Static GK and Current Events Questions and Answers: 18th January 2021

Answer the following questions to upscale your preparation of competitive exams. The questions would be enhancing your general awareness or GA preparation. Various exams like UPSC, SSC, NDA, CDS etc are about to take place in the coming months. Solve the following and go through explanatory articles linked to each of the questions. 

1. Who was Dr James Naismith?

1. The inventor of pressure cooker
2. Inventor of Basketball
3. The inventor of the ball
4. The inventor of the computer

Ans. b

Explanation: Dr James Naismith was a Canadian-American Educator, Physician, Christian Chaplain, Sports Coach and Inventor of Basketball

2. Choose the correct statement about the game of basketball here

i) There are 6 players who need to score goals in their own baskets 

ii) The players can dribble the ball only with one hand and using both feet

1. Only i
2. Only ii
3. Both i and ii
4. None 

Ans. b

Explanation: In the game of basketball the 5 players of each team need to score the goals in each other’s baskets and they can dribble with only one hand at a time.  

3. What does a visa score in Henley and Partners Passport Index 2021 mean?

i) The rank of the country means how many countries the citizens can visit without pre-approved Visa

ii) The citizens of countries with the top 10 ranks can travel to any other country without any passport

1. Only i
2. Only ii
3. Both i and ii
4. None 

Ans. a

Explanation: Henley Passport Index ranked India at 85th position with a visa score of 58. In simple terms, Indian passport holders can visit 58 countries without a prior visa or visa-on-arrival. Read in details about Henley Passport Index here

4. India shares its rank with which country in Henley’s and Partners Passport Index

1. Pakistan
2. Tajikistan
3. Iran
4. Mauritius

Ans. b

Explanation: Henley Passport Index ranked India at 85th position with a visa score of 58. India shares the rank with Tajikistan.

5. Which country is holding elections after 14 years of drought in politics

1. Jerusalem
2. Palestine 
3. Thailand
4. Turkey

Ans. b

Explanation: Palestine is set to hold its first national elections in 2021 after a span of 14 long years. As per a decree signed by Palestine President Mahmoud Abbas on January 15, 2021, three elections that is parliamentary, presidential and National Council polls –will be conducted in the nation this year. Read the detailed news here.

6. Regarding India’s COVID vaccination programme choose the statement that is in congruence 

i) India would vaccinate 30 crore people in phase 1 and 3 crores in phase 2

ii) Vaccination programme was scheduled from January 16, 2021

1. Only i
2. Only ii
3. Both i and ii
4. None of the above 

Ans. b

Explanation: PM Modi launched the rollout of the COVID-19 vaccination drive on January 16, 2021, via video conference. This will also be the world’s largest immunization exercise under which government plans on vaccinating at least 3 crore people in the next few months.

7. Choose the correct statement regarding Bharat Ratna 

1. It is the highest civilian honour of the world given to three people 
2. The first Bharat Ratna was received by CV Raman 
3. It is a circular trophy with a cash prize 
4. Only 3 persons can receive the award in one year

Ans. d

Explanation: Bharat Ratna is the highest civilian honour, given for exceptional service towards the advancement of Art, Literature and Science, Sports and in recognition of Public Service of the highest order. The provision of Bharat Ratna was introduced in 1954. The first-ever Indian to receive this award was the famous scientist, Chandrasekhara Venkata Raman. Details on Bharat Ratna here 

8. Who was Lord Basaveshwara?

1. He is the God of the Parsees
2. He is the God of the home also called Vastu
3. This is the name given to social reformers of the 16th century
4. He is a Kannada social reformer

Ans. d

Explanation: Lord Basaveshwara is a Kannada social reformer, poet and philosopher from the 12th century. He is considered to be among the most revered saints by the Lingayat sects. Also Read| All about Anubhava Mantapa 

9. Which of the following statements about Lord Basaveshwara is correct?

i) He was the inventor of ‘Janaeu’, a holy thread worn by Brahmins

ii) He worked for the upliftment of women in the society

1. Only i
2. Only ii
3. Both i and ii
4. None 

Ans. b

Explanation: As per a legend, Lord Basaveshwara denounced the ‘janaeu’ which is a thread- worn by upper-caste Hindus. He worked for the upliftment of the underprivileged classes and women. He believed in the equality of humans, irrespective of class, caste, creed, and gender

10. Choose the correct statement about Pongal

i) It is celebrated in the month of Thai in Tamil Nadu

ii) This marks the harvest season in South India and corresponds with Makar Sankranti 

1. Only i
2. Only ii
3. Both i and ii
4. None of the above 

Ans. c

Explanation: Pongal is the harvest festival. It is dedicated to the Sun god and corresponds to the Makar Sankranti. It is basically a harvest festival which is celebrated for four-day-long in Tamil Nadu in the month of January-February (Thai) during the solar equinox after harvesting crops like rice, sugarcane, turmeric, etc.  Read in Detail here

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