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Current Affairs MCQs [25 + 26 September 2017] PIB TheHindu IndianExpress & Other leading newspapers

Sumant Kumar, B.Tech NIT Allahabad sumant.magadh@gmail.com

Bharat ke Kaushalzaade

Rural Skills Division is under A. Ministry of Rural

Development

Consider the following statements : A. ‘Bharat ke Kaushalzaade’ has been organised by

Rural Skills Division

B. Ministry of Urban Development

C. Ministry of Skill Development

D. Ministry of Home Affairs

Ans A

B. It is an event honouring beneficiaries of its key skilling programmes.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 Ans C Rural Skills Division, Ministry of Rural Development has organized ‘Bharat ke Kaushalzaade’, an event honouring beneficiaries of its key skilling programmes, on the eve of Antyodaya Diwas 2017.

Which of the following are MoRD’s flagship skill development programmes A. Deen Dayal Upadhyaya

Grameen Kaushalya Yojana (DDU-GKY)

B. Rural Self Employment Training Institutes (RSETI)

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

Consider the following statements : 1. ‘Kaushal Panjee’ is a mobilization

platform is a citizen centric end-to-end solution to aid mobilization of candidates for RSETIs and DDU-GKY.

2. It facilitates mobilization of candidates through Self Help Group members, Gram Panchayat Functionaries, Block Officials, CSCs and directly by the candidate.

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

Consider the following statements : 1. RSETIs and DDU-GKY Partners can

access the Kaushal Panjee to connect with the mobilized rural youth.

2. Kaushal Panjee is connected to the Social Economic Caste Census (SECC 2011) which will help the States plan and target their mobilizations based on the socio-economic profile of households in their State.

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

Consider the following statements regarding DDU GKY: 1. DDU-GKY is a part of the

National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM).

2. Its objectives are adding diversity to the incomes of rural poor families and cater to the career aspirations of rural youth.

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

Govt launches ‘Pradhan Mantri LPG Panchayat’ to boost PMUY

The Central government has launched a country-wide LPG Panchayat as a backup to the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana to distribute LPG connections among the rural areas where conventional fuel is used for domestic purposes.

Consider the following statements regarding DDU GKY: 1. DDU-GKY is uniquely focused on rural

youth between the ages of 15 and 35 years from poor families.

2. It is a part of the Skill India campaign. 3. It plays an instrumental role in

supporting the social and economic programs of the government like the Make In India, Digital India, Smart Cities and Start-Up India, Stand-Up India campaigns.

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

LPG Panchayat : o The LPG Panchayat is an

interactive communication platform aimed at educating rural LPG users about proper safety precautions to be taken while using LPG, its benefit to the environment, its effect on women empowerment and health.

o One lakh LPG Panchayats would be activated across the country during the next one and a half years.

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

Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana: o Under the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana, LPG

(liquefied petroleum gas) connections will be provided to poor households.

o An adult woman member of a BPL family identified through the Socio-Economic Caste Census (SECC) is given a deposit-free LPG connection with financial assistance of Rs 1,600 per connection by the Centre.

o Eligible households will be identified in consultation with state governments and Union territories.

o The scheme is being implemented by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas.

Select the correct answer using code given below. (a) 1 and 3 only (b) 2 and 4 only (c) 1, 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4 Ans D The scheme will be implemented over the next three years.

The framework, ‘Graded Surveillance Measure’, was recently introduced by which one of the following Indian regulatory authorities? a) Food Safety and Standards Authority of India b) National Highways Authority of India c) Reserve Bank of India d) Securities and Exchange Board of India Solution: d.

SEBI introduced the measure to keep a tab on securities that witness an abnormal price rise that is not commensurate with financial health and fundamentals of the company such as earnings, book value, price to earnings ratio among others. • The underlying principle behind the graded surveillance

framework is to alert and protect investors trading in a security, which is seeing abnormal price movements.

• SEBI may put shares of companies under the measure for suspected price rigging or under the ambit of ‘shell companies’.

• The measure would provide a heads up to market participants that they need to be extra cautious and diligent while dealing in such securities put under surveillance.

From the local communities’ knowledge and practices, a high biodiversity has been conserved through an in-situ conservation preserving endemic species. This region is one of the primary centres of origin of rice, and has historically been among the among the world’s leading areas for rice diversification. Yet, local communities here are some of the poorest of the country. Which region do these statements refer to? a) Kuttanad, Kerala b) Koraput, Odisha c) Upper Brahmaputra Valley, Assam d) Nalanda district, Bihar Solution: b.

• Traditional systems in the Koraput Region are strongly linked to the local traditional communities. From their knowledge and practices, a high biodiversity has been conserved through an in-situ conservation preserving endemic species. In spite of their invaluable ecological services, the local communities are part of the poorest of the country and the world. The food production is not always enough to satisfy all of their needs during the whole year. • This region is endowed with impressive biodiversity and is one of the primary centres of origin of rice. It is also regarded as one among the world’s leading areas for rice diversification. • Due to the current threats toward forest and agro-biodiversity such as mining and deforestation, the recognition of this GIAHS would aim to enable rural families to derive economic benefit from their past and present contributions to conservation of genetic resources.

Consider the following statements about ‘Hyper-spectral Imaging’: 1. It can be used to analyse soil health without requiring physical collection of soil samples 2. Currently no Indian satellite has the capability to shoot hyper-spectral images Which of the statements given above is/are correct? a) 1 only b) 2 only c) Both 1 and 2 d) Neither 1 nor 2 Solution: c

Hyperspectral imaging involves analysing extremely detailed images of an object — frequently to the scale of nanometres — and then reconstructing its constituent elements.

• Using custom-developed algorithms, satellite-images, or those taken from low flying planes or drones, can be used to calculate the proportion of nitrogen, potassium and phosphorous — the three most vital nutrients — as well as other minerals in the soil and be used to gauge its health.

Hyperspectral or hyspex imaging can be used for o monitoring the environment & crops o looking for oil and minerals o military surveillance

Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 Ans D All of these need images that show a high level of differentiation of the object or scene.

Hyperspectral Imaging Satellite (HySIS) • It is an Earth Observation Satellite by

ISRO

• The HySIS satellite has critical chip called an “optical imaging detector array’” indigenously developed by ISRO.

• Its launch will allow ISRO to enter the domain of operational hyperspectral imaging from earth orbit.

• HySIS satellite developed by ISRO can see in 55 spectral or colour bands from 630 km above ground.

• It can be used for a range of applications from monitoring the environment, crops, looking for oil and minerals, military surveillance.

Hyperspectral Imaging o It collects and processes information from across the

electromagnetic spectrum. o Hyspex imaging enables distinct identification of

objects, materials or processes on Earth by reading the spectrum for each pixel of a scene from space.

o The hyspex technology is a fully developed science. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 Ans A 1&2 are correct • The hyspex technology is still an evolving science. • It has ability to add a new dimension to plain-vanilla

optical imagers. Hyperspectral imaging or hyspex imaging (imaging spectroscopy) combines the power of digital imaging and spectroscopy.

The ‘North East Connectivity Summit’ 1. Was conceived and designed by the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region 2. Theme for the 2017 edition is ‘Act East from Nagaland’ 3. Permits participation only of Indian public and private sector entities/institutions/representatives Which of the statements given above is/are correct? a) 1 only b) 1 and 3 c) 2 only d) 1 and 2 Solution: c. • The theme for this year is ‘Act East from

Nagaland’.

• The 2018 North East Connectivity Summit will be in Tawang.

The North East Connectivity Summit (NECS) was conceived and designed by FICCI in 2014. Objectives of the summit was to 1. highlight the connectivity

gaps 2. propose a comprehensive

connectivity agenda for the Northeast Region.

3. Encouraging private sector investment in connectivity infrastructure

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

(d) 1, 2 and 3 Ans D

Which one of the following rivers does the Wular Lake – India’s largest freshwater lake – control the flow of? a) Indus b) Jhelum c) Chenab d) Gilgit Solution: b.

Wular lake controls the flow of the Jhelum River, which traverses it. Wular Lake : It is the largest freshwater lake in India

With reference to the Indus river system, consider the following statements: 1. Chenab is the largest tributary of the Indus. 2. Jhelum meets Sutlej near Harike Wetland. 3. Ravi flows through Srinagar and passes

through Wular lake. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 1 and 2 only (c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 Ans A o Jhelum flows through srinagar and passes through

wular lake.

The Chenab is the largest tributary of the Indus. • It is formed by two streams,

the Chandra and the Bhaga, which join at Tandi near Keylong in Himachal Pradesh. Hence, it is also known as Chandrabhaga.

o Ravi rises west of the Rohtang pass in the kullu hills of Himachal Pradesh.

The Jhelum rises from a spring at Verinag situated at the foot of the Pir Panjal in the south-eastern part of the valley of Kashmir. 1. It flows through Srinagar and the Wular

lake before entering Pakistan through a deep narrow gorge.

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

The Beas 1. It originates from the Beas

Kund near the Rohtang Pass 2. It meets the Satluj near

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

Match List-I with List-II and select the correct answer using the codes given below the lists- List-I (Lake) List-II (State) (a) Chilika Lake : 1. Andhra Pradesh (b) Kolleru Lake : 2. Kerala (c) Sambhar Lake : 3. Orissa (d) Vembanad Lake : 4. Rajasthan Codes: (a) 2 1 4 3 (b) 2 4 1 3 (c) 3 4 1 2 (d) 3 1 4 2 Q.12 :d

Wular Lake • kashmir – India’s largest

freshwater lake

• Formed by tectonic forces

• Forms Delta with river Jhelum

• Tulbul project

Dal Lake • kashmir – freshwater lake

• Srinagar is located along its coast

• Contains Char Chinar & Nami islands

Mansar Lake Jammu – katra highway – freshwater lake Natural lake used mainly for fishing

Naini Lake Uttarakhand – freshwater lake Sambhar Lake • Rajasthan – most saline lake

of India

• Listed in Ramsar as a wetland of international importance

Kolleru Lake • Fresh water lake, Situated b/w deltas of Godavari & Krishna

• A bird sanctuary & a wetland under Ramsar list

Pulicat Lake • Salt water lagoon located at the coast of Andhra Pradesh

• Separated from the sea by Sriharikota island

Sholavaram • A rainfed reservoir, located at Thanjavur in Chennai

• Due to scanty rainfall for last few years, lake looks like a pond

Vembanad Kerala, a lagoon, famous for boat competition

Astamudi Kerala, a lagoon, under Ramsar convention

Pushkar Lake Ajmer (Rajasthan), a freshwater lake Panchprada Lake

Badmer (Rajasthan), a saline lake

Dhebar Lake • Rajasthan – Largest artificial lake of India

• Also known as Jaisamand Lake

• Built in 17th century, a freshwater lake

Rajsamad Lake

• Rajsamad (Rajasthan) –freshwater lake

• Created in 17th centuary by damming the water of Gomti, Kelva & Tali rivers

• Home of two islands

Nakki Lake • A bowl shape lake, located in Mt. Abu (Rajasthan)

• Probably volcanic

Nal Sarovar Lake

• Saline water lake located in Gujrat

• largest bird century of Gujrat

Nokrek Lake • Fresh water lake located in Maghalaya, famous for its Biodiversity

• Nokrek National Park & Biosphere reserve

Loktak Lake • Manipur – Largest fresh water lake located in NE India

• Floating island – Phumdis

Suraj Tal

• Located below Baralacha pass at Lahaul & Spiti districts of Himachal

• Remains frozen during the greater part of the year

Roop Kund

• Mystry lake of uttarakhand

• Also known as Skeleton lake

• 672 Skeletons has been found in this shallow lake

Sukhna Lake

Chandigarh

Sat Tal Quiet & calm group of 7 pristine lakes in lower Himalayan range situated near Bhimtal in Uttarakhand

Bhoj Wetland • A highly polluted lake

surrounded by city of Bhopal

• Consists of 2 lakes viz. upper lake & lower lake

Kankaria • Biggest artificial lake of Ahmedabad

• Built by Sultan Ahmed shah, whose name accounts for the name of the city Ahmedabad

Lonar Crater lake, located at Maharashtra

Chilka • Saline water lagoon located at Orissa

• Siberian bird migrate here in winters

Usman Sagar • Artificial lake of Hyderabad, by creating a dam on river Musi

• Created by Nizam Usman Khan in 1920

Pangong Lake • Laddakh, b/w India & China (Tibet)

• Nearby Chnagla Pass

Tsomoriri Lake

• Largest high altitude lake, located at Ladakh

• Tourists are not allowed boating in this lake

Chandra Tal • A high altitude lake, located at Lahaul & Spiti districts of Himachal nearby Kunzam Pass

• Chandra river, a major tributary of Chenab originated from Chandra Tal

• Declared as a wetland under Ramsar covention

Which one of the following statements with reference to the recently launched Pradhan Mantri Sahaj Bijli Har Ghar Yojana – “Saubhagya” is INCORRECT? a) Its objective is to ensure electrification of all villages b) Un-electrified households – whether covered or not under the Socio Economic and Caste Census – would be eligible for electricity connections under the scheme c) Households located in remote and inaccessible areas too will be provided with electricity d) The Rural Electrification Corporation Limited (REC) will be the nodal agency for the operationalisation of the scheme throughout the country Solution: a.

The scheme Saubhagya’s objective is to ensure electrification of all willing households in the country in rural as well as urban areas. The Deendayal Upadhyaya Gram Jyoti Yojana, a different scheme, has the objective of ensuring electrification of all villages. A village would be declared as electrified, if: • Basic infrastructure such as Distribution

Transformer and Distribution lines are provided in the inhabited locality as well as the Dalit Basti hamlet where it exists.

• Electricity is provided to public places like Schools,Panchayat Office,Health Centers,Dispensaries,Community centres etc.

• The number of households electrified should be at least 10% of the total number of households in the village.

Under Saubhagya : 1. The beneficiaries for free electricity connections would be identified using

Socio Economic and Caste Census (SECC) 2011 data. 2. The scheme does not cover households not covered under the SECC data.

Which of the statements given above is/are incorrect? (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 Ans B Only 1 is correct • Un-electrified households not covered under the SECC data would also be provided

electricity connections under the scheme on payment of Rs. 500 which shall be recovered by DISCOMs in 10 instalments through electricity bill.

• States and Union Territories are required to complete the works of household electrification by the 31st of December 2018.

Which (one) of the following UN conventions has India ratified/acceded to? 1. Convention Against Torture 2. Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination 3. Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Select the correct answer using the code given below: a) 1 only b) 2 and 3 only c) 3 only d) 1 and 3 only Solution: b.

India signed the treaty (Convention Against Torture) 20 years ago, but never ratified it. In 2010, the Bill was sent to a Parliamentary Committee whose recommendations were never accepted, and the Bill lapsed in 2014. At Geneva, 30 countries, including Germany, Australia, Japan, Israel and Russia, called on India to ratify the convention. Rohatgi argued that “the concept of torture is completely alien to our culture and it has no place in the governance of the nation”, but promised to ratify the Convention on September 21. India had made a similar promise in 2012, when it faced the second Universal Periodic Review (under the UN Human Rights Council) cycle.