Current Affairs Quiz 25 and 26 July

Current Affairs MCQs [ 25 and 26 July 2017 ] PIB TheHindu IndianExpress & Other leading newspapers

Sumant Kumar, B.Tech NIT Allahabad

The parliament has passed The Collection of Statistics (Amendment) Bill, 2017 after it was approved by the Rajya Sabha. The Lok Sabha has passed it earlier. The Collection of Statistics (Amendment) Bill, 2017 1. The bill aims at amending the Collection of Statistics Bill, 2008

2. Collection of Statistics Bill, 2008 facilitates the collection of statistics related to social, economic, demographic, scientific and environmental aspects, by central, state and local governments.

3. Collection of Statistics Bill, 2008 allows the appointment of statistics officers to collect information and contains provisions to ensure security of information.

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

Consider the following statements: 1. Seen from the perspective of possessing

exclusive powers to levy certain taxes, the introduction of the GST regime weakens states’ fiscal independence

2. While the Centre’s nod is necessary for a decision to be arrived at by the GST council, a single State’s refusal to vote in favour of a proposal does not imply that the GST council has failed to arrive at a decision.

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 Solution: c.

• This division of fiscal responsibility was made with a view • to making States self-sufficient

• to supplying to regional powers the flexibility needed to govern according to the respective needs of their people.

• The introduction of the GST militates against this grand constitutional objective.

• In endeavouring to pursue the goal of creating a single market through a homogenisation of the tax regime, the amendment grants to both the Union and the State governments concomitant powers over nearly all indirect taxes.

• In acting as a nodal agency of sorts, GST Council will recommend • the list of taxes that will be subsumed by the GST, • the goods and services that will be exempt from the levy

of tax, • the rates at which tax shall be levied, and so forth.

• The council’s decisions will require a 3/4th majority, but the Central government’s votes will have a weightage of 1/3rd of the total votes cast, according, thereby, to the Union a virtual veto.

Consider the following statements regarding the Outer Space Treaty • It laid the foundation for an

international space law • It came into force in October 1967,

following a feverish, decade-long space race between the Cold War rivals, the U.S. and the U.S.S.R.

• The treaty aimed to get the countries to use space exploration for peaceful purposes.

Select the correct answer using the code given below. (a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 2 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 Ans : (d) 1, 2 and 3 It was formulated to bar its signatory countries from placing weapons of mass destruction in orbit of the Earth, on the Moon or any other celestial body or the outer space

Reliance Defence and Engineering Limited (RDEL) launched the first two Naval Offshore Patrol Vessels (NOPVs) — Shachi and Shruti at their shipyard Consider the following statements regarding NOPVs

Which of the following is most closely associated with the ‘Outer Space Treaty’? a) Kessler Syndrome b) Cold War

1. The NOPVs are primarily patrol ships to undertake surveillance of the country’s vast Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).

2. They also undertake operational tasks such as anti-piracy patrols, maritime security of offshore assets, fleet support operations, coastal security operations, and protection of shipping lanes.

3. The armaments of these vessels are remotely controlled through an electronic fire control system.

4. They are also fitted with 20,000 KW diesel engine-driven propulsion systems and can deliver speeds up to 25 knots.

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

c) Junk collectors d) Use of animals for space tests Solution: b.

IMF retains India 2017 GDP growth forecast at 7.2% IMF's World Economic Outlook (WEO) Update has retained India’s projected GDP growth rate at 7.2% for 2017-18, slightly up from 7.1% in the previous year. The global economic growth rate will be 3.5% in 2017 and 3.6% in 2018. The economic activity in both advanced and emerging and developing economies is accelerating. Moreover, inflation in advanced economies remains subdued and generally below target and also declining in several emerging economies.

World Economic Outlook is published by : • WTO • IMF • WEF • UN

Ans : B

Consider the following statements regarding World Economic Outlook (WEO) • The WEO is a survey

conducted and published by the IMF.

• It is published biannually and partly updated two times a year.

Consider the following statements regarding World Economic Outlook (WEO) • It portrays the world economy in the near and medium

context, with growth projections for up to four years into the future.

• WEO forecasts include key macroeconomic indicators, such as GDP, inflation, fiscal balance and current account of more than 180 countries around the globe.

• It does not deals with economic policy issues. Select the correct answer using the code given below.

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) Both 1 and 2

(a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 2 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 Ans : (c) 1 and 2 only It also deals with major economic policy issues.

The 18th anniversary of Kargil Vijay Diwas was celebrated across India to • Commemorate the success

of Operation Vijay • Remember brave sacrifice of

Indian soldiers during the 1999 India-Pakistan Kargil War.

• Both A & B • None of the above

Ans : C

India-Pakistan Kargil War • The war took place between May and July of 1999 in

Jammu and Kashmir’s Kargil district. • It began with the infiltration of both Pakistani troops

and terrorists deep inside Indian territory in strategic positions that overlooked the only road link between Srinagar and Leh.

• Based on information from local shepherds, Indian Army was able to ascertain the points of incursion and launch “Operation Vijay”.

• The Army declared the mission successful on July 26, 1999.

• Since then the day has been celebrated annually as Vijay Diwas.

• The official death toll on the Indian side was 527, while that on the Pakistani side was between 357 and 453.

The Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Development approves first housing project on private land under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana for the urban poor Consider the following statements regarding Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban) : 1. PMAY(U) provide houses to all poor

by 2022. 2. Its objective is to construct two

crore houses across the nation. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2

Consider the following statements regarding Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban) : 1. It covers the entire urban area consisting of 4041

statutory towns with initial focus on 500 Class I cities. 2. Intended beneficiaries of the scheme are Poor people

(BPL) and People living under EWS and LIG (Low income Group) categories in urban establishments of the country.

3. It does not targets people living under MIG (middle income Group).

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

(d) Neither 1 nor 2 Ans : (c) Both 1 and 2

It also targets people living under MIG (middle income Group).

Human antibodies produced in lab for first time Consider the following statements regarding Antibodies :

1. Antibodies mainly function in the humoral adaptive immune system by secreting antibodies to fight off infections caused by bacteria, viruses, and other invasive pathogens.

2. They are produced by body’s B cells (B lymphocytes).

3. When an individual B cell recognises a specific pathogen-derived antigen molecule, it proliferates and develops into plasma cells that secrete large amounts of antibody capable of binding to the antigen and fending off the infection.

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

• To develop revolutionary technique, researchers had replicated the process of natural production of antibodies from B cells isolated from patient blood samples in the laboratory to produce specific antibodies.

• They had found that B cells need a second signal to start proliferating and developing into plasma cells apart encountering a specific antigen at first instance.

• For the second signal they used short DNA fragments called CpG oligonucleotides, which activate a protein named TLR9 inside B cells. However, they found that treating patient-derived B cells with CpG oligonucleotides stimulates every B cell, not just the tiny fraction capable of producing a particular antibody.

• So to overcome the problem they treated patient-derived B cells with tiny nanoparticles coated with both CpG oligonucleotides and an antigen.

• With this technique, CpG oligonucleotides were only internalised into B cells recognising the specific antigen. These cells were only ones in which TLR9 is activated to induce their proliferation and development into antibody-secreting plasma cells.

Under Preventive Healthcare, vaccines are given to: (a) produce critical antigens for future attack. (b) introduce antibodies directly to humans. (c) produce antibodies in reaction to dead or weakened microbes in vaccine. (d) none of the above Ans C

How a vaccine works • When a disease-carrying microbe enters our

body, the body produces antibodies to fight the invader.

• The body also remembers how to fight the microbe if it enters again. So, if dead or weakened microbes are introduced in a healthy body, the body fights and kills them by producing suitable antibodies.

• The antibodies remain in the body and we are protected from the disease causing microbes. This is how a vaccine works.

• Several diseases, including cholera, tuberculosis, smallpox and hepatitis can be prevented by vaccination.

The epithet "Liberator of Indian Press" is used for: (a) Lord Ripon (b) Lord Metcalfe (c) Bal Gangadhar Tilak (d) Tej Bahadur Sapru Ans B

Metcalfe (Governor general 1835-36) is knows as Liberator of Indian press. • He repealed the obnoxious 1823

ordinance which meant that starting or using a press without license was a legal offence.

• The new press act 1835 required a

printer to give a precise account of premise of a publication and cease functioning if required by similar declaration.

Ram Nath Kovind sworn in as 14th President of India The President of India is administered oath to the office by • Chief Justice of India • Prime Minister of India • Chief Justice of a High Court • None of the Above

Ans : A He became the second Dalit President of India after late President K.R. Narayanan. He is also the first person from Uttar Pradesh to hold the office of President since Independence. The oath is administered by Chief Justice of India or in his absence by the senior-most Judge of the Supreme Court available.

President of India • It is a constitutional post • He is head of the Indian state, first citizen of India and supreme

commander of the Indian armed forces. • He is elected indirectly for a term of 5 years by an electoral college

consisting of elected members of parliament (MPs from Lok Sabha as well as Rajya Sabha) and elected members of State legislative members, including that if NCT of Delhi and Pondicherry.

• He is eligible to re-elect for the same office for unlimited times. Oath or affirmation by the President • According to Article 60 of the Constitution of India, every President

and every person acting as President or discharging the functions of the President before entering upon office shall make and subscribe oath to the office.

• The oath inter alia includes the oath to preserve, protect and defend the constitution.

• In this sense, President takes oath as guardian of Indian Constitution.

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has banned the use of stapler pins in tea bags from January 2018. FSSAI ban order issued under Section (15) FSS Act, 2006

Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) 1. FSSAI is a nodal statutory agency responsible for protecting and promoting

public health in India through the regulation and supervision of food safety.

2. FSSAI was established under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006

3. It operates under aegis of Union Ministry of Health & Family Welfare. Select the correct answer using the code given below. (a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 2 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 Ans : (d) 1, 2 and 3 Which of the following country/ies share/s its/their borders with Iran? 1. Turkey 2. Kuwait 3. Turkmenistan 4. Uzbekistan

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

a) 1 only b) 1 and 3 only c) 2 and 4 only d) 1, 2, 3 and 4 Solution: b.

Government launches Aarambh mobile app for road maintenance

Aarambh mobile app is launched by 1. The Union Ministry of

Rural Development 2. Ministry of Home Affairs 3. Finance Ministry 4. MHRD

Ans : A The Union Ministry of Rural Development launched Aarambh mobile app for performance based maintenance contracting and community contracting for maintenance of rural roads.

Aarambh mobile app 1. Aarambh mobile app aims at use of

Geographic Information System (GIS) based mapping for making road inventories, condition surveys and producing cost estimates and other relevant data for preparation and monitoring of annual road maintenance plans.

2. Its usage will help to enhance the service delivery of the state level institutions in planning and implementing performance based rural roads maintenance contracts.

‘Project Dantak’ refers to a) The construction of road and telecommunications network by India’s Border Roads Organisation, in Bhutan b) The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare’s programme to set up dental clinics through PPP mode in every district c) The Income Tax Department’s initiative to e-verify large cash deposits made during the window provided for depositing high-denomination currency notes with banks

Project Dantak • was raised in May 1961 in Eastern Bhutan.

• A humble beginning was made in bamboo huts and thatched roofs.

• Project Dantak has contributed to economic growth of Bhutan by not only developing roads and tele-communication networks but also other prestigious works throughout Bhutan.

• Over the years, Project Dantak has constructed 1500 Km of roads, airfields, a number of helipads, tele-communication

d) An India Post virtual museum showcasing all philatelic items associated with India’s Men in Uniform Solution: a.

network in Bhutan, Indo-Bhutan Microwave link, Bhutan Broadcasting Station, the prestigious India House Complex, Chukha Hydel Housing Complex, Hydel Sub-stations, river training works, Schools and Colleges.

Where is the Hambantota port of Sri Lanka located? a) Northeast, opening out to the Bay of Bengal b) Northwest, opening out to the Palk Bay c) West, opening out to the Gulf of Mannar d) South, opening out to the Indian Ocean Solution: d.

Which of the following projects involve participation of both India and the United States of America? 1. Partnership to

Advance Clean Energy 2. NISAR Mission 3. Laser

Interferometer Gravitational Observatory

4. Thirty Meter Telescope Select the correct answer using the code given below:

a) 1, 2 and 3 only b) 2 and 3 only c) 1 and 4 only d) 1, 2, 3 and 4 Solution: d.

The first Indian satellite built in our country, was named after a 5th Century A.D. astronomer. Which of the following is/are texts authored by this astronomer? 1. Aryabhatibhashya 2. Brihatsamhita 3. Aryasiddhanta

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

• Aryabhata = first Indian spacecraft that was built in the

country. • ‘Bhashya’, usually refers to commentary on a text.

• For instance, Patanjali’s Mahabhashya is a commentary on Panini’s Ashtadhyayi as well as on Katyayana’s Varttika.

• Aryabhatibhashya is a commentary by Bhaskara I, a mathematician belonging to the 7th Century A.D., on Aryabhatta’s work.

• Aryabhatta’s work includes the Aryabhatiyam and the Aryasiddhanta.

• Brihatsamhita is Varahamihira’s work.