Current Affairs in English : 21 February to 28 February 2019

21 February to 28 February 2019: The Current Affairs of QuickMySupport to help every competitive exam aspirant to revise the day at ease. The day’s updated questions cover topics such as Aero India 2019, LCA Tejas and Saudi Arabia to invest USD 100 billion in India,Personal Laws (Amendment Bill), 2018, US-India CEO Forum, India’s first Mega Aqua Food Park,PM-KISAN Yojana, Oscars 2019, National War Memorial,Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid case, Chabahar port, Delhi Budget 2019, Personal Laws (Amendment Bill), 2018, US-India CEO Forum, India’s first Mega Aqua Food Park, Geneva Convention, National Science Day and Indian Railways among others.

Current Affairs 21 February 2019:

1. Which country recently announced to invest USD 100 billion in India?
ANS: Saudi Arabia
The Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, who is also the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of Saudi Arabia, visited India on February 19-20, 2019. He announced to invest over USD 100 billion in India in areas of energy, refining, petrochemicals, infrastructure, agriculture, minerals and mining, manufacturing, education and health.

2. Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman inaugurated the 12th biennial edition of International Aerospace and Defence Exhibition ‘Aero India 2019’ at which location?

ANS: Air Force Station Yelahanka
Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman inaugurated the 12th biennial edition of International Aerospace and Defence Exhibition ‘Aero India 2019’ at Air Force Station Yelahanka, Bengaluru. For the first time, the 2019 edition of Aero India combines the defence and civil aviation segments into a holistic event with the co-involvement of the defence and civil aviation ministries.

3. When is the International Mother Language Day observed every year?
ANS: 21 February
International Mother Language Day is observed on 21 February every year to promote linguistic and cultural diversity and multilingualism. As 2019 is also the International Year of Indigenous Languages, the theme of International Mother Language Day 2019 was ‘Indigenous Languages as a factor in development, peace and reconciliation’.

4. Which country recently signed an executive order to establish its Space Force as a new armed service?
ANS: United States
US President Donald Trump signed an executive order to establish its Space Force as a new armed service within the Department of Air Force. As per the memorandum signed by Trump, the Space Force will include both combat and combat support functions to enable prompt and sustained offensive and defensive space operations in all domains.

5. Which city will host the 4TH India-Asean Expo Summit?
ANS: New Delhi
The 4th India-ASEAN Expo and Summit will be held on February 21-23, 2019 in New Delhi. This is a flagship event of Department of Commerce, being organised with FICCI to carry forward the momentum and to further strengthen India-ASEAN relations under the Act-East Policy.

6. India recently agreed to constitute a ‘Comprehensive Security Dialogue’ to enhance cooperation in the Counter-terrorism with which country?
ANS: Saudi Arabia
To enhance cooperation in the Counter-terrorism, India and Saudi Arabia agreed to constitute a ‘Comprehensive Security Dialogue’ at the level of National Security Advisors and set up a Joint Working Group on Counter-Terrorism during the visit of Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, Mohammed bin Salman.

7. Which insurance company launched a new micro insurance plan ‘Micro Bachat’?
ANS: Life Insurance Corporation
Life Insurance Corporation (LIC) recently launched a new micro insurance plan ‘Micro Bachat’. It is a regular premium, non-linked micro insurance plan that offers a combination of protection and savings. This micro insurance plan provides coverage up to Rs 2 lakh.

8. Which aircraft recently received the Final Operational Clearance for induction into the Indian Air Force (IAF) as a fully-weaponised fighter jet?
ANS: LCA Tejas
Landmark day for India’s defence sector, India’s first self-made fighter jet, Light Combat Aircraft Tejas MK I (LCA Tejas) on February 20, 2019 received the Final Operational Clearance for induction into the Indian Air Force (IAF) as a fully-weaponised fighter jet.

Current Affairs 22 February 2019:

1. The Supreme Court on February 12, 2019 referred the petition seeking withdrawal of which status of the Aligarh Muslim University to a seven-judge bench?

ANS: Minority Status

The Supreme Court on February 12, 2019 referred the petition seeking withdrawal of minority status of the Aligarh Muslim University to a seven-judge bench. A three-judge bench headed by Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi referred the matter to the larger bench to determine the correctness of minority status of AMU and to define the parameters for granting minority status to the institution.

2. The Defence Ministry on February 12, 2019 issued Expression of Interest for procurement of how many Naval Utility Helicopters (NUH) for the Indian Navy?

ANS: 111

The Defence Ministry on February 12, 2019 issued Expression of Interest to shortlist potential Indian strategic partners and foreign Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) for the procurement of 111 Naval Utility Helicopters (NUH) for the Indian Navy at an estimated cost of over Rs 21,000 crore.

3. On which of the following banks, the RBI did not impose the monetary penalty in the first week of February 2019?

ANS: Punjab National Bank

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) in the first week of February 2019 imposed monetary penalty on seven banks including HDFC Bank, IDBI Bank, Allahabad Bank and others for non-compliance with various directions issued by the RBI on monitoring of end use of funds, exchange of information with other banks, Know Your Customer (KYC) norms, etc.

4. Which State presented its budget on February 12, 2019 with revenue surplus of Rs 21,516.99 crore?

ANS: Bihar

Bihar Chief Minister and Finance Minister Sushil Kumar Modi on February 12, 2019 presented the Rs 2,00,501 crore state budget in the Bihar Assembly with focus on education, rural development and energy sectors. The Bihar budget 2019 has revenue surplus of Rs 21,516.99 crore during 2019-20.

5. Which city will host the US-India CEO Forum on February 14, 2019?

ANS: New Delhi

The first meeting of the US-India CEO Forum under the US President Donald Trump Administration will be held in New Delhi on February 14, 2019. The meeting will be co-chaired by US Commerce Secretary, Wilbur Ross and Union Minister of Commerce and Industry and Civil Aviation, Suresh Prabhu.

6. Which nation’s government has fired its election commission?

ANS: Afghanistan

The Afghanistan government has fired its election commission. The move comes more than three months after chaotic parliamentary elections, the results of which have still not been announced and ahead of July’s controversial presidential vote.

7. The Indian Parliament has passed the Personal Laws (Amendment) Bill 2019. The bill seeks to remove which disease as a ground for divorce?

ANS: Leprosy

The Parliament has passed the Personal Laws (Amendment Bill), 2018 that seeks to remove leprosy as a ground for divorce. Leprosy is being removed as a ground for divorce as it is now a curable disease as against the earlier notion of it being incurable.

8. The European Union members of UN Security Council have asked for humanitarian access to which nation?

ANS: Ukraine

European Union members of the UN Security Council have asked for humanitarian access to eastern Ukraine’s areas held by separatists. The countries said in a statement, some 3.5 million people require humanitarian aid and protection due to widespread mine contamination, escalating psychological trauma and lack of access to basic services.

9. The legislators of which nation passed a landmark bill making it easier for asylum seekers to get medical treatment in the country?

ANS: Australia

Australian legislators have passed a landmark bill making it easier for asylum seekers, being held on remote Pacific islands, to get medical treatment in the country. This is the first time in decades the government has lost a vote on its own legislation in the lower house as the bill was passed with an opposition amendment.

10. India’s first Mega Aqua Food Park was commissioned recently in which state?

ANS: Andhra Pradesh

Union Minister of Food Processing Industries Harsimrat Kaur Badal on February 12, 2019 commissioned Godavari Mega Aqua Food Park at Tundurru Village in Bhimavaram Mandal, West Godavari District, Andhra Pradesh through video conferencing. The park will be the first Mega Aqua Food Park operationalised exclusively for fish and marine products processing in the state of Andhra Pradesh.

Current Affairs 25 February 2019:

1. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on February 25, 2019 dedicated the National War Memorial to the nation. The Memorial is located in which city?
ANS: New Delhi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on February 25, 2019 dedicated the National War Memorial to the nation in a solemn ceremonial function in New Delhi. The National War Memorial complex includes a central obelisk (pillar), an eternal flame, and six bronze murals depicting famous battles fought by Indian Army, Air Force and Navy.

2. Which movie won the Oscars 2019 in Best Documentary – Short Subject category?
ANS: Period. End Of Sentence
The ‘Period. End Of Sentence’, a film on menstruation set in rural India, won the Oscar in the Documentary – Short Subject category at the 91st Academy Awards. The film has been directed by Rayka Zehtabchi and produced by Indian producer Guneet Monga’s Sikhya Entertainment.

3. The 12th biennial edition of International Aerospace and Defence Exhibition ‘Aero India 2019’ culminated recently. The show was held at which station of India Air Force?
ANS: Air Force Station Yelahanka
The Aero India 2019 culminated on February 24, 2019 at Air Force Station Yelahanka in Bengaluru. More than 600 Indian Companies and 200 Foreign Companies participated and witnessed the largest Air show of Asia. The total area of the show grew from 27,678 sq m to 28,398 sq m this year.

4. Which city hosted the Future of Indian Banking Conference?
ANS: New Delhi
NITI Aayog co-hosted a conference on “The Future of Indian Banking” on February 22, 2019 in New Delhi with the Foundation for Economic Growth and Welfare (EGROW Foundation). The conference aimed to increase and elevate the discourse on the banking sector in India, and help develop insights to inform the continued evolution of the Indian banking sector.

5. PM Modi launched the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) Yojana for the farmers’ welfare recently. How much income support will be provided in a year to farmers under the scheme?
ANS: Rs 6000
The Prime Minister Narendra Modi on February 24, 2019 launched the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana (PM-KISAN) from Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh. Under the Scheme, all Small and Marginal Farmers (SMF) with combined land holding or ownership of up to 2 hectares of cultivable land will be provided with income support of Rs 6000 per year.

6. Which actress recently was named as the brand ambassador of the Swasth Immunised India campaign?
ANS: Kareena Kapoor
Acclaimed actress Kareena Kapoor Khan became the brand ambassador of the Swasth Immunised India campaign to spread awareness among parents about child vaccination to help prevent the future generation from life-threatening diseases. The campaign has been launched by Serum Institute of India (SII) in association with Network18.

7. Which movie won the ‘Best Picture’ award at the 91st Academy Awards (Oscars)?
ANS: Green Book
The 91st Academy Awards, popularly known as Oscar Awards, were conferred on February 24, 2019 (February 25 as per Indian time). The ‘Green Book’ won in the Best Picture category; while ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’, nominated for five Oscars, won the most Oscars at the award show.

8. Which song won the Oscars 2019 in the Best Original Song category?
ANS: Shallow
The song “Shallow” from “A Star Is Born” won the Oscars 2019 in the Best Original Song category. The music and lyrics of the song were given by Lady Gaga, Mark Ronson, Anthony Rossomando and Andrew Wyatt.

Top Current Affairs: 26 February 2019

1. Which among the following nations voted on February 25, 2019 for a new constitution?

ANS: Cuba

In Cuba, voters on February 25, 2019 took part in a referendum on a new constitution that expands recognition of private property. The referendum contained only yes or no options. The new constitution, replacing the 1976 version, recognises a limited role for the free market and private investment, but only under the control of the Communist Party. It also enshrines socialism as the country’s only ideology.

2. The Haryana government has presented how much tax free budget for the fiscal year 2019-20?

ANS: Rs 1.32 lakh crore

Haryana Finance Minister Capt Abhimanyu presented the Rs 1, 32,165.99 crore tax free budget for 2019-20 in the State Assembly on February 25, 2019. It is 14.73 percent over Budget Estimates and 9.79 percent over revised estimates of 2018-19. Over Rs. 46, 000 crore have been allocated to 15 sustainable development goals being implemented in the state.

3. Two new National Institutes of Design have been established in which two cities?

ANS: Bhopal and Jorhat

The Union Minister of Commerce and Industry and Civil Aviation, Suresh Prabhu, inaugurated National Institutes of Design (NID) at Bhopal in Madhya Pradesh and Jorhat in Assam through video conference from New Delhi on February 22, 2019. In total, four new NIDs have been set up in Andhra Pradesh (Amaravati), Assam (Jorhat), Madhya Pradesh (Bhopal) and Haryana (Kurukshetra) with a total outlay of Rs. 434 crore.

4. Who has launched the Rail Drishti dashboard to bring transparency in Indian Railways?

ANS: Piyush Goyal

The Union Minister of Railways, Piyush Goyal has launched the Rail Drishti dashboard that will bring information from various sources on a single platform and give access to key statistics and parameters to every citizen of the country.

5. Which country began exporting goods to India for the first time through Chabahar port on February 24, 2019?

ANS: Afghanistan

Afghanistan on February 24, 2019 began exports to India through the Chabahar port in Iran. This is the first time Afghanistan has exported goods to India bypassing the Pakistan route.Twenty-three trucks carrying 570 tonnes of dried fruits, textiles, carpets and mineral products were dispatched from the western Afghan city of Zaranj to Chabahar in Iran.

6. India’s 4th white cement plant will be established in which state?

ANS: Andhra Pradesh

Under its diversification programme, FCI Aravali Gypsum and Minerals India Limited (FAGMIL) has taken up a project to establish a white cement plant near village Nohra Dhar in Sirmourdistrict, Himachal Pradesh, at a project cost of approximately Rs 605 crores. It will be the 4th white cement plant in the country. The plant is expected to be commenced by the year 2022.

7. How many judges constitute the Supreme Court bench that is hearing the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid land dispute case?

ANS: Five

A Supreme Court Constitution Bench headed by Chief Justice of India (CJI) Ranjan Gogoi on February 26, 2019 started hearing the politically sensitive Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid land dispute case. The new five-judge bench, also comprising justices SA Bobde, DY Chandrachud, Ashok Bhushan and SA Nazeer, is expected to fix a date to begin the hearings and prepare a schedule for them.

8. US President Donald Trump has decided to extend the March 1 deadline to escalate tariffs on which country’s imports?

ANS: China

US President Donald Trump has said he will extend a deadline to escalate tariffs on Chinese imports that were scheduled to go into effect from March 1. The US President said he will be planning a summit with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping at Mar-a-Lago to finalise the trade agreement. US and Chinese negotiators met through the weekend as they seek to resolve a trade war that rattled financial markets.

9. The Delhi government presented a budget worth how many crores on February 26, 2019?

ANS: Rs 60,000 cr

The Delhi government presented a 60,000 crore rupee budget for 2019-20 in the state assembly on February 26, 2019. Presenting the budget, Deputy Chief Minister and Finance Minister Manish Sisodia said that 26 per cent of total budget have been earmarked for education.

10. Which city hosted the 4th ‘Global Digital Health Partnership Summit’?

ANS: New Delhi

J P Nadda, Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare inaugurated the ‘4th Global Digital Health Partnership Summit’ in New Delhi on February 25, 2019. The Global Digital Health Partnership is an international collaboration of governments, government agencies and multinational organisations dedicated to improving the health and well-being of their citizens through the best use of evidence-based digital technologies.

Top Current Affairs: 27 February 2019

1. On which of the following banks, the RBI did not impose the monetary penalty in the first week of February 2019?

ANS: Punjab National Bank

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) in the first week of February 2019 imposed monetary penalty on seven banks including HDFC Bank, IDBI Bank, Allahabad Bank and others for non-compliance with various directions issued by the RBI on monitoring of end use of funds, exchange of information with other banks, Know Your Customer (KYC) norms, etc.

2. The Defence Ministry on February 12, 2019 issued Expression of Interest for procurement of how many Naval Utility Helicopters (NUH) for the Indian Navy?

ANS: 111

The Defence Ministry on February 12, 2019 issued Expression of Interest to shortlist potential Indian strategic partners and foreign Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) for the procurement of 111 Naval Utility Helicopters (NUH) for the Indian Navy at an estimated cost of over Rs 21,000 crore.

3. The Supreme Court on February 12, 2019 referred the petition seeking withdrawal of which status of the Aligarh Muslim University to a seven-judge bench?

ANS: Minority Status

The Supreme Court on February 12, 2019 referred the petition seeking withdrawal of minority status of the Aligarh Muslim University to a seven-judge bench. A three-judge bench headed by Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi referred the matter to the larger bench to determine the correctness of minority status of AMU and to define the parameters for granting minority status to the institution.

4. Which State presented its budget on February 12, 2019 with revenue surplus of Rs 21,516.99 crore?

ANS: Bihar

Bihar Chief Minister and Finance Minister Sushil Kumar Modi on February 12, 2019 presented the Rs 2,00,501 crore state budget in the Bihar Assembly with focus on education, rural development and energy sectors. The Bihar budget 2019 has revenue surplus of Rs 21,516.99 crore during 2019-20.

5. Which city will host the US-India CEO Forum on February 14, 2019?

ANS: New Delhi

The first meeting of the US-India CEO Forum under the US President Donald Trump Administration will be held in New Delhi on February 14, 2019. The meeting will be co-chaired by US Commerce Secretary, Wilbur Ross and Union Minister of Commerce and Industry and Civil Aviation, Suresh Prabhu.

6. The Indian Parliament has passed the Personal Laws (Amendment) Bill 2019. The bill seeks to remove which disease as a ground for divorce?

ANS: Leprosy

The Parliament has passed the Personal Laws (Amendment Bill), 2018 that seeks to remove leprosy as a ground for divorce. Leprosy is being removed as a ground for divorce as it is now a curable disease as against the earlier notion of it being incurable.

7. The legislators of which nation passed a landmark bill making it easier for asylum seekers to get medical treatment in the country?

ANS: Australia

Australian legislators have passed a landmark bill making it easier for asylum seekers, being held on remote Pacific islands, to get medical treatment in the country. This is the first time in decades the government has lost a vote on its own legislation in the lower house as the bill was passed with an opposition amendment.

8. India’s first Mega Aqua Food Park was commissioned recently in which state?

ANS: Andhra Pradesh

Union Minister of Food Processing Industries Harsimrat Kaur Badal on February 12, 2019 commissioned Godavari Mega Aqua Food Park at Tundurru Village in Bhimavaram Mandal, West Godavari District, Andhra Pradesh through video conferencing. The park will be the first Mega Aqua Food Park operationalised exclusively for fish and marine products processing in the state of Andhra Pradesh.

9. The European Union members of UN Security Council have asked for humanitarian access to which nation?

ANS: Ukraine

European Union members of the UN Security Council have asked for humanitarian access to eastern Ukraine’s areas held by separatists. The countries said in a statement, some 3.5 million people require humanitarian aid and protection due to widespread mine contamination, escalating psychological trauma and lack of access to basic services.

10. Which nation’s government has fired its election commission?

ANS: Afghanistan

The Afghanistan government has fired its election commission. The move comes more than three months after chaotic parliamentary elections, the results of which have still not been announced and ahead of July’s controversial presidential vote.

Top Current Affairs : 28 February 2019

1. Which state recently declared Monkeys a Vermin species for next one year?
ANS:   Himachal Pradesh

The Himachal Pradesh Government recently declared monkeys as a Vermin species for next one year for eleven districts and 91 tehsils and sub-tehsils due to monkey menace in the state and the damage being caused by them to crops.

2. Indian Railways on February 27, 2019 launched a new facility for rail passengers to view which information online?
ANS:   Train Charts, Vacant Berths

Union Minister of Railways & Coal, Piyush Goyal on February 27, 2019 launched a new facility for Public Viewing of Train Charts and Vacant Berths to enhance travel experience and bring greater transparency for Indian Railway passengers. With this, rail passengers can view the information about reservation chart and vacant berths through IRCTC website.

3. Who is currently the highest-ranked Indian singles tennis player?
ANS:   Prajnesh Gunneswaran

In Tennis, India’s Prajnesh Gunneswaran achieved his career-best ranking, rising three places to 94th in the latest list. Ramkumar Ramanathan dropped nine spots to 137, while Yuki Bhambri further slipped to 171. In doubles rankings, Rohan Bopanna remained at 38th and Divij Sharan at 39th, while Leander Paes jumped two spots to 73rd.

4. The second edition of Indian Sign Language Dictionary comprises how many words?
ANS:   6000 words

Social Justice and Empowerment Minister Thaawarchand Gehlot on February 27, 2019 launched the 2nd Edition of Indian Sign Language (ISL) Dictionary in New Delhi. The dictionary includes six thousand words under the categories of academic, legal, medical, technical and everyday terms.

5. How many countries have ratified the Geneva Convention?
ANS:   196

The Geneva Conventions are a set of international treaties agreed to between 1864 and 1949 that establish the standards of international law for humanitarian treatment in case of war. The conventions were ratified, in whole or with reservations, by 196 countries across the world.

6. Which state is going to get a new Railway zone?
ANS:   Andhra Pradesh

Southern Coast Railway will be a new zone of the Indian Railways. This new 18th railway zone of the country will be headquartered at Visakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh. The new zone will comprise the existing Guntakal, Guntur and Vijayawada divisions that currently fall under the South Central Railway.

7. Which player was honoured with Asian Hockey Federation’s Player of the Year award?
ANS:   Manpreet Singh

The Asian Hockey Federation has honoured Indian skipper Manpreet Singh with the 2018 Player of the Year award. Women team’s striker Lalremsiami has bagged the Rising Player of The Year prize. Manpreet had led the Indian team to an unbeaten streak at the Asian Champions Trophy in Muscat where the team was declared joint winners with Pakistan.

8. When the National Science Day is observed every year?
ANS:   February 28

The National Science Day 2019 was observed across India on February 28, 2019 to mark the discovery of the Raman Effect by Indian physicist Chandrasekhara Venkata Raman (CV Raman). The theme of National Science Day 2019 was “Science for the People and the People for Science.”

9. Which Ministry on February 27, 2019 launched the ‘Scheme for Higher Education Youth in Apprenticeship and Skills’ (SHREYAS) for providing industry apprenticeship opportunities to fresh graduates of 2019?
ANS:    Ministry of Human Resources Development

The Union Minister for Human Resources Development, Prakash Javadekar on February 27, 2019 launched the ‘Scheme for Higher Education Youth in Apprenticeship and Skills’ (SHREYAS) for providing industry apprenticeship opportunities to fresh graduates of 2019.

10. Prime Minister Narendra Modi conferred the Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prize for the years 2016, 2017 and 2018 in which field?
ANS:   Science & Technology

On the occasion of National Science Day 2019, Prime Minister Narendra Modi conferred the Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prize for Science and Technology for the years 2016, 2017 and 2018 to the awardees. The Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prize is named after the founder Director of the Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR), Dr. Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar.

By Rodney

I’m Rodney D Clary, a web developer. If you want to start a project and do a quick launch, I am available for freelance work. info@quickmysupport.com

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