Friday, 7 July 2017

New Pattern English

Directions (1-15): A number of sentences are given below which, when properly sequenced, form a COHERENT PARAGRAPH. Four sentences are LOGICAL connected, one sentence is out of the context. Find the ODD SENTENCE.

Q1. A. Like the proverbial butterfly that flaps its wings on one continent and eventually causes a hurricane on another, Norma McCorvey dramatically altered the course of events without intending to.
B. She was a lady who possessed exceptional skills and she was a wine connoisseur, travelled the world and lived her life luxuriously.
C. It had taken shape more than twenty years earlier and concerned a young woman in Dallas named Norma McCorvey.
D. All she had wanted was an abortion.
E. There was another factor, meanwhile which had greatly contributed to the massive crime drop of the 1990s.
(a) A
(b) B
(c) C
(d) D
(e) E

Q2. A. Economists love incentives.
B. They love to dream them up and enact them, study them and tinker with them.
C. The typical economist believes the world has not yet invented a problem that he cannot fix if given a free hand to design the proper incentive scheme.
D. His solution may not always be pretty – it may involve coercion or exorbitant penalties or the violation of civil liberties – but the original problem, rest assured, will be fixed.
E. An incentive is given to all the employees who perform exceptionally well.
(a) A
(b) B
(c) C
(d) D
(e) E

Q3. A. Fear is a dreadful thing.
B. It darkens our lives, from fear we act neurotically.
C. We are asking whether man can ever be free of this terrible burden.
D. Courageous people are very contented with their lives.
E. fear may be lurking in the deep unconsciousness, in the deep recesses of one’s own brain.
(a) A
(b) B
(c) C
(d) D
(e) E

Q4. A. Kohal says she has always had best travel experience in all the leading airlines. 
B. And there are stories in the media and social media of notes being left on flights, or complaints being made, by passengers upset that they’ve flown with a female pilot.
C. Kohal’s doctor mother and engineer father taught her and her sister that they weren’t any different from men and could do anything they wanted as long as they had fun doing it.
D. GoAir, a budget airline in India, said in 2013 that it only wanted to hire small, young females to be flight attendants in order to save money on fuel by keeping the weight of the plane down.
E. This family support has helped her excel, but many women entering traditionally male-dominated professions in India encounter more obstacles.
(a) A
(b) B
(c) C
(d) D
(e) E

Q5. A. But anyone who has worked as a professional in the country knows otherwise.
B. So what about the infamous terror attacks in Asian countries which is the cause of fear in much of the rest of the world?
C. In the collective imagination, there are two Europes: the industrious north, with relatively low unemployment and dynamic economies, and the sluggish south, where people would just as soon kick back, sip an espresso and watch the world go by.
D. Olivier, a senior counsel in a large French multinational in the construction industry in Paris works about 45 to 50 hours a week, from roughly 09:00 till 19:30.
E. Many people would lump France, the land of the 35-hour workweek, long lunches and even longer vacations, with the south.
(a) A
(b) B
(c) C
(d) D
(e) E

Q6. A. Everyone knows the story of the traveler who has never been on a foreign trip before and the unfortunate events drove him crazy.
B. I think that there is far too much work done in the world, and that immense harm is caused by the belief that work is virtuous, and that what needs to be preached in modern industrial countries is quite different from what always has been preached.
C. But although my conscience has controlled my actions, my opinions have undergone a revolution.
D. Being a highly virtuous child, I believed all that I was told and acquired a conscience which has kept me working hard down to the present moment.
E. Like most of my generation, I was brought up on the saying, “Satan finds some mischief still for idle hands to do.”
(a) A
(b) B
(c) C
(d) D
(e) E

Q7. A. A system of coercion is best suitable in a democracy and can be solution to all the world problems.
B. I am quite aware that it is necessary for the success of any complex undertaking that one man should do the thinking and directing and in general bear the responsibility.
C. For force always attract men of low morality, and I believe it to be an invariable rule that tyrants of genius are succeeded by scoundrels.
D. For this reason I have always been passionately opposed to systems such as we see in Italy and Russia today.
E. But the led must not be compelled; they must be able to choose their leader.
(a) A
(b) B
(c) C
(d) D
(e) E

Q8. A. They have a responsible president who is elected for a sufficiently long period and has sufficient powers to be really responsible.
B. I believe that in this respect the United States of America have found the right way.
C. The really valuable thing in the pageant of human life seems to me to live a luxurious life, be ruthless and insensitive toward other fellow citizens.
D. The thing that has brought discredit upon the prevailing form of democracy in Europe today is not to be laid to the door of the democratic idea as such, but to lack of stability on the part of the heads of governments and to the impersonal character of the electoral system.
E. On the other hand, what I value in our political system is the more extensive provision that it makes for the individual in case of illness or need.
(a) A
(b) B
(c) C
(d) D
(e) E

Q9. A. He has only been given his big brain by mistake.
B. A backbone was all he needed.
C. This topic brings me to that worst outcrop of the herd nature, the military system, which I abhor.
D. This system of military is bringing the humankind to the danger of extinct.
E. That a man can take pleasure in marching in formation to the strains of a band is enough to make me despise him.
(a) A
(b) B
(c) C
(d) D
(e) E

Q10. A. I must launch out my boat.
B. The languid hours pass by on the shore – Alas for me!
C. The spring has done its flowering and taken leave.
D. And now with the burden of faded futile flowers I wait and linger.
E. The waves have become clamorous, and upon the bank in the shady lane the yellow leaves flutter and fall.
(a) A
(b) B
(c) C
(d) D
(e) E

Q11. A. Only now and again sadness fell upon me, and I started up from my dream and felt a sweet trace of a strange fragrance in the south wind.
B. My basket was empty and the flower remained unheeded.
C. On the day when the lotus bloomed, Alas, my mind was straying, and I knew it not!
D. That vague sweetness made my heart ache with longing and it seemed to me that is was the eager breath of the summer seeking for its completion.
E. The 21st century children are immune to such virus.
(a) A
(b) B
(c) C
(d) D
(e) E

Q12. A. The people of India are giving in nature , sometime they steal because of poverty.
B. Take the fresco at Mahabalipuram called ‘Arjuna’s Penance’.
C. The magnificent figures in the main frieze and narrative, carved out of the rock, are themselves a mix of the divine and the humorous.
D. But, most tellingly, not far from the main frieze, are the figures of two monkeys, one picking lice from the other’s hair.
E. It’s an astonishing example of how this country’s traditions of miniaturist converge with its epic stories.
(a) A
(b) B
(c) C
(d) D
(e) E

Q13. A. Gandhi was jailed many times for his protest again the British.
B. This is precisely the greatness of any classical work; that is can lend itself for any interpretation at any given era, far removed from its own time, because of its eternal appeal.
C. This total assimilation is reflected in his translation.
D. Although Gandhi was commissioned to do the translation, the Tirukkural was in his genes, inherited from his maternal grandfather who had translated it 1930.
E. He was so ‘smitten’ by this celebrated work, having read and re-read it several times over, that it became a part of his intrinsic cultural psyche.
(a) A
(b) B
(c) C
(d) D
(e) E


Q14. A. McCorvey’s case came to be adopted by people far more powerful than she.
B. They made her the lead plaintiff in a class-action lawsuit seeking to legalize abortion.
C. The case ultimately made it to the U.S. Supreme Court, by which time Mc Corvey’s name had been disguised as Jane Roe.
D. The defendant was Henry Wade, the Dallas County district attorney.
E. On January 22, 1973, the court advised in the favor of The UNICEF, allowing legalized education for children throughout the country.
(a) A
(b) B
(c) C
(d) D
(e) E


Q15. A. Forgetfulness means that you are a genius according some famous people in the field of psychology.
B. You then forget the essential fact that, underneath the level of physical appearances and separate forms, you are one with all that is.
C. It is this screen of thought that creates the illusion of separateness, the illusion that there is you and a totally separate “other.”
D. It comes between you and yourself, between you and your fellow man and woman, between you and nature, between you and God.
E. Identification with your mind creates an opaque screen of concepts, labels, images, words, judgments, and definitions that blocks all true relationship.
(a) A
(b) B
(c) C
(d) D
(e) E

Solutions



S1. Ans.(b)
Sol. The 5th sentence introduces the topic of discussion-crime drop in the 90’s, hence the opener; The 3rd sentence provides historical backdrop of the trend; The 1st statement talks about the impact of Norma McCorvey, The fifth sentence justifies he comparison with the proverbial butterfly, as she ‘just wanted an abortion.’ The 2nd sentence gives irrelevant information about the lady. So, ECAD are in logical order. Option B is odd sentence.

S2. Ans.(e)
Sol. The 1st sentence sets the tone for discussion on the importance of incentives for the economists. The 2nd is the extension of the remark and the 3rd sentence takes it forward with ‘the typical economist’ and their fixation with problem solving. 4th takes the idea further and points out its limitations, and 5th is irrelevant sentence according to the passage. So, ABCD are in logical order. Option E is odd sentence.

S3. Ans.(d)
Sol. The paragraph opens with a general statement about fear (1st sentence). The 2nd sentence talk about how it’s a ‘dreadful thing’; and 3rd calls it a terrible burden. The 5th sentence explains how ‘one may not be conscious’ of fear. ABCE -all these four sentences talk about ‘fear’ and are logical connected but Option D talks about courage which is totally different from what the passage is all about. Hence D is out of the context sentence. D is the odd sentence. 

S4. Ans.(a)
Sol. The 3rd is an opener, as it lays the background for discussion on ‘sexism’ in the airlines industry. The 5th sentence (this family support) refers to the gender neutral values enjoyed by Kohal. the 4th and 2nd sentences indicate the instances of sexism prevalent in the airline industry. Hence CEDB are in logical order.
The 1st sentence mentions about the luxurious travel experience of customers, which is out of the context. This paragraph talks about the sexism and option A is ODD SENTENCE.

S5. Ans.(b)
Sol. The 3rd sentence is a general observation about the ‘two Europes’, The 5th sentence puts France with the southern part of Europe and talks about a common myth regarding the workload in the region. The 1st and 4th sentences illustrate that it is far from true. The 2nd sentence raises a question which is out of the question about terrorism in Asia. CEAD are in logical order and option B is ODD sentence.

S6. Ans.(a)
Sol. The 5th sentence mentions a ‘saying’ that dictated the author’s upbringing; as the paragraph is about hard work and laziness, it’s a good opener. The 4th completes the description. The 3rd and 2nd sentences talk about the radical change in the author’s point of view. The 1st sentence recalls a story which is to drive crazy any person who has never been to abroad. So, EDCB are in logical order. Option A is out of the context.

S7. Ans.(a)
Sol. The 2nd is a general statement talks about the necessity of a leader and the 5th sentence mentions a reservation expressed by the author; the 1st misrepresent the idea of ‘coercion’ (wrongly refers to ‘compelled’ in the 5th sentence). The 3rd sentence explains the drawbacks of using force; D is the concluding statement which correlates with the strong word ‘scoundrel’ mentioned in the previous sentence. So, BECD are in logical order. Option A is irrelevant according to the given passage.

S8. Ans.(c)
Sol. The 3rd sentence can’t be the opener, as it has to gel with the 5th sentence which can only come before it. The 4th sentence tries to justify an apparent failure of the democratic ideal and gives reasons behind it; In the 2nd sentence ‘in this respect’ refers to the stability of government mentioned in the 4th sentence; and the 1st sentence completes the information. The 5th sentence lists another factor behind it appeal, and the 3rd sentence introduces absolutely different and new idea in the paragraph which is irrelevant. So, DBAE are in logical order. Option C states new idea which is absurd. Hence C is ODD sentence.

S9. Ans.(d)
Sol. The 5th sentence can’t be an opener as it can’t be followed by the 3rd sentence. The 3rd sentence lays down the author’s abhorrence for the military system, the topic of discussion; the 5th sentence continues the strong views of the author (despise means strong hatred); ‘He’ in the 1st sentence refers to ‘a man’ in the 5th sentence. 2nd sentence completes the opinion given in the 1st sentence; and 4th is the inappropriate sentence because it suggests a different idea. So, CEAB are in logical order. D is odd sentence in the given paragraph.

S10. Ans.(e)
Sol. The 1st is the opener, a declarative statement followed by the 2nd sentence – ‘languid hours…on the shore’ and the tone marker ‘alas’ relate to ‘must launch my boat’ in the 1st sentence. The 3rd and 4th talk about the waning of the spring; the 5th sentence is irrelevant because of absurd idea. So, ABCD are in logical order. E is odd sentence.

S11. Ans.(e)
Sol. The 3rd is the opening element as it introduces the topic of reflection, which relates to the blooming of lotus. The 3rd and 2nd sentence are sequential as ‘the mind was straying’ leads to ‘the flower was unheeded’. As the basket remains ‘empty’ (2nd sentence), the author feels sad and dreamy (1st sentence); ‘that vague sweetness’ in the 4th refers to ‘feeling a sweet fragrance’ in the 1st sentence; the 5th sentence introduces the irrelevant idea about 21st century school children which is bogus. So, CBAD are in logical order. Option E is odd sentence.

S12. Ans.(a)
Sol. The 5th is the opening general statement that moots the discussion on the ‘quirky…’ in the midst of an epic. The 4th and 3rd illustrate the point with a frieze from a monument; The 2nd sentence gives additional information (most tellingly), 1st is irrelevant sentence according to the passage. Hence, EDCB are in logical order. Option A is odd sentence.

S13. Ans.(a)
Sol. The 2nd sentence serves as the opener as it is a general statement about the timelessness of the interpretation of literary works. The 4th sentence supports the assertion made in the 2nd sentence. The 5th sentence talks about Gandhi using pronoun ‘He’ followed by 3rd which uses the word ‘assimilation’ that refers to ‘read and re-read’ in the previous sentence. The 1st is irrelevant sentence according to the passage. So, BDEC are in logical order. Option A is odd sentence.

S14. Ans.(e)
Sol. The 1st sentence opens the discussion on McCorvey’s case. The 2nd (‘they’ refers to ‘people’ in the 1st sentence) and 4th sentences talk about the plaintiff and the defendant of the case. The 3rd sentences talk about the progression and culmination of the case. Hence ABDC are in logical order but Option E is clearly out of the context sentence. In Option E, UNICEF is mentioned which is irrelevant according to the context of the passage.

S15. Ans.(a)

Sol. The 5th sentence moots the problem of identification with the mind; the 4th gives examples of how ‘it blocks the different relationships’. The 3rd extends the idea further; the 2nd sentence talk about the result of identification with the mind and thoughts. EDCB are in logical order but Option A is clearly out of the context sentence. In option A, the idea about forgetfulness is absurd according to the context. Hence Sentence A is ODD sentence.

QUIZ-07


Q1. BCCI has recently formed a seven-member Committee to oversee Lodha Panel Reforms. The Lodha Panel was set up by the Indian Supreme Court in __________.
(a) 2010
(b) 2012
(c) 2014
(d) 2015
(e) 2016

S1. Ans.(d)
Sol. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced the formation of a special seven-member committee to identify the ‘few critical points’ for the general body of the cricket board to consider before they are submitted to the Supreme Court. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced the formation of a special seven-member committee to identify the ‘few critical points’ for the general body of the cricket board to consider before they are submitted to the Supreme Court. The Lodha Panel was set up by the Indian Supreme Court in January 2015.

Q2. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has recently inaugurated various irrigation and water-related initiatives at Aji Dam. This dam is located in ____________.
(a) Uttar Pradesh
(b) Bihar
(c) Gujarat
(d) Karnataka
(e) Kerala

S2. Ans.(c)
Sol. Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated various irrigation and water-related initiatives at Aji Dam in Rajkot, Gujarat including the filling of Aji dam with Narmada waters under Sauni Yojana.

Q3. The UN Security Council has unanimously approved a resolution sharply reducing the joint United Nations-African Union peacekeeping force in troubled Darfur region. Darfur region is in which of the following country?
(a) Myanmar
(b) Sudan
(c) South Africa
(d) Russia
(e) Bulgaria

S3. Ans.(b)
Sol. The UN Security Council has unanimously approved a resolution sharply reducing the joint United Nations-African Union peacekeeping force in Sudan’s troubled Darfur region. The British-drafted resolution will reduce the number of peacekeepers by 44 per cent and international police by about 27 per cent in the Darfur mission.

Q4. British Prime Minister Theresa May has recently won the confidence vote in the parliament, winning her first major test as the Prime Minister of a minority government in the United Kingdom (UK).  Who was the first PM of Britain?
(a) Spencer Compton
(b) Henry Pelham
(c) William Cavendish
(d) Thomas Pelham-Holles
(e) Robert Walpole

S4. Ans.(e)
Sol. British Prime Minister Theresa May narrowly won the confidence vote in the parliament, winning her first major test as the Prime Minister of a minority government in the United Kingdom (UK). Robert Walpole (1721–42) was the first PM of Britain.

Q5. Name the person who has been appointed as the Chief Secretary of Uttar Pradesh.
(a) Rajiv Kumar
(b) Sumer Chand
(c) Sumitra Mahajan
(d) Gaurav Shukla
(e) Chandan Mishra

S5. Ans.(a)
Sol. Rajiv Kumar was appointed as the Chief Secretary of Uttar Pradesh. His appointment was approved by the Uttar Pradesh Government. Prior to this appointment, Kumar was a Secretary in the Union Shipping Ministry. Mr. Kumar has replaced Rahul Prasad Bhatnagar.

Q6. Name the Hyderabad-based astrologer and numerologist who has been conferred with the 'Best astrologer of the world' award at the 'Russian-Indian economic dialogue' round-table meet held in Moscow, Russia.
(a) Venkatapathy Raju
(b) T S Vineeth Bhatt
(c) Govind Prabhakaran
(d) Sumit Chandran
(e) Vikas Mathur

S6. Ans.(b)
Sol. Hydearbad-based astrologer and numerologist T S Vineeth Bhatt has been conferred with the 'Best astrologer of the world' award at the 'Russian-Indian economic dialogue' round-table meet held in Moscow.

Q7. Which of the following state government was conferred with the award of excellence at the 2nd Global Skill Development Summit held in Paris recently for innovations and extensive use of IT for skilling the state's youth?
(a) Bihar
(b) Odisha
(c) Sikkim
(d) Uttarakhand
(e) Karnataka

S7. Ans.(d)
Sol. Uttarakhand was conferred with the award of excellence at the 2nd Global Skill Development Summit held in Paris recently for innovations and extensive use of IT for skilling the state's youth.

Q8. Name the Senior diplomat who was appointed as the economic relations secretary in the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).
(a) Mahim Pal
(b) Sunaina Singh
(c) Vijay Keshav Gokhale
(d) Vimal Kumar Kushwaha
(e) Sarabjeet

S8. Ans.(c)
Sol. Senior diplomat Vijay Keshav Gokhale was appointed as the economic relations secretary in the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet has approved his appointment.

Q9. The Minister of State for Public Grievances & Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr. Jitendra Singh launched a new training program named as COMMIT for State Government officials. What does 'I' stands for in COMMIT?
(a) Inclusion
(b) Induction
(c) Investment
(d) Income
(e) None of the given option is true

S9. Ans.(b)
Sol. The Minister of State for Public Grievances & Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr. Jitendra Singh launched a new training program 'Comprehensive Online Modified Modules on Induction Training' (COMMIT) for State Government officials.

Q10. Which of the following country has become first that has contributed $100,000 to a UN fund to help developing countries actively participate in the discussion of tax issues?
(a) India
(b) Russia
(c) China
(d) USA
(e) South Africa

S10. Ans.(a)
Sol. India has contributed $100,000 to a UN fund to help developing countries actively participate in the discussion of tax issues, becoming the first country to make the contribution. The UN Tax Trust Fund aims to support the work of the Committee of Experts on International Cooperation in Tax Matters.

Q11. Petroleum Minister has recently introduced a new oil and gas block licensing policy that is expected to open up 2.8 million square kilometers of sedimentary basins to exploration and production activities. The Minister has inaugurated the government’s new policy named OALP. OALP stands for _________________.
(a) Open Advanced Licensing Policy
(b) Obtained Acreage Licensing Policy
(c) Open Acreage Long-lasting Policy
(d) Open Acreage Licensing Policy
(e) Open Amendment Life Policy

S11. Ans.(d)
Sol. Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan introduced a new oil and gas block licensing policy that is expected to open up 2.8 million square kilometers of sedimentary basins to exploration and production activities. The Minister has inaugurated the government’s new policy named OALP. OALP stands for Open Acreage Licensing Policy.

Q12. Who is the present Union Petroleum Minister of India? 
(a) Harsimrat Kaur Badal
(b) Thawar Chand Gehlot
(c) Dharmendra Pradhan
(d) Harsh Vardhan
(e) D. V. Sadananda Gowda

S12. Ans.(c)
Sol. Mr. Dharmendra Pradhan is the present Union Petroleum Minister of India

Q13. Name the Godrej Group Chairman who has been recently awarded the Global Leadership Awards of the US-India Business Council for their role in integrating India in the global supply chain.
(a) Rajiv Chander
(b) Vivan Godrej
(c) Sumal Saroha
(d) Adi Godrej
(e) Vinay Kumar

S13. Ans.(d)
Sol. Godrej Group Chairman Adi Godrej and Dow Chemical CEO Andrew Liveries have been awarded the Global Leadership Awards of the US-India Business Council for their role in integrating India in the global supply chain.

Q14. The International Day of the Tropics is celebrated globally on __________.
(a) 30 June
(b) 29 June
(c) 28 June
(d) 26 June
(e) 20 June

 S14. Ans.(b)
Sol. The International Day of the Tropics is celebrated globally on June 29.

Q15. Sabita Chowdhury dies at the age of 72.She was famous _____________.
(a) Singer
(b) Dancer
(c) Choreographer
(d) Sitar Player
(e) Actress

S15. Ans.(a)
Sol. Legendary Singer Sabita Chowdhury dies at the age of 72

Daily GK Update 07th July 2017



1. India ranks 23rd among 165 nations in cybersecurity index

i. India is ranked a high 23rd out of 165 nations in a global index that measures the commitment of nations across the world to cybersecurity. The second Global Cybersecurity Index (GCI) was released by the UN telecommunications agency International Telecommunication Union (ITU).
ii. The top 5 most committed countries to cybersecurity are-
1. Singapore,
2. The United States,
3. Malaysia,
4. Oman,
5. Estonia.

Important Takeaways from Above News-
  • ITU currently has a membership of 193 countries.
  • ITU is headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland.

2. India Rises to 96th in FIFA World ranking, Best in Two Decades
i. India has moved four places up to the 96th position in the FIFA World Ranking released recently. This is the country’s second-best ranking and its previous best was the 94th position in February 1996.
ii. India has moved 77 positions up from the 173rd rank on March 2015. 

Important Takeaways from Above News-
  • Headquarter of FIFA is in Zurich, Switzerland.
  • The President of FIFA is Gianni Infantino.
3. European Parliament approves first ever EU-Cuba pact

i. The European Parliament overwhelmingly approved a first-ever cooperation deal between the EU and Cuba. MEPs in the eastern French city of Strasbourg approved the Political Dialogue and Cooperation Agreement which was signed in December 2016.
ii. With the deal, Cuba joins other Latin American countries with similar agreements with the EU, whose relations with the island had previously been conducted in the so-called Common Position that linked ties to improvements in human rights.

Important Takeaways from Above News-
  • The European Parliament is headquartered in Brussels, Belgium.

4. India declares itself free from H5N1 and H5N8 bird flu

i. India has declared itself free from highly pathogenic Avian Influenza (H5N1 and H5N8) after surveillance in the states showed no evidence of its presence. It has been notified to the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE).
ii. India had reported outbreaks of influenza at various epicenters in different states across the country between October 2016 and February 2017.

Important Takeaways from Above News-
  • Avian influenza refers to the disease caused by infection with avian (bird) influenza (flu) Type A viruses.

5. Odisha govt signs EOI with IAAF & AFI to establish High-Performance Academy

i. The Odisha government signed an Expression of Intent (EOI) with the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) and Athletics Federation of India (AFI) to establish a High-Performance Academy in Bhubaneswar.
ii. The EOI was signed by Sports Secretary Vishal Kumar Dev and AFI president Adille Sumariwala and IAAF president Lord Sebastian Coe in the presence of Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik.
iii. An academy for athletes will be built in the Kalinga Stadium.

Important Takeaways from Above News-
  • Chief Minister of Odisha is Mr. Naveen Patnaik.
  • The Governor of Odisha is Mr. S C Jamir.

6. Indus OS partners with YES Bank to launch OS-integrated UPI platform

i. Indus OS has partnered with YES Bank to launch OS-integrated UPI (Unified Payment Interface) payment platform in India.
ii. Users with Indus OS will be able to use this UPI payment platform on SMS, dialer interface, and on third party apps like WhatsApp. This means P2P transactions, as well as utility payments, can be made via SMS or messaging. The platform is expected to launch in this quarter.

Banking Takeaways from Above News-
  • Co-founder and CEO of Indus OS is Rakesh Deshmukh
  • The CEO of YES Bank is Rana Kapoor.

7. EPFO ties up with 5 banks to collect PF dues

i. Retirement fund body EPFO (Employees' Provident Fund Organisation) has inked pacts with five banks for collections of provident dues and to make retirement payments.
ii. The tie-ups with Bank of Baroda, ICICI Bank, HDFC Bank, Axis Bank and Kotak Mahindra Bank will help EPFO save around Rs 125 crore a year and expedite its investments as well as payment of benefits to its members.

Important Takeaways from Above News-
  • EPFO came into existence under the promulgation of the Employee's Provident Fund Ordinance on the 15th November 1951. 
  • It was replaced by the Employee's Provident Fund Act, 1952.

8. Siemens opens its first digital factory in India

i. Siemens opened its first digital factory in India, also the third globally after one each in Germany and China, as the industrial conglomerate pitches smart facilities to small and medium scale enterprises in the country.
ii. The digital factory is one of the nine divisions at Siemens. It aims to provide a comprehensive portfolio of hardware and software products which enable comprehensive integration of data from development, production, and suppliers.

9. Pakistan successfully test fires short-range ballistic missile, Nasr

i. Pakistan has successfully test-fired short-range surface-to-surface ballistic missile 'Nasr'. NASR is a high-precision weapons system with the ability for quick deployment and a range of 70 kilometers.
ii. Pakistan Army has conducted a series of training launches and tests during the current week for validation of new technical parameters of 'NASR' with an enhanced range of 60-70 kilometers and flight maneuverability. 

Important Takeaways From Above News-
  • Army chief of Pakistan is Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa.

10. Manpreet Kaur, Govindan Laxmanan win gold in Asian Athletics Championships

i. India’s Manpreet Kaur claimed the gold medal in the women’s shot put on the opening day of the Asian Athletics Championships 2017 at the Kalinga Stadium, Bhubaneswar, Odisha.
ii. Govindan Laxmanan emerged triumphant in the men’s 5,000 meters and has also won Gold Medal.

Important Takeaways from Above News-
  • The last edition of Asian Athletics Championship was held in Wuhan, China in 2015.

11. Kewal Handa appointed as Non-executive Chairman of Union Bank

i. Kewal Handa was appointed as non-executive chairman of Union Bank of India.
ii. Handa will hold the post for a period of three years.

Banking Takeaways From Above News-
  • Managing Director & CEO of Union Bank of India Shri Rajkiran Rai G. 
  • Union Bank of India Headquarters in Mumbai

Banking Awareness


Q1. Loan and Advances of a bank come under which of the following category?
(a) Assets
(b) Liabilities
(c) Deposits
(d) All of the Above
(e) None of the given options is true
S1. Ans.(a)
Sol. anything tangible or intangible that can be owned or controlled to produce value and that is held to have positive economic value is considered an asset. Anything tangible or intangible that can be owned or controlled to produce value and that is held to have positive economic value is considered an asset.
Q2. RBI sold its stake in NABARD to the Government of India, which now holds _____ stake.
(a) Approx 65%
(b) Approx 70%
(c) Approx 95%
(d) Approx 99%
(e) Approx 24%
S2. Ans.(d)

Sol. RBI sold its stake in NABARD to the Government of India, which now holds approx 99% stake.
Q3. Which of the following is not available to depositors of NBFCs?
(a) Deposit Insurance facility
(b) Acquisition of Shares
(c) Loans and Advances
(d) All of the Above
(e) None of the given options is true
S3. Ans.(a)
Sol. Deposit insurance facility of Deposit Insurance and Credit Guarantee Corporation is not available to depositors of NBFCs, unlike in the case of banks.
Q4. NBFCs include ______
(a) loan company
(b) investment company
(c) asset finance company
(d) All of the Above
(e) None of the given options is true
S4. Ans.(d)

Sol. NBFCs include a loan company, an investment company, asset finance company (i.e. a company conducting the business of equipment leasing or hire purchase finance) and Residuary Non-Banking Companies.
Q5. India Infrastructure Finance Company Ltd (IIFCL) is a wholly-owned ____________ company set up in 2006.
(a) NABARD
(b) SEBI
(c) RBI
(d) Finance Ministry
(e) Government of India

S5. Ans.(e)
Sol. IIFCL is a wholly-owned Government of India company set up in 2006 to provide long-term finance to viable infrastructure projects through the Scheme for Financing Viable Infrastructure Projects through a Special Purpose Vehicle called India Infrastructure Finance Company Ltd (IIFCL), broadly referred to as SIFTI.
Q6. Infrastructure Finance Company (IFC) is a non-banking finance company has a minimum Net Owned Funds of-
(a) Rs.100 Crore
(b) Rs.200 Crore
(c) Rs.500 Crore
(d) Rs.300 Crore
(e) Rs.800 Crore
S6. Ans.(d)
Sol. Infrastructure Finance Company (IFC) is a non-banking finance company has a minimum Net Owned Funds of Rs.300 Crore.
Q7. Under which act NBFCs are incorporated?
(a) Banking Regulation Act, 1949
(b) Companies Act, 1956
(c) RBI Act 1934
(d) SBI Act 1955
(e) None of the given options is true
S7. Ans.(b)
Sol. NBFCs are incorporated under the Companies Act, 1956.
Q8. An NBFC must be registered with the _____________ and have specific authorization to accept deposits from the public.
(a) RBI
(b) SEBI
(c) NABARD
(d) SBI
(e) Government of India
S8. Ans.(a)
Sol. An NBFC must be registered with the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and have specific authorization to accept deposits from the public.
Q9. RNBCs cannot accept deposits for a period less than _____ months and more than ______ months.
(a) 12, 84
(b) 14, 86
(c) 17, 92
(d) 24, 36
(e) 54, 95

S9. Ans.(a)
Sol. RNBCs cannot accept deposits for a period less than 12 months and more than 84 months.
Q10. RNBC stands for-
(a) Residuary Non-Banking Companies
(b) Reserve Non-Banking Companies
(c) Reserve New Banking Companies
(d) Re-curing New Banking Companies
(e) None of the given options is true

S10. Ans.(a)
Sol. RNBCs stands for Residuary Non-Banking Companies.
Q11. According to accepting public deposits, NBFCs can be classified into ____ broad categories.
(a) Two
(b) Three
(c) Four
(d) One
(e) Five
S11. Ans.(a)
Sol. According to accepting public deposits, NBFCs can be classified into two broad categories, viz.,
(i) NBFCs accepting public deposit (NBFCs-D)
(ii) NBFCs not accepting/holding public deposit (NBFCs-ND).

Q12. Which of the following are the country’s largest custodian and depository participant?
(a) CIBIL
(b) SEBI
(c) NABARD
(d) SHCIL
(e) None of the given options is true
S12. Ans.(d)
Sol. Stock Holding Corporation of India Ltd (SHCIL), India’s largest custodian and depository participant.
Q13. StockHolding was incorporated as a Public Limited Company in- 
(a) 1995
(b) 1992
(c) 1986
(d) 1981
(e) 1979
S13. Ans.(c)
Sol. StockHolding was incorporated as a Public Limited Company in 1986. It has been jointly promoted by leading Banks and Financial Institutions. StockHolding is a subsidiary of IFCI Limited. The equity capital of StockHolding is presently held by LIC, GIC, IFCI Ltd., SU-UTI, NIA, NIC, UIC, and TOICL, all leaders in their respective fields of business.

Q14. StockHolding is a subsidiary of-
(a) IFCI Limited
(b) RBI
(c) Government of India
(d) SIDBI
(e) IDBI Limited
S14. Ans.(a)
Sol. StockHolding was incorporated as a Public Limited Company in 1986. It has been jointly promoted by leading Banks and Financial Institutions. StockHolding is a subsidiary of IFCI Limited.

Q15. Which of the following is the parent organisation of UPI?
(a) RBI
(b) GOI
(c) NPCI
(d) PMMY
(e) SEBI

S15. Ans.(c)
Sol. National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) is the parent organisation of UPI (Unified Payment Interface).