current-affairs-february

1. Asim Basu, who passed away recently, was the renowned theatre actor from which state? 

[A] Odisha [B] Assam [C] West Bengal [D] Manipur 

Correct Answer: A [Odisha] 

Answer Explanation: Asim Basu (81), the renowned theatre artiste and director, art director, painter and playwright, has recently passed away in Bhubaneswar, Odisha. He was known for his set design work in Ollywood movies and designing Oriya book covers and movie posters. He directed around 200 plays and did stage designing for over 500 plays and was the art director for several Odia films. Some of his major works are Indradhanura Chhai, Dadagiri and apana Banika.

2. India has recently signed MoU with which country for technical cooperation in rail sector especially on safety related subjects?

 [A] France [B] Italy [C] Japan [D] Germany

Correct Answer: B [Italy] 

Answer Explanation: The Union Ministry of Railways has recently signed MoU with Italy’s public sector rail company Ferrovie Dello Stato Italiane Group (FS Group) for technical cooperation in rail sector especially in the areas safety in train operations. The cooperation areas identified in this MoU includes safety audit of Indian Railways and measures required for enhancing safety in train operation, assessment and certification of advanced technology based safety products and systems to Safety Integrity Level (SIL4), training and competency development with focus of safety, modern trends in maintenance and diagnostic etc.

3. From which state / Union territory, the “Measles-Rubella (MR) vaccination campaign” has been launched?

 [A] Puducherry [B] Goa [C] Karnataka [D] Tamil Nadu

Correct Answer: C [Karnataka] 

Answer Explanation: The Union Health Ministry has recently launched Measles-Rubella (MR) vaccination campaign at a function in Bengaluru, Karnataka that targets around 41 crore children across India. The campaign against these two diseases will start from Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Goa and Lakshadweep and will cover nearly 3.6 crore children. All children aged between 9 months and less than 15 years will be given a single shot of MR- vaccination. The MR vaccine will be provided free- of- cost across the states. Currently, Measles vaccine is provided under Universal Immunization Programme (UIP). Though, rubella vaccine will be a new addition. Measles is a deadly disease and one of the important causes of death in children. Rubella is generally a mild infection, but has serious consequences if infection occurs in pregnant women, causing congenital rubella syndrome.

4. Bano Qudsia, the renowned Urdu author has passed away. She hailed from which of the following countries? [A] India [B] Bangladesh [C] Afghanistan [D] Pakistan

Correct Answer: D [Pakistan] 

Answer Explanation: Bano Qudsia (88), the renowned Pakistani Urdu novelist and playwright, has recently passed away in Lahore, Pakistan. She was born in November 1928 in Ferozepur, India and migrated to Pakistan after partition. Among her prominent writings include Aadhi Baat, Aatish-i-zer-i-paa, Aik Din, Amer Bail, Asay Pasay, Chahar Chaman, Chhotaa Sheher Baray Log, Footpath ki Ghaas, Hasil Ghaat and Hawa Kay Naam.

5. Which country has won 18th Asian Junior Team Squash Championship-2017?

 [A] India [B] Jordon [C] Pakistan [D] Malaysia

Correct Answer: A [India] 

Answer Explanation: Top seeded Indian team has won gold medal in the boys’ team event at the 18th Asian Junior Team Squash Championship-2017 by defeating Malaysia by 2-0 in the final in Hong Kong. It’s 2nd time that Indian boys team has won the championship. Earlier in 2011, they defeated arch-rivals Pakistan in Colombo.