20-21 dec 2015
1) Which
country lifted a 40-year-old ban on export of crude oil on 19 December 2015? – The
United States
Explanation: The
US administration on 19 December 2015 lifted the ban on the export of US crude
oil, a policy enacted during the 1970s. The ban was lifted as President Barack
Obama signed into law the $1.8 trillion spending package and tax bill for the
current fiscal ending on 30 September 2016.
The
move was welcomed by the industry, while pro- environmental groups were
critical of it. The industry feels that crude exports will result in job
creation, economic growth, new revenues and prosperity. While diplomatic circle
hopes that it will result in enhanced energy security for the
country and its
allies. However, pro- environmental groups felt the move would prove harmful
for environment as well as US industry.
In
the 1970s America banned crude-oil exports in an effort to stabilize domestic
prices.
2) The
2015 Indian Super League (ISL) for football, which is India’s most prestigious
professional football league, was won by which team on 20 December 2015?
– Chennaiyin FC
Explanation: Chennaiyin
FC won their maiden ISL title as they defeated hosts Goa FC by 3-2 in a
dramatic final at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium at Fatorda (Goa) on 20 December
2015.
FC
Goa were on the brink of winning the Indian Super League (ISL) season 2 title
but an own goal from goalkeeper Kattimani and a 90th minute
strike from Stiven Mendoza broke the home team’s heart and gave Chennaiyin FC a
3-2 win in the final and their first ISL crown.
Stiven
Mendoza emerged as the highest scorer of 2015 ISL with 12 goals.
This
was the second edition of ISL. The first edition of ISL was won by Atletico de
Kolkata in 2014. (Photo Courtesy : ISL)
3) The
10th Ministerial Conference of the World Trade Organization
(WTO) concluded on 19 December 2015 with some landmark agreements on a series
of trade initiatives. This WTO Conference was held at – Nairobi
(Kenya)
Explanation: The
WTO’s Tenth Ministerial Conference was held in Nairobi, Kenya, from 15 to 19
December 2015, the first such meeting hosted by an African nation. The
Conference was chaired by Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Foreign Affairs and
International Trade, Amina Mohamed.
– Before
conclusion of the Conference, six ministerial decisions on agriculture, cotton
and issues related to least-developed countries were released. These included a
commitment to abolish export subsidies for farm exports, which Director-General
Roberto Azevêdo hailed as the “most significant outcome on agriculture” in the
organization’s 20-year history.
However,
the talks ended without any commitment on rich countries being asked to check
their domestic subsidies. India expressed its disappointment over
non-reaffirmation to conclude 14-year-old Doha Round pacts.
4) Which
African country was formally included as a member of the WTO at its 10th Ministerial
Conference? – Liberia
Explanation: Liberia
was acceded to WTO 8 years after it applied for WTO membership. Liberian
President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, was present at the ceremony to mark the
occasion. She said “accession to the WTO marks another turning point in
Liberian history” and an important step towards meeting Liberia’s “aspirations
for the growth and development of our people.”
Apart
from Liberia, Afghanistan was also included in the organisation earlier.
5) Who
won the Miss World title for 2015 which concluded at Sanya (China) on 19
December 2015? – Mireia Lalaguna Royo (Spain)
Explanation: Mireia
Lalaguna Royo, the 23-year old professional model from Barcelona (Spain) won
the 2015 Miss World beauty pageant in Sanya (China) on 19 December. Mireia is a
Pharmacology degree holder and intends to do an MA in Nutrition. The victory
marked the first-ever win for a Spanish contestant.
Sofia
Nikitchuk of Russia was the runner-up and Indonesia’s Maria Harfanti took third
place in the final following a lengthy competition featuring 114 women.
Each had won the right to represent their country in a series of local and
regional competitions. Miss India couldn’t make into last 10.
The
pageant also had a major controversy. Miss Canada, Chinese-born Anastasia Lin,
was banned by China for speaking up about human rights abuses, and was neatly
left out of the show. Lin is an outspoken critic of Chinese religious policy
and a follower of the Falun Gong meditation practice, which was outlawed by
China in 1999.
Miss
World also awarded the following sub contest titles:
Miss Multimedia – Philippines
Miss Top Model – Spain
Sports Champion – Namibia
Miss Talented – Guyana
Beauty with a Purpose – Indonesia
Miss Top Model – Spain
Sports Champion – Namibia
Miss Talented – Guyana
Beauty with a Purpose – Indonesia
6) Indian
professional boxer Vijender Singh won the third consecutive bout of his career
as he knocked-out his Bulgarian opponent on 19 December 2015. What is the name
of this Bulgarian boxer who had warned Vijender of a big defeat before the
bout? – Samet Hyuseinov
Explanation:
The third bout of Vijender Singh’s professional career was held on 19 December
2015 at the Manchester Arena (UK) against Bulgarian boxer Samet Hyuseinov.
Vijender took little time to finish the contest as the six-round bout was over
inside the first two gongs with a technical knock-out.
In
the build-up to the fight, Samet had bragged about his power and dismissed
Vijender’s illustrious record at amateur boxing. The Bulgarian also warned the
Indian fans that the contest will be a one-sided affair.
This
bout was expected to be a tough one for Vijender, as it will be his first
six-round contest, unlike the four-round bouts in his first two matches.
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