23 JAN
1) What is the name of the new state-of-the-art superfast express train between Varanasi and New Delhi that was flagged-off by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at a function held at Varanasi on 22 January 2016? – Mahamana Express
Explanation: The train has been named Mahamana Express after Mahamana Madan Mohan Malviya, the founder of the Banaras Hindu University (BHU). It will run between Varanasi and Delhi via Lucknow thrice a week.

The train, whose fares are 15% higher than normal fares, has improved aesthetic and ergonomics in all its coaches, besides modular panels without visible screws and minimum maintenance hatches inside passenger area for better safety and aesthetics. Superior material for panels in terms of toxicity index and fire retardation has been used for the interiors.
The train would leave Varanasi for New Delhi on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday at 6.35 pm and reach Delhi at 8.25 the next morning. The train would run thrice a week on Monday, Wednesday and Friday from New Delhi at 6.35 pm and would arrive at Varanasi the next morning at 8.25.

2) What is the maximum capped number of credit transactions in a calendar year for pensioner’s account as directed to the banks by the RBI on 21 January 2016? – 14
Explanation: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on 21 January 2016 directed banks that a pensioner’s account should not exceed more than 14 credit transactions in a calendar year for retirement and arrear payments.


3) The 10th edition of bilateral maritime exercise named ‘Naseem Al Bahr’ started at Goa in the Arabian Sea on 22 January 2016. This naval exercise comprises of ……….. apart from India – Oman
Explanation: ‘Naseem Al Bahr’ is the name of the bilateral maritime exercise between the Indian Navy and the Royal Navy of Oman that was started in 1993. The exercise epitomizes the strong long term strategic relationship between the two countries.


4) Which team won the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy T20 title for 2015-16 by winning the final played on 20 January 2016? –Uttar Pradesh
Explanation: Suresh Raina-led Uttar Pradesh brushed Baroda aside to win their maiden Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy by 38 runs on 20 January.


5) Which personalities were chosen as the new brand ambassadors for Indian Government’s ‘Incredible India’ campaign, as reported on 21 January 2016? – Amitabh Bachchan and Priyanka Chopra
Explanation: Actors Amitabh Bachchan and Priyanka Chopra were chosen as the new brand ambassadors of the ‘Incredible India’ campaign to market the country to tourists abroad. They will replace actor Aamir Khan, who was the face of the campaign for around a decade.


24-25JAN 2016
1) India’s first high speed public Wi-Fi service was opened at which railway station on 22 January 2016? –Mumbai Central
Explanation: India’s first high speed public Wi-Fi service was inaugurated by Rail Minister Suresh Prabhu at Mumbai Central Railway station on 22 January 2016. This free internet initiative has been setup by RailTel Corporation in association with Google.


2) Union Finance Ministry on 22 January 2016 announced that country-by-country reporting for Indian multinationals will be made compulsory from 1 April 2016. The provision for changes in pertaining laws will be done in the upcoming budget. This change in the so-called base erosion and profit shifting (BEPS) guidelines is being done to fulfill the guidelines prescribed by which international entity? – Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD)
Explanation: The norms were announced in October last year by the rich nations’ club Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) to close tax loopholes that it estimated cost countries upwards of $100 billion a year.


3) What is the name of the famous Chinese investor and real-estate tycoon who announced his plans to invest $10 billion in an industrial park in Haryana? – Wang Jianlin
Explanation: Wang Jianlin is the Chairman of the Dalian Wanda group. The group claims to be the largest real estate developer in China with ownership of the largest number of 6,000 cinema screens across the world.

4) Which Indian badminton player won the women’s singles title of Malaysia Masters Grand Prix Gold tournament on 24 January 2016? – P.V. Sindhu
Explanation: Two-time World Championship bronze-medallist, India’s P.V. Sindhu won the women’s singles title of Malaysia Masters Grand Prix Gold tournament by defeating Kristy Gilmour of Scotland in the finals on 24 January 2016.


5) Who was appointed as the new Chairman of the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) on 22 January 2016? – Atulesh Jindal
Explanation: Atulesh Jindal is a senior officer of the Indian Revenue Service (IRS). His appointed as the next Chairman of the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) was cleared by Appointments Committee of Cabinet (ACC) on 22 January.


6) Which West Indian cricketing great officially retired from international cricket on 22 January 2016, almost 22 years after his international cricket debut? –Shivnarine Chanderpaul
Explanation: West Indies batsman Shivnarine Chanderpaul officially retired from international cricket on 22 January 2016. He announced his retirement seven months after selectors opted to discard the veteran and push for a youth-oriented policy. He was dumped before the home series against Australia in June 2015.


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