APPSC Group-I Prelims 2017

182 questions from the 2017 papers, each with the official answer and an explanation.

A question repeated across years is listed once, under one of the years it appeared.

121. Q121Information and communication technology

     Which organisation is entrusted with the initiative of converting 100% government – Citizen Transactions to the digital platform?

     • aNational Informatics CentreAnswer
     • bMinistry of Electronics and Information technology
     • cNITI Aayog
     • dNational Payment Corporation of India

     Official answer shown. The explanation is under review.

122. Q122Information and communication technology

     Which organization is entrusted with the initiative of converting 100% Government – Citizen transactions to the digital platform ?

     • aNational Informatics Centre
     • bMinistry of Electronics and Information Technology
     • cNITI AayogAnswer
     • dNational Payment Corporation of India
     ›Explanation

     Option C is correct because NITI Aayog was specifically tasked by the central government with conceptualizing and driving the roadmap to migrate all Government-to-Citizen (G2C) transactions into a cashless and completely digital mode. Option A: Incorrect because the National Informatics Centre serves as the technical service provider rather than the policy steering organization given this overarching transition mandate. Option B: Incorrect because while MeitY handles IT infrastructure, the overall policy drive to convert 100% G2C transactions to digital was entrusted to NITI Aayog's dedicated committee. Option D: Incorrect because the National Payments Corporation of India operates retail payment systems and switch networks, not broader citizen administration policies.

123. Q123Energy technology and management

     What is the capacity of solar power sought to be installed in India by 2022 under the Jawarharlal Nehru National Solar Mission?

     • a10 Gigawatt
     • b50 Gigawatt
     • c100 GigawattAnswer
     • d1000 Gigawatt
     ›Explanation

     Option C is correct because the Union Cabinet in June 2015 stepped up the Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission target five-fold to 100 GW of solar power generation by 2022. Initial JNNSM target by 2022: 20 Gigawatt Cabinet revision year: 2015 Revised JNNSM target by 2022: 100 Gigawatt Target split: 40 Gigawatt rooftop and 60 Gigawatt large and medium scale projects Option A: 10 Gigawatt was a short-term target under the initial phase, not the 2022 goal. Option B: 50 Gigawatt was an interim benchmark rather than the official national target. Option D: 1000 Gigawatt is far beyond India's actual solar mission commitment.

124. Q124Energy technology and management

     What is the capacity of solar power sought to be installed in India by 2022 under the Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission ?

     • a10 Gigawatt
     • b50 Gigawatt
     • c100 GigawattAnswer
     • d1000 Gigawatt
     ›Explanation

     Option C is correct because the Government of India substantially revised the Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission target from its initial 20 GW to 100 GW of solar power capacity to be achieved by the year 2022. Initial JNNSM target by 2022: 20 Gigawatt Revised JNNSM target set in 2015: 100 Gigawatt Rooftop solar sub-target: 40 Gigawatt Ground-mounted utility solar sub-target: 60 Gigawatt Option A: 10 Gigawatt was an early intermediate phase milestone, not the cumulative target for 2022. Option B: 50 Gigawatt represents half the approved final capacity target for 2022. Option D: 1000 Gigawatt is an exaggerated figure that exceeds India's total grid capacity.

125. Q125HUMAN BODY, NUTRITION AND DISEASE

     Which of the following enzyme found in tears destroys bacteria?

     • aAmylase
     • bUrease
     • cLysosomeAnswer
     • dGlycerine

     Explanation coming soon.

126. Q126HUMAN BODY, NUTRITION AND DISEASE

     Which of the following is associated with Diabetes Mellitus?

     • aHigh sugar level and high insulin level in blood
     • bHigh sugar level and low insulin level in bloodAnswer
     • cLow sugar level and high insulin level in blood
     • dLow sugar level and low insulin level in blood
     ›Explanation

     Option B is correct because diabetes mellitus is primarily marked by persistent hyperglycemia resulting from inadequate secretion of insulin, resistance to its action, or both. Option A: High insulin combined with high sugar does not represent untreated or typical diabetes mellitus where effective insulin availability is deficient. Option C: Low blood sugar defines hypoglycemia, which is the direct opposite of the elevated glucose seen in diabetes mellitus. Option D: Low blood sugar contradicts the fundamental diagnostic hallmark of diabetes mellitus.

127. Q127HUMAN BODY, NUTRITION AND DISEASE

     Who discovered the TB Bacillus?

     • aEdward Jenner
     • bRobert KochAnswer
     • cLouise Pasteur
     • dRonald Ross
     ›Explanation

     Option B is correct because Dr. Robert Koch discovered Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the bacterial pathogen responsible for tuberculosis, which he announced on March 24, 1882. Option A: pioneered the smallpox vaccine, the world's first successful vaccine. Option C: discovered microbial fermentation and pasteurization, and developed vaccines for rabies and anthrax. Option D: discovered that female Anopheles mosquitoes transmit the malaria parasite to humans.

128. Q128SCHOOL CHEMISTRY

     Washing soap produces a scum with hard water and not much foam because the hard water contains?

     • aDissolved inorganic saltsAnswer
     • bChalk and sulphur
     • cOrganic matter
     • dSuspended particles
     ›Explanation

     Option A is correct because hard water contains dissolved inorganic salts, specifically calcium and magnesium ions (such as bicarbonates, chlorides, and sulfates), which react with soap to form insoluble precipitates called scum. Option B: Chalk and sulphur are not the soluble dissolved salts responsible for water hardness and lather inhibition. Option C: Organic matter can cause odor or discoloration but is not the defining factor that precipitates soap into scum. Option D: Suspended particles cause turbidity rather than chemical hardness, which relies on dissolved divalent cations.

129. Q129SCHOOL PHYSICS

     A diode is used for?

     • aChanging positive charge to negative
     • bElectrolysis
     • cConverting AC into DCAnswer
     • dGenerating electricity

     Explanation coming soon.

130. Q130SCHOOL PHYSICS

     Which of the following evidences support the Big Bang Theory on the origin of the Universe?

     • aExpansion of the UniverseAnswer
     • bRotation of planets
     • cExplosion of stars even today
     • dMaintenance of steady state by the Universe
     ›Explanation

     Option A is correct because Edwin Hubble's observation of the redshift of distant galaxies confirms that the universe is expanding, which directly supports the Big Bang Theory stating that the universe originated from an extremely dense and hot initial singularity. Option B: The rotation of planets is governed by the conservation of angular momentum during solar system accretion and does not provide evidence for cosmic origin. Option C: Supernovae and star deaths are ongoing stellar evolution processes within galaxies rather than evidence for the origin of the cosmos. Option D: The steady state model is a rival cosmological theory that was disproved by evidence of an evolving, non-static expanding universe.

131. Q131STATE SCIENCE: what the two states run

     Which Institute is the academic mentor for the Indian Institute of Petroleum and Energy (IIPE), Visakhapatnam?

     • aPetroleum Conservation and Research Agency, Delhi
     • bIndian Institute of Science, Bengaluru
     • cIndian Institute of Petroleum, Dehradun
     • dIndian Institute of Technology, KharagpurAnswer
     ›Explanation

     Option D is correct because the Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur was designated by the Ministry of Education as the academic mentor to guide the establishment and academic activities of IIPE Visakhapatnam. Option A: Petroleum Conservation and Research Agency is a body under the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas promoting energy efficiency, not an academic degree-granting mentor. Option B: Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru is a premier basic science and advanced research university, not the mentor institute assigned to IIPE. Option C: Indian Institute of Petroleum, Dehradun is a constituent laboratory of CSIR focused on industrial research rather than an academic mentoring institution.

132. Q132Logical reasoning and analytical ability

     Read the following sentences and answer the questions (117 – 120) below: The following diagram shows the growth of height in centimeters of bean plants with application of fertilizer after a month. Observe the diagram and answer the questions. Title: Growth of Height in cm of bean plants with fertilizer application for a month Data: Bio-Fertilizer=21, DAP=17, Super Phosphate=7, Urea=11, No Fertilizer=12 Could it be safely concluded that for the growth of the bean plant, application of fertilizer is always beneficial?

     
     • aYes
     • bNoAnswer
     • cMaybe
     • dData is insufficient
     ›Explanation

     Option B is correct because the bar chart demonstrates that certain fertilizers result in bean plant growth that is actually lower than the growth observed with no fertilizer at all. Bean plant growth without any fertilizer = 12 cm Bean plant growth with Super Phosphate = 7 cm Bean plant growth with Urea = 11 cm Both Super Phosphate and Urea resulted in less growth than using no fertilizer Option A: fertilizers like Super Phosphate and Urea resulted in plant heights less than the 12 cm achieved with no fertilizer. Option C: the empirical data directly disproves the claim of always being beneficial, so there is no ambiguity. Option D: the chart provides complete comparative data for all tested fertilizers against the no-fertilizer control.

133. Q133Logical reasoning and analytical ability

     Read the following sentences and answer the questions (117-120) below: The following diagram shows the growth of height in centimetres of bean plants with applications of fertilizer after a month. Observe the diagram and answer the questions. Could a conclusion be safely drawn that certain types of fertilizers may not be suitable for bean plants?

     
     • aYesAnswer
     • bNo
     • cMaybe
     • dData is insufficient

     Explanation coming soon.

134. Q134Logical reasoning and analytical ability

     Read the following sentences and answer questions 79-82: A team of five members is to be formed from five boys, Pradip, Quddus, Rajesh, Samir and Tony, and four girls, Anusha, Bhagya, Chinmayi and Durga. The conditions are: Pradip and Samir must be together. Quddus cannot be with Bhagya or Chinmayi. Rajesh and Anusha must be together. Tony cannot be with Anusha, nor with Durga. Answer the questions below: If Quddus is one of the members, who are the other members of the team?

     • aAnusha, Pradip, Rajesh, SamirAnswer
     • bAnusha, Durga, Rajesh, Samir
     • cBhagya, Chinmayi, Pradip, Tony
     • dAnusha, Durga, Rajesh, Tony

     Explanation coming soon.

135. Q135Logical reasoning and analytical ability

     Read the following sentences and answer questions 79-82: A team of five members is to be formed from five boys, Pradip, Quddus, Rajesh, Samir and Tony, and four girls, Anusha, Bhagya, Chinmayi and Durga. The conditions are: Pradip and Samir must be together. Quddus cannot be with Bhagya or Chinmayi. Rajesh and Anusha must be together. Tony cannot be with Anusha, nor with Durga. Answer the questions below: If three members of the team are girls, then the team would be?

     • aAnusha, Bhagya, Chinmayi, Rajesh, Tony
     • bAnusha, Chinmayi, Durga, Rajesh, Samir
     • cBhagya, Chinmayi, Durga, Pradip, SamirAnswer
     • dAnusha, Bhagya, Chinmayi, Durga, Rajesh

     Explanation coming soon.

136. Q136Logical reasoning and analytical ability

     Read the following sentences and answer questions 79-82: A team of five members is to be formed from five boys, Pradip, Quddus, Rajesh, Samir and Tony, and four girls, Anusha, Bhagya, Chinmayi and Durga. The conditions are: Pradip and Samir must be together. Quddus cannot be with Bhagya or Chinmayi. Rajesh and Anusha must be together. Tony cannot be with Anusha, nor with Durga. Answer the questions below: If Anusha is one member of the team and all others are boys, then the four boys would be?

     • aQuddus, Rajesh, Samir, Tony
     • bPradip, Quddus, Rajesh, SamirAnswer
     • cPradip, Rajesh, Samir, Tony
     • dPradip, Quddus, Samir, Tony

     Explanation coming soon.

137. Q137Logical reasoning and analytical ability

     Read the following sentences and answer questions 79-82: A team of five members is to be formed from five boys, Pradip, Quddus, Rajesh, Samir and Tony, and four girls, Anusha, Bhagya, Chinmayi and Durga. The conditions are: Pradip and Samir must be together. Quddus cannot be with Bhagya or Chinmayi. Rajesh and Anusha must be together. Tony cannot be with Anusha, nor with Durga. Answer the questions below: If two members of the team are girls, then which of the following teams is not possible?

     • aBhagya, Chinmayi, Pradip, Samir, Tony
     • bAnusha, Chinmayi, Pradip, Rajesh, Samir
     • cAnusha, Bhagya, Pradip, Rajesh, Samir
     • dChinmayi, Durga, Pradip, Rajesh, SamirAnswer

     Explanation coming soon.

138. Q138Series, analogy and odd man out

     Find the next number in the sequence 1, 2, 6, 12, 36, 72, ?

     • a108
     • b144
     • c156
     • d216Answer
     ›Explanation

     Option D is correct because the sequence alternates between multiplying by 2 and multiplying by 3. 1 x 2 = 2 2 x 3 = 6 6 x 2 = 12 12 x 3 = 36 36 x 2 = 72 72 x 3 = 216 Option A: 108 multiplies 72 by 1.5 instead of 3. Option B: 144 repeats multiplication by 2 rather than alternating to 3. Option C: 156 does not follow the alternating factor rule.

139. Q139Series, analogy and odd man out

     If ‘Sedative’ is to ‘pain’, ‘Solace’ is to?

     • aKill
     • bGriefAnswer
     • cHurt
     • dIrritation
     ›Explanation

     Option B is correct because a sedative is administered to alleviate or soothe pain, just as solace is comfort given to alleviate grief or sadness. Option A: Kill is wrong because it signifies ending a life, not an emotional condition that solace relieves. Option C: Hurt is wrong because hurt is an active injury rather than the deep emotional sorrow alleviated by solace. Option D: Irritation is wrong because it refers to annoyance or mild inflammation, which is relieved by an anti-irritant rather than solace.

140. Q140Series, analogy and odd man out

     'Sedative', 'Pain' కి అయితే 'Solace' దేనికి?

     • aKill
     • bGriefAnswer
     • cHurt
     • dIrritation
     ›Explanation

     Option B is correct because a sedative alleviates pain, just as solace alleviates grief. Option A: Kill means to cause death, which is not an emotional suffering alleviated by solace. Option C: Hurt refers to physical injury or emotional distress itself, but grief is the precise counterpart paired with solace. Option D: Irritation refers to mild annoyance, which is not primarily relieved by solace.

141. Q141Coding, decoding and relations

     If COFFEE is 3, 15, 6, 6, 5, 5, what is MILK?

     • a13, 9, 12, 11Answer
     • b13, 10, 12, 11
     • c14, 10, 13, 12
     • d14, 9, 12, 11
     ›Explanation

     Option A is correct because each letter is coded directly by its standard position in the English alphabet. M = 13 I = 9 L = 12 K = 11 Option B: 13, 10, 12, 11 assigns 10 instead of 9 to the letter I. Option C: 14, 10, 13, 12 adds 1 to the positional value of every letter. Option D: 14, 9, 12, 11 assigns 14 instead of 13 to the letter M.

142. Q142Ratio, percentage and commercial arithmetic

     Read the following sentences and answer the questions (117-120) below: The following diagram shows the growth of height in centimetres of bean plants with applications of fertilizer after a month. Observe the diagram and answer the questions. What is the percentage of increase in growth of the bean plant with the application of bio-fertilizer compared to the plant with no fertilizer application?

     
     • a25%
     • b50%
     • c60%
     • d75%Answer

     Explanation coming soon.

143. Q143Ratio, percentage and commercial arithmetic

     Determine the mean, median and modal value for the set : 3, 8, 10, 7, 5, 14, 2, 9, 8.?

     • a7.33, 5, 8
     • b7.35, 8, 8
     • c7.35, 7, 8
     • d7.33, 8, 8Answer
     ›Explanation

     Option D is correct because evaluating the data points gives an arithmetic mean of 7.33, a median of 8 from the ordered set, and a mode of 8 as the most repeated number. Sum of elements = 2 + 3 + 5 + 7 + 8 + 8 + 9 + 10 + 14 = 66 Mean = 66 / 9 = 7.33 Ordered set = 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 8, 9, 10, 14 Median = 5th term = 8 Mode = 8 Option A: 7.33, 5, 8 chooses 5 as the median before arranging the observations in non-decreasing order. Option B: 7.35, 8, 8 uses an inaccurate value for the arithmetic mean. Option C: 7.35, 7, 8 uses an inaccurate mean and takes 7 as the median value.

144. Q144Ratio, percentage and commercial arithmetic

     Determine the mean, median and modal values for the set : 3, 8, 10, 7, 5, 14, 2, 9, 8.

     • a7·33, 5, 8
     • b7·35, 8, 8
     • c7·35, 7, 8
     • d7·33, 8, 8Answer
     ›Explanation

     Option D is correct because calculating the arithmetic mean, the middle value of the sorted sequence, and the most frequently occurring value yields 7.33, 8, and 8 respectively. Sum of values = 3 + 8 + 10 + 7 + 5 + 14 + 2 + 9 + 8 = 66 Mean = 66 / 9 = 7.33 Sorted set = 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 8, 8, 9, 10, wait: 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 8, 9, 10, 14 Median (5th term) = 8 Mode (most frequent term) = 8 Option A: 7·33, 5, 8 incorrectly identifies 5 as the median instead of the middle value 8. Option B: 7·35, 8, 8 miscalculates the mean as 7.35 instead of 66 / 9 = 7.33. Option C: 7·35, 7, 8 miscalculates both the mean as 7.35 and the median as 7.

145. Q145Data interpretation and probability

     Read the following sentences and answer the questions (117-120) below: The following diagram shows the growth of height in centimetres of bean plants with applications of fertilizer after a month. Observe the diagram and answer the questions. What is the percentage of increase in growth of the bean plant with the application of bio-fertilizer compared to the plant with no fertiliser application?

     
     • a25%
     • b50%
     • c60%
     • d75%Answer

     Explanation coming soon.

146. Q146Data interpretation and probability

     Read the following sentences and answer the questions (117-120) below: The following diagram shows the growth of height in centimetres of bean plants with applications of fertilizer after a month. Observe the diagram and answer the questions. Could the growth of the bean plant be the highest if Urea and Super phosphate are applied together?

     
     • aYes
     • bNo
     • cMaybe
     • dData is insufficientAnswer

     Explanation coming soon.

147. Q147Data interpretation and probability

     Read the following sentences and answer the questions (117-120) below: The following diagram shows the growth of height in centimetres of bean plants with applications of fertilizer after a month. Observe the diagram and answer the questions. Could a conclusion be safely drawn that certain types of fertilisers may not be suitable for bean plants?

     
     • aYesAnswer
     • bNo
     • cMaybe
     • dData is insufficient

     Explanation coming soon.

148. Q148People: appointments, honours and passings

     Out of the below mentioned persons, who was appointed as Messenger of Peace by the UNO in April, 2017?

     • aScot Kelly
     • bJane Goodall
     • cLeonardo DiCaprio
     • dMalala YousafziAnswer
     ›Explanation

     Option D is correct because Malala Yousafzai was designated as a United Nations Messenger of Peace by Secretary-General Antonio Guterres in April 2017, with a special focus on girls' education. Option A: Scot Kelly (Scott Kelly) was not appointed as a UN Messenger of Peace in April 2017; he is a NASA astronaut who was named a UN Champion for Space in 2016. Option B: Jane Goodall was appointed as a UN Messenger of Peace much earlier, in 2002. Option C: Leonardo DiCaprio was appointed as a UN Messenger of Peace earlier, in September 2014, with a focus on climate change.

149. Q149People: appointments, honours and passings

     Which of the following sports personalities was recently appointed to the Board of Sports Authority of India?

     • aPullela Gopichand
     • bKarnam Malleaswari
     • cMukesh Kumar
     • dGutta JwalaAnswer
     ›Explanation

     Option D is correct because international badminton player Jwala Gutta was inducted as a member of the governing body of the Sports Authority of India (SAI). Option A: Pullela Gopichand is the Chief National Coach for the Indian badminton team, not the candidate referred to in this appointment. Option B: Karnam Malleswari served as the Vice-Chancellor of Delhi Sports University. Option C: Mukesh Kumar was a prominent Indian hockey player, not appointed to this specific board role.

150. Q150People: appointments, honours and passings

     Which of the following politicians completed 50 years as Legislator in March, 2017?

     • aK.M. ManiAnswer
     • bRishang Keishing
     • cH.A. Halim
     • dGanapatrao Deshmukh
     ›Explanation

     Option A is correct because Kerala Congress veteran K.M. Mani completed 50 consecutive years as a member of the Kerala Legislative Assembly representing the Pala constituency in March 2017, having first won the seat in March 1967. Option B: Rishang Keishing retired from active legislative politics in 2014 upon completing his term in the Rajya Sabha. Option C: H.A. Halim served as the long-tenured Speaker of the West Bengal Legislative Assembly but did not reach this 50-year legislative milestone in March 2017. Option D: Ganapatrao Deshmukh completed 50 years in the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly earlier in 2012, having first been elected in 1962.

151. Q151People: appointments, honours and passings

     "Ours is a strange country - the bigger the criminal, the bigger the outreach", Who made this statement recently?

     • aChief Justice J S KheharAnswer
     • bPrime Minister Narendra Modi
     • cJustice Markandeya Katju
     • dJustice Pinaki Ghosh
     ›Explanation

     Option A is correct because Chief Justice J S Khehar made this observation in July 2017 while hearing proceedings related to the Sahara group in the Supreme Court of India. Option B: Prime Minister Narendra Modi did not make this statement in court. Option C: Justice Markandeya Katju was already retired from the Supreme Court at the time and was not presiding over this matter. Option D: Justice Pinaki Ghosh did not make this remark during the proceedings.

152. Q152People: appointments, honours and passings

     For which area was H.R.H. Princess Maha Chakri Siridhorn awarded the Padma Bhushan?

     • aDance
     • bLiteratue and EducationAnswer
     • cSocial Service
     • dInternational Relations
     ›Explanation

     Option B is correct because Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn of Thailand was conferred the Padma Bhushan in 2017 for her distinguished service in the field of Literature and Education, particularly her scholarly contributions to Sanskrit. Option A: The award was not given for achievements in Dance. Option C: Social Service was not the official field designated for her Padma award. Option D: International Relations was not the specified category under the Padma honours list for her decoration.

153. Q153People: appointments, honours and passings

     Ganjam Venkatasubbaiah, who was awarded the Padma Shri in known for his work as a/an?

     • aLexicographerAnswer
     • bSocial reformer
     • cMusician
     • dCivil servant
     ›Explanation

     Option A is correct because Ganjam Venkatasubbaiah was a legendary Kannada lexicographer, grammarian, and editor who compiled over a dozen dictionaries and received the Padma Shri in 2021 for his seminal contributions to Kannada lexicon. Option B: He was celebrated for his academic and literary work on the Kannada language rather than social reform movements. Option C: He was not a musical artist or musicologist. Option D: He served primarily as a professor and literary scholar, not as a civil servant.

154. Q154People: appointments, honours and passings

     For which area was H.R.H. Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn awarded the Padma Bhushan ?

     • aDance
     • bLiterature & EducationAnswer
     • cSocial Service
     • dInternational Relations
     ›Explanation

     Option B is correct because Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn of Thailand was conferred the Padma Bhushan in 2017 for her distinguished contributions in the field of Literature and Education, particularly for promoting Sanskrit and Indian culture. Option A: Dance is incorrect because her recognized work lies in academic studies, philology, and educational initiatives rather than performing arts. Option C: Social Service is incorrect because her official award citation categorized her under Literature and Education. Option D: International Relations is not a distinct official discipline under the Padma awards framework.

155. Q155People: appointments, honours and passings

     Ganjam Venkatasubbaiah, who was awarded the Padma Shri is known for his work as a/an

     • aLexicographerAnswer
     • bSocial reformer
     • cMusician
     • dCivil servant
     ›Explanation

     Option A is correct because Ganjam Venkatasubbaiah, affectionately known as the walking Kannada dictionary, was a revered Kannada lexicographer who compiled over ten prominent Kannada dictionaries and edited the Kannada Sahitya Parishat dictionary. Option B: His primary life work was in Kannada linguistics and lexicography rather than socio-religious reform. Option C: He was a scholar of literature and language, not a classical musician or composer. Option D: He spent his career as an academic and professor of Kannada literature, not as an administrative civil servant.

156. Q156People: appointments, honours and passings

     Out of the options below, who was awarded the Pulitzer Prize in 2017 for Explanatory Journalism?

     • aThe New York Times
     • bThe Washington Post
     • cWikileaks
     • dInternational Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ)Answer
     ›Explanation

     Option D is correct because the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists, together with McClatchy and the Miami Herald, won the 2017 Pulitzer Prize for Explanatory Reporting for their investigation into the Panama Papers. Option A: The New York Times was awarded the 2017 Pulitzer Prize for International Reporting, not Explanatory Journalism. Option B: The Washington Post won the 2017 Pulitzer Prize for National Reporting for its reporting on Donald Trump's philanthropic claims. Option C: Wikileaks is an international disclosure organization and has not been awarded a Pulitzer Prize.

157. Q157People: appointments, honours and passings

     Who is the other Indian apart from Prime Minister Narendra Modi to find a place in the TIME 2017 list of 100 most influential people in the world?

     • aVijay Shekhar SharmaAnswer
     • bMukesh Ambani
     • cSania Mirza
     • dSunita Narain
     ›Explanation

     Option A is correct because Vijay Shekhar Sharma, the founder of mobile wallet and payments app Paytm, was the only other Indian named alongside Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the TIME 100 list of most influential people in 2017. Option B: Mukesh Ambani was included in the TIME 100 list in 2019, not 2017. Option C: Sania Mirza was featured in the TIME 100 list in 2016, not 2017. Option D: Sunita Narain was included in the TIME 100 list in 2016, not 2017.

158. Q158People: appointments, honours and passings

     Which Harvard dropout got an honorary degree from Harvard University in March, 2017?

     • aBill Gates
     • bMark ZuckerbergAnswer
     • cLarry Ellison
     • dJames Murdoch
     ›Explanation

     Option B is correct because Facebook co-founder Mark Zuckerberg, who famously dropped out of Harvard University in 2004, was invited to deliver the university's commencement address and received an honorary Doctor of Laws degree in 2017. Option A: Bill Gates received his honorary Doctor of Laws degree from Harvard University earlier, in 2007. Option C: Larry Ellison dropped out of the University of Illinois and the University of Chicago, not Harvard University. Option D: James Murdoch studied at Harvard University but did not receive an honorary degree at the 2017 commencement.

159. Q159People: appointments, honours and passings

     Which film personality was awarded the "Cenernary Award for Indian film Personality of the Year" at the 47th IFFI in 2016?

     • aS. P. BalasubramaniamAnswer
     • bA.R. Rahman
     • cIlayaraja
     • dYash Chopra
     ›Explanation

     Option A is correct because legendary playback singer and actor S. P. Balasubrahmanyam was honoured with the Centenary Award for Indian Film Personality of the Year at the 47th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) held in Goa in 2016. Option B: A.R. Rahman did not receive this specific award at the 47th IFFI in 2016. Option C: Ilaiyaraaja was honoured with the Centenary Award at the 46th IFFI in 2015, not the 47th. Option D: Yash Chopra was posthumously given the first Centenary Award at the 44th IFFI in 2013.

160. Q160People: appointments, honours and passings

     Which film personality was awarded the “Centenary Award for Indian Film Personality of the Year” at the 47th IFFI in 2016 ?

     • aS.P. BalasubramaniamAnswer
     • bA.R. Rahman
     • cIlayaraja
     • dYash Chopra
     ›Explanation

     Option A is correct because veteran playback singer and musician S.P. Balasubramaniam was honored with the Centenary Award for Indian Film Personality of the Year at the 47th International Film Festival of India held in Goa in 2016. Option B: A.R. Rahman did not receive this specific centenary recognition at the 47th edition of the festival. Option C: Ilayaraja was conferred the Centenary Award for Indian Film Personality of the Year at the 46th IFFI in 2015, not the 47th. Option D: Yash Chopra was awarded the inaugural Centenary Award posthumously at the 44th IFFI in 2013.