONTENTS April 19. 2013 /34 April 28. 2013 /30 CONTENTS April 25. 2013 /39 April 21. 2013 /32 April 26. 2013 /35 April 29. 2013 /41 April 23.COM 03 04 WWW. 2013 April 24. 2013 /38 April 20.NIRDESHAK. 2013 /40 April 22. India’s largest stock exchange on 1 April 2013? – Chitra Ramakrishna (She took over the post of CEO from outgoing Ravi Narain) 8) What was the amount of employment opportunities created by 8 key manufacturing and service sectors of the Indian economy during six months of July – December 2012. fair and transparent process? – e-auction (During the last meeting of general managers (recovery/legal) of all PSBs held in December 2012.COM . The PSBs have started implementing the same advice) 7) Who took over the reins of NSE (National Stock Exchange). Hazare had floated ‘Janatantra Morcha’ after the protests on Lokpal Bill fizzled out and Team Anna split. under the “Securitisation and Reconstruction of Financial Assets and Enforcement of Security Interest (SARFAESI) Act. as reveled in the bi-annual survey of the Labour Bureau released recently? – 1. nirdeshak. with a faction led by Arvind Kejriwal forming a political party A knowledge portal delivering information in various formats which is indispensable for today’s era. Vice-Chairman and Managing Director of Bharti Enterprises (ICC India is the Indian affiliate of the Paris-based ICC. This disrupted was reported from which place? – Near Alexandria (Egypt) – The services provided by Bharti Airtel. during which 1. 2013 LEARNING SEO FROM THE EXPERTS 1) BJP President Rajnath Singh announced party’s 76 member core parliament team of office bearers on 31 March 2013. it was advised that all auctions of immovable properties.com is now on its way to become a truly comprehensive portal for knowledge 3) India was affected by one of the biggest cyber-attack and under-sea cable cuts in recent times as numerous important subsea cables were disrupted due to cable cuts recently. the world business organisation with presence in over 90 countries) 5) The first Greenfield renewable solar photo-voltaic project of NTPC was commissioned on 30 March 2013 at – Port Blair in Andaman & Nicobar Islands 6) What procedure has been adopted recently by public sector banks (PSBs) for sale of properties to recover payments from defaulting borrowers in order to ensure a free.68 lakh (Employment opportunities grew by about 9% during the period as compared to the first half on 2012 (January – June 2012).54 new jobs were created) 08 WWW.January 2013 April 1.NIRDESHAK. 2002 be carried out through e-auctions. India-Middle East-Western Europe (I-ME-WE) and Europe India Gateway (EIG) systems. The disrupted cables include – South East Asia–Middle East–Western Europe 4 (SMW-4).NIRDESHAK. in which Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi was also inducted in the parliamentary body of the BJP.COM WWW. What unique distinction was earned by Narendra Modi with this induction? – He is the first and only Chief Minister to have been inducted into party’s parliamentary body. State-owned BSNL and MTNL were largely affected by this cable cut which is also termed as bazooka attack in networking parlance 4) Who was appointed at the President of International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) India on 31 March 2013 at the conclusion of 82nd Annual General Meeting of ICC India? – Rajan Bharti Mittal. Tata Communications.Current Affairs . Primarily focused to students belonging to India’s student fraternity preparing for competitive exams. which is the highest decision making body of the party (It was a clear indication that Narendra Modi is being pushed to national politics to take a probable central role in the Lok Sabha elections for 2014) 2) What is the name of the yatra started by social activist Anna Hazare from Amritsar on 31 March 2013? – ‘Janatantra Yatra’ (walk for democracy) – A series of public rallies are to be organized to press a 25-point agenda under the banner of ‘Janatantra Yatra’ to garner people’s support against the Congress-led UPA government ahead of next year’s Lok Sabha polls and make people aware of its efforts to ditch the Jan Lokpal bill. Indore.COM April 3. Amritsar. Faridabad. who has recently proclaimed himself as the President of the country and has now appointed a new cabinet? – Michel Djotodia (Djotodia is the leader of the Seleka rebel movement.NIRDESHAK. 1. accused of killing two fishermen returned back to India to face the proceedings as per commitment given by him to the court. who imposed a state monopoly on the daily press. in which Mukesh will use his younger sibling’s optic fibre network for launch of his telecom venture. Jaipur. 2013 1) Supreme Court on 1 April 2013 dismissed Swiss pharmaceutical chain Novartis AG’s petition seeking patent protection for one of its anti-cancer drugs used for treating blood-cancer. which is not a venue for official cricket matches in Kolkata? – The Salt Lake Stadium (also known by its formal name Yuva Bharati Krirangan. But now Michel Djotodia has broken the agreement. 4) Mukesh Ambani struck a deal worth Rs. The deadline for digitalization was extended in Bangalore and four cities of Gujarat (Ahmedabad. 2013 passed by the Gujarat Assembly on 2 April 2013? – This bill seeks to end the role of the Governor and the Chief Justice of the Gujarat High Court in appointing the Lokpal or ombudsman (The Bill proposes a seven-member selection panel headed by the Chief Minister. Novartis’ defeat in this case is seen as a big victory for generic drug manufacturers of India and would allow hugely cheaper Indian versions of costly anti-cancer drugs marketed by multinational drug companies) 2) Analog television signals were closed from mid-night of 31 March 2013 in how many cities of India under the second phase of TV digitalization drive in India? – 33 cities (These 33 cities are Agra. Prasad (He filled in the place created by founder-Chairman Anji Reddy’s demise last month) 7) What is the name of the rebel leader of the Central African Republic (CAR). Patna. Four private newspapers went on sale on Monday. Bhopal. and the Governor’s role would only be to ratify the candidate) 3) Tamil film stars including superstar Rajnikanth. Nagpur. Meerut.200 crore with his younger brother Anil Ambani on 2 April. in which Bozize was allowed to finish his term in return of some concessions. Lucknow. Jabalpur. R Sarath Kumar and Ajith Kumar undertook a day-long fast at the premises of South Indian Film Artists’ Association in Chennai on 2 April 2013.000 kilometres inter-city fibre optic network to provide the backbone for rolling out its 4G services) 5) Which Indian state celebrated its 77th Foundation Day on 1 April 2013. What is the name of Mukesh Ambani’s new telecom venture. Novartis had been fighting a long legal battle for Glivec and developments in this case were watched with very keen interest by international pharmaceutical firms. What were the main demands of Tamil film fraternity who undertook this fast? – The rehabilitation of Sri Lankan Tamils and an international probe into the alleged war crimes committed by the Sri Lankan Govt. Greenfield Airport means a new airport which is built from scratch in a new location because the existing airport is unable to meet the projected requirements of traffic. with numerous programmes organized all over the state? – Odisha (Orissa) The state was carved out from an amalgamated region of Bengal-Bihar-Orissa in 1936. Navi Mumbai. Ghaziabad. Jodhpur. the rubber-stamp style parliament of North Korea. The Associated Press became the first international news agency to open a bureau in Myanmar since the new government took power two years ago) 4) Petrol price was reduced by________ from midnight of 1 April 2013 by oil companies – Rs. Sholapur. (Under the terms of the agreement. Allahabad. On which date Mancini was directed by the court to not leave India without its permission? – 14 March 2013 2) What is the main feature of the new Lokayukta Aayog Bill. Aurangabad. What was the venue of this opening ceremony. Earlier analog signals were proposed to be closed in 38 cities. Kalyan-Dombivli. which will recommend a candidate for the Lokayukta’s post. which would roll-out 4G services in the country through Anil Ambani’s Reliance Communications Ltd.S.85/liter (This reduction in petroleum price was due to fall in international oil prices and is the second reduction in rates in two weeks) 5) Who was named as the new Prime Minister of North Korea on 1 April 2013? – Pak Pong-Ju (He was appointed at the annual meeting of the Supreme People’s Assembly. This is at present the largest stadium in the Indian-subcontinent and is used for football matches and athletics events) 10 WWW. that began its advance to the capital Bangui during December 2012.COM . Pune. Reliance Jio Infocomm will utilise multiple fibre pairs across RCom’s 1. Rajkot.V.Chinchwad.-style wage system. What is the name of this drug? – Glivec (Award of patent to Novartis for this drug would have barred Indian firms from manufacturing generic drugs.NIRDESHAK. Nasik. Thane. Ju was reportedly sacked as prime minister in 2007 after proposing a U. forcing President Bozize to flee the country) 09 WWW. Odisha’s foundation day is celebrated as “Utkal Divas” 6) India’s first fully private greenfield airport is to be set up at which place according to announcements made recently in this regard? – Karaikal (Karaikal is situated in Tamil Nadu but comes under administrative control of the union territory of Puducherry (Pondicherry). Howrah. Ranchi. 0. (RCom)? – Reliance Jio Infocomm Ltd. He replaced Choe Yong-Rim) 6) Who was appointed as the new Chairman of India’s leading pharma company Reddy’s Lab on 1 April 2013? – G.April 2. Coimbatore. Srinagar. Surat and Vadodara) on court orders) 3) Circulation of private newspapers resumed after about 50 years in which country on 1 April 2013? – Myanmar (Private newspapers were banned in the 1960s by the late dictator Ne Win. Mysore. Pimpri.20. peace was struck with President Francois Bozize in January 2013 in an agreement. 2013 1) Supreme Court on 2 April 2013 vacated its order restraining Italy’s Ambassador Daniele Mancini from leaving India as the two Italian marines. patent right for which was rejected in 2006 by the Chennai-based Intellectual Property Appellate Board. Ludhiana. Varanasi and Visakhapatnam. The Karaikal airport is to be built by Coimbatore-based Super Airport Infrastructure (India) Private Limited) 7) Which country recently became the first South-Asian country to auction spectrum airwaves for 4G (4th Generation) mobile services and is to start 4G mobile very soon? – Sri Lanka 8) IPL 6 kicked off through a scintillating opening ceremony on 2 April 2013 at Kolkata. Hyderabad. Kanpur. Chandigarh. Later. the CAG came down heavily on the state govt. Govt.16 mg/cubic centimeter) 2) What was the name of an activist of Students Federation of India (SFI).’s policy were Reliance Industries Limited.COM . This survey was commissioned to examine the enrolment. which sheds new light on dark matter. He had earlier refused to give his samples ever since he was linked to the seizure of heroin last month following which the Punjab Police confirmed that the boxer had consumed the recreational drug 12 times. 57 per cent teachers were not trained to understand their special needs. 2013 (The bill provides for strong anti-rape laws and for the first time brings stalking and voyeurism under criminal offences if committed more than once) 10) A recently released survey on children with disabilities (CWD). whose death allegedly in police custody on 2 April 2013 in Kolkata sparked-off massive protests in the city? – Sudipta Gupta (The main opposition party of West Bengal. What was the estimated loss to state exchequer reported in this CAG report? – Rs. Carbon Aerogel has been developed by scientists of Zhejiang University and has a density of only 0. Prior to it Graphite Aerogel was the lightest substance.COM 11 12 WWW. which was developed by German scientists last year and which had a density of 0. Which institution conducted this survey? – NCERT (National Council of Educational Research and Training) – This survey found that special needs of children with mental illnesses were neither being identified nor being addressed seriously.NIRDESHAK. which is claimed to be the lightest substance in the world? – Carbon Aerogel (This substance has a density only one sixth of that of the air. who defeated Delhi Dare Devils by 6 wickets in the first match of this season held at Kolkata’s Eden Gardens on 3 April 2013 6) India’s power regulator.18 mg/cubic centimeter. This forms the most important part of the first results from the experiment. What is the name of this convict. and several state public sector undertakings for causing loss to the exchequer by bestowing undue favours to large corporate entities. What is the name of this international experiment? – Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer (AMS) Thesearch for dark matter is one of the objectives of this space-borne AMS even as it is being actively searched for in ground-based experiments such as the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) and other experiments in deep underground experiments 9) President Pranab Mukherjee on 3 April 2013 signed which keenly watched bill. 2013 1) What is the name of the substance developed by Chinese scientists. jumped into protests demanding a judicial probe in the incident) 3) In a CAG (Comptroller and Auditor General) report tabled in the Gujarat Assembly on 3 April 2013. the CPM. revealed that while 99% of these children liked attending regular schools. in its order of 2 April 2013. Where is this power plant of APL’s situated? – Mundra. the source of which could be the elusive dark matter.NIRDESHAK. the Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC) offered a breather to Adani Power Limited (APL) by allowing the utility to temporarily hike electricity tariffs from its imported coal-based 4.April 4. NADA is an autonomous body under which ministry? – Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports. whose mercy petition was pending for last 14 years? – Dharampal 8) An international experiment aboard the International Space Station (ISS) on 3 April 2013 reported the observation of an excess of positrons in the cosmic ray flux. access and retention of CWD. 580 crore (CAG report claimed that major beneficiaries of state govt. with a vast majority of techers not knowing how to cater to the specific needs of CWD WWW. Essar Steel Limited and Adani Power Limited) 4) Beijing Olympics bronze-medal winning boxer Vijender Singh on 3 April 2013 gave his samples for dope testing to the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA). After this rejection the convict would now be hanged next week. of India with headquarters in New Delhi 5) The first match of IPL season 6 was won by which team? – Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). Gujarat 7) President Pranab Mukherjee has recently rejected the mercy petition of a Haryana rape convict who was released on parole and went on to murder five members of the victim’s family. which was passed by both houses of the Parliament during March 2013? – The Criminal Law (Amendment) Bill.620 MW power station. Russia. Rangarajan. which was intercepted off Mumbai coast on 4 April 2013 by the Coast Guard on suspicion of carrying a satellite phone? .COM . California? – Facebook Home (Facebook Home is the main engine which would drive Facebook’s to-be-launched mobile phone. was associated with which famous film production house which had Indian connections? – Ivory Merchant Productions (Jhabvala won Man Booker Prize in 1975 for her novel “Heat and Dust” and won Academy awards (Oscars) for Best Screenplay for two films – “A Room With a View” (1986) and “Howards End” (1992). where Congress Vice-President Rahul Gandhi on 4 April 2013 gave his vision of corporate India? – New Delhi (The AGM was held on 3 and 4 April 2013 and was titled “India of Tomorrow: Imperatives of Growth. Gopalakrishnan takes charge from Adi Godrej) 5) The case of two Italian marines has now been registered by which agency on 4 April 2013. This phone would be made available to US consumers from 12 April 2013) 4) CII’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) 2013 was held in which city. Templeton Prize was established in 1972 by the late American-born investor and philanthropist John Templeton and is worth more than the Nobel Prize in terms of monetary value.April 5. Gopalakrishnan (He is a co-founder and executive co-chairman of Infosys. 2013 1) India’s premier investigation agency Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI)’s 50th anniversary is being celebrated. This project worth about Rs. which submitted its report on 27 March 2013 to the Union Govt. Which countries constitute the group of P5+1? – China. Tutu was also awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1984 for standing up against white-minority rule. France.NIRDESHAK. asking Indians to map their neighbourhoods and send their maps so that they can be uploaded in the search engine’s sites. the 85-year old Man Booker Prize winner and a winner of two academy awards. 000 crore is now to be build in which state? – Madhya Pradesh (at Gadarwara) 7) What is the name of a vessel coming from Dubai. who allegedly was stalking a female passenger who arrived at the airport through a flight from Ludhina) 4) Who is the new President of Confederation of Indian Industry (CII). Who was the Chairman of this committee. Google had also said it would reward the top 1. Britain and the US plus Germany (Iran and the P5+1 have held several rounds of talks with a focus on the Iranian nuclear energy program. Security and Governance”) April 6. When was the CBI established? – On 1 April 1963 (It was established through a Home Ministry notification which converted erstwhile Special Police Establishment (SPE) into CBI as need was felt for it to not only probe bribery and vigilance cases but also those panning across state and national boundaries) 2) What was the name of a mapping contest held in February-March 2013 by Internet giant Google. who passed away on 3 April 2013 at her home in Manhattan. P5+1 refers to 5 permanent members of the UN Security Council (China. 11. 2013 1) Who is to be awarded the 2013 Templeton Prize worth $1.600 MW coal-based project proposed to be built in Gajmara in Odisha to a new place due to delay in land and environmental clearances.‘MSV Yusufi’ (The Coast Guard intercepted calls allegedly made through the Thuraya satellite phone on board the vessel and subsequently intercepted the vessel and arrested 5 persons) WWW.NIRDESHAK. 2013) at Delhi recently on stalking charges.? – Dr C. 2013 5) Ruth Prawer Jhabvala. manning the counter of a cab company at the Indira Gandhi International Airport. who was handed over the case by the Home Ministry recently? – The National Investigation Agency (NIA) – The two marines Massimiliano Lattore and Salvatore Girone are being tried for allegedly shooting two Indian fishermen Jelastin and Pinku on 15 February 2012 from onboard an Italian naval ship ‘Enrica Lexie’ in the Arabian Sea 6) Former Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf’s nomination papers for a becoming a candidate in a parliamentary constituency in Pakistan’s Punjab province was rejected on 5 April 2013 for which reason? – On the ground that the signature did not match the one on his national identity card 7) Who was recently appointed as the chairman of the Construction Skills Development Council (CSDC)? – Ajit Gulabchand. complaint against which was filed by the Survey of India recently on charges of jeopardising national security interest and India’s National Map Policy? – Mapathon 2013 (Google had launched the Mapathon contest between February 12 and March 25.000 participants) 3) First case was reportedly registered under the newly constituted women’s protection bill (Criminal Law (Amendment) Bill. The prize would be given at a ceremony at the Guildhall in London on 21 May 2013) 2) Two-day talks between Iran and the P5+1 group of countries on a range of topics including Iran’s nuclear energy program are to be held at Almaty (Kazakhstan) on 5-6 April 2013. Ivory Merchant Productions was collaboration between producer James Ivory and Indian director Ismail Merchant) 6) Public sector power major NTPC announced relocation of a 1. France.COM 13 14 WWW. The last round of negotiations between Iran and the P5+1 group was held in Almaty on 26-27 February 2013. a public-private partnership of the Union Ministry of Finance 8) The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs on 4 April 2013 announced decontrol of country’s sugar sector after accepting the recommendations of a committee on sugar price decontrol. Britain and the US) plus Germany. Chairman of Hindustan Construction Company (HCC) – CSDC is a skill council set up for the construction sector approved by the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC). Which section of Indian Penal Code deals with stalking in this newly incorporated bill? – Section 354 D of the IPC (This case was registered against a 25-year-old man. Chairman Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister April 5. Russia. which was incorporated in the bill.7 according to an announcement made by the Templeton Foundation on 4 April 2013? – Desmond Tutu of South Africa (He was awarded for helping inspire people around the world by promoting forgiveness and justice. It is a group of countries which in 2006 joined diplomatic efforts to bring transparency in Iran’s nuclear programme) 3) What is the name given to a new Facebook application for Android-driven smartphones and tablets that was unveiled on 4 April 2013 by Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg at Menlo Park. who tenure would be effective for the year 2013-14? – S. This new phone is being manufactured by Taiwanese smartphone manufacturer HTC and is called “First’. The Golden Jubilee Function of the agency is to be inaugurated by President Pranab Mukherjee on 6 April 2013. the sugar producing companies were liable to sell 10% of their produce to the government at subsidised rates of Rs10 per kg less than the open market price (This move is expected to result in release of almost 3 million metric tonnes of sugar from the ambit of subsidized prices) B) The regulated release order mechanism has been abolished. P5+1 refers to 5 permanent members of the UN Security Council (China. from West to East.’s ambitious Direct Benefits Transfer (DBT) scheme would be started from which date.100 nautical miles. DBT scheme would cover 1/5th of the country with this proposed expansion) 4) What is the name of a Bangladeshi hard-line Muslim group. South America and Africa. Russia. 2013 9) Which two archaic policies pertaining to sugar control were abolished by the govt. Southern Pacific and Atlantic Oceans. demanding enactment of an anti-blasphemy law in order to punish those who insult Islam? – Hifazat-e-Islam (Members of this group are targeting a group of bloggers who have of-late seeking capital punishment for those found guilty of war crimes during nation’s 1971 independence war) 5) What was the result of the meeting of P5+1 group of countries with Iran on the issue of Iran’s nuclear program. in the announcement made to decontrol sugar sector of the country? A) The levy sugar mechanism has been abolished for 2 years. 6-1. Ronjan Sodhi and Manavjit Singh Sandhu are other Indian shooters to have won gold medal at ISSF World Cups. 6-3 to take India again into Asia-Oceania Group I) 7) Who will play against India’s Vishwanathan Anand for the Chess World Championship title in November 2013? – Norway’s Magnus Carlsen (Carlsen got the right to play for World Championship title after winning the IET Championship at London. Cape Horn in South America and Cape of Good Hope in Africa. Britain and the US) plus Germany) 6) India on 6 April 2013 regained its place in Davis Cup’s Asia-Oceania Group I after taking an unassailable 3-0 lead in their relegation play-off tie at Bangalore. who was in the news recently.COM WWW. INSV Mhadei was custom-built for the Indian Navy in 2009 and is named after a river in Goa. His route. Under this mechanism sugar companies had to sell only a certain percentage of their produce in the open market 10) International Workshop on Green National Accounting was held on 5 April 2013 at – New Delhi 1) Who on 6 April 2013 became the first Indian to successfully circumnavigate the globe. He sailed around 23.NIRDESHAK. but they all were rifle shooters unlike Rahi who is a pistol shooter) 3) Next phase of union govt. Under this mechanism. Commander Abhilash Tomy of the Indian Navy (Tomy completed his journey by his boat INSV Mhadei. Anjali Bhagwat. France.COM .NIRDESHAK. Sanjeev Rajput. took him south of the continents of Australia. Tomy was accorded a warm welcome for his feat by the President Pranab Mukherjee) 2) Indian sportswoman Rahi Sarnobat. with which total number of districts covered under the scheme would rise to 121. India defeated which team in this relegation play-off? – Indonesia (Indian doubles pair of Leander Paes and Sanam Singh defeated Indonesia’s pair of David Agung Susant and Elbert Sie by 6-2. thus rounding the three ‘Great Capes’ — Cape Leeuwin in Australia. solo and non-stop in a journey of over 150-days? – Lt. Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore. He started his journey on 1 November 2012 from Mumbai’s Gateway of India and arrived at the same spot on 6 April. when she won a gold medal in the World Cup in Changwon in South Korea on 5 April 2013. as announced in a meeting of the National Committee on DBT held on 5 April 2013? – 1 July 2013 (Under this new phase 78 more districts would be included in the DBT scheme. Gagan Narang. where he defeated Vladimir Kramnik of Russia in a tense final match. crossing the Indian. which concluded at Almaty (Kazakhstan) on 6 April 2013? – Talks failed to reach any conclusion (The two sides failed to reach an agreement on an approach to reducing fears that Iran might use its nuclear technology to make weapons.April 7. is associated with which sports? – Shooting (Rahi became the first Indian pistol shooter to win a gold medal in an ISSF World Cup. thousands of whose members rallied in country’s capital on 6 April 2013. Carlsen is now the highest rated chess player ever and is fancied by many to become new chess world champion) 15 16 WWW. NIRDESHAK. which has a strike range of more than 2.800 crore during April-December period of the last fiscal (2012-13) against Rs 5. DAE is proposed to be set up to check evasion of mainly which tax? – Service Tax (The Central Board of Excise and Customs (CBEC) has detected service tax evasion of Rs 9.000-6. is expected to set up a separate intelligence unit to check the menace of tax-evasions and stop leakage of revenue. even as the opposition is expected to oppose this proposed appointment on grounds of some controversies associated with her? – CAG (Comptroller and Auditor General of India) Sindhushree Khullar’s name is being considered for CAG as present CAG Vinod Rai’s term is to end on 22 May 2013.COM .COM 17 18 WWW. single brand retail sector (which was increased to 100% last year) and allows Pakistani nationals to invest in India 1) Which agency on 7 April 2013 carried out the successful test fire of the medium-range nuclear capable Agni-II missile.000 KM? – The Strategic Forces Command (SFC) of the Indian Army (The test was conducted from a mobile launcher from the Launch Complex – 4 of Integrated Test Range (ITR) situated at Wheeler Island off the Orissa coast. which concluded on 7 April 2013? – 5-0 (With this win. The test was carried out as part of a training exercise by the SFC as this missile has already been inducted into the services) 2) The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) has recently given its approval to build how many more nuclear power plants at the Kudankulam Nuclear Complex in Tamil Nadu? – Two (CCS have its go-ahead to a Russian offer of about Rs..April 8. who was probing these scams) 6) India defeated Indonesia by what margin in the Davis Cup relegation play-off tie at Bangalore. However. India again regained its place in Asia-Oceania Group I) WWW.000 crore in the same period of 2011-12) 4) What is Reserve Bank of India (RBI)’s deadline for Indian commercial banks to avail chip-based debit and credit cards for all their customers who do international transactions? – 30 June 2013 5) Appointment of Sindhushree Khullar is being considered for which post by the Union Govt. The go-ahead was given a few days before the offer lapsed on 31 March 2013) 3) Union Govt.000 crore for the project. on 6 April 2013? – It incorporates the changes with regard to foreign investment in multi brand retail sector (which was increased to 51% last year). 40.NIRDESHAK. 2013 8) What are the main features of the revised consolidated guidelines on FDI issued by the union govt. Khullar’s proposed appointment as CAG faces hurdles as her name featured in the 2G and Commonwealth Games scams and she was also summoned by the JPC last year. name of Directorate of Anti Evasion (DAE) was proposed for which. to start an under-graduate. and EU sanctions) 8) The Biodiversity Special Science Express.April 9. Managing Director and CEO of Mindtree (He took over from N Chandrasekaran. 2.000 crore insurance fund.COM 19 20 WWW.NIRDESHAK. However. who served as the Chairman for the year 2012-13. which had allegedly been in existence for last 60 years.COM . with a turnover of Rs. the two company would only join hands for technological collaboration and would continue to sell individual versions of the bikes through their own channels) 5) Social activist Medha Patkar has been on an indefinite fast to protest against evictions from which slum of Mumbai? – Golibar (This slum area located in Mumbai’s Khar (East) has been witnessing huge outpouring from civil society and social-activists since several slums were razed in the area. leading a war to recover the Falkland Islands from Argentine invaders and striking close relationships with numerous important leaders of her time including US Presidents Ronald Reagan and George Bush and Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev) 2) Which sector has been allowed for the first time by the All India Council of Technical Education (AICTE) to start degree colleges in the 2013-14 academic session as per recent announcements made by the AICTE? – Private corporate groups (The AICTE has allowed a private limited company or public limited company. corporations. So far corporate groups were only allowed to organize lectures and specific projects at AICTE-approved technical groups) 3) Which city of India would host the upcoming final of World Chess Championship. Some of her greatest achievements were privatizing numerous British govt. who passed away on 8 April 2013. Natarajan’s tenure would be for 2013-14. which would cover oil imports from Iran? – General Insurance Company – GIC (A decision had already been taken to create an insurance fund that would allow refiners to import crude oil from Iran. 2013 1) Former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher. In which years she led the country? – From 1979 to 1990 (She governed the country for the longest continuous period in office by a British premier since the early 19th century and led the Conservatives to three election victories. post-graduate and diploma institute. which was re-launched in its 2nd phase on 9 April 2013 from Delhi’s Safdarjung railway station.NIRDESHAK. 1 Magnus Carlsen? – Chennai (This final would be held between 6 November and 26 November 2013) 4) Which Indian two-wheeler company has recently joined hands with German automaker BMW’s motorcycle division BMW Motorrad to manufacture a new series of motorcycles below the 500cc segment? – TVS Motor Company (This deal will give TVS access to BMW’s legendary motorcycle technology. NASSCOM is the body that represents the $100 billion Indian IT-BPO industry) 7) Which insurance company was appointed by the Union Govt. is an initiative of which ministry? – The Ministry of Environment & Forests (The present run of the train is the 2nd Phase in the two phase programme envisaged to cover a minimum of 100 locations on broad gauge network of Indian Railway across the entire length & breadth of the country) WWW.S. to be held between India’s current World Champion Vishwanathan Anand and Norway’s world no. which has been on the decline during the past one year due to U. as the manager for the Rs. was the only woman prime minister in Britain’s history. 100 crore each year for the past three years. Patkar has been protesting against Mumbai’s Slum Rehabilitation Scheme’s ill-functioning and also against Union Housing Minister Ajay Maken’s tirade against slums) 6) Who took over as the new Chairman of NASSCOM on 8 April 2013? – Krishnakumar Natarajan. MD and CEO of TCS. COM 21 22 WWW. He was first suspended and later expelled from the party after he allegedly plotted a coup to unseat Patnaik) 6) Who was announced as the winner of Madhya Pradesh Govt. has recently asserted that IFFCO stands covered under the administrative jurisdiction of the Department of Fertilizers and the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC). which would take up cases of persons who were wrongly accused or unjustly convicted. which would facilitate people to avail benefits of several government and non-governmental schemes that require age validation) 2) Five Indian soldiers who were part of a peacekeeping UN contingent in an African country were killed in a suspected militia attack on 9 April 2013. After his perusal. What is the name of this proposed organisation. 2013 1) Which new feature is to be added to newly issued Aadhaar cards as stated by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) to an RTI activist recently?.COM . has no shareholding in it and is under the mistaken belief that it has jurisdiction on the cooperative organisation? – IFFCO (Indian Farmers Fertilizers Cooperative) – Union govt.NIRDESHAK. The Lata Mangeshkar award is given to a musician and a playback singer in the alternate year. Rajesh Roshan was named for the award) 7) Who was announced as the winner of Master Deenanath Mangeshkar Award for 2013? – Jaya Bachchan.Date of Birth (Till now. only year of birth was mentioned in the Aadhaar Card but an RTI activist Avinash Prabhune pursued the matter with the UIDAI.‘The Court of Last Resort’ (It will have units in all the States of India and will have Katju as its chief patron) 5) What is the name of the political party started on 9 April 2013 by expelled Biju Janata Dal (BJD) leader Pyari Mohan Mohapatra? – Odisha Jana Morcha – OJM (OJM is actually a forum launched by Mohapatra. Uhuru becomes the second sitting African president to face charges at the International Criminal Court (ICC) over allegations that he helped orchestrate the vicious violence that marred the 2007 elections. Mohapatra has been Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik’s non-official advisor for over a decade. famous Hindi playback singer (This is the 28th edition of this award. which has now been converted into a full-fledged political party.200 Indian Army personnel is serving in the United Nations Mission in South Sudan) 3) Which premier agriculture cooperative organisation of the country has recently dragged union govt. A contingent of 2. which were claimed by a leading English daily of the country) 4) Press Club of India (PCI) Chairman Justice Markandey Katju recently announced plans to set-up an organisation. recognises service in the field of music and films) 8) Who was appointed as the fourth President of Kenya on 9 April 2013? – Uhuru Kenyatta (He is son of Kenya’s first President Jomo Kenyatta who was country’s president from 1964 to 1978. to the court contending that the govt.’s prestigious ‘Lata Mangeshkar Samman Alankaran’ on 9 April 2013? – Hariharan. He succeeded Mwai Kibaki) WWW. which was first awarded in 1984-85 to legendary musician Naushad. In which country this incident took place? – South Sudan (Two officers and three soldiers from 9 Mechanised Infantry battalion and 6 Mahar Regiment were escorting a convoy of UN vehicles from Gurmuck to Bor in South Sudan when a suspected militia group attacked it. instituted in the name of Lata’s father.NIRDESHAK. actress (The award would be presented by legendary singer Lata Mangeshkar on 24 April 2013. UIDAI accepted the proposal to incorporate date of birth in Aadhaar card. Master Deenanath Mangeshkar Award. Last year. This assertion was made in light of some alleged financial irregularities in IFFCO. which will have its headquarters in New Delhi? .April 10. 2013 1) According to data released by Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) car sales in the country fell by 6. a girl. which has ruled for 56 years. thus giving a huge set-back to him. Wisden was started by English cricketer John Wisden 5) What is the name of Honda Motor Company’s first diesel car in India. after reinvestigating the case on court orders? – In 2009 3) Meghalaya Power Minister on 10 April 2013 informed the state assembly that Bangladesh has opposed the construction of two hydro-based power projects along the Indo-Bangladesh border in the state until the two countries sign a water sharing agreement.NIRDESHAK. recently completed how many years of its publication? – 150 years (This almanac’s official name is Wisden Cricketers’ Almanack and was first published in 1964 and its 150th edition was published on 11 April 2013. member Planning Commission (This committee has suggested that instead of stopping construction of dams on Ganga emphasis should be on re-designing these dams. Which two dams are these? – The Mawphu dam across river Umiew and Myntdu dam across river Myntdu in East Khasi Hills and West Jaintia Hills districts. salt. Amaze series has been launched by Honda’s wholly-owned arm in India – Honda Cars India Ltd (HCIL)) 6) The global sales of computers during the first three months of 2013 fell by about 14% as reported by International Data Corporation (IDC). His uncle Mohinder Amarnath played a leading role in India’s first ever World Cup win in 1983 and was one of the most popular cricketers of his era. When was the first baby born with assistance of the IVF technique? – In 1978 (The first baby born with this technique was Louis Brown. sugar. later went on to score a century on Test debut like his father Lala Amarnath. This is for the first time that the Union Govt. a daily wage-earner from Andhra Pradesh (The national launch of this scheme was done on 1 April 2013 at Kalikiri village in Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh in the presence of Union Rural Development Minister Jairam Ramesh. OFB will also have to bid to get order now. which was successfully test-fired by Pakistan on 10 April 2013? – Shaheen-1 (This ballistic missile has a range of 900 km and can hit targets in India) 7) The much-anticipated general elections in Malaysia are to be held on which date. wheat flour. the research firm engaged in IT segment projections. Who is the chairman of this committee? – BK Chaturvedi. However. which was launched on 11 April 2013? – Amaze (The car was launched in diesel as well as petrol version. has decided to let the Indian private sector make an offensive weapon platform) 4) Famous cricket almanac “Wisden”. In which year the CBI had filed a closure report.April 11.COM WWW. report’s suggestions are rejected by many organisations and persons who are opposing construction of dams on Ganga) 3) The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) of the Ministry of Defence has crossed an important milestone in its last meeting held on 2 April 2013. What is this important milestone? – DAC for the first time decided to allow Indian private entities to participate in a bid for making artillery guns (Till now the Ordnance Factory Board (OFB) used to automatically get these orders. who captained the Indian Schoolboys Test Team. Digvijay has now joined his legendary family of cricketers with his first class debut in Sri Lanka) 1) Which Indian state on 11 April 2013 launched a new scheme titled “Amma Hastham” with an objective of supplying nine essential food items to the poor at subsidized rates? – Andhra Pradesh (“Amma Hastham” means mother’s hand. Edwards was awarded the Nobel Prize in 2010 for his invention) 5) Which passenger train derailed at Sitheri in Tamil Nadu on 10 April 2013. His father Surinder Amarnath. the Telugu New Year) 2) An inter-ministerial committee was constituted last year to review existing and ongoing hydroelectric projects on river Ganga and its tributaries. passed away on 10 April 2013 at the age of 87 in Britain. tamarind.69% in 2012-13. His party National Front. as announced by country’s election commission on 10 April 2013? – 5 May 2013 (Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak had dissolved country’s parliament on 3 April 2013. palm oil. is expected to face its toughest challenge yet from the opposition People’s Alliance coalition in this election) 8) A member of the third generation of the Amarnath family made his first-class cricket debut recently. red chilli powder and turmeric powder. in which one passenger died and more than 30 were injured? – Muzaffarpur. The scheme was launched by Chief Minister Kiran Kumar Reddy on the occasion of Ugadi. which has submitted its report. popularly known as test-tube baby technique. 2013 Current Affairs .January 2013 April 12.09%) 2) A Delhi court on 10 April 2013 set aside the CBI closure report on Congress leader Jagdish Tytler and ordered the reopening of the case against him in connection with the 1984 anti-Sikh riots. which is popularly known as “The Bible of Cricket”. Car sales fell for the first time in how many years? – 10 years (This is the first annual decline in car sales since 2002-03.NIRDESHAK. which could ensure availability of adequate flow for the river. red gram. when car sales had dropped by 2. Under this scheme the poor would be provided 9 items which include wheat.January 2013 Current Affairs . According to IDC’s report computers are being given a tough fight by which devices? – Smartphones and tablets 7) Who recently became the country’s first recipient of the Aadhaar number-linked payment system under the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) scheme? – Madduri Lakshmi Devi. What is his name? – Digvijay Amarnath (Digvijay’s grandfather late Lala Amarnath scored India’s first ever Test Century and later on went on to lead India and is a father figure in Indian cricket.COM 23 . which was bound for Bangalore (Sitheri is about 90 km from Chennai) 6) What is another name of the nuclear-capable Hatf-IV ballistic missile. respectively (Bangladesh’s Joint Rivers Commission (JRC) is of the view that the two dams might cause adverse impacts in various sectors in Bangladesh due to change of water flow) 4) Robert Edward.Yesvantpur Express. the inventor of In Verto Fertilization (IVF) technique. Andhra Pradesh chief minister Kiran Kumar Reddy and Union IT and Communications Minister K Kriparani) 24 WWW. KEC International. banana. saying he failed in his responsibility as chancellor) 5) Which European country’s Senate on 12 April 2013 passed a landmark gay marriage bill that will legalize same-sex marriage in the country by summer? – France (French Senate (upper house of parliament) passed the bill amidst protests by the opposition. Bhullar was member of which terrorist organisation? – Khalistan Liberation Force – KLF (He was awarded death penalty for triggering a bomb blast in September. 1. Dunlop. the crippling and sometimes fatal disease that’s now all but eradicated) 7) What was the percentage increase in Indo-Pak bilateral trade during 2012-13 as compared to previous corresponding year of 2011-12? – 16% (India’s exports to Pakistan stood at $1. due to his hostile takeover moves during 1980s. was last of the revolutionaries who took part in a famous uprising against the British.4 billion during previous year. nine or 12 months of inactivity. was Chairman emeritus of which famous business house? – RPG Enterprises (Goenka was also known as ‘takeover king’ of Indian industry. The bill was already passed in the lower house (National Assembly) in February) 6) What is the name of a film award conferred upon Amitabh Bachchan on 11 April 2013 by the Andhra Pradesh Govt. 7. to intensify monitoring construction projects on the middle reaches of the river by China and has also cautioned that China may replicate the same in the Great Bend area.? – N T Rama Rao National Film Award (This award was given on Ugadi. which is headed by the Cabinet Secretary? – The panel has asked the union govt.NIRDESHAK. What were the main recommendations of this panel.4 lakh crore in 2011 to Rs. when he acquired several prominent companies including Ceat Tyres. where he passed away) 4) Which academic institution of Kolkata came into news recently due to it being vandalized by protestors belonging to the ruling TMC? – Presidency University (The prestigious institution was vandalized by supporters belonging to TMC in protest against Left Front’s attempts to manhandle West Bengal Chief Minister Mamta Banerjee and Finance Minister Amit Mitra in New Delhi a few days back. then Youth Congress chief was badly injured in this blast) 2) Dada Saheb Phalke Award for 2012 is to be given to which film personality. This is the highest-ever figures for Indo-Pak trade. soya bean and poultry — are likely to drive the next wave of growth in the industry. Maninderjeet Singh Bithaa. famous villain of yesteryears’ Hindi films (Dada Saheb Phalke is India’s most prestigious award given in the field of films. named after the father of Indian cinema Dada Saheb Phalke. 2013 1) The Supreme Court on 12 April 2013 rejected the mercy petition of Devinderpal Singh Bhullar. but was in chaos starting in the early 1990s amid civil war and lack of a government) 2) According to a latest Food and Agriculture Integrated Development Action (FAIDA) report released jointly by international consultancy firm McKinsey and CII (Confederation of India Industry). Another popular name of his was his acronym RPG) 4) Who won the Chinese Formula One Grand Prix. final of which was held on 14 April 2013? – Fernando Alonso (Spain) of Ferrari Team (Kimi Raikkonen (Finland) of Lotus got second spot while Lewis Hamilton (Britain) of Mercedes was third.April 13. despite tense relations between the two countries during this period) WWW. Searle India.NIRDESHAK. which would also marks 100 years of cinema this year) 3) 102 year old Bangladeshi Benod Behari Choudhury. Koprowski’s 1950 clinical trial was the first to show it was possible to vaccinate against polio. who passed away on 10 April 2013 at Kolkata. Picasa and other Google services an easy-to-use template that specifies what should happen in the event they die or become inactive for a specified period of time. Which uprising was this? – Chittagong Armed Uprising of 1930 (Choudhury used to live in Chittagong in Bangladesh and was brought to Kolkata in January 2013 for treatment as he was suffering from respiratory problems. Users can specify whether they want the service to take effect after three. six. from where the river enters into India 6) What was the name of the recently dead Polish-born US researcher. This was year’s fourth race of Formula One and was held at the Shanghai circuit. West Bengal Governor M K Narayanan on 12 April 2013 apologized to students and teachers of Presidency University for violence in the institution. They can also specify different actions for different service such as giving an attorney power to go through emails and granting family members access to pictures in Picasa) April 14-15. Google+. Total imports from Pakistan during 2012-13 stood at $488 million as against $335 million in the previous year. India’s food exports are projected to grow from Rs. who passed away on 14 April 2013 at the age of 83 in Kolkata. potato. Drive.COM . the Telugu New Year.72 lakh crore by 2030) 3) Noted industrialist Rama Prasad Goenka. as announced on 12 April 2013? – Pran. who was seeking commutation of his death sentence to life term because of inordinate delay in his execution. Telugu actors Nagarjuna and Mahesh Babu were other recipients of this award) 7) What is the name of a new service launched by Google.6 billion as against $1. will be conferred on Pran on 3 May 2013. The award. who developed the first successful oral vaccination for polio? – Dr Hilary Koprowski (Although not as well-known as fellow researchers Jonas Salk and Albert Sabin. due to its outstanding debts of about $352 million. which has been designed to deal with accounts of persons who die or are unable to operate their accounts for long periods of time? – Inactive Account Manager (This service offers users of Google’s Gmail.COM 25 26 WWW. Somalia has been a member of the IMF since 1962. which agricultural segments would be the catalysts for the next wave of growth in the farm sector? – High value agricultural products and Processed Food (According to this report five key produce — mango. Force India’s Paul di Resta was eighth and was able to collect four points for his team) 5) An inter-ministerial panel on Brahmaputra River has recently submitted its report to a cabinet of secretaries. 1993 outside Youth Congress office in Delhi killing nine people. Gramophone India. 2013 1) The International Monetary Fund (IMF) on 12 April 2013 recognized the government of which African country after more than 22 years? – Somalia (The country will however still not be able to borrow from the IMF. between Bombay and Thane. 1853. His sample was taken on 3 April 2013 by NADA) 28 27 WWW. in which 3 people died and around 150 were injured? – Boston Marathon (Two blasts were trigerred near the finish line of this famous annual marathon at Boston which featured some 27. with more than 99 per cent of the ballots counted.76 % of the votes to 49. who has demanded a recounting? – Henrique Capriles (Maduro received 50. Madhya Pradesh govt. injured 64 and wrecked the popular eatery. Maduro was elected by less than 2% majority in a very closely contested election. had sought translocation of lions to which of its sanctuaries? – Kuno Palpur Sanctuary (The apex court gave 6 months of time to the wildlife authorities concerned for relocating the lions. which thus gave a huge respite to Vijender (The Punjab Police had claimed that Vijender had consumed heroin 12 times after procuring it from drug smugglers.NIRDESHAK. This annual marathon has been held since 1897 on the third Monday of April) 2) A major earthquake was triggered on 16 April 2013 near the Iran–Pakistan border in which over 75 persons died in Iran and Pakistan.96%. in 2010? – Amethi (Mayawati had issued a notification on 1 July 2010 for creating a new district called Chhatrapati Shahuji Maharaj Nagar (CSM Nagar) by including many districts of Amethi. changed of CSM Nagar as Amethi. on 15 April 2013 and what is the important significance of this figure? – 5. which was not cleared by the Union) 7) Which Indian-American economist from the Harvard University won the prestigious John Bates Clark Medal. Baig is the only person arrested in this case) 4) The Lucknow Bench of Allahabad High Court on 15 April 2013 quashed the notification for formation of which new district of Uttar Pradesh. which resulted in almost 10% depreciation in gold prices. as announced in the official results after the Presidential Elections of 14 April 2013. Gujarat has been opposing the move to trans-locate lions to Madhya Pradesh contending that it had sufficient infrastructure to conserve its lions population) 2) Nicolas Maduro was elected as the new President of Venezuela.000 runners from all over the world. Maduro was late Hugo Chavez’s chosen candidate for presidency) 3) Who was convicted guilty of criminal conspiracy and other offences in the 2010 Pune German Bakery bomb blast case by a Pune sessions court on 15 April 2013? – Mirza Himayat Baig (The terror attack had killed 17 people. which was formed by the Mayawati Govt. It was the first major terror strike in Pune that dented its tag of being a peaceful city. Rae Bareilly.April 16. 2013 1) Which famous marathon was targeted on 15 April 2013 in a twin-blast in the US. Sindh. UAE. saying the species is under threat of extinction and needs a second home. perhaps second only to the Nobel in economics) 8) Employees Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO).NIRDESHAK. which is awarded to an American economist under the age of 40 who is adjudged to have made a significant contribution to economic thought and knowledge. Who was Maduro’s challenger. which is expected to continue for a few more days? – Global investors have begun withdrawing their investments in gold and are now investing more in US markets on account of signs of recovery in the US economy 6) US aid to India has been continuously declining in recent years and continuing with this trend the US Secretary of State John Kerry proposed a 16% cut in aid for 2013. Which para of the EPF Scheme. The bench termed notification for formation of this district as invalid as Govt. US authorities have not described these attacks as terrorist attacks.COM April 17.COM . First such resolution was passed on 18 November 1997. and Sultan – carried 400 invited passengers in 14 carriages and began their journey covering a 34 km distance) 4) Who was announced as the winner of the prestigious Pulitzer Prize for fiction for 2013 on 15 April 2013? – Adam Johnson for his book “The Orphan Master’s Son” 5) 27th edition of North-East Games recently concluded at which venue? – Imphal (Hosts Manipur won the overall team championship in the games for 22nd time) 6) Which state’s Legislative Assembly unanimously adopted a resolution requesting the Centre to award special category status to the state during the month of April 2013? – Odisha (This resolution was passed by the Assembly on 4 April 2013. Tremors of this earthquake were also felt in Saudi Arabia. 2013 1) Supreme Court in its decision on 15 April 2013 allowed translocation of Asiatic lions from Gujarat to Madhya Pradesh. and India (western and northern India). Gauriganj and Sultanpur. Later the new state govt. which is the second such resolution forwarded by the state.07 % for Capriles. What was the main reason for this decline.8 on the Richter scale) 3) Indian Railways celebrated how many years of India’s first passenger train journey on 16 April 2013? – 160 years (India‘s first passenger train journey took place on 16 April. which were announced by the Sports Ministry on 16 April 2013? – The results were negative. John Bates Clark Medal is widely regarded as one of the field’s most prestigious awards. which is often described as the “Baby Nobel”? – Raj Chetty (He became the first person of Indian-origin to win this medal. of India had imposed an embargo between 1 January 2010 and 31 March 2011 on creating new districts) 5) Gold prices dipped for two days continuously in Indian markets. Currently there are around 400 Asiatic lions in Gujarat’s Gir sanctuary. It is the lowest headline inflation rate for last 3 years (Decline in inflation rate is expected to result in a rate cut by the RBI in its forthcoming annual monetary policy review) WWW. 1952 deals with this issue that the EPFO is now planning to delete? – Para 62 (This para permits a member to direct the PF department to finance the premium on his or her LIC cover by using the funds of PF account) 9) What was the result of the dope test conducted by the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) on samples of boxer Vijender Singh. What is the main reason for this continuous decline in aid? – This reflects the transition from a traditional “donor-recipient” relationship to a “strategic partnership” between the two countries 7) What was the inflation for wholesale price index (WPI) for March 2013 as declared by the govt. who was candidate of the unified opposition. What was the epicenter of this earthquake? – Near Saravan in Iran (Magnitude of this earthquake was 7. is set to tighten norms for premature withdrawals by discontinuing a practice that allows its subscribers to pay for their life insurance policies from their PF account. Three steam locomotives – Sahib. which is India’s largest retirement fund manager. In which states this proposed card is to be issued first? – Assam and Nagaland 3) According to the latest report on extreme poverty released by the World Bank on 18 April 2013 how many people are living in extreme poverty globally? – 1. a ban on assault weapons and a ban on high-capacity gun magazines in the US. President Obama described this voting as a shameful day for Washington while parents of the deceased children of Newtown slammed the Senate) 7) Which town in Texas.NIRDESHAK. Skills. the land could be leased to developers so that its ownership will remain with the farmers and would provide them with regular annual income. 2013 1) Union Govt. ecologically sensitive natural landscape of Western Ghats. Japan and even China aging. This was done in an operation carried out in which state? – Chhattisgarh (Nine Maoists were killed in this operation) 5) How much increment in dearness allowance (DA) for central govt. which is India’s most prestigious literary award. which proposed to put check for gun buyers. Extreme poverty headcount rates have fallen in every developing region between 1981 and 2010 from half the citizens in the developing world to 21 per cent 4. Livelihoods.000 MW in 2012) 4) Which south Indian city was hit by a low intensity blast on 17 April 2013. taking into account weak global prices of the precious metals) 3) Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on 17 April 2013 proposed to double renewable energy capacity in the country by 2017 while addressing the Clean Energy Ministerial Meeting. is to be awarded to which literary personality for year 2012. respectively.COM 29 30 WWW. eminent scientist (This working group has suggested that all industrial activities. Passing of this bill was keenly awaited in the country in light of the Newtown school incident in which 20 children were killed in a barbaric firing in December 2012. power generation.000 MW (India’s capacity stood at around 25.25 (about Rs 65) per day) 2. India 2012: Employment. New Zealand’s Parliament passed the related bill by a 77-44 votes) April 19.’ a report published by IRIS Knowledge Foundation in collaboration with UN-HABITAT? – 29 years (With this India would be the youngest country in the World with 64 per cent of its population in the working age group. etc. employees was approved by the Union Cabinet on 18 April 2013? – 8% 6) The US Senate on 17 April 2013 blocked a gun control bill. has recently submitted its report to the Environmental Ministry. this demographic potential offers India and its growing economy an unprecedented edge that economists believe could add a significant 2 per cent to the GDP growth rate) 7) A 10-member high-level working group constituted to examine the report prepared by the expert panel headed by environmentalist Madhav Gadgil on Western Ghats. as announced by the Jnanapith Award selection committee on 17 April 2013? – Ravuri Bharadhwaja.000 sq. Kasturirangan. 2013 1) The Jnanpith Award. Which bill is proposed to be amended to facilitate ground-breaking provisions in land acquisition? – The Land Acquisition. With the West. km. 2012’s award is 48th edition of this prestigious award) 2) What is meant by tariff value of gold and silver. in which 17 people were injured? – Bangalore (This blast was triggered outside BJP’s Bangalore office which was buzzing with activity ahead of the assembly polls to be held on 5 May 2013) 5) Supreme Court on 17 April 2013 granted how much more time to actor Sanjay Dutt to surrender to serve his three-and half-year jail term in connection with the 1993 Mumbai blast case? – Four weeks (Sanjay Dutt had requested for six months time to enable him complete his pending film projects) 6) What will be the median age of India by year 2020 as stated in a report titled ‘State of the Urban Youth. agreed to a key demand of the opposition which had suggested that instead of acquisition. The Madhav Gadgil panel had recommended that the entire Western Ghats should be declared as an ecologically sensitive area) 8) Which country on 17 April 2013 became the first country from Asia-Pacific region to give legality to homosexual marriages? – New Zealand (It became 13th country in the world to adopt homosexual marriages. Sankara Kurup in 1965. area of the Ghats. What is the proposed renewable energy production capacity that he proposed India should achieve by 2017? – 55. The working group has however not recommended any regulatory mechanism for remaining 96.COM . Extreme poverty was cut to 6% in the Latin American countries from around 12% two decades ago 4) For the first time an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) was used to record an anti-naxalite operation in the country on 16 April 2013. US witnessed a huge explosion in a fertilizer plant on 17 April 2013 in which 15 persons died? – West (West is a small town some 80-Km away from Dallas) WWW. on 17 April 2013? – Tariff value is the base price on which the customs duty is determined to prevent under-invoicing (The government slashed the tariff value of gold and silver to $499 per 10 grams and $890 per kg. stated the report. was successful in clinching a broad consensus on the contentious Land Acquisition Bill in an all-party meeting held on the issue on 18 April 2013. Sub-Saharan Africa still accounts for more than one-third of the world’s extreme poor 3. The Govt. India accounts for one-third of the world poor (people living on less than USD 1.000 sq km. 2011 2) Election Commission of India on 17 April 2013 announced its plan to issue driving license-like plastic voter-ID cards and replace the existing laminated ID-cards. Rehabilitation and Resettlement Bill.NIRDESHAK. By what margin was this bill rejected by the US Senate? – 54-46 votes (The bill required at least 60 votes to be approved. mining. should not be allowed in a 60. Who is the head of this working group? – K. which was slashed by the union govt. short-story writer and poet for his work Paakudu Raallu (Jnanpith Award was constituted in 1961 and was first awarded to Malayalam author G. Telugu novelist.April 18.2 billion (This report is titled “The State of the Poor: Where are the Poor and Where are the Poorest?” and its uses latest world development indicators) Other important points mentioned in this report are : 1. which provides right to arrest to chowkidaars. Kuwait. MCX. Iran recently suggested which country’s name to India. Bahuguna (She became CRPF’s highest ranked woman official till date. where India should deposit rupee payments for crude oil? – Russia (Iran suggested that India should deposit rupee payments in a local branch of a Russian bank and withdraw them in roubles in Moscow to pay the Iranians (Iran has not received 55% payment component from India since February 2013 after the closure of Euro deposits through Turkey’s Halk Bankasi.April 20. recently provided right to arrest to village guards (Chowkidaars). who was killed by the security officials on 18 April 2013. amid concerns in India and other countries over a similar law passed by Saudi Arabia that seeks to reserve 10% jobs for the locals. was arrested in which case? – Imposition of emergency rule in the country during 2007 in which many judges were illegally arrested 7) In view of heavy economic sanctions against it. NMCE and ACE) 2) Who became the first woman to be appointed as Special Director General of the CRPF (Central Reserve Police Force) on 18 April 2013? – Aruna M. after making an arrest a chowkidaar has to hand over the arrested person to police instantly) 4) What is the name of the suspect involved in Boston Marathon explosions of 15 April. However. Oman.COM 31 32 WWW.COM . who became the first President in Pakistan’s history to be arrested. ICEX. Other 5 existing commodity exchanges of India are NCDEX. 2013 8) The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) has proposed to pass a new law that will regulate foreign labour in its member countries. 2011. What is the important provision in the proposed GCC law that is expected to affect workers from countries like India the most? – This law includes returning marginal and un-skilled foreign workers to their home countries (GCC is a six-nation conglomerate that includes Bahrain. which is India’s largest para-military force) 3) Which state govt.NIRDESHAK. IFFCO. Qatar. Former collector of Chhattigarh’s Dantewada district (Choudhary was selected for educational initiatives he introduced in the district that witnessed a great deal of naxalite violence in the last decade) 6) Former Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf. Tsarnaev. recently dissolved the Punjab Chowkidaar Act and instead introduced the Haryana Chowkidaar Act. thus becoming the first state in the country to do so? – Haryana (Haryana Govt. NABARD and REC. The two brothers belonged to Chechnya and were believed to be supporters of Chechen independence movement) 5) Who was announced as the winner of the Prime Minister’s Award for Excellence in Public Administration for 2011-12? – Om Prakash Choudhary. The balance 45% is parked in the Iranian account of India’s UCO Bank with a large chunk remaining unutilized) WWW.Tamerlan Tsarnaev (Other suspect in this case is Tamerlan’s brother Dzhokhar A. Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates) 1) What is the name of India’s 6th commodity exchange which started its operations on 19 April 2013? – Universal Commodity Exchange or UCX (UCX is promoted by Commex Technology in joint venture with IDBI Bank.NIRDESHAK. who was claimed to have been captured by the Boston police on 19 April 2013. The IBIN movement will disseminate techniques and skills for collaboration. On June 18. 7-6 victory in the final on 21 April 2013. Nadal was the only player in the world to have won a major tennis tournament for how many times in a row. in which over seventy thousand people died) 3) A life-size wax figure of Sachin Tendulkar was unveiled at which cricket ground in Australia on 20 April 2013? – The Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) 4) Which country was the largest recipient of remittances from the World Bank during 2012 as per announcements made by the bank on 20 April 2013? – India (India received $69 billion worth of remittances from the bank.099. 2012.369. which aims to improve implementation of policies. protection and participation.774. which the 12th Five Year Plan has declared as the critical necessity for accelerating more inclusive and faster growth? – India Backbone Implementation Network – IBIN (IBIN has been modeled on the very successful Total Quality Movement (TQM) in Japan which in the 1960s and 70s transformed the capability of Japanese organizations in the private and public sectors to deliver results.465. 2013 1) An Indian woman mathematical genius. Who was she? – Shakuntala Devi (In 1977.745. the Indian School of Business. which witnessed twin bombings) 5) Serbia’s Novak Djokovic ended Spain’s Rafael Nadal’s continuous reign at the Monte Carlo Masters with a 6-2. state and local governments in their actions and initiatives affecting children 6) Former Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf’s sprawling farmhouse was on 20 April 2013 declared a “sub-jail” by the administration following his judicial custody remand by an anti-terrorism court. India was followed by China (USD60 billion). both belonging to Lotus team. and projects.COM 33 34 WWW. London by giving answer in 28 seconds only) 2) Which battle was chosen as Britain’s greatest battle in a contest recently organized by Britain’s National Army Museum? – The Battle of Imphal / Kohima of 1944 during the World War II (The British defeat over the Japanese in horrendous jungle conditions turned the tide against the Japanese Army.870 x 2. programs. 20 minutes and 15 seconds (This was the first major marathon since the Boston Marathon. sustainable. WISCOMP. 6 minutes and 15 seconds while women’s race was won by Kenya’s Priscah Jeptoo of Kenya in 2 hours. and better planning through a network of agencies in the country. Gives emphasis to right of every child to life. Mexico (USD23 billion) and Nigeria and Egypt (USD21 billion each)) 5) What are the main features of the National Policy for Children.779 picked at random by the Computer Department of Imperial College.April 21. SEWA. development. final of which was held on 21 April 2013? – Sebastian Vettel (Germany) of Red Bull team (Second and third places were claimed by Finaland’s Kimi Raikonnen and Romain Grosjean (France). passed away on 21 April 2013 at the age of 80. Policy provides for a long term. nicknamed “human computer” for her ability to make complex mental calculations. the World Bank. This battle was chosen over the more famous Battle of Waterloo and D-Day battle at Normandy) 3) Which cricketing legend of yesteryears was recently appointed as the new ambassador-cum-advisor of the Delhi Daredevils team in the ongoing IPL 6? – Sir Vivian Richards 4) Who were the winners of the London Marathon 2013. that was approved by the Union Cabinet on 18 April 2013? Important Features of National Policy for Children. education.NIRDESHAK.NIRDESHAK. which was broken with this loss? – 8 times (Nadal enjoyed a 46-match winning streak at Monte Carlo) 6) Who won the Bahrain Formula One Grand Prix. multi-sectoral. survival. GIZ. she extracted the 23rd root of a 201-digit number mentally. UNDP.686. 1980 Shakuntala Devi demonstrated the multiplication of two 13-digit numbers 7. the Philippines (USD24 billion). Every person below the age of eighteen years perceived as a child and childhood declared as an integral part of life with a value of its own 2. equal rights for all children without discrimination 3. The partners in the expanding network already include more than two dozen institutions such as the Administrative Staff College of India. coordination. 2012 1. which was held on 21 April 2013 at London? – Men’s race was won by Tsegaye Kebede of Ethiopia in 2 hours. Lays down the guiding principles that must be respected by national. Force India’s driver Paul de Resta equaled his best ever finish in F1 by finishing at fourth position) WWW. integrated and inclusive approach is necessary for the harmonious development and protection of children 4. 2013 1) What is the name of a new network launched by the Planning Commission Deputy Chairman Montek Singh Ahluwalia on 19 April 2013. Where is this 5-acre farmhouse situated where former military ruler will be kept in detention till 4 May 2013? – Chak Shahzad area in the outskirts of capital Islamabad April 22.6 magnitude earthquake on 20 April 2013 resulting in over 150 deaths and over five thousand injured? – Sichuan province in southwestern China (This region was hit by a massive earthquake in 2008 also. FISME and other business associations) 2) Which province of China was hit by a 6.COM . COM . over a period of ten months 6) What was the theme of Earth Day 2013. 630 crore has been earmarked as non-cash assistance. which claimed that it is first of its kind of service in the country to check crime against women? – Punjab 2) Former Chief Justice of India and one of the most prominent faces of judicial activism in India Jagdish Sharan Verma passed away on 22 April 2013 at a Gurgaon hospital.NIRDESHAK. 450 crore has been proposed as cash assistance and the remaining Rs. Rs.NIRDESHAK. 1. 2013 1) One of the first playback singers of the country. in a bizarre incident in the English Premier League (EPL)?. which is a newly created class of pooled-in investment vehicles for real estate. who scored 175 not out. after the Delhi gangrape in December last year (The newly passed Criminal Law (Amendment) Bill. These championships will be held later this year) 8) Famous Carnatic instrumentalist Lalgudi Jayaram passed away on 22 April 2013. tractors and watches. which has overwhelming majority in the Parliament. who had hit 158 off 73 balls against Royal Challengers Bangalore) 8) Who was appointed as the President of Editors Guild of India (EGI) on 23 April 2013? – Narasimhan Ravi. HMT Limited is presently a loss-making enterprise) 5) Market regulator SEBI on 22 April 2013 allowed 47 entities to set up AIFs. “Kabhi Aar Kabhi Paar” and “Kajra Mohabbat Wala”. private equity and hedge funds. Whose 9-year old record was broken by Chris Gayle? – Andrew Symonds (Symonds scored a century off 34 balls in a T-20 English county match between Kent and Middlesex on 2 July 2004. He was associated with which instrument? – Violin 9) Who will become Bangladesh’s 20th President as only his nomination was filed with country’s election authorities for presidential elections? – Abdul Hamid (Hamid was nominated by the ruling Awami League. Which was his most recent and important contribution in Indian judiciary? – He headed the three-member committee to suggest improvements in criminal law to tackle crime against women. with an objective of informing residents about extreme hot climate to be tackled by the city in near future? – Ahmedabad (The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) introduced the heat action plan (HAP) on 16 April 2013 by tying up with some renowned institutes of the world in an effort to make city’s population more aware about adverse affects of growing heat and take appropriate remedial actions for the same) 4) How much fund was announced to be spent in the proposed revival plan of the beleaguered PSU HMT Limited by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) recently? – Rs. two of the most prestigious world team championships of a sport. an MP of the Trinamool Congress 4) What is the name of world’s first returnable satellite which was launched recently by Russia and which is primarily committed to biological research in the space? – Bion-M1 (This satellite was launched on 19 April 2013 through a Soyuz carrier and would be used to study the effects of spaceflight on animals to prepare for human interplanetary flights) 5) Whose name came to highlight on 24 April 2013 as the strongest candidate on way to become Italy’s new Prime Minister? – Enrico Letta 6) Which Indian actress got the privilege to have been nominated as a member of the 9-member jury for the upcoming 66th Cannes Film Festival? – Vidya Balan (This prestigious jury is headed by renowned filmmaker Steven Spielberg. accused Chinese troops of crossing 10 km into Indian border and undertaking a deployment on 15 April 2013. The concept of Earth Day was conceived by John McConnell in 1969 at a UNESCO conference in 1969) 7) India will for the first time host the Thomas and Uber Cup Finals. With which sport are these championships associated? – Badminton (The Thomas Cup is the Men’s World Team Championships of Badminton while the Uber Cup is Women’s World Team Championships of Badminton.Luis Suarez 35 WWW. 2013 1) Mobile Women Commando Squads were pressed into service in which state of India on 22 April 2013. 2013 included many recommendations given by Verma Committee) 3) Which Indian city recently became the first South-Asian city to come out with a heat action plan. Gayle.April 23. Director Shekhar Kapur and actress Sharmila Tagore have previously been a part of Cannes jury) 7) Chris Gayle of Royal Challengers Bangalore scored the fastest ever century in cricket history off just 30 balls on 23 April 2013 while playing against Pune Warriors India in the IPL. passed away in Mumbai on 23 April 2013. 1. Who was this legendary singer? – Shamshad Begum (She ruled Hindi playback singing in the 40’s and 50’s and Melody Queen Lata Mangeshkar started her playback singing when Begum was at the peak of her career) 2) Which valley of Ladakh was the centre of controversy between India and China as India charged Chinese troops of launching an incursion deep across the border through this valley? – Depsang Valley (Sajjad Ahmad Kichloo. Who is the Chairman of this standing committee? – Kalyan Banerjee. HMT Limited was formerly known as Hindustan Machine Tools and is engaged in manufacture of machine tools. which was celebrated all over the world on 22 April 2013? – Face of Climate Change (Earth Day is an annual day on which events are held worldwide to demonstrate support for environmental protection. who gave such evergreen songs like Mere Piya Gaye Rangoon. an official in the Jammu and Kashmir Govt.083 crore (Of the total Rs. What is the meaning of AIF? – AIF stands for Alternative Investment Funds. Presidential election was required to select a replacement for President Zilliur Rahman who died last month) 10) Which Uruguayan footballer was fined by his team Liverpool for biting his opponent Branislav Ivanovic in a football match against Chelsea on 21 April 2013. Foreign Secretary Ranjan Mathai summoned the Chinese ambassador Wei Wei to South Block to lodge an official protest against the forward deployment) 3) The Standing Committee on Coal and Steel in its report tabled in Parliament on 23 April 2013 said that the coal mine allocations done between 1993 and 2010 were done in the most non-transparent manner and natural resources were distributed to few fortunates through abuse of power by the then ruling dispensation.080 crore. Former Editor of The Hindu and director of Kasturi and Sons Limited (EGI is an organisation of the editors of various magazines and newspapers of India) 36 WWW.COM April 24. Another Indian actress Nandita Das was included in a separate jury for short films. became the highest individual scorer in T-20 match by breaking record of Kolkata Knight Riders’ Brendon McCullum. 2. as per an announcement made in the Rajya Sabha on 23 April 2013 by Minister for State for Finance? – 2. were recently entrusted with the responsibility to nail the lone surviving Chechen-origin Boston bombings suspect Dzhokhar Tsarnaev. including an Indian-American. which opposed the diversion of over 600 hectares of reserved land for this base.. What was the name of this chit-fund company? – Saradha Group 10) Union Govt.69 crore (The sale of life insurance policies has been witnessing a continuous downtrend since 2010-11. in which lakhs of people especially in West Bengal were duped by a chit-fund company headed by Sudipto Sen. 2013 9) A huge scam to the tune of thousands of crore was unearthed recently.4% (The PMEAC on 23 April 2013 suggested that the downturn for Indian economy has bottomed out and if investments are pushed towards completion the economy can spring back from the 5% rate of growth recorded in 2012-13) 4) How many life insurance policies were sold during 2012-13 (till December 2012). in which India’s Jet Airways agreed to form a strategic alliance with Abu Dhabi based Etihad Airways by selling its 24% stake to Etihad for Rs. Samir Barua who completed his tenure in late 2012) 6) Two anti-terrorism prosecutors. US and Max Planck Institute for Informatics. Andrews University (US). In 2010-11 total number of policies sold stood at 4. What is the name of the India-American prosecutor who was entrusted this responsibility along with William Weinreb? – Aloke Chakravarty (He is presently an Assistant US Attorney for Massachusetts) 7) Which deal was the first one in Indian civil aviation sector since govt. What is this newly developed keyboard called? – KALQ Keyboard (This new keyboard was developed by the university in association with Montana Tech. Germany. changed the FDI norms in this sector? – Jet–Etihad deal. on 24 April 2013 extended the last date of e-filing of service tax return for the second half of 2012-13 to August 31.81 crore. KALQ thus provides better typing performance) 2) Plans to set up India’s first underground strategic naval base were recently opposed by Ministry of Environments and Forest. Chidambaram.COM 37 38 WWW. Nandy is expected to succeed Prof. which is expected to give competition to the conventional QWERTY keyboard. while the left thumb had more keys.41 crore in 2011-12. for the period October-March of 2012-13 is expected to be available on ACES (Automation of Central Excise and Service Tax) around 31 July 2013 ) 1) A new keyboard layout especially for touchscreen devices like smartphones and tablets has recently been developed at St. all vowels were placed in area which was assigned to right thumb.NIRDESHAK. the users who were trained could reach 37 words in a minute.058 crore (This deal would give Jet access to Etihad’s network while Etihad will get access to the Indian market) 8) A new medi-claim facility for holders of kisan credit cards (KCCs) was launched on 24 April 2013 by Union Finance Minister P. This new facility is being offered to KCC holders of which bank? – Dena Bank (This facility is being provided by Dena Bank in association with the United India Insurance Company (UIIC) and is the first such initiative launched by any bank in India) WWW. In the new keyboard. Where was this naval base proposed to be set up? – At Rambilli near Vishakhapatnam (Andhra Pradesh) 3) What was the projected growth rate for Indian economy for 2013-14 as suggested recently by the Prime Minister’s Economic Advisory Council (PMEAC)? – 6. Sen was arrested from Jammu & Kashmir on 23 April 2013 along with the company director Debjani Mukherjee and another official Arvind Singh Chauhan.April 25.e.NIRDESHAK. Form ST-3. This figure came down to 4. With error-correction algorithm. 2013.COM . Decline in number of life insurance policies is attributed to fall in sales of unit-linked insurance segment and general market trends) 5) Who is set to take over as new director of IIM Ahmedabad to become first person from an overseas institute to head any of the 13 IIMs in India? – Ashish Nanda (Nanda is currently Robert Braucher Professor of Practice at Harvard Law College. What was the earlier date of submission for the same? – 25 April 2013 (The date of submission has been extended as the form to file service tax return i. non-banking financial companies (NBFCs) and cooperatives – whether listed or not – if they raise money from the public in any manner. as proposed by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation recently?. 2013 1) After the multi-crore Saradha chit-fund scam. a new Presidential Centre and a library was named after which of the living US Presidents in Dallas? – George W. United Australia Party. Goswami is an IAS officer of 1978 batch) 3) Sarabjit Singh of India. He was subsequently admitted in a hospital in serious condition. particularly from people and politicians of Australia? – The biennial Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting – CHOGM 2013 (CHOGM’s boycott is being sought in light of allegations of human rights violations of Tamils by the Sri Lankan Govt.2% of GDP for 2012-13) 2) The Union Govt. 1. 2013 1) What was India’s total indirect tax collection (actual) during 2012-13. The Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration & Protection) Act came to force in India in 2003) 4) Which major summit meet is to be held in Sri Lanka during November this year. From which date this new announcement comes into effect? – 1 May 2013 (Indian Railways issued a notification about the same on 25 April 2013.76. 4. nidhis. Bush. Bush (Bush Junior) were present in this convention) 7) On 25 April 2013 Indian badminton ace Saina Nehwal crashed out of the ongoing India Open Super Series being held in Delhi. What was company’s net profit for the quarter (1 Jan 2013 to 31 Mar 2013)? – Rs.NIRDESHAK. in meeting the fiscal deficit target of 5. 1992 specifically keeps SEBI out of collective investment schemes like chit-funds) 2) Who was selected as India’s next Home Secretary. George W.68 lakh crore. the union government has decided to drastically amend legislations governing market regulator SEBI (Securities and Exchange Board of India)’s power to police chit fund companies. World No. on 25 April 2013 set up a task force to look into the affairs of chit fund companies of the country in wake of the multi-crore Saradha chit fund scam in West Bengal. Sarabjit has been serving his prison term in which jail of Pakistan? – Kot Lakhpat (Kot Lakhpat jail currently has some 17. 4. The new proposed law will give SEBI the power to regulate all chit-funds. from which SEBI has been kept out currently? – Section 11AA (The current SEBI Act. currently on a death row in a jail in Pakistan. Chennai as a geographical indication brand? – Zardozi (Lucknow’s Zardozi embroidery work was recently registered as Lucknow Zardozi brand and the registration was secured by Lucknow-based Kalatmak Handicrafts Self Help Group Foundation. demand for which’s boycott have been growing large. 12-21.65.000) 4) Who was elected as the new President of Manila-based Asian Development Bank (ADB) on 26 April 2013? – Takehiko Nakao of Japan (Nakao will take charge from Haruhiko Kuroda. the bookings which were done up to 30 April 2013 under already existing ARP of 120 days will not be changed) WWW. as announced on 25 April 2013? – Rs. Bill Clinton and George H.5 crore (This is despite tough market conditions for automobile companies presently) 7) Indian Railways recently reduced the advanced booking period (ARP) of the tickets from the existing four months to two months in an effort to keep a check on the trend of large scale cancellations after ticket bookings. Total excise duty collection stood at Rs.National Urban Livelihoods Mission (NULM) 6) In a convergence of all living US Presidents on 25 April 2013. for quarter ended 31 March 2013. 1.896 crore during the year. This task force has been set up under which establishment? – Serious Fraud Investigations Office (SFIO) 3) Which textile embroidery handicraft of Lucknow was recently accorded the status of a full-fledged brand by virtue of it being registered by the Geographical Indication Registry.2 Saina lost to which un-fancied player in this match? – Yui Mashimoto of Japan. ranked 44 places below Saina (Saina lost the match by 21-13. and who had earlier announced building a replica of the ill-fated ship Titanic? – Clive Palmer 6) India’s largest car maker Maruti Suzuki India (MSI) posted its highest ever quarterly profits ever. 20-22) April 27. suffered head injuries after being attacked by a fellow prisoner on 26 April 2013.April 26. However. who will take charge from R K Singh on 30 June 2013? – Anil Goswami (He will be the first officer from Jammu & Kashmir to be appointed to this powerful post.147. also from Japan. Which section defines a collective investment scheme.000 prisoners though its official capacity is only 4.74 lakh crore (The revised estimate for indirect tax collection for the year was Rs. who resigned from the ADB top post to assume the charge of Bank of Japan governor) 5) What is the name of the Australian mining tycoon who on 26 April 2013 launched a new political party.W.COM . Better than expected collections have provided a major relief to the govt.) 5) The existing Swarna Jayanti Shahari Rozgar Yojana or SJSRY would be replaced by which new plan.NIRDESHAK.457 crore whereas total customs collection stood at Rs.COM 39 40 WWW. Bush or Bush Senior (President Barack Obama and four former Presidents – Jimmy Carter. 1. This is expected to bring some relief to the parched districts of Maharashtra’s Marathwada region. was to end on 25 June 2013. The proposed Protection. Vohra on 27 April 2013 by the President? – 5 years (The term of Vohra. In another significant move Japan also okayed Dreamliner’s return to air) 5) Which planet was at its brightest on 28 April 2013 as it positioned itself directly opposite the Sun on this day? – Saturn (Saturn was at its opposition on this day. He is the first civilian governor of J&K in 18 years after Jagmohan) 4) Which airline became the first to fly Boeing’s beleaguered 787 Dreamliner since air safety authorities grounded the Dreamliners in January 2013? – Ethiopian Airlines (The airline flew the first Dreamliner 787 on 27 April 2013 from Ethiopia to Kenyan capital Nairobi. which was sanctioned in the Railway Budget of 2012-13) 7) A first of its kind of bill for protection and welfare of widows in India has been drafted recently. on 27 April 2013 started releasing water to a dam in the water-parched Marathwada region from upstream reservoirs on the orders of the Aurangabad Bench of the Bombay High Court. The dam runs a deficit of 3. This newly formed group will hold its first meeting in Riyadh on 1 May 2013) 10) Who was sworn in as the new Prime Minister of Italy on 28 April 2013? – Enrico Letta (Letta is the deputy head of the Democratic Party and his appointment has ended two months of political stalemate since February’s inconclusive election when he brought together former political rivals in a broad coalition government) WWW. Welfare and Maintenance of Widows Bill. 2. 2013 3) How many years’ extension was given to Jammu & Kashmir Governor N. abandoned and destitute widows by establishing a welfare board and creating a separate fund for these women. 2013 1) Dave Gold.COM 41 42 WWW. An object is said to be at opposition when the Sun is on one side of the Earth and the object is directly on the opposite side. education.April 28-29. Which dam is this? – Jayakwadi dam (This dam had been especially built to address the irrigation and drinking water woes of Marathwada. 2013 is a slight improvement on a similar document tabled in the Lok Sabha by Professor Mahadeorao Shiwankar in 2007 as Private Member’s Bill that lapsed due to the dissolution of the House.N. was founder of which famous chain of stores? – 99 Cents Only Store (Gold founded the first 99 Cents Only store in 1982. What is the name of this proposed bill. which reserves a certain percentage of the workforce in commercial establishments for Saudi nationals. Which institution has drafted this bill? – Sulabh International (The draft Bill proposes a subsistence allowance of Rs. employment and medical facilities) 8) The Maharashtra Govt. the net water reserves of the Jayakwadi dam stand at a perilous 1. is coming up with a new bill on 30 April 2013 to safeguard the interests of depositors. Saudi Arabia’s Deputy Minister for Labour Affairs (Indian workers have been hit by the policy. which will make all payments of benefits of any kind by any financial institution punishable with imprisonment for a maximum period of life and maximum of fine of Rs.000 per month for each woman — to be revised as per price index — in addition to free residential accommodation.COM .NIRDESHAK. 5 lakh? – The West Bengal Protection of Interest of Depositors in Financial Establishments Bill. Who is heading this group? – Sibi George. who took over as Governor in 2008. which expanded into a billion-dollar empire in three decades) 2) The West Bengal Govt. Deputy Chief of Mission at the Indian Embassy and Ahamed Al Humaidan.NIRDESHAK. reeling under the effect of the Saradha group going bust rendering lakhs of depositors paupers. which seeks to provide for measures to be undertaken by the state for the protection. welfare and maintenance of neglected.34 tmcft) 9) An India-Saudi Arabia joint working group has been formed that will work toward minimising the fallout of the Saudi’s Nitaqat policy on Indians.54 tmcft. who passed away recently. vocational training.. With the region in the grip of an acute water crisis. This group would hunt for solutions such as providing alternative jobs within Saudi Arabia and making the exit smooth for those who may have to leave the country. The result is that the object is fully illuminated by the Sun and appears disk-like) 6) Which district of Madhya Pradesh was connected to the network of Indian Railways on 26 April 2013? – Tikamgarh (The first train to travel to Tikamgarh was the passenger train between Tikamgarh and Jhansi. thereby reducing the overall cost of travel. This lobby wanted the CERC to cancel power pacts signed by NTPC with state distribution utilities between 1 October 2010 and 5 January 2011. had moved this joint petition to CERC.000 people have died in the ongoing civil war in Syria. These producers include Adani Power. From when F&O trades can be carried out on exchange’s flagship SX-40 index? – 15 May 2013 5) In a major reprieve for the Rs. which are members of AAP.COM .April 30. Which organisation/group carried out this bomb blast? – The Rebels of President Bashar al-Assad who have been opposing his rule and are now striking in the heart of the Syrian capital.NIRDESHAK. CLP Power India. Tata Power.000 crore NTPC Ltd. which would become a gateway for farmers to avail benefits like subsidies and loans given by the state government? – Goa (This Card was launched by Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar. The move allows airlines to keep a lower base fare and give passengers the flexibility to pay for services they need. serving meals and allotting preferential seats. GMR Energy. This report was prepared by which consulting firm? – Nathan Economic Consultants 2) Which state govt. 65. More than 70. being fought between loyalists of the President and his rebel groups 4) India’s newest stock exchange. Bangladesh had scored a historic 2-0 Test win over West Indies in 2009 and were unable to score another Test win since) WWW. MCX-SX. Jindal Power. BHU’s South Campus at Mirzapur (UP) is also being proposed to be converted into a full-fledged rural university 7) Bangladesh cricket team ended their long losing streak in Test cricket on 29 April 2013 by winning first test match since 2009. which alleged that NTPC abused its dominant market position.. and charge separately for them.NIRDESHAK. What is the name of this lobby that includes several private power producers? – Association of Power Producers – APP (12 private producers. which was triggered in Mezze district. on 29 April 2013 launched a digital Krishi Card. This digitally coded card will spare the farmers from repeatedly producing the documents to avail subsidies) 3) Syrian Prime Minister Wael Al-Halki survived a bomb attack on his convoy in capital Damascus on 29 April 2013. announced plans to introduce trading in its futures and options (F&O). JSW Energy and Lanco Infratech) 6) Banaras Hindu University (BHU) recently sent a proposal to the Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD) to open two new campuses. one in Uttar Pradesh and the other in Maharashtra.COM 43 44 WWW. India’s apex power regulator CERC (Central Electricity Regulatory Commission) dismissed a petition filed by a lobby group representing private power developers. Essar Power. 2013 1) The Civil Aviation Ministry on 29 April 2013 allowed domestic airlines to unbundle services such as carrying check-in baggage. 6 people were killed in the blast. AES (India). Where these proposed campuses are being planned to be set up? – Rae Bareli (UP) and Amravati (Maharashtra) – BHU has been working on a proposal to establish a new campus for women at Rae Bareli. Reliance Power. These changes were done on recommendations of a report titled ‘Economic Regulations to Airlines Ticket Pricing in India‘. Bangladesh defeated which team in this match? – Zimbabwe (Bangladesh defeated hosts Zimbabwe by 143 runs in Harare and they dedicated this rare win to the hundreds of people who died in a building collapse in capital Dhaka last week.