Current Affairs MCQs [ 20 and 21 Nov 2017 ] PIB TheHindu IndianExpress & Other leading newspapers

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

With respect to the revolt of 1857, consider the following pairs: Centres Associated British officer 1. Kanpur Sir Hugh Rose 2. Jhansi Sir Colin Campbell 3. Benaras Colonel James Neill Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched? (a) 1 only (b) 1 and 2 only

Kanpur : Sir Hugh Wheeler, Sir Colin Campbell • At Kanpur, the natural choice was Nana Saheb, the adopted son of

the last Peshwa, Baji Rao II. • He was refused the family title and, banished from Poona, was

living near Kanpur. • Nana Saheb expelled the English from Kanpur, proclaimed himself

the Peshwa, acknowledged Bahadur Shah as the emperor of India and declared himself to be his governor.

Jhansi : Sir Hugh Rose • The most outstanding leader of the revolt was Rani Laxmibai, who

assumed the leadership of the sepoys at Jhansi.

(c) 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 Ans C Banish • send (someone) away from a country

or place as an official punishment.

• "a number of people were banished to Siberia for political crimes"

• synonyms: exile, expel, deport, eject, expatriate, extradite, repatriate, transport;

• Lord Dalhousie, the governor general, had refused to allow her adopted son to succeed to the throne after her husband Raja Ganbadhar Rao died, and had annexed the state by the application of the infamous 'Doctrine of Lapse'.

• The Rani of Jhansi died on the battlefield in June 1858. • Jhansi was recaptured through assault by Sir Hugh Rose.

Benaras : Colonel James Neill • At Benaras a rebellion had been organized which was mercilessly

suppressed, by Colonel Neil, who put to death all suspected rebels and even disorderly sepoys.

UPSC Prelims 2005 Which one of the following places did Kunwar Singh, a prominent leader of the Revolt of 1857 belong to ? (a) Bihar (b) Madhya Pradesh (c) Rajasthan (d) Uttar Pradesh 50. (a) Kunwar Singh belonged to a royal Ujjaini house of Jagdispur, currently a part of Bhojpur district, Bihar state.

UPSC Prelims 2005 Which one of the following territories was not affected by the Revolt of 1857 ? (a) Jhansi (b) Chittor (c) Jagdishpur (d) Lucknow 51. (b) Jhansi - Rani Laxmibai; Lucknow - Begum Hazrat Mehal; Jagdishpur (Bihar)- Kunwar Singh

UPSC Prelims 2016 A recent movie titled The Man Who Knew Infinity is based on the biography of (a) S. Ramanujan (b) S. Chandhrashekhar (c) S. N. Bose (d) C. V. RamanAns A ‘The Man Who Knew Infinity’, movie is based on a book by the same name written by Robert Kanigel on the life and times of Ramanujan. The 46th IFFI opened with the film

Regarding Srinivas Ramanujan and his work, consider the following statements: 1. Hardy-Ramanujan number is smallest number which is

the sum of two cubes 2. National Science Day is observed every year on 22nd

December to celebrate birth anniversary of Srinivas Ramanujan Which of the above statement is/are correct? a) 1 only b) 2 only c) Both 1 and 2 d) Neither 1 nor 2 Solution: a • Hardy-Ramanujan number is the smallest number expressible as the

sum of two cubes in two different ways. One, as the sum of the cubes of 1 and 12; or,9 and 10.

• National Mathematics Day is observed every year on 22nd December to celebrate birth anniversary of great Indian autodidact Mathematician Srinivas Ramanujan

With reference to medieval Indian history, consider the following statements regarding Lingayats: 1. They worshipped Lord Vishnu 2. They were against caste system 3. They opposed child marriage and

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

Lingayat or Vir Shaiva movement was a popular movement in 12th century. • They were worshippers of Shiva and

established their faith after bitter disputes with Jains.

• They strongly opposed caste system

• Rejected sacrifices, pilgrimages

• Opposed child marriage and allowed widow remarriages

The Hindu Adoption and Maintenance Act of 1956 is applicable to persons belonging to which of the following religions? 1. Hinduism 2. Jainism 3. Buddhism 4. Sikhism

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

This Act applies- (a) to any person, who is a Hindu by religion in any of its forms or developments, including a Virashaiva, a Lingayat or a follower of the Brahmo, Prarthana or Arya Samaj, (b) to any person who is a Buddhist, Jaina or Sikh by religion, and (c) to any other person who is not a Muslim, Christian, Parsi or Jew by religion, unless it is proved that any such person would not have been governed by the Hindu law or by any custom or usage as part of the law in respect of any of the matters dealt with herein if this Act had not been passed

With reference to the cultural history of medieval India, consider the following statements: 1. Siddhas (Sittars) of Tamil region were monotheistic and condemned idolatry. 2. Lingayats of Kannada region questioned the theory of rebirth and rejected the caste hierarchy. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

The twelfth century witnessed the emergence of a new movement in Karnataka, led by a Brahmana named Basavanna (1106-68) who was initially a Jaina and a minister in the court of a Chalukya king. • His followers were known as Virashaivas (heroes

of Shiva) or Lingayats (wearers of the linga).

• The Lingayats challenged the idea of caste and the “pollution” attributed to certain groups by Brahmanas.

• They also questioned the theory of rebirth.

(a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 Ans C

• These won them followers amongst those who were marginalised within the Brahmanical social order.

• Siddhas (Sittars) Saiva school in Tamil Nadu which held the monotheistic puritan creed and roundly condemned idolatry, there history are not known they seem to be known as most active during 16th and 17th century.

Review Petition • In India, a binding decision of the Supreme

Court/High Court can be reviewed in Review Petition.

• The parties aggrieved on any order of the Supreme Court on any apparent error can file a review petition.

• Taking into consideration the principle of stare decisis, courts generally do not unsettle a decision, without a strong case. This provision regarding review is an exemption to the legal principle of stare decisis.

• Article 137 of the Constitution provides that subject to provisions of any law and rule made under Article 145 the Supreme Court of India has the power to review any judgement pronounced (or order made) by it.

• Under Supreme Court Rules, 1966 such a petition needs to be filed within 30 days from the date of judgement or order.

• It is also recommended that the petition should be circulated without oral arguments to the same bench of judges that delivered the judgement (or order) sought to be reviewed.

• Furthermore, even after dismissal of a review petition, the SC may consider a curative petition in

order to prevent abuse of its process and to cure gross miscarriage of justice.

• While a civil review petition can be moved in accordance with Order XLVII, Rule 1(1) of the Code of Civil Procedure,1908 a criminal review petition can be moved only on the ground of an error apparent on the face of the record. (Source: CPC, 1908 and CRPC, 1973)

Which of the following are tributaries of the Kaveri River: 1. Harangi River 2. Bhavani River 3. Noyyal River 4. Laxmi River

Choose the correct option. 1. 1 and 3 only 2. 2 and 3 only 3. 1, 2 and 3 4. 1, 2, 3 and 4

The tributaries of the Kaveri River are: 1. Harangi River 2. Hemavati River 3. Lakshmana Tirtha River 4. Kabini River 5. Shimsha River 6. Arkavathy River 7. Bhavani River 8. Noyyal River 9. Amaravati River

Which of the following statements with regard to "curative petition" granted by the Supreme Court is/are correct? • The constitution provides for curative

petition under the writ jurisdiction of the Supreme Court.

• It can be taken up by Supreme Court only after review petition for the case has been dismissed.

Select the correct answer using the code given below. (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 Nor 2 Ans B

• The concept of Curative petition was evolved by the Supreme Court of India in the matter of Rupa Ashok Hurra case where the question was whether an aggrieved person is entitled to any relief against the final judgement/order of the Supreme Court, after dismissal of a review petition.

• A curative petition may be filed after a review plea against the final conviction is dismissed. It is meant to ensure there is no miscarriage of justice, and to prevent abuse of process.

• The court ruled that a curative petition can be entertained if the petitioner establishes there was a violation of the principles of natural justice, and that he was not heard by the court before passing an order. It will also be admitted where a judge failed to disclose facts that raise the apprehension of bias. The SC has held that curative petitions must be rare rather than regular, and be entertained with circumspection. A curative petition must be accompanied by certification by a senior advocate, pointing out substantial grounds for entertaining it. It must be first circulated to a

bench of the three senior most judges, and the judges who passed the concerned judgement, if available. Only when a majority of the judges conclude that the matter needs hearing should it be listed - as far as possible, before the same Bench.

• It was in news due to Yakub Memon case.

The greatest threat to public health from the chemical Arsenic, in its inorganic form, originates from a) Contaminated groundwater b) Seafood c) Dairy products

"The greatest threat to public health from arsenic originates from contaminated groundwater. Inorganic arsenic (which is the highly toxic form of arsenic) is naturally present at high levels in the groundwater of a number of countries, including, among others, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Argentina and USA. Drinking-water, crops irrigated with contaminated water and food prepared with contaminated water are the sources of exposure. Fish, shellfish, meat, poultry, dairy products and cereals can also be dietary sources of arsenic, although exposure from these foods is generally much lower compared to exposure through contaminated groundwater."

d) River contamination by industrial effluents Solution: a.

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully tested indigenously developed light weight glide bomb Smart Anti Airfield Weapon(SAAW) recently. Which of the following statement is/are correct in this context?

The SAAW project is India’s first fully indigenous anti-airfield weapon project sanctioned by Government in 2013. SAAW is a long-range lightweight high precision-guided anti-airfield weapon.

1. The SAAW project is India’s first fully indigenous anti-airfield weapon project.

2. These weapons can be integrated into the varied types of fighter jets of Indian Air Force (IAF)

Select the correct answer using the code given below. 1. 1 only 2. 2 only 3. Both 1 and 2 4. Neither 1 nor 2

SAAW’s deep penetration capabilities and high explosive warhead carrying capacity will allow Indian Air Force (IAF) to easily hit targets across borders. It can be integrated into the varied types of fighter jets with the Indian Air Force (IAF)

Which reference to CATOBAR, consider the following statements: 1. It is used for

recovery of aircraft from the deck of an aircraft carrier.

2. It has the ability to launch multiple aircraft quickly.

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

Ans D

• CATOBAR (Catapult Assisted Take-Off But Arrested Recovery or Catapult Assisted Take-Off Barrier Arrested Recovery) is a system used for the launch and recovery of aircraft from the deck of an aircraft carrier.

• Under this technique, aircraft launch using a catapult-assisted take-off and land on the ship (the recovery phase) using arrestor wires.

• Although this system is costlier than alternative methods, it provides greater flexibility in carrier operations, since it imposes less onerous design elements on fixed wing aircraft than alternative methods of launch and recovery such as STOVL or STOBAR, allowing for a greater payload for more ordinance and/or fuel.

• CATOBAR can launch fully-armed aircraft and multiple aircraft quickly.

The Defence Research and Development Organisation has successfully carried out tests of which one of the following? a) Endo-atmospheric interceptor missile

Recently, the successful test flight of “NIRBHAY” missile was conducted by the DRDO. Which of the following statement is/are correct in this context? 1.It is India’s first indigenously designed and developed

b) Exo-atmospheric interceptor missile c) Both a and b d) Neither a nor b Solution: c. “The DRDO successfully carried out a test of an interceptor missile (in this instance, an endo-atmospheric missile, which can intercept missiles at ranges of 15-30 km). DRDO carried out a successful test of the exo-atmospheric interceptor missile destroying the target outside the earth’s atmosphere at an altitude of over 85 km. The BMD consists of two interceptor missiles, • the Prithvi Defence Vehicle (PDV) for exo-

atmospheric ranges and • the Advanced Area Defence (AAD) missile for endo-

atmosphere or lower altitudes.

Long Range Sub-Sonic Cruise Missile. 2. The missile is capable of being launched from surface to air only Select the correct answer using the code given below. 1. 1 only 2. 2 only 3. Both 1 and 2 4. Neither 1 nor 2 Ans A

India’s first indigenously designed and developed Long Range Sub-Sonic Cruise Missile which can be deployed from multiple platforms. The successful test flight of ‘NIRBHAY’ missile was recently conducted by the DRDO. It was successfully test fired from the Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur, Odisha. The missile is capable of being launched from multiple platforms on land, sea and air.

The term "MAST" was recently in news for which of the following reasons? (a) It was a scheme launched by Ministry of Urban Development for mass transport in Tier-II cities. (b) A Multi Application Solar Telescope was operationalised at Udaipur Solar Observatory. (c) It is a Marine Science and Technology Institute recently opened in Cochin. (d) It is a Multi-Application Sonar Tool developed by DRDO. Ans B

Udaipur Solar Observatory has operationalised a unique telescope 'Multi Application Solar Telescope' (MAST) for detailed study of solar activities which could facilitate space weather predictions in the future. • Unlike other telescopes, MAST is capable

to capture three-dimensional aspects of the solar magnetic fields further enabling the scientists to get a better understanding of the solar flares and eruptions taking place in such twisted magnetic fields

Carbapenems, recently in news, is a/an (a) type of carbon nanotube used in superconductivity. (b) fire retardant paint developed by DRDO. (c) antibiotic against Multi-Drug Resistant bacteria. (d) veterinary drug that can be used as alternative to Diclofenac. Ans C

• Carbapenems are antibiotics used for the treatment of infections known or suspected to be caused by multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria.

• Their use is primarily in people who are hospitalized.

• Recently, scientists at the Ohio State University have identified bacteria resistant to carbapenems in a swine farming operation

• Carbapenems are termed “critically important” for human health by WHO.

• Carbapenems are a last line of defense against drug-resistant bacteria. It is used to treat diseases when no other antibiotics are known to work.

Who among the following is/are provided training under the National Digital Literacy Mission? 1. Anganwadi workers 2. ASHA workers 3. Authorised ration dealers

Select the correct answer using the code given below. (a) 1 only (b) 1 and 2 only

The Digital Saksharta Abhiyan (DISHA) or National Digital Literacy Mission (NDLM) Scheme has been formulated to impart IT training to 52.5 lakh persons, including Anganwadi and ASHA workers and authorised ration dealers in all the States/UTs across the country so that the non-IT literate citizens are trained to become IT literate so as to enable them to actively and effectively participate in the democratic and developmental process and also enhance their livelihood.

(c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 Ans D Which of the following organizations has developed the augmented reality application "SAKAAR"? (a) Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) (b) Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) (c) Indian Institute of Science (IISc (d) Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR) a

Sakaar is Indian Space Research Organisation's (ISRO) Augmented Reality (AR) application designed for Andriod devices. Augmented Reality is a live direct view of a physical, real-world environment whose elements are augmented (or supplemented) by computer-generated 3D models, animations, videos etc. It enhances user’s current perception of reality. The interesting example is projecting a calculator on a palm where one can perform normal calculations. Applications of Augmented Reality: • Navigation: Enhanced GPS systems are using augmented reality to make it easier

to get from point A to point B.

• Military: A transparent display is positioned directly in the fighter pilots view, it shows information about altitude, speed etc.

• Medical: Medical students use the technology to practice surgery in a controlled environment.

• Gaming: With recent advances in computing power and technology, gaming applications in augmented reality are on the upswing.

• AR is also useful in knowing the identity of the people using various facial recognition devices which compares the identity of a person in data bases of social networking sites. However this application has lot of legal and ethical issues regarding right to privacy, anonymity concerns etc.