Current Affairs Quiz: 4 September 2018

1. This cricketer, who has been the former captain and highest run scorer for England in test cricket, announced his retirement from International cricket after final Test against India.

a) Alastair Cook
b) Andrew Strauss
c) James Anderson
d) Ian Bell

2. India has launched the next round of free trade agreement review with which nation?

a) China
b) Malaysia
c) Singapore
d) Bangladesh

3. India has signed a loan agreement with ADB to improve state highways in which state?

a) Kerala
b) Karnataka
c) Madhya Pradesh
d) Telangana

4. India has equaled its previous record for maximum gold medals at the Asian Games. The record was set in which edition of the Games?

a) 2010, Guangzho
b) 1951, New Delhi
c) 2014, Incheon
d) 1982, New Delhi

5. Which month is observed across India as the National Nutrition Month?

a) October
b) August
c) September
d) November

6. Who launched the India Post Payments Bank across India?

a) Ram Nath Kovind
b) M Venkaiah Naidu
c) Arun Jaitley
d) Narendra Modi

7. India recently signed MoU on combating money laundering with which European country?

a) Bulgaria
b) Czech Republic
c) Cyprus
d) Romania

8. The US government cancelled USD 300 million in aid under the Coalition Support Funds (CSF) to which country?

a) Pakistan
b) India
c) China
d) Bhutan

9. The OBC population data will be introduced from which Census year in India?

a) 2021
b) 2025
c) 2031
d) 2035

10. Which country hosted the 6th East Asia Summit Economic Ministers Meeting?

a) Indonesia
b) Mauritius
c) Singapore
d) Malaysia

11. Which country recently ratified a law granting authorities the right to monitor social media users?

a) Italy
b) Egypt
c) Spain
d) Germany

12. Which country was the top source of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in India in 2017-18?

a) China
b) Singapore
c) Russia
d) Mauritius

Answers with Explanation

1. (a) Alastair Cook

Alastair Cook, former captain of England’s national cricket team has decided to retire from international cricket after the fifth and final match against India at the Oval, starting September 7, 2018. The 33-year-old is known as one of England’s greatest test players. He is also the highest run-scorer for the nation in tests and stands 6th on the all-time list of Test run-scorers.

2. (c) Singapore

India and Singapore on September 1, 2018 launched the next round of review for their existing free trade agreement with a view to further boost bilateral trade and investments between the countries. The launch of the review signals further deepening of business, economic and trade collaboration between the two countries.

3. (b) Karnataka

India and Asian Development Bank have signed 346 Million dollar loan agreement to improve over 400 kilometers of state highways in Karnataka. The project will help enhance connectivity and access to economic centres across 12 districts in Karnataka.

4. (b) 1951, New Delhi

India concluded its run at the Asian Games with a record show that boasted of a total of 69 medals, including 15 gold, 24 silver and 30 bronze. India set a new record for most medals won and equaled its previous record for maximum gold medals at the Asian Games, which was achieved in the 1951 edition of the Games, which were hosted by New Delhi, India.

5. (c) September

The National Nutrition Month is being celebrated across the country in September to mark the fight against malnutrition. The month will focus on adolescent girls, pregnant women and lactating mothers to eliminate the deficiencies prevailing in the Health sector.

6. (d) Narendra Modi

The Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi on September 1, 2018 launched the India Post Payments Bank (IPPB) at Talkatora Stadium in New Delhi. The initiative seeks to leverage the expansive network of the postal department to ensure financial inclusion for the masses.

7. (c) Cyprus

India and Cyprus on September 3, 2018 signed key agreements in various areas to cement bilateral ties between both the countries following delegation level talks between President Ram Nath Kovind and Cyprus President Nicos Anastasiades. One of MoUs was signed between Financial Intelligence Unit of India and Unit for Combating Money Laundering of Cyprus on combating money laundering.

8. (a) Pakistan

The US government cancelled USD 300 million in aid to Pakistan over Islamabad’s perceived failure to take decisive action against terrorists and militants. This is in addition to another USD 500 million in aid that was withdrawn earlier this year at the behest of the US Congress. The financial assistance of the US to Pakistan is called Coalition Support Funds (CSF).

9. (a) 2021

The Union Home Ministry announced that the Census 2021 will for the first time collect data on Other Backwards Castes (OBC). The exercise will involve 25 lakh trained enumerators. The 2011 Census collected information in 29 categories that included a separate column for Scheduled Caste/Scheduled Tribes.

10. (c) Singapore

6th East Asia Summit- Economic Ministers’ Meeting (EAS-EMM) and 15th India-ASEAN Economic Ministers’ Meeting (AEM) was held in Singapore. Commerce & Industry Minister Suresh Prabhu participated in both the events representing India.

11. (b) Egypt

Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi ratified a law granting authorities the right to monitor social media users in the country as part of tightening internet controls. The state’s Supreme Council for Media Regulations will have the power to place people with more than 5 thousand followers on social media under supervision.

12. (d) Mauritius

Mauritius was the top source of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) into India in 2017-18 followed by Singapore. The FDI from Mauritius totalled USD 13.41 billion and inflows from Singapore rose to USD 9.27 billion. The total FDI in the financial year stood at USD 37.36 billion.