DISASTER MANAGEMENT

EARTHQUAKES

Definition and Measurement

"An earthquake is a sudden motion or trembling of the ground produced by the abrupt displacement of rock masses".

Most earthquakes result from the movement of one rock mass past another in response to tectonic forces.

The focus is the point where the earthquake's motion starts,

The epicenter is the point on the earth's surface that is directly above the focus.

Earthquake Magnitude is a measure of the strength of an earthquake as calculated from records of the event made on a calibrated seismograph.

In 1935, Charles Richter first defined local magnitude, and the Richter scale is commonly used today to describe an

earthquake's magnitude.

Earthquake Intensity.

In contrast, earthquake intensity is a measure of the effects of an earthquake at a particular place. It is determined from observations of the earthquake's effects on people, structures and the earth's surface.

Among the many existing scales, the Modified Mercalli Intensity Scale of 12 degrees, symbolized as MM, is frequently used 

Earthquake Hazards

Earthquake hazards can be categorized as either direct hazards or indirect hazards.

Direct Hazards

¨     · Ground shaking;

¨     · Differential ground settlement;

¨     · Soil liquefaction;

¨     · Immediate landslides or mud slides, ground lurching

       and avalanches;

¨     · Permanent ground displacement along faults;

¨     · Floods from tidal waves, Sea Surges & Tsunamis

Indirect Hazards

¨     · Dam failures;

¨     · Pollution from damage to industrial plants;

¨     · Delayed landslides.

Most of the damage due to earthquakes is the result of strong ground shaking. For large magnitude events, trembling has been

felt over more than 5 million sq. km. 

Site Risks

Some common site risks are:

(I) Slope Risks - Slope instability, triggered by strong shaking may cause landslides. Rocks or boulders can roll considerable distances.

(ii) Natural Dams - Landslides in irregular topographic areas may create natural dams which may collapse when they are filled.

This can lead to potentially catastrophic avalanches after strong seismic shaking.

(iii) Volcanic Activity - Earthquakes may be associated with potential volcanic activity and may occasionally be considered as precursory phenomena.

Explosive eruptions are normally followed by ash falls and/or pyroclastic flows, volcanic lava or mud flows, and volcanic gases.

CYCLONE.

The term "cyclone" refers to all classes of storms with low atmospheric pressure at the centre, are formed when an organized system of revolving winds, clockwise in the Southern Hemisphere, anti-clockwise in the Northern Hemisphere, develops over tropical waters.

Cyclones are classified on the basis of the average speed of the wind near the centre of the system as follows:

 Wind Speed                            Classification

¨     Up to 61 km/hr                    Tropical Depression

¨     61 km/hr - 115 km/hr          Tropical Storm

¨     Greater than 115 km/hr       Hurricane

 

Hurricane.

A hurricane is a low pressure, large scale weather system which derives its energy from the latent heat of condensation of water vapor over warm tropical seas. A mature hurricane may have a diameter ranging from 150 to 1000 km with sustained wind speeds often exceeding 180 km/hr near the centre with still higher gusts.

A unique feature of a hurricane is the Eye. The eye provides a convenient frame of reference for the system, and can be tracked with radar, aircraft or satellite.

Classification

The Saffir/Simpson scale is often used to categorize hurricanes based on their wind speed and damage potential. Five categories of hurricanes are recognized:

¨     Minimal, Moderate, Extensive, Extreme & Catastrophic

The destructive potential of a hurricane is significant due to the high wind speeds, accompanying torrential rains which produce

flooding, and storm surges along the coastline

TSUNAMIS

Tsunamis are Ocean Waves produced by Earth Quakes or Underwater land slides.

The word is Japanese and means “Harbor Waves”

Tsunami is actually a series of waves that can travel at speeds from 400-600 mph in the open ocean. As the waves approach the coast, their speed decreases, but their amplitude increases.

Unusual wave heights of 10-20 ft high can be very destructive and cause many deaths and injuries.

Most deaths caused by Tsunamis are because of Drowning.

Associated risks include

·       Flooding

·       Contamination of Drinking Water

·       Fires from ruptured gas lines and tanks

·       Loss of vital Community Infrastructure [police, fire, medical]

·       Areas of greatest risks are

-Less than 25 feet above sea level

-Within 1 mile of the shore line.

Environmental Conditions left by the Tsunamis may contribute to the transmission of the following diseases

From Food or Water

·       Diarrhea illnesses;  Cholera, Acute Diarrhea, Dysentery

·       Hepatitis-A, Hepatitis-E

·       Typhoid Fever

·       Food borne illnesses;Bacterial;Viral;Parasitic;Non-infections;

From Animals or Mosquitoes

        Leptospirosis, Plague, Malaria, J.E, Dengue, Rabies

Respiratory Diseases;    Avian flu, Influenza, Measles

EFFECTS OF NUCLEAR HOLOCAUST

The effects of nuclear holocaust will result into blasts,

heat storms, secondary fires, fire, ionizing radiation and fall outs.

These effects fall into 3 categories;

1). Immediate, 2). Short term and 3). Long term effects.

¨     The immediate effects include blast effects, heat effects, electromagnetic pulse (EMP) effects and radiation effects.

¨     The short term effects include problems connected with water supply, sanitation, food, dispersal of excreta, wastes and dead bodies, break down of vector control measures and outbreak of infections. Radioactive contamination of water and food are major concerns. The affected area creates a lot of other problems for the survivors and the rescue teams.

Major problem among survivors is of bone marrow depression resulting in leucopenia, which increases their susceptibility to infections.

 

¨     Long term effects; the knowledge about the long-term effects is still incomplete. Some well known effects include radiation injuries due to radiation fallout, suppression of body immunity, chronic infection and other associated illnesses.

Persistent radiation hazards will lead to prolonged contamination of water supply, increased ultraviolet radiation, climatic and ecological disturbances, psychological disturbances and genetic abnormalities.

Current World Concern

In the light of the above facts the current world concern about the use of nuclear weapons is justified.

The world already possess an estimated total of 30,000 megatons of nuclear weapons with a total explosive power 50-100 times greater than that of all the explosives used during the Second World War.

Even if 1% of the nuclear weapons now possessed are used on urban populations, they can cause more deaths in a few hours than during the entire period of the Second World War.

The fundamental aspects of Disaster Management Program

¨     Disaster Prevention

¨     Disaster preparedness

¨     Disaster response

¨     Disaster mitigation

¨     Rehabilitation

¨     Reconstruction

 3 Fundamental Aspects of Disaster Management

 

1.    Disaster response

 

2.    Disaster Preparedness

 

3.    Disaster Mitigation   

These 3 aspects of Disaster Management corresponds to the

2 phases in the Disaster Cycle, ie,

1, Risk Reduction Phase, before a Disaster

 

2. Recovery Phase, after a Disaster   

 DISASTER RESPONSE

 OBJECTIVES

¨     Appropriate application of current technology can prevent much of the death, injury, and economic disruption resulting from disasters

¨     Morbidity and mortality resulting from disasters differ according to the type and location of the event.

¨     In any disaster, prevention should be directed towards reducing

(1) Losses due to the disaster event itself

(2) Losses resulting from the Mismanagement of disaster relief.

Therefore, the public health objectives of disaster management can be stated as follows:

1.    Prevent unnecessary morbidity, mortality, and economic loss resulting directly from the disaster.

2.    Eliminate morbidity, mortality, and economic loss directly attributable to Mismanagement of disaster relief efforts.

Nature and Extent of the Problem

Morbidity and mortality, which result from a disaster situation, can be classified into four types:

1.    Injuries, 

2.    Emotional stress,

3.    Epidemics of diseases,

4.    Increase in indigenous diseases.

The relative numbers of deaths and injuries differ on the type of disaster.

Injuries usually exceed deaths in explosions, typhoons, hurricanes, fires, famines, tornadoes, and epidemics.

Deaths frequently exceed injuries in landslides, avalanches, volcanic eruptions, tidal waves, floods, and earthquakes.

Disaster victims often exhibit emotional stress or the "disaster shock" syndrome. The syndrome consists of successive stages of shock, suggestibility, euphoria and frustration.

Each of these stages may vary in extent and duration depending on other factors. 

Epidemics are included in the definition of disaster; however, they can also be the result of other disaster situations.

Diseases, which may be associated with disasters, include

¨     specific food and/or water bone illnesses

     (e.g., typhoid, gastroenteritis and cholera),

¨     vector bone illnesses

    (e.g., plague and malaria),

¨     diseases spread by person-to-person contact

     (e.g., hepatitis A and shigellosis)

¨     Diseases spread by the respiratory route

     (e.g., measles and influenza).

·       The current status of environmental sanitation, disease surveillance, and preventive medicine has led to a significant reduction in the threat of epidemics following disaster.

 

·       Immunization programs are rarely indicated as a specific post disaster measure. 

·       A disaster is often followed by an increase in the prevalence of diseases indigenous to the area due to the disruption of medical and other health facilities and programs.

Morbidity and Mortality from Mismanagement of Relief

Ideally, attempts to mitigate the results of a disaster would not add to the negative consequences;

However, there have been many instances in which inappropriate and/or incomplete management actions taken after a disaster contributed to unnecessary morbidity, mortality, and a waste of resources.

Many of the Causalities and much more of the Destruction occurring to natural disaster are due to ignorance and neglect on the part of the individuals and public authorities.

There is a plethora of literature describing the inappropriate actions taken to manage past disasters. Many of the same mismanagement problems tend to recur.

¨     Physicians and nurses have been sent into disaster areas in numbers far in excess of actual need.

¨     Medical and paramedical personnel have often been hampered by the lack of the specific supplies they need to apply their skills to the disaster situation.

¨     In some disasters, available supplies have not been inventoried until well after the disaster, resulting in the importation of material which is used or needed.

In a study of past disaster mismanagement problems and their causes, these problems were categorized as follows:

1.    Inadequate appraisal of damages

2.    Inadequate problem ranking

3.    Inadequate identification of resources

4.    Inadequate location of resources

5.    Inadequate transportation of resources

6.    Inadequate utilization of resources

HAM Radio

Amateur Radio popularly known as HAM Radio is primarily a hobby and a service in which participants, called “Amateur Radio Operators” or "HAMs," use various types of radio/ wireless communications equipment to communicate with other radio amateurs for public service, recreation and self-training. At the same time, the HAMs often support the communities and administrators with emergency and disaster communications at the time of need.

For operating / possessing a Radio Station, Amateur Radio Operators have to obtain license after qualifying the specified examination conducted by Ministry of Communications & IT, Government of India. The subjects of examination are: -

i)    Morse Code (Transmission & Reception)

ii)   Communication Procedure

iii)  Basic Electronics. Amateur Radio License is granted to the candidates qualified in the examination by the Wireless Planning & Coordination (WPC) wing of Ministry of Communications & IT, Govt. of India after verification of their antecedents.

In the aftermath of Super Cyclone, 1999, HAM Radio was found useful in establishing communication with the affected areas in which HAMs from other states participated in this activity. Based on the said experience, initiatives have been taken to train the volunteers in HAM Radio with technical assistance of National Institute of Amateur Radio (NIAR), Hyderabad in order to enable them to qualify in the prescribed examination and obtain the required license to operate HAM stations in our State.

DISASTER MANAGEMENT

Andhra Pradesh is exposed to cyclones, storm surges, floods and droughts. A moderate to severe intensity cyclone can be expected to make landfall every two to three years. About 44 percent of the state is vulnerable to tropical storms and related hazards.

In India, the cyclones develop in the pre-monsoon (April to May) and post-monsoon seasons (October to December), but most of them tend to form in the month of November.

Cyclones on the east coast originate in the Bay of Bengal, the Andaman Sea or the South China Sea, and usually reach the coastline of Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Orissa and West Bengal, which are the most vulnerable to these types of hazards. Two of the deadliest cyclones of this century, with fatalities of about 10,000 people in each case, took place in Orissa and Andhra Pradesh during October 1971 and November 1977 respectively. The super cyclone of Orissa in 1999 caused large scale damage to life and property.

Along the Andhra coast, the section between Nizampatnam and Machilipatnam is the most prone to storm surges. Vulnerability to storm surges is not uniform along Indian coasts. The following segments of the east coast of India are most vulnerable to high surges

1.     North Orissa, and West Bengal coasts.

2.     Andhra Pradesh coast between Ongole and Machilipatnam.

3.     Tamil Nadu coast, south of Nagapatnam.

The states bordering the Arabian Sea on the west coast are not completely safe either, as Kerala, Gujarat - and to a lesser extent Maharashtra - are also prone to cyclones. With a frequency of four cyclones per year, one of which usually becomes severe, the Bay of Bengal accounts for seven percent of the annual tropical cyclone activity worldwide.

Despite this relatively low percentage, the level of human and property loss that cyclones cause around the Bay is very high. Once the cyclones enter the mainland, they give way to heavy rains which often translate into floods, as it was the case with the damaging cyclone-induced floods in the Godavari delta, in August of 1986.

Many drought prone areas adjacent to coastal districts in eastern maritime states are thus vulnerable to flash floods originated by the torrential rains induced by the cyclonic depression. In addition to cyclones and its related hazards, monsoon depressions over the north and central areas of the Bay of Bengal move until reaching north and central India, including portions of Andhra Pradesh, bringing heavy to very heavy rains and causing floods in the inland rivers between June and September.

In Andhra traditionally, the flood problem had been confined to the flooding of smaller rivers. But the drainage problem in the coastal delta zones has worsened, multiplying the destructive potential of cyclones and increasing flood hazards. A critical factor is maintenance of irrigation systems. On several occasions, deaths have been caused by breaches in tanks and canals as well as over-flooding caused by silting and growth of weeds.

Effect of Repeated Disasters

The regular occurrence of Disasters both Natural and Man made in Coastal Andhra Pradesh in India has had a series of repercussions on the state country’s Economy, its development policies and political equilibrium and daily life of millions of Indians.

Andhra Pradesh is battered by every kind of natural disaster: cyclones, floods, earthquakes and drought. The coastal region suffers repeated cyclones and floods. The 1977 cyclone and tidal wave, which resulted in great loss of life, attracted the attention of the central and state Governments of India and the international donor communities, as did those of 1979, 1990 and 1996. The floods in the Godavari and Krishna Rivers caused havoc in the East and West Godavari and Krishna districts.

Earthquakes in the recent past have occurred along and off the Andhra Pradesh coast and in regions in the Godavari river valley. Mild tremors have also hit the capital city of Hyderabad, for example in September 2000.

Social and economic life of AP's population is characterized by recurring natural disasters. The state is exposed to cyclones, storm surges, floods, and droughts. According to the available disaster inventories, AP is the state that has suffered the most from the adverse effects of severe cyclones. It has been estimated that about 44 percent of AP's total territory is vulnerable to tropical storms and related hazards, while its coastal belt is likely to be the most vulnerable region in India to these natural phenomena. Khamman district, in the Telengana region, is affected by monsoon floods, along with five districts in Coastal AP. Four districts in Rayalaseema and five in Telengana experience drought. Along the coastline, the section between Nizampatnam and Machilipatnam is the most prone to storm surges. The fertile Delta areas of the Godavari and the Krishna rivers, which contribute substantially to the state's economic prosperity, face flood and drainage problems, and more so in the aftermath of cyclones.

More than sixty cyclones have affected AP this century. The incidence of cyclones seems to have increased in the past decades, to the extent that severe cyclones have become a common event occurring every two to three years, repeatedly and severely affecting the state's economy while challenging its financial and institutional resources3. Almost2 9 million people are vulnerable to cyclones and their effects in Coastal AP, 3.3 million of who belong to communities located within five km of the seashore. The deadliest cyclone in the last twenty years took place in November 1977 killing about 10,000 people. More recently, the May 1990 cyclone, with a death toll close to 1,000 people, caused about US$1.25 billion in damage in ten districts, including the entire coast. Between 1977 and 1992, about 13,000 lives and 338,000 cattle were lost due to cyclones and floods, and nearly 3.3 million houses damaged.

May cyclones are relatively rare in the region, and only about 13 have affected AP in this month this century. However, when they badly hit the Delta areas, as it happened in 1979 in the Krishna district - where 80 percent of the casualties occurred - the population in danger may be higher than usual. May is rice harvesting season, and a good number of itinerant laborers come to the delta from less fertile areas of AP in search of work. Since they lack awareness of the area's most prevalent hazards, this migrant population is more vulnerable than the permanent delta residents. Similarly, entire families have come to the delta districts to engage in activities related to shrimp farming, which has taken off recently in the area. They are involved in the collection of fingerlings, living for several months a year in makeshift shelters along the marshes. The warnings may not reach them on time, and even when they do, their inexperience renders them highly vulnerable.

The Godavari and the Krishna rivers have well-defined stable courses, and their natural and man-made banks have usually been capable of carrying flood discharges, with the exception of their delta areas. Traditionally, the flood problem in AP had been confined o the spilling of smaller rivers and the submersion of marginal areas surrounding Kolleru Lake. However, the drainage problem in the delta zones of the coastal districts has worsened, thereby multiplying the destructive potential of cyclones and increasing flood hazards. Moreover, when a storm surge develops, as it was the case during the severe November 1977, May 1990 and November 1996 cyclones, threats to humans and property multiply as the sea water may inundate coastal areas which are already being subjected to torrential rains. Finally, a critical additional factor affecting the flood management and the irrigation systems is the lack of maintenance. On several occasions, such as the May 1979 cyclone, most of the deaths were occasioned by breaches to the chains of tanks and canals, and over-flooding due in part to the choking of drains by silting and growth of weeds.

Nearly half of AP vulnerable to floods

Andhra Pradesh witnesses severe cyclones almost every two to three years. About 44 per cent of the State is vulnerable to tropical storms and related hazards. The coastal belt is said to be the most vulnerable region in India to these natural phenomena.

Cyclones on the east coast originate in the Bay of Bengal, the Andaman Sea or the South China Sea, and usually reach the coastline of Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Orissa and West Bengal, which are the most vulnerable to these types of hazards. Two of the deadliest cyclones of this century, with fatalities of about 10,000 people in each case, took place in Orissa and Andhra Pradesh during October 1971 and November 1977 respectively. The super cyclone of Orissa in 1999 caused large-scale damage to life and property.

Along the Andhra coast, the section between Nizampatnam and Machilipatnam is the most prone to storm surges and the loss of human and property caused by cyclones around the Bay is very high. Once the cyclones enter the mainland, they give way to heavy rains which often translate into floods. This season is no exception. Heavy rains coupled with inflows from Karnataka induced floods causing some damage to crops in Mahbubnagar, Adilabad, Prakasam district, Vijayawada, Krishna and Guntur.

Many drought-prone areas adjacent to coastal districts in eastern maritime states are thus vulnerable to flash floods originated by the torrential rains induced by the cyclonic depression. In addition to cyclones and its related hazards, monsoon depressions over the north and central areas of the Bay of Bengal move until reaching north and central India, including parts of Andhra Pradesh, bringing heavy to very heavy rains and causing floods in the inland rivers between June and September.

In Andhra traditionally, the flood problem has been confined to the flooding of smaller rivers. But the drainage problem in the coastal delta zones has worsened, multiplying the destructive potential of cyclones and increasing flood hazards. A critical factor is maintenance of irrigation systems. On several occasions, deaths were caused by breaches in tanks and canals as well as over-flooding caused by silting and growth of weeds.

Effect of repeated disasters

The regular occurrence of disasters both natural and man-made in Coastal region has had a series of repercussions on the State’s economy, its development policies and political equilibrium and daily life of millions of people. The coastal region suffers repeated cyclones and floods.

The 1977 cyclone and tidal wave, which resulted in great loss of life, attracted the attention of the Central and State Governments and the international donor communities, as did those of 1979, 1990 and 1996. The floods in the Godavari and Krishna Rivers caused havoc in the East and West Godavari and Krishna districts.

Along the coastline, the section between Nizampatnam and Machilipatnam is the most prone to storm surges. The fertile delta areas of the Godavari and the Krishna rivers, which contribute substantially to the State's economic prosperity, face flood and drainage problems, and more so in the aftermath of cyclones.
More than sixty cyclones hit AP this century.

The incidence of cyclones seems to have increased in the past decades, to the extent that severe cyclones have become a common event occurring every two to three years, repeatedly and severely affecting the state's economy.

May cyclones are relatively rare in the region, and only about 13 affected AP in this century. However, when they badly hit the delta areas, as it happened in 1979 in the Krishna district - where 80 per cent of the casualties occurred - the population may be in higher danger than usual. May is the rice harvesting season, and a good number of itinerant laborers come to the delta from less fertile areas of AP in search of work.

Since they lack awareness of the area's most prevalent hazards, this migrant population is more vulnerable than the permanent delta residents. Traditionally, the flood problem in AP had been confined to the spilling of smaller rivers and the submersion of marginal areas.

However, the drainage problem in delta zones of the coastal districts has worsened, thereby multiplying the destructive potential of cyclones and increasing flood hazards.

Moreover, when a storm surge develops, as it was the case during the November 1977, May 1990 and November 1996 cyclones, threats to humans and property multiply as the sea water inundates coastal areas which are already being subjected to torrential rains.

CURRENT AFFAIRS MCQs FOR APPSC EXAMS

1.    Name the Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) leader who was inducted into the Union Cabinet as civil aviation minister on 18 December 2011.
a.    Ajit Singh
b.    Jayant Chaudhary
c.    Devendra Nagpal
d.    Sanjay Singh Chauhan
Answer: (a)

2.    Popularly known as Adam Gondvi, this Hindi poet who  wrote revolutionary poetry focusing on the pathetic state of dalits and the poor breathed his last in Lucknow on 18 December 2011. Name the poet.
a.    Bharat Bhusan
b.    Ram Nath Singh
c.    Uday Prakash
d.    Shail Chaturvedi
e.    Naresh Mehta
Answer: (b)

3.    Which world renowned architect was bestowed with Goa's highest civilian honour, the Gomant Vibhushan, on the eve of the Golden Jubiliee of Goa's Liberation on 18 December 2011?
a.    Michael Hopkins
b.    Kengo Kuma
c.    Charles Correa
d.    Kevin Kennon
Answer: (c)

4.  The Union cabinet of India on 22 December 2011 approved __ percent share for minorities within the 27% OBC quota in jobs and university seats.
a) 4.5
b) 5.6
c) 3.4
d) 5
Answer: (a) 4.5


5. The Manipur Legislative Assembly passed the Manipur Lokayukta Bill, 2011. Manipur will be the __state in North-Eastern India to have alegislation of Lokayukta.
a) Second
b) Third
c) First
d) Fourth
Answer: (b) Third



6. Oman Investment Fund (OIF), the Sultanate of Oman’s sovereign wealth fund, filed application with the government to buy a stake in which of the software solutions company, IT People promoted exchange?
a. Universal Commodity Exchange
b. Agri bourse  NCDEX
c. Intercontinental Exchange
d. National Spot Exchange Limited
Answer: (a)


7. Which company on 27 Deember 2011 mentioned that it would acquire the remaining 51 per cent stake from BP Alternative Energy Holdings in the joint venture that it formed with BP?
a. Reliance Power
b. Tata Power
c. Adani Power Limited
d. ABB Ltd
Answer: (b)


8. Which paharmaceutical company announced in December 2011 the launch of Supamovecream used for treating pain and inflammation in India?
a. Cipla
b. Ranbaxy
c. Dr. Reddy’s
d. Sun Pharmaceuticals
Answer: (c)


9. Name the state-run Mumbai-headquartered bank which on 29 December 2011 surprised the market by cutting its base rate, the minimum lending rate, by 10 basis points, thereby becoming the first banker this year to do so when others are waiting for a signal from the central bank.
a. State Bank of India
b. Union Bank
c. United Bank of India
d. Allahabad Bank
Answer: (b)


10. The $35-billion Aditya Birla group plans to set up a viscose staple fibre (VSF) plant in the Adana Organised Industrial Zone in which of the following countries?
a. Tunisia
b. Tanzania
c. Turkey
d. Tibet
Answer: (c)


11.    Reserve Bank of India deregulated non-resident external (NRE) deposits on 16 December 2011 allowing banks  to offer higher interest rates to dollar-denominated accounts. Which of the following facts related to the above statement is/are not true?
2.    Reserve Bank freed the rates on non-resident external accounts, offering interest as high as 9.6% per annum
3.    Following RBI’s deregulation five Indian banks, including HDFC Bank and Yes Bank on 23 December 2011 raised their interest rates on such deposits in order to lure foreign money
4.    Private lender Yes Bank increased the interest rates on fixed deposits held by non-resident Indians (NRIs) to 8.4 per cent from 3.82 per cent
5.    The new rates are effective from 24 December for fresh deposits as well as those being renewed on maturity.
a.    1 & 2
b.    Only4
c.    Only 3
d.    1 & 4
Answer: (c)

12. According to the RBI data, India's foreign exchange reserves fell by what amount to $302.1 billion during the week ended 16 December  2011 on account of a fall in foreign currency assets?
a.    $4.67 billion
b.    $3.33 billion
c.    $5 billion
d.    $5.75 billion
Answer: (a)

13. According to the Tea Board data released in December 2011, tea imports declined by what per cent to 9.91 million kg in the April-October period of 2011?
a.    10%
b.    12.5%
c.    14%
d.    15.3%
Answer: (c)

14. Infrastructure sector recorded a growth of what per cent in Novemberr 2011 after touching five-year low of 0.3% in October 2011 due to an impressive growth in cement, electricity and refinery products?
a.    2.3%
b.    3.9%
c.    4.6%
d.    6.8%
Answer: (d)

15.    Telecom Commission, the decision-making body of the Department of Telecommunications recommended a uniform licence fee of what per cent of adjusted gross revenues (AGR) as against the prevalent rate of 6-8 per cent?
a.    10%
b.    8%
c.    5.2%
d.    9.3%
Answer: (b)


16.    Theatre director, screenplay writer and actor Satyadev Dubey, credited with introducing existential and absurd theatre, passed away on 25 December 2011. Which facts about the concerned person is/are not true?
2.    he got attracted to the post-1947 theatre and joined Theatre Unit, the theatre group-cum-school founded by Ebrahim Alkazi
3.    Dubey came into prominence with Dharamvir Bharati’s radio-play Andha Yug that brought to the fore the pervasive criminal and homicidal tendencies during the times of war.
4.    He penned screenplays/dialogue of some acclaimed films in the 1970s, including Shyam Benegal's Nishant, Ankur, Kalyug and Bhumika
5.    He won the Filmfare Award for Best Dialogue in 1980 for the film Ankur
a.    Only 1
b.    Only4
c.    2 & 3
d.    Only 2
Answer: (b)

17. Identify the veteran politician and former Chief Minister of Karnataka with the help of the following clues.
1.    He was the Chief Minister of Karnataka from 1990-92 and died on 26 December 2011
2.    The three time Lok Sabha member represented Bellary constituency
3.    He was on the national political stage as a Lok Sabha member for three terms in 1996, 1999 and 2003.
4.    He was instrumental in holding the first Indian international film festival in Bengaluru in 1993
a.    H. D. Kumaraswamy
b.    J. H. Patel
c.    S. M. Krishna
d.    S.Bangarappa
Answer: (d)

18. India’s infant mortality rate (IMR) showed a 3 point decline, dropping to what number per 1,000 live births, as per government data released on 28 December 2011?
a.    43
b.    55
c.    47
d.    50
Answer: (c)

19.  Maharashtra government planned to provide free medicare for poor families. Consider the following statements:
i) The plan will benefit 50 lakh families.
ii) The plan will cover eight districts in state.
Choose the right option:
a)    Both i and ii are correct.
b)    Only i is correct.
c)    Only ii is correct.
d)    Neither i nor ii is correct.
Answer:  (a) Both i and ii are correct

20.  Lok Sabha on 27 December 2011 passed the Lokpal and Lokayukta bill, 2011. Consider the following statements:
i) The setting up of Lokayuktas by the states would not be mandatory.
ii) The constitutional amendment bill fell through.
Choose the right option:
a)    Both i and ii are correct.
b)    Only i is correct.
c)    Only ii is correct.
d)    Neither i nor ii is correct.
Answer: (a) Both i and ii are correct


21.    Name the Mumbai skipper who on 22 December 2011 overtook former teammate as the highest run-getter in Ranji Trophy by scoring a total of 8242 runs.
a.    Wasim Jaffer
b.    Amol Muzumdar
c.    Amarjeet Kaypee
d.    Pankaj Dharmani
Answer: (a)
22.    Who won his first Men’s Singles title of 2011 at the 2011 $120,000 Syed Modi India Open Grand Prix Gold badminton championship?
a.    Sourabh Verma
b.    Taufik Hidayat
c.    Anup Sridhar
d.    Hendra Setiawan
Answer: (b)

23.    Which team won both the men's & women’s title in the 10th All-India Invitational volleyball tournament for the Vajpayee Cup?
a.    Andhra Pradesh
b.    Punjab
c.    Kerala
d.    Southern Railway
Answer: (c)

24.    Identify the Indian footballer with the help of the following clues.
1.    This Indian football team defender announced his retirement from international football on 26 December 2011
2.    He captained the Indian team in one match (against Malaysia) in November 2011
3.    He had scored one goal against Bhutan in SAFF Cup in 2005
4.    He was part of the Indian teams which won SAFF Cup (2005), Nehru Cup (2007 and 2009), AFC Challenge Cup (2008) apart from the recent SAFF championship
a.    Arnab Mondal
b.    Gurwinder Singh
c.    Anas Edathodika
d.    Mahesh Gawli
Answer: (d)

25.    The Indian team finished at the fourth position in the World Women's Team Chess Championship at Mardin,Turkey on 27 December 2011. Which team won gold and emerged at the top in the competition?
a.    Ukraine
b.    Russia
c.    China
d.    Greece
Answer: (c)


26.    Which leading NRI industrialist was conferred with the Life Time Achievement award for his outstanding contributions in various fields on 12 December 2011?
a.    Lakshmi Mittal
b.    G P Hinduja
c.    Lord Swraj Paul
d.    Jassi Khangura
Answer: (c)

27.    The world renowned cartoonist who famously captured vignettes of Goan life on canvas in his trademark style for over two decades died in Goa on 11 December 2011. Name him.
a.    Mario Miranda
b.    Sam Gross
c.    Ed Subitzky
d.    Bob Boyle
Answer: (a)

28.  Which one of the following countries made an exit from Kyoto Protocol?
a) France
b) Canada
c) India
d) China
Answer: (b) Canada

29.  OPEC countries in its meeting held in Vienna on 14 December 2011 decided to increase its production ceiling to __ million barrels a day.
a) 30
b) 20
c) 25
d) 27
Answer: (a) 30

30.   Which one of the following countries barred veiled women from taking oath of citizenship?
a) Canada
b) Russia
c) UK
d) India
Answer: (a) Canada


31.    The book Non-Stop India by a journalist-author was launched in Chennai by Editor-in-Chief  of The Hindu, N Ram on 13 December 2011. Name the journalist-author who authored the book?
a.    Mark Tully
b.    Sophie Raworth
c.    Jane Hill
d.    Babita Sharma
Answer: (a)

32.    The Sangita Kalanidhi M.S. Subbulakshmi Award was presented to whom at the inauguration of the 85th annual conference of the Music Academy in Chennai on 15 December 2011?
a.    S.R. Nathan
b.    Trichy Sankaran
c.    Subramania Pillai
d.    Subramaniyam Iyer
Answer: (b)

33.    The 40th anniversary of vijay diwas was celebrated on which day marking the finest hour of the Indian armed forces when they defeated Pakistan, leading to the creation of Bangladesh in 1971?
a.    12 December
b.    15 December
c.    16 December
d.    18 December
Answer: (c)

34.  The Himachal Pradesh Cabinet on 15 December 2011 approved amendment to the state industrial policy. Consider the following statements:
i) The amended industrial policy seeks to promote environmentally sustainable development in the state and encourage cleaner production and adoption.
ii) Under this policy, disincentive industries will be put on negative list.
Choose the right option:
a)    Both i and ii are correct.
b)    Only i is correct.
c)    Only ii is correct.
d)    Neither i nor ii is correct.
Answer: (a) Both i and ii are correct

35.  The Supreme Court of India directed Tamil Nadu to ensure that the water level in the Mullaperiyar dam does not exceed __but declined to entertain Kerala’s plea for reducing the level to__.
a) 136 feet; 120 feet
b) 120 feet; 136 feet
c) 140 feet; 112 feet
d) 150 feet; 140 feet
Answer: (a) 136 feet; 120 feet 


36.  Scientists discovered that the protein__ is responsible for regulating fatty acid oxidation in the liver and is critical for metabolism.
 a) CPT1
b) CTP1
c) CTT1
d) CPT2
Answer: (a) CPT1

37. NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration) developed Space Harpoon to take Samples from Comets.  Where are the headquarters of NASA located?
a) Washington DC
b) New York
c) Florida
d) Paris
Answer: (a) Washington DC

38. British Scientists recently developed a technology to produce pocket TV.   Consider the following statements:
i) Scientists developed a new form of light-emitting crystals, known as quantum dots.
ii) These tiny crystals are 100000 times smaller than the width of human hair.
Choose the right option:
a)    Both i and ii are correct.
b)    Only i is correct.
c)    Only ii is correct.
d)    Neither i nor ii is correct.
Answer: (a) Both i and ii are correct

39.  Scientists developed a hydrogel that regenerate healthy and scar-free tissue on skin damaged by severe burns.  Consider the following statements:
 i) The hydrogel helps in formatting of new blood vessels and skin including hair follicles.
ii) The injured soldiers, fire victims and people with third degree burns can avail of the gel.
Choose the right option:
a)    Both i and ii are correct.
b)    Only i is correct.
c)    Only ii is correct.
d)    Neither i nor ii is correct.
Answer: (a) Both i and ii are correct

40. A cargo ship called MV Rak sank off Mumbai coast on 5 August 2011. Consider the following statements:
i) The oil spill from the ship enters into the food chain.
ii)The algae imbibe the oil and this affects entire marine ecology.
Choose the right option:
a)    Both i and ii are correct.
b)    Only i is correct.
c)    Only ii is correct.
d)    Neither i nor ii is correct.
Answer: (a) Both i and ii are correct


41.    Which digital technology major received an award for its Air conditioners at the National Energy Conservation Awards, 2011?
a.    Samsung Electronics
b.    Phillips
c.    Hitachi
d.    Videocon
Answer: (a)

42.    Swedish multinational SKF launched the company's Global Technical Centre in which of the following cities in India on 14 December 2011?
a.    Chennai
b.    Hyderabad
c.    Bangalore
d.    New Delhi
Answer: (c)

43.    Which PSU lender decided to aggressively market its gold loan scheme for farmers to prevent defaults after the agriculture sector witnessed a sharp spike in bad debt in the past one year?
a.    Union Bank
b.    United Bank of India
c.    Industrial Development Bank of India
d.    State Bank of India
Answer: (d)

44.    Who did the Central Government appoint as Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) of Andhra Bank?
a.    B. A. Prabhakar
b.    O. P. Bhatt
c.    Pratip Chaudhuri
d.    S. Vishvanathan
Answer: (a)

45.    The directorate general of hydrocarbons (DGH), the technical arm of the oil ministry approved which company’s proposal to commence production from Bhagyam, the second-largest oil field in the Rajasthan block?
a.    Essar Oil
b.    ONGC
c.    Cairn India
d.    Indian Oil
Answer: (c)


46.    Who did Colgate-Palmolive India (CPIL) on 20 December 2011 appoint as Managing Director for five years from 1 February 2012?
a.    Prabha Parameswaran
b.    Mukul Deora
c.    R. A. Shah
d.    P. K. Ghosh
Answer: (a)

47.    AstraZeneca, a biopharmaceutical company in December 2011 chose which of the following companies as a strategic infrastructure outsourcing partner?
a.    Infosys
b.    HCL Technologies
c.    Wipro BPO
d.    Cape Gemini
Answer: (b)

48.    Which of India's leading commodity bourses on 20 December 2011 became the world's fifth-largest commodity futures exchange?
a.    National Multi Commodity Exchange of India
b.    Bharat Diamond Bourse
c.    Multi Commodity Exchange
d.    Bombay Stock Exchange
Answer: (d)

49.    Ravi Ruia decided on 21 December 2011 to step down as chairman of which of the following London-listed after a trial court admitted a criminal chargesheet filed by the investigating agency, CBI?
a.    Essar Energy
b.    Essar Shipping
c.    Essar Oil
d.    Eaasr Technologies
Answer: (a)

50.    Which company won the award for Alternative Thinking and Driving Positive Change in the Fleet Owner category at the Mahindra Navistar Transport Excellence Awards 2011 at Hotel Ashok here on 20 December 2011?
a.    Tata Motors
b.    Hero Group
c.    Edu Comp
d.    Agarwal Packers & Movers
Answer: (d)


51.    According to the International Data Corporation's (IDC) Quarter 3 2011 Mobile Phone Tracker release, the Indian mobile phone market grew by what percentage in units shipped in the July-September quarter of 2011 to clock 47.07 million units?
a.    10%
b.    10.5%
c.    11.3%
d.    12%
Answer: (d)

52.    Diesel consumption in Delhi declined by a startling 26% in 2010-11 compared to 2009-10. Delhi was however found to have used 2.24% more petrol in the same period. As per the latest Delhi government figures, the consumption of diesel in the city stood at what amount in 2010-2011?
a.    10.98 lakh metric tonnes
b.    7.5 lakh metric tonnes
c.    8.11 lakh metric tonnes
d.    6 lakh metric tonnes
Answer: (c)

53.    Fears of continuing economic slowdown, lack of decision making at the centre, rising fiscal deficit combined with not-so-impressive revenue collections upset Dalal Street investors on 20 December 2011. Which of the foolowing facts  related to the above statement is/are not true?
1.    Fears of continuing economic slowdown, lack of decision making at the centre, rising fiscal deficit combined with not-so-impressive revenue collections led to a 204 points loss in sensex that ended at 15175
2.    The slide on 20 December 2011 was triggered by FII selling which recorded a net outflow of Rs 600 crore, taking the month’s total net outflow to about Rs 1700 crore.
3.    The combined effect of the market’s slide and the depreciation of the rupee forced India to exit from the select group of countries with a $1 trillion market capitalization
4.    There was not even a single ADR issue in 2011. However, companies raised about $220 million through GDRs (Global Depository Receipts) during 2011
a.    Only 1
b.    3 & 4
c.    Only 3
d.    Only 2
Answer: (d)

54.    Credit rating agency Moody's on 21 December 2011 upgraded the credit rating of the Indian government's bonds from the speculative to investment grade. Which of the following facts related to the above statement is/are true?
1.    According to a release issued by the Finance Ministry, Moody's unified India's local and foreign currency bond ratings at Baa3
2.    Moody's Investor Service upgraded its local currency rating for Indian government bonds to Baa3 which is speculative grade as compared to the earlier Ba1 which is junk or investment grade.
3.    India's foreign currency bond ceiling is unchanged at Baa2, and the foreign currency bank deposit ceiling is Baa3. The local currency bond and bank deposit ceilings are unified at A1.
4.    The government's local currency short-term rating has been changed to P-3 from NP, indicating the government's ability to repay short-term debts.
a.    Only 2
b.    Only 1
c.    1 & 3
d.    Only 4
Answer: (a)

55.    According to official data released here on 22 December 2011, food inflation dropped sharply to an almost four-year low of what per cent during the week ended 10 December indicating an overall easing of prices?
a.    1.5%
b.    1.32%
c.    1.81 %
d.    2.32%
Answer: (c)


56.    Former Czech president Vaclav Havel who had been suffering from chronic respiratory problems died on 18 December 2011. Which of the following facts mentioned about him is/are not true?
2.    He was the tenth and last president of Czechoslovakia (1989–92) and the second President of the Czech Republic (1993–2003)
3.    He played a seminal role in the Velvet Revolution that ended four decades of repression by a regime which Havel ridiculed as Absurdistan.
4.    He co-authored the human rights manifesto Charter 77, which drew wide attention in the West.
5.    As president, he oversaw the country's transition to democracy and a free-market economy and also the peaceful 1993 breakup into the Czech Republic and Slovakia.
a.    Only 3
b.    Only 1
c.    1 & 4
d.    Only 4
Answer: (b)

57. The enigmatic leader of North Korea Kim who led his nation for 17 years through a devastating famine while frustrating the United States and other global powers with approach to talks on giving up nuclear arms in return for food and other assistanceon died on 17 December 2011 after he suffered a massive heart attack. Name the leader
a.    Kim Jong-il
b.    Kim Il-sung
c.    Kim Jong-un
d.    Kim Jong-chul
Answer: (a)

58. Which Controversial film based on the 116-year-old Mullaperiyar dam and directed by Sohan Roy made it to a shortlist for the Oscars under the Best Picture category?
a.    Rio and The Muppets
b.    Undefeated
c.    Project Nim
d.    Dam 999
Answer: (d)

59.  As per the Charities Aid Foundation’s World Giving Index which one of the following nations was adjudged as the most generous one in terms of charitable acts and monetary donations?
a) India
b) Thailand
c) China
d) Sri Lanka
Answer:  (b) Thailand

60.  India and Australia on 16 December 2011 signed an agreement to amend DTAA (Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement).  DTAA was signed between India and Australia in__.
a) 1990
b) 1991
c) 1992
d) 1995
Answer: (b) 1991

61.  The leaders of the CSTO (Collective Security Treaty Organisation) on 21 December 2011 agreed that the deployment of foreign bases in their territory will be done with the approval of all partners of the defence alliance. Which one of the following nations is not the member of CSTO?
a)Armenia
b) Russia
c) China
d) Uzbekistan
Answer: (c) China


62.    A parliamentary committee on 13 December 2011 rejected the proposal to allow what percentage foreign direct investment in the insurance sector?
a.    51%
b.    49%
c.    43%
d.    29%
Answer: (b)

63.    According to data from research body All India Organisation of Chemists and Druggists (AIOCD), Indian drugmakers posted a certain per cent month-on-month growth in sales of November 2011 which was the highest in the past 14 months. What was the per cent of sales growth projected for the month?
a.    23%
b.    31%
c.    21%
d.    43%
Answer: (c)

64.    The government waived loan of handloom weavers in India to help revive the sector under the scheme of Revival, Reform and Restructuring Package for Handloom Sector. What amount of loan was waived?
a.    Rs 548.35 crore
b.    Rs 420.66 crore
c.    Rs 506.64 crore
d.    Rs 3521 crore
Answer: (d)

65.    Food inflation fell to nearly a four-year low at what per cent for the week ended 3  December  20112 due to significant fall in prices of wheat and vegetable owing to seasonal factors?
a.    4.35%
b.    4%
c.    5.21%
d.    5.33%
Answer: (a)

66.    A committee on mutual funds, constituted by SEBI in december 2011 recommended to the regulator’s board to break down the bifurcation within the fee structure known as expense ratio. Which of the following facts are not true with regard to the above statement?
1.    Currently  mutual funds are allowed to charge up to 2.25% as expense ratio. fund houses are allowed to accept only 1.25% as asset management charges
2.    Funds with large corpuses currently charge 1.55% as expenses charges
3.    SEBI was suggested to keep overall scheme expenses unchanged at 2.25% for schemes with assets under management not exceeding Rs 400 crore
4.    Expense ratio is more than important in debt schemes where the rate of return is not hig.
a.    1 & 2
b.    3 & 4
c.    1 & 3
d.    Only 2
e.    None of the above
Answer: (d)


67.    Which player became the first player to win the Orders of Merit on both sides of the Atlantic on 11 December 2011 when he shot a closing 66 to finish third in the Dubai World Championship?
a.    Luke Donald
b.    Alvaro Quiros
c.    Rory McIlroy
d.    Paul Lawrie
Answer: (a)

68.    Which country defeated Spain 1-0 to win for the 4th time hockey’s Champions Trophy title on 11 December 2011?
a.    Pakistan
b.    New Zealand
c.    Australia
d.    Greece
Answer: (c)

69.    Name the woman squash player who on 10 December 2011 annexed the elusive women’s title while in the Senior National Squash Championship in Chennai.
a.    Sarah Fitz-Gerald
b.    Dipika Pallikal
c.    Anaka Alankamony
d.    Sushma Pillai
Answer: (b)

70.    Who defeated David Vofsonof Canada 1-6, 6-1, 10-6 in the final of the under-14 boys' section of the 23rd America Cup international tennis championship at the Miccosukee Tennis Club in Miami?
a.    Evgeny Tyurnev
b.    Bobby Mahal
c.    Fernando Gonzalez
d.    Sumit Nagal
Answer: (d)


71.    Which squash player retained the men's crown in the Senior National Squash Championship in Chennai on 10 December 2011?
a.    Saurav Ghosal
b.    Harinder Pal Sandhu
c.    Rohit Thanwani
d.    Cyrus Poncha
Answer: (a)

72.  NASA’s Kepler mission recently discovered a Habitable Earth-like planet__.
a) Kepler 22-b
b)Kepler-22 b
c) Kepler 22-c
c) kepler 22-a
Answer: (b) Kepler-22b


73.  Which one of the following countries recently approved the bill that reformed the rules on the amount of land farmers must preserve as forest?
a) Brazil
b) India
c) USA
d) China
Answer: (a) Brazil

74. The Labour Party conference in Australia approved Uranium Exports to India.  What is the atomic number of Uranium?
a) 92
b) 82
c) 88
d) 86
Answer: (a) 92

75. Scientists produced the most detailed map of Antarctica called BEDMAP. Consider the following statements on BEDMAP:
i) This is the second generation of the digital BEDMAP.
ii) It incorporates 27 million measurement points.
Choose the right option:
a)    Both i and ii are correct.
b)    Only i is correct.
c)    Only ii is correct.
d)    Both i and ii are incorrect.
Answer: (a) Both i and ii are correct

76.    An icon of Indian cinema and evergreen star Dev Anand died at the age of 88 in London on 3 December 2011 (4 December according to IST) after suffering a massive cardiac arrest. Which of the following facts about him is/are not true?
2.    Dev Anand started his career with Prabhat Films' Hum Ek Hain (1946) soon after he joined IPTA
3.    Anand started producing films after the success of Ziddi. He launched his own company Navketan in 1949 which, by 2011, had produced 31 films
4.    His first colour film, Johny Mera Naam with Waheeda Rehman was based on the novel of the same name by R. K. Narayan
5.    The Government of India honoured him with the Padma Bhushan in 2001 and the Dadasaheb Phalke Award in 2002
a.    1 & 4
b.    Only 3
c.    2 & 4
d.    1 & 4
Answer: (b)


77. The Golden Peacock Award for the Best Film was given to which of the following films at the 42nd International Film Festival of India which came to an end at the Kala Academy in Panaji, Goa on 3 December 2011?
a.    Russian film Elena
b.    an Israeli film Restoration
c.    Columbian Film Porfirio
d.    Malayalam film Adaminte Makan Abu
Answer: (c)

78. Readers of international travel magazine Condé Nast Traveller voted which city in Rajasthan as the best leisure destination in India?
a.    Jaipur
b.    Udaipur
c.    Jaisalmer
d.    Bikaner
Answer: (b)

79.  The state assembly of Bihar passed the Bihar Lokayukta  Bill 2011. Consider the following statements on the features of the bill:
i) The bill will have Chief Minister, ministers, former chief ministers, the speaker of the vidhan sabha and chairman of the legislative council, legislative council, legislators and former legislators under its purview.
ii) The bill provides for a three-member Lokayukta, which will have at least two members from the judiciary.
Choose the right option:
a)    Both i and ii are correct.
b)    Only i is correct.
c)    Only ii is correct.
d)    Neither i nor ii is correct.
Answer: (a) Both i and ii are correct

80.  The Chhattisgarh government on 7 December 2011 decided to raise the percentage of reservation for the scheduled tribes and schedule castes. The STs will now get __ whereas the SCs will get_ reservation.
a) 32; 12
b) 12; 32
c) 32; 32
d) 12; 12
Answer: (a) 32; 12


81.    Brazil's former football captain, Socrates died of septic shock on 4 December 2011 in Sao Paulo. Which of the following facts mentioned below about Socrates is/are not true?
2.    Socrates Brasileiro de Souza Viera de Oliveira made his international debut in 1979 and captained Brazil at the 1982 and 1986 World Cups
3.    Brazil won 1986 World Cup under his captaincy
4.    Socrates won 60 caps and scored 21 goals in his seven-year Brazil career. He had scored 25 goals in 63 games for Brazil
5.    He was notable for the use of the backheel and was also known as the Golden Hee and the Big Thin One.
a.    1 & 3
b.    Only 2
c.    2 & 3
d.    1 & 4
Answer: (b)

82. World Aids Day is observed anually on 1 December 2011. What was the theme of World AIDS Day 2011?
1.    Getting to Zero
2.    Stigma and Discrimination
3.    Women & AIDS
4.    Force For Change: World AIDS Campaign With Young People
Answer: (a)

83. In 2011, the theme for the International Day of Person’s With Disability was- Together for a better world for all: Including persons with disabilities in development. Which day is anually observed as World Disability Day (WDD)?
a.    2 December
b.    5 December
c.    3 December
d.    8 December
Answer: (c)

84.  The one-day Bonn conference on Afghanistan’s future ended on 5 December 2011. Bonn is the capital of_.
a) Germany
b) UK
c) Spain
d) France
Answer: (a) Germany

85.  Turkey announced a New Set of Sanctions against Syria. Turkey is located to the__ of Syria.
a) North
b) South
c) East
d)West
Answer: (a) North

86.  The Labour Party conference in Australia approved Uranium Exports to India. Consider the following statements:
i) The Conference was held in Sydney.
ii) Australia possesses approximately 40 percent of the world’s known uranium reserves.
Choose the right option:
a)    Both i and ii are correct.
b)    Only i is correct.
c)    Only ii is correct.
d)    Neither i nor ii is correct.
Answer: (a) Both i and ii are correct


87.    Which country won its fifth Davis Cup title after Rafael Nadal defeated Argentina’s Juan Martin del Potro 1-6 6-4 6-1 7-6 (0) on 4 December 2011?
a.    Switzerland
b.    Spain
c.    USA
d.    France
Answer: (b)

88.    Who won the Fukuoka men's marathon in Japan winning the 42.195km race in 2hrs 7mins and 36secs on 4 December 2011?
a.    Josphat Ndambiri
b.    Mwangi
c.    Yuki Kawauchi
d.    Joan Bolt
Answer: (a)

89.    Which English batsman on 6 December 2011 received Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) medal from Britain's Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace?
a.    Andrew Strauss
b.    Andrew Strauss
c.    Alastair Cook
d.    Steve Finn
Answer: (c)

90.    According to the latest ICC ranking released on 7 December 2011, India's R Ashwin moved into top 20 of the ICC ODI bowling charts for the first time in his career. What is the position of Virat Kohli in the list?
a.    3rd
b.    4th
c.    5th
d.    7th
Answer: (b)

91.    Name the Broadcaster which on 8 December 2011 announced a new five-year contract with Cricket Australia, a deal which for the first time will give them the rights to showcase two of Indian cricket teams' visits Down Under?
a.    Ten Sports
b.    DD Sports
c.    Zee Sports
d.    ESPN STAR Sports
Answer: (d)


92.    The UPA-II Government set up an expert group to suggest restructuring of power utilities of seven major States. Which of the following  statements given below are not true in this context?
2.    The expert group headed by Planning Commission member (Energy) B. K. Chaturvedi is expected to submit its report by March 2012.
3.    The group was entrusted with the responsibility to make an assessment of the cumulative losses of distribution utilities of seven major States.
4.    Uttar Pradesh and tamil Nadu are not amon gthe list of seven states where the power utility structure is to be restructured.
5.    The expert group will have to suggest a strategy for capital restructuring of these power discoms (distribution companies), including commitment by other stakeholders like State governments.
a.    1 & 4
b.    2 & 4
c.    Only 3
d.    Only 1
Answer: (c)

93. Which stock exchange in India launched operations on the National Stock Exchange (NSE) platform on 28 November 2011 and became the only stock exchange in India to offer facility to trade on three trading platforms?
a.    Guwahati Stock Exchange
b.    Bombay Stock Exchange
c.    MCX Stock Exchange (MCX-SX)
d.    Ahmedabad Stock Exchange
e.    Calcutta Stock Exchange
Answer: (e)

94. The Union government on 28 November 2011 asserted that a certain percentage sourcing under FDI in multi-brand retail has been made mandatory from Indian MSEs only. Quote the per centage.
a.    23%
b.    30%
c.    33%
d.    49%
Answer: (b)

95. According to the the quarterly public debt management report released by the Finance Ministry on 28 November 2011, the Indian government's internal debt rose during the second quarter (July-September) of 2011-12.The internal debt to GDP ratio increased to what per cent of GDP during second quarter of 2011-12 from 31.4% in the April-June quarter?
a.    31.9%
b.    31.3%
c.    32.3%
d.    33%
Answer: (c)

96.    The government’s three oil marketing companies (OMCs) on 29 November 2011 cut petrol prices by what amount. It would now cost Rs 65.64 in Delhi.
a.    Rs 0.50 per litr
b.    Rs 0.70 per litr
c.    Rs 0.78 per litr
d.    Rs 0.82 per litr
Answer: (c)


97.    Which of the following facts regarding the acclaimed and eccentric British film director Ken Russell who died on 27 November 2011 is/are not true?
2.    Russell is best known for controversial films including Women In Love and The Devils.
3.    Russell's first feature film was French Dressing (1963), a comedy loosely based on Roger Vadim's And God Created Woman.
4.    Vanessa Redgrave won the Oscar the Oscar for Best Actress in a Leading Role for her performance in Women In Love directed by Ken
5.    Ken Russell (1927-2011) won a BAFTA in 1969 for creative contribution to television.
a.    2 & 3
b.    Only 4
c.    Only2
d.    Only 3
Answer: (d)

98. Soviet dictator Joseph Stalin’s only daughter, Lana Peters, who had defected to the US while in India at the height of the Cold War died on 22 November 2011 in Wisconsin. Which of the following facts about her is not true?
1.    At her birth, on 28 February 1926 she was named Svetlana Stalina.
2.    She took the name Lana Peters upon marrying architect William Wesley Peters in the US. Peters became a United States citizen in 1978.
3.    Her first memoir, Only One Year, was published in 1967 and made more than $2.5m (£1.6m). In 1969 she recounted her journey from the Soviet Union in a second memoir, Twenty letters to a Friend.
4.    She returned to the Soviet Union briefly in 1984. She had defected to the US in 1967
a.    Only 1
b.    Only 2
c.    Only 3
d.    Only 4
Answer: (c)

99. Which film was judged the Best Picture at the 2011 New York  Film Critics Circle Awards which announced its winners on 29 November on its official Twitter feed?
a.    The Artist
b.    The Iron Lady
c.    Tree of Life
d.    The Help
Answer: (a)

100.  India on 27 November 2011 signed revised DTAA (Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement) with which one of the following countries?
a) Nepal
b) Bhutan
c) Pakistan
d) Sri Lanka
Answer: (a) Nepal

101.  The Arab League on 27 November 2011 imposed a set of sanctions against Syria for its failure to comply with the League mediated peace plan to end violence in the country.  When was Arab league set up?
a) 22 March 1945
b) 21 august 1945
c) 22 March 1946
d) 22 September 1950
Answer: (a) 22 March 1945

102.  Which one of the following countries recently passed a bill, the Vested Properties Return (Amendment) Bill 2011?
a) Pakistan
b) Bangladesh
c) Nepal
d) Sri Lanka
Answer: (b) Bangladesh


103.    The Election Commission announced on 28 November that by-elections to Rajya Sabha seats in 2 states would be held on 22 December 2011. Which are the two states where the by-elections are to be held?
a.    Assam and Arunachal Pradesh
b.    Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh
c.    Orissa and Bihar
d.    Assam and Bihar
Answer: (d)

104.    Eminent Assamese litterateur and Jnanpith award winner, Indira Goswami, popularly known as Mamoni Raisom Goswami passed away in Guwahati on 29 November 2011. Which of the following facts regarding her is/are not true?
1.    Goswami who was an expert in Ramayani studies, published her first collection of short stories Chinaki Morom at the age of 20.
2.    She won the Sahitya Akademi Award for her powerful novel Dasarathir Khoj in 1982
3.    She was India's first Principal Prince Claus Laureate.
4.    Dr. Goswami in 2004 mediated between the Centre and the ULFA and succeeded in convincing both the government and the ULFA to come forward for negotiations
a.    1 & 2
b.    Only 2
c.    Only 3
d.    3 & 4
Answer: (b)


105.    Social activist who was chosen for the Basava award for the year 2010 for excellence in service in the social sector by the Karnataka State Government?
a.    C.R. Neelakandan
b.    Reetika Khera
c.    Medha Patkar
d.    Aruna Roy
Answer: (c)

106.  Which one of the following governments launched Kishori scheme for adolescent girls?
a) Delhi State government
b) Haryana state government
c) Bihar state government
d) Orissa state government
Answer: (a) Delhi State Government

107.  Which one of the state governments gave Kahtedari rights to its farmers occupying the custodian land in Alwar, Sriganganagar, Bharatpur and Hanumangarh.?
a) Rajasthan
b) Bihar
c) Haryana
d) Uttar Pradesh
Answer: (a) Rajasthan


108.  The Delhi Assembly on 1 December 2011 passed the Delhi Municipal Corporation, MCD (Amendment) Bill -2011 to trifurcate the Civic body with voice vote. The MCD came into existence on__.
a) 7 April 1958
b) 5 April 1950
c) 10 March 1960
d) 2 November 1990
Answer: (a) 7 April 1958


109.  Scientists identified genes that can increase a person’s risk of developing multiple myeloma by 30 percent.  Consider the following statements on multiple myeloma:
i) Multiple myeloma is also known as plasma cell myeloma or Kahler’s disease.
ii) It is a cancer of plasma cells.
a)    Both i and ii are correct.
b)    Only i is correct.
c)    Only ii is correct.
d)    Neither i nor ii is correct.
Answer: (a) Both i and ii are correct

110.  As per the report compiled by British-based firm Maplecroft, which one of the following countries is top greenhouse gas emitter?
a) India
b) USA
c) China
d) Japan
Answer: (c) China

111.  NASA launched rover, nicknamed Curiosity to explore the planet Mars. The rover was launched from which one of the following province of USA?
a) Florida
b) Texas
c) Washington
d) California
Answer:  (a) Florida

112. The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) on 1 December 2011 approved 1656 crore rupees scheme for __ of Yamuna Action plan.
a) phase-3
b) phase-2
c) phase-1
d) phase-4
Answer: (a) phase-3

113.  The first Eld’s deer was born via in vitro fertilization in Thailand.
i) Eld's Deer is also known as the Thamin or Brow-antlered Deer.
ii) It is an endangered species of deer indigenous to southeastern Asia. 
Consider the following statements:
a)    Both i and ii are correct.
b)    Only i is correct.
c)    Only ii is correct.
d)    Neither i nor ii is correct.
Answer: (a) Both i and ii are correct


114.    Which real eastate major company acquired the additional 26 per cent stake in its joint venture company with Hilton Hotel from Aro Participation Ltd and Splendid Property Company Ltd, affiliates of Hilton International?
a.    Larsen & Toubro Limited
b.    DLF
c.    Punj Lloyd Limited
d.    Tata Construction & Projects Ltd
Answer: (b)

115.    Which Power distribution company on 5 December 2011 announced change of its name to Tata Power Delhi Distribution Limited?
a.    North Delhi Power Limited (NDPL)
b.    Adani Power
c.    Lanco Infratech
d.    CLP Power
Answer: (a)

116.    Name the mobile phone operator in India which decided to renew its contract with Nokia Siemens Networks (NSN) to manage and maintain its networks in eight circles for three years.
a.    BSNL
b.    Idea Cellular
c.    Bharti Airtel
d.    Uninor
Answer: (c)

117.    Retail entrepreneur Kishore Biyani exited his financial services through two separate transactions worth over Rs 1000 crore. Which company purchased Pantaloon's 26% stake in its insurance Future group’s joint venture Future Generali Life for Rs 250-300 crore?
a.    Deccan Chronicle
b.    Investment Trust ( IITL)
c.    RIL
d.    Tata group
Answer: (b)

118.    Which bank signed a memorandum of understanding with Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) to use the National Electronic Funds Transfer (NEFT) facility  to facilitate electronic funds transfer of policy payments to policyholders?
a.    IDBI
b.    Corp Bank
c.    Indian Overseas Bank
d.    Dhanlaxmi Bank
Answer: (d)


119. Bank lending to the priority sector grew at what percentagein October 2011 on an annual basis due to lower offtake by agriculture and MSME segments as well as decline in micro credit?
a.    10%
b.    12%
c.    13.7%
d.    8.3%
Answer: (a)


120. With the inauguration of the first state-of-the-art ATDC-SMART (Skill for Manufacturing Apparels through Research and Training) in Egmore, Chennai, the Ministry of Textiles launched which of the following schemes?
a.    National Technology Mission for Technical Textiles
b.    Integrated Skill Development Scheme
c.    Technology Upgradation Fund Scheme (TUFS) For Textile
d.    Rural Textiles Technology Development Skill
Answer: (b)