General Affairs
5 persons including Congress MLA killed in train mishap in AP
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Six persons, including a Congress MLA from Karnataka, were killed and two others injured when a trolley carrying granite boulder hit the Bangalore-Nanded Express in Anantapur district of Andhra Pradesh in the early hours on Monday.
The trolley hit the train at Madakasira railway gate and the granite boulder crashed against the first-class carriage of the train, DIG of Anantapur, K Satyanarayana, said.
Four coaches (B-1, H1, S-1 and S-2) were also derailed derailed in the mishap, the South Western Railway said.
Help line desk at Bangalore City Railway Station: 080 22354108, 09731666751, 080 22156553; Help line desk at Penukonda Station: 0855220244.
The driver of the granite-laden truck lost control and hit a coach of Nanded Express at a level crossing in Anantpur district.
Five passengers travelling in H1 coach of Bengaluru-Nanded train and the truck driver were killed in the accident, that also led to derailment of two other coaches- S1 and S2.
A.A. Venkatesh Naik, a member of Karnataka assembly from Devadurg constituency in Raichur district, was among the train passengers killed in the disaster.
"The Bangalore-Nanded train collided with a lorry and resulted in derailment of four coaches. Union Railways Minister Suresh Prabhu is monitoring the situation. Few trains on south central and south-western railway lines have been diverted," says Anil Saxena, Public Relations Officer, Railways.
The accident occurred at a level crossing at Madakasira in Penukonda mandal of Anantapur district around 2.30 a.m. when the train was on its way to Nanded in Maharashtra from Bengaluru.
The speeding truck was carrying huge granites and the driver apparently failed to notice the railway gate on the recently constructed road.
Such was the impact of the collision that the H1 passenger car was ripped apart by a huge granite. All dead and almost all injured were from this coach.
Some passengers in S1 and S2 sustained minor injuries due to derailment. Anantapur district collector K. Sasidhar said 20 buses were arranged for the stranded passengers to take them to their respective destinations.
The injured were shifted to a government-run hospital at Penukonda.
Andhra Pradesh Health Minister Kamineni Srinivas and another minister from the district Palle Raghunath Reddy called on the injured and directed the officials to provide best possible treatment to them.
The accident affected the movement on Bengaluru-Guntakal route. Railway officials with the help of local authorities were engaged in removing the derailed coaches to clear the track.
The authorities in Andhra Pradesh's Anantapur district have opened helplines to provide information to the kins of the passengers travelling in the train.
The helpline number at the accident site is 9701374062
Penukonda Revenue Divisional Officer (RDO) helpline 08555-220228
Dharmavaram helpline 08559-222555
Anantapur railway helpline 08554-236444
Six persons, including a Congress MLA from Karnataka, were killed and two others injured when a trolley carrying granite boulder hit the Bangalore-Nanded Express in Anantapur district of Andhra Pradesh in the early hours on Monday.
The trolley hit the train at Madakasira railway gate and the granite boulder crashed against the first-class carriage of the train, DIG of Anantapur, K Satyanarayana, said.
Four coaches (B-1, H1, S-1 and S-2) were also derailed derailed in the mishap, the South Western Railway said.
Help line desk at Bangalore City Railway Station: 080 22354108, 09731666751, 080 22156553; Help line desk at Penukonda Station: 0855220244.
The driver of the granite-laden truck lost control and hit a coach of Nanded Express at a level crossing in Anantpur district.
Five passengers travelling in H1 coach of Bengaluru-Nanded train and the truck driver were killed in the accident, that also led to derailment of two other coaches- S1 and S2.
A.A. Venkatesh Naik, a member of Karnataka assembly from Devadurg constituency in Raichur district, was among the train passengers killed in the disaster.
"The Bangalore-Nanded train collided with a lorry and resulted in derailment of four coaches. Union Railways Minister Suresh Prabhu is monitoring the situation. Few trains on south central and south-western railway lines have been diverted," says Anil Saxena, Public Relations Officer, Railways.
The accident occurred at a level crossing at Madakasira in Penukonda mandal of Anantapur district around 2.30 a.m. when the train was on its way to Nanded in Maharashtra from Bengaluru.
The speeding truck was carrying huge granites and the driver apparently failed to notice the railway gate on the recently constructed road.
Such was the impact of the collision that the H1 passenger car was ripped apart by a huge granite. All dead and almost all injured were from this coach.
Some passengers in S1 and S2 sustained minor injuries due to derailment. Anantapur district collector K. Sasidhar said 20 buses were arranged for the stranded passengers to take them to their respective destinations.
The injured were shifted to a government-run hospital at Penukonda.
Andhra Pradesh Health Minister Kamineni Srinivas and another minister from the district Palle Raghunath Reddy called on the injured and directed the officials to provide best possible treatment to them.
The accident affected the movement on Bengaluru-Guntakal route. Railway officials with the help of local authorities were engaged in removing the derailed coaches to clear the track.
The authorities in Andhra Pradesh's Anantapur district have opened helplines to provide information to the kins of the passengers travelling in the train.
The helpline number at the accident site is 9701374062
Penukonda Revenue Divisional Officer (RDO) helpline 08555-220228
Dharmavaram helpline 08559-222555
Anantapur railway helpline 08554-236444
Will expose truth of Bihar package: Nitish Kumar
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Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Sunday said he would soon "expose the truth" behind the Rs 1.25 lakh crore special package announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the poll-bound state.
"Soon, we will bring out the truth and the real face of Rs 1.25 lakh crore special package to Bihar," Nitish Kumar said in Patna after launching several projects totally worth Rs 19,499.13 crore.
He hinted that several ongoing projects worth thousands of crores of rupees were included in the special package announced by Modi last week. Even projects that would benefit other states were also included in the special package, he said.
Nitish Kumar reiterated his demand for special category status to Bihar. "We will continue to fight for the rights of Bihar," he said.
Modi announced the much-awaited package for Bihar on Tuesday in Arrah town in Bhojpur district. He said the aid would "change the face of Bihar".
On the other hand, state BJP leaders are upbeat after the announcement on the special package and hope it would give the National Democratic Alliance led by the party an advantage over the grand alliance of Janata Dal-United, Rashtriya Janata Dal and the Congress in the coming polls.
Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Sunday said he would soon "expose the truth" behind the Rs 1.25 lakh crore special package announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the poll-bound state.
"Soon, we will bring out the truth and the real face of Rs 1.25 lakh crore special package to Bihar," Nitish Kumar said in Patna after launching several projects totally worth Rs 19,499.13 crore.
He hinted that several ongoing projects worth thousands of crores of rupees were included in the special package announced by Modi last week. Even projects that would benefit other states were also included in the special package, he said.
Nitish Kumar reiterated his demand for special category status to Bihar. "We will continue to fight for the rights of Bihar," he said.
Modi announced the much-awaited package for Bihar on Tuesday in Arrah town in Bhojpur district. He said the aid would "change the face of Bihar".
On the other hand, state BJP leaders are upbeat after the announcement on the special package and hope it would give the National Democratic Alliance led by the party an advantage over the grand alliance of Janata Dal-United, Rashtriya Janata Dal and the Congress in the coming polls.
Why didn't Pakistan raise Kashmir in Ufa, asks Rajnath Singh
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Hitting out at Pakistan a day after it called off the Indo-Pak NSA-level talks, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday said if Pakistan was so keen on raising the Kashmir issue, why didn't it do so during talks in Ufa even as the Modi government came under fire from Congress for its "ham-handed" handling of the situation.
Accusing Pakistan of deviating from the agenda agreed in Ufa between Prime Ministers Narendra Modi and Nawaz Sharif, Singh also made it clear that the possibility of any future dialogue will depend on the neighbour.
On Pakistan's claim that Kashmir was the main agenda, the Home Minister said, "Why didn't Pakistan raise the Kashmir issue in Ufa in Russia when the two Prime Ministers met last month? Why was it not decided earlier that it would be part of NSA-level talks? It was never an issue on agenda."
Describing the cancellation of talks as unfortunate, he however, underlined that India stands for dialogue and cordial relationship with Pakistan.
"The cancellation of NSA-level talks between India and Pakistan is unfortunate. India is in favour of dialogue," Singh told reporters on the sidelines of a function.
Pakistan last night called off the talks in Delhi between National Security Adviser Ajit Doval and his Pakistani counterpart Sartaj Aziz, hours after India made it clear that discussions on Kashmir and a meeting with separatists will not be acceptable to it.
Congress lashed out at government's "ham-handling" of talks and accused it of playing into Pakistan's hands, claiming that India has lost out on all the gains of last 10 years.
"Unfortunately, the NDA government has played into Pakistan's hands by being imprecise, by being unprepared, by lacking focus, by being ad hoc, by not doing sufficient hard-nosed groundwork, good old-fashioned diplomacy and preparation.
"We are very sad that all the gains of the last 10-odd years on Indo-Pak settlement of atleast some issues, are given a setback by such aborted talks. No such opportunity should have been given to Pakistan to wriggle out of as serious an issue as terror," Congress spokesperson Abhishek Singhvi said.
"We deprecate the ham-handed manner in which several aspects have been handled by the government," he said.
"I think the government needs to get its house in order. It needs to make sure that multiple agencies which suddenly appear to have started making Indian foreign policy, either the multiplicity is eliminated or complete unity and coherence is introduced in all those multiple agencies to speak through one agency and in one voice," Singhvi said.
Attacking Pakistan, he said it is clear that it wants to run away from all issues relating to terrorism as it does not want any discussion on any issue or exchange of information, particularly on those serious matters on which it can be cornered.
In Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mufti Mohammed Sayeed expressed disappointment over the cancellation of NSA talks and hoped that "the break in talks would be temporary".
The chief minister had a veiled advice for Pakistan and separatists, saying, "It is neither warranted nor desirable to insist upon all-inclusive participation, directly or indirectly, in each and every bilateral meeting, like that between the two NSAs."
Hoping that India and Pakistan will "re-engage soon in a meaningful dialogue" and steps taken by New Delhi to remove impediments in normalization of relations will be reciprocated by Islamabad, Sayeed said he wants to see both the countries "walk the bridge of trust together".
Asked about Pakistan blaming India for cancellation of talks, the Home Minister shot back, "It is Pakistan which has cancelled the talks and not India."
He said that India has always stood for maintaining good and cordial relationship with its neighbours and efforts in this direction would continue.
"But Pakistan should not have deviated from the agenda decided during the meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif (in Ufa in July)," he said.
On Pakistan's criticism of India's objections to Aziz's meeting with Kashmiri separatist leaders, Singh said, "the thing was that there will be no third party in NSA-level talks. It was only NSA-level talk. There was nothing like that others too will hold talks before, later or in between."
The Union minister said Pakistan should have held talks as per pre-decided agenda on terror.
Asked about possibility of any dialogue in future, Singh said, "go and ask Pakistan, how can I reply to it."
On being asked about the next step of India, the Home Minister said it was upto Pakistan to decide.
"As far as India's intention is concerned, I want to make it clear that it is in favour of having good and cordial relationship with its neighbour," he said.
Hitting out at Pakistan a day after it called off the Indo-Pak NSA-level talks, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday said if Pakistan was so keen on raising the Kashmir issue, why didn't it do so during talks in Ufa even as the Modi government came under fire from Congress for its "ham-handed" handling of the situation.
Accusing Pakistan of deviating from the agenda agreed in Ufa between Prime Ministers Narendra Modi and Nawaz Sharif, Singh also made it clear that the possibility of any future dialogue will depend on the neighbour.
On Pakistan's claim that Kashmir was the main agenda, the Home Minister said, "Why didn't Pakistan raise the Kashmir issue in Ufa in Russia when the two Prime Ministers met last month? Why was it not decided earlier that it would be part of NSA-level talks? It was never an issue on agenda."
Describing the cancellation of talks as unfortunate, he however, underlined that India stands for dialogue and cordial relationship with Pakistan.
"The cancellation of NSA-level talks between India and Pakistan is unfortunate. India is in favour of dialogue," Singh told reporters on the sidelines of a function.
Pakistan last night called off the talks in Delhi between National Security Adviser Ajit Doval and his Pakistani counterpart Sartaj Aziz, hours after India made it clear that discussions on Kashmir and a meeting with separatists will not be acceptable to it.
Congress lashed out at government's "ham-handling" of talks and accused it of playing into Pakistan's hands, claiming that India has lost out on all the gains of last 10 years.
"Unfortunately, the NDA government has played into Pakistan's hands by being imprecise, by being unprepared, by lacking focus, by being ad hoc, by not doing sufficient hard-nosed groundwork, good old-fashioned diplomacy and preparation.
"We are very sad that all the gains of the last 10-odd years on Indo-Pak settlement of atleast some issues, are given a setback by such aborted talks. No such opportunity should have been given to Pakistan to wriggle out of as serious an issue as terror," Congress spokesperson Abhishek Singhvi said.
"We deprecate the ham-handed manner in which several aspects have been handled by the government," he said.
"I think the government needs to get its house in order. It needs to make sure that multiple agencies which suddenly appear to have started making Indian foreign policy, either the multiplicity is eliminated or complete unity and coherence is introduced in all those multiple agencies to speak through one agency and in one voice," Singhvi said.
Attacking Pakistan, he said it is clear that it wants to run away from all issues relating to terrorism as it does not want any discussion on any issue or exchange of information, particularly on those serious matters on which it can be cornered.
In Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mufti Mohammed Sayeed expressed disappointment over the cancellation of NSA talks and hoped that "the break in talks would be temporary".
The chief minister had a veiled advice for Pakistan and separatists, saying, "It is neither warranted nor desirable to insist upon all-inclusive participation, directly or indirectly, in each and every bilateral meeting, like that between the two NSAs."
Hoping that India and Pakistan will "re-engage soon in a meaningful dialogue" and steps taken by New Delhi to remove impediments in normalization of relations will be reciprocated by Islamabad, Sayeed said he wants to see both the countries "walk the bridge of trust together".
Asked about Pakistan blaming India for cancellation of talks, the Home Minister shot back, "It is Pakistan which has cancelled the talks and not India."
He said that India has always stood for maintaining good and cordial relationship with its neighbours and efforts in this direction would continue.
"But Pakistan should not have deviated from the agenda decided during the meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif (in Ufa in July)," he said.
On Pakistan's criticism of India's objections to Aziz's meeting with Kashmiri separatist leaders, Singh said, "the thing was that there will be no third party in NSA-level talks. It was only NSA-level talk. There was nothing like that others too will hold talks before, later or in between."
The Union minister said Pakistan should have held talks as per pre-decided agenda on terror.
Asked about possibility of any dialogue in future, Singh said, "go and ask Pakistan, how can I reply to it."
On being asked about the next step of India, the Home Minister said it was upto Pakistan to decide.
"As far as India's intention is concerned, I want to make it clear that it is in favour of having good and cordial relationship with its neighbour," he said.
Gujarat CM Anandiben rules out quota for Patels
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Gujarat government on Sunday virtually ruled out OBC quota for the Patel community, setting the stage for a confrontation with agitators ahead of a gathering called by them here on Tuesday even as members of OBC communities threatened to "uproot" the government if the Patels' demand was met.
The government is at present holding a meeting with the representatives of Patel community to find a solution to the impasse.
Gujarat Chief Minister Anandiben Patel cited the Constitution and Supreme Court judgements in a print and video message to the people of the state to say that "we cannot make any changes in the structure of reservations for SCs, STs and OBCs, nor can we give reservation beyond 50 per cent".
Her public message came just two days ahead of a mega gathering called by Patel community members. The chief minister asked the agitators to hold talks with the government instead of organising rallies which, she said, may harm the economy of the state.Meanwhile, Patel community leader Hardik Patel said that their agitation will continue.
In a related development, thousands of Other Backward Class communities' members held a rally in Ahmedabad on Sunday to counter the agitation of the Patel community which is demanding OBC status and threatened to "uproot" the Gujarat government if it bows to the demand of the Patels.
'Gujarat Kshatriya-Thakor Sena' president Alpesh Thakor in his address took a dig at Patel leaders who had earlier threatened the state government to face consequences in the 2017 Assembly elections if their demands were not met.
"We strongly condemn the way in which Patels are pressurising the government to get reservation by threatening to uproot government in 2017. I want to warn this government that don't take our patience for granted," Thakor said.
"Patels are just 12 per cent while OBCs, SCs and STs are 78 per cent of state's population. If Patels will be given even one per cent reservation, this government may no longer remain in power in this year itself, forget about 2017," he warned.
Thakor who is spearheading the movement to bring all the 146 OBC communities of the state under one roof to counter the ongoing agitation by Patel community demanding reservation slammed the state government for forming a seven-member committee of ministers to listen to the demands of various communities, like Patels, Brahmins and Kshatriyas, who are agitating to get reservation under OBC quota.
"I am doubtful about government's intentions. This may be a part of a larger conspiracy to remove the reservation in the long run, which is also demanded by Patels and other general castes. I want to warn this government to refrain from such activity," said Thakor
The rally was organised near Sabarmati Ashram, where at least 10,000 members of different OBC communities gathered to listen to their leaders.
Sunday's rally by OBCs was organised in the wake of the proposed mega-rally of Patels to be held in the city on August 25, where at least 20 lakh Patel community members are expected to participate as a show of their strength.
The Patels are demanding reservation in government jobs and education under OBC quota. Patels are numerically a strong community in Gujarat and are backing the BJP for the last 25 years.
Apart from OBCs, large number of Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe members and leaders of several other backward castes from across the state attended the rally.
Thakor alleged that Patel leaders are providing misleading information about reservation system.
"Patels claim that due to reservation, an OBC student with just 40 per cent marks becomes a doctor, while a Patel student with 80 per cent fails to secure berth in MBBS. I want to challenge them to show a single instance where an OBC with 40 per cent marks secured admission in medical college," he said.
Now the OBC community has realised that who are their real enemies, he said.
"These general castes projected Muslims as our enemies and incited OBCs to fight against them. But now we have learnt that Muslims are also OBCs. They are among us. We have now realised that our actual enemies are those who want to snatch our right of reservation," he said.
Thakor shared the stage with several other OBC, dalit and tribal leaders, including Gujarat president of Chaudhari community Bharat Chaudhari, Koli-Patel community leader Arjun Koli-Patel, Rabari community leader Teja Desai and tribal leader Romel Sutaria among others.
In his speech, Chaudhari called for a statewide agitation if the government bows to the demands of Patels.
He also downplayed the claim of Patel leaders that they can make or break any government.
"Patels claim that they can make or break any government, as they are 12 per cent of population. But, they forget that we are 78 per cent. We can do the same. What will happen if all the OBCs come on road? It will be impossible for this government to be in power if it goes against us," warned Chaudhari.
Gujarat government on Sunday virtually ruled out OBC quota for the Patel community, setting the stage for a confrontation with agitators ahead of a gathering called by them here on Tuesday even as members of OBC communities threatened to "uproot" the government if the Patels' demand was met.
The government is at present holding a meeting with the representatives of Patel community to find a solution to the impasse.
Gujarat Chief Minister Anandiben Patel cited the Constitution and Supreme Court judgements in a print and video message to the people of the state to say that "we cannot make any changes in the structure of reservations for SCs, STs and OBCs, nor can we give reservation beyond 50 per cent".
Her public message came just two days ahead of a mega gathering called by Patel community members. The chief minister asked the agitators to hold talks with the government instead of organising rallies which, she said, may harm the economy of the state.Meanwhile, Patel community leader Hardik Patel said that their agitation will continue.
In a related development, thousands of Other Backward Class communities' members held a rally in Ahmedabad on Sunday to counter the agitation of the Patel community which is demanding OBC status and threatened to "uproot" the Gujarat government if it bows to the demand of the Patels.
'Gujarat Kshatriya-Thakor Sena' president Alpesh Thakor in his address took a dig at Patel leaders who had earlier threatened the state government to face consequences in the 2017 Assembly elections if their demands were not met.
"We strongly condemn the way in which Patels are pressurising the government to get reservation by threatening to uproot government in 2017. I want to warn this government that don't take our patience for granted," Thakor said.
"Patels are just 12 per cent while OBCs, SCs and STs are 78 per cent of state's population. If Patels will be given even one per cent reservation, this government may no longer remain in power in this year itself, forget about 2017," he warned.
Thakor who is spearheading the movement to bring all the 146 OBC communities of the state under one roof to counter the ongoing agitation by Patel community demanding reservation slammed the state government for forming a seven-member committee of ministers to listen to the demands of various communities, like Patels, Brahmins and Kshatriyas, who are agitating to get reservation under OBC quota.
"I am doubtful about government's intentions. This may be a part of a larger conspiracy to remove the reservation in the long run, which is also demanded by Patels and other general castes. I want to warn this government to refrain from such activity," said Thakor
The rally was organised near Sabarmati Ashram, where at least 10,000 members of different OBC communities gathered to listen to their leaders.
Sunday's rally by OBCs was organised in the wake of the proposed mega-rally of Patels to be held in the city on August 25, where at least 20 lakh Patel community members are expected to participate as a show of their strength.
The Patels are demanding reservation in government jobs and education under OBC quota. Patels are numerically a strong community in Gujarat and are backing the BJP for the last 25 years.
Apart from OBCs, large number of Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe members and leaders of several other backward castes from across the state attended the rally.
Thakor alleged that Patel leaders are providing misleading information about reservation system.
"Patels claim that due to reservation, an OBC student with just 40 per cent marks becomes a doctor, while a Patel student with 80 per cent fails to secure berth in MBBS. I want to challenge them to show a single instance where an OBC with 40 per cent marks secured admission in medical college," he said.
Now the OBC community has realised that who are their real enemies, he said.
"These general castes projected Muslims as our enemies and incited OBCs to fight against them. But now we have learnt that Muslims are also OBCs. They are among us. We have now realised that our actual enemies are those who want to snatch our right of reservation," he said.
Thakor shared the stage with several other OBC, dalit and tribal leaders, including Gujarat president of Chaudhari community Bharat Chaudhari, Koli-Patel community leader Arjun Koli-Patel, Rabari community leader Teja Desai and tribal leader Romel Sutaria among others.
In his speech, Chaudhari called for a statewide agitation if the government bows to the demands of Patels.
He also downplayed the claim of Patel leaders that they can make or break any government.
"Patels claim that they can make or break any government, as they are 12 per cent of population. But, they forget that we are 78 per cent. We can do the same. What will happen if all the OBCs come on road? It will be impossible for this government to be in power if it goes against us," warned Chaudhari.
Alarmed by India's dossier, Pakistan moves Dawood Ibrahim from Karachi: Sources
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The ISI and Pakistan Army have reportedly moved underworld don Dawood Ibrahim from his Karachi house to another safe location in Murre in northern Pakistan, highly places sources told India Today.
The move came after India's dossier on Dawood to Pakistan was made public, which included details of his passports and several addresses across Pakistan. Sources also told India Today that Pakistani intelligence agency moved Dawood at around 2.30 PM on Sunday in a Pakistani Army vehicle. Later, Pakistani authorities disconnected Dawood's telephone numbers.
Pakistan is said to be worried after India's latest dossier on underworld don Dawood Ibrahim came into public domain that listed out 9 addresses of the underworld don in Pakistan.
Pakistani establishment has been denying that Dawood is living in their country. Meanwhile, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh said on Saturday that Dawood has been permanently living in Pakistan though he may be changing locations in that country. "Such people keep changing their location. But he is permanently living in Pakistan," Singh told reporters in Lucknow.
The dossier also said that Dawood has three Pakistani passports which he frequently uses to travel. Dawood has been wanted in India for his involvement in the 1993 serial bomb blasts in Bombay which resulted in the death of 257 people and injured thousand others.
Dawood is also accused in cases ranging from money laundering to extortion. The dossier claims that a new residence that Dawood bought is located at Shireen Jinah Colony near Ziauddin Hospital, Cliffton, Karachi.
"This accommodation was purchased in September, 2013 and is located near the hospital where medical treatment could be provided to Dawood whenever required. This place is close to the residence of Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, son of former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto," the dossier reads.
Apart from this house, the other places where he regularly frequents are: Moin Palace, near Abdullah Shah Gazi Dargah, Cliffton, Karachi, 6A Khyabar Tanzeem, Phase V, Defence Housing area, Karachi. An ISI safe house located on Bhoubhan Hill, around 20km from Islamabad on Islamabad-Muree Road, P 6/2, street no.22, House no. 29, Maragalla Road, Islamabad, 17 C P Bazar Society, Block 7-8, Amir Khan Road, Karachi, 30th street in Phase 6 extension of DHA in Karachi, 8th floor of Mohran Square near Pardesi House 3, Tawar area, Cliffton, Karachi and a palatial bungalow in the hilly area of Nooriabad, Karachi.
"Dawood is known to frequently change his locations and addresses in Pakistan. He has amassed immense property in Pakistan and moves under the protection of Pakistani agencies," the dossier says.
India had planned to confront Pakistan's National Security Adviser Sartaj Aziz with the dossier during the talks which have been now called off.
The ISI and Pakistan Army have reportedly moved underworld don Dawood Ibrahim from his Karachi house to another safe location in Murre in northern Pakistan, highly places sources told India Today.
The move came after India's dossier on Dawood to Pakistan was made public, which included details of his passports and several addresses across Pakistan. Sources also told India Today that Pakistani intelligence agency moved Dawood at around 2.30 PM on Sunday in a Pakistani Army vehicle. Later, Pakistani authorities disconnected Dawood's telephone numbers.
Pakistan is said to be worried after India's latest dossier on underworld don Dawood Ibrahim came into public domain that listed out 9 addresses of the underworld don in Pakistan.
Pakistani establishment has been denying that Dawood is living in their country. Meanwhile, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh said on Saturday that Dawood has been permanently living in Pakistan though he may be changing locations in that country. "Such people keep changing their location. But he is permanently living in Pakistan," Singh told reporters in Lucknow.
The dossier also said that Dawood has three Pakistani passports which he frequently uses to travel. Dawood has been wanted in India for his involvement in the 1993 serial bomb blasts in Bombay which resulted in the death of 257 people and injured thousand others.
Dawood is also accused in cases ranging from money laundering to extortion. The dossier claims that a new residence that Dawood bought is located at Shireen Jinah Colony near Ziauddin Hospital, Cliffton, Karachi.
"This accommodation was purchased in September, 2013 and is located near the hospital where medical treatment could be provided to Dawood whenever required. This place is close to the residence of Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, son of former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto," the dossier reads.
Apart from this house, the other places where he regularly frequents are: Moin Palace, near Abdullah Shah Gazi Dargah, Cliffton, Karachi, 6A Khyabar Tanzeem, Phase V, Defence Housing area, Karachi. An ISI safe house located on Bhoubhan Hill, around 20km from Islamabad on Islamabad-Muree Road, P 6/2, street no.22, House no. 29, Maragalla Road, Islamabad, 17 C P Bazar Society, Block 7-8, Amir Khan Road, Karachi, 30th street in Phase 6 extension of DHA in Karachi, 8th floor of Mohran Square near Pardesi House 3, Tawar area, Cliffton, Karachi and a palatial bungalow in the hilly area of Nooriabad, Karachi.
"Dawood is known to frequently change his locations and addresses in Pakistan. He has amassed immense property in Pakistan and moves under the protection of Pakistani agencies," the dossier says.
India had planned to confront Pakistan's National Security Adviser Sartaj Aziz with the dossier during the talks which have been now called off.
Business Affairs
Rupee crashes to 66.49 against dollar, plunges by 66 paise
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The rupee plunged by 66 paise to fall below the Rs 66 level against the dollar for the first time in almost two years in opening trade on Monday on sustained capital outflows even as the US currency weakened overseas.
At the Interbank Foreign Exchange Market, the rupee fell by 66 paise to 66.49 a dollar in early trade.
A strong dollar demand from importers and banks, and heavy losses in domestic equity markets weighed on the local currency, forex dealers said.
The rupee dropped even as dollar weakened against other major global currencies overseas amid mounting global economic slowdown worries.
The rupee had lost 29 paise to close at two-year low of 65.83 against the US dollar on Friday on high demand for greenback from banks and importers.
Meanwhile, the benchmark BSE Sensex tanked 1,006.54 points, or 3.67 per cent, to 26,359.53 in opening trade.
The rupee plunged by 66 paise to fall below the Rs 66 level against the dollar for the first time in almost two years in opening trade on Monday on sustained capital outflows even as the US currency weakened overseas.
At the Interbank Foreign Exchange Market, the rupee fell by 66 paise to 66.49 a dollar in early trade.
A strong dollar demand from importers and banks, and heavy losses in domestic equity markets weighed on the local currency, forex dealers said.
The rupee dropped even as dollar weakened against other major global currencies overseas amid mounting global economic slowdown worries.
The rupee had lost 29 paise to close at two-year low of 65.83 against the US dollar on Friday on high demand for greenback from banks and importers.
Meanwhile, the benchmark BSE Sensex tanked 1,006.54 points, or 3.67 per cent, to 26,359.53 in opening trade.
Sensex plummets 1200 points, Nifty 335 on global rout
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Indian equities nose-dived more than 3 per cent on Monday tracking massive sell-off in global markets as the benchmark BSE Sensex plunged by more than 1200 points, while NSE Nifty fell by 334.55 points in late morning deals.
The Sensex was quoted at 26,311.05, down 1,055 points at 1045 hours as against Friday's close of 27,366.07.
The market expected to remain volatile in the near future as traders roll over their positions in the futures & options (F&O) segment from the near month August series to September.
The near month derivatives is set to expire on Thursday.
The 50-share Nifty also dropped by 334.55 points or 4.03 per cent to 7,965.40 at 1045 hrs.
Foreign investors sold shares worth Rs 2,340.60 crore last Friday, as per provisional data released. While, Domestic investors bought shares worth Rs 1524.10 crore.
Globally, Asian markets were deep in the red on worries over weakness in Chinese economy after a private survey on Friday showed that nations factory output fell to multi-year lows.
Key benchmark indices in Japan, Singapore, South Korea and Taiwan were down 3.20 per cent to 4.60 per cent. Indices in China and Hong Kong was down by 8.45 per cent and 4.45 per cent, respectively.
Indian equities nose-dived more than 3 per cent on Monday tracking massive sell-off in global markets as the benchmark BSE Sensex plunged by more than 1200 points, while NSE Nifty fell by 334.55 points in late morning deals.
The Sensex was quoted at 26,311.05, down 1,055 points at 1045 hours as against Friday's close of 27,366.07.
The market expected to remain volatile in the near future as traders roll over their positions in the futures & options (F&O) segment from the near month August series to September.
The near month derivatives is set to expire on Thursday.
The 50-share Nifty also dropped by 334.55 points or 4.03 per cent to 7,965.40 at 1045 hrs.
Foreign investors sold shares worth Rs 2,340.60 crore last Friday, as per provisional data released. While, Domestic investors bought shares worth Rs 1524.10 crore.
Globally, Asian markets were deep in the red on worries over weakness in Chinese economy after a private survey on Friday showed that nations factory output fell to multi-year lows.
Key benchmark indices in Japan, Singapore, South Korea and Taiwan were down 3.20 per cent to 4.60 per cent. Indices in China and Hong Kong was down by 8.45 per cent and 4.45 per cent, respectively.
While gold hits over 3-month high, silver eases in domestic market
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Gold hits over three-month highs to reclaim the 27,000-level at the domestic bullion market on Saturday on steady demand from investors and stockists, well supported by a surge in international markets. While, silver witnessed a bouts of speculative profit-booking at higher levels to move back to 36,000-level after its two day surge.
Standard gold (99.5 purity) gained by Rs 230 to end at Rs 27,075 per 10 grams (the rate not seen since May 25) as against Friday's closing level of Rs 26,845. Pure gold (99.9 purity) also rallied by a similar margin of Rs 230 to conclude at Rs 27,225 per 10 grams as against Rs 26,995 previously.
However, silver (.999 fineness) declined by Rs 55 to finish at Rs 36,980 compared with Rs 37,035 yesterday. On the global front, in New York, gold ended more than six-week high in late overnight trade and scored biggest weekly gain since January as slump in equities and drop in the US dollar buoyed the metals appeal.
Gold futures for December delivery rose USD 6.40 to close at USD 1,159.60 an ounce. While September silver shed 21.6 cents to USD 15.301 an ounce.
Gold hits over three-month highs to reclaim the 27,000-level at the domestic bullion market on Saturday on steady demand from investors and stockists, well supported by a surge in international markets. While, silver witnessed a bouts of speculative profit-booking at higher levels to move back to 36,000-level after its two day surge.
Standard gold (99.5 purity) gained by Rs 230 to end at Rs 27,075 per 10 grams (the rate not seen since May 25) as against Friday's closing level of Rs 26,845. Pure gold (99.9 purity) also rallied by a similar margin of Rs 230 to conclude at Rs 27,225 per 10 grams as against Rs 26,995 previously.
However, silver (.999 fineness) declined by Rs 55 to finish at Rs 36,980 compared with Rs 37,035 yesterday. On the global front, in New York, gold ended more than six-week high in late overnight trade and scored biggest weekly gain since January as slump in equities and drop in the US dollar buoyed the metals appeal.
Gold futures for December delivery rose USD 6.40 to close at USD 1,159.60 an ounce. While September silver shed 21.6 cents to USD 15.301 an ounce.
SpiceJet sale: Now, book flight tickets at just Rs 799
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To lure more passengers during the upcoming festive season, budget airline SpiceJet on Thursday launched a three-day-long discounted one-way fare scheme starting from Rs 799 to Rs 2,699 valid on more than 100,000 seats (excluding taxes).
"We are known as the airline that has made air travel more affordable for more Indians than ever before, revolutionising the industry and driving record growth in passengers in the process," said Shilpa Bhatia, senior vice-president and head of sales and distribution for SpiceJet.
Under the new discount scheme, single one-way fare between Delhi and Mumbai or Mumbai and Chennai will work out at Rs 1,899 (excluding taxes).
With taxes, the fare on these routes will stand at Rs 2,999 for one-way ticket. Similarly, for Mumbai-Kolkata, the complete fare including taxes stand at Rs 3,799 for one-way.
The airline pointed out that the lowest fare of Rs 799 excluding taxes is available on routes such as Delhi-Chandigarh, Mumbai-Goa, Bengaluru-Kochi, Madurai-Chennai, Jammu-Srinagar and Kolkata-Agartala.
The scheme will be available from August 20 to 22 midnight. The travel period covered under this sale period starts from August 25, 2015 to March 26, 2016. The sale is valid only for direct flights within SpiceJet's domestic network.
To sweeten the deal further, the airline is also offering 10 per cent additional discount to those passengers who are booking through SpiceJet's mobile App on Apples iOS and Android platforms.
However, the airline added that the tickets under the offer are non-refundable -- only taxes and fees are refundable.
To lure more passengers during the upcoming festive season, budget airline SpiceJet on Thursday launched a three-day-long discounted one-way fare scheme starting from Rs 799 to Rs 2,699 valid on more than 100,000 seats (excluding taxes).
"We are known as the airline that has made air travel more affordable for more Indians than ever before, revolutionising the industry and driving record growth in passengers in the process," said Shilpa Bhatia, senior vice-president and head of sales and distribution for SpiceJet.
Under the new discount scheme, single one-way fare between Delhi and Mumbai or Mumbai and Chennai will work out at Rs 1,899 (excluding taxes).
With taxes, the fare on these routes will stand at Rs 2,999 for one-way ticket. Similarly, for Mumbai-Kolkata, the complete fare including taxes stand at Rs 3,799 for one-way.
The airline pointed out that the lowest fare of Rs 799 excluding taxes is available on routes such as Delhi-Chandigarh, Mumbai-Goa, Bengaluru-Kochi, Madurai-Chennai, Jammu-Srinagar and Kolkata-Agartala.
The scheme will be available from August 20 to 22 midnight. The travel period covered under this sale period starts from August 25, 2015 to March 26, 2016. The sale is valid only for direct flights within SpiceJet's domestic network.
To sweeten the deal further, the airline is also offering 10 per cent additional discount to those passengers who are booking through SpiceJet's mobile App on Apples iOS and Android platforms.
However, the airline added that the tickets under the offer are non-refundable -- only taxes and fees are refundable.
Small finance bank licences next month: Raghuram Rajan
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After granting approval to 11 entities for payments banks, RBI on Thursday said it will announce small finance bank licences next month and allayed concerns that these new entities can pose any threat to existing banks.
RBI Governor Raghuram Rajan said that new payments banks would not pose any competitive threat to the existing banks and these new entities would rather serve as 'feeder' for the universal banks.
The RBI had received 72 applications for small finance bank licences and 41 applications for payment bank licences.
Out of these, RBI on Wednesday granted 'in principle' approval for payments bank to 11 entities, including big names like Reliance Industries, Aditya Birla Nuvo and Tech Mahindra, as also Airtel and Vodafone.
Those having applied for small finance banks include DHFL, IIFL Holdings, Lulu Forex, SKS Microfinance, UAE Exchange and Ujjivan Financial.
Rajan said that RBI would announce small finance bank licences next month.
The small finance banks can provide basic banking services like accepting deposits and lending to the unbanked sections such as small farmers, micro business enterprises, micro and small industries and unorganised sector entities.
The payments banks would be allowed to provide payments and remittance services, but can not issue credit cards or accept deposits beyond Rs 1 lakh. They can issue ATM and debit cards and also distribute mutual fund and insurance products.
Rajan said introduction of Payments Banks will revolutionise banking, make it very exciting for customers and existing lenders will have to improve service to retain depositors.
"I've no doubt banking will become very competitive and universal banks have to provide full service to retain customers," Rajan said during a chat with SBI Chairman Arundhati Bhattacharya at the conference organised by the country's largest lender.
After granting approval to 11 entities for payments banks, RBI on Thursday said it will announce small finance bank licences next month and allayed concerns that these new entities can pose any threat to existing banks.
RBI Governor Raghuram Rajan said that new payments banks would not pose any competitive threat to the existing banks and these new entities would rather serve as 'feeder' for the universal banks.
The RBI had received 72 applications for small finance bank licences and 41 applications for payment bank licences.
Out of these, RBI on Wednesday granted 'in principle' approval for payments bank to 11 entities, including big names like Reliance Industries, Aditya Birla Nuvo and Tech Mahindra, as also Airtel and Vodafone.
Those having applied for small finance banks include DHFL, IIFL Holdings, Lulu Forex, SKS Microfinance, UAE Exchange and Ujjivan Financial.
Rajan said that RBI would announce small finance bank licences next month.
The small finance banks can provide basic banking services like accepting deposits and lending to the unbanked sections such as small farmers, micro business enterprises, micro and small industries and unorganised sector entities.
The payments banks would be allowed to provide payments and remittance services, but can not issue credit cards or accept deposits beyond Rs 1 lakh. They can issue ATM and debit cards and also distribute mutual fund and insurance products.
Rajan said introduction of Payments Banks will revolutionise banking, make it very exciting for customers and existing lenders will have to improve service to retain depositors.
"I've no doubt banking will become very competitive and universal banks have to provide full service to retain customers," Rajan said during a chat with SBI Chairman Arundhati Bhattacharya at the conference organised by the country's largest lender.
General Awareness
United India Insurance Company (UIIC) Assistant exam General Knowledge Solved Paper
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1. The alphabet ‘C’ in the abbreviation CRR stands for–
(a) Cash (b) Currency (c) Credit (d) Commercial (e) Capital
(Ans : a)
2. The Minister for ‘Food Processing Industries’ in the Union Cabinet Is–
(a) Shri Thawar Chand Gehlot (b) Shrimati Harsimrat Kaur (c) Shri Ananat Geete
(d) Shri Radha Mohan Singh (e) Dr. Harsh Vardhan
(Ans : b)
3. Which of the following Indian Universities has a unique tradition of having the incumbent Prime Minister as its Chancellor ?
(a) The Visva Bharati University (b) The Kurukshetra University (c) The Banaras Hindu University
(d) The Jawahar Lal Nehru University (e) The Baba Saheb Ambedkar University
(Ans : a)
4. Who amongst the following holds the majority’ stake in the share capital of the recently opened ‘Bhartiya Mahila Bank’ ?
(a) LIC of India (b) Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India
(c) Government of India
(d) Reserve Bank of India (e) General Insurance Corporation of India
(Ans : c)
5. The ‘Brabourne Stadium’; which is India’s first permanent sporting venue is situated in–
(a) Mumbai, Maharashtra (b) New Delhi, India (c) Kolkata, West Bengal
(d) Bangalore, Karnataka (e) Chennai, Tamil Nadu
(Ans : a)
6. A representative of the insurance company licensed by the state who solicits, negotiates or effects contact of insurance and provides service to the policyholder for the insurer is known as…...
(a) Insurance Trader (b) Insurance Agent (c) Insurance Broker
(d) Stock Broker (e) Insurance Executive
(Ans : b)
7. Approximately half of all anaemia cases worldwide are found to be caused due to–
(a) Iron Deficiency (b) Potassium Deficiency (c) Calcium Deficiency
(d) Iodine Deficiency (e) Sodium Deficiency
(Ans : a)
8. The ‘International Worker’s Day’ (also known as labour day) is observed every year on the–
(a) 1st April (b) 1st May (c) 31st May (d) 10th May (e) 10th April
(Ans : b)
9. ‘Lee Kuan Yew’ who recently died at the age of 91, was the founder and first Premier of–
(a) Japan (b) Hong Kong (c) South Korea (d) Singapore (e) Australia
(Ans : d)
10. The ‘PMJDY’ launched by the Government of India is a Massive–
(a) Tribal Welfare Programme (b) Financial Literacy Programme (c) Infrastructure Development Programme
(d) Financial Inclusion Programme (e) Social Security Programme
(Ans : d)
11. The largest producer of cotton in the world is–
(a) Malaysia (b) Mexico (c) India (d) Canada (e) China
(Ans : e)
12. Who amongst the following has recently been named as the head of the ‘task force set up by the Government of India to define poverty and prepare a road map to alleviate it ?
(a) Dr. Bimal Jalan (b) Sindhushree Khullar (c) Arvind Panagariya
(d) V. K. Saraswat (e) Bibek Debroy
(Ans : c)
13. ‘The Sun’ is a daily tabloid newspaper published in–
(a) USA and Canada (b) United States of America (c) Russia
(d) Europe (e) United Kingdom and Ireland
(Ans : e)
14. An application for obtaining an insurance cover’ or for obtaining quotations of’ the premium chargeable is known as the–
(a) Proposal (b) Brochure (c) Catalogue (d) Pamphlet (e) Prospectus
(Ans : a)
15. ‘Dublin’ is the national capital of the–
(a) Republic of Israel (b) Republic of Iran (c) Republic of Iraq
(d) Republic of Ireland (e) Republic of Iceland
(Ans : d)
16. ‘Playing It My Way’ is the autobiography of–
(a) Yuvraj Singh (b) Saurabh Ganguly (c) Sunil Gavaskar
(d) Sachin Tendulkar (e) Kapil Dev
(Ans : d)
17. Singapore’s Central Bank and Financial Regulatory Authority is known as–
(a) Monetary Authority of Singapore (b) Reserve Bank of Singapore
(c) Other than those given as options
(d) State Bank of Singapore (e) Federal Reserve of Singapore
(Ans : a)
18. The Chutak Hydroelectric Plant is a run-of-the-river power project on the Suru River (a tributary of Indus) in–
(a) Kathua District of Jammu and Kashmir (b) Leh District of Jammu and Kashmir
(c) Baramulla District of Jammu and Kashmir (d) Doda District of Jammu and Kashmir
(e) Kargil District of Jammu and Kashmir
(Ans : e)
19. A life Insurance policy wherein the policyholder receives a fixed amount at specific intervals throughout the duration of the policy is known as–
(a) Whole life plan (b) Unit Linked Insurance Plan (c) Money-back Policy
(d) Fixed term plan (e) Double cover plan
(Ans : c)
20. The ‘Bandipur National Park’ established in 1974 as a tiger reserve under Project Tiger is located in the Indian state of–
(a) Tamil Nadu (b) Kerala (c) Karnataka (d) Telangana (e) Andhra Pradesh
(Ans : c)
21. According to the recent data compiled by the World Steel Association (WSA), India is ranked as–
(a) third largest producer of steel in the world (b) fourth largest producer of steel in the world
(c) fifth largest producer of steel in the world (d) largest producer of steel in the world
(e) second largest producer of steel in the world
(Ans : a)
22. The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDA) is an autonomous apex–
(a) Consultative Body (b) Statutory Body (c) Advisory Body
(d) Cooperative Body (e) Corporate Body
(Ans : b)
23. Who amongst the following is the first Indian woman badminton player to achieve world number one ranking?
(a) Meena Shah (b) Jwala Gutta (c) Saina Nehwal
(d) Sania Mirza (e) Aditi Mutatkar
(Ans : c)
24. At the 62nd National Film Awards, the award for the Best Feature Film has been given to the film–
(a) Chotushkone (b) Queen (c) MaryKom (d) Court (e) Haider
(Ans : d)
25. The minimum lock in period under the recently re-launched ‘Kisan Vikas Patra’ Scheme is–
(a) One year and six months (b) One year (c) Two years and six months
(d) Two years (e) Two years and three months
(Ans : e)
26. Aviva India is an Indian Life Insurance Company. It is a joint venture between Aviva pic., a British Insurance Company and the Indian conglomerate–
(a) Bajaj Group (b) Dabur Group (c) Kotak Mahindra Group
(d) Tata Group (e) Bharati Group
(Ans : b)
27. ‘Steve’ Smith’ is associated with the game of–
(a) Cricket (b) Hockey (c) Football (d) Tennis (e) Wrestling
(Ans : a)
28: ‘Itanagar’ is the capital of the Indian state of–
(a) Assam (b) Meghalaya (c) Tripura (d) Arunachal Pradesh (e) Manipur
(Ans : d)
29. Kedarnath Main and Kedarnath Dome are two mountains in the Gangotri Group of peaks in the Indian state of–
(a) Uttarakhand (b) Arunachal Pradesh (c) Uttar Pradesh (d) Meghalaya
(e) Jammu and Kashmir
(Ans : a)
30. Which of the following organizations has recently been selected for the Gandhi Peace Prize 2014?
(a) Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (b) Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO)
(c) Satish Dhawan Space Centre (d) Other than those given as options
(e) Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology
(Ans : b)
31. The person, corporation or trust named in the insurance policy as the recipient of insurance proceeds upon the death of the life insured is known as–
(a) Key man (b) Franchisee (c) Insured (d) Nominee (e) Beneficiary
(Ans : e)
32. Who amongst the following has recently been conferred the ‘Stockholm Water Prize 2015’ for his innovative water restoration efforts and extraordinary courage to empower communities in Indian villages ?
(a) AkhileshYadav (b) Sunder Lal Bahuguna (c) Naseeruddin Shah
(d) Rajendra Singh (e) Chandi Prasad Bhatt
(Ans : d)
33. The ‘World Food Programme’ is the food assistance branch of the United Nations and is the world’s largest humanitarian organization addressing hunger and food security. It is headquartered in–
(a) Paris, France (b) Vienna, Austria (c) New York, USA
(d) Geneva, Switzerland (e) Rome, Italy
(Ans : e)
34. Which of the following institutes presided over by the Union Minister of Agriculture is an autonomous body responsible for coordinating agricultural education and research in India?
(a) Indian Council of Agricultural Research(ICAR) (b) Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI)
(c) Indian Institute of Agriculture Research and Education (IIARE)
(d) Institute of Agricultural Research in India (IARI)
(e) Indian Council of Agriculture Research and Education (ICARE)
(Ans : a)
35. With the government notifying changes in the Public Provident Scheme (PPF), Investors can now deposit upto–
(a) Rs. 1.50 lac annually (b) Rs. 1.00 lac monthly (c) Rs. 1.5 lac quarterly
(d) Rs. 1.00 lac quarterly (e) Rs. 1.00 lac annually
(Ans : a)
36. An account can be opened under the recently launched ‘Sukanya Samridhi Yojana’ at any time from the birth of a girl child till she attains the age of–
(a) Fifteen years (b) Eighteen years (c) Twenty-one years
(d) Thirteen years (e) Ten years
(Ans : e)
37. An unstamped document issued in advance by an insurance company pending the issue of the policy, which is normally required if the policy cannot for some reason or other be issued straight away is known as a–
(a) Commercial Invoice (b) Covering Letter (c) Draft Policy
(d) Cover Note (e) Pro Tern Policy
(Ans : d)
38. The official currency of Philippines is–
(a) Philippine Ringgit (b) Philippine Shekel (c) Philippine Peso
(d) Philippine Won (e) Philippine Riyal
(Ans : c)
39. The ‘NPS’ launched by the Government of India with effect from January 1, 2004 is a defined contribution–
(a) Mutual Fund System (b) Accident Insurance Scheme (c) Pension System
(d) Life Insurance System (e) Fixed Deposit Scheme
(Ans : c)
40. Who amongst the following was the Brand Ambassador for the 2015 ICC World Cup Tournament?
(a) Shane Warne, Australia (b) Brian Lara, West Indies (c) Sachin Tendulkar, India
(d) Steve Waugh, Australia (e) Betty Wilson, Australia
(Ans : c)
- 1. The alphabet ‘C’ in the abbreviation CRR stands for–
(a) Cash (b) Currency (c) Credit (d) Commercial (e) Capital
(Ans : a)
2. The Minister for ‘Food Processing Industries’ in the Union Cabinet Is–
(a) Shri Thawar Chand Gehlot (b) Shrimati Harsimrat Kaur (c) Shri Ananat Geete
(d) Shri Radha Mohan Singh (e) Dr. Harsh Vardhan
(Ans : b)
3. Which of the following Indian Universities has a unique tradition of having the incumbent Prime Minister as its Chancellor ?
(a) The Visva Bharati University (b) The Kurukshetra University (c) The Banaras Hindu University
(d) The Jawahar Lal Nehru University (e) The Baba Saheb Ambedkar University
(Ans : a)
4. Who amongst the following holds the majority’ stake in the share capital of the recently opened ‘Bhartiya Mahila Bank’ ?
(a) LIC of India (b) Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India
(c) Government of India
(d) Reserve Bank of India (e) General Insurance Corporation of India
(Ans : c)
5. The ‘Brabourne Stadium’; which is India’s first permanent sporting venue is situated in–
(a) Mumbai, Maharashtra (b) New Delhi, India (c) Kolkata, West Bengal
(d) Bangalore, Karnataka (e) Chennai, Tamil Nadu
(Ans : a)
6. A representative of the insurance company licensed by the state who solicits, negotiates or effects contact of insurance and provides service to the policyholder for the insurer is known as…...
(a) Insurance Trader (b) Insurance Agent (c) Insurance Broker
(d) Stock Broker (e) Insurance Executive
(Ans : b)
7. Approximately half of all anaemia cases worldwide are found to be caused due to–
(a) Iron Deficiency (b) Potassium Deficiency (c) Calcium Deficiency
(d) Iodine Deficiency (e) Sodium Deficiency
(Ans : a)
8. The ‘International Worker’s Day’ (also known as labour day) is observed every year on the–
(a) 1st April (b) 1st May (c) 31st May (d) 10th May (e) 10th April
(Ans : b)
9. ‘Lee Kuan Yew’ who recently died at the age of 91, was the founder and first Premier of–
(a) Japan (b) Hong Kong (c) South Korea (d) Singapore (e) Australia
(Ans : d)
10. The ‘PMJDY’ launched by the Government of India is a Massive–
(a) Tribal Welfare Programme (b) Financial Literacy Programme (c) Infrastructure Development Programme
(d) Financial Inclusion Programme (e) Social Security Programme
(Ans : d)
11. The largest producer of cotton in the world is–
(a) Malaysia (b) Mexico (c) India (d) Canada (e) China
(Ans : e)
12. Who amongst the following has recently been named as the head of the ‘task force set up by the Government of India to define poverty and prepare a road map to alleviate it ?
(a) Dr. Bimal Jalan (b) Sindhushree Khullar (c) Arvind Panagariya
(d) V. K. Saraswat (e) Bibek Debroy
(Ans : c)
13. ‘The Sun’ is a daily tabloid newspaper published in–
(a) USA and Canada (b) United States of America (c) Russia
(d) Europe (e) United Kingdom and Ireland
(Ans : e)
14. An application for obtaining an insurance cover’ or for obtaining quotations of’ the premium chargeable is known as the–
(a) Proposal (b) Brochure (c) Catalogue (d) Pamphlet (e) Prospectus
(Ans : a)
15. ‘Dublin’ is the national capital of the–
(a) Republic of Israel (b) Republic of Iran (c) Republic of Iraq
(d) Republic of Ireland (e) Republic of Iceland
(Ans : d)
16. ‘Playing It My Way’ is the autobiography of–
(a) Yuvraj Singh (b) Saurabh Ganguly (c) Sunil Gavaskar
(d) Sachin Tendulkar (e) Kapil Dev
(Ans : d)
17. Singapore’s Central Bank and Financial Regulatory Authority is known as–
(a) Monetary Authority of Singapore (b) Reserve Bank of Singapore
(c) Other than those given as options
(d) State Bank of Singapore (e) Federal Reserve of Singapore
(Ans : a)
18. The Chutak Hydroelectric Plant is a run-of-the-river power project on the Suru River (a tributary of Indus) in–
(a) Kathua District of Jammu and Kashmir (b) Leh District of Jammu and Kashmir
(c) Baramulla District of Jammu and Kashmir (d) Doda District of Jammu and Kashmir
(e) Kargil District of Jammu and Kashmir
(Ans : e)
19. A life Insurance policy wherein the policyholder receives a fixed amount at specific intervals throughout the duration of the policy is known as–
(a) Whole life plan (b) Unit Linked Insurance Plan (c) Money-back Policy
(d) Fixed term plan (e) Double cover plan
(Ans : c)
20. The ‘Bandipur National Park’ established in 1974 as a tiger reserve under Project Tiger is located in the Indian state of–
(a) Tamil Nadu (b) Kerala (c) Karnataka (d) Telangana (e) Andhra Pradesh
(Ans : c)
21. According to the recent data compiled by the World Steel Association (WSA), India is ranked as–
(a) third largest producer of steel in the world (b) fourth largest producer of steel in the world
(c) fifth largest producer of steel in the world (d) largest producer of steel in the world
(e) second largest producer of steel in the world
(Ans : a)
22. The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDA) is an autonomous apex–
(a) Consultative Body (b) Statutory Body (c) Advisory Body
(d) Cooperative Body (e) Corporate Body
(Ans : b)
23. Who amongst the following is the first Indian woman badminton player to achieve world number one ranking?
(a) Meena Shah (b) Jwala Gutta (c) Saina Nehwal
(d) Sania Mirza (e) Aditi Mutatkar
(Ans : c)
24. At the 62nd National Film Awards, the award for the Best Feature Film has been given to the film–
(a) Chotushkone (b) Queen (c) MaryKom (d) Court (e) Haider
(Ans : d)
25. The minimum lock in period under the recently re-launched ‘Kisan Vikas Patra’ Scheme is–
(a) One year and six months (b) One year (c) Two years and six months
(d) Two years (e) Two years and three months
(Ans : e)
26. Aviva India is an Indian Life Insurance Company. It is a joint venture between Aviva pic., a British Insurance Company and the Indian conglomerate–
(a) Bajaj Group (b) Dabur Group (c) Kotak Mahindra Group
(d) Tata Group (e) Bharati Group
(Ans : b)
27. ‘Steve’ Smith’ is associated with the game of–
(a) Cricket (b) Hockey (c) Football (d) Tennis (e) Wrestling
(Ans : a)
28: ‘Itanagar’ is the capital of the Indian state of–
(a) Assam (b) Meghalaya (c) Tripura (d) Arunachal Pradesh (e) Manipur
(Ans : d)
29. Kedarnath Main and Kedarnath Dome are two mountains in the Gangotri Group of peaks in the Indian state of–
(a) Uttarakhand (b) Arunachal Pradesh (c) Uttar Pradesh (d) Meghalaya
(e) Jammu and Kashmir
(Ans : a)
30. Which of the following organizations has recently been selected for the Gandhi Peace Prize 2014?
(a) Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (b) Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO)
(c) Satish Dhawan Space Centre (d) Other than those given as options
(e) Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology
(Ans : b)
31. The person, corporation or trust named in the insurance policy as the recipient of insurance proceeds upon the death of the life insured is known as–
(a) Key man (b) Franchisee (c) Insured (d) Nominee (e) Beneficiary
(Ans : e)
32. Who amongst the following has recently been conferred the ‘Stockholm Water Prize 2015’ for his innovative water restoration efforts and extraordinary courage to empower communities in Indian villages ?
(a) AkhileshYadav (b) Sunder Lal Bahuguna (c) Naseeruddin Shah
(d) Rajendra Singh (e) Chandi Prasad Bhatt
(Ans : d)
33. The ‘World Food Programme’ is the food assistance branch of the United Nations and is the world’s largest humanitarian organization addressing hunger and food security. It is headquartered in–
(a) Paris, France (b) Vienna, Austria (c) New York, USA
(d) Geneva, Switzerland (e) Rome, Italy
(Ans : e)
34. Which of the following institutes presided over by the Union Minister of Agriculture is an autonomous body responsible for coordinating agricultural education and research in India?
(a) Indian Council of Agricultural Research(ICAR) (b) Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI)
(c) Indian Institute of Agriculture Research and Education (IIARE)
(d) Institute of Agricultural Research in India (IARI)
(e) Indian Council of Agriculture Research and Education (ICARE)
(Ans : a)
35. With the government notifying changes in the Public Provident Scheme (PPF), Investors can now deposit upto–
(a) Rs. 1.50 lac annually (b) Rs. 1.00 lac monthly (c) Rs. 1.5 lac quarterly
(d) Rs. 1.00 lac quarterly (e) Rs. 1.00 lac annually
(Ans : a)
36. An account can be opened under the recently launched ‘Sukanya Samridhi Yojana’ at any time from the birth of a girl child till she attains the age of–
(a) Fifteen years (b) Eighteen years (c) Twenty-one years
(d) Thirteen years (e) Ten years
(Ans : e)
37. An unstamped document issued in advance by an insurance company pending the issue of the policy, which is normally required if the policy cannot for some reason or other be issued straight away is known as a–
(a) Commercial Invoice (b) Covering Letter (c) Draft Policy
(d) Cover Note (e) Pro Tern Policy
(Ans : d)
38. The official currency of Philippines is–
(a) Philippine Ringgit (b) Philippine Shekel (c) Philippine Peso
(d) Philippine Won (e) Philippine Riyal
(Ans : c)
39. The ‘NPS’ launched by the Government of India with effect from January 1, 2004 is a defined contribution–
(a) Mutual Fund System (b) Accident Insurance Scheme (c) Pension System
(d) Life Insurance System (e) Fixed Deposit Scheme
(Ans : c)
40. Who amongst the following was the Brand Ambassador for the 2015 ICC World Cup Tournament?
(a) Shane Warne, Australia (b) Brian Lara, West Indies (c) Sachin Tendulkar, India
(d) Steve Waugh, Australia (e) Betty Wilson, Australia
(Ans : c)
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