1. PM in Beijing
Manmohan Singh’s three-day visit to China was closely followed. With the two emerging economies of world sharing almost 40 per cent of world population together, the PM’s visit added edge to bilateral relations. In addition to China playing bigger role for India in nuclear co-operation, Singh’s visit to Beijing became special as China expressed its support for India in… Click for answer

2. Top cop surrenders
A top police officer of Orissa cadre, whose son Biti Mohanty was convicted of raping a German tourist, he surrendered on January 11. While son Biti had jumped parole, the father had been absconding. He was wanted by the Rajasthan Police for having helped his son escape. Name him. Click for answer

3. Mayawati’s return gift
Nithari issue was on back-burner, Mulayam Singh had been rendered irrelevant, and Mayawati, secure in her UP electoral victory, was focusing on national politics. But last few weeks have seen the nation’s attention turn back to UP once again. A slap on Mulayam’s brother’s cheek, the ensuing violence, Mayawati’s birthday gala soon after, and the Opposition’s protest on siphoning of state funds for the bash - a lot has happened in a short span of time. To top it all, Mayawati’s talked of dividing UP. How many states does she want out of UP?

4. Rallying for Ratna
When LK Advani, as a return gesture to Atal Bihari Vajpayee for pushing his name as BJP’s candidate for Prime Ministership, recommended that Vajpayee get the Bharat Ratna, little did he know that he is opening a pandora’s box. Soon, claimants from all political leanings were demanding the Ratna for their mentor/leader. Mayawati demanded that it should go to Kashi Ram, for having awakened the Dalits; the Left demanded it for Jyoti Basu, who however made it clear he was not in the fray and TDP demanded it for NTR. When was the last time Bharat Ratna awarded and to whom? Click for answer

5. Pravasi matters
Expressing desire to benefit from the skill reservoir of overseas Indians, Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh, called upon them to be active partners in India’s progress and prosperity while delivering the inaugural address of the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas held in New Delhi from 7 -9 January 2008. How many Pravasi Bharatiya Divas’ have been held earlier? Click for answer

6. Replace UGC, AICTE
The Knowledge Commission has conveyed in its report to the Prime Minister that rigid mindset was preventing reforms in the higher education sector. The commission emphasised the creation of an Independent Regulatory Authority for Higher Education (IRAHE), which would replace the UGC, AICTE, the Medical Council of India and the Bar Council. According to a report in the Hindustan Times, the commission feels that if the reforms are not carried out, any increase in fund allocation would come to a naught. Who heads the Knowledge Commission? Click for answer

7. Go polling
The Election Commission of India has announced a single-phase assembly election in three north-eastern states on Feb 23, March 3 and March 5 respectively. The elections will be conducted in these states as the legislative assemblies are due to expire on their normal schedule of March 10, March 13 and March 19 respectively. Name the states. Click for answer

8. Bird-flu outbreak
According to World Health Organisation, the recent outburst of bird-flu in this state is the worst ever attack of the disease in India. Both Central and state government have sounded a general alert to prevent the spread of the disease. Sealing of border with Bangladesh was included in the list of precautionary measures along with mass culling of chickens in the area. Name the state. Click for answer

9. Crisis in Goa
The government in 40-member Goa assembly was reduced to minority after three MLAs from NCP and one independent candidate withdrew their support. Reports say special economic zone lobby was behind the Goa government being reduced to a minority. Which political party rules Goa? Click for answer

10. Go ahead for bull-taming sport
The famous bull-taming sporting event in Tamil Nadu, ran into trouble after its conduct was challenged in the Supreme Court. However, the apex court has now given a go ahead signal to it. What is the sport popularly known as?. Click for answer