Current Affairs MCQs [ 18 and 19 Nov 2017 ] PIB TheHindu IndianExpress & Other leading newspapers

Sumant Kumar, B.Tech NIT Allahabad sumant.magadh@gmail.com https://www.facebook.com/SumantKM/

Moody’s Investors Service has upgraded India’s sovereign ratings from its former investment grade “Baa3” to which of the following grade?

a. AA- b. A+ c. Baa2 d. Baa4

International rating agency Moody’s Investors Service has recently upgraded the Government of India (GoI)’s local and foreign currency issuer ratings to Baa2 from its lowest investment grade (Baa3) and changed the outlook on the rating to stable from positive. • Moody’s has also upgraded India’s local currency senior

unsecured rating to Baa2 from Baa3 and its short-term local currency rating to P-2 from P-3.

• The decision to upgrade the ratings is underpinned by Moody’s expectation that continued progress on economic and institutional reforms will enhance India’s high growth potential.

Project ReAnima, a term recently seen in news is associated with which of the following? (a) Government initiative to tackle Anaemia among adolescent girls. (b) Using active mines to support India-based Neutrino Observatory. (c) Using Biogas as a renewable source to reduce the carbon footprint. (d) World’s first clinical trial on the revival of brain dead patients. Ans D Project ReAnima is the world’s first clinical trial on the revival of brain dead patients. It is being conducted in Uttarakhand.

The 270th report of the Law Commission of India is titled a) Implementation of United Nations Convention against Torture b) Assessment of Statutory Frameworks of Tribunals in India c) Human DNA Profiling d) Compulsory Registration of Marriages Solution: d. In July 2017, the Law Commission of India suggested amendments in the Registration of Births and Deaths Act, 1969 to make registration of marriages compulsory, like births and deaths, as an effective antidote to social evils like child marriage, bigamy and gender violence.

Core work of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF) in India is across which of the following sectors?

1. Health 2. Education 3. Agricultural development 4. Financial services for the poor

Select the correct answer using the code given below: a) 1, 2 and 3 b) 2, 3 and 4 c) 1, 3 and 4 d) 1, 2 and 4 Solution: c “At the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, all of our efforts are aligned with India’s objectives – working closely with India’s central and state governments, we partner with community groups, nonprofit organizations, academic institutions, the private sector, and development organizations, to achieve our shared goals. With a particular focus on Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, we develop innovative solutions to improve the quality and coverage of key services. Our core work in the country is across four sectors: Health, Sanitation, Agricultural Development, and Financial Services for the Poor.”

Kambala is an annual traditional Buffalo Race held in which parts of Karnataka? a) Malenadu region b) Karavali region c) Bayaluseeme region d) None of the above Solution: b) Kambala (Tulu&Kannada ) is an annual Buffalo Race held traditionally under the sponsorship of local land lords and households, in coastal Karnataka, India. • The Kambala season generally starts in

November and lasts till March. • Of late, Kambala Samithis are formed to

arranged Kambala in a systematice way and 18 kambalas are being held under the banner of Kambala Samithi (Kambala Association).

• Currently, more than 45 races are held annually in Coastal Karnataka, including smaller remote villages like Vandaru, Gulvadi etc.

The term 'Polar' in Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) signifies that

PSLV launches the satellites in polar orbits. • That is, the satellites which would revolve around the earth from

south pole to north pole(pole to pole) will be launched by PSLVs.

(a) the PSLV satellite orbits based on the position of pole star. (b) the PSLV satellite orbits the earth from pole-to-pole. (c) PSLV satelite is launched from North pole because of low air resistance. (d) PSLV satellites use Polaroids for remote sensing and image capture. Ans B

• PSLV is used for delivering various satellites to Low Earth Orbits. • It is designed mainly to deliver the "earth-observation" or

"remote-sensing" satellites with lift-off mass of up to about 1750 Kg to Sun-Synchronous circular polar orbits of 600-900 Km altitude.

Few important points about PSLV and GSLV: 1. The PSLV and GSLV are two rocket launch systems developed by

ISRO, to launch satellites into orbit. 2. The PSLV is older than the GSLV 3. The GSLV has a much greater load capacity than the PSLV. While the

PSLV can only lift slightly over a ton of payload, the GSLV is capable of lifting more than double that with a rated capacity of 2 to 2.5 tons.

4. The GSLV use cryogenic fuel while the PSLV doesn't 5. The PSLV has 4 stages that alternate between solid and liquid

fuels while the GSLV has three stages with the only the first stage having solid fuel.

6. The GSLV has 4 liquid boosters while the PSLV has 6 solid boosters.

India has been lauded for its "Red line campaign". What is it related to? (a) poverty alleviation (b) curbing the use of plastic (c) against child labour (d) curbing the use of antibiotics Ans D India’s idea of putting a red line on antibiotic packages to curb their over-the-counter sale is now being cited as a model that can be used globally to counter the rising threat of superbugs. In its final report on tackling drug resistant infection released on May 19, the global Review on Antimicrobial Resistance — commissioned by UK Prime Minister David Cameron in 2014 — says India has led the way so far with its idea of a ‘Red Line Campaign’ for antibiotics packaging, launched earlier this year and should be considered as a starting point. It recommends that the labelling and symbols used can be improved if needed and then expanded globally.

With reference to National Anti-profiteering Authority,” which of the following statement is/are correct?

1. It is tasked with ensuring the full benefits of a reduction in tax on supply of goods or services flow to the consumers.

2. It can impose a penalty on the defaulting business entity and even order the cancellation of its registration under GST.

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

1. 1 only 2. 2 only 3. Both 1 and 2 4. Neither 1 nor 2

Ans C • NAPA is tasked with ensuring the full

benefits of a reduction in tax on supply of goods or services flow to the consumers.

• It can impose a penalty on the defaulting business entity and even order the cancellation of its registration under GST.

India’s first micro forest will be built in which state? a. UP b. Bihar c. West Bengal d. Chattisgarh e. MP

Ans D India’s first micro forest will be built in Raipur, Chattisgarh. It will be approximately, 19 acres of land which housed around 70 government office buildings will be converted into micro forest in order to create an oxy-zone.

Consider the following statements regarding the Aadhar enabled Payment System: 1. The Adhaar-enabled payment systems (AEPS)

developed by NPCL 2. It is a bank-led model that facilitates financial

inclusion by allowing transactions at Point of Sale or PoS (the micro ATM) through the business correspondent (BC) using the Aadhaar authentication number.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 Ans C

Consider the following statements regarding the National Payment Corporation of India (NPCI):

1. It is an umbrella organization for all retail payments system in India.

2. It is the nodal body for Bharat Bill Payment System.

3. It has launched Rupay, a new card payment system.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 and 3 only (b) 2 only (c) 2 and 3 only

National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) • is an umbrella organization for all retail payments system in India. • It was set up with the guidance and support of the RBI and Indian Banks'

Association (IBA). • It was incorporated as a Section 25 company under Companies Act 1956

(now Section 8 of Companies Act 2013). Some of the services provided by it include: • Immediate Payment Service: initiated by National Payments

Corporation of India, it offers an instant 24x7 interbank electronic fund transfer through mobile phones, internet and ATMs which is not only safe but also economical.

• The National Financial Switch: it facilitates routing of ATM transactions through inter-connectivity between the Bank's Switches, thereby enabling the citizens of the country to utilize any ATM of a connected bank. The Institute of Development and Research in Banking Technology (IDRBT), Hyderabad conceptualized, developed and implemented the

(d) 1, 2 and 3 D

National Financial Switch. Later, the Institute handed over the National Financial Switch to National Payments Corporation of India.

• RuPay

• Bharat Bill Payment System

• Aadhar enabled Payment System

Consider the following statements regarding the RuPay: 1. India's own card payment scheme. 2. The scheme was conceived by NPCI.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 Ans C • Like all other card payment schemes, notably Visa and

MasterCard, it was created to ensure cashless transactions.

• International transactions lead to higher transaction costs. Such costs can be reduced by using RuPay card since processing will be done within the country. Also, transactions will be faster.

Consider the following statements regarding the Bharat Bill Payment System: 1. It is an integrated bill

payment system to pay light bill, phone bill, piped-gas bill, DTH, school fees and other utility bills.

2. It will also hear consumer complaints in bill payment. NPCI is the nodal body.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 Ans C

With reference to Central Board of Film Certification, consider the following statements: 1. It is a non-statutory body under Ministry

of Information and Broadcasting. 2. Films can be publicly exhibited in India

only after they have been certified by the CBFC.

3. The chairman and the members of the board are appointed by the Central Government.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 1 and 3 only (c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 Ans C

Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) • is a Statutory body under Ministry of

Information and Broadcasting,

• regulating the public exhibition of films under the provisions of the Cinematograph Act 1952.

• Films can be publicly exhibited in India only after they have been certified by the Central Board of Film Certification.

• The Board, consists of non-official members and a Chairman (all of whom are appointed by Central Government) and functions with headquarters at Mumbai.

Shyam Benegal Committee Shyam Benegal committee was tasked to • look holistically into the functioning of the censor board and revamp the film certification nuances by

Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC).

• take note of the best practices in other parts of the world, especially where the film industry is given sufficient and adequate space for creative and aesthetic expression.

It was constituted by the Union Information and Broadcasting (I&B) Ministry. Main Recommendation: • Shift from Censorship to certification (by increased categorisation into suitable age-groups) • Restoring to censorship in the extreme case with proper justification.

Key Recommendations: • CBFC should only be a film certification body and its scope should be restricted to categorizing the

suitability of the film to audience groups on the basis of age and maturity.

• The board can refuse certification when o a film contents contravenes the provisions of Cinematograph Act.

o content in a film crosses the ceiling laid down in the highest category of certification.

• The applicant for certificate must specify the category of certification being sought and the target audience.

• The categorisation of films should be more specific and apart from U category, the UA Category can be broken up into further sub-categories – UA12+ and UA15+. The A category should also be sub-divided into A and AC (Adult with Caution) categories

Views in favour of Censorship:

1. Maintenance of Public order : The onus of which lies with the State, thus justifies censorship of any element that may induce communalism or riots by hurting sentiments of people

2. Ensuring Decency and morality : to preserve the social character of the society

3. Upholding Principles enshrined in the DPSP in our constitution : Like promotion of international peace and security (by marinating friendly relations), secure social order for the promotion of the welfare of the people among others.

In view of the above, detailed provisions have been highlighted in section 5B(1) of the Cinematograph Act (that empowers CBFC)

Views against Censorship: 1. Moral Policing : The CBFC is

accused of being government nominated propagating agendas of the government of the day

2. Certification : Certification and restriction to suitable age groups is more democratic approach

3. Right to expression : Censorship violates the right of both creator and its intended viewers.

4. Subjectivity : The current provisions amount to a lot of subjectivity in justification of censorship.

What does film makers say? a. There is no pre-censorship on other modes of communications (e.g. print media), then why only on

films. b. Not only do films face such censorship but also the guidelines for it are vague and arbitrary c. Decision of what to watch and what not to watch should be left to the citizens.

Yemen shares its borders with which of the following countries? 1. Saudi Arabia 2. UAE 3. Oman 4. Kuwait

Which of the following functions is/are performed by the National human Rights Commission in India?

1. To visit any jail for the study of the living conditions of the inmates and make recommendations.

2. Undertake and promote research in the field of human rights 3. Requisitioning any public record or copy thereof from any court or

office.

Select the correct answer using the code given below: a) 1, 2 and 3 only b) 1 and 3 only c) 2 only d) 1, 2, 3 and 4 Solution: b

Select the correct answer using the option given below. 1. 1 and 2 only 2. 2 and 3 only 3. 1 and 3 only 4. 1, 2 and 3

Ans C • To visit any jail or other institutions under the the control of the State

Government, where persons are detained or lodged for purposes of treatment, reformation or protection, for the study of the living conditions of the inmates and make recommendation is one of the function performed by NHRC.

• Undertake and promote research in the field of human rights is also one of the functions performed by NHRC.

• Requisitioning any public record or copy thereof from any court or office is also one of the function performed by NHRC.

With reference to recently introduced Revised National TB Control Programme (RNTCP) consider the following statements: 1. The Health Ministry has

decided to provide drug regimen on daily basis.

2. The programme will use fixed dose combinations (FDC) for treatment.

Which of the statement(s) is/are incorrect? 1. Only 1 2. Only 2 3. Both 1 nor 2 4. Neither 1 nor 2

Ans C

o The Ministry of Health & Family Welfare has recently announced the launch of daily regimen for TB patients across the country under The Revised National TB Control Programme (RNTCP).

o The Health Ministry has been providing the thrice weekly regimen for the treatment of tuberculosis (TB), however it has now decided to change the treatment strategy for TB patients from thrice weekly to daily drug regimen using fixed dose combinations (FDC) for treatment.

The "Pharma Jan Samadhan" Scheme launched by Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers is: (a) a scheme to incentivize private pharmaceutical companies to manufacture drugs under Make in India programme. (b) an effort to store drugs by the government to provide for their availability during natural calamities.

Pharma Jan Samadhan Scheme: • It is a web enabled system for redressal of

consumers’ grievances relating to pricing and availability of medicines, created by National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA).

• It puts in place a speedy and effective complaint redressal system with respect to availability and pricing of medicines.

It would serve as a robust e-governance tool for protection of consumers’ interests through effective implementation of the Drugs (Price Control) Order 2013.

(c) a web enabled system for redressal of consumers’ grievances relating to pricing and availability of medicines. (d) an effort to provide easy access of Fixed dose combinations of therapeutic advantage to public through primary health centres. Ans C

‘Pharma Jan Samadhan’ will provide consumers and others with an on-line facility to redress their complaints relating to over-pricing of medicines, non-availability or shortage of medicines, sale of new medicines without prior price approval of NPPA, and refusal of supply for sale of any medicine without good and sufficient reason. NPPA will initiate action on any complaint within 48 hrs of its receipt.

With reference to South Asia Regional Training and Technical Assistance Centre (SARTTC) consider the following statements:

1. It is a joint venture of India and ILO.

2. Its objective is to enhance capacity development and train officials dealing with macro-economics.

Which of the statement(s) is/are not correct?

1. Only 1 2. Only 2 3. Both 1 nor 2 4. Neither 1 nor 2

Ans A

India and International Monetary Fund (IMF) have decided to set up South Asia Regional Training and Technical Assistance Centre (SARTTC) in New Delhi. SARTTC will set up for enhancing capacity development and training officials in dealing with macroeconomic and financial issues in the South Asia regions. • It will become the focal point for planning, coordinating, and

implementing the IMF’s capacity development activities in the region on a wide range of areas.

• These wide range of areas are includes macroeconomic and fiscal management, financial sector regulation, monetary operations and supervision, and macroeconomic statistics.

• It will help to address existing training needs and respond to the demand for IMF training in India, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Maldives and Sri Lanka.

• SARTTAC will build upon the IMF’s in-depth experience with capacity development on the experiences of the IMF’s Regional Technical Assistance Centres (RTACs) and Regional Training Centres (RTCs).

• Funding for the centre will come from contributions by Regional Member countries and Development Partners.

• Australian Agency for International Development, South Korea and India also have pledged financial support for the Centre.

With reference to the recently launched ‘She Means Business’ programme, consider the following statements: 1. The main purpose of this programme is

that the union government will provide offline marketing skill training to the women entrepreneurs

2. For the programme, Google has partnered the Odisha’s MSME department and Project Mission Shakti to train women entrepreneurs

Which of the following statement(s) is/are correct? 1. 1 only 2. 2 only 3. Both 1 and 2 4. Neither 1 or 2

Ans D

Main purpose is that the state government of Odhisha will provide digital training to the women and to the SHG members. For the programme, Facebook has partnered the Odisha’s MSME department and Project Mission Shakti to train 25,000 women entrepreneurs and self-help group (SHG) members on digital marketing skills by the end of 2018. After imparting training, Facebook will make a database of entrepreneurs in the state and will monitor their growth, turnover and profit after one year.

With reference to 'Project Loon' consider the following statements: 1. It proposes to provide

internet connectivity to remote areas using balloons floating in troposphere.

2. It aims to tap unused TV spectrum to provide internet access.

3. The project is being implemented by Google Inc.

Project Loon • is a research and development project being

developed by Google X with the mission of providing Internet access to rural and remote areas.

• The project uses high-altitude balloons placed in the stratosphere at an altitude of about 18 km (11 mi) to create an aerial wireless network with up to 4G-LTE speeds.

By partnering with Telecommunications companies to share cellular spectrum, Google is

Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 and 3 only (b) 2 only (c) 2 and 3 only (d) 3 only Ans D

trying to enable people to connect to the balloon network directly from their phones and other LTE-enabled devices.

Microsoft is planning to use unused TV spectrum to provide internet access in remote areas.

With regard to Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) in an aquatic ecosystem, consider the following statements: 1. BOD is the amount of oxygen

required for the respiration of all aquatic organisms in an ecosystem.

2. Higher the BOD, lower is the pollution level in the aquatic ecosystem.

Which of the statements given above is/are not correct? (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 Ans C

• The amount of oxygen required to break down a certain amount of organic matter is called the biological oxygen demand (BOD).

• Higher the BOD, higher is the pollution level.

• The amount of BOD in the water is an indicator of the level of pollution.

• If too much organic matter is added to the water all the available oxygen is used up.

• This causes fish and other forms of oxygen dependent aquatic life to die.