APRIL 2014

INTERNATIONAL
Karim Massimov Named as new Prime-Minister of Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan President Nursultan Nazarbayev named his chief of staff Karim Massimov as the new prime minister on 2 April.
His appointment came following the resignation of Serik Akhmetov from the post, which was accepted by the President as
per the Constitutional provision.
Viktor Orban Re-elected As Prime Minister of Hungary
Viktor Orban was re-elected to a third term as Prime Minister of Hungary .The results of general elections were announced
on 8 April 2014. The General parliamentary elections were held on 6 April 2014.Out of the total votes casted, Orbans Fidesz
party won 133 of 199 parliament seats.
China Recruits Guardian Angels To Protect Embattled Doctors
Chinas capital Beijing is on 9 April taking a novel approach to protecting doctors from growing levels of violence from angry
patients: volunteer Guardian Angels.The campaign will recruit students, medical workers and other patients to act as
middlemen between doctors and those in their care to defuse disagreements and smooth over tensions.
Sale of HIV Self-Testing Kits Legalised In The UK
A new law legalizing sale of self-testing kits for HIV came into force in United Kingdom (UK) on 6 April 2014. The new law
allows individuals to buy the self-testing kits available on shops and self-diagnose for HIV at home itself.

INDIA & WORLD
Bangladesh To Provide Transit Facility For Indian Power Line
Bangladesh on 3 April agreed to provide transit facility for a 6000 megawatt Indian power transmission line. This decision
was taken in a joint steering committee meeting on India-Bangladesh power sector cooperation.
Canada Suspends Voluntary Commonwealth Funds Over Sri Lanka Issue
The Government of Canada on 14 April announced that the country will suspend its voluntary funds to the Commonwealth
Secretariat and reallocate the funds for the next two years.The Commonwealth of Nations is an intergovernmental
organisation of 53 member states that were mostly territories of the former British Empire. The most populous
Commonwealth country is India, with nearly 1.1 billion people.
India and Bhutan Signed Agreement For Developing Hydropower Projects
India and Bhutan on 22 April signed an agreement for the development of joint hydropower projects in a bid to further
strengthen their bilateral strategic partnership.The framework Inter-Governmental Agreement between Bhutan and India for
the development of Joint Venture Hydropower Projects through the Public Sector Undertakings of the two governments was
signed in Thimphu, capital of Bhutan.
Indian-Americans Form 3rd Largest Asian Population In US
According to the report on demographics of the Asian-American population released on 24 April by the Center for American
Progress, Indian-Americans numbering 3.34 million is the third largest Asian community in the United States, after China
and Philippines.The Indian-American population shot up 76 per cent in the first 12 years of the 21st century.While the
Chinese-Americans form the largest group of Asian-American population with 4.

NATIONAL
Women To Be Inducted As Officers In SSB for First Time
The Union Home Ministry on 13 April for the first time approved the recruitment of young women as combat officers in
Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB). Young women under and up to the age of 25 years will be recruited as direct entry officers in
the rank of assistant commandants (ACs). SSB is the second largest border guarding force.
IMA appeals Doctors To Give 25 per cent Discount On Fees For Voters
The Indian Medical Association (IMA) has on 11 April appealed to its 2.75 lac doctor-members across India to give 25 per
cent discount in doctors fees for one week to all patients who visit them with their fingers bearing the voting ink mark.
India Supreme Court Recognizes Transgender As Third Gender
Indias Supreme Court in a landmark judgment on 15 April 2014, created the third gender status for transgenders. In its
judgment the Apex Court claimed transgenders as socially and economically backward.The court also directed union &
states government to adopt measures for bringing the community into the mainstream by providing adequate healthcare,
education and employment.
Election Commission Launched Online Media Channel
The Election Commission has launched on 17 April its own internet-based media arm called Voter Education Channel
for voter awareness . Numerous video clips featuring iconic personalities urging citizens to vote have been uploaded on the
channel and can be viewed on social media platform YouTube.This is the official channel of the Election Commission of
India.

STATES
Shompens of A & N islands Casted Votes For The First Time For Lok Sabha
Shompens of Andaman & Nicobar (A&N) islands for the first time casted their votes in Great Nicobar on 10 April. Shompens
one of the stone-age tribes casted the votes for the Lok Sabha constituency of Bay Islands for Lok Sabaha election
2014.
Mizoram Government Refused To Repatriate Bru Refugees Within 3 Months
Mizoram Government on 12 April refused to repatriate all the Bru refugees lodged in six Tripura relief camps within three
months.Earlier on 8 April 2014, the state government had agreed to the demand of the NGO Coordination Committee to
repatriate the Bru refugees within three month. It agreed that they would repatriate all the Bru refugees after the end of the
ongoing election process. The Bru Refugees also called Reang refugees are the original inhabitants of Mammit Sub-Division
of Aizawl District of Mizoram. They started arriving in North Tripuras Kanchanpur sub division since 29 October 1997.
High Content of Manganese Detected In Selaulim Reservoir of Goa
High content of manganese was detected by the State Public Works Department (PWD) in Selaulin reservoir of Goa on 19
April .The level of manganese detected in the reservoir was 0.1 mg. This is less than the level of manganese content
detected earlier and is within safe limit.The reservoir has production capacity of 214 MLD of water, which is supplied to
entire South Goa and some parts of North district.
Supreme Court Lifts Mining Ban In Goa
The Supreme Court (SC) on 21 April lifted a 19 month old ban on mining in Goa.The iron ore mining will be restricted to 20
million tonnes annually.The ban was imposed in September 2012 as part of a drive to curb illegal mining in Goa.

CONFERENCES
World Green Economy Summit-2014 Held In Dubai
The World Green Economy Summit (WGES) -2014 was held in Dubai from 15th and 16th of April 2014. The theme of the
summit was Global Partnership, Sustainable Future .The World Green Economy Summit (WGES), the first Summit
focused on green business in the region, concluded on 16 April , with a closing session which provided a platform for
determining the way for Dubai to become capital of the worlds green economy in line with the goals of the UAEs Vision
2021.

AWARDS & HONOURS
Veteran Film Lyricist and Director Gulzar Selected For Dadasaheb Phalke Award 2013
Veteran film lyricist, director, screen writer, producer and poet Gulzar has been conferred the Dadasaheb Phalke Award for
the year 2013. He is the 45th Dada Saheb Phalke Award Winner.The ministry of information and broadcasting announced
on 12 April. The Dadsaheb Phalke award is Indias highest award for an individual for their contribution towards Indian
cinema. It is annually given by the Government of India.He was born in 1934 in Punjab in pre-independence India.
Sampooran Singh Kalra was his original name and he took the pen name of Gulzar Deenvi after becoming an author.
61st National Film Awards
The 61st National Film Awards for 2013 was announced in New Delhi on 16 April by the Directorate of Film Festivals. Ship
of Theseus directed by Anand Gandhi has won the Golden Lotus for Best Feature Film. The Best Actor award is shared
between Shahid star Rajkummar Rao and Malayalam actor Suraj Venjaramudu. Geetanjali Thapa won Best Actress for
Liars Dice.
Following is the listing of Winners for important Categories :-
* Best Feature Film Ship of Theseus (Anand Gandhi)
* Best Director Hansal Mehta for Shahid
* Best Actor Raj Kumar for Shahid in hindi and Suraj Venjaramoodu for Perariyathavar in Malyalam
* Best Actress Geetanjali Thapa for Hindi film Liars Dice
* Best Non Feature Film Rangbhoomi (Hindi film by Kamal Swaroop)
* Best Film on Social Issues Tuhya Dharma Koncha (Marathi)
* Nargis Dutt Award for Best Feature Film on National Integration Thalaimuraigal (Tamil)
* Indira Gandhi Award for Best Debut Film Nagraj Manjule for Fandry (Marathi)
* Best Non Feature Film on Social Issues Gulabi Gang
* Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment Bhaag Milka Bhaag (Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra)
Indian-American Rajendra Singh Named White Houses Solar Champions Of Change
Indian-American professor Rajendra Singh was on 18 April named by the White House as the Solar Champions of Change
in recognition of his immense contribution towards developing alternate source of energy and promoting solar deployment in
residential, commercial and industrial sectors.
Indian Activist Honoured with Goldman Environmental Prize 2014
Indian environment activist Ramesh Agrawal has on 28 April won the prestigious Goldman Environmental Prize 2014 for
helping villagers fight coal mining in Chhattisgarh and success in shutting down one of the largest planned coal mines in the
area.

SPORTS & GAMES
MS Dhoni Won United Kingdoms 2014 Asian Award
Indian Cricket Captain MS Dhoni has won United Kingdoms 2014 Asian award for outstanding achievement in sports.The
award was announced on 4 April at Londons at The Grosvenor House Hotel.Dhoni is widely regarded as one of the greatest
finishers in limited over cricket tournament and in 2013 he emerged as the first captain to win all three ICC trophies.
Punjab Won Junior National Hockey Title 2014
Punjab won the 4th Hockey India Junior Men National Championship 2014 (Division A) by defeating Hockey Odisha 6-2 in
the finals on 6 April at Chennai, Tamil Nadu.With this win, Punjab had retained the championship title.
Sri Lanka Won ICC Twenty20 World Cup 2014
Sri Lanka won the fifth edition of the ICC Twenty20 World Cup 2014 title after defeated India by six wickets in the finals on 6
April at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium, Dhaka. Earlier, Sri Lanka last won the first world title in the World Cup (50-over
tournament) in 1996.
Andrea Petkovic Won Family Circle Cup Title
Andrea Petkovic of Germay won the Family Circle Cup tennis tournament title.She defeated Jana Cepelova (Slovakia) in the
final on 6 April in Charleston, United States.It was her first WTA title in last three years.Overall, this is the third WTA title for
Petkovic and first since her come back from the string of injuries in recent years. Petkovic last won in Strasbourg in 2011
and her first title came in 2009 in Bad Gastein.
Nour El Sherbini Won Texas Open Squash Title
Indias Dipika Pallikal was defeated by Egyptian Nour El Sherbini in the title clash of the Womens Champion Fiberlass
Texas Open squash tournament on 14 April at Houston, United States.

ECONOMY
Election Commission Allows RBI to Issue new Bank Licences
The Election Commission (EC) on 1 April allowed the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to issue licences for setting up new
banks.The approval came after the RBI missed the March-end deadline for issuing the first bank licence in almost a
decade.The RBI on 12 March 2014 approached the Election Commission (EC) seeking its approval for granting bank
lincences as the model code of conduct had come in place after the general elections announcement on 5 March 2014.
RBIs First Bi-monthly Monetary Policy Statement 2014-15
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on 1 April released it first Bi-monthly Monetary Policy statement 2014-15 .According to the
statement , RBI has kept the policy repo rate unchanged at 8.0%.Other policy instruments such as cash reserve ratio (CRR)
also remain unchanged at 4%.
RBI grants in-principle Approval To IDFC, Bandhan For Bank Licences
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on 2 April granted in-principle approvals to IDFC Ltd and Bandhan Financial Services Pvt.
Ltd to start new banks in India.These approvals have been granted under the guidelines on licensing of new banks in the
private sector. The two have been granted the permission to set-up banks from a field of 25 aspirants.
Dilip Shanghvi Among Asias Top 10 Richest Self-made Billionaires
The Wealth-X Asias top ten wealthiest self-made billionaires list released on 30 April. According to the list, Dilip Shanghvi,
founder and managing director of Sun Pharmaceuticals Industries, has been named in the list , topped by Hong Kong
business tycoon Li Ka-Shing. Shanghvi, ranked seventh, is the only Indian on the list with a net worth of $13.5 billion, while
Li Ka-Shing topped the chart with a fortune of $29.4 billion.

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
ISROs PSLV-C24 Successfully Launched Indias Second Navigation Satellite IRNSS-1B
Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully launched Indias second navigation satellite, Indian Regional
Navigation Satellite System 1B ( IRNSS-1B), into the space. The satellite was launched through ISROs Polar Satellite
Launch Vehicle-C24 (PSLV-C24) rocket from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre at Sriharikota in Andhra Pradesh on 4 April
2014. PSLV-C24 injected the IRNSS-1B into a preliminary orbit.
Scientists Discovered Gene Behind Brain Development
Key gene for the development of human brain has been discovered by Scientists from the University of Adelaide on 6
April.The study shows how mutations in the gene called USP9X are linked to intellectual disability.
Solar Impulse 2 Plane Unveiled In Switzerland
The upgraded solar-powered plane Solar Impulse 2 was unveiled on 13 April at Payerne Air Force Base of Switzerland. The
solar plane can fly around the world for five consecutive days without using any fuel. Swiss pilots Andre Borschberg and
Bertrand Piccard have developed the solar powered aircraft
Unique Pair of Super-Massive Black Holes Found
Scientists have discovered on 23 April the first pair of super-massive black holes in orbit around one another in a non-active
galaxy. The European Space Agencys X-ray Multi Mirror Mission, XMM Newton had discovered these black holes.

PERSONS IN NEWS
A) APPOINTMENTS
N B Singh Assumes Charge As BDL director
Air Vice Marshal N B Singh, AVSM, VSM (retd) on 1 April assumed charge as Director (technical) of Bharat Dynamics
Limited, a Hyderabad-based Mini-ratna category-1 company under the Ministry of Defence.Prior to this appointment, AVM
Singh served as Assistant Chief of Air Staff (communication) in the Indian Air Force.
Justice RM Lodha Sworn In As 41st Chief Justice of India
Justice Rajendra Mal Lodh was on 27 April sworn in as the 41st Chief Justice of India (CJI) on 27 April. He was
administered the oath of office by President Pranab Mukherjee.Chief Justice Lodha succeeds Chief Justice P Sathasivam
who demitted office on completion of his term on 26 April 2014.Justice Lodha will have a brief tenure of five months as the
Chief Justice as he will retire on 27 September 2014.
Former IAF chief Appointed Indias Ambassador To Norway
Former Indian Air Force (IAF) chief Norman Anil Kumar Browne has been appointed Indias next Ambassador to Norway on
29 April.He will succeed R. K. Tyagi as Indias envoy in Norway.Browne had served as IAF chief between 31 July 2011 and
31 December 2013.
B)RESIGNS
Kazakhstan Prime-Minister Serik Akhmetov Resigned
Kazakhstans Prime Minister Serik Akhmetov, has announced his resignation on 2 April, a development that will lead to the
dissolution of the government.The resignation was accepted by the President as per the Constitutional provision.Akhmetov
was appointed as the Prime Minister of Kazakhstan in September 2012.
C)DEATHS
Renowned Cinematographer VK Murthy Died
Renowned cinematographer and Dada Saheb Phalke awardee V K Murthy,died on 7 April in Shankarapuram. He was 91
and was famous for his camera work in Guru Dutts classics like Pyaasa and Sahib, Bibi Aur Ghulam. He was the first
cinematographer to be chosen for the prestigious Dada Saheb Phalke award for 2008. He received the hounour on 19
January 2010. For his contribution to Indian cinema, he received the International Indian Film Academy Lifetime
Achievement Award in 2005.In 1959, he won the Filmfare Best Cinematographer award.
D)VISITORS
U.S. Vice President Joe Biden Visited Ukraine
U.S. Vice President Joe Biden visited Ukraine on 21 22 April 2014. In the most high-level visit of a U.S. official since crisis
erupted in Ukraine, Biden met privately with acting Ukrainian Prime Minister Yatsenyuk and acting Ukrainian President
Oleksandr Turchynov, as well as with democracy activists.In the visit, Biden also announced the United States will provide
an additional $50 million to help Ukraines beleaguered government with political and economic reforms.
E)MISCELLANEOUS
Koyal Rana Won Miss India 2014 Title
Koyal Rana was crowned as the new Miss India in the 51st Femina Miss India 2014 contest on 5 April at Mumbai.The
winner will represent India at Miss World 2014 while 19 year old Jhataleka Malhotra was first runner up who will represent
India at Miss Earth and second runner up Gail Nicole Da Silva at Miss Supranational.

PLACES IN NEWS
Google Launches 360 Degree Online View Of Angkor Wat In Cambodia
Google on 3 April launched 360 degree online view of Angkor Wat in Cambodia under Streetview project. The Angkor Wat
project was developed with the help of the Apsara Authority of the Kingdom of Cambodia. APSARA National Authority is an
organisation created for the protection and maintenance of Angkor. In Angkor Wat, arguably the largest temple complex in
the world, Streetview has been used to patch together over 90,000 high resolution 360-degree images of the monument.

ABBREVIATIONS
IABF - Indian Amatuer Boxing Federation
NATO North Atlantic Treaty Organization
BSF Border Security Force
IMF International Monetary Fund
IRNSS Indian Regional Navigational Satellite System
CITU Centre of Indian Trade Unions

BOOKS IN NEWS
The Accidental Prime Minister The Making and Unmaking Of Manmohan Singh Book Released
A book entitled The Accidental Prime Minister The Making and Unmaking Of Manmohan Singh written by Prime
Minister Manmohan Singhs former media advisor Sanjaya Baru was released on 11 April .

COMMITTEES
Anand Sinha Committee Recommends Benchmark For Floating Interest Rate
A Reserve Bank of India (RBI) committee headed by former RBI Deputy Governor Anand Sinha suggested a benchmark
floating interest rate, especially for home loans, to bring greater transparency in the pricing of credit.The committee on 10
April released Draft Report on Working Group on Pricing of Credit. As per the report, the Indian Banks Association (IBA)
may develop a new benchmark for floating interest rate products, namely, the Indian Banks Base Rate (IBBR), which may
be collated and published by IBA on a periodic basis.

IMPORTANT DAYS AND DATES
World Health Day 2014 Observed Across The World
World Health Day 2014World Health Day 2014 was observed across the world on 7 April 2014. The day provides an
opportunity for individuals to get involved in activities that can lead to better health. The theme for World Health Day 2014 is
vector-borne diseases. World Health Organisation (WHO) is highlighting the serious and increasing threat of vector-borne
diseases with the slogan Small bite, big threat.
World Malaria Day Observed Across The World
World Malaria Day (WMD) was observed on 25 April 2014 across the world. The day was observed to highlight the need for
continued investment and sustained political commitment for malaria prevention and control.The theme for 2013-2015 is:
Invest in the future. Defeat malaria.
BANKING
INTERNATIONAL
1) In which country the Multilateral Humanitarian Assistance / disaster relief (HA/DR) Exercise, KOMODO was conducted
from March 28th to 3 April 2014 ?
Ans:- Indonesia
2) What is the name of the biblical epic movie which was banned by Malaysia and Indonesia on 7 April 2014 for its visual
depiction of the prophet?
Ans:- Noah
3) Which country Parliament on 8 April 2014 voted to reject the request by the Catalan authorities to hold a referendum on
independence on 9 November 2014 ?
Ans:- Spain
4) Which country on 9 April 2014 taking a novel approach to protecting doctors from growing levels of violence from angry
patients: volunteer Guardian Angels ?
Ans:- China
5) A comprehensive legislation on Internet privacy for both service providers and Internet Users was on 23 April 2014
passed by which country ?
Ans:- Brazil
INDIA & WORLD
1) Recently, India and which country have reached an agreement to include a new cross-boundary landscape in the Hindu
Kush Himalayan Region ?
Ans:- Nepal and Bhutan
2) As per the latest data released by SIPRI, country with highest military expenditure in 2013 is ?
Ans:- USA
3) Which country and India on 22 April 2014 signed an agreement for the development of joint hydropower projects in a bid
to further strengthen their bilateral strategic partnership ?
Ans:- Bhutan
4) Which country was rated lowest for average internet speed in the Asia Pacific region in a recently conducted study done
by US firm Akamai?
Ans:- India
5) Which country President and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on 25 April 2014 issued a Joint Statement
emphasizing robust trilateral relation with India ?
Ans:- US
NATIONAL
1) Government on 13 April 2014 sanctions the recruitment of women as combat officers in ?
Ans:- Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB)
2) Name the programme was launched by Election Commission of India (ECI) on 15 April 2014 ?
Ans:- Election VIsitors Programme (EVP) 2014
3) Union Ministry of Civil Aviation on 2 April 2014 approved the Tata and Singapore Airlines (SIA) joint venture called?
Ans:- Tata SIA Airlines Ltd
4) The Election Commission has launched on 17 April its own internet-based media arm called ?
Ans:- Voter Education Channel
STATES
1) Which North-eastern state capital on 7 April 2014 became the second in the region to have rail-connectivity?
Ans:- Itanagar, the capital of Arunachal Pradesh
2) Recently the Union Ministry of Environment and Forest accorded environmental clearance (with some conditions) to the
expansion of Bhubaneshwari opencast project in which state ?
Ans:- Odisha
3) Name the stone-age tribes of Andaman & Nicobar (A&N) islands who for the first time casted their votes in Great Nicobar
on 10 April 2014 ?
Ans:- Shompens
4) Which state has achieved the highest rate of increase in the number of electors in the country in the past five years as
stated in the electoral data released early this year?
Ans:- Tamil Nadu
5) Which state has recorded the highest growth rate of milk production and per capita availability during the five year period
of 2006-10, according to Assocham study ?
Ans:- Andhra Pradesh
CONFERENCES
1) In which country the International Hindi Conference was held from 25 27 April 2014 ?
Ans:- US
AWARDS & HONOURS
1) Renowned poet-lyricist and filmmaker Gulzar was on 12 April 2014 selected for the prestigious Dada Saheb Phalke
award for 2013.What is the real name of Gulzar?
Ans:- Sampooran Singh Kalra
2) Which film was selected as the Best Film for 61st National Film Awards announced on 16 April 2014?
Ans:- Ship of Theseus
3) Who won special jury award of Times Now NRI Awards 2014?
Ans:- Zubin Mehta
4) ) Randstad Awards 2014 for most attractive employer in India goes to - for the 4th consecutive year ?
Ans:- Microsoft
5) The Pulitzer Prize for Fiction-2014 has been awarded to Donna Tartt, for her novel ?
Ans:- The Goldfinch
SPORTS & GAMES
1) Who won the India Super Series Badminton tournament womens Singles title on 6 April 2014 ?
Ans:- Shixian Wang (China)
2) Which team won the 4th Hockey India Junior Men National Championship 2014 (Division A) on 6 April 2014 ?
Ans:- Punjab
3) Which country on 6 April 2014 won the T20 cricket world cup 2014 ?
Ans:- Sri Lanka
4) Which English Premier League club was denied the permission to change its name by the Football Association Council
(FAC) on 9 April 2014?
Ans:- Hull City
5) Which team won the National T20 title for the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy on 14 April 2014?
Ans:- Baroda
ECONOMY
1) The Reserve Bank of India on 2 April 2014 granted in-principle approval of bank licences to which two entitites?
Ans:- IDFC Limited and Bandhan Financial Services Private Limited
2) What is the proposed additional tax on those earning over Rs 1 crore through dividend income in the draft of the Direct
Taxes Code (DTC), which was released on 1 April 2014?
Ans:- 10%
3) Reserve Bank of India on 1 April 2014 adopted which index as the key measure of Inflation?
Ans :- Consumer Price Index (CPI)
4) Which firm became the first Indian retail e-commerce to file for an initial public offering (IPO) on NASDAQ and to be listed
on this US stock exchange?
Ans:- HomeShop18
5) India retained the top spot in the world in foreign exchange remittances from its migratory workforce during 2013. How
much remittance was received by India during the year?
Ans:- $70 billion
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
1) A vast liquid ocean was found on which moon of Saturn by NASAs Cassini probe as published by Science magazine on
3 April 2014?
Ans:- Enceladus
2) After its ten and half years service in orbit, on 1st April 2014 ISRO decommissioned which Communication Satellite?
Ans:- INSAT-3E
3) What is the name of the deadly virus for which the Computer Emergency Response Team of India (CERT-In) issued an
advisory on 11 April 2014 to all Internet users in the country?
Ans:- Heartbleed
4) Name the professor at Stanford University alongwith his students, invents a dirt cheap microscope named Foldscope
on 15 April 2014 ?
Ans:- Manu Prakash
5) Which country Scientists on 17 April 2014 created a 3D model of the human malaria parasite genome for the first time ?
Ans:- US
PERSONS IN NEWS
A) APPOINTMENTS
1) Who was named as the captain of the ICC World T20 team on 7 April 2014 ?
Ans:- Mahendra Singh Dhoni
2) Name the Indian-American was on 5 April 2014 nominated by President Barack Obama to a key post as US Alternate
Executive Director at the International Monetary Fund (IMF) ?
Ans:- Sunil Sabharwal
B)RESIGNS
1) Which country Prime Minister Serik Akhmetov, has announced his resignation on 2 April 2014 ?
Ans:- Kazakhstan
C) DEATHS
1) Name the Nobel prize-winning Colombian author died on 17 April 2014 ?
Ans:- Gabriel Garcia Marquez
2) Name the Former Liberian President, who led a peacetime government after two ruinous back-to-back civil wars, died on
16 April 2014 ?
Ans:- Gyude Bryant
D) VISITORS
1) Name the Namibian Prime Minister visited China on 8 9 April 2014 ?
Ans:- Hage Geingob
E) MISCELLANEOUS
Which two former Popes were declared Saints by the Pope Francis at the Vatican on 27 April 2014?
Ans:- John XXIII and John Paul II
PLACES IN NEWS
1) In the month of April Archaeologists discovered a 3500-year-old inscription on a stone block in which country and claimed
that it is the oldest weather report of the world ?
Ans:- Egypt
ABBREVIATIONS IN NEWS
1) What is the full form of IRNSS ?
Ans:- Indian Regional Navigational Satellite System
BOOKS IN NEWS
1) What is the title of the book written by former Coal Secretary P.C. Parakh in which he claimed that Prime Minister
Manmohan Singhs inability to take on vested interests led to the coal block row?
Ans:- Crusader or Conspirator : Coalgate and other truths
COMMITTEES IN NEWS
1) Who is the Chairman of the committee appointed by Supreme Court on 22 April 2014 to monitor the steps taken by the
centre and state government to ensure road safety and curb growing number of accidents ?
Ans:- Justice Radhakrishnan
DAYS & DATES
1) World Malaria Day (WMD) was observed on across the world ? (Ans:- 25 April 2014 )
MARCH 2014
INTERNATIONAL
World Bank Pledges $3Bln Loan To Ukraine For Reforms
The World Bank announced on 11 March that it will provide up to $3 billion to support reforms in Ukraine, which is struggling
to put its economy back on track amid political turbulence.The lender explained that restoring economic stability,
strengthening the banking sector, reforming the energy sector, tackling corruption, enhancing investment and improving
social assistance were key priorities for Ukraine.The pledged assistance comes on top of existing cooperation between
Ukraine and the bank.
Sanchez Ceren Elected As El Salvadors President
Former leftist rebel commander Salvador Sanchez Ceren has won El Salvadors presidential election by a razor-thin margin.
His conservative opponent, Norman Quijano, has vowed to challenge the official results.The El Salvadors Supreme
Electoral Tribunal (TSE) on 17 March 2014 officially declared Sanchez Ceren the winner of the Central American nations
presidential election by a margin of just 7,000 votes. He secured 50.1 percent of the ballot compared to 49.9 percent for
Quijano.
Russia Recognizes Crimea As A Sovereign State
President Vladimir Putin signed a decree on 17 March recognizing Crimea as a sovereign state after the Ukrainian region
declared itself independent and applied to join Russia following a weekend referendum .The decree posted on the Kremlins
website appeared to be a first step toward integrating Crimea as a part of the Russian Federation.G-8 nations (Group of the
eight Countries) on 18 March 2014 suspended Russia from elite club of world powers. It has been suspended amid
heightened tensions over its incursion in Crimea of Ukraine.
EU signed Landmark Political Deal with Ukraine
The European Union and Ukraine signed the core elements of a political association agreement on 21 March
2014.Ukrainian Prime Minister Arseny Yatseniuk, EU leaders Herman Van Rompuy and Jose Manuel Barroso, and the
leaders of the blocs 28 nations signed the core chapters of the Association Agreement on the sidelines of an EU summit in
Brussels.

INDIA & WORLD
USAID To Provide USD 2.7 million For Clean Energy To India
Nisha Desai Biswal, US Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs, on 4 March announced that the
United States Agency for International Aid (USAID) will provide USD 2.7 million for increasing clean energy access to India.
USAID awarded a USD 200,000 grant for SELCO Foundation to help establish six innovation labs that will develop and test
sustainable energy solutions. The agency is also supporting a USD 2.5 million loan guarantee to Orb Energy, a clean energy
service provider.
China And India Signed Agreement For Greater Cooperation In IT And Software
India and China have signed an agreement to work together in software, information technology and infrastructure.The
agreement was signed during the Strategic and Economic Dialogue in Beijing on 18 March.
India Abstains From Voting Against Sri Lanka at UNHRC
India on 27 March abstained from voting on the US-backed resolution seeking probe into Sri Lankan war crimes at the UN
Human Rights Council. Even as India refrained from voting against its neighbour, the resolution was passed with the support
of 23 nations.
India Officially Declared Polio Free
India was officially declared Polio Free by the World Health Organisation (WHO). India is one of the 11 countries in the
South East Asian region which have been certified as being free of the wild polio virus.The Union Health Minister, Ghulam
Nabi Azad received the official certificate at a function in New Delhi on 27 March.

NATIONAL
Union Cabinet Cleared Reservation For Jats Under OBC category
The Union Cabinet on 2 March cleared reservation for Jat community under the central list of OBC (other backward castes
quota) category in nine northern states.The decision would pave the way for the community members to avail benefits of
reservation in central government jobs and central education institutions as per the existing norms.
Union Ministry of Minority Affairs Launched Maulana Azad Sehat Scheme
Union Ministry of Minority Affairs launched a new initiative Maulana Azad Sehat Scheme on 4 March for the benefits and
welfare of minorities of India.Under the scheme, Sehat Card will be issued to every student of the Institution financially aided
by Maulana Azad Education Foundation (MAEF).
EC creates Intelligence Grid To Curb Black Money In Polls
The Election Commission has on 11 March created a multi-agency grid of revenue and security intelligence agencies to
regularly update it about suspected financial movements as part of measures to curb use of blackmoney in Lok Sabha and
assembly polls.

STATES
Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor Launched In UP
The Union Ministry of Commerce and Industry and Uttar Pradesh Government launched the Delhi-Mumbai Industrial
Corridor (DMIC) in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh on 2 March.With the launch of DMIC in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh is poised to go
through a transformation in terms of industrialisation and generation of employment. This is because Uttar Pradesh is the
meeting point of the Eastern and the Western Corridors.
Kerala Govt. Launched Dial a Doctor Project
Kerala government on 3 March launched a novel scheme Dial a doctor which will enable the public to seek health-related
advice over phone round-the-clock from doctors by dialling a toll-free number.Under the programme, a person can dial 1056
and avail the advice of doctors especially regarding first aid, vaccination and health problems.
GVKs Srinagar Hydel Power Plant Inaugurated
Akhilesh Yadav, Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh on 4 March inaugurated the Srinagar hydroelectric power project of GVK
Power & Infrastructure, in Uttarakhand.The project, with 330 MW capacity, has been developed across river Alaknanda in
the Tehri Garhwal and Pauri Garhwal districts of Uttarakhand. The company has invested Rs 4,192 crore in the project.Of
the total power generated from the project, 88 per cent will go to Uttar Pradesh Power Corporation (UPPCL), as per the
Power Purchase Agreement (PPA). The remaining 12 per cent is expected to be allotted to the government of Uttarakhand
free of cost.
Arunachal Pradesh Assembly Passed Lokayukta Bill 2014
The Arunachal Pradesh Assembly on 5 March passed the Lokayukta Bill 2014 by voice vote after a long discussion,
paving the way for constitution of Lokayukta on the lines of the Central Act, with the provision of keeping the Chief Minister,
other Ministers, MLAs, heads of Panchayats and Municipalities, Trusts and public servants under the purview of a six-
member anti-corruption panel.

CONFERENCES
Third BIMSTEC summit 2014 Held In Myanmar
The Third BIMSTEC (Bay of Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical Economic Cooperation ) summit was held from 1 4
March 2014 in Nay Pyi Taw, capital of Myanmar.The Summit was attended by leaders of the BIMSTEC Member Countries,
namely Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Special Envoy from Thailand.The Summit issued a five-
page declaration, seeking cooperation and collaboration among themselves in the sectors of trade, energy, health, climate
change among others.The declaration has noted that the Summit decided to move forward towards finalisation of the draft
Agreement on Trade in Goods with agreed General Rules of Origin and Product Specific Rules.

AWARDS & HONOURS
86th Annual Academy Oscar Awards 2014
The 86th Annual Academy Oscar Awards 2014, presented by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS),
honored the actors, technical achievements, and films of 2013 and took place on 2 March 2014, at the Dolby Theatre in
Hollywood, Los Angeles.
List of Winners at 86th annual Academy Awards :-
Best Picture :- 12 Years a Slave.
Best Actor :- Matthew McConaughey, Dallas Buyers Club.
Best Actress :- Cate Blanchett, Blue Jasmine.
Best Supporting Actor :- Jared Leto, Dallas Buyers Club.
Best Supporting Actress :- Lupita Nyongo, 12 Years a Slave.
Best Directing :- Alfonso Cuaron, Gravity.
Best Foreign Language Film :- The Great Beauty, Italy.
Best Adapted Screenplay :- John Ridley, 12 Years a Slave.
Best Original Screenplay :- Spike Jonze, Her.
Best Animated Feature Film :- Frozen.
Production Design :- The Great Gatsby.
Best Cinematography :- Gravity.
Best Sound Mixing :- Gravity.
Best Sound Editing :- Gravity.
Best Original Score :- Gravity, Steven Price.
Best Original Song :- Let It Go from Frozen.
Best Costume :- The Great Gatsby.
Best Makeup and Hairstyling :- Dallas Buyers Club.
Best Animated Short Film :- Mr. Hublot.
Best Documentary Feature :- 20 Feet from Stardom.
Best Documentary (short subject) :- The Lady in Number 6: Music Saved My Life.
Best Film Editing :- Gravity.
Best Live Action Short Film :- Helium.
Best Visual Effects :- Gravity.
Indian Author Pankaj Mishra Won Windham Campbell Literature Prize
Award-winning Indian author Pankaj Mishra is among eight writers from seven countries who have won a $1,50,000 Yale
University prize each in recognition of their literary achievements.Essayist and novelist Mishra has been selected on 9
March for the prestigious Windham Campbell Literature prize in the non-fiction category.
German Honours Three Indians with Cross of the Order of Merit
Germany has conferred three Indians with its Cross of the Order of Merit award for their contribution in strengthening Indo-
German relations over the past decades.The awards were bestowed on Anand Singh Bawa, Kalyan Sachdev and Syed
Hasnain by German Ambassador Michael Steiner in New Delhi at a function on 11 March.
Tomas Halik Won 2014 Templeton Prize
Tomas Halik, a Roman Catholic priest and philosopher, onetime Czech political activist and an advocate for religious
freedom and interfaith dialogue, won the 2014 Templeton Prize on 13 March for religious and spiritual progress.The prize,
valued at about $1.8 million, is one of the largest awards given annually to a single individual. Founded in 1972.

SPORTS & GAMES
Mexican Open Tennis Tournament Winners 2014
Womens Singles :- Dominika Cibulkova of Slovakia won the Mexican Open Tennis tournament Womens Singles title.She
defeated American Christina McHale in the final at Mexico on 1 March. It was her fourth career title and first since Stanford
in 2013.
Mens Singles :- Bulgarias Grigor Dimitrov won the Mens Singles title after defeated South African Kevin Anderson in the
final.
South Africa Captain Graeme Smith Announced Retirement
South African captain Graeme Smith has announced on 4 March that he will retire from international cricket . Smith is the
longest serving captain for South Africa in international cricket. He has played 117 test matches as an opener of which 109
was as a captain too. His total 109 test captaincies is 16 more than the previous record held by Allan Border of Australia.
Pankaj Advani Won National Snooker Title
World champion Pankaj Advani (PSPB) won his sixth Mens National Snooker title after defeated Kamal Chawla of Railways
in the 81st national snooker championship, in Lucknow on 7 March.This was Advanis overall 24th national snooker title.
Mizoram Won Santosh Trophy 2014
Mizoram won the 68th edition of National Football Championship of Santosh Trophy after defeated Railways 3-0 in the final
on 9 March in Siliguri, West Bengal.This is the maiden Santosh Trophy for Mizoram also this was the first appearance for
them in the final match.
Nico Rosberg Won Australian Grand Prix
Mercedes driver Nico Rosberg of Germany won the Australian Grand Prix on 16 March at Melbourne in Australia.Kevin
Magnussen of Denmark (McLaren) was declared second after Red Bulls Daniel Ricciardo was disqualified after finishing
second in the race. Ricciardo was disqualified for breach of fuel regulations. Jenson Button of Great Britain also
representing McLaren finished the podium with third place.

ECONOMY
Mukesh Tops List of Indias 70 Billionaires
According to China-based research firm Huruns 2014 global rich list released on 3 March, India is home to the fifth largest
group of billionaires in the world and Mukesh Ambani, chairman of Reliance Industries , is the countrys richest man with a
personal fortune of $18 billion.Mukesh Ambani was ranked 41st in the list that was topped by Bill Gates, whose personal
networth stood at a whopping $68 billion.In the global rich list, Bill Gates was followed by Berkshire Hathaways Warren
Buffett (2nd) with a personal wealth of $64 billion .
Bill Gates Tops Forbes Billionaire List
Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates has regained the title of the worlds richest man in the Forbes magazines annual billionaire
list released on 3 March that includes 56 India based billionaires led by RIL chairman Mukesh Ambani.With a net worth of
$76 billion, Bill Gates reclaimed the top spot after a four-year hiatus, toppling Mexicos telecommunications mogul Carlos
Slim Helu, who placed second at $72 billion.With a networth of $18.6 billion, Reliance Industries Ltd (RIL) chief Mukesh
Ambani leads the pack of 56 billionaires based in India featured on the list.
India To Have 4th Highest Number Of Billionaires By 2023
According to the 2014 Wealth Report , an annual global perspective on prime property and wealth by property management
firm Knight Frank released on 6 March, India is projected to be home to the fourth highest number of billionaires in the world
by 2023.As per the report, projected that the number of billionaires in India will grow by an exponential 98 per cent to 119 in
the year 2023 from 60 billionaires last year.India will rank fourth after US, China and Russia in 2023 and will have more
billionaires than the UK, Germany and France.
SBI Launches SBIePay To Facilitate Electronic Transactions
State Bank of India (SBI), the largest bank in the country has on 13 March launched SBIePay a payment aggregator
service to facilitate electronic (e-commerce /m-commerce) transactions between merchants, customers and various financial
institutions in the country. Indias largest lender is the first bank in India to start its own online aggregator services.

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
Indian Navy Inducted Offshore Patrol Vessel INS Sumedha
The Naval Offshore Patrol Vessel INS Sumedha was formally commissioned into the Indian Navy at Goa on 7 March
.Sumedha is the third ship of the indigenous Naval Offshore Patrol Vessel (NOPV) Project to be inducted into the Indian
Navy.The ship has been designed and built by Goa Shipyard Limited.
Astronomers Discovered Hypergiant Star 1300 Times The Size of Our Sun
In the month of March 2014 A hypergaint star which is 1300 times wider than wider than the sun has discovered. This is the
biggest yellow star ever spotted. It is named as HR 5171. This star is 12,000 light years away. The star was studied by a
team lead by Oliver Chesneau of the Cote dAzur Observatory in Nice, France with the Very Large Telescope in Atacama,
Chile. This star can be about one million times brighter than the Sun.
Ludhian and Kanpur Among Worlds Top 10 Most Polluted Cities
According to a 2011 World Health Organisation (WHO) report on World Most Polluted Cities, released on 17 March,
Ludhiana and Kanpur are among the 10 most polluted cities in the world.Ludhiana made it to the fourth position along with
Quetta in Pakistan.Kanpur made it to the ninth position. The most polluted city in the world was Ahvaz in Iran.
India Successfully Tested Nuclear Capable Prithvi-II Missile
India successfully test-fired its nuclear-capable Prithvi-II surface-to-surface missile from a military base in Odisha on 28
March.The indigenously-developed ballistic missile with a maximum range of 350 km was fired from the Integrated Test
Range at Chandipur in Balasore district, about 230 km from Bhubaneswar.The Strategic Forces Command (SFC) of the
Indian Army conducted the test as part of a regular training exercise.Prithvi is Indias first indigenously-built ballistic missile.

PERSONS IN NEWS
A) APPOINTMENTS
Sheila Dikshit Sworn In As Kerala Governor
Veteran Congress leader and former Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit was sworn in as Kerala Governor on 11 March.
Kerala High Court Chief Justice Manjula Chellur administered the oath of office. She was appointed as the 22nd Governor of
Kerala on 4 March. She has succeeded Nikhil Kumar, who in the past has served as the Police Chief of Delhi. Her
appointment to the post came following resignation of Nikhil Kumar. Dikshit has served Delhi three times, as its Chief
Minister from 1998 to 2013.She had represented the Kannauj Parliamentary Constituency of Uttar Pradesh during 1984 to
1989.
Former SC Judge Srikrishna Appointed as FPSB chairman
Justice (Retd.) BN Srikrishna has been appointed as the Chairman of Financial Planning Standards Board India (FPSB) on
11 March. He takes over from Dhirendra Swarup, who was the chairman of the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development
Authority (PFRDA).
B)RESIGNS
Nandan Nilekani Resigned as UIDAI chairman
Infosys co-founder Nandan Nilekani resigned as Chairman of Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) on 13 March.
Nilekani joined the Congress Party on 10 March 2014 and he is contesting from the Bangalore South constituency in Lok
Sabha polls. After his exit as CEO of Bangalore headquartered Infosys in 2007, Nilekani had taken charge as head of
UIDAI, Aadhar programme.
C)DEATHS
Noted Indian Author Khushwant Singh Died
Noted English author and journalist Khushwant Singh died on 20 March in New Delhi at the age of 99. He was the founder-
editor of Yojana and editor of the Illustrated Weekly of India, the National Herald and the Hindustan Times. Khushwant
Singh was awarded the Padma Bhushan in 1974 but returned it in 1984 to protest the storming of the Golden Temple in
Amritsar by the Indian Army. In 2007, he was awarded the Padma Vibhushan, the second highest Indian recognition.
D)VISITORS
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Visited Myanmar
Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh visited Myanmar on 3 4 March 2014. During his two day visit, Manmohan Sing
attended the third BIMSTEC summit in Nay Pyi-Taw, the capital of Myanmar. In the visit, Myanmar President U Thein Sein
met with Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh at the president office, agreeing further cooperation between the two
countries.
E)MISCELLANEOUS
14 Indians In WEFs Young Global Leaders Class of 2014
World Economic Forum (WEF) on 11 March released Young Global Leaders 2014 list .The WEF recognised 214 Young
Global Leaders (YGLs). Among them 109 are woman who were recognised for leadership and service to society.There
were 17 young global leaders in South Asia, out of which 14 were from India.

PLACES IN NEWS
Tata HQ Becomes First Heritage Building To Get Gold Rating
Bombay House, the Headquarters of the Tata group in Mumbai, has become Indias first heritage building to get gold rating
by Indian Green Building Council(IGBC) on 3 March . Built in 1923, Bombay House has been given the rating for
implementing measures for energy savings of over 20 per cent, use of renewable energy, occupant well being and comfort,
use of car pools and public transport, and contribution to the maintenance of neighbouring areas.

ABBREVIATIONS
APEDA - Agricultural and Processed Food Products Exports Development Authority
BIMSTEC Bay of Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical Economic Cooperation
ECOWAS Economic Community of West African States
FIFA Federation Internationale de Football Association
CSIR - Council of Scientific and Industrial Research

BOOKS IN NEWS
Jaswant Singh Released His Book India at Risk
Jaswant Singh, Former Minister in the NDA government on 3 March released a book entitled India at Risk Mistakes
Misconceptions and Misadventures of security policy. In his book, he had discussed the issues, the conflicts and the
consequences of the security related policy of India.

COMMITTEES
Shyamala Gopinath Committee Recommendations
The Union Government on 4 March 2014 decided to hike interest rates on fixed deposit schemes offered by post offices by
up to 0.2 %. The decision to hike interest rates is taken on the recommendations of Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Deputy
Governor Shyamala Gopinath Committee.As per the Shyamala Gopinath Committees recommendations - The interest rate
on fixed deposits for one and two years has been increased to 8.4% from the present 8.2%. Fixed deposits of three and five
years will earn 0.1% higher rate at 8.4% and 8.5%. The rate on National Savings Scheme (NSC) with 5 and 10 year
maturities also remain unchanged at 8.5 % and 8.8 %. The new interest rates on small savings schemes will come into
effect from April 1, 2014.

IMPORTANT DAYS AND DATES
World Poetry Day Observed Across The World
World Poetry Day was observed across the world on 21 March 2014. The day was observed to support linguistic diversity
through poetic expression and to offer endangered languages the opportunity to be heard within their communities.The
decision to observe 21 March as World Poetry Day was adopted at the 30th session of UNESCO held in Paris in 1999.
World Water Day Observed Across The World
World Water Day was observed on 22 March 2014 with the theme Water and Energy to raise awareness of the inter-
linkages between water and energy. World Water Day is observed to preserve and ration consumption of water.The United
Nation is observed annually on 22 March to draw attention on the importance of freshwater and advocating for the
sustainable management of fresh water resources.
UN observed International Day of Forest
International Day of Forests was observed across the world on 21 March 2014. The theme of the International Forest Day
was Celebrating Forests for Sustainable Development.

BANKING
INTERNATIONAL
1) Which country announced on 11 March 2014 a plan to lease Himalayan peaks to private companies to ease traffic on
Mount Everest and to boost tourism ?
Ans:- Nepal
2) The Supreme Court of - on 9 March 2014 sacked the Election Commissioner Fuwad Thowfeek and his deputy
Ahmad Fayaz ?
Ans:- Maldives
3) Who won the El Salvadors presidential election on 17 March 2014 ?
Ans:- Salvador Sanchez Ceren
4) Which country Forces on 17 March 2014 handed over its two important military bases in southern Helmand province to
Afghan security forces and closed down another base ?
Ans:- Britain
5) Which country and New Zealand announced a landmark deal on 18 March 2014 that allows the direct trading of the two
countries currencies ?
Ans:- China
INDIA & WORLD
1) India, Sri Lanka and Maldives on 6 March 2014 held national security advisor-level meet on maritime security cooperation
in - ?
Ans:- New Delhi
2) According to the latest data from the National Bomb Data Centre (NBDC) released on 5 March 2014, which country has
turned out to be the third most dangerous country in the world in terms of bomb blasts cases (per year) only ?
Ans:- India
3) What was Indias rank in the recently released report of the global anti-money laundering body Financial Action Task
Force (FATF) pertaining to progress in combating money laundering in the world ? Ans:- 34
4) Which country was recenlty ranked fourth in a Microsoft report in the list of the countries sending out spam e-mails ?
Ans:- India
5) Which country and India have signed on 18 March 2014 an agreement to work together in software, information
technology and infrastructure ?
Ans:- China
NATIONAL
1) The Union government has on 4 March 2014 launched the Maulana Azad Sehat Scheme a health scheme for ____?
Ans:- Minority Students
2) Recently, Union government has launched a nation-wide campaign awareness campaign to curb the spread of dengue
disease.The campaign has been named as ?
Ans:- U and ME against Dengue
3) Election Commission on 5 March 2014 announced the dates for Lok Sabha polls. Over 814 million voters constituting
the biggest electorate in the world will exercise their franchise to elect 543 members to the 16 th Lok Sabha in how many
phases?
Ans:- 9
4) The Government of India (GoI) recently announced to build how many low cost airports in the next 20 years ?
Ans:- 200
5) In the month of March 2014 government has approved to set up countrys second nuclear f uel complex to reprocess
atomic fuel in ?
Ans:- Rajasthan
STATES
1) The government has recently approved the National Mission for Sustaining the Himalayan Ecosystem (NMSHE) to
sustain the Himalayan ecosystem, continuously assess it s health status.The NMSHE covers how many states of India?
Ans:- Twelve
2) Name the new health scheme launched on 6 March 2014 by North Delhi Municipal Corporation (NDMC) for women?
Ans:- Stri Swasthya Suraksha Yojna
3) Which state government on 3 March 2014 launched a novel scheme Dial a doctor which will enable the public to seek
health-related advice over phone round-the-clock from doctors by dialling a toll-free number ?
Ans:- Kerala
4) Which state approved the Backward Class (BC) status for the Jat and Jat Sikhs of the State on 5 March 2014 ?
Ans:- Punjab
5) For how many years, Hyderabad is envisaged as the common capital for Andhra Pradesh and Telangana as per Andhra
Pradesh Reorganisation Act 2014?
Ans:- 10 years
CONFERENCES
1) The 3rd Summit meet of Bengal Initiative for Multi-sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) was held
from 1 4 March 2014 at ?
Ans:- Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar
AWARDS & HONOURS
1) Alfonso Cuaron won the Best director award in Oscars 2014 for which movie?
Ans:- Gravity
2) Who won the 2014 Templeton Prize ?
Ans:- Tomas Halik
3) Who has been selected for the 17th Gollapudi Srinivas National Award 2013 for his debut film as a director, The Good
Road in Gujarati ?
Ans:- Gyan Correa
4) What is the name of the Indian journalist who won the prestigious Google Digital Activism Award for 2014 beating likes of
Edward Snowden?
Ans:- Shubhranshu Choudhary
5) Which water-based initiative from India won the 2014 UN-Water Water for Life Best Practices Award as announced on
21 March 2014?
Ans:- International Water Management Institute (IWMI)-Tata Water Policy Programme
SPORTS & GAMES
1) Who won the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championship doubles title on 1 March 2014 ?
Ans:- Indo-Pak duo Rohan Bopanna and Aihsan ul Haq Qureshi
2) Which club won the Capital One football Cup in the final held at Wembley on 2 March 2014 ? Ans:- Manchester City
3) Name the Indian shuttler won the German Open Grand Prix Mens singles title on 2 March 2014 ? Ans:- Arvind Bhat
4) Which country won the Asia Cup 2014 title after defeated Pakistan by five wickets in the final at the Shere Bangla
National Stadium Mirpur, Bangladesh on 8 March 2014 ? Ans:- Sri Lanka
5) Which country won the ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup 2014 ? Ans:- South Africa
ECONOMY
1) Who is the Worlds top richest Billionaire with worth of 76 billion dollars according to Forbes magazines 28th Annual
World billionaires list released on 3 March 2014?
Ans:- Bill Gates
2) Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on 13 March 2014 hiked the trade related remittance limit from Rs. 2 lakh to Rs. 5 lakh per
transaction.What was the reason for this increase?
Ans:- Increase in the number of transactions handled by exchange houses
3) Bharti Airtel and which international telecom giant signed a pact on 4 March 2014 to set up a multi-service regional
network infrastructure node in India? Ans:- Etisalat
4) Government of India on 4 March 2014 hiked the interest rates on fixed deposit scheme that is offered by post offices by
up to - percent? Ans:- 0.2 %
5) Which state scored the highest in monthly per capita consumer expenditure (MPCE) for urban areas in the recently
released ranking by the by the National Sample Survey Organisation (NSSO)? Ans:- Haryana
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
1) In the month of March 2014 World Longest aircraft Airlander or HAV304 was unveiled at - ?
Ans:- Cardington in Bedfordshire, Britain
2) Name the Indian-American scientist on 6 March 2014 developed the first 3D model of a human fingerprint called Phantom
?
Ans:- Anil Jain
3) Scientists in the - community discovered a way to rebuild ears and noses using stem cells from body fat on 4 March
2014 ? Ans:- British
4) Which seemingly impoverished country recently made a surprising entry into the high-tech world with its own
manufactured Android tablet named Surtab? Ans:- Haiti
5) Name the student of Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) on 17 March 2014 developed a robot that can swim like
fish ? Ans:- Andrew Marchese
PERSONS IN NEWS
A) APPOINTMENTS
1) Who assumed charge as the new Secretary General of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC)
on 3 March 2014? Ans:- Arjun Bahadur Thapa
2) Who was appointed as the Chairman of Financial Planning Standards Board India (FPSB) on 11 March 2014 ?
Ans:- Justice (Retd.) BN Srikrishna
B)RESIGNS
1) Nandan Nilekani on 13 March 2014 resigned as Chairman of Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI).When he
took charge as the first Chairman of UIDAI? Ans:- In 2007
C) DEATHS
1) Name the the author of the Fatal Vision died on 10 March 2014 at UMass Memorial Medical Center in Worcester,
Massachusetts, US ?
Ans:- Joe McGinniss
D) VISITORS
1) Name the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) President visited India from 19 22 March 2014 ? Ans:- John Ashe
E) MISCELLANEOUS
1) Misao Okawa, the oldest woman in the world, turned 116 on 6 March 2014. She is from which country? Ans:- Japan
PLACES IN NEWS
1) What is the name of the proposed 70-storey temple, billed to be the tallest shrine in the world, which was inaugurated on
16 March 2014 at Vrindavan in UP? Ans:- Vrindavan Chandrodaya Mandir
ABBREVIATIONS IN NEWS
1) What is the full form of IBRD ? Ans:- International Bank for Reconstruction and Development
BOOKS IN NEWS
1) What is the name of another book written by Wendy Doniger, whose publisher on 10 March 2014 announced it will not
reprint this book until an acceptable resolution pertaining to the alleged controversies in this book are found?
Ans:- On Hinduism
COMMITTEES IN NEWS
1) Which committee has recently recommended an anti-discrimination law for Muslims on lines of SC/ST law?
Ans:- Amitabh Kundu Committee
DAYS & DATES
1) World Water Day was observed on - ? Ans:- 22 March


FEBRARY
INTERNATIONAL
Libya Destroyed All Chemical Weapons
Libya has completely destroyed the chemical arsenal it inherited from Moamer Kadhafi, 10 years after the now slain dictator
signed the Chemical Weapons Convention, Foreign Minister Mohamed Abdelaziz announced on 5 February.Now the Libya
has become totally free of usable chemical weapons that might present a potential threat to the security of local
communities, the environment and neighbouring areas.
Matteo Renzi Named new Italian Prime Minister
The leader of Italys centre-left Democratic Party (PD), Matteo Renzi, was appointed as the countrys new prime minister on
17 February. Renzi, who at 39 would be the countrys youngest-ever prime minister, was summoned by Italian President
Giorgio Napolitano at Quirinale presidential palace and given a mandate to try to form a new cabinet after the resignation of
Enrico Letta as prime minister on 14 February.
Ugandan President Signed Anti Gay Law
Ugandas President Yoweri-Museveni has signed a controversial anti-gay bill on 24 February that allows harsh penalties for
homosexual offences, calling them mercenaries and prostitutes.Yoweri Museveni signed the bill, which holds that
homosexuals be jailed for long terms, outlaws the promotion of homosexuality and requires people to denounce gays.
Arseniy Yatsenyuk Elected As Ukrain Interim PM
The Ukrainian parliament has on 27 February elected former opposition leader Arseniy Yatsenyuk as the countrys Interim
Prime Minister.He was backed by 371 of 417 participating deputies in the Parliament.

INDIA & WORLD
India and Germany Signed Two Agreements On Financial and Technical Co-operation
India and Germany have signed two umbrella agreements for financial and technical co-operation under Indo German
bilateral Development Cooperation framework.The Umbrella Agreements were signed by Finance Minister P Chidambaram
and German Federal Minister for Economic Cooperation and Development Gerd Mueller during their bilateral meeting on 5
February in New Delhi.
India and China Held 17th Round Of Border Talks
India and China held their 17th round of border talks on 10 11 February 2014 .Special representatives National Security
Adviser Shivshankar Menon and Chinese State Councillor and top diplomat Yang Jiechi met in New Delhi on 10 February
and 11 February for talks on the boundary question.The talks between both sides have crossed the first stage on agreeing
to settlement of the boundary question. The second stage talks on the framework for resolution of the boundary question
has been continuing for the past eight years.
India and Canada Signed Three MoUs
India and Canada have signed three MoUs for cooperation in health sector, audio-visual co-production and skill
development.The MoUs were signed after talks between Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh and Govenor General of
Canada David Johnston in New Delhi on 24 February.
India and Israel Signed Homeland Security Agreement
India and Israel have on 27 February signed a slew of agreements on cooperation in legal assistance and public and
homeland security.These agreements were signed by Additional Secretary (Home Ministry) Rajiv Sharma and Israeli
Ambassador Alon Ushpiz.

NATIONAL
Union Cabinet Approved National Policy On Agroforestry
The Union Cabinet on 6 February approved National Policy to promote Agroforestry by facilitating credit and insurance to
farmers, besides strengthening market access.The national policy assumes importance as the sector is currently affected by
adverse policies, legal constraints, inadequate investments, weak markets and a dearth of institutional finance.
Maulana Azad Taleem-e-Balighan Scheme Launched
Minister of State for HRD, Dr Shashi Tharoor on 18 February launched Maulana Azad Taleem-e-Balighan under Sakshar
Bharat at New Delhi.The programme aims to impart functional literacy, vocational skill development and continuing
education to one crore Muslim adults with an outlay of Rs 600 crore.
CCEA approved Green India Mission
The National Mission for Green India has received approval from the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) on 20
February as a Centrally-sponsored scheme.The project, which has a planned investment of about Rs.13,000 crore during
the 12th Plan Period.
Parliament Passed Whistleblower Protection Bill
Whistleblower Protection Bill was passed by Parliament on 21 February.The bill aims to provide a regular mechanism to
encourage persons to disclose information on corruption or willful misuse of power by public servants and ministers.The bill
was passed by Lok Sabha in 2011 and was taken up by the Upper House in 2012 for consideration.

STATES
Indias First Monorail Service Inaugurated In Mumbai
Indias first monorail service was inaugurated by the Maharashtra Chief Minister Prithviraj chavan on 1 February in
Mumbai.The monorail service that will link the city to major stations will begin its first phase of 8.93 km between Wadala and
Chembur in the eastern fringes of the Commercial Capital.
Odisha Lokayukta Bill 2014 Passed In Assembly
Odisha Legislative Assembly on 14 February passed the Odisha Lokayukta Bill 2014, with provision of keeping Chief
Minister, ex-Chief Ministers, other ministers and public servants under the purview of a six-member anti-corruption panel.
The Bill has provisions similar to that of the Central Act which was passed in Parliament in December, 2013.
Presidents Rule Imposed in Delhi
President Pranab Mukherjee has imposed Presidents rule in Delhi and accepted the Arvind Kejriwal governments
resignation.This information was on 17 February published in a press release by Lt Governor Najeeb Jungs office.With this
imposition of the President Rule, the Delhi Assembly will be kept under suspended animation.
Chhattisgarh Government To Set Up A Law Commission
Raman Singh, the Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh on 25 February announced that a new Law Commission will be set-up in
the state to suggest changes in laws as per the geographical and social requirements of the state. This announcement was
made in the state Assembly.

CONFERENCES
101st Session of Indian Science Congress
101st Session of Indian Science Congress (ISC) held at Jammu University, Jammu from 3-7 February 2014. The theme of
ISC 2014 is Innovations in Science and Technology for Inclusive Development. Prime Minister of India, Dr. Manmohan
Singh inaugurated the session on 3 February.This was the tenth time Manmohan Singh had the privilege to address the
inaugural address at the Indian Science Congress.

AWARDS & HONOURS
Sachin Tendulkar and CNR Rao Received Bharat Ratna
Renowned scientist C.N.R. Rao and former cricketer Sachin Tendulkar were on 4 February conferred the Bharat Ratna, the
highest civilian award of the country for exceptional contribution in any field of human endeavour.The award was presented
by President Pranab Mukherjee at a brief ceremony in the historic Durbar Hall of Rashtrapati Bhavan.
Malala Nominated For Childrens Nobel Prize
Pakistani teenage rights activist Malala Yousafzai is among three persons nominated for an award known as the Childrens
Nobel Prize.Malala Yousafzai has been nominated for the 2014 Worlds Childrens Prize with John Wood from the US and
Nepalese child rights worker Indira Ranamagar.
VV Dongre and Guocheng Zhang Won International Gandhi Award 2013
Pranab Mukherjee, the President of India on 15 February presented the International Gandhi Award for the year 2013 to Dr.
Vijaykumar Vinayak Dongre (VV Dongre) and Prof. Guocheng Zhang at Rashtrapati Bhawan, New Delhi. They were
awarded for making outstanding contributions in the field of leprosy to eradicate the disease through treatment, training and
research.
Sikkim Won National Tourism Award 2012-13
Sikkim has been declared as best state in the country in implementation of Rural Tourism Projects by Ministry of Tourism
Govt of India .Union Minister for Human Resource Development Dr. Shashi Tharoor,presented the National Tourism Award
2012-13 to Sikkim tourism minister Sh Bhim Dhungel in a function at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi on 18 February.

SPORTS & GAMES
Vijay Amritraj Honoured with Davis Cup Commitment Award
Vijay Amritraj, a former Indian tennis player was on 1 February presented the Davis Cup Commitment Award .Previously
Four Indian tennis icons Ramanathan Krishnan, Ramesh Krishnan, Anand Amritraj and Mahesh Bhupathi were
honoured with the Davis Cup Commitment awards.The award was instituted by the International Tennis Federation (ITF).
Joshna Chinappa Won Winnipeg Open Title
Indias Squash player Joshna Chinappa won the Winnipeg Winter Club Open trophy on 3 February. She defeated Heba El
Torky of Egypt in the final.The triumph of Chinappa marked the second consecutive year of an Indian winning the trophy
with Dipika Pallikal being the first to clinch it before her in 2013.
Deepika Kumari Named FICCI Sportsperson Of The Year
Indias top archer Deepika Kumari was on 13 February named the Sportsperson of the Year at the India Sports Awards,
presented by Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI). Former India captain Rahul Dravid was
conferred with the Lifetime Achievement award. P.V Sindhu, bronze medallist at the badminton World Championships, was
named the Breakthrough Sportsperson of the Year , while cricketer Yuvraj Singh was named the Most Inspiring
Sportsperson of the Year .
Delhi Waveriders Won Hockey India League Title
Delhi Waveriders defeated Jaypee Punjab Warriors in the penalty shoot-out to emerge as the champions in the second
edition of Hero Hockey India League (HIL) at the packed Astroturf Hockey Stadium at Ranchi on 23 February.
Somdev Devvarman Won Delhi Open ATP Challenger Title
Indias Somdev Devvarman won his third ATP Challengers title as he defeated Aleksandr Nedovyesov of Russia in the Delhi
Open ATP Challenger Mens singles final on 23 February at New Delhi .Somdev last won a Challenger level title in 2010 at
the Izmir event in Turkey.

ECONOMY
Rajasthan Bans FDI in Multi-brand Retail
Rajasthan on 1 February cancelled its approval for the foreign direct investment in multi-brand retailing.The approval was
given earlier by the previous Congress state government led by former Chief Minister, Ashok Gehlot.With this decision of
cancelling the approval over FDI made Rajasthan the second state after Delhi to withdraw approval for FDI in multi-brand
retail.
Indian Economy To Grow At 4.9 Percent In 2013-14
Central Statistics Office (CSO) in its release on 7 February estimated that Indias economic growth in the current (2013-14)
fiscal will be 4.9 percent as compared to the growth rate of 4.5 percent in 2012-13.The countrys Gross Domestic Product
(GDP) at factor cost at constant (2004-05) prices in 2013-14 is likely to be Rs.57.5 lakh crore as compared to Rs.54.8 lakh
crore in the previous year, registering year-on-year increase of 4.9 percent.
Tata Group Indias Most Valuable Brand
According to the list released on 18 February of worlds 500 most valued brand, Brand Finance Global 500 , Tata group was
declared Indias most valuable brand with a value of US$ 21.1 billion, while US-based technology giant Apple has retained
its top position globally with about US$ 105 billion.Apple is followed by Samsung (US$ 79 billion) at second place
globally.Tata has retained its top place among Indian brands and its global ranking has also improved from 39th in 2013 to
34th now.
Indias First Post Office Savings Bank ATM Inaugurated In Chennai
Union Finance Minister P. Chidambaram on 27 February inaugurated the countrys first post office savings bank ATM at the
Head Post Office in Thyagaraya Nagar in Chennai.The ATM was part of an Information Technology (IT) modernisation
project of the Department of Posts.

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
BrahMos Missile Successfully Test Fired In Salvo Mode
The 290km-range BrahMos supersonic cruise missile was successfully fired on 6 February from a naval warship INS
Trikand in salvo mode in the Arabian Sea.For the first time, the BrahMos cruise missile was fired in salvo mode off the
Russian-built warship off the coast of Karnataka with an interval of three seconds off the coast of Goa.
Australian Astronomers Discovered Oldest Known Star In Universe
A team of scientists at the Australian National University has on 11 February discovered the oldest known star in the
Universe.The star known as SMSS J031300.36-670839.3, is in the Milky Way galaxy and some 6000 light years from the
Earth. The star was formed shortly after the Big Bang 13.7 billion years ago.The star was discovered using the ANU
SkyMapper telescope at the Siding Spring Observatory.
Indian-origin Boy Shubham Banerjee Invents Braille Printer Using Lego Set
A 12-year-old boy of Indian Origin Shubham Banerjee has on 23 February designed a low-cost Braille printer using toy
construction Lego pieces.Banerjee developed the Braille printer called Braigo, which is short for Braille with Lego.It was
created from the Lego Mindstorms EV3 set, which retails for USD 349.
India Successfully Test Fired Akash Missile
India on 26 February successfully test-fired its Akash medium-range surface-to-air missile from a defence base in Odisha,
for the third time. Akash was earlier successfully tested from the same defence base on 21st and 24th February 2014. The
indigenously-developed missile, with a 27-km range and an effective ceiling of 15 km, was test-fired from the Integrated Test
Range of Chandipur in the coastal district of Balasore, 230 km from Bhubaneswar.

PERSONS IN NEWS
A) APPOINTMENTS
N. Ramachandran Elected IOA president
World Squash Federation (WSF) chief N. Ramachandran was elected unopposed as the president of the Indian Olympic
Association (IOA) on 9 February.Kho Kho Federation of India (KKFI) president Rajeev Mehta and All India Tennis
Association (AITA) president Anil Khanna were also elected unopposed respectively as the secretary general and treasurer.
R.K.Tiwari Appointed as new Chairman of CBDT
R.K.Tiwari has been appointed as the as the new chairman of Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) on 9 February.He will
succeed Chairperson Sudha Sharma who is scheduled to retire on 28 February 2014.Tiwari is a 1976-batch Indian Revenue
Service (IRS) officer. He is currently working as the Member of Legislation and Computerisation Department in the CBDT.
B)RESIGNS
Jammu and Kashmir Minister Shabir Ahmad Khan Resigned
Jammu and Kashmir Minister of State for Health Shabir Ahmad Khan on 7 February resigned as Minister from the Omar
Abdullahs cabinet in an alleged molestation case while the Governor N N Vohra has accepted the resignation.
C)DEATHS
Noted Hindi Writer Amar Kant Died
Noted Hindi writer and Jnanpith Award winner Amar Kant died on 17 February .Kants prominent novels are Inhin
Hathiyaron Se, Katili Raah ke Phool, Sookha Patta, Kale Ujle and Beech ki Deewar.He received several awards, including
Jnanpith award in 2009, Sahitya Acdemy Award in 2007, Uttar Pradesh Hindi Sansthan Award, Maithli Sharan Gupta Award,
Amarkant Keerti Samman from Madhya Pradesh government among others.
D)VISITORS
Bahrains King Hamad Al Khalifa Visited India
The King of Bahrain Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa visited India from 18 20 February 2014.During his three day visit, King
Hamad met Indian President Pranab Mukherjee , Vice-president Hamid Ansari and held delegation-level discussions with
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on bilateral, regional and global issues. After delegation-level talks between the two
leaders , both nations signed three agreements to boost bilateral ties between the two countries.
E)MISCELLANEOUS
Indra Nooyi and Chanda Kochhar In Fortunes Most Powerful Businesswomen List
PepsiCo CEO Indra Nooyi and ICICI Bank Managing Director Chanda Kochhar are among Fortune magazines list of 50
most powerful women in business: Global edition.The list, which was released on 7 February, has been topped by General
Motors CEO Mary Barra, the first woman to run a global automaker.

PLACES IN NEWS
Delhi Ranked 22nd In Global Fashion Capital List
New York has topped the list of global fashion capitals leaving Paris and London behind. In an annual ranking survey report
by Global Language Monitor (GLM) released on 19 February, Delhi stands at the 22th spot and Mumbai at 45th.

ABBREVIATIONS
ASEAN - Association of South East Asian Nations
NAFDAC National Agency for Food & Drug Administration and Control
IAEA International Atomic Energy Agency
BCSBI Banking Codes and Standards Board of India
TARC Tax Administration Reform Commission
CBDT Central Board of Direct Taxes

BOOKS IN NEWS
Penguin Decided To withdraw a Book entitled The Hindus: An Alternative History
Penguin India, the publisher of book entitled The Hindus: An Alternative History on 11 February agreed to withdraw the
book from the Indian market. This book is written by Wendy Doniger, an American Scholar and Indologist. The decision was
made by the publisher following a legal wrangle against it.The decision was made between the publisher and Delhi based
complainant organisation called Shiksha Bachao Andolan, who moved to court alleging distortion aimed at denigrating Hindu
traditions. The organisation has found that the book is insulting Hindus.

COMMITTEES
Bimal Jalan Committee On Bank Licences Submits Recommendations To RBI
The Bimal Jalan committee which is scrutinising applications for new bank licences submitted its report to the Reserve Bank
of India (RBI) on 25 February.The committee led by former Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor Dr Jalan held its third and
final meeting before submitting its recommendations to the central bank.

IMPORTANT DAYS AND DATES
International Mother Language Day Observed Across The World
International Mother Language Day (Bhasha Divas) was observed across the world, with Bangladesh leading on 21
February 2014. This day is observed with an aim to promote awareness of linguistic, multilingualism and cultural
diversity.International Mother Language Day was announced by UNESCO on 17 November 1999 and was formally
recognised by the United Nations General Assembly in its resolution establishing 2008 as the International Year of
Languages.
National Science Day Observed Across India On 28 February
India on 28 February 2014 observed National Science Day to mark the discovery of the Raman Effect by Indian physicist
Chandrasekhara Venkata Raman (CV Raman).In 2014, the theme of the day is Fostering Scientific Temper and Energy
conservation. This day is celebrated every year on this day to spread a message about the significance of scientific
applications in the daily life of the people.The National Council for Science and Technology Communication (NCSTC) in
1986 asked the Government of India to designate 28 February as National Day.


BANKING
INTERNATIONAL
1) Which two countries have on 5 February 2014 agreed to hold reunions of families separated since the Korean War ?
Ans:- North Korea and South Korea
2) Which country has topped in terms of intellectual property (IP) environment in the list of 25 countries released recently?
Ans:- US
3) In the month of February 2014 South African president Jacob Zuma announced the general elections will be held on
- ?
Ans:- 2014 May 7
4) In the month of February 2014 which country has agreed to develop biggest cargo airport in Afghanistan on Herat airport
that is located in Western part of the country ?
Ans:- Italy
5) Which countrys Parliament on 19 February 2014 passed a law that made it mandatory to put graphic warning on
cigarette packs?
Ans:- Sri Lanka
INDIA & WORLD
1) Which two countries have signed two umbrella agreements for financial and technical co-operation on 5 February 2014 ?
Ans:- India and Germany
2) Which country and India on 11 February 2014 signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) as part of their efforts to
intensify bilateral cooperation in the area of renewable energy ?
Ans:- Netherlands
3) India was ranked in the list of ten countries in terms of digital governance on 11 February 2014 ?
Ans:- 8th
4) Which insurgent group from India ranked fourth among the top ten most active non-state armed groups in 2013,
according to the IHS Janes latest Global Terrorism and Insurgency Attack Index, a major defence and business risk
think-tank?
Ans:- The Communist Party of India
5) What was Indias rank among 180 countries in the World Press Freedom Index 2014 released on 12 February 2014?
Ans:- 140
NATIONAL
1) On 7 February 2014 the Supreme Court of India upheld recommendations made by the Justice Majithia wage board. The
Majithia wage board is related to hiking salaries for ____?
Ans:- Journalists and non-journalists
2) Indias anti-corruption watchdog Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) completed how many years of its establishment on
11 February 2014?
Ans:- 50 years
3) Which railway on 9 February 2014 launched a new android-based smartphone app named HYLITES, which is claimed to
be the first of its kind of app on Indian Railways offering most of the enquiry needs of city-based passengers?
Ans:- South Central Railway SCR
4) India Post (Dept. of Posts) on 13 February 2014 launched electronic Indian Postal Order (e-IPO) for Indian Citizens living
in India. e-IPO facilitates paying online fee for which purpose?
Ans:- For seeking information under the RTI
5) Which major port of the country was renamed Kamarajar Port as announced by the Union Government on 20 February
2014?
Ans:- Ennore Port in Chennai
STATES
1) Indias first monorail Mumbai Monorail was opened for the general public on 2 February 2014 after being inaugurated
on 1 February.Which authority owns and operates this monorail project?
Ans:- Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA)
2) Shri Kapil Sibal, Minister of Communications & Information Technology on 4 February 2014 launched a special service of
the Speed Post for booking and delivery of Notices/ Summons of which High Court with Proof of Delivery (PoD) facility?
Ans:- Delhi High Court
3) Which State Police on 6 February 2014 launched a helpline number +91-8750871111 for foreign nationals in distress ?
Ans:- Delhi
4) Union Cabinet approved the Telangana Bill on 7 February 2014. As per the bill which will be the joint capital of Telangana
and Andhra Pradesh?
Ans:- Hyderabad
5) The Union Ministry of Urban Development gave an in-principle approval to the Phase I of the - Metro Rail Project on
12 February 2014 ?
Ans:- Pune
CONFERENCES
1) The 2014 G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors meeting was held from 22-23 February 2014 at - ?
Ans:- Sydney, Australia
AWARDS & HONOURS
1) Name the director of Research Centre Imarat (RCI), the avionics hub of DRDOs missile complex, on 3 February 2014
received Indian Science Congress Associations Homi J. Bhabha Memorial Award for 2013-14 ?
Ans:- G. Satheesh Reddy
2) Who was conferred Award of Honour by Ron Burton, President of Rotary International on 11 February 2014 in New Delhi
?
Ans:- President Pranab Mukherjee
3) Malala Yousafzai has been nominated for the World Childrens Prize on 7 February 2014. In which year World Childrens
Prize, also known as the Childrens Nobel Prize was founded?
Ans:- 2000
4) Who were received the International Gandhi Award for the year 2013 on 15 February 2014 ?
Ans:- Dr. Vijaykumar Vinayak Dongre and Prof. Guocheng Zhang
SPORTS & GAMES
1) Who won the Winnipeg Winter Club Open trophy on 3 February 2014 ?
Ans:- Indias Squash player Joshna Chinappa
2) Who became the youngest Russian athlete to win a gold medal at the Winter Olympics 2014 at Sochi, Russia on 9
February 2014 in free skating in the team figure skating competition ?
Ans:- Yulia Lipnitskaya
3) International Olympic Committee (IOC) revoked ban on Indian Olympic Association (IOA) after how many months on 11
February 2014?
Ans:- 14 months
4) The 2014 Winter Olympics was held from 7 23 February 2014 at ?
Ans:- Sochi, Russia
5) Which player came out as the most expensive player for the 7th edition of IPL, auction for which was held on 12 February
2014?
Ans:- Yuvraj Singh
ECONOMY
1) Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) on 6 February 2014 approved 100% FDI in which mobile company thus
making it the countrys first telecom player to be fully owned by a foreign company?
Ans:- Vodafone
2) Which two Northeastern states are set to come on rail map as part of Railways extension of network in the Northeastern
States as announced in the interim Railway Budget for 2014-15, which was presented in the Lok Sabha on 12 February
2014?
Ans:- Meghalaya and Arunachal Pradesh
3) What is the name of Indias first public sector unit (PSU), the revival plan for which was approved by the Cabinet
Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) on 13 February 2014?
Ans:- ITI Limited
4) Reserve Bank on 4 February 2014 has issued certificate of authorisation to four non-bank entities to set up White Label
ATMs (WLAs) in the country. Which among the following was not in that list of non-bank entities?
Ans:- Varkeys Ventures
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
1) What is the name of the supersonic cruise missile was successfully fired on 6 February 2014 from a naval warship INS
Trikand in salvo mode in the Arabian Sea ?
Ans:- BrahMos
2) Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare launched third-line drug therapy for people living with on 12 February
2014 ?
Ans:- HIV/AIDS
3) Which country scientist have recently discovered a pre-leukemic stem cell that may be at the root of acute myeloid
leukemia ?
Ans:- Canada
4) Indias Mars Orbiter Mission (MOM), also called Mangalyaan, completed 100 days in space on - ?
Ans:- 12 February 2014
PERSONS IN NEWS
A) APPOINTMENTS
1) Who took over as Asian Development Banks new Country Director for India on 3 February 2014?
Ans:- Teresa Kho
2) Who was appointed as the new CEO and Managing Director of MCX Stock Exchange (MCX-SX), the countrys newest
full-fledged stock exchange on 2 February 2014?
Ans:- Saurabh Sarkar
3) John Thompson was appointed as the Chairman of which tech giant on 5 February 2014?
Ans:- Microsoft )
4) Who was selected as the new President of the Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI) on 7 February 2014?
Ans:- R Sridharan
B)RESIGNS
1) Who resigned as the Director General of Cricket in the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on 15 February 2014?
Ans:- Javed Miandad
C) DEATHS
1) Balu Mahendra, who passed away on 13 February 2014 at Chennai , was associated with which field?
Ans:- Films
D) VISITORS
1) Name the Foreign Minister of Kyrgyz Republic visited India from 13 to 15 February 2014 ?
Ans:- Erlan Abdyldaev
E) MISCELLANEOUS
1) Which cricketer joined hands with an NGO Navbharat Sewa Samiti to roll out a campaign named Cancer Mukt Purvi
Dilli focussing on awareness, education and early detection of the disease on 10 February 2014?
Ans:- Yuvraj Singh
PLACES IN NEWS
1) Which country on 14 February 2014 announced a plan to build the longest underwater tunnel of the World ?
Ans:- China
ABBREVIATIONS IN NEWS
1) What is the full form of PFRDA ?
Ans:- PFRDA Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority
BOOKS IN NEWS
1) What is the name of second book written by celebrated writer JK Rowling under pseudonym which will be released
during June 2014?
Ans:- The Silkworm
COMMITTEES IN NEWS
1) The committee which investigated allegations of spot-fixing and betting in the Indian Premier League (IPL) submitted its
report to the Supreme Court on 10 February 2014.Who headed this committee?
Ans:- Justice Mukul Mudgal
DAYS & DATES
1) International Mother Language Day (Bhasha Divas) was observed on- ?
Ans:- 21 February 2014


JANAUARY
INTERNATIONAL
Colorado Becomes First US state To Allow Marijuana Sale
Colorado has on 1 January become the first U.S. state to license the sale of the drug for recreational use. In November
2012, Colorado voters approved the sale of recreational marijuana, as did voters in Washington state. Under the new state
law, residents are now able to buy marijuana like alcohol.
US Senate Passed USD 1.1 Trillion Spending Bill
The US Senate has passed the USD 1.1 trillion omnibus spending bill that eliminates the threat of another government
shutdown at least until October 2014 and puts conditions on Pakistan for continuation of aid. Passed by the House of
Representatives on 16 January, the bill now goes to the White House for President Barack Obama to sign it into law, thus
preventing another shutdown.
Bolivian President Evo Morales Assumes G77 Chairmanship
Bolivian president Evo Morales has assumed the Chairmanship of the Group of 77 nations.Bolivia was chosen head of the
G-77, which actually groups 133 developing nations, by consensus, and Morales was at the United nations on 8 January to
take over the chairmanship from outgoing Fiji. The organization was created in June 1964 with the purpose of formulating
and promoting the new economic interests of southern countries within the United Nations system.
South Sudan Government and Rebels Signed Ceasefire Agreement
South Sudans Government and Rebels have signed a ceasefire agreement .The agreement was signed in the Ethiopian
capital Addis Ababa by representatives of South Sudans President Salva Kiir and rebel delegates loyal to ousted vice
president Riek Machar on 23 January . As per the deal, the government has agreed to release 11 officials close to Machar,
who were detained after the fighting broke in the country.

INDIA & WORLD
India and Maldives Signed 3 MoUs
India and the Maldives on 2 January agreed to amicably resolve all differences, including over cancellation of Indian
company GMRs contract to run Male International Airport. Maldivian President Abdulla Yameen held talks in New Delhi with
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and the two sides signed three Memorandum of Understanding (MoUs).Two agreements
are related to health and human resource development and one on the diplomatic front.
India and Canada Signed LOI for Co-operation in Iron and Steel Sector
India and Canada have signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) for co-operation in Iron and Steel Sector. The letters were signed on
13 January in New Delhi by Beni Prasad Verma, the Union Minister of Steel and Minister of Natural Resources, Government
of Canada, Joe Oliver.
India and South Korea Signed Nine Agreements
India and South Korea have signed 9 agreements in different areas to boost bilateral ties between the two countries.The
agreements were signed on 16 January after delegation level talks between Manmohan Singh, the Prime Minister of India
and Park Geun-hye, the President of South Korea in New Delhi.
India and Japan Signed 8 Agreements
India and Japan have agreed to boost defence ties and signed eight agreements with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe,
pledging another tranche of infrastructure loans worth 200 billion yen, during his talks with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh
in New Delhi on 25 January.
Pakistan and India Ranked 97th In Global Food Index 2014
According to the Global Food Index 2014 released on 17 January , Pakistan ranked 97th in a list of 125 countries with
regard to availability, quality and affordability of food and dietary health.The listing means Pakistan is one of the countries
with the most unhealthy and scarce food. India got the same rank as Pakistan.The Netherlands emerges as the country with
the most nutritious, plentiful and healthy food leaving France and Switzerland behind at the joint second place.The Index
namely Good Enough to Eat has been compiled by the UK-based international relief and development organization
Oxfam.

NATIONAL
Government Launched Indias First Comprehensive Adolescent Health Programme
Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare Ghulam Nabi Azad on 7 January launched the nations first comprehensive
adolescent health programme named Rashtriya Kishor Swasthya Karyakram (RKSK) in New Delhi.The programme will
include a sharp focus on adolescents sexual health.The RKSK defines an adolescent as a person within 10-19 years of
age, in urban and rural areas, includes both girls and boys, married and unmarried, poor and affluent, whether they are in
school or out of school.
Government Notified New Natural Gas Pricing Formula
The Government of India on 10 January notified the new natural gas pricing formula, which will be in effect from 1 April
2014. As per the newly issued notification, the rate of all domestically produced fuel will be almost doubled to 8.2 to 8.4
dollar per unit.
Government Grants CBI greater Financial Autonomy
The Central Government on 14 January relaxed its control over the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and granted the
CBI director a rank equal to a Secretary.
Ghulam Nabi Azad Launches National Urban Health Mission
Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare Ghulam Nabi Azad on 20 January launched the National Urban Health Mission
(NUHM) in Bangalore to provide timely quality health services to the urban poor.The scheme will now be introduced as a
sub-mission under the National Health Mission (NHM).The mission will be implemented in 779 cities and towns, each with a
population of more than 50,000, and cover over 7.75 crore people.

STATES
Manmohan Singh Launched Total E-literacy Project In Kerala
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has launched the total E-literacy project implemented by PN Panicker Vigyan Vikas Kendra
in Thiruvanathpuram on 4 January.This would act as the corner-stone of the Kerala model of development.The programme
was aimed at achieving total e-literacy in the state in 33 months, marching from total literacy to complete-literacy.
Maharashtra Govt. Launched Unique Blood On Call Scheme
Maharashtra Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan on 7 January rolled out Jeevan Amrut Yojana (blood-on-call scheme) across
the state.The ambitious plan is aimed at facilitating blood supply to patients scheduled to undergo surgeries and medical
procedures, at cheaper rate by dialling a dedicated helpline number 104. Under the scheme, the request for blood will
have to be placed by hospitals.
Chhattisgarh Govt. Launched Toll Free Number 1100 For Graft Complaints
Chhattisgarh government has on 7 January launched a toll free helpline number 1100 where people could lodge graft-
related complaints against the state government officials.The facility will help provide better governance to the people.Now,
the people can just dial 1100 to lodge complaints regarding corruption.
Anu Vidyut Pariyojana Launched In Haryana
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh laid the foundation of 2,800 Megawatt nuclear power plant in Fatehabad district of Haryana
on 13 January.The project named as Anu Vidyut Pariyojna, will have four units of 700 MWes each and it will be built at a
cost 23502 crore rupees. The Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) will build these reactors. This is the first
time Haryana will have a nuclear project.

CONFERENCES
12th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Held in New Delhi
The 12th edition of the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) was held in New Delhi from 7 9 January 2014 at Vigyan Bhawan,
New Delhi. The theme of the event was Engaging Diaspora Connecting across Generations .The convention was
inaugurated by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on 7 January. Malaysias Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Y
B Datuk Seri Palanivel ,was the Chief Guest. On 9 January President Pranab Mukherjee conferred the Pravasi Bharatiya
Samman Awards and addressed the closing session of the Convention.

AWARDS & HONOURS
President Pranab Mukherjee Conferred Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Awards
President Pranab Mukherjee conferred the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Awards on 9 January during the 12th edition of the
Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD). Peace activist Ela Gandhi, who is a grand-daughter of Mahatma Gandhi, was among the 13
non-resident Indians (NRIs), persons of Indian origin (PIOs) and organizations honoured with the prestigious Pravasi
Bharatiya Samman Awards. Ela Gandhi was given the award for public service and for enhancing Indias image and for
promoting ties between India and South Africa. Lisa Maria Singh is the first member of Australian Parliament of South Asian
descent and has held several ministerial portfolios in the past. She is a senator from Tasmania. Singh was given the
Pravasi Bharatiya Samman for public service and fostering friendly relations between India and Australia. Ramkrishna
Mission, serving in Fiji since 1937, was honoured for community service and philanthropic activities and enhancing Indias
prestige abroad.
Three Security Personnel Selected For Kirti Chakra Award
Three personnel of the armed forces have been selected for the year 2014 Kirti Chakra award , the second highest peace
time gallantry award, for their acts of bravery on the Line of Control (LoC), anti-maoist operation and relief operation in flood-
hit Uttarakhand, respectively. The three are among 368 gallantry award winners this year including 10 Shaurya Chakra
awardees.
Indian-American Wins Top US Teaching Award
India-born Meera Chandrasekhar, professor of physics and astronomy and Curators Teaching Professor of Physics at the
University of Missouri, has on 18 January won Baylor Universitys 2014 Robert Foster Cherry Award for Great Teaching.
Mohinder Singh , Radhakrishnan Selected For Communal Harmony Awards
National Communal Harmony Award for Mohinder Singh for his work done in restoring peace after the 1984 anti-Sikh riots
and noted academician N Radhakrishnan for his promotion of Gandhian values were announced on 25 January. Singh,
along with Gandhian Radhakrishnan of Kerala, have been selected for the coveted award in the individual category while
the Centre for Study of Society and Secularism, Mumbai has been selected in the organisation category.

SPORTS & GAMES
Rafael Nadal Won Qatar ExxonMobil Open Title
Rafael Nadal of Spain won the Qatar ExxonMobil Open title on 4 January.He defeated Frances Gael Monfils in the Mens
Singles final at Doha.It was his 61st ATP title.
Brisbane International Tennis Tournament Winners 2014
Womens Singles :- Serena Williams of the U.S. on 4 January won the Brisbane International Tennis Tournament Womens
Singles title after defeated Victoria Azarenka of Belarus in the final in Brisbane, Australia. Williams has now won 58 tour
singles titles.
Mens Singles :- Australias Lleyton Hewitt won the Mens Singles Title. He defeated Roger Federer of Switzerland in the
Brisbane International final. It was Hewitts 29th title on the ATP tour but his first since 2010, when he also beat Federer in
the final at Halle.
Ana Ivanovic Won Auckland Open Tennis Title
Ana Ivanovic of Serbia won the Auckland Open Tennis Title on 4 January. She defeated Venus Williams (U.S) in the final at
Auckland, New Zealand.It is the 12th title for the Ivanovic and second seed but her first success since victory in Bali in 2011.
Anju Bobby George Declared World Athletics Gold Medalist For 2005
Indian Long jumper Anju Bobby George on 13 January became the first Indian track and field athlete to win a gold medal in
a major world event after international governing body International Association of Athletics Federation (IAAF) upgraded her
second place finish at the 2005 Monaco World Athletics Championships final to the top spot , following a dope violation by a
Russian competitor Tatyana Kotova.Anjus fifth place finish at the 2005 Helsinki World Championships long jump event was
also upgraded to fourth.
Netherlands Won Hockey World League 2014
The Netherlands on 18 January won the first ever Hockey World League final after defeating New Zealand by 7-2 in New
Delhi. Belgium retained his fifth place , while India secured sixth place.

ECONOMY
Government Retains 100 Per cent FDI in Existing Pharma Units
Government of India on 8 January decided to retain the policy of allowing 100 per cent foreign investments in the existing
pharma firms, brushing aside concerns about non availability of affordable drugs in view of MNCs takeovers.India permits
100 per cent FDI in pharma through automatic approval route in the greenfield, or new projects.
Indias Growth Projected To Rise To 7.1 Percent By 2016-17
According to the World Banks Global Economic Prospects (GEP) report released on 16 January , Indias growth is projected
to rise to over six percent in fiscal 2014-15, increasing to 7.1 percent by fiscal 2016-17 with the world economy expected to
strengthen this year.
Indian Economy Projected To Grow At 5.35% In 2014
According to the UN World Economic Situation and Prospects 2014 (WESP) report released on 24 January , Indias
economy is projected to grow at a slower-than-expected rate of 5.3 per cent in 2014. Full-year growth decelerated to 4.8 per
cent in 2013 from 5.1 per cent in the calendar year 2012.
RBI raised Repo Rate By 25 Basis Points To 8 Percent
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) raised the Repo rate under Liquidity Adjustment Facility (LAF) by 25 basis points from 7.75
percent to 8 percent. Besides, it kept the cash reserve ratio (CRR) of scheduled banks unchanged at 4 percent of net
demand and time liability (NDTL). The decision to raise the repo rate and keep the CRR unchanged was announced by the
RBI in its Third Quarter Monetary Policy Review on 28 January. As a result, the reverse repo rate under the LAF stands
adjusted at 7 percent, and the marginal standing facility (MSF) rate and the Bank Rate at 9.0 percent.

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
GSLV-D5 Rocket Carrying Communication Satellite GSAT-14 Successfully Launched
Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on 5 January successfully launched its heavy-duty rocket Geosynchronous
Satellite Launch Vehicle-Development 5 (GSLV-D5) having indigeneous cryogenic engine that placed a 1,982 kg GSAT-14
communication satellite into the orbit. The 49.13-metre tall rocket GSLV-D5 lifted off from Satish Dhawan Space Centre at
Sriharikota , Andhra Pradesh .The launch vehicle successfully injected the GSAT-14 communication satellite into the
intended orbit.With the successful launch of GSLV-D5 flight India has now become the sixth nation to possess the cryogenic
engine technology, and has joined the elite club of the United States, Russia, France, Japan and China.
India Successfully Test Fired Nuclear Capable Prithvi II Missile
India on 7 January successfully test-fired its indigenously developed nuclear capable surface to surface Prithvi II missile ,
which is capable of carrying 500 kg to 1,000 kg of warheads and has a strike range of 350 km, from a test range at
Chandipur near Balasore (Odisha).The launch was part of a user trial by the Army.Prithvi-II missile is already inducted into
the Indian Armed forces.The last trial of Prithvi-II was successfully carried out from the same base on 3 December 2013.
Astronomers Discovered Two New Exoplanets
In the month of January 2014 A team of Astronomers from Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics (CfA), have
discovered two new extrasolar planets circling a dim, red dwarf star about 200 light-years away from our planet.One of the
planets, dubbed KOI-314c, weighs the same as Earth, but around 60 percent larger in diameter.The second planet, named
KOI-314b, is about the same size as KOI-314c but significantly denser, weighing about 4 times as much as Earth.The team
discovered the planet using data from NASAs Kepler spacecraft.
Worlds Fastest Organic Transistor Developed
In the month of January 2014 Scientists claim to have developed the worlds fastest thin-film organic transistor that could
operate more than five times faster than previous examples of this technology.Researchers from the University of Nebraska-
Lincoln (UNL) and Stanford University explained that this experimental technology has the potential to achieve the
performance needed for high-resolution television screens and similar electronic devices. Engineers created the thin-film
organic transistors that could operate more than five times faster than previous examples of this experimental technology.

PERSONS IN NEWS
A) APPOINTMENTS
R Chandrashekhar is new NASSCOM President
Former Telecom Secretary (Government of India), R Chandrashekhar on 5 January took over as the President of
Information Technology trade body Nasscom (National Association of Software and Services Companies).He succeeds Som
Mittal, who served as President from 2007-2013.This is the first time that NASSCOM has appointed a former bureaucrat as
the president.
US Senate Confirmed Janet Yellen as new Federal Reserve Chairperson
The US Senate has on 6 January confirmed Janet Yellen as new leader of the Federal Reserve. She is the first woman to
lead the central bank in its 100-year history. She succeeds the Chairman Ben Bernanke as the next head of Americas
central bank.
Sheikh Hasina Sworn In As Bangladesh Prime Minister
Sheikh Hasina was on 12 January sworn in as the Prime Minister of Bangladesh for the third time. She had won an
overwhelming majority in the Bangladesh general election held on 5 January 2014 by defeating opposition party, Jatiya
party.The Awami League has secured absolute majority in the 10th Parliament elections by bagging 232 seats 105
contested and 127 uncontested.
B)RESIGNS
Tunisia Prime Minister Ali Larayedh Resigned
Tunisias Islamist Prime Minister Ali Larayedh has resigned from his office on 9 January . With his resignation, the country
will be led by the caretaker Government of technocrats led by led by new Prime Minister Mehdi Jomaa. He resigned
following a deal between the Islamist Ennahda Party of Ali Larayedh and the secular opposition for a transition to the
democracy in the country.
C)DEATHS
Israels Former Prime Minister Ariel Sharon Died
Israels former Prime Minister Ariel Sharon died on 11 January .The former general of Israeli Army had been in coma since 4
January 2006. He served as the 11th Prime Minister of Israel until he was incapacitated by a stroke. Sharon was a
commander in the Israeli Army from its creation in 1948.Nicknamed The Bulldozer, the veteran soldier fought in all of
Israels major wars before beginning a turbulent political career in 1973.
D)VISITORS
Bhutan King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck Visited India
Bhutan King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck Visited India from 6 10 January 2014. During his visit , Bhutan King held
extensive talks with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in New Delhi. The two leaders exchanged views on bilateral relations
and on regional and international issues of mutual interest. The prime minister and other Indian leaders reiterated their full
commitment and support to Bhutans socio-economic development and to further development of Bhutans hydropower
resources. This is King Wangchucks second visit in 12 months. He was also the chief guest at Indias Republic Day
celebrations in January 2013.
E)MISCELLANEOUS
Sachin Tendulkar 5th Most Admired Person In The World
Microsoft founder Bill Gates has been named as the most admired person on the planet with cricketing legend Sachin
Tendulkar fifth on a list of 30 people compiled after a poll in 13 countries, including India.The Worlds most admired people
poll was conducted by YouGov for The Times by surveying almost 14,000 people.

PLACES IN NEWS
Odishas Chilika Lagoon Named Destination Flyways By UNWTO
Chilika lagoon in Odisha was named Destination Flyways by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) on
21 January .The lagoon was named so for its sustainable and resilient destination for migratory birds. Chilika is the only site
to be selected from Asia by the UNWTO and was included in a list of eight such sites. The Destination Flyways initiative of
UNWTO aims at promotion of sustainable tourism.

ABBREVIATIONS
GPS Global Positioning System
TCS Tata Consultancy Services
NASSCOM National Association of Software and Services Companies
GSLV Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle
FSLRC Financial Sector Legislative Reforms Commission
NBFC Non Banking Finance Companies

BOOKS IN NEWS
Incredible Opportunities Back Home Book Released
The Prime Minister Manmohan Singh released the book entitled Incredible Opportunities Back Home on 8 January during
the 12th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas in New Delhi .This book will provide access to credible information, essential for
meaningful engagement.

COMMITTEES
Nachiket Mor Committees Report on Financial Inclusion
The committee constituted by the Reserve Bank of India (RBIs) on 23 September 2013 to suggest steps for promoting
financial inclusion headed by veteran banker and ex-ICICI Bank executive director Nachiket Mor. The committee on 7
January 2014 suggested setting up of specialised banks to cater to low income households to ensure that all citizens have
bank accounts by January 1, 2016.

IMPORTANT DAYS AND DATES
World Braille Day was Observed on 4th January
World Braille Day is celebrated today (4th January) across the world to observe the Birthday of Louis Braille. Louis Braille,
born in 1809, was the inventor of braille, a system of reading and writing used by people who are blind or visually impaired.
Braille became blind after an accident at the age of three. He created a language based on the patterns of raised dots on
paper, which could be felt and one can read anything that is unable to see. He did this to have an access to works of
literature.
National Girl Child Day Observed on 24 January
National Girl Child Day observed on 24 January 2014 across India by the Government. This day is observed every year to
raise awareness and consciousness of the society towards girl children. The day is being observed every year on 24
January since 2008. Government of India has started National Girl Child Day as a national girls development mission. The
mission raises the awareness among people all over the country about the importance of girls promotion. It helps in
enhancing girls meaningful contribution in decision making processes by active support of the parents and the community
members.


BANKING
INTERNATIONAL
1) The Health Ministry of Japan on 1 January 2014 estimated that a quarter of the population is currently aged over 65 and
the figure is expected to reach nearly 40 percent by ?
Ans:- 2060
2) Which government recently announced to build a new sanctuary to save Worlds rarest Javan rhinos?
Ans:- Indonesia
3) Parliamentary elections in North Korea, creating the 13th Supreme Peoples Assembly, will be held on - ?
Ans:- 9 March 2014
4) The Parliament of Europe on 14 January 2014 signed a new carbon dioxide restriction treaty which seeks to slash
emissions for a segment of transport across the European Union (EU) by 28% from year 2020. The treaty focuses on which
transport segment?
Ans:- Commercial Vans
5) The term Euromaidan came to news recently, which stands for a huge spat of civil unrest and anti-government protests
in a country.Which country is associated with these protests?
Ans:- Ukraine
INDIA & WORLD
1) India on 1 January 2014 decided to send a team of senior officials to assess the political and security situation in
- ?
Ans:- South Sudan
2)Which country and India on 2 January 2014 signed an agreement on labour cooperation for domestic service workers
recruitment ?
Ans:- Saudi Arabia
3) Which country and India on 13 January 2014 signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) for co-operation in Iron and Steel Sector ?
Ans:- Canada
4) Which country decided to be one of the partners in the proposed National Investment and Manufacturing Zones (NIMZ) in
Andhra Pradesh on 6 January 2014?
Ans:- China
5) Which country and India on on 18 January 2014 agreed to promote cooperation in renewable energy, especially in areas
of solar energy and wind power ?
Ans:- United Arab Emirates (UAE)
NATIONAL
1) Pranab Mukherjee, the President of India on 1 January 2014 gave his assent to which bill which aims at regulating
corruption in public domain?
Ans:- Lokpal and Lokayuktas Bill, 2013
2) The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has approved the proposal for construction of a 220kV Transmission system
from on 2 January 2014 ?
Ans:- Alusteng (Srinagar) to Leh
3) The Government of India on 10 January 2014 notified the new natural gas pricing formula.This new price mechanism
would come into effect from which date?
Ans:- From 1 April 2014
4) Name the programme for young persons of Overseas Indians introduced by Government of India in Pravasi Bharatiya
Divas (PBD) on 8 January 2014?
Ans:- Know India programme
5) Union Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas launched LPG Connection Portability Scheme across the country on 22
January 2014. Name the present Union Minister for Petroleum & Natural Gas?
Ans:- M Veerappa Moily
STATES
1) Union Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) officially launched the North Eastern Region
Community Resource Management Project (NERCORMP) at on 6 January 2014 ?
Ans:- Changlang in Arunachal Pradesh )
2) Which state will launch its adult vaccination drive against Japanese Encephalitis (JE) from 22 February 2014 ?
Ans:- Assam
3) Which state Government on 15 January 2014 decided to increase the reservation of Other Backward Classes (OBC) from
19.5 percent to 27 percent ?
Ans:- Goa
4) Which state on 9 January 2014 became the first State in India to provide Universal Health Coverage to its population ?
Ans:- Karnataka
5) The pilot project of Amuls first Any Time Milk (ATM) vending machine to dispense milk on 24X7 basis was on 19
January 2014 installed at - ?
Ans:- Anand, Gujarat
CONFERENCES
1) International Petroleum Conference 2014 (PETROTECH-2014) was held from 12th 15th January 2014 at which place ?
Ans:- New Delhi
AWARDS & HONOURS
1) Which film has been adjudged Best Motion Picture at 71st annual Golden Globe Awards ?
Ans:- 12 Years a Slave
2) Who has won the DSC prize 2014 for South Asian literature for his book Chronicles of a Corpse Bearer on 18 January
2014?
Ans:- Cyrus Mistry
3) Name the Indian Noted author and journalist has been awarded a Fellowship of Kings College London, the British
institutions highest honour on 16 January 2014 ? Ans:- Khushwant Singh
4) Which state bagged 3rd Krishi Karman Award for 2012-13 for being the best performing state in overall agricultural
production in the country on 18 January 2014?
Ans:- West Bengal
5) Name the Indian born Scientist and Professor (Emeritus) at Stanford University on 21 January 2014 was awarded with
prestigious 2014 Marconi Society Prize for developing the theory and application of MIMO (Multiple Input Multiple Output)
antennas ?
Ans:- Arogyaswami Joseph Paulraj
SPORTS & GAMES
1) Corey Anderson ,who hit the fastest century in one-day international history on 1 January 2014 , belongs to which country
?
Ans:- New Zealand
2) Which player was awarded the Order of Prince Henry, one of the Portugals highest honours, by the Portugals president
office on 3 January 2014?
Ans:- Cristiano Ronaldo
3) Who won the Sydney International Tennis Tournament Womens singles title on 10 January 2014 ?
Ans:- Tsvetana Pironkova of Bulgaria
4) Who retained the Volvo Golf Champions title at the Durban Country Club held on 12 January 2014?
Ans:- South Africas Louis Oosthuizen
5) Which Australian cricketer won the coveted Allan Border medal 2014 on 20 January 2014?
Ans:- Mitchell Johnson
ECONOMY
1) Which entity was on 6 January 2014 selected by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to act as a local operating unit for
issuing globally compatible Legal Entity Identifiers (LEIs) in India?
Ans:- The Clearing Corporation of India Limited CCIL
2) According to data provided by the Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA) and Seafood Exporters
Association of India on 9 January 2014, which country has recently overtaken South East Asia as the largest market for
Indian seafood exports?
Ans:- The United States
3) POSCO, the South Korean steel maker giant on 10 January 2014 received environment clearance from the Union
Ministry of Environment and Forest (MoEF) in which state ?
Ans:- Odisha
4) What is the name of world first Bitcoin storage service that insures deposits of the digital currency against hackers and
accidental loss, which was opened on London on 12 January 2013?
Ans:- Elliptic Vault
5) Which state became the first state to withdraw FDI in Multibrand Retail on 13 January 2013?
Ans:- Delhi
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
1) Name the software to predict weather developed by researchers from National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM)
recently?
Ans:- Monitoring Climate Change (Moclic)
2) Which Meteorological Data Processing System was dedicated to the nation on 15 January 2014 on the occasion of 139th
Foundation Day of India Meteorological Department (IMD)?
Ans:- INSAT 3D
3) What is the name of Indias satellite-based flight navigation system which has been certified by aviation regulator DGCA,
recently ?
Ans:- GAGAN
4) Which country has recently carried out another successful test of its advanced missile defense system named Arrow 3
designed to intercept long range missiles ?
Ans:- Israel
5) Name Indias supercomputer rated 1st in India, 9th in the Asia Pacific Region and 44th in the world among the most
power efficient computer systems as per the Green500 List?
Ans:- Param Yuva-II
PERSONS IN NEWS
A) APPOINTMENTS
1) Who has been elected as the Speaker of the Delhi Assembly on 3 January 2014?
Ans:- M.S. Dhir
2) Who was appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Uninor on 8 January 2014 ?
Ans:- Morten Karlsen Sorby
3) Who has been appointed as the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of private insurer Future Generali India
Life Insurance on 7 January 2014?
Ans:- Munish Sharda
B)RESIGNS
1) Garry Kenneth Toomey on 16 January 2014 resigned as the CEO of a prominent Indian airline company.Which airline is
this?
Ans:- Jet Airways
C) DEATHS
1) Namdeo Dhasal, the firebrand writer and fierce fighter for Dalit rights who passed away on 15 January 2014 was a
famous poet in which language?
Ans:- Marathi
D) VISITORS
1) Name the South Korean President visited India from 15 18 January 2014 ?
Ans:- Park Geun-Hye
E) MISCELLANEOUS
1) Who retired as Deputy Governor of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on 20 January 2014?
Ans:- Anand Sinha
PLACES IN NEWS
1) Which Indian railway stations platform number one has become the worlds longest platform as announced by Limca
Book of Records on 11 January 2014?
Ans:- Gorakhpur railway station, Uttar Pradesh
ABBREVIATIONS IN NEWS
1) What is the full form of NASSCOM ?
Ans:- National Association of Software and Services Companies
BOOKS IN NEWS
1) Driven, a book released recently, has been written by a former a Civil Servant Turned Entrepreneur. Who is he?
Ans:- Jagdish Khattar
COMMITTEES IN NEWS
1) Who was the head of RBIs committee on strengthening monetary policy framework, which in its recommendations has
suggested that the target for inflation should be set at 4% with a band of +/- 2% around it ?
Ans:- Urjit Patel, Deputy Governor of the RBI
DAYS & DATES
1) National Girl Child Day is observed on ?
Ans:- January24