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Current Affairs Quiz: December 16 2018

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AffairsCloud brings you the complete and important daily Current Affairs December 16 2018 Quiz to achieve more marks in Banking, Insurance, UPSC, SSC, CLAT, Railways and all other competitive Exams. We have prepared the current affairs quiz from our current affairs today updates.

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  1. Where was the 4th WHO Global Forum on Medical Devices “Increasing access to medical devices” held from 13thto 15th December 2018?
    1) Patna, Bihar
    2) Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh
    3) Guwahati, Assam
    4) Kolkata, West Bengal
    5) None of these
    Answer –  2) Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh
    Explanation:
    On December 15, 2018, the three day 4th WHO Global Forum on Medical Devices “Increasing access to medical devices” concluded Andhra Pradesh Medtech Zone in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. It was the first time the WHO Global Forum on Medical devices was being held in India. This Forum was meant to face the challenges present in the selection, regulation and use of medical devices.

  2. A National Medical Devices Promotion Council will be set up under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. Who will be the head of the Council?
    1) Ramesh Abhishek
    2) Arthika Chaudhary
    3) Ramesh Seth
    4) Sindhya Johnson
    5) None of these
    Answer –  1) Ramesh Abhishek
    Explanation:
    At the 4th WHO Forum, held in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, from 13th to 15th December 2018, Union Minister of Commerce and Industry and Civil Aviation, Suresh Prabhu, announced setting up of a National Medical Devices Promotion Council under the Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP) in the Ministry of Commerce & Industry. The Council will be headed by Secretary, DIPP, Shri. Ramesh Abhishek. It will also have representatives of healthcare industry and quality control institutions. Furthermore, Andhra Pradesh MedTech Zone, Visakhapatnam, will provide technical support to the Council. The establishment of the council will boost the domestic manufacturing sector and would aid in exports as well.

  3. The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has approved registration of a record number of how many new breeds of livestock and poultry in 2018?
    1) 12
    2) 25
    3) 15
    4) 20
    5) None of these
    Answer –  3) 15
    Explanation:
    On December 12, 2018, Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Shri Radha Mohan Singh announced that Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) approved registration of record 15 new breeds of livestock and poultry in 2018. This took the total registered breeds of livestock and poultry to 40 from 2014-18. The 15 newly registered breeds include:
    • 2 cattle breeds – Ladakhi (J&K) and Konkan Kapila (Maharashtra & Goa);
    • 3 buffalo breeds – Luit (Assam & Manipur), Bargur (Tamil Nadu), Chhattisgarhi (Chhattisgarh);
    • 1 sheep breed – Panchali (Gujarat);
    • 6 goat breeds – Kahmi (Gujarat), Rohilkhandi (UP), Assam Hill (Assam & Meghalaya), Bidri (Karnataka), Nandidurga (Karnataka), Bhakarwali (J&K);
    • 1 pig breed – Ghurrah (UP);
    • 1 donkey breed – Halari (Gujarat) and
    • 1 chicken breed – Uttara (Uttarakhand).

  4. Water Conservation Fee (WCF) will be levied on water extraction, to discourage misuse of water by industries from _____, as per the guidelines notified by Central Ground Water Authority?
    1) June 1, 2019
    2) April 1, 2019
    3) January 1, 2019
    4) August 1, 2019
    5) None of these
    Answer –  1) June 1, 2019
    Explanation:
    On December 13, 2018, the Central Ground Water Authority notified revised guidelines for ground water extraction and levied fee for extraction. It will be effective from June 1, 2019. The introduction of the concept of Water Conservation Fee (WCF) was done in the guidelines where a fee will be levied on water extraction, to discourage misuse of water by industries. This would also compel industries to adopt measures relating to water use efficiency.

  5. Which state has become the first state in India to enact a law banning sexual exploitation of women by those in positions of authority, having a fiduciary relationship or a public servant?
    1) Maharashtra
    2) Telangana
    3) Haryana
    4) Jammu and Kashmir
    5) None of these
    Answer –  4) Jammu and Kashmir
    Explanation:
    On 14th December 2018, Jammu and Kashmir became the first state in the country to enact a law banning sexual exploitation of women “by those in positions of authority, having a fiduciary relationship or a public servant”. The decision in this regard was taken by Jammu and Kashmir Administrative Council (SAC) headed by Governor Satya Pal Malik by approving the Prevention of Corruption (Amendment) Bill, 2018, and the Jammu and Kashmir Criminal Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2018. The Jammu and Kashmir Criminal Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2018 seeks to amend the Ranbir Penal Code (RPC)-a criminal code, whereby specific offence under section 354 E is being inserted to provide for the offence of ‘Sextortion’. ‘Sextortion’ is a physical or non-physical form to extort sexual favours. People entrusted with power use ‘sextortion’ in a form of ‘corruption’.

  6. Name the Energy Conservation Building Code for Residential Buildings (ECBC-R) launched by Ministry of Power on the occasion of National Energy Conservation Day 2018, on 14th December, in New Delhi?
    1) National Building Code of India 2018
    2) Green Building Guidelines 2018
    3) ECO Niwas Samhita 2018
    4) ECO Imaarat Niyam 2018
    5) None of these
    Answer –  3) ECO Niwas Samhita 2018
    Explanation:
    On 14th December 2018, Ministry of Power launched the ECO Niwas Samhita 2018, an Energy Conservation Building Code for Residential Buildings (ECBC-R) on the occasion of National Energy Conservation Day 2018 in New Delhi. The codes were launched in the presence of Chief Guest Smt. Sumitra Mahajan, Hon’ble Speaker, Lok Sabha and Shri R.K. Singh, Minister of State (IC) for Power and New &Renewable Energy. The code aims to benefit the occupants and the environment by promoting energy efficiency in design and construction of homes, apartments and townships.. The Code is also expected to assist large number of architects and builders who are involved in design and construction of new residential complexes in different parts of the country.

  7. The _____ edition of India’s largest contemporary art exhibition Kochi-Muziris Biennale (KMB) was held in Kochi, on 12th December 2018?
    1) 2nd
    2) 3rd
    3) 4th
    4) 5th
    5) None of these
    Answer –  3) 4th
    Explanation:
    On 12th December 2018, 4th Edition of India’s largest contemporary art exhibition Kochi-Muziris Biennale (KMB) featuring a dynamic range of multi-media artworks held in Kochi with a theme “Possibilities for a Non-Alienated Life”. The Biennale was curated by Anita Dube and it was the first Biennale in the world where half of the participating artists are women. 94 artists participated at the 10 venues of the city in the 108 day long event.

  8. Which state/union territory launched a community policing scheme named “Prahari’’, to prevent crime, and maintain law and order, on 14th December 2018?
    1) Madhya Pradesh
    2) Goa
    3) Puducherry
    4) Delhi
    5) None of these
    Answer –  4) Delhi
    Explanation:
    A community policing scheme named “Prahari’ was launched in southwest district of Delhi on 14th December 2018 with a view to prevent crime, and maintain law and order. Delhi Police Commissioner Amulya Patnaik launched the scheme — Prahari — under which civic personnel such as chowkidars and security guards, deployed in commercial and VIP areas, will act as the eyes and ears of the police for prevention of crime.

  9. Where did Union Railways Minister Piyush Goyal and Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani dedicate India’s first National Rail and Transportation Institute (NRTI), on 15th December 2018?
    1) Vadodara, Gujarat
    2) Nagpur, Maharashtra
    3) Chennai, Tamil Nadu
    4) Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh
    5) None of these
    Answer –  1) Vadodara, Gujarat
    Explanation:
    On December 15, 2018, Union Railways Minister Piyush Goyal and Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani dedicated the nation’s first National Rail and Transportation Institute (NRTI) in Vadodara, Gujarat. It is India’s first and world’s 3rd railway university after Russia and China. The Vice-Chancellor of the university is Ashwani Lohani who is the Chairman of the Railway Board of India. The Minstry of Railways had sanctioned Rs. 421 crore for the upcoming 5 years for the operation of the project. It has been built on 110 acres of land at Pipaliya village in Waghodiya Taluka, District Vadodara.

  10. What is the name of the first-of-its-kind reality show launched by DD Kisan, on 14th December 2018, which will showcase the impact women have had on Indian agriculture?
    1) Mahila Desh
    2) Mahila Kisan Awards
    3) Mahila Shakthi
    4) Mahila Puraskar
    5) None of these
    Answer –  2) Mahila Kisan Awards
    Explanation:
    On 14th December 2018, DD Kisan launched a first-of-its-kind reality show ‘Mahila Kisan Awards’, to showcase the impact women have had on Indian agriculture and also educate people. It will be telecast from 17th December, the show will see participation of women farmers from across the length and breadth of India, including from Jammu & Kashmir, all the states of North Eastern Region, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, West Bengal, Punjab, Haryana, Goa, Bihar, Jharkhand, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh among others.

  11. How many MoUs were signed between India and Myanmar, during President of India, Ram Nath Kovind’s 5-day maiden visit to Myanmar, from 10th to 14th December 2018?
    1) 2
    2) 4
    3) 6
    4) 8
    5) None of these
    Answer –  1) 2
    Explanation:
    On December 10, 2018, President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind embarked on a 5-day maiden visit to Myanmar. The visit concluded on December 14, 2018. The President was accompanied by First Lady Smt. Savita Kovind. 2 MOUs were signed in the areas of judicial and educational cooperation. The MOUs are as follows:
    • MOU on training of Myanmar judicial officers in India, in the field of civil law, criminal law, environmental and medical jurisprudence signed between National Judicial Academy of India and the Office of the Union Chief Justice of Myanmar.
    • MOU to enhance cooperation in science and technology, especially for the research in industry, agriculture and other fields, signed between Department of Science and Technology, Ministry of Science and Technology, India and Department of Research and Innovation, Ministry of Education, Myanmar.

  12. Where was the 5th Enterprise India Show held on 13th December 2018?
    1) Bangladesh
    2) Nepal
    3) Sri Lanka
    4) Myanmar
    5) None of these
    Answer –  4) Myanmar
    Explanation:
    On December 13, 2018, Indian President Ram Nath Kovind inaugurated the 5th Enterprise India Show, in Myanmar, which witnessed the participation of Indian industries to network, partner and explore business opportunities in Myanmar. The show was hosted by Confederation of Indian Industry and the Union of Myanmar Federation of Chambers of Commerce.

  13. President of India, Ram Nath Kovind, dedicated the Advanced Centre for Agricultural Research and Education (ACARE) and Rice Bio-Park at the in Yezin Agricultural University, to the people of which country, on 12th December 2018?
    1) South Korea
    2) Nepal
    3) Bangladesh
    4) Myanmar
    5) None of these
    Answer –  4) Myanmar
    Explanation:
    On December 12, 2018, the President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind paid his visit to the Advanced Centre for Agricultural Research and Education (ACARE) at the Yezin Agricultural University in Nay Pyi Taw. Here, he dedicated the Advanced Centre for Agricultural Research and Education to the people of Myanmar. It was established under the Bilateral Friendship Project and is funded by Government of India. The programme is run by Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI). The project focuses on genetics, post-harvest technology, participatory knowledge management and capacity building for farmers in Myanmar. He also dedicated a Rice Bio-Park in Yezin Agricultural University to the people of Myanmar. Projects under the park are undertaken by the M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation, funded by the Ministry of External Affairs. The projects are aimed at ensuring optimal use and value addition of the gamut of bio-sources in a rice farm, including rice straw and rice husk. He also launched a mobile app for farmers in Myanmar.

  14. Customers will be covered under standalone compulsory personal accident (CPA) from _____, as per notification of Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI)?
    1) January 1, 2019
    2) April 1, 2019
    3) March 1, 2019
    4) August 1, 2019
    5) None of these
    Answer –  1) January 1, 2019
    Explanation:
    On December 13, 2018, as per notification of Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI), customers would be covered under standalone compulsory personal accident (CPA) from January 1, 2019. IRDAI introduced standalone PA cover where a single PA cover can be taken for multiple vehicles. Additionally, if an owner-driver has a 24 hour personal accident cover against Death and Permanent Disability (Total and Partial) for CSI of at least Rs 15 lakh, no separate CPA is necessary.

  15. Where did Minister of State (Independent Charge) for communications, Manoj Sinha launch India Post’s Internet banking facility for post office savings bank (POSB) customers, on 14th December 2018?
    1) Kolkata
    2) New Delhi
    3) Mumbai
    4) Kochi
    5) None of these
    Answer –  2) New Delhi
    Explanation:
    On December 14, 2018, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for communications, Manoj Sinha launched India Post’s Internet banking facility for post office savings bank (POSB) customers, at the National Media Centre in New Delhi. Under this new facility, customers will be able to:
    • Transfer funds from one post office savings bank account to another POSB account,
    • make online deposits from savings bank account to recurring deposit (RD) account and public provident fund (PPF) account of post office.
    A POSB customer can access the internet banking facility at ebanking.indiapost.gov.in. Additionally, the revamped India Post website and e-commerce portal for rural entrepreneurs were launched as well. Also, the event witnessed Disbursement of scholarship under Deen Dayal SPARSH Yojana & Conferment of Meghdoot award by the minister.

  16. Indian Ordnance Factories, Bharat Electronics, Bharat Dynamics and _____ are the 4 companies listed in the world’s top 100 arms producers in 2017, by Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI)?
    1) Hindustan Aeronautics
    2) Tata Aviation
    3) MRL Ordinance Factories
    4) Essar Electronics
    5) None of these
    Answer –  1) Hindustan Aeronautics
    Explanation:
    According to the latest rankings released by a Stockholm-based think tank, Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), four Indian Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs), have been featured on the world’s top 100 arms producers in 2017. The four PSU featuring in world’s top 100 arms producer are:
    • Indian Ordnance Factories
    • Hindustan Aeronautics
    • Bharat Electronics
    • Bharat Dynamics

  17. What is the rank of India in the list of countries by arms sales, as per the report by Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI)?
    1) 2
    2) 5
    3) 7
    4) 10
    5) None of these
    Answer –  4) 10
    Explanation:
    According to the latest rankings released by a Stockholm-based think tank, Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), four Indian Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs), have been featured on the world’s top 100 arms producers in 2017. The four PSU featuring in world’s top 100 arms producer are:
    • Indian Ordnance Factories
    • Hindustan Aeronautics
    • Bharat Electronics
    • Bharat Dynamics
    India currently ranks 10th in the list of countries by arms sales and stands at less than 2% in total global arms sales.

  18. European Parliament approved the world’s largest free trade agreement between which country and the EU, on 12th December 2018?
    1) China
    2) Japan
    3) Russia
    4) France
    5) None of these
    Answer –  2) Japan
    Explanation:
    On 12th December 2018, the European Parliament approved a free trade agreement between Japan and the EU, covering 635 million people and almost one-third of the world’s economy. The world’s largest free trade agreement, the EU-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement will remove duties on almost all agricultural and industrial products as well as open up the service sector and procurement. It also moves to eliminate non-tariff barriers to trade. The EU-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement which has been under discussion since 2013 will come into effect from 1stFebruary 2019. This agreement is projected to increase exports between the two economies by 34 percent for the EU and 29 percent for Japan, liberalising up to 99 percent of bilateral trade. The elimination of tariffs will save consumers and importers €1 billion per year in the EU and will support a substantial increase of jobs, maximizing benefits for both companies and citizens.

  19. Which entity relaxed norms pertaining to setting up of cyber security operation Centre for small market intermediaries citing that they lack knowledge in cyber security, on 14th December 2018?
    1) Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI)
    2) Reserve Bank of India (RBI)
    3) Finance Ministry
    4) Indian Banks Association (IBA)
    5) None of these
    Answer –  1) Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI)
    Explanation:
    On 14th December 2018, Indian Market Regulator, Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) relaxed norms pertaining to setting up cyber security operation Centre for small market intermediaries citing that they lack knowledge in cyber security. Cost factor involved in setting up own security operation centre along with lack of knowledge in cyber security were the main reasons SEBI cited for easing the norms. Under new framework, Small intermediaries can utilize services of market Security Operations Center (SCO) which will be set up by the Market Infrastructure Institutions (MIS). Membership of Intermediaries in Security Operations Centre (SCO) is not mandatory.

  20. Korean Won and _____ are the two new currencies added to the List of Currencies for Exchange Rate, by Central Board of Indirect taxes and Customs (CBIC), on 12th December 2018?
    1) Turkish Lira
    2) Japanese Yen
    3) Chilean Peso
    4) Brazilian Real
    5) None of these
    Answer –  1) Turkish Lira
    Explanation:
    On 12th December 2018, the Central Board of Indirect taxes and Customs (CBIC) which works under Ministry of Finance notified the Korean Won and Turkish Lira in the List of Currencies for Exchange Rate in order to decrease the transaction cost and enhance the ease of doing business, thereby, benefiting the Indian, Korean and Turkish businesses. The CBIC which so far notified exchange rates for 20 currencies for the purpose of valuation of imported and exported goodswill include two more currencies Won and Lira in the list. The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) notifies the Rate of Exchange under Section 14 of the Customs Act, 1962. The initiative is expected to help exporters claim the benefits of Merchandise Export Incentive Scheme easily, as the rates of TRY (Lira) and Won will be readily available on the realisation date of remittances. Bilateral trade between India-South Korea stood at $16.36 billion while that between India and Turkey stood at $7.2 billion during 2017-18.

  21. Name the English writer who has been selected for the Jnanpith Award 2018?
    1) Prathiba Ray
    2) Amitav Ghosh
    3) Amelia James
    4) Rishi Chander
    5) None of these
    Answer –  2) Amitav Ghosh
    Explanation:
    On 14th December 2018, Jnanpith Selection Board chaired by eminent novelist, scholar and Jnanpith laureate Pratibha Ray selected Renowned English writer Amitav Ghosh for the prestigious Jnanpith Award 2018. Amitav Ghosh is one of the most prominent contemporary Writer who is famous connecting past with present in relevant ways in his novels. Shadow Lines, The Glass Palace, The Hunger Tide, River of smoke, Flood of Fire are some of the greatest novels of Amitav Ghosh. Amitav Ghosh is also recipient of the Padma Shri and Sahitya Akademi Awards.

  22. Who was sworn in as the Chief Minister of Mizoram for the third time, on 15th December 2018?
    1) Zoramthanga
    2) Kummanam Rajasekharan
    3) Min Hoi
    4) Anshal Sen
    5) None of these
    Answer –  1) Zoramthanga
    Explanation:
    On 15th December 2018, the President of Mizo National Front (MNF), Mr. Zoramthanga sworn in as the Chief Minister of Mizoram for the third time at Raj Bhavan in Aizawl. MNF dethroned Congress by winning 26 seats in the 40 member legislative assembly. Congress bagged 5 seats whereas BJP won just 1 seat. Mr Tawnluia sworn in as the Deputy Chief Minister of Mizoram.

  23. Coastal Andhra Pradesh and North Tamil Nadu are expected to receive heavy rainfall on 16th and 17th December 2018 due to a severe cyclone named ____, as per India Meteorological Department (IMD)?
    1) Phethai
    2) Feity
    3) Jaggo
    4) Rishu
    5) None of these
    Answer –  1) Phethai
    Explanation:
    As per India Meteorological Department (IMD), Coastal Andhra Pradesh and North Tamil Nadu are expected to receive heavy rainfall on 16th and 17th December due to a severe cyclone Phethai which is heading towards coastal areas of Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. The Deep depression over southeast Bay of Bengal is moving northwestward and it could intensify and turn into a cyclonic storm. Earlier Cyclone Gaza caused massive destruction in Tamil Nadu coastal areas. This is the fourth cyclone to hit the eastern coast this season.

  24. Which country will host the 2020 Asia cricket cup, as approved by Asian Cricket Council (ACC)?
    1) Afghanistan
    2) Pakistan
    3) Sri Lanka
    4) Bangladesh
    5) None of these
    Answer –  2) Pakistan
    Explanation:
    On 13th December 2018, The Asian Cricket Council (ACC) awarded the hosting rights of the 2020 Asia cup to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) in a meeting held in Bangladesh Capital Dhaka. Pakistan will host the 2020 Asia cricket cup. The Decision was taken by ACC President Nazmul Hassan Papon but the final venue of the event is still unclear over whether it will be played in UAE or Pakistan.

  25. When was International Tea Day celebrated to draw global attention on the impact of global tea trade on workers and growers?
    1) December 12
    2) December 15
    3) December 17
    4) December 18
    5) None of these
    Answer –  2) December 15
    Explanation:
    On 15th December 2018, International Tea Day aimed to draw global attention of governments and citizens to the impact of global tea trade on workers and growers was observed in Tea Producing countries. Indian Tea Association (ITA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with China Tea Marketing Association (CTMA) in a meeting held in Kolkata between Vivek Goenka, Chairman ITA and Wang Qing, President CTMA. ITA Expects to double the export to China in next one year. The MoU aims to collaborate towards ensuring sustainability of the industry globally and promoting black and green tea in International Markets.

STATIC GK based on Current Affairs

  1. The Chairman of Central Ground Water Authority is _____?
      K. C. Naik

  2. Where is Papikonda National Park located?
      Andhra Pradesh

  3. Who is the Chairperson of Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC)?
     S. Ramesh

  4. What is the capital and currency of Myanmar?
     Capital – Nay Pyi Taw; Currency – Burmese kyat

  5. Name the Chairman of Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI)?
      Dr. Subhash C. Khuntia