Wildlife Trophy

Question 1 : Recently the government of Kerala has sought Union government's approval for using deer antlers (Wildlife trophy) in Ayurveda medicines. Which of the following statements is incorrect with respect to a 'wildlife trophy'?

a) It is defined as the "whole or any part of any captive animal or wild animal".
b) It is considered to be owned by the government.
c) The Environment Protection Act,1986 regulates the provisions related to wildlife trophies.
d) The Chief Wildlife Warden is an authorising official with respect to a wildlife trophy.

Further Reading :
1) Vermin: Provisions for killing wild animals in India
2) Earth Day
3) Tigers : Population and Conservation
4) UNESCO World's Network of Biosphere Reserves
5) E - Waste Management Rules,2016
6) Heat Islands
7) Forest Fires
8) Green Bonds

Answer :

1) c, The Wildlife (Protection) Act,1972 regulates the provisions related to wildlife trophies.

A Food For Thought : Low Decision Making Powers Among Indian Muslims

3 out of 100 IAS and IPS officers in India are muslims whereas the 16th Lok Sabha has only 22 muslims representatives, which is 4.2% of total members in the house. These meagre presence of this community at the hierarchy of decision making is probably one of the factors for the backwardness among muslims.

This can also be considered a kind of deprivation in ability and capacity of this community to stand on equal footing with respect to ever changing competitive environment. The government of the day must focus on the capacity building of the youth of this community through better interactions, trust building efforts and effective learning outcomes.

The community also fares poorly when it comes to social indicators like accessibility to primary education and quality and affordable healthcare services. However considerable improvements have been witnessed in respect to sex ratio and increase in percentage of graduates in 2011 census. The sex ration among muslims in India is 951. So it can be said that, if adequate opportunities are provided than empowerment of muslims will fulfil the goal of inclusive development in the country.

Israel-Palestine Issue : Recent Developments

Question 1 : Recently United Nations Security Council (UNSC) passed a resolution with a 14-0 majority urging Israel to halt its illegal settlements programme in the occupied Palestinian territories. Which of the following statements is/are correct in this regard?

a) United States abstained from voting.
b) The resolution is not binding and is only recommendatory in nature.
c) Israel has refused to comply with the terms of the resolution.
d) All of the above

Question 2: Which of the following statements is incorrect with respect to proposed 'two-state solution' to Israel Palestine issue?

a) At the most basic level it represents formation of 2 states for 2 people.
b) It is about establishing an independent Palestinian state alongside Israel.
c) It is about establishing Jewish demographic majority in Palestine.
d) It is about division of Jerusalem into Israeli West and Palestinian East.

Answers

1) d
2) c, It is about establishing Jewish demographic majority in Isreal.

Question of the day...

Question 1 : Who of the following Indian Cricket team player has recently won the cricket's biggest individual prize, the Sir Garfield Sobers trophy?

a) Virat Kohli
b) R. Ashwin
c) Yuvraj Singh
d) None of the above

Answer

1) b 

Question of the day...

Question 1 : Which of the following is/are the objectives of scrapping the legal tender status of a currency note (demonitisation)?

i) To curb black money corruption.
ii) To  discourage cash system.
iii) To combat inflation.

a) i and ii only
b) All of the above
c) i only
d) None of the above

Answer :

1) b

Further Reading : Demonitisation in India

Electoral Reforms To Counter The Menace of Black Money

Ever since a landmark decision on demonitisation of high value currency notes has been taken by the current NDA government in India , the focus of political and economic gurus has been shifted towards the series of electoral reforms to curb the menace of black money.

Elections in India forms the bedrock of a vibrant democracy but at the same time election also represents the manifestation of  money and muscle power in its widest manner. Funding for election expenses by corporates, high-net worth individuals and even political parties forms the single largest sink of black money in India. As a result the winning party shows considerable inclination towards its funders in future policy actions.

Keeping this in mind the Election Commission of India has recently recommended several reform measures in the election process. These measures are as follows :

1) Anonymous contributions above or equal to the amount of Rs. 2000/- should be prohibited.

2) Exemptions of Income tax should only be extended to political parties that contest and win seats in Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies.

3) Law ministry should ensure that political parties are made to register details of donors for 'coupons' of small amount , on the basis of Supreme Court order of 1996.

These recommendations make sense as the current provisions under the Representation of Peoples Act,1951 provides for indirect partial ban on anonymous donation to the political parties to an extent of Rs 20,000/-. The election commission has noticed that amount of less than Rs 20,000/- forms the large chunk of unaccounted money with the political parties.

Moreover tax exemptions provided to the political parties for income from house property, voluntary contributions, capital gains and other are often misused by the parties and candidates to fulfil their illegitimate aims. Often bogus parties are also formed to claim exemptions under this provision.

Hence, these recommendations if implemented in letter and spirit would help in stemming the flow of black money in polls and render accountability and transparency to the entire election process.

But these reforms must be synced with other measures like :

a) State funding of elections through a suitable law providing penalties and reasonable restrictions.

b) Bringing political parties under the ambit of Right to Information (RTI) Act to ensure transparency in political system.

c) Self regulation by political parties and inner party democracy.

d) Simultaneous elections for election to centre and state legislature.

As most of these reforms demand political will and astuteness of current government in power, it is required that wider discussions and deliberation been conducted to implement these reforms. The reforms should then be implemented in a time bound manner. The majority government in the parliament and the pragmatic Prime Minister offer some ray of  hope.

Three Pronged Approach To Ensure Social Justice of Persons with Disabilities in India

To attain the goal of inclusive development it is very important that the  differently abled individuals are brought into social and economic mainstream. However this is easier said than done as barriers like poor implementation of statutory laws, architectural barriers, unfriendly transportation, information and communication ecosystem and other ; pose severe challenges in path of state's commitments towards welfare of these people.

To overcome these barriers, the government of India has taken several initiatives. Three initiatives are worth considering : ratification of Marrakesh treaty, launching an 'accessible India campaign' and introduction of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Bill in the parliament.

Let us try to understand these initiatives through the following questions:

Question 1 : Which of the following provisions is not correct with respect to recently introduced 'The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Bill'?

a) The bill recognises 21 conditions for disability certificate.
b) The bill provides for 5% reservation for persons with disabilities in employment.
c) The bill provides for penal provisions for non compliance in terms of monetary fines.
d) Private entities have now been brought within the purview of the definition of "establishments"

Question 2 Which of the following statements is/are correct with respect to the 'Accessible India Campaign' or 'Sugamya Bharat Abhiyaan'?

a) It aims to provide universal accessibility to persons with disability.
b) The campaign is been implemented by the Ministery of Social Justice and Empowerment.
c) Both a and b
d) Neither a nor b

Answers

1) b, The bill provides for 4% reservation for persons with disabilities in employment.
2) c

For further reading : Marrakesh Treaty

A coffee table thought...

Do not believe in a prediction that does not empowers you.

Kashmir Issue : Concerns and Resolution

The 'Kashmir Question' always remains at the crossroads when the bilateral relations of India and Pakistan are brought into public discourse. But issues related to Kashmir goes beyond India-Pakistan rhetoric. According to the present Chief Minister of the state, the Kashmir issue is an idea and thus the solution lies in addressing that idea or coming up with a better idea.

The seeds of the current issues were sown during the post independence consolidation of India when Maharaja Hari Singh of Kashmir signed an 'Instrument of Accession' with the Government of India in the wake of cross border attempts to annex the state. Accession of Kashmir valley to the Indian union marked the watershed of current cross border tensions. Article 370 of the constitution was framed during this period to give special status to Jammu and Kashmir region. Presently the Kashmir valley is reeling under communal tensions, frequent violence, clashes between state forces and the public, poor livelihood opportunities and other which have weakened the socio-economic fabric of the state.

Several issues lie at the core of Kashmir Question, that need to be dealt adequately to find a correct resolution.

The first issue is 'economic uncertainity'. Due to decades of violence and political instability, the investment climate in the state has dwindled. Corporates are reluctant to invest in the state leading to loss of opportunities for employment and revenue for state machinery. The residents of the state prefer to invest in gold than in real estate as the brunt of disorder in the state is primarily faced by the public properties. No wonder, a lot of primary schools were damaged by the assailants in the recent upsurge in the state.

This economic uncertainity also leads to 'stockpiling tendencies' among the residents. Residents buy goods in bulk and stock the essential commodities to insulate themselves from food crisis in case of situations like curfew or communal clashes.

However, the recent clash between the state forces and the public has brought some emerging issues in the limelight. These issues involve the demand for independent Kashmir  (azaadi), revocation of Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA), self rule and political solution to Article 370 of the constitution that provides special status to the state.

Besides these there are social aspects involved in the Kashmir issue. Lack of quality jobs and lack of adequate livelihood opportunities mainly affects the youth of the state. These factors lead to migration of youth to other progressive states in the country or they may lead the distressed youth to join militancy. Both of which have the potential to break the socio-economic fabric of the state.

In the recent upsurge, some anti-state elements have used the young boys as a shield against the state forces. In lieu of small amount of money these boys were made scapegoat to pellet guns. However there is an alternative view that the state forces should have been more cautious while dealing with this demography.

Hence the 'Kashmir Question' is a multipronged issue and there can not be a single solution for its resolution. The key to the resolution lies in continuous dialogue with all the stakeholders at all the levels and engaging them in political mainstream.

Further three pronged approach can be adopted to effectively deal with the Kashmir issue. The first being the 'reconciliation' through focusing on several confidence building measures such as Indus Water Treaty (IWT) and Wagah Border trade. There is a need to create a conducive atmosphere so that dialogue, discussion and negotiation can be conducted with all the stakeholders. Current tactics of creating disorder, distruction and violence are by no means effective in meeting the demands of opposing groups.

The second way could be: making 'borders irrelevant'. This can be done by opening borders for free movement of goods and people. The world is fast moving towards globalisation and independence has taken a different meaning now. Increasing trade with neighbouring countries like Pakistan and China and building roads that can connect Kashmir valley to Central Asia and China will ensure better resolution to the Kashmir issue. However for this to happen there is need to bridge the trust deficit between the countries by investing diplomatic capital.

Lastly, there is a need to persuade the young boys of the state that have recently joined militancy to come back. This can further be corroborated by efforts to  integrate them in political and economic mainstream by providing them adequate livelihood opportunities through quality education and required skills for better future. In addition to this the state forces need to be sensitized towards youth. The youth being vulnerable get easily influenced by the divisive propaganda of non state actors and consider destruction of state machinery as Jihad.

Further Reading : Indus Water Treaty

Three Parent Baby : A Baby With One Father And Two Mothers

Question 1 Which of the following statements is/are correct with respect to the 'three parent baby'?

a) Such a baby is born after faulty bits of the mother's DNA are replaced by those taken from a healthy donor.
b) Mexico has become the first country to legalise three parent babies.
c) Both a and b
d) Neither a nor b

Question 2: A three parent baby is born after faulty bits of the mother's mitochondrial DNA are replaced by those taken from a healthy donor. Which of the following statements is incorrect in this respect?

a) Mitochondria are doubled membraned and self replicating cellular organelles.
b) Mitochondria are commonly known as the powerhouse of the cell.
c) Mitochondrial DNA makes up less than 0.0005% of the entire human DNA.
d) A child receives Mitochondrial DNA from both father and mother.

Answers:

1) a, United Kingdom has become the first country to legalise three parent babies.
2) d, A child receives Mitochondrial DNA only from the mother (maternal inheritance).

Reference : Click Here

The Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2016

The Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2016 seeks to take care of persecuted minorities on humanitarian grounds and to prevent harassment of the people termed as illegal migrants. This is a pathbreaking bill that would ensure adequate protection of people facing religious persecution and coming to India before 31st December,2014.

Let us attempt few questions on this topic.

Question 1 : Which of the following statements is/are correct with respect to the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2016?

a) The bill seeks to give citizenship by naturalization to immigrants from 3 countries belonging to 6 religions.
b) The bill exempts the migrants of 6 religions from document formalities of the National Registrar of Citizens (NRC) update, currently underway in Assam.
c) Both a and b
d) Neither a nor b

Question 2 The Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2016 seeks to give citizenship by naturalization to immigrants from 3 countries belonging to 6 religions. Which of the following countries is not included in the list?

a) Myanmar
b) Bangladesh
c) Pakistan
d) Afghanistan

Question 3: Fill in the blanks. The Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2016 proposes to reduce the number of years from 11 to ________ of the last 14, required to live in India to obtain citizenship by naturalization?

a) Six
b) Seven
c) Five
d) Four

Answers: 

1) c
2) a, The 6 religions include: Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Jains, Parsis and Christian.
3) a

Reference : PRS Link

National Anthem of India : Recent Supreme Court's Verdict

The National Anthem of India with an underlying message of pluralism was written and composed by the Nobel Laureate and an internationally acclaimed poet Shri Rabindranath Tagore during the Indian struggle for independence. The anthem forms the core of the ethos of Indian society and it is a civic duty of every citizen of the country to show due respect to the anthem while it is been sung, recited or played.

Keeping this into consideration, the Supreme Court of India has recently announced a verdict on National Anthem. The verdict was based on a writ petition filed before the court.

Let's attempt few questions on this topic.

Question 1 : Which of the following statements is/are correct with respect to the National Anthem of India ?

a) It was adopted by the constituent assembly on 24th January, 1950.
b) It was first sung on 27th December, 1911 at the Calcutta session of Indian National Congress.
c) Both a and b 
d) Neither a nor b

Question 2 Which of the following statements is not the part of Supreme Court's verdict?

a) Cinema halls to play National Anthem before the beginning of a feature film and during the interval.
b) Commercial exploitation of National Anthem and its dramatization is prohibited.
c) Doors of cinema hall shall be closed while National Anthem is been played.
d) No printing of National Anthem that amounts to its disrespect.

Question 3 Which of the following laws or cases or code is/are related to the National Anthem of India?

a) Flag code of India
b) Uphaar Case
c) The Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act,1971
d) All of the above

Question 4 Which of the following is not the 'fundamental duty' enshrined in the constitution of India?

a) To abide by the Constitution and respect its ideals and institutions.
b) To respect the National Song of India.
c)  To respect the National Anthem of India.
d) To respect the National Flag of India.

Answers

1) c
2) a . Cinema halls are required to play National Anthem before the beginning of a feature film only.
3) d
4) b 

National Anthem of India : YouTube Link

GDP of India

The gross domestic product (GDP) is the measure of national income and output for a given country's economy. India with its robust economic growth stands at 9th position in terms of its value of GDP. The growth of GDP in 2015-16 has been estimated to be 7.6%.

Let's attempt a question on this area.

Question 1: Which of the following statements is incorrect with respect to GDP of India?

a) The GDP is close to $ 2 trillion.
b) The GDP of India stands at 3.34% of the world economy.
c) The base year for calculation of GDP is 2011-12.
d) The GDP in India is measured at the factor cost.

Answer

1) d. The GDP in India is measured by the gross value added method at base price.

The New Secretary of State of United States of America

Question 1: The business tycoon, Rex Tillerson, has been offered the job of Secretary of State by President - elect Donald Trump. Mr. Tillerson has been associated with which of the following organisations?

a) Shell Corporation
b) ExxonMobil
c) Alibaba
d) Samsung

Answers

1) b

Innovations for Human Development

Question 1 : What is a 'Solar Dome'?

a) A solar powered telescope .
b) A device to light up homes without electricity.
c) China's space mission to study sun spot cycle.
d) A space tourism project by United States based organisation.

Question 2 : What is the primary function of an 'Ice Stupa' ?

a) Conservation of water
b) Propagation of teachings of Buddha.
c) Promotion of tourism.
d) Temporary shelters during natural calamity.

Question 3: Which of the following is/are the applications of a 'Solar Pond'?

a) Water desalination
b) Refrigeration
c) Power generation
d) All of the above

Answers

1) b. Reference : PIB Link
2) a. Reference:  YouTube Link
3) d. Reference:  Solar Pond

India's Nuclear Liability Act, 2010

Question 1 :  Which of the following provisions is incorrect with respect to the India's Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act, 2010 ?

a) Operator has the right to seek recourse from suppliers and vendors in case of an accident.
b) Absolute liability of an operator.
c) Operator is mandated to take an insurance policy or such other financial security.
d) Non discrimination of victims on the grounds of nationality, domicile or residence .

Answer

1) b . Operator has the right to seek recourse from suppliers and vendors if the accident was the result of a patent or latent defect in equipment or substandard services.

Quote Decode # 1 : An eye for an eye will only make the whole world blind

In simple words, the essence of the above quote is - hate begets hate and violence is perpetuated by violence. When Mahatama Gandhi propounded this quote during the Indian struggle for freedom movement, he simultaneosly asserted that 'ahimsa' or non violence is a weapon of strong. By this he meant that, only an individual  with a strong mental aptitude and a strong moral strength can practice the tenets of non violence.

It often happens that one gets hurt by someone's words or something visible disturbs one. In that scenario it would not be ideal to seek revenge for the same. In words of Gandhiji, it would be rather ideal to conquer one's opponent with love. The feeling of revenge, extreme competition, quest for power and other such negative thoughts make one vulnerable to the situation and make one morally weak. The most visible manifestation of which is rise in terrorism, fundamentalism and intolerance in today's world.

Case Study

A soldier died during a cross border attack. His younger son , being closest to his father took pledge on his father's death pyre that he will give justice to his father by killing all those terrorists. Though the intention of that kid was to seek justice for his father but the way justice was thought to be achieved was not moral. Ideally the kid should be made to understand the ethos of 'service of the nation' that his father has practiced in the real sense. His father has become a martyr, the place which few can achieve in their life.

The boy should rather take the pledge to follow his father's footsteps and get himself inducted into defence forces.

Air Pollution : Paris and Delhi

Question 1 How much micrograms per cubic meter of Particulate Matter 10 (PM 10) is considered safe for environment?

a) 80
b) 91
c) 93
d) 100

Question 2 Which of the following measures have been taken by the government of Paris to check the high level of Particulate Matter 10 in the city?

i)  Odd - even number scheme for vehicles
ii) Free public transport
iii) Only hybrid, electric and vehicles carrying 3 or more than 3 passengers are allowed on the roads.
iv) Regulation on speed of vehicles

a) i and ii only
b) All of the above
c) i,  ii and iii only
d) ii and iv only

Question 3 Which of the following factors is/are responsible for the high level of pollution in Delhi?

a) Vehicular pollution.
b) Post harvest burning of stalk in neighbouring state.
c) Both a and b
d) Neither a nor b

Question 4: Recently, the Supreme Court of India while emphasising the problem of poor air quality in Delhi has termed the city's atmosphere as 'gas chamber'. Which of the following constraints is/are responsible for ineffective pollution control in the city?

a) Weak state capacity.
b) Corruption in construction business.
c) Toothless pollution control boards.
d) All of the above

Answers

1) a
2) b
3) c
4) d

Demonetization of High Value Currency Notes in India

As per the 2011 estimates, out of every 10,000 currency notes in circulation ,4 notes are fake currency notes in India. Similar studies appeared in the past as well but no previous government had shown the will, resolution and audacity to rise over petty politics and take radical steps against this malaise, until our very own Prime Minister - Mr. Narendra Modi made an astounding announcement on 9th November 2016 to withdraw the legal tender status of Rs 500/- and Rs 1000/- currency notes in India. Further Rs 500/- notes were replaced by new a form of notes with enhanced security features whereas Rs 1000/- notes were replaced by Rs 2000/- currency notes.

This is like a 'surgical strike' on the terror financing from across the border and through the international terror organizations. This will also mask the menace of flow of black money in India, which in recent years has been rising like a snowball.

The country solutes the strength, courage and wisdom of Mr. Modi for bringing the anti national elements to their foot .

Let's attempt a question on this topic.

Question 1

Which one of the following features does not forms the part of recently issued series of Rs 2000/- currency note in India?

a) Swachh Bharat logo with slogan on the reverse side.
b) Portrait of Mahatma Gandhi in the centre of obverse side.
c) Motif of Chandrayaan on the reverse side.
d) Ashoka Pillar emblem on the right of obverse side.

Question 2

Which of the following is/are the expected outcome/outcomes of withdrawing the legal tender status of Rs 500 and Rs 1000 currency notes in India?

a) Real estate, education and healthcare facilities will become affordable for common citizens.
b) Circulation of counterfeit currency may come to an end.
c) Funding for arms smuggling, espionage, terrorists will be choked.
d) All of the above

Question 3

Image of which of the following Indian heritage sites has been made the theme of new series of Rs 500/- note?

a) Parliament estate
b) Red Fort
c) Rashtrapati Bhawan
d) India Gate

Question 4

Which of the following statements is/are correct?

i) The base colour of the Rs 500/- note is magenta.
ii) The base colour of the Rs 1000/- note is stone grey.

a) i only
b) ii only
c) Both i and ii
d) Neither i nor ii

Answers

1) c, The reverse side of the note will have the Motif of Mangalayan, which reflects the country's first venture in the interplanetary space.
2) d
3) b
4) d, The base colour of the Rs 1000/- note is magenta while that of Rs 500/- note is stone grey.

Reference : https://paisaboltahai.rbi.org.in/
  

One Rank One Pension

The issue of OROP in India is social, economic and political. While the veterans demand the modification in the key provisions of recently approved OROP framework, the government of the day is worried regarding the huge toll on state finances that this new form of expenditure will take. Amidst this tussle, the suicide of an ex-military personnel has brought the focus on the plight of military pensioners once again in the national mainstream.

Let's attempt a question on this topic.

Question 1

Which of the following provisions related to OROP is incorrect?

a) Implementation from 1st July 2014.
b) The base year for calculation of pension is 2013.
c) Equalisation of pension every 5 years.
d) Pension will be fixed as the average of the maximum and minimum of the new retirees.
e) Inclusion of military personnel who have taken the premature retirement (PMR).

Answer

1) e.

International Trade Agreements

Last Updated : 15th December 2016

The world is witnessing a new era of international trade agreements with partnerships like Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) are forging across continents. These agreements hold potential to enhance the trade among the member countries multifold and in addition helps in building more people to people contact.

However, on the flip side, these agreements pose serious threat to non-member countries as after signing these agreements, non-member countries will become virtually excluded from the global trade. Exclusion of civil society groups while arriving at a consensus on these agreements has also stocked a anti globalization movement in various parts of the world.

Let's attempt few questions from this topic.

Question 1

Recently, the discussions on Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) have been stalled because of fierce opposition in the Europe. The TTIP is a proposed agreement between European Union and which of the following countries or groups?

a) Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN).
b) The United States of America
c) India
d) Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa (BRICS)

Question 2

The Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) between the European Union and Canada was recently in news. Which of the following statements is/are correct with respect to CETA?

a) The agreements aims to boost the trade between the two through the removal of around 98% of tariffs on all goods.
b) The agreements forges cooperation in areas ranging from regulations, to financial services and telecoms.
c) To come into force , the agreement requires ratification by all the member states of the EU.
d) The agreement has been universally ratified by all the 28 member states of the EU.

Question 3

Which of the following are/were the principle objections to the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA)?

a) Lack of democratic legitimacy.
b) A separate Investor-state dispute settlement courts.
c) Persistent fear of impact of globalization on domestic industries and communities.
d) All of the above.

Question 4

Which of the following is/are the reasons for the stalled negotiations on the India-European Union Free Trade Agreement (FTA), which commenced in 2007?

a) Lack of consensus on Mode 4 access for service professionals on the EU side.
b) Lack of consensus on FDI liberalization on the Indian side.
c) Both a and b
d) Neither a nor b

Question 5

Which of the following statements is incorrect with respect to Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) and Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) ?

a) TPP has United States but not China Whereas RCEP has both United States and China as its members.
b) TPP is a regional trade agreement among 12 Pacific Rim countries Whereas RCEP is a regional trade agreement among members of ASEAN and its 6 FTA members.
c) 7 Asia Pacific rim countries are common to TPP and RCEP.
d) TPP is more stringent than RCEP in terms of conditionalities.

Answers

1) b
2) d, Regional legislature of Wallonia, the francophone Belgian region has objected to the agreement.
3) d. In early negotiation phase, the CETA was criticized for being prepared and negotiated in secret, excluding key stakeholders such as labour unions, consumer associations and other civil society groups. This rendered it a zero democratic legitimacy.
4) c
5) a , TPP has United States but not China Whereas RCEP has China but not United States as its member.

Urbanization in India

The recently concluded UN Conference on Housing and Sustainable Urban Development or Habitat III has provided comprehensive guidelines to India's urban policy. The challenges of a rapidly urbanizing world and of providing people with equal opportunities in cities were the central themes at the conference.

Let's attempt few questions on this topic.

Question 1

Which of the following statements is/are correct with respect to urbanization in India?

a) 31% of the population in India is urban according to Census 2011.
b) 26% of the workforce is Urban according to Census 2011.
c) Slums represent 17% of urban households in 2011.
d) All of the above

Question 2

Which of the following policy initiatives is not related to urbanization in India?

a) Smart City Mission
b) AIM
c) AMRUT
d) Housing for All

Answers

1) d
2) b, AIM stands for Atal Innovation Mission. AMRUT stands for Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation.

Avian Influenza (Bird Flu)

Recently, the National Zoological Park of India, situated in the capital city, was shut down after the reported deaths of nine water birds from Avian Influenza. There is an increased threat of the spread of the infection from water birds to domestic poultry and India's has rightly started taking the corrective measures in this regard.

Efforts are underway to ensure adequate availability and stock of flu masks and Tamiflu. In addition to these, the Department of Animal Husbandry has set up biosafety laboratories at various locations.

Let's attempt few questions on this topic.

Question 1

Which of the following statements is incorrect with respect to the 'Avian Influenza'?

a) It is a viral infection caused by viruses like A(H5N1) and A(H7N9).
b) Tamiflu (Oseltamivir) is a vaccine against H5N1.
c) The disease usually spreads from bird to bird or bird to humans.
d) In extreme cases, the disease may lead to respiratory distress.

Question 2

Which of the following statements is/are correct with respect to ' Tamiflu (Oseltamivir)' ?

i) It is an antiviral drug which checks the multiplication of flu virus in the body and reduces the symptoms of the flu.
ii) Tamiflu acts as a substitute for the flu vaccine.
iii) Tamiflu is also used in treatment of 'swine flu'.

a) i only
b) All of the above
c) i and iii only
d) i and ii only

Answers

1) b. There is no vaccine against H5N1. Oseltamivir is used for the prevention and treatment of influenza caused by influenza A and B viruses.
2) c

Further information : Swine Influenza (Wikipedia)

India's Nuclear Triad

With ability to deliver nukes from aircraft, missiles and submarines, India has gained strategic clout in its defence capabilities. With hints of Indo-Russian agreement on the lease of a second nuclear submarine, the strategic significance of India in Asian and Asian Pacific region is going to gain prominence.

Let's attempt few questions on this topic.

Question 1

Which of the following is/are the India's indigenous nuclear submarine?

a) INS Arihant
b) INS Abhinav
c) Both a and b
d) Neither a nor b

Question 2

Which of the following fighter planes of Indian Air Force is/are capable of delivering a nuclear bomb?

a) Mirage 2000
b) Sukhoi-30 MKI
c) MIG-29
d) All of the above

Question 3

Fill in the blank.

India has the ________ series of missiles, capable of delivering nukes, with ________ boasting of a range of over 5000 km.

a) Prithvi, Prithvi- III
b) Agni, Agni-V
c) Brahmos, Brahmos-2
d) Nag, Nag-II

Answers

1) a, INS Arihant : The Ship Submersible Ballistic Nuclear is capable of firing K-15 ballistic missiles with a range of 750km and the K-4 missiles with a range of up to 3500 kms.
2) d
3) b

Kigali Accord

Question 1

The 'Kigali accord' is related to which of the following options?

a) Counterterrorism
b) Climate Change
c) Multilateral Trade
d) Poverty Elimination

Question 2

Which of the following statements is incorrect with respect to the 'Kigali accord'?

a) The agreement amends the Montreal Protocol of 1989 to allow it to eliminate hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs).
b) U.S. and European Union will freeze the production and consumption of HFCs by 2018.
c) India will freeze the production and consumption of HFCs by 2018.
d) China, Brazil and South Africa will freeze the production and consumption of HFCs by 2018.

Question 3

Which of the following statements is/are correct with respect to hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs)?

i) Heat trapping capacity of  HFCs is more than thousand times that of carbon dioxide.
ii) HFCs come under the category of ozone-depleting substances.
iii) HFCs account for less than 5% of total greenhouse gas emissions in the world.

a) i and iii only
b) All of the above
c) ii and iii only
d) i and ii only

Answers

1) b , The 'Kigali accord' is related to phasing out the use of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) over the next 30 years.
2) d, China, Brazil and South Africa will freeze the production and consumption of HFCs by 2024.
3) a

8th BRICS Summit : Goa Declaration

The Prime Minister of India, Mr. Narendra Modi said in a recently concluded BRICS-BIMSTEC outreach summit that " the most serious direct threat to our economic prosperity is terrorism. Tragically, its mother-ship is a country in India's neighborhood ".

The opposition and resolution against various forms of terrorism dominated the current summit in Goa, with unequivocal passage of the 'Goa Declaration' by the BRICS countries. The participating member condemned the  terror activities on the Indian soil and called for early resolution to curb the scourge of global terrorism.

Let's attempt a question on 'Goa Declaration'.

Question 1

Which of the following statements is incorrect with respect to BRICS led 'Goa Declaration' ?

a) The declaration called for early resolution of the civil war in Syria.
b) The declaration sought action against UN designated terrorist groups like IS and Jabhat al-Nusra.
c) The declaration called for all nations to counter radicalism and financing of terrorism.
d) India successfully drew consensus on reference to "cross border terrorism" and Pakistan based terror groups.

Answer

1) d, India failed to get a consensus on reference to "cross border terrorism" and Pakistan based terror groups in the final statement. The declaration also called for a Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism in the UN General Assembly.

Nobel Prize for Literature

1) Who of the following is the winner of Nobel Prize for Literature - 2016?

a) Svetlana Alexievich
b) Bob Dylan
c) Alice Munro
d) Mo Yan

2) Which of the following statements is incorrect with respect to singer-songwriter Bob Dylan?

a) He is the first American to win the Nobel Prize for Literature.
b) He is the winner of Golden Globe Award for Best Original Song- Motion Picture for "Things Have Changed" (2001).
c) A famous album by him : Modern Times, was released in 2006.
d) His debut album was " Bob Dylan" which was released in 1962.

Answer

1) b 
2) a, He is the first American to win the Nobel Prize for Literature since Toni Morrison in 1993

Triple Talaq

The arguments related to the practice of 'Triple Talaq' in Muslim community always bring the debate between the religious orthodoxy and gender justice into focus. The recent petition by 'Shayara Bano'  in the Indian Supreme Court has exactly done that.

Shayara's petition argues that practice of Triple Talaq, also known as talaq-e-bidat has no foundation in the Quran and that Polygamy is not an integral part of Islam. Such practices also go against the democratic principles and often diverge from secular principles and fundamental rights provided under the constitution.

Having said that, one should not ignore the justification for such practices provided by the Muslim personal board. There is need to have a wider consensus and deliberation on the utility of the practice of triple talaq in modern society. Gender justice can not be sub served at the cost of legitimizing the validity of personal laws.

Let's attempt a question on this topic.

Question 1

Which of the following statements is incorrect with respect to the various provisions related to divorce and polygamy in different countries?

a) Practice of Triple-Talaq is illegal under the Indian Penal Code.
b) Polygamy is legal in Indonesia.
c) Polygamy attracts 2 years imprisonment for violation in Turkey.
d) Performance of 3 declarations of divorce in one sitting is invalid in Afghanistan.

Answers

1) a

Suggested Reading : The Shah Bano Case

Nobel Peace Prize 2016

The Peace Prize is a testimonial to the patience required to bring about closure to complex, long running conflicts. This year's prize is well deserved. Let us attempt few questions on this topic.

Question 1

To whom and for what purpose, the Nobel Peace Prize has been awarded this year?

a) White Helmets of Syria, to rescue people injured or stranded in bomb attacks.
b) Tunisian National Dialogue Quartet, for their attempts to build a pluralistic democracy in Tunisia in the wake of the Jasmine Revolution of 2011
c) Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos, for bringing peace in the country after five decade long civil war.
d) P 5+1 group for landmark nuclear deal bringing a peaceful closure of Iran's purported nuclear weapon ambition.

Question 2

Which of the following statements is incorrect with respect to the accord signed between the government of Colombia and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) on September 26, 2016?

a) The accord has provided for disbanding of FARC militants.
b) The accord has provided for the rebels to join the political process as a routine political party.
c) The accord has provided for dismantling of FARC's drug production facilities in areas in its control.
d) The accord has been ratified by majority through a referendum.

Answers with Explanation

1) c.
Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos has been awarded Nobel Peace Prize for his "resolute efforts to bring the country's more than 50-year long civil war to an end".
White Helmets of Syria, a group of local volunteers in Aleppo and other parts of war-ravaged Syria help rescue people injured or stranded in bomb attacks in war zones.
Tunisian National Dialogue Quartet was awarded the 2015 Nobel Peace Prize.

2) d.
About 50.23 % of the voters who turned out voted against the peace process.

HIV/AIDS Situation in India

According to the recent government estimates, approximately 21 lakh individuals are living with HIV/AIDS in India. The adult prevalence is on the range of 0.3% of which 40% are women. Though the prevalence of HIV has been decreasing but there are regional variations which reflect the disturbing trends. Four states - Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu account for about 55% of the total cases in the country.

Recently, the cabinet has cleared the draft HIV and AIDS (Prevention and Control) Bill,2014 to bring right-based approach to AIDS treatment. It's a progressive measure by the government to ensure social justice to the HIV infected individuals. Let us attempt few questions on this topic:

Question 1

Which of the following provisions is incorrect with respect to draft HIV and AIDS (Prevention and Control) Bill,2014 ?

a) Denying health insurance to HIV/AIDS infected person would be legally punishable.
b) Recognising the right of a person living with HIV/AIDS to keep his/her health status confidential.
c) Recognising the legal right of HIV/AIDS infected person for availing ART treatment free of cost.
d) A guardianship clause for children of HIV/AIDS affected families.

Answer

1) c , The bill lays down that treatment is the right of their patient but stops short of making it a legal right.

Reference : WHO

Surgical Strike

Recently, the Indian Army conducted a 'surgical strike' across the 'Line of Control (LoC)' between India and Pakistan. The strike was an attempt to foil the new infiltration bid by the terrorists.

As soon as the news of surgical strike was released to media, a lot of praise came from every corner of the country. The decision to conduct the counter offensive against the militants who supposedly killed 18 soldiers in Uri, was hailed as the 'justice done' to soldiers who died while serving their country.

However, the Pakistan has negated the news of any such strike been undertaken on its territory. Opposition parties in India have also started demanding the proofs of such a strike. As the matter to release the proofs is under consideration, let's attempt a question on this topic.

Question 1) Which of the following statements is incorrect with respect to a 'surgical strike'?

Answer options

a) It is a swift and a targeted attack towards a specific target.
b) It aims to neutralize a target while ensuring minimum collateral damage.
c) It can be conducted either via air-raid or via ground operation.
d) It is a part of India's 'Strategic Restraint' policy.

Answer:

1) d, Such strikes are manifestation of dilution of India's 'Strategic Restraint' policy.

India Ratified Paris Climate Agreement

1) Recently, India has ratified the Paris Agreement on Climate Change on 147th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. Which of the following statements is/are correct in this regard?

a) India is the 62nd country to ratify the agreement.
b) India accounts for 4.1% of the total emissions.
c) Both a and b
d) Neither a nor b

2) Which of the following is not the prime target of India to be achieved by 2030 under the Paris Agreement on Climate Change?

a) Reducing greenhouse gas emissions per unit of GDP by 33-35%.
b) Generation of minimum 40% of electricity from non-fossil fuels.
c) Increasing forest cover to create additional carbon sink of 2.5-3 billion tonnes.
d) Generation of 300 GW of solar installed capacity by 2022.

Answer

1) c
2) d, India has also committed for generation of 100 GW of solar installed capacity and 100 GW of wind installed capacity by 2022 in addition to 15 GW of biogas installed capacity.

Marrakesh Treaty

Accessibility for disabled people forms the cornerstone of social-justice in any country. On 30th September,2016 , Marrakesh Treaty came into force in which India has played a very significant role.

India's multi-stakeholder approach to providing texts for the blind/print disabled offers an excellent model for other countries to follow.

Let's attempt few questions on this treaty.

1) Which of the following statements is/are correct with respect to Marrakesh Treaty?

i) It is an international treaty designed to help deliver specially adaptive texts for the blind/print disabled.
ii) The treaty is administered by World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO).
iii) All the countries of the UN have joined this treaty.

a) i and ii only
b) All of the above
c) i and iii only
d) i only

2) Which of the following statements is/are correct with respect to the role played by India in ensuring the delivery of benefits of this treaty to the print disabled people?

a) India is the first country to ratify this treaty.
b) India has launched nationwide 'Accessible India Campaign' for universal access for people with disabilities.
c) India has launched the largest collection of online accessible books- "Sugamya Pustakalaya".
d) All of the above

Answers

1) a. So far, only 22 countries have joined the Marrakesh Treaty.
2) d

Reference :

1) World Blind Union
2) WIPO

Asylum Management in India

Recently, the leader of Balochistan, Brahamdagh Bugti has made a request for asylum in India which has initiated a debate on asylum management in the country.

The asylum management in India is considered weak in the background of non uniform and unstructured asylum system. As the request for asylum has a foreign policy implication, numerous legal issues regarding domestic and international asylum law deserves consideration.

Let's attempt few questions on this topic

1) Which of the following statements is/are correct with respect to asylum management system in India?

a) India has enacted a domestic asylum law in 2003.
b) India is signatory to the UN Refugee Convention of 1951.
c) Both a and b
d) Neither a nor b

2) Which of the following provisions of 'International Refugee Law' with respect to asylum seekers is/are correct?

a) An asylum seeker needs to be outside his/her own country.
b) An asylum can also be granted to an individual who is involved in crime against humanity, war crimes or serious nonpolitical crimes.
c) Both a and b
d) Neither a nor b

Answers

1) d, India does not have a national asylum law.
2) a

Critically Endangered Apes

1) Which of the following species of apes has not been classified as 'Critically Endangered' by the International Union of Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources?

a) Western Gorilla
b) Eastern Gorilla
c) Sumatran Orangutan
d) Bornean  Orangutan
e) Chimpanzee

Answer

1) e , Chimpanzee is 'Endangered' under IUCN classification.

1960 Indus Water Treaty : Significance in India-Pakistan Bilateral Relationship

The Indus Water Treaty defines the water-sharing arrangement for six rivers of the Indus basin that flow through both India and Pakistan. The treaty had been instrumental for building confidence between the two countries for the past 56 years.

However, the recent terror attacks in Uri has initiated a debate on revoking this treaty by India. According to the Article 64 of 'Vienna Convention' a country has the sovereign rights to withdraw from a treaty.

Let us attempt few questions on this topic :

1) Which of the following statements is/are correct with respect to 1960 Indus Water Treaty?

a) The treaty was signed in Karachi by Indian Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri and President of Pakistan Ayub Khan.
b) Under this treaty, control over the three "eastern" rivers - the Beas, Ravi and Sutlej was given to India and the three "western" rivers- the Indus, Chenab and Jhelum was given to Pakistan. 
c) Both a and b
d) Neither a nor b

2) Which of the following statements is incorrect with respect to the rights conferred under the treaty to both the countries for the usage of river waters of the Indus basin?

a) India has full rights over the waters of the eastern rivers - the Beas, Ravi and Sutlej.
b) Unrestricted rights on the western rivers flow-  the Indus, Chenab and Jhelum, has been given to Pakistan.
c) India can use waters of western rivers for "non-consumptive" purpose - irrigation, storage and hydro power production.
d) None of the above.

3) What is the significance of the 1960 Indus Water Treaty in maintaining bilateral relationship between the two countries?

a) Regular meeting of Indus Commissioner of both the countries facilitate exchange of information and settlement of minor disputes.
b) Honoring water sharing arrangements under the treaty build trust with other countries as well.
c) The treaty help in stabilizing the Jammu and Kashmir issue as far as sharing of river waters is concerned.
d) All of the above

4) Consider the following statements:

i) Right to non-consumptive use.
ii) Rights of drainage issues and river conservation aspects.
iii) Mandatory prevention of pollution of the rivers.

Which of the above statements is/are the 'limits' in using the 1960 Indus Water Treaty - for both the countries?

a) i , ii and ii
b) i and ii only
c) i and iii only
d) i only

Answers

1) b, The treaty was signed in Karachi by Indian Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru and President of Pakistan Ayub Khan.
2) d
3) d, A Permanent Indus Commission was established to implement the Treaty.
4) a

Indo-France Rafale Fighters Deal

1) " The signing of the Inter-Governmental Agreement between India and France for 36 Rafale multirole fighter jets will going to augment the capability of Indian Air Force". Which of the following options is/are correct with regard to the above statement?

a) Rafale fighters have beyond visual range Meteor air-to-air missile with a range in excess of 150 km.
b) France will carry out performance based logistics support of all these fighters.
c) Both a and b
d) Neither a nor b

Answers

1) c

Merger of Rail and General Budget in India

1) Recently, the government of India has decided to end the 92 year old practice of a Separate Railway budget by merging it with General budget. Which of the following is/are the implications of this move?

a) There will be a single Appropriations Bill, including the estimates of the Railways Ministry.
b) The revenue deficit of the Railways will be handled by the Railway Ministry only.
c) Both a and b
d) Neither a nor b

2) Which of the following is/are the reported reasons for this merger?

a) To prevent the misuse of budget as populist measure by politicians.
b) To save huge sum of annual dividend payment to the Government of India by the Indian Railways.
c) To overcome the progressive reduction of the Railway's share in the General Budget,over the years.
d) All of the above

Answer

1) a , The revenue deficit of the Railways will be handled by the Finance Ministry after the merger.
2) d, After the merger, Indian Railways need not to pay the annual dividend payment to the Government of India on the budgetary support given each year, saving the financially stressed Railways about Rs 10,000 crore annually.

Reference : The Hindu

'Fidayeen Attacks' on Indian territory

1) In the current year, India has faced 3 fidayeen attacks on its territory, including the September 19 attack on the army base in Uri. Which of the following statements is/are correct regarding 'fidayeen attacks'?

a) The mantra of this doctrine is 'shoot to kill'.
b) Such attacks are common in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.
c) The current attacks have been led by an anti state outfit, Jaish-e-Mohammmed (JeM).
d) All of the above

2) Which of the following statements is incorrect regarding the anti-state outfit Jaish-e-Mohammmed (JeM)?

a) It is banned by India under the POTA law.
b) It was launched on January 31, 2000 by Maulana Masood Azhar in Karachi.
c) It has largely confined its operations to Balochistan.
d) It has adopted its trademark style of fidayeen attacks.

Answer

1) d
2) c, It has largely confined its operations to Jammu and Kashmir.

India and the G-20

1) Which of the following concerns was not explicitly raised by India in 2016 G-20 Summit?

a) Terrorism, of all forms and manifestations.
b) Corruption and cross-border tax evasion.
c) China's foreign policy in South-China sea.
d) Harsh deadlines on phasing out fuel subsidies on the issue of climate change.

2) The 2016 G-20 Summit was held in Hangzhou, China. The city is the headquarter of which of the following companies?

a) Alibaba
b) Baidu
c) xiaomi
d) Huawei

3) Which of the following statements is incorrect with respect to G-20?

a) It is a forum of the Heads of Governments of 19 major economies and the European Union.
b) Its meetings and declarations have a legal standing.
c) G-20 member states represents 85% of the world's GDP.
d) India will host G-20 Summit in 2019.

4) India has sought to achieve which of the following goals through the G-20 platform?

a) Effective financial governance.
b) International cooperation against rising terrorism.
c) Climate justice.
d) All of the above

Answers

1) c
2) a , G-20 members talked about the power of internet, its fair play and e-commerce in the summit.
3) b
4) d

India's Regional Outreach : Foreign Policy Initiatives

1) Which of the following is the theme for 2016 BRICS Summit to be held on October 15-16 in India?

a) Faster, Sustainable and More Inclusive Growth.
b) Building Responsive, Inclusive and Collective Solutions.
c) One World, One Future.
d) None of the above

2) India has chosen to host the leaders of which of the following groups for the upcoming BRICS summit?

a) SAARC
b) ASEAN
c) BIMSTEC
d) Eurasian Economic Union

3) Which of the following statements is/are correct with respect to BIMSTEC ?

a) It is a Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation.
b) India and China are its members.
c) Both a and b
d) Neither a nor b

4) Which of the following initiatives of BRICS has/have been operationalized?

a) New Development Bank
b) BRICS Credit Rating Agency
c) BRICS Free Trade Agreement
d) All of the above

5) Which of the following statements with respect to Mekong-Ganga Cooperation (MGC) is/are correct?

a) It is a platform for India's exclusive engagement with the countries of Indo-China.
b) It fits in well with the logic of India's Act East Policy.
c) Its members are : Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam and Myanmar.
d) All of the above

Answer

1) b
2) c
3) a, Its members are : India, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Myanmar and Thailand.
4) a, Other two are at the conceptualization stage.
5) d

Indo-Nepal Ties

1) Which of the following developmental projects have been undertaken by India in Nepal?

a) 5600 MW Pancheshwar multipurpose dam project.
b) Upper Karnali dam project.
c) 600km stretch of Postal Highway or Hulaki Rajmarg
d) All of the above.

2) Lately, India has announced $1 billion in aid to Nepal. The aid has been provided for which of the following purposes?

a) Affordable housing
b) Post earthquake reconstruction
c) Indo-Nepal friendship road
d) None of the above

Answers

1) d
2) b

Non Aligned Movement : 17th Summit, 2016

1) The 17th Summit of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) is taking place in which of the following countries?

a) Cuba
b) Egypt
c) Venezuela
d) India

2) NAM was formed in 1961, at the initiative of which of the following countries?

a) Egypt, Cuba and Venezuela.
b) Egypt, India and Yugoslavia
c) U.S. , Britain and France.
d) Japan, Italy and Germany.

3) The guiding principle of NAM can be best summarized through which of the following policies?

a) Multilateralism
b) Isolationism
c) Neutrality
d) All of the above

4) Over the course of past 60 years, the NAM has seen an erosion of its authority. Which of the following factors can be attributed for this erosion?

a) Collapse of Soviet Union and end of cold war.
b) Dilution of economic ambitions of NAM states after the third world debt crisis of 1980s.
c) Emergence of United States as a global power.
d) All of the above

5) The next president of NAM after Venezuela will be :

a) Cuba
b) India
c) Azerbaijan
d) Iran

6) The joint statement issued by members of the NAM, in the current summit, reflects their concerns to which of the following issues?

a) U.S. interventionism around the world.
b) Violence in Syria, Iraq and the Palestinian Territories.
c) Unilateral sanctions on Venezuela and lack of people's right to peace.
d) All of the above

7) In the 17th Summit of NAM, the U.S. foreign policies have been condemned of being interventionist and neocolonialist. Which of the following events led to this perception among the members?

a) Anti terrorist operations by a U.S. led coalition in Syria.
b) Unfavorable economic sanctions on Syria and Venezuela.
c) Both a and b
d) Neither a nor b

Answers

1) c , The 17th Summit of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) is taking place in Margarita, Venezuela starting from September 13th till 18th of the month.
2) b, The NAM currently has 120 members.
3) a
4) d
5) c
6) d
7) c

Reference : Ministry of External Affairs (India)

THAAD

1) What is THAAD?

a) Nuclear project of North Korea.
b) China's infrastructure project in Eurasian region.
c) U.S. missile defence system to be deployed in South Korea.
d) India's maritime security project in Indian Ocean Region.

Answers

1) c

The Nuclear Muscle of North Korea

1) Recently, the North Korea conducted its fifth nuclear test which has escalated tensions across the world. Which of the following statements is/are correct in this regard?

a) The test had an estimated yield of 10-20 kt.
b) The test had a magnitude of tremor or the energy yield of 5.3 .
b) The country has also demonstrated the technology of miniaturizing nuclear weapons to the point of attaching them to ballistic missile.
d) All of the above

Answers

1) d

U.S. Russia Agreement on a Ceasefire in Syria

1) Which of the following statements is/are incorrect with respect to U.S.-Russia agreement on a ceasefire in Syria?

a) The agreement leads to a U.S. - Russian counter terrorism alliance to fight against IS and al-Qaeda linked militants in Syria.
b) The agreement is based on mechanism of intelligence sharing and targeting coordination.
c) Both a and b
d) Neither a nor b

2) Recently, an agreement has been reached between Russia and the United States in Geneva on a ceasefire in Syria. Consider the following statements :

i) Under this agreement, Russia will prevent the regime of President Bashar al-Assad from bombing rebel-held areas.

ii)  Under this agreement, U.S. will join hands with Russia in the fight against jihadist groups, including the Islamic State.

Which of the above statements is/are correct with respect to the agreement?

a) i only
b) Both i and ii
c) ii only
d) Neither i nor ii

3) U.S.-Russia agreement on a ceasefire in Syria is based on the broad framework of 'Putin Plan', made public a year ago. Which of the following was sought by Russia through this plan?

a) Syrian Statehood be restored.
b) International cooperation of major powers in the fight against the jihadists.
c) Both a and b
d) Neither a nor b

Answer

1) d
2) b
3) c

Malaria Free

1) Which of the following countries has recently been declared "Malaria Free" by the World Health Organization (WHO)?

a) India
b) Argentina
c) Sri Lanka
d) Bangladesh

2) What steps have been taken by the authorities in Sri Lanka to eradicate malaria completely from their country?

a) Two pronged strategy of targeting both vector and parasite.
b) Early detection and treatment of asymptomatic parasite carrier.
c) Real time monitoring through effective surveillance system, community awareness and mobilization.
d) All of the above

Answers

1) c
2) d

Reference: Sri Lanka conquers malaria

United States Flag Code

1) With respect to the recent controversy over the American footballer Colin Kaepernick, who refused to stand as the American national anthem played before the beginning of the game,  which of the following statements is/are correct regarding the U.S. Flag Code?

When the national anthem is played or sung with flag on display:

a) All non-armed forces personnel and non-veterans "should face the flag and stand at attention with their right hand over the heart".
b) Persons wearing a head dress to take it off with their right hand and hold it at their left shoulder.
c) Both a and b
d) Neither a nor b

2) Which of the following statements is incorrect with respect to the United States Flag Code?

a) The flag can not be a part of " wearing apparel, bedding, or drapery".
b) It is illegal to burn the flag.
c) Both a and b
d) Neither a nor b

Answers

1) c
2) b, It is not illegal to burn the flag. In 1990, the Supreme Court overturned a federal law against its desecration, ruling that it violated the First Amendment on freedom of speech.

Sherpa at the International Summits

1) Which of the following statements is/are correct with respect to a 'Sherpa' appointed by the member country at international Summits?

a) A Sherpa is a personal representative of the leader of a member country at the international Summit meetings.
b) The Sherpa engages in planning, negotiation and implementation task through the summit.
c) There is only one Sherpa per summit for each member country.
d) All of the above

2) Who of the following was appointed as the India's Sherpa at the G20 Summit,2016 ?

a) Mr. Urjit Patel
b) Mr. Arvind Panagariya
c) Mr. Bibek Debroy
d) Mr. Raghuram Rajan

Answers

1) d
2) b, He is NITI Aayog's Vice Chairman

LEMOA Signed Between India and the United States

LEMOA is a facilitating agreement that establishes basic terms, conditions, and procedures for reciprocal provision of Logistic Support, Supplies, and Services between the armed forces of India and the United States.

1) Which of the following statements is/are correct with respect to recently concluded Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement (LEMOA) between India and the United States?

a) The agreement puts an automatic approval process in place for the two militaries to share each other’s bases for various operations.
b) The agreement will enhance the military capability of both the countries.
c) Both a and b
d) Neither a nor b

2) Which of the following statements is not one of the objectives of the Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement (LEMOA) recently signed between India and the United States?

a) To facilitate setting up of U.S. bases in India and mandatory carrying out joint activities.
b) To promote interoperability between militaries by creating common standards and systems.
c) To speed up humanitarian relief operations and emergency evacuation from conflict prone regions.
d) To smoothen operational logistics between navies of the two countries.

3) Which of the following statements correctly manifests the significance of LEMOA to India?

a) It will enhance the operational capacity of the Indian Armed Forces, including in their response to humanitarian crises or disaster relief. 
b) It will strengthens India’s outreach to areas that were not typically within its reach. 
c) It will strengthen the India-US strategic ties. 
d) All of the above.

Answers

1) c
2) a
3) d

Reference : The Hindu Newspaper, The PIB , The Hindu Newspaper (2)

Saint Teresa

Mother Teresa has been declared a saint on September 4, 2016

1) Along with Saint Teresa, who of the following catholic saints is/are from India?

a) Saint Alphonsa
b) Saint Kuriakose Elias Chavara
c) Saint Euphrasia Eluvathingal
d) All of the above

2) Which of the following statements is incorrect with respect to Saint Teresa?

a) She was awarded Nobel Peace Prize in 1979 for public service.
b) She founded the Missionaries of Charity on October 7,1950.
c) She was awarded Bharat Ratna, the highest Indian civilian award in 2003.
d) She was awarded Medal of Freedom, the highest U.S. civilian award in 1985.

Answers

1) d
2) c

Indian Healthcare Sector

1) In India, affordability of healthcare is a serious problem for the vast majority of the population than the accessibility of that. In the light of above statement consider the following options :

i) Individual's out-of-pocket expenditure is 69% of the total health expenditure in India.
ii) Total healthcare expenditure on private hospitals is 8 times of that spent on government hospitals in India.
iii) According to recent estimates total healthcare expenditure of India is 4% of GDP.
iv) Public expenditure on healthcare has recently increased to 2.5% of GDP in India.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

a) All of the above
b) i, iii and iv
c) i, ii and iii
d) ii, iii and iv

Answers:

1) c, Public expenditure on healthcare is meager 1% of GDP in India.

G20 Summit - 2016

1) The G20 Summit-2016 will be held in which of the following places in China?

a) Beijing
b) Hangzhou
c) Shanghai
d) None of the above

2) The G20 Summit plans to lay out strategy for global growth in form of Hangzhou Action Plan. Which of the following could be the component/components of the plan?

a) Tax transparency.
b) Financial regulation.
c) Sustainable global growth.
d) All of the above.

Answers

1) b
2) d

Brazilian Senate Impeaches the President

1) Recently, the president of Brazil  Ms. Dilma Rouseff has been impeached following a Senate impeachment vote. Which of the following statements is/are incorrect in context of Ms. Dilma Rouseff ?

a) She belongs to the Workers Party (PT).
b) She held the position as Brazil's first woman President.
c) She has been charged with a penal crime of violating budgetary law.
d) The 13 years of Leftist rule in the country ended with her impeachment.

2) Who will assume the presidency of the interim government in Brazil?

Answers

1) c, She has been charged with an administrative crime of violating budgetary law and the constitution.
2) Mr. Michel Tremer

Fed Rate Hike

1) Recently, the Federal Reserve has made clear that the U.S. central bank is preparing for its next interest rate increase. This development has come in background of which of the following factors?

a) Consumption led expansion in economy.
b) Improvement in domestic labour market.
c) Moderate growth in Real GDP.
d) All of the above

Answers

1) d

ISRO's Technological Achievement : Scramjet Engine

1) Recently, ISRO successfully launched a rocket using  indigenous scramjet engine. Which of the following statements is/are correct with respect to scramjet engine technology?

a) It is an air breathing propulsion system.
b) It has a greater thrust compared with rockets powered by liquid or cryogenic fuel.
c) Scramjet comes into play only when the rocket goes beyond Mach 5.
d) All of the above

Answers

1) d

Reference : The Hindu Newspaper

India's Project-75 Documents Leaked

1) The Australian newspaper recently reported that 22,400 pages of documents pertaining to India's Project-75 had been leaked. The Project-75 is related to which of the following?

a) India's Scorpene aircraft programme.
b) India's indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) programme.
c) India's Scorpene submarine programme.
d) India's indigenous nuclear enabled aircraft carrier programme.

2) Which of the following statements is incorrect with respect to Project-75 ?

a) Under this, French company DCNS provides design and technology to Indian public sector unit Mazagon Docks.
b) The agreement is to make six Scorpene submarines.
c) Not a single submarine has been commissioned or put to sea trials yet.
d) All of the above statements are correct.

Answers

1) c
2) c, INS Kalvari was put out for sea trials earlier this years.

Reference : The Hindu Newspaper

Myanmar-China : A New Era of Partnership

1) The Myitsone Dam Project frequently appears in news in context of Myanmar-China bilateral relationship. Which of the following statements is/are correct in this regard?

a) The Myitsone Dam is a $3.6 billion joint hydroelectric power project of Myanmar and China, located in northern Myanmar.
b) The dam is expected to provide 6000 MW of electricity to the Chinese province of Yunnan.
c) The former military backed government of President Thein Sein suspended the work on this dam in 2012.
d) All of the above.

2) Myanmar's State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi recently concluded a 5-day visit to China. The joint statement released after meeting placed on record Myanmar's support to which of the following initiatives?

i) China's 'Belt and Road' connectivity along the ancient Silk Road.
ii) Bangladesh-China-India-Myanmar (BCIM) economic corridor.
iii) China's Nine Dash Line in South China Sea

a) All of the above
b) Both i and ii
c) Both i and iii
d) None of the above

3) Which of the following statements is/are correct with respect to Bangladesh-China-India-Myanmar (BCIM) economic corridor?

a) It aims to industrialize a stretch spanning more than 2000 km.
b) It will link Kunming in China with Mandalay in Myanmar. It will also pass through Bangladesh and Kolkata in India.
c) Both a and b
d) Neither a nor b

4) The high profile visit of Myanmar's State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi sought China's support for which of the following?

a) Infrastructure projects
b) Achieving reconciliation with insurgents groups in Myanmar.
c) Both a and b
d) Neither a nor b

Answers

1) d. The former military backed government of President Thein Sein suspended the work on this dam in 2012 because it was estimated that 90% of electricity generated through this project would benefit China only.
2) b
3) c
4) c

 

Current Affairs Based Objective Questions

1.    Pink Bollworm pest that has been in news recently. The pest affects which of the following crops?
a)    Cotton
b)    Tobacco
c)    Both (a) & (b)
d)    None of them

2.    Who authored the book Life In Diplomacy?
a)    Natwar Singh
b)    M K Rasgotra
c)    Shashi Tharoor
d)    Karan Singh

3.    Which of the following countries accounts for the highest share of tourist arrivals in India?
a)    Sri Lanka
b)    Nepal
c)    Bhutan
d)    Bangladesh

4.    1000 MW Turga hydel project that was approved by the Indian Central Electricity Authority (CEA) will be located in which of the following states?
a)    Karnataka
b)    West Bengal
c)    Punjab
d)    Telangana

5.    Name the author who was awarded with the prestigious Vyas Samman 2015?
a)    K N Tripathi
b)    Sunita Jain
c)    Vishwanath Tiwari
d)    Mrinal Pande

6.    Who was appointed as India's Ambassador to Georgia in August 2016?
a)    Yogeshwar Sangwan
b)    VK Duggal
c)    VP Singh Badnore
d)    Najma Heptulla

7.    Name the Odia actor and director who died in August 2016 and began his career with the movie Kedar Gouri in 1954?
a)    Raja Pattnaik
b)    Tatwa Prakash Satapathy
c)    Subhakanta Sahu
d)    Gobind Tej

8.    Name the former international umpire who passed away in August 2016?
a)    Hillel Awaskar
b)    Amiesh Saheba
c)    Shyam Bansal
d)    Subrata Banerjee

9.    Who of the following was appointed as the 24th governor of Reserve Bank of India (RBI)?
a)    Arvind Subramanian
b)    Arvind Panagariya
c)    Arundhati Bhattacharya
d)    Urjit R Patel

10.    BRICS women parliamentarians’ forum was held in which city of India?
a)    Delhi
b)    Jaipur
c)    Hyderabad
d)    Chennai

11.    A group of researchers discovered a new species of eel, Gymnothorax indicus, from which of the following bays?
a)    Bay of Bengal
b)    Manila Bay
c)    Ago Bay
d)    Mappila Bay

12.    Name the all-in-one virtual reality solution launched by Intel to create merged reality.
a)    Bixon
b)    Alloy
c)    Steel
d)    Graphite

13.    The 2016 Summer Olympics recently concluded in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Which country topped the medal table?
a)    China
b)    Canada
c)    The United States
d)    Great Britain

14.    Which Indian actor is chosen for the prestigious Chevalier de l'Ordre des Arts et Lettres (Knight in the National Order Arts and Letters)?
a)    Amitabh Bachchan
b)    Rajinikanth
c)    Ranveer Singh
d)    Kamal Haasan

15.    The President of Indian Olympic Association was recently awarded the Olympic Order for his outstanding services to the Olympic movement. What is his name?
a)    N. Ramachandran
b)    Vijay Kumar Malhotra
c)    Abhay Singh Chautala
d)    None of the above

Answers

1. (c) Both (a) & (b)
2. (b) M K Rasgotra
3. (d) Bangladesh
4. (b) West Bengal
5. (b) Sunita Jain
6. (a) Yogeshwar Sangwan
7. (d) Gobind Tej
8. (d) Subrata Banerjee
9. (d) Urjit R Patel
10. (b) Jaipur
11. (a) Bay of Bengal
12. (b) Alloy
13. (c) The United States
14. (d) Kamal Haasan
15. (a) N. Ramachandran

New Governor of Reserve Bank of India

1) Dr. Urjit Patel, an economist, is slated to succeed Dr. Raghuram Rajan as the new Governor of RBI. Which of the following statements is incorrect with respect to Dr. Urjit Patel?

a) He will be the 8th Deputy Governor to be promoted as central bank chief.
b) Presently, he is the Deputy Governor in RBI in charge of monetary policy.
c) He is the architect of new monetary policy framework for flexible inflation targeting in India.
d) He will be the 21st Governor of RBI.

2) Who of the following authorities is not the member of the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) that recently announced the appointment of the new RBI Governor?

a) Prime Minister of India
b) Union Home Minister of India
c) Union Finance Minister of India
d) All of the above are members of ACC.

Answers

1) d, Dr. Urjit Patel will be the 24th Governor of RBI.
2) c , Financial Sector Regulatory Appointments Committee (FSRASC), headed by the Cabinet Secretary recommends the names to ACC for its consideration.

P.V. Sindhu : An Ace Sportsperson

1) Which of the following statements is/are correct with respect to the Indian sportsperson, P.V. Sindhu?

a) She is the first Indian women to win a silver medal at the Olympics.
b) She has been honored with the Padma Shri and the  Arjuna Award.
c) She is the first Indian to clinch back-to-back medals in the World Championships.
d) All of the above

Answers

1) d

Sakshi Malik Made India Proud

1) Which of the following statements is correct with respect to ace sportsperson 'Sakshi Malik'?

a) She has clinched a bronze medal in the 58 kg freestyle wrestling at Rio Olympics.
b) She has become the first Indian female wrestler to win a medal at the Olympics.
c) Both a and b
d) Neither a nor b

Answers

1) c

Gilgit-Baltistan : Territorial Dispute Between India and Pakistan

1) Which of the following statements is incorrect with respect to Gilgit-Baltistan region?

a) It is located in northwest corner of Jammu and Kashmir.
b) It has been under Pakistan's control since November 4, 1947.
c) It is a part of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).
d) Both India and Pakistan claim territorial rights over this region.

2) Which of the following statements is/are correct with respect to current political status of Gilgit-Baltistan region?

i) It has an elected Assembly and a council headed by the Prime Minister of Pakistan.
ii) The regional government is under the overall control of the federal Ministry of Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan in Islamabad.
iii) Gilgit-Baltistan finds mention in the Constitution of Pakistan.
iv) It has a provincial status in the Constitution of Pakistan.

a) i and ii only
b) All of the above
c) i, ii and iii only
d) iii and iv only

3) Which of the following statements correctly manifests the stand of India on Gilgit-Baltistan region?

a) India see Gilgit-Baltistan as part of Indian territory illegally occupied by Pakistan.
b) India shares solidarity with people of this region who are grappling with governance deficit of Pakistani government.
c) Both a and b
d) Neither a nor b

Answers

1) c

2) a, Gilgit-Baltistan or Northern Areas do not find any mention in the Pakistani constitution; it is neither independent nor does it have provincial status.

3) c, The unanimous parliamentary resolution of 1994 by India had reaffirmed that the region is a "part of the State of Jammu and Kashmir, which is an integral part of India by virtue of its accession to it in 1947.

Around the world...

1) Which of the following is the new video calling app by Google?

a) Google Mate
b) Google Duo
c) Google Connect
d) Google 'Stay-Up'

2) China-backed 'Myitsone dam project' is a part of diplomatic relationship between China and which of the following countries?

a) Myanmar
b) Bhutan
c) Nepal
d) Singapore

Answers

1) b
2) a

Islamic State (IS) and Syria

1) Which of the following towns/cities in Syria is/are presently under the control of Islamic State?

a) Manbji
b) Palmyra
c) Raqqa
d) All of the above

2) Which of the following has/have played a constructive role in thwarting the expansion of Islamic State towards the main Syrian towns ?

a) Ground attacks by Syrian National Army
b) Joint front against IS by Kurdish and Arab rebel forces
c) Aerial attacks by United States and Russia
d) All of the above

Answers

1) c
2) d

70th Independence Day of India

1) Who gave the famous 'Tryst with Destiny' speech in constituent assembly in parliament house and formally declared the independence of India?

a) Mahatma Gandhi
b) Jawaharlal Nehru
c) Moraji Desai
d) Lord Mountbatten

2) 15th August 1947 is celebrated as independence or freedom or liberation date of which of the following countries?

a) India
b) South Korea
c) Bahrain
d) All of the above

3) Which of the following statements is/are correct?

On 15th August 1947:

a) Mahatma Gandhi was in Calcutta (now Kolkata) trying to bring peace after communal clashes.
b) Royal assent was provided to Indian Independence Act.
c) India became republic.
d) All of the above

4) Which of the following was the 'natural' independence day gift that Mahatma Gandhi sent to Nehru and Sardar Patel through an emissionary?

a) Seedling of Peepal Tree.
b) Dry leaf
c) Dry rose
d) None of the above

5) Date of independence of India coincided with surrender of which of the following countries in World War-II?

a) Germany
b) Italy
c) Japan
d) Korea

Answer

1) b
2) d
3) a , Royal assent was provided to Indian Independence Act on July 18, 1947. India became republic on 26th January 1950.
4) b
5) c

Indian Judiciary

1) The India judiciary system is grappling with the problem of backlog of cases which has led to an adverse affect on its efficiency and operation. Which of the following measures may not lead to overcome this situation?

a) Setting up of a National Court of Appeal to adjudicate on non constitutional matters.
b) Institutionalizing an All India Judicial Service to hire quality candidates.
c) Relieving Supreme Court from its advisory jurisdiction.
d) Setting up of regional benches of Supreme Court.

Answers

1) c, Advisory jurisdiction is not a significant burden on the apex court of our country.

Terrorist Attacks in Pakistan

1) Recently, a bomb attack occurred in the Balochistan capital, Quetta. Which of the following terrorist groups has/have claimed the attacks?

a) Jamaat-ul-Arhar
b) Islamic State
c) Boko Haram
d) Both a and b

Answer : d, Jamaat-ul-Arhar is home-grown faction of the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP)

Irom Sharmila

1) Which of the following statements is/are correct with respect to Indian social rights activist Ms. Irom Chanu Sharmila?

a) Till recently, she had been on indefinite hunger strike against enforcement of The Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act in some parts of India.
b) The protest led by her at Imphal's (Manipur) Kangla Fort in 2004 forced the union government to withdraw AFSPA from parts of the state.
c) She has expressed her resolve to continue the protest through political process.
d) All of the above

Answer : d

Questions for the day....

1) Which of the following countries has/have not ratified the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty (CTBT)?

a) India
b) United States
c) Pakistan
d) All of the above

2) The term 'Base Erosion and Profit Sharing (BEPS)' is often seen in the news in the context of curbing the tax evasion by multinational companies. The BEPS is related to which of the following organizations:

a) IMF
b) OECD
c) World Bank
d) ASEAN

3) Which of the following reports is/are prepared by the International Monetary Fund (IMF)?

a) Ease of doing business
b) Global Financial Stability Report
c) World Economic Outlook
d) Both b and c

Answers

1) d
2) b
3) d

Current Affairs Based Objective Questions

1) Which of the following countries recently voted to approve a new constitution drawn up by the ruling junta?

a) Nepal
b) Cambodia
c) Thailand
d) Vietnam

2) Which of the following countries is not the member of 'Gulf Cooperation Council'?

a) Iran
b) Oman
c) Saudi Arabia
d) Kuwait

3) The 'Pikachu Parade' was recently held in which of the following countries?

a) China
b) South Korea
c) Japan
d) Germany

Answers

1) c
2) a
3) c