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- September 1
Today : News Headlines | Quiz based on current affairs with Answers
CIVILS TAPASYA - News Headlines - All govt. exams
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1. PSLV heat shield failure
(Science and Technology)
ISRO’s Director, AS Kiran Kumar announced the failure of PSLV-C39 mission which was carrying the replacement navigation satellite IRNSS-1H on 31st August 2017. A typical PSLV flight lasts about 19 minutes and the heat shield is supposed to separate around 3 minutes into the flight. It did not separate, as a result the spacecraft was stuck in the shield in the final stage and did not release into space. The scientists waited for the entire 19 minutes hoping for a positive response but it just did not separate - the mission was called off as a result. The satellite had entered orbit with the heat shield still on. This is one of the rare occasions when ISRO’s space mission has failed. In fact, this failure was preceded by 39 continuous successes. Antrix Corporation, ISRO’s commercial arm launches foreign satellites into space. As of February 2017, it had launched 180 satellites into space for 23 different countries - all using ISRO’s Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV). Read more on ISRO here | Compilation by PT's IAS Academy, Civils Tapasya Portal
2. NE Venture Fund to push entrepreneurship
(Indian Economy)
The Ministry of Development of North-Eastern Region (DoNER) had earlier launched the Northeast Venture Fund for attracting young Start-ups. It has since been successful in terms of generating enthusiasm among entrepreneurs who are looking for an opportunity in the North-Eastern region. It is the first dedicated venture capital fund for the North-Eastern region. The Ministry of DoNER is offering an additional benefit of providing the initial Venture Capital Fund to any youngster who decides to set up an entrepreneurship in the North-Eastern region in consonance with the ‘Startup India, Standup India’ initiative. The fund has been set up by the North Eastern Development Finance Corporation Ltd (NEDFi), which already has the mandate to encourage entrepreneurship in the region primarily by offering support to the first-generation entrepreneurs. The NEDFi also performs the role of hand-holding and capacity building. MoS (Independent charge) for DoNER - Dr Jitendra Singh; Secretary to GoI, DoNER - Mr Naveen Verma | Compilation by PT's IAS Academy, Civils Tapasya Portal
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3. China & BRICS
(Treaties and Protocols - Political treaties)
China has put a halt to its attempt on creating a permanent BRICS Plus feature. It wanted some other countries to be added to BRICS but this has face a strong criticism from other BRICS member states, including India. Everyone is aware of China’s tactics to slowly and gradually impose its presence wherever possible. Chinese addition of possible allies would dilute the BRICS and it would only be reduced to be representative of China’s interests. China will try to push this agenda in Xiamen at the 9th BRICS Summit in September but it seems difficult to make any progress on that front. China has also invited 5 other countries to attend the BRICS summit this year but it will only be a temporary arrangement, limited to this year. It is a privilege of the host country. The addition of South Africa to the BRIC in 2010 was also because of Chinese influence. Compilation by PT's IAS Academy, Civils Tapasya Portal
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4. Crime and Criminal Tracking Network and Systems (CCTNS)
(Society & Culture)
The Crime and Criminal Tracking Network and Systems (CCTNS) has been launched by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). It marks a bug jump in India’s internal security establishment. The government is welcoming private entities to engage with it in building a cyber security network for India with the dawn of the digital age. As each and every aspect of modern life is getting mapped into the digital space, having such systems in place has become the need of the hour. This system will ensure nationwide online tracking by integrating over 14,000 police stations across the country. This project is being implemented by the National Crime Records Bureau. The National Cyber Security Coordinator of India is Dr Gulshan Rai. Compilation by PT's IAS Academy, Civils Tapasya Portal
5. State Engagement Task Force
(India's international relations)
India and the USA want to establish a state-level engagement mechanism to extend bilateral ties. In order to achieve this, a State Engagement Task Force (SET) is being planned to be set up under the USIBC (US-India Business Council). This will allow both Indian and American companies to align their objectives with the priorities of the State Governments of both countries. India and the U.S. are planning to carry out a comprehensive review of their bilateral trade. In this, the priority sectors will be defence and energy. In defence, the focus would be on Lockheed Martin’s proposal for making F-16 fighter jets in India and the proposed sale of General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc. or GA-ASI’s ‘Guardian Remotely Piloted Aircraft’ to India. Energy sector would include export of U.S. natural gas, transfer of U.S. technology on oil and gas refining, and the conclusion of pacts between Nuclear Power Corp. and Westinghouse Electric for six nuclear reactors in India and the required project financing. Apart from this, focus areas would include smart cities, regional airport development in India through PPP, e-commerce, digital payments, etc. Current trade between India and USA stands at about $115 billion. Both countries plan to take it beyond $500 billion. Compilation by PT's IAS Academy, Civils Tapasya Portal
6. UN's censure North Korea's ‘outrageous’ Act
(United Nations)
The United Nations has reacted strongly, condemning North Korea’s firing of the Intermediate Range Ballistic Missile over Japan’s Hokkaido. The international body has exercised refrain in imposing any further sanctions on North Korea while calling out the act ‘outrageous’. North Korea’s Supreme Leader Kim Jong-un had threatened to fire IRBMs at Guam after President Trump’s “fire and fury” remarks. This missile however went in another direction and crashed into the sea. Kim has said that this was in retaliation to the Japanese and American joint military drills and to contain USA’s presence in the region. The missile fired was the Hwason-12 missile. Estimates suggest that North Korea may have anywhere from 30-60 nuclear warheads. Their most dangerous missile is the Hwasong-14 which is an ICBM (Intercontinental Ballistic Missile) with a theoretical range of over 10,000 kms. This compilation by Civils Tapasya portal, PT's IAS Academy
7. Ministry of Railways runs various Onam special Trains
(Social Issues)
The Ministry of Railways has decided to run Onam Special Trains for the convenience of the people attending Onam festival in Kerala between 1 Sep 2017 to 10 Sep 2017. These special trains are being run in keeping in view the pattern of traffic, commercial viability, operational feasibility and availability of resources. Indian Railways has planned to operate 41 such trips of special trains for clearance of extra rush of Onam in various parts of the country. Ex Minister of Railways - Suresh Prabhu. Festival of Onam - An annual Hindu festival originating in the State of Kerala, celebrated in the month of Chingam of the Malayalam Calendar, to commemorate Mahabali, Vamani, Kashyapa and Parshurama. It is the official state festival of Kerala, and includes various events like boat race called Vallam Kali, tiger dance called Pulikali, women’s dance called Thumbi Thullal, etc.
8. Data on Horticulture Crops released
(Agriculture)
The Third Advanced Estimates of Area and Production of Horticulture Crops for 2016-17 have been released by the Department of Agriculture, Cooperation and Farmers Welfare. Some key highlights : (1) There has been a record production of horticulture crops during 2016-17, estimated to be 295 million tonnes (mT), exceeding the 273 MMT of foodgrains production, and this being the fifth straight year of beating it, (2) Area under horticulture has increase from 24.5 million hectares (m ha) to 25.1 m ha in 2016-17, (3) There has been a record production of fruits at 93.7 m T and vegetables at 176 m T, (4) Flower production has been 2.3 m T, (5) Plantation crop production has increased to 18.3 m T, (6) Production of spices was 8.2 m T Compilation by PT's IAS Academy, Civils Tapasya Portal
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9. TB Tests
(Health and medicine)
Starting now, the health authorities plan to start a nationwide drive to test all TB patients in the country for signs of resistance to first line drugs. It will be called the Universal Drug Sensitivity Test. Why? This will provide a realistic assessment of the scale to which the disease has developed resistance to commonly available TB drugs. This could also reveal a large number of hidden TB patients. India has the highest incidence of TB in the world. GeneXpert : The molecular diagnostic test used in implementing the policy is called GeneXpert. Developed in the USA and being used worldwide since 2010, it can detect resistance to rifampicin - a standard TB drug - within 90 minutes. WHO’s latest statistics for India (2015) have revealed that there are over 2.2 million cases of TB in India as compared to 9.6 million worldwide. This compilation by Civils Tapasya portal, PT's IAS Academy
10. World’s biggest X-Ray Gun unveiled
(Science and Technology)
The world’s largest and most powerful X-Ray gun ever - the European X-ray Free Electron Laser (XFEL) - was unveiled in Hamburg, Germany. It is kept in underground tunnels of 3.4 kms length near the city. This was a work in progress for the last 8 years and cost $1.7 billion to build. It received funding from 11 countries. It can generate high intensity laser flashes at the rate of 27,000 per second. It uses the SASE (Self Amplified Spontaneous Emission) technology. Uses : It will find its application in the world of nano-technology. It will enable scientists to observe the tiniest details at the sub-atomics level. It will have wide applications across the scientific spectrum in biology, physics, medicine, geology, etc.
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CIVILS TAPASYA - Quizzes - All govt. examsQ1. Who is the current Director of ISRO? What went wrong recently?(Science and Technology, Dynamic)(1) Vikram Sarabhai; the NAVIC system failed
(2) Satish Dhawan; the heat shiled failed to separate
(3) AS Kiran Kumar; the heat shield did not separate from the satellite
(4) K Radhakrishnan; the ISRO budget was massively slashed by GoI
Q2. Who is the minister in-charge for Development of North Eastern Region?(People and Personalities, Dynamic)(1) Jitendra Singh
(2) Suresh Prabhu
(3) Sadananda Gowda
(4) Sarbananda SonowalQ3. Where is the BRICS Summit being held this year?(Trivia and Miscellaneous, Static)(1) Xiaolin, China
(2) Tinanming, China
(3) Gunagzhou, China
(4) Xiamen, China
Q4. Around how many police stations does the CCTNS plan to integrate?(Government schemes, Dynamic)(1) 2000
(2) 4000
(3) 14000
(4) over 25000
Q5. Which of the following is NOT an ICBM?(Defence and Military, Dynamic)(1) Agni-V
(2) Hwasong-14
(3) DongFeng-26
(4) Jericho III
Q6. What is Vallam Kali?(Art Culture Literature, Static)(1) Women’s folk dance
(2) Boat race as part of Onam festival Kerala
(3) Traditional wrestling competition in Kerala
(4) Boat race as part of Pongal festival Tamil NaduQ7. What was India’s total horticulture production in the year 2016-17?(Trivia and Miscellaneous, Static)Q8. What percentage of the world’s TB burden does India carry?(Health and Medicine, Dynamic)(1) 0-2%
(2) 5-10%
(3) 12-15%
(4) 20-25%Q9. Where is the European X-ray Free Electron Laser (XFEL) kept?(Science and Technology, Dynamic)(1) Rome, Italy
(2) Reins, France
(3) Hamburg, Germany
(4) Amsterdam, Netherlands
Q10. What is the current volume of trade between USA and India?(India's international relations, Dynamic)(1) $310 billion(2) $220 billion(3) $115 billion(4) $500 billion
ANSWERS TO THE QUIZ
Q1.(3) | Q2.(1) | Q3.(4) | Q4.(3) | Q5.(3) | Q6.(2) | Q7.(3) | Q8.(4) | Q9.(3) | Q10.(3)
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1. Empowered Steering Committee to improve Sports situation
(Entertainment Games and Sports)
A 13 member Empowered Steering Committee has been approved by the Ministry of Sports and Youth Affairs with a view to improve the quality of sports in our country. The Ministry is eyeing the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and the committee is appointed to work till 31st December 2020. The Chairman of this committee will be appointed by the Government. Mandate of the committee: (1) Reviewing the core probables list in of each the High Priority and Priority disciplines for the Commonwealth Games, Asian Games and Olympic Games, (2) Recommending specific plans for the beneficiaries of the Target Olympic Podium Scheme, (3) Reviewing the annual calendar for Training and Competitions (ACTCs) approved by the Govt., (4) Recommending the names of national and international training institutions for their empanelment for training, coaching and supporting our athletes, (5) Recommending the names of companies for monitoring the athletes conducting data analyses etc. | Compilation by PT's IAS Academy, Civils Tapasya Portal
2. Fighter Jets for India - SAAB + Adani
(Defence and Military)
Swedish defence and security company SAAB and the Indian Adani Group have collaborated to manufacture fighter jets for the Indian Air Force. The partnership entails collaboration in design, development and production of single engine Gripen fighter jets under the ‘Make in India’ banner. The only two planes that meet the requirements of India are the Gripen and the F-16s. The Adani Group has previously had no experience in the defence sector or even manufacturing while SAAB manufactures the Gripen fighter aircraft. Gripens are single engine multi-role fighter aircraft known for their state-of-the-art technology. IAF wants to procure 100 single engine fighter jets since the current fleet of Russian MiG 21s and MiG 27s are getting old. The procurement is expected to be under the Strategic Partnership model of the Defence Procurement Procedure and is estimated to cost over Rs 60,000 crore. The deal - 18 aircraft to be brought to India in flyaway condition. Rest to be manufactured in India by technology transfer. Competition - joint partnership of Lockheed Martin (USA) and Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) plan to manufacture F-16s. | Compilation by PT's IAS Academy, Civils Tapasya Portal
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3. AFSPA in Assam - extended by the State government
(Defence and Military)
For the first time, the State Government in Assam (CM Sarbananda Sonowal - BJP) has extended the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA), 1958 for another 6 months, declaring the state a disturbed area. Earlier this was always done by the Centre, but the power has now been transferred to the State Government. Why extended? Violence in Assam has continued to persist with over 16 violent incidents been reported in May and July 2017 by underground groups. AFSPA was invoked for the first time in Assam in November 1970 by the Centre to contain ULFA (United Liberation Front of Asom) and since then it has been under the Act. The Act gives special powers to army and state and central police forces to shoot to kill, search houses and destroy any property used by insurgents in disturbed areas. It also provides army personnel with safeguards against malicious, vindictive and frivolous prosecution. Compilation by PT's IAS Academy, Civils Tapasya Portal
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4. First water, now air - Houston sees it all
(Environment Ecology and Climate Change)
Houston has been engulfed by toxic fumes after being devastated by the deluge - all thanks to Harvey the Hurricane. Devastation brought by the hurricane and preventive closing of petrochemical industry units in and around Houston have caused a spike in the release of toxins. The extra pollution caused by these refineries is estimated at around 2700 tons. The cocktail of harmful chemicals includes benzene, hexane, sulphur dioxide, butadiene, xylene, etc. from over 60 petroleum plants belonging to ExxonMobil, Shell, Chevron and others. Residents have reported breathing problems, excessive irritation and itching in the eyes. Houston has not been known for its air quality standards and lay below the national standards since 1970 when the Clean Air Act was introduced in the USA, but this has taken things to another level! The US President, meanwhile, remains in firm denial of climage change. Compilation by PT's IAS Academy, Civils Tapasya Portal
5. National Nutrition Week India
(Medicine and Health)
The National Nutrition Week 2017 with the theme “Optimal Infant and Young Child Feeding Practices: Better Child Health” is being observed nationwide from September 1-7, 2017. Its objective is to achieve national development through development, productivity and economic growth by intensifying awareness on the importance of nutrition for health. The Food and Nutrition Board of the Ministry of Women and Child Development, in coordination with departments of the States and Its is conducting various workshops, training camps, community meeting and other awareness activities on the important of nutrition and its health benefits. Undernourishment in small children is a big problem in India. Underweight infants have impaired functioning of the immune system and consequently the risk of contracting diseases later in life increases many times. Lower IQ and impaired cognitive ability is also a fallout of undernourishment, in turn contributing to high dropout rates in schools. Compilation by PT's IAS Academy, Civils Tapasya Portal
6. FarmerZone - for small and marginal farmers
(Agriculture)
A collective open-source data platform for smart agriculture using bio-research is being planned by the Department of Bio Technology (DBT), Ministry of Science & Technology. It will be called FarmerZone and is aimed at helping small and marginal farmers. It is in furtherance to Prime Minister’s agenda of effective decision making in agriculture integrating all four components - science, technology, innovation and the farm ecosystem together. The system will provide help on all matters that the farmers may require assistance on, including climate change, weather prediction, soil, water and seed requirements. Facts : (1) Agrarian distress in India has taken on a whole new meaning, with plunging landholdings, decreasing land : man ratios, and poor market access and pricing. (2) More than 80% farmers are either small or marginal or landless. (3) 65% of India's 135 cr population (2017) is in agriculture, directly or indirectly. This compilation by Civils Tapasya portal, PT's IAS Academy
7. Financial Inclusion on the rise: FM Arun Jaitley
(Indian Economy)
The Finance Minister Arun Jaitley in an article titled "Financial Inclusion in Rising India” has highlighted the state of financial inclusion and the benefits it offers. The article spoke of various initiatives taken by the Government to improve financial inclusion in India and their benefits viz. Jan Dhan Yojana (JDY) to increase banking penetration, insurance and pension schemes like Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY), Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY), Atal Pension Yojana (APY) and Varishita Pension Bima Yojana (VPBY), Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (PMMY) to ensure banking finance to the ‘unfunded' section of the economy, Standup India to encourage SC, ST and women entrepreneurs and the Venture Capital Scheme. He shared the Government’s strong commitment to formalisation of the economy, ensuring that the benefits reach all sections of the society and put India on the path of growth. It is worth nothing that (A) The Supreme Court has put a big question mark on Aadhar recently, and (B) the twin attack of demonetisation and GST have slowed the economy in latest quarter substantially.
8. The Chinese and their anticipated tactics - Medical Education now!
(World Politics)
China has been actively bombarding the advertisement pages in Kashmiri newspapers with ads of their state-run medical colleges promising to offer low-cost medical education to Indian students. Previously the most preferred destination of students who could not afford education in India was Bangladesh. The benefits China offers - (1) low cost - about 11 lakh rupees, more than half of what is offered in Nepal and Bangladesh, (2) training in latest technology makes it easier for students to move to US/UK after completed their education, (3) closer to home, (4) Scholarships to foreign students, etc. This is one of the many tactics that China uses to propagate its message and try to influence the youth of other countries, and flows from China’s sheer financial might. But years of binge lending have led to big cracks in China's domestic economy - which may go bust one day. Compilation by PT's IAS Academy, Civils Tapasya Portal
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9. Ancient Global Warming Caused by Volcanic CO2
(Environment Ecology and Climate Change)
Researchers at the University of Southampton in UK claim that extreme global warming that the earth witnessed about 56 million years ago was caused by huge CO2 emissions from volcanoes when the North Atlantic Ocean was being formed. They used new geochemical measurements and global climate modelling to illustrate that Palaeocene-Eocene Thermal Maximum (PETM) and rapid doubling of atmospheric CO2 in under 15,000 years were associated because of CO2 emissions from volcanoes. PETM was the fastest natural global warming event in the past 66 million years which lasted for over 150,000 years increasing global temperatures by over 5 degrees celsius. It was at the same time that the formation of massive ‘flood basalts’ was taking place in the ocean floors due to a series of huge eruptions. The amount of CO2 produced was equivalent to 30 times the amount of CO2 that has been produced by burning all fossil fuels till date. This compilation by Civils Tapasya portal, PT's IAS Academy
10. Id al-Adha
(Religion)
Also called the ‘Sacrifice Feast’. Why is it celebrated? To honour the willingness to sacrifice his son on God’s command by Ibrahim. Before he could sacrifice, however, God gave a man goat to sacrifice. This is the tradition behind sacrificing a goat on Id al-Adha. One third of it is supposed to be given to the poor and needy, another third to relatives and the last portion is for the family to consume itself. It is the second of the two Eid festivals, the first being Eid al-Fitr and is considered holier. When is it celebrated? It is celebrated on the 10th day of Dhu al-Hijjah of the lunar Islamic calendar. In the Gregorian Calendar, the dates keep shifting 11 days earlier each year. It was celebrated from evening of 1st to the evening of 2nd September in 2017. This compilation by Civils Tapasya portal, PT's IAS Academy
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CIVILS TAPASYA - Quizzes - All govt. examsQ1. Hurricane Harvey that recently affected Houston is classified in which of the following categories on the Saffir-Simpson Scale?(Environment Ecology and Climate Change, Dynamic)(1) Category 1 (very dangerous)
(2) Category 2 (extremely dangerous)
(3) Category 3 (devastating damage)
(4) Category 4 (catastrophic damage)
Q2. Which Ministry is responsible for conducting Nutrition Week in India?(Health and Medicine, Dynamic)(1) Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
(2) Ministry of Women and Child Development
(3) Ministry of Agriculture
(4) Both (2) & (3)Q3. Who is developing FarmerZone in India?(Agriculture, Dynamic)(1) Ministry of Agriculture
(2) Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
(3) Ministry of Science and Technology
(4) Ministry of Tribal Affairs
Q4. When was the PMJDY launched?(Trivia and Miscellaneous, Static)(1) July 2014
(2) August 2016
(3) August 2014
(4) July 2015
Q5. How many days are there in a lunar calendar?(Religion, Static)(1) 365
(2) 366
(3) 353
(4) 354
Q6. Who is the Premier of the PRC? (sometimes referred to as the Prime Minister of China) What is his usual role in China?(People and Personalities, Dynamic)(1) Xi Jinping; taking care of everything
(2) Wen Jiabao; taking care of the economy
(3) Hu Jintao; taking care of defence and economy
(4) Li Keqiang; taking care of the economyQ7. Who is the new Minister of Sports and Youth Affairs in India and the first sportsperson to be at the post?(People and Personalities, Dynamic)(1) Vijay Goel
(2) Rajyavardhan Rathore
(3) Virender Sehwag
(4) Abhinav Bindra
Q8. Which of the following manufactures the F-16 fighter jets?(Defence and Military, Dynamic)(1) Lockheed Martin
(2) Boeing
(3) Dassault
(4) SAABQ9. When was the AFSPA first imposed in Assam?(Defence and Military, Static)(1) 1975
(2) 1980
(3) 1985
(4) 1970
Q10. Which is the following is a greenhouse gas?(Environment Ecology and Climate Change, Static)(1) Ozone (O3)
(2) Nitrous Oxide (N20)
(3) Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs)
(4) All of the above
ANSWERS TO THE QUIZ
Q1.(4) | Q2.(2) | Q3.(3) | Q4.(2) | Q5.(4) | Q6.(4) | Q7.(2) | Q8.(1) | Q9.(4) | Q10.(4)
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1. Trumped the Kremlin, seized the premises
(World Politics)
The United States seized control of three Russian diplomatic posts (premises) in the U.S. after confirming the Russians had complied with the Trump administration’s order to get out within two days. The State Department declined to answer additional questions about whether the premises might be searched for intelligence-gathering purposes now that the Russians have left. The closures on both U.S. coasts mark perhaps the most drastic diplomatic measure by the United States against Russia since the end of the Cold War. President Trump is under pressure on his alleged Russian links during elections. | Compilation by PT's IAS Academy, Civils Tapasya Portal
2. Second Woman Raksha Mantri of India
(People and Personalities)
Mrs Nirmala Sitharaman, the Commerce Minister, was been given the Defence Ministry portfolio. She became the first dedicated woman defence minister of India and only the second woman to hold the crucial ministry after Indira Gandhi. The FM Mr Jaitley has been handling the ministry after Manohar Parrikar quit to become the Goa's chief minister. The abrupt departure of Parrikar from the ministry left several critical tasks unfinished. A full time Raksha Mantri will hopefully speed things up, and Mrs Sitharaman is known for her meticulous, details-oriented working style. | Compilation by PT's IAS Academy, Civils Tapasya Portal
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3. GST streamlining an ongoing process
(Taxation and revenues)
The Goods and Services Tax (GST) tax was introduced on 1st of July 2017. The last date for payment of GST for the month of July 2017 was 25th August 2017. Payment of GST is complete only when amount of tax payable is debited from electronic cash, and credit. Now late fee for all taxpayers who could not file GSTR 3B for the month of July 2017 has been waived, but not the interest on late payment of tax liability. With every passing month, GST is expected to streamline. It is the biggest push yet for formalisation of Indian economy. Compilation by PT's IAS Academy, Civils Tapasya Portal
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4. FASTag now on
(Infrastructure)
NHAI has achieved the first milestone in Electronic Toll Collection when it operationalised one dedicated FASTag lane at all toll plazas. Now FASTag enabled vehicles can cruise through the dedicated FASTag lane without stopping at toll plazas on National Highways. What is it? The FASTag is an RFID tag available both online and offline through banks and Common Service Centres. Two mobile applications were launched by NHAI on 17th August, 2017, for ease of obtaining FASTags. We hope this reduces the clogging at toll plazas, killing productive time for citizens. Compilation by PT's IAS Academy, Civils Tapasya Portal
5. Mobile Makers submit to Privacy order by government
(Telecom)
About 15 to 20 mobile phone makers have responded to the government's directive to share information about security measures they have taken to ensure that user data is not compromised. The government would like to understand what security measures the companies are taking to make sure that user data is not leaked As many as 21 phone makers, including leading Chinese brands Vivo, Oppo, Xiaomi and Gionee, were asked to give a "detailed, structured written response" on how they secure data and ensure its safety and security, as per a government order issued last month. Compilation by PT's IAS Academy, Civils Tapasya Portal
6. Troubled Railways in new hands - Piyush Goyal takes over
(Infrastructure)
Piyush Goyal is the new Minister for the Indian Railways. Goyal has a clean image owing to his good track record in the Power and Coal ministry, and was the Minister of State with Independent Charge for Power, Coal, New and Renewable Energy. Earlier, Suresh Prabhu had offered his resignation, owing moral responsibility, after a series of train accidents. Now Goyal has to find a way to keep the rise of train fares on the minimal side while boosting Railways' revenue, and all the while strengthening security on the tracks. Bullet trains - wait a while! This compilation by Civils Tapasya portal, PT's IAS Academy
7. Arrest the two States! - NGT
(Constitution and Law)
The National Green Tribunal issued bailable warrants against Haryana and Rajasthan governments for not submitting their action plan on cleaning and rejuvenation of the river Ganga. After passing a slew of measures to rejuvenate the Ganga between Haridwar and Unnao, the NGT has now shifted focus to clean the next stretch of the river passing through Allahabad and Varanasi. declaring a 'No- Development Zone' an area of 100 metres from the edge of the river between Haridwar and Unnao and prohibiting dumping of waste. A bench headed by NGT Chairperson Justice Swatanter Kumar took strong objection to the absence of the counsel for both the states and their failure to submit the report despite its July 13 order. It said "Nobody is present on behalf of State of Haryana and State of Rajasthan. Consequently, we issue bailable warrant against the Resident Commissioner of State of Haryana and State of Rajasthan at New Delhi in a sum of Rs 5,000 to the satisfaction of the arresting Officer, in exercise of our powers"..
8. Assam's AFSPA lives on
(Defence and Military)
The Assam government has declared the entire state "disturbed area" for six months beginning from September. The notification issued by the state home and political department declares the north-eastern state 'disturbed area' for a period of six months, unless withdrawn earlier, as per power conferred under the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958, an official release said. The declaration has been made after assessing the present law and order situation in the state which has continued to be a matter of concern. Compilation by PT's IAS Academy, Civils Tapasya Portal
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9. For the North, just another nuclear test!
(Nuclear weapons)
North Korea carried out its most powerful nuclear test to date, claiming to have developed an advanced hydrogen bomb that could sit atop an intercontinental ballistic missile.The bomb used in the country's sixth-ever nuclear test sent tremors across the region that were 10 times more powerful than Pyongyang's previous test a year ago. The state is a significant step closer to being able to fire a nuclear warhead to the US mainland, as it has repeatedly threatened it could if provoked. This compilation by Civils Tapasya portal, PT's IAS Academy
10. I Do What I Do - Raghuram Rajan speaks up
(People and Personalities)
Former Reserve Bank governor Raghuram Rajan revealed inn his latest book. 'I do what I do' that at no point until his term ended on September 3 last year did the RBI conclude a decision on demonetisation. Coupled with data released by the government and the RBI over the past week, the fear of many critics of demonetisation seems to have not gone entirely wrong that there was no compelling economic rationale for such a disruptive measure. The government has defended the successful demonetisation move thoroughly on social media. This compilation by Civils Tapasya portal, PT's IAS Academy
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CIVILS TAPASYA - Quizzes - All govt. examsQ1. Which of the following facts is correct regarding the control of the Defence Ministry of India?(Environment Ecology and Climate Change, Dynamic)(1) There has been no female Minister of Defence in India till date.
(2) Nirmala Sitharaman is the first Female Minister of Defence
(3) Nirmala Sitharaman's selection for the post comes under a slew of changes in the Union Ministry
(4) Nirmala Sitharama will continue to hold additional charge of the earlier ministry also as WTO agriculture subsidies discussions are at an advanced stage
Q2.What can be concluded from the recent Hydrogen Bomb testings carried out by North Korea? (September 2017)(World Politics, Dynamic)(1) China has the North Korean situation under control
(2) North Korea's test was a mere bluff and there is not enough technical data to back North Korean claims about the tests
(3) North Korea may finally develop an ICBM capable enough of reaching the American mainland
(4) China has been openly endorsing military action against North KoreaQ3. Which of the following statements is true regarding the recent situation in Assam?(Defence and Military, Dynamic)(1) Assam's government has decided to stop implementing the AFSPA act from now on
(2) Assam's government has decided that it will extend the AFSPA act for 6 more months and has declared the state as a 'Disturbed Region'
(3) The Indian Army has the volatile situation in Assam under control
(4) The protests against AFSPA have intensified in Assam once again
Q4. Which of the following statements is true regarding the government's instructions to mobile manufacturers on security features?(Telecom, Dynamic)(1) Only Indian mobile manufacturers are required to provide updates to government regarding how they handle consumer security and privacy
(2) The government has not taken any move related to security features in consumer mobile devices
(3) Major mobile manufacturers including Chinese companies have been told to convince the government regarding their security and privacy protocols
(4) The Right to Privacy becoming a fundamental right invalidates the government's actions/instructions to mobile manufacturers
Q5. Which of the following statements is true regarding Raghuram Rajan's recent revelations on Demonetisation?(Indian Economy, Dynamic)(1) He reiterated the fact that he was actively involved in the decision of implementing demonetisation
(2) He said that demonetisation, although implement badly had a strong economic rationale behind it
(3) He said that the RBI hadn't come on a consensus regarding implementing demonetisation
(4) None of the above
Q6. Which city is hosting the 9th edition of BRICS summit-2017? Who is the host President?(World Politics, Dynamic)(1) Tianjin; Michel Temer
(2) Xiamen; Xi Jinping
(3) Shanghai; Li Keqiang
(4) Xiamen; Xi JintaoQ7. Who is the new Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India? What post did he hold earlier?(People and Personalities, Dynamic)(1) Anita Pattanayak, Revenue Secretary
(2) Rajiv Gauba, Home Secretary
(3) Shashi Kant Sharma, Defence Secretary
(4) Rajiv Mehrishi, Home Secretary
Q8. The 10th India-European Union Counter Terrorism Dialogue was held in which country?(Defence and Military, Dynamic)(1) Brazil
(2) India
(3) France
(4) GermanyQ9. From which city has the Uttar Pradesh government has launched Startup Yatra programme?(Government schemes, Dynamic)(1) Meerut
(2) Allahabad
(3) Kanpur
(4) Lucknow
Q10. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has recently approved Spice Digital to process bill payments under BBPS. Where is the headquarters of the Spice Digital?(Science and Technology, Dynamic)(1) Chandigarh
(2) Noida
(3) Kochi
(4) Chennai
ANSWERS TO THE QUIZ
Q1.(3) | Q2.(3) | Q3.(2) | Q4.(3) | Q5.(3) | Q6.(2) | Q7.(4) | Q8.(2) | Q9.(4) | Q10.(2)
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1. Buxa Tiger Reserve, West Bengal identified by NTCA
(Environment Ecology and Climate Change)
The Buxa Tiger Reserve in West Bengal has been identified as for the tiger augmentation programme by the NTCA (National Tiger Conservation Authority). It mainly comprises of moist, deciduous and evergreen forests. It runs 50 km from west to east and 35 km from north to south. There were around 20 tigers reported there in 2011. As part of the augmentation programme, 6 tigers from the forest reserves of Assam will be brought here. There were around 100 tigers available in the nearby Sunderbans also but the forest officials chose Assam due to similarity in the habitats of Buxa and Assam. Moving the big cats from Sunderbans, a completely different ecosystem might have posed some threats to the animals. | Compilation by PT's IAS Academy, Civils Tapasya Portal
2. Shayara Bano and the struggle of the common Muslim woman
(Society and Culture)
Although the long struggle until the landmark ruling by the Supreme Court against talaq-e-biddat or instant triple talaq reaped fruits because of contributions by women across the community, the woman who spearheaded the movement was Shayara Bano. She was married in 2001 to a Muslim man by the name of Rizwan Ahmed, and faced domestic violence and torture by him and his family. She claims it was because they wanted additional dowry and a car from her parents but as her father was a low earning government employee it wasn't possible. She claims that she was often kept hungry in solitary confinement and beaten up, and suffered silently for 14 years! In 2015, she received a letter from her husband pronouncing instant triple talaq who also kept custody of their two children. It was then when she decided that she had had enough. There was no looking back since then. Read all about Triple Talaq here, and watch a video here | Compilation by PT's IAS Academy, Civils Tapasya Portal
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3. Drug Resistant TB in India
(Health and medicine)
A study in a Science Advances report showed that coupling the antibiotic ceftazidime with the enzyme inhibitor avibactam could be an effective treatment for drug-resistant TB. The anti-bacterial drug combination — which id already in clinical use for Gram-negative bacterial infections — could aid in curbing the growing worldwide drug-resistant TB crisis. Mycobacterium tuberculosis (or Mtb) causes the disease. According to the WHO, 10.4 million people contracted Mtb and 18 lakh died from it in 2015 alone. Although newer antibiotics like bedaquiline and delamanid have improved patient outcomes, they are still associated with a 24-month treatment failure rate of 38% in those with extensively drug-resistant Mtb. Compilation by PT's IAS Academy, Civils Tapasya Portal
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4. Saksham Yojana Haryana - jobs for youth
(Government schemes)
Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar has launched the Saksham Yojana in Haryana to provide employment to over 2 lakh young people in the state. Under this scheme, the youth would be trained to suit the needs of sectors which see a shortage in employment. Manohar Lal Khattar has also been taking up a number of other initiatives and is constantly in the news. Perhaps this is an attempt to revive his tarnishing image in the wake of recent events like the Ram Rahim Case coupled with previous agitations, SubhashBarala Case, Skylight Scam and others. It seems that Mr Khattar is desperately trying but it won't be easy for him to wash out the stains in the run up to the 2019 Haryana Assembly Elections. Compilation by PT's IAS Academy, Civils Tapasya Portal
5. Pancheswar Dam Agitation - Uttarakhand
(Environment Ecology and Climate Change)
The Congress Party is planning to launch an agitation against the Pancheswar dam that is proposed to be built in Uttarakhand. It is said to affect over 31,000 poor families residing in the area. The Congress pointed out that the world is observing a paradigm shift with major countries decommissioning dams. They claimed that the USA had not built a single major dam in the past 20 years and said that the BJP is looking at short term benefits of the dam while sacrificing the ecology of the region and turning a blind eye to the poor of the nation. Compilation by PT's IAS Academy, Civils Tapasya Portal
6. Varattar rejuvenation in Kerala - victory of people against pollution
(Society and Culture)
Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan said that the government is exploring the possibility of enacting a legislation for punishing those who pollute rivers and freshwater sources in the State. He inaugurated a snakeboat regatta on the Aadi-Pampa stream with the rhythmic Vanchippattu enlivening the atmosphere. He also launched the second phase of rejuvenation of the Varattar rivulet at a function at Puthukkulangara in Eraviperoor on Saturday. The first phase of the Varattar rejuvenation was proof of the success of a popular mass movement to save the once-vibrant rivulet that had turned almost dry owing to unscientific human interventions. This compilation by Civils Tapasya portal, PT's IAS Academy
7. Crop research centre in Vijaywada
(Agriculture)
The regional centre of the Central Plantation Crops Research Institute is coming up near Samalkot in Andhra Pradesh. The Minister for Agriculture SC Reddy said it would be ready soon, and is expected to be of immense benefit to the growers of coconut and other plantation crops in the state. The Minister, was the chief guest at the ‘Coconut Day’ celebration organised by the Coconut Development Board. He told that the Andhra Pradesh government had allotted 60 acres for the centre. India is in the third place in coconut production and Andhra Pradesh is in the fourth place in India. East Godavari contributes about 50% of the State’s coconut production.
8. Seshayee versus Murthy and Co. - Infosys's public battle
(Corporates)
Finally, R. Seshasayee, former Infosys chairman, has defended himself saying that co-founder N.R. Narayana Murthy’s allegations against him on corporate governance lapses and irregularities in the $200 million acquisition of an Israeli firm were “patently false and slanderous.” Background - Mr Murthy accused the management of Infosys of irregularities in buying Israeli company Panaya. He also accused it of failing to act on the whistle-blower’s complaints on the pay package given to top management, including former chief financial officer Rajiv Bansal. Fallout - The incident led to massive upheaval and CEO Vishal Sikka's resignation, and return of the original promoter team's CEO Nandan Nilekani (the Aadhar creator). Read more on Vishal Sikka here Compilation by PT's IAS Academy, Civils Tapasya Portal
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9. Dr Reddy’s Labs wins in US
(Corporates)
A U.S. District Court has issued a judgement in favour of Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories, ruling that the proposed generic version of Suboxone (buprenorphine and naloxone) sublingual film does not infringe the patents as asserted by Indivior. Suboxone is indicated for the maintenance treatment of opioid dependence. Following these developments, the share prices of Dr Reddy’s saw a surge. Indian pharma firms are global leaders in generics, which is what medicines become once they are off-patent. IPR protection and patented medicines is a big bone of contention between India and the Western world. This compilation by Civils Tapasya portal, PT's IAS Academy
10. The ghost of a scam called BOFORS, returns
(Corruption and transparency)
The Bofors scam has come back to life after a long waiting period of 12 years. The SC has given the final date of hearing of the case in October this year. A 3-judge bench headed by Justice Dipak Misra, the CJI agreed that the appeal had been pending for too long. Justice JD Kapoor (retd.) of the Delhi HC had acquitted former PM Rajiv Gandhi earlier in the case. A charge of forgery under section 465 was directed to be framed against Bofors. The Swedish company Bofors AB had allegedly paid Rs.64 crores (US 10 million) in bribes to top Indian politicians and defence personnel. This compilation by Civils Tapasya portal, PT's IAS Academy
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CIVILS TAPASYA - Quizzes - All govt. examsQ1. Which Prime Minister of India was allegedly involved in the Bofors Scandal? What happened post that?(Corruption and transparency, Dynamic)(1) Indira Gandhi, the government was able to manage somehow
(2) Rajiv Gandhi, the government collapsed
(3) Jawahar Lal Nehru, the government went on unhindered
(4) PV Narsimha Rao, nothing happened
Q2. Which if the following is the retirement age of a Judge in the USA?(Constitution and Law, Static)(1) 60 years
(2) 64 years
(3) 65 years
(4) None of the aboveQ3. Which of the following was not one of the founding members of Infosys?(People and Personalities, Static)(1) NR Narayana Murthy
(2) NandanNilekani
(3) K Gopalakrishnan
(4) Vishal Sikka
Q4. Which of the following rivers does NOT pass through Andhra Pradesh?(Geography, Static)(1) Krishna
(2) Kaveri
(3) Godavari
(4) All pass through Andhra Pradesh
Q5. Who is the CM of Kerala?(Indian Politics, Dynamic)(1) V Siddaramaiah
(2) Vijay P N R I
(3) Pinarayi Vijayan
(4) Chandrashekhar Rao
Q6. In which of the following states is the Pancheshwar Dam being proposed to be built?(Infrastructure, Dynamic)(1) Himachal Pradesh
(2) Sikkim
(3) Arunachal Pradesh
(4) UttarakhandQ7. Which state has recently launched the Saksham Yojana? What is the objective?(Government schemes, Dynamic)(1) Haryana, to generate employment for youth
(2) Punjab, to generate educational opportunities for youth
(3) Rajasthan, to generate employment for youth
(4) Haryana, to generate educational opportunities for youth
Q8. Which of the following microbes causes TB?(Health and medicine, Static)(1) Bacteria
(2) Virus
(3) Fungi
(4) ProtozoaQ9. Where is the Buxa Tiger Reserve loacated?(Environment Ecology and Climate Change, Static)(1) Sikkim
(2) Arunachal Pradesh
(3) Assam
(4) West Bengal
Q10. Which of the following has recently been declared illegal in India? Why?(Constitution and Law, Static)(1) Talaq-e-Hasan, due to the creation of a new set of laws
(2) Talaq-e-Ahsan, due to the violation of fundamental rights
(3) Talaq-e-Biddat, due to the injustice apparent in the process
(4) Talaq-e-Biddat, due to the straight violation of constitutional norms of individual liberty
ANSWERS TO THE QUIZ
Q1.(2) | Q2.(4) | Q3.(4) | Q4.(2) | Q5.(3) | Q6.(4) | Q7.(1) | Q8.(1) | Q9.(4) | Q10.(3)
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1. BRO road in Arunachal - roadroller steams on
(Infrastructure)
The Border Roads Organization (BRO) has constructed a 71-km strategic road in remote Upper Subansiri district of Arunachal Pradesh bordering China. The Project Arunank of the BRO on 31st August established connectivity between Sarli and Huri by completing the 71.30 kms road providing relief to the people of Pipa, Damin, Huri and other villages. It also facilitated the construction of the new Huri – Taliha road connecting remote villages contributing to greater development of Arunachal. India is stepping up the border infrastructure after the Doklam standoff. | Compilation by PT's IAS Academy, Civils Tapasya Portal
2. Jobs, FDI and Exports
(Indian Economy)
Suresh Prabhu, India’s new Commerce and Industries Minister, has taken charge of his new portfolio after being shifted from Railways. His task is to ensure greater job creation especially in the manufacturing sector under the flagship Make in India campaign. His views are that measures are needed to push up the share of the manufacturing sector in India’s GDP. He also plans to increase India’s exports and India’s share in global exports. The government is considering proposals to relax norms in sectors such as retail, construction and print media to boost FDI inflows into the country. On the flip side, unilateral inflows of foreign capital has led to a surge in rupee, threatening the survival of many companies dependent on exports earnings. | Compilation by PT's IAS Academy, Civils Tapasya Portal
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3. BRICS makes a U turn on terror, and Pakistan
(World Politics)
A Surprising Stance:The BRICS grouping, in their most recent meeting in China,has unequivocally named the Pakistan based groups Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) and Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) as terror organisations, removing a key blockade in ties between New Delhi and Beijing. The Ministry of External Affairs said that the declaration has been endorsed by all the BRICS leaders, so it has the approval and endorsement of all the countries including China. India has signaled that it wants to open a new chapter in ties with China. Compilation by PT's IAS Academy, Civils Tapasya Portal
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4. Fidayeen Squad in Jammu and Kashmir?
(Terrorism)
Jammu and Kashmir police were informed about a possible infiltration attempt by a “fidayeen squad” of 13 Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) militants, headed by Haji Ali Asghar, a former commando of Pakistan Army’s elite special operations unit - the Special Service Group. The inputs came from Indian intelligence agencies which also said that the militants were planning to attack major army installations and possible an airforce base in Punjab or J&K. Some intelligence sources say that these attacks are being planned as a response to the recent successes of Indian security personnel in the valley including executions of Abu Dujana (LeT) and YasinYatoo (Hizbul Mujahideen). Compilation by PT's IAS Academy, Civils Tapasya Portal
5. State Bank plans $3-b Green Bonds
(Banking-credit-finance)
The State Bank of India plans to raise $3 billion in green bonds to achieve the government’s commitment targets towards sustainable growth. It will be the country’s biggest overseas green bond issue. Green bonds offer relatively lower rates than usual securities. Global green bond issuance has been increasing every year. It was 11, 37, 42, 90 billion dollars in 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016 respectively and is likely to cross $150 billion this year. Definition of a green bond: A green bond is a tax-exempt bond issued by federally qualified organizations or by municipalities for the development of brownfield sites. Brownfield sites are areas of land that are underutilized, have abandoned buildings or are underdeveloped, often containing low levels of industrial pollution. Compilation by PT's IAS Academy, Civils Tapasya Portal
6. Ahmedabad - India’s first World Heritage City
(United Nations)
Ahmedabad has been formally accorded the status of India’s first World Heritage City by UNESCO. In July it was inscribed as India’s first World Heritage City by UNESCO at a meeting in Poland.This makes it the 1st city in India, and the 3rd in Asia, to be on the list of World Heritage Cities. The 2 other cities are that have been accorded the honour this year are Bhaktpur in Nepal and Galle in Sri Lanka. India is 2nd after China in the number of world heritage properties in the Asia-Pacific region and 7th in the world. Ahmedabad was founded in the 15th century by Sultan Ahmad Shah and lies on the eastern bank of the Sabarmati river. It is often mentioned as ‘the walled city of Ahmedabad’. It is also called the 'Manchester of the East’ although Kanpur too shares that nickname. This compilation by Civils Tapasya portal, PT's IAS Academy
7. Lookout for Bimal Gurung og Gorkha Mukti Morcha (GJM)
(Indian Politics)
West Bengal police is on the lookout for Bimal Gurung, the Chief of GJM (Gorkha Janmukti Morcha). The lookout notice was issued because of his alleged involvement in a bomb blast at Kalimpong police station. He also also face other cases under the UA(P)A (Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act). Protests by Gorkhaland supporters have caused a shut down in the cities of Darjeeling, Kurseong, Mirik, Sonada and Kalimpong. The central and state governments seem unable to resolve the fire in the beautiful mountains, which has brought to a standstill life in the tourist destination.
8. Stubble burning across North Indian fields - NGT in action
(Environment Ecology and Climate Change)
In a reaction to a plea filed by environmentalist Vikrant Tongad seeking a ban on the burning of agricultural waste and remnants in open fields, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) rapped the governments of Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan for not taking punitive action against the farmers who still practiced the traditional methodology of crop residue burning in fields. The NGT also directed the governments to withdraw all assistance given to such farmers. It asked the states to submit a report showing the disincentives given to marginal farmers to discourage the practice. Compilation by PT's IAS Academy, Civils Tapasya Portal
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9. Shadow Puppetry in times of social change
(Society and Culture)
The age old practice of shadow puppetry in Palakkad in Kerala is gradually shifting to more egalitarian themes from Kamba Ramayana to Onam by making Mahabali the central character of their latest performances. This ancient art form evolved from the Koonathara village near Shoranur in Palakkad and is appreciated the world over, although not as much in India. The show titled ‘MahabaliCharitham’ this year would include recreation of art forms such a ‘Kaikottikalli’ - folk dance, ‘Vallamkali’ - boat race, and ‘Pulikalli’ - recreational art around the theme of tiger hunting. This compilation by Civils Tapasya portal, PT's IAS Academy
10. Is North Korea China's friend no more?
(World Politics)
China has lodged an official protest with its ally North Korea following North Korea's largest nuclear weapons test.The blast was atleast five times bigger than the previous one a year ago, according to South Korea, and could be felt even in Chinese cities hundreds of kilometres from the North's border. Beijing is Pyongyang's only significant ally and crucial trade partner. It is considered a critical player in efforts to persuade North Korea to abandon its weapons programmes. This compilation by Civils Tapasya portal, PT's IAS Academy
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CIVILS TAPASYA - Quizzes - All govt. examsQ1. Which of the following is called the ‘Manchester of the East’?(World Economy, Static)(1) Kanpur
(2) Mumbai
(3) Ahmedabad
(4) Both (1) and (3)
Q2. Which of the following states have been pulled up by the NGT for stubble burning by farmers?(Constitution and Law, Static)(1) Rajasthan
(2) Gujarat
(3) Madhya Pradesh
(4) All of the aboveQ3. Which of the following statements regarding the BRICS' meeting is correct?(September 2017)(World Politics, Dynamic)(1) All countries reiterated their stance on Pakistan based groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba and JeM and continued to label them as terrorist organisations
(2) The meeting was held at Rio de Janerio, Brazil
(3) China failed to comment on the stance it took on Pakistan based terror groups
(4) None of the above
Q4. Which of the following organisations is Bimal Gurung associated with?(People and Personalities, Static)(1) Naga People’s Front
(2) United Liberation Front of Assam
(3) Gorkha Janmukti Morcha
(4) Gorkha National Liberation Front
Q5. In which state of India did shadow puppetry originate?(History, Static)(1) Kerala
(2) Tamil Nadu
(3) Andhra Pradesh
(4) Karnataka
Q6. What was the global issuance of green bonds in the world in 2016?(Banking-credit-finance, Dynamic)(1) $150 billion
(2) $90 billion
(3) $60 billion
(4) $37 billionQ7. Who is the chief of the ‘fidayeen squad’ who was reportedly a commando in the Pak Army?(Terrorism, Dynamic)(1) Abu Dujana
(2) YasinYatoo
(3) Haji Ali Asghar
(4) Masood Azhar
Q8. Who is the new Commerce and Industries Minister of India?(People and Personalities, Dynamic)(1) Nitin Gadkari
(2) Manohar Parrikar
(3) Nirmala Sitharaman
(4) Suresh PrabhuQ9. Which of the following undertook Project Arunank recently?(Infrastructure, Dynamic)(1) Indian Army in Kashmir
(2) Indian Army in Assam
(3) Border Roads Organisation in Sikkim
(4) Border Roads Organisation in Arunachal Pradesh
Q10. When is the International Day against Nuclear Tests celebrated?(Defence and Military, Static)(1) 4th September
(2) 21st July
(3) 29th August
(4) 17th December
ANSWERS TO THE QUIZ
Q1.(4) | Q2.(1) | Q3.(4) | Q4.(3) | Q5.(1) | Q6.(2) | Q7.(3) | Q8.(4) | Q9.(4) | Q10.(3)
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1. Trade threat unacceptable, says Beijing to the US
(World Economy)
China has expressed strong condemnation of U.S. President Donald Trump’s threat to stop U.S. trade with countries dealing with North Korea. The Chinese say they cannot do anything more in their capacity to control North Korea’s nuclear development programme, than what's tried so far. The Trump threat was aimed at China as it is North Korea’s main trading partner (85%) and perhaps the only major ally. Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull’s commented that Beijing had a responsibility to influence North Korea due to its status as their major trading partner. China is not responding well to such claims. In light of the post-Dokalam BRICS climbdown by China as evident in the terror-related portion of the Xiamen Declaration, things seem to be moving rather too fast for the Chinese to handle. Read more here and here | Compilation by PT's IAS Academy, Civils Tapasya Portal
2. National Nutrition Strategy - NITI Aayog
(Government schemes)
The NITI Aayog has launched the National Nutrition Strategy in an attempt to renew focus on nutrition. Leader of the Green Revolution Dr. M.S Swaminathan and Padma Shri Dr. H Sudarshan, launched the National Nutrition Strategy on September 5 along with Vice Chairman Dr. Rajiv Kumar and Member Dr. Vinod Paul. In India, according to some estimates, we pay a 9-10% penalty on our output due to a workforce that was stunted during their childhood. The Nutrition Strategy framework envisages a Kuposhan Mukt Bharat - linked to Swachh Bharat and Swasth Bharat. Aim - States need to create custom State Action Plans to deliver to the local needs and challenges. This is even more relevant in context of enhanced resources available with the States. They need to prioritise focussed interventions with a larger role for gram panchayats and the urban local bodies. This strategy enables states to make strategic choices, through decentralised planning and local innovation and accountability for nutrition outcomes. Read more on NITI Aayog here, watch a video as well | Compilation by PT's IAS Academy, Civils Tapasya Portal
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3. Dream's over, get back home : Trump
(Citizenship and immigration)
The “Dreamers" programme has been discontinued by Donald Trump despite nationwide protests involving an open letter signed by over 350 top executives of the USA including influential names like Warren Buffet, Jeff Bezos and Mark Zuckerberg. The “Dreamers” was an immigration reform measure to protect the deportation of people who had entered the USA illegally as children. It was initiated during the Obama era. Background: Former President Barack Obama had introduced the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) as an interim relief even as a debate on a comprehensive immigration reform to address the status of 11 million (1.1 crore) undocumented residents in America was caught in a political logjam for years. Trump has fulfilled a portion of the promise made as part of his electoral campaign. Read more on related issues here | Compilation by PT's IAS Academy, Civils Tapasya Portal
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4. Fallouts of Global Warming - salinity and its cost
(Environment Ecology and Climate Change)
One of the many adverse effects of global warming is rise in sea levels. This has caused estuaries and lagoons to become more saline e.g. in the Norfolk Broads it reduced the number of fish in the region that was famous for angling. Why? Because a tiny golden algae called Prymnesium parvum turned toxic and killed the fish by destroying their gills. This has hit the region economically and ecologically. There might be numerous other fallouts of global warming that we may not be able to imagine and it would become increasingly difficult to cope if global warming is left unchecked. Read more on global warming related issues here Compilation by PT's IAS Academy, Civils Tapasya Portal
5. Labour Reforms in full swing : The Code on Wages Bill 2017
(New laws and amendments)
As part of labour law reforms, the Government has rationalised the 38 Labour Acts by making 4 labour codes - (1) Code on Wages, (2) Code on Industrial Relations, (3) Code on Social Security and (4) Code on occupational safety, health and working conditions. The Code on Wages Bill 2017 was introduced in the Lok Sabha on 10th August 2017. It subsumes four existing Laws - (a) the Minimum Wages Act, 1948; (b) the Payment of Wages Act, 1936; (c) the Payment of Bonus Act, 1965; and (d) the Equal Remuneration Act, 1976. After the enactment of the Code on Wages, all these four Acts will get repealed. The Codification of the Labour Laws will remove the multiplicity of definitions and authorities. The present provisions of the Minimum Wages Act and the Payment of Wages Act do not cover enough number of workers, as the applicability of both these Acts is restricted to the Scheduled Employments. The new Code on Wages will ensure minimum wages to everyone and timely payment of wages to all employees irrespective of the sector of employment without any wage ceiling. A concept of statutory National Minimum Wage for different geographical areas has been introduced. It will ensure that no State Government fixes the minimum wage below the National Minimum Wages for that particular area as notified by the Central Government - critics are vociferously challenging it saying it will destroy formal sector job creation when we need it the most. (The GoI has issued a clarification later it hasn't fixed any minimum wage at all) The proposed payment of wages through cheque or digital/electronic mode will go a long way in promoting digitisation. It will also extend wage and social security to the worker. Provision of an Appellate Authority has also been made between the Claim Authority and the Judicial Forum. This should lead to speedy, cheaper and efficient redressal of grievances and settlement of claims. Read more on labour laws related issues here Compilation by PT's IAS Academy, Civils Tapasya Portal
6. Killing pollution through car-free days in Bolivia
(Environment Ecology and Climate Change)
Pollution levels in Bolivia plummeted by 70% on national car-free day. The country wants to restore physical activity at a time when the youth is into computers. Air pollution levels dropped in cities across the country. All non-emergency vehicles were banned from city streets. The citizens responded very positively! With activities like these, people are all to pause and take a break from their daily lives to contemplate what we’re doing and why. India should perhaps try to carry something similar although it would be very difficult to execute given that for the population density of Bolivia is 9.13/sq km, and of India 382/sq km. This compilation by Civils Tapasya portal, PT's IAS Academy
7. Health Ministry launches two new contraceptives
(Health and medicine)
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has launched two new contraceptives: (1) an injectable contraceptive MPA under the ‘Antara’ programme, and (2) a contraceptive pill, ‘Chhaya’, in the public health system to expand the basket of contraceptive choices to meet the emerging needs of couples. The contraceptives are available for free in Medical Colleges and District Hospitals. They have been launched in 10 states including Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Karnataka, Haryana, West Bengal, Odisha, Delhi and Goa. The contraceptives are safe and effective. The ‘Antara’ injectable is effective for three months and the ‘Chayya’ pill for one week. Objective: To address the needs of couples in planning and spacing pregnancies. Read more on health and medicine related issues, here
8. Kids dying : Farukkhabad after Gorakhpur
(Health and medicine)
30 infants died of 'perinatal asphyxia’ in a Farukkhabad hospital in UP. Two senior doctors have been booked for criminal negligence under Sections 304 (causing death by negligence), 176 and 188 of the IPC. It was established by the district administration that prima facie 30 children had died in the hospital due to insufficient oxygen supply in the past one month. The case was registered on the complaint of the City Magistrate of Farukkhabad. Perinatal asphyxia, neonatal asphyxia or birth asphyxia is the medical condition resulting from deprivation of oxygen to a newborn infant that lasts long enough during the birth process to cause physical harm, usually to the brain. Read more on health and medicine related issues, here Compilation by PT's IAS Academy, Civils Tapasya Portal
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9. Black sheep in white list - UGC
(Higher education)
University Grants Commission (UGC) has been tackling with the problem of ‘predatory publications’ for a long time now. It released a list of 33,112 'approved’ journals but the problem of dubious journals is not presenting any easy solution. Even the new list contains 84 fraudulent journals with 71 of them being currently active. Predatory journals often do not send manuscripts through the peer-review process and are more focused about article fees. As a result, even sub-standard or fraudulent publications at times take place. Read more on education related issues here This compilation by Civils Tapasya portal, PT's IAS Academy
10. Saurashtra Narmada Avtaran Irrigation (SAUNI)
(Government schemes)
SAUNI is an irrigation project launched by the government. Objective - filling 115 major dams by diverting floodwaters overflowing from the SardarSarovar Dam across the Narmada river to the drought areas. Recently, the foundation stone of link 4 of the scheme was laid down by the President of India. Key Features : (a) 115 dams in the Saurashtra region will be filled with excess water, (b) around 10 dams and reservoirs of Rajkot, Jamnagar and Morbi districts will be filled with water, (c) making pipe canals instead of the conventional open canals, (d) 1,125 km network of pipelines that will help to channel water into farms. Read about many government schemes here This compilation by Civils Tapasya portal, PT's IAS Academy
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CIVILS TAPASYA - Quizzes - All govt. examsQ1. Which of the following sectors does the Code of Wages Bill aim to reform?(New laws and amendments, Dynamic)(1) Agriculture and landless labour
(2) Labour Laws
(3) Land Acquisition Laws
(4) Criminal Procedure Code (Cr.PC) for Corporates
Q2. Which of the following best describes “Dreamers” in the recent US context?(World Politics, Dynamic)(1) Top executives of the USA who are immigrants
(2) Donald Trump’s Cabinet
(3) Criminals who entered as immigrants
(4) Illegal migrantsQ3. In which direction does the Narmada river flow?(World Politics, Dynamic)(1) From North to South
(2) From East to West
(3) From West to East
(4) From South to North
Q4. Who is the Australian PM?(People and Personalities, Static)(1) John Key
(2) Michael Turnbull
(3) Tony Abbott
(4) Malcolm Turnbull
Q5. Who was the leader of the Green Revolution in India?(People and Personalities, Static)(1) MS Swaminathan
(2) Norman Borlaug
(3) Jawaharlal Nehru
(4) Swaminathan MP
Q6. Which of the following happens as a result of global warming?(Environment Ecology and Climate Change, Dynamic)(1) Rise in sea water levels
(2) Increase in global temperatures
(3) Increase in salinity of estuaries and lagoons
(4) All of the aboveQ7. What is the population density of India?(Trivia and Miscellaneous, Dynamic)(1) 375 persons/square km
(2) 256 persons/square km
(3) 382 persons/square km
(4) 297 persons/square km
Q8. Who is the current Health Minister of India?(People and Personalities, Dynamic)(1) Suresh P Nadda
(2) Dr Harsh Vardhan
(3) Dr Arvind Soni
(4) JP NaddaQ9. Which of the following is the constituency of UP CM Yogi Adityanath?(Indian Politics, Dynamic)(1) Farukkhabad
(2) Lucknow
(3) Bareilly
(4) Gorakhpur
Q10. Which of the following was recently proposed by the government to merge UGC and AICTE into a single body?(Higher education, Dynamic)(1) HEERA
(2) MOTI
(3) SONA
(4) SHIKSHA
ANSWERS TO THE QUIZ
Q1.(2) | Q2.(4) | Q3.(2) | Q4.(4) | Q5.(1) | Q6.(4) | Q7.(3) | Q8.(4) | Q9.(4) | Q10.(1)
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1. Plastic discarded in water comes back to humans - Study
(Pollution)
International research agencies have found out that billions of people around the world are drinking water contaminated with plastic fibres which can adversely affect a person’s health. 83% of the samples that were testing from different locations across the globe were found to be polluted with microplastic. The USA showed the highest rate of contamination at 94%. France with the lowest contamination rate was at 72%. The two major concerns out of these findings are (i) such plastics can harbour harmful bacteria that are found in sewage, (ii) the plastics themselves are non-biodegradable and hence their accumulation inside the body can cause significant harm over time. Read more on pollution related issues here | Compilation by PT's IAS Academy, Civils Tapasya Portal
2. LAC between India and China
(Defence and Military)
The Line of Actual Control (LAC) running from northwestern Karakoram pass up to Arunachal Pradesh is demarcated properly and is virtually passed on by word of mouth. This has given rise to varying perceptions regarding its alignment. China makes territorial claims in 8 different areas where regular face-offs take place between soldiers of the two armies. These are Asaphila, Longju, Namka Chu, Sumdorong Chu, and Yangste in Arunachal Pradesh, Barahoti in Uttarakhand, and Aksai China and Demchok in Ladakh. Even areas along the Pangong Lake in Ladakh are disputed. The LAC passes through the lake, but India and China do not agree on its exact location. There is a need of the Line of Actual Control (LAC) to be clearly demarcated and confidence building measures (CBMs) need to be carried out between the militaries. The BRICS 2017 summit showed that India and China can break common ground if they so desire. Read more on India and China related issues here Compilation by PT's IAS Academy, Civils Tapasya Portal
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3. New handheld device for farmers
(Agriculture)
The Indian government is planning to release a handheld device in order to ensure that the benefits of soil health cards can be reaped by maximum farmers. This decision was reached at the Pre-Rabi seasonal interface organised at the Krishi Bhavan in Delhi. It was chaired by the Secretary of Department of Agriculture Cooperation and Famers’ Welfare (DAC&FW) and Director General of ICAR (Indian Council of Agricultural Research). Crops, seeds, horticulture, plan protection, integrated nutrient management, bio-pesticides to be made from cow dung and cow urine were also discussed among other things. Efforts for the expedition of publicity and extension in areas of bee keeping, agro forestry, use of quality seeds and adoption of new technology for doubling of farmers’ income were also discussed. | Compilation by PT's IAS Academy, Civils Tapasya Portal
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4. Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP)
(World Trade)
India has decided to raise concerns about the slow pace of negotiations on services trade liberalisation as opposed to higher priority being given to commitments to open up goods trade in the region at the forthcoming ministerial-level meeting on the proposed Free Trade Agreement (FTA). Other RCEP nations seem to be focused more on “extracting as much (binding commitments) as possible on eliminating tariffs to open up goods trade”, instead of sticking to the RCEP ‘Guiding Principles and Objectives’ which state that the “negotiations on trade in goods, trade in services, investment and other areas will be conducted in parallel to ensure a comprehensive and balanced outcome.” RCEP (Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership) is a proposed FTA between the 10 member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) (Brunei, Burma (Myanmar), Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam) and the 6 states with which ASEAN has existing FTAs (Australia, China, India, Japan, South Korea and New Zealand). RCEP negotiations were formally launched in November 2012 at the ASEAN Summit in Cambodia. Read more on trade related issues here Compilation by PT's IAS Academy, Civils Tapasya Portal
5. Task Force on Employment and Exports - time to get into action
(Government schemes)
An Expert Task Force has been constituted to provide a major thrust to job creation by enhancing India’s exports. Its Chairperson will be the NITI Aayog Vice Chairman, Dr. Rajiv Kumar. Why has it been set up? A majority of the workers are employed in low-productivity, low-wage jobs in small, micro and own-account enterprises. An urgent and sustained expansion of the organised sector is needed to address India’s unemployment issue. An important strategy is also to enable a shift towards more labour-intensive goods and services that are destined for exports. Given the importance of exports in generating jobs, India needs to create an environment in which globally competitive exporters can emerge and flourish. This task force will address the challenge of creating well paid, formal sector jobs. India is facing an acute jobs crisis, with formal sector new job generation hitting new lows, and huge bulge of youth hitting the jobs market each month. Jobs related inputs here Compilation by PT's IAS Academy, Civils Tapasya Portal
6. Telecom Regulator wants freeing of bands
(Infrastructure - Telecom)
The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has given its recommendations to delicense a chunk of spectrum in free bands (1Mhz from 867-868Mhz and 6 units from 015-935Mhz) in order to facilitate a smooth rollout of machine to machine (M2M) communication services. It has suggested that there should be no allocation of separate spectrum band exclusively for M2M services; instead existing license exempt waves should be utilised. These must be covered under license through a new permit called Unified License (M2M). All devices under this technology will be fitted with SIM or universal integrated circuit card (eUICC). More on telecom issues here This compilation by Civils Tapasya portal, PT's IAS Academy
7. Teachers get their own Diksha Portal
(Education)
Ministry of HRD has launched the Diksha Portal which is a National Digital Infrastructure for Teachers. The tag-line is “National Digital Infrastructures for Our Teachers Our Heroes”. Through this portal, all teachers across the nation will be equipped with advanced digital technology. It will help teachers in improving their teaching skills and creating their own profile with their skills and knowledge. It will also help in improving the quality of education with the use of latest technologies. Private institutes and NGOs are also allowed to participate in the Diksha initiative. www.diksha.gov.in Read more on education here
8. Defence Pension - a sensitive issue
(Defence and Military)
The Central Government has accepted the recommendations of the NAC (National Anomaly Committee) to maintain the disability pension for the defence personnel in line with civilians under the 6th CPC (Central Pay Commission). The government, as per the recommendations of the commission, will not go ahead with the new scheme suggested by the 7th CPC. The armed forces wanted to revert to percentage-based regime for the disability pension and were against the new slab based system as proposed by the 7th CPC. More on defence issue here Compilation by PT's IAS Academy, Civils Tapasya Portal
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9. Startups get I.T. notices for "valuation" queries
(Entrepreneurship and startups)
The Income Tax department has started sending notices to various startups and some unlisted subsidiaries of Indian and Foreign companies (in India) to enquire about the valuation used for the preference share route of fund raising. The Income Tax department doubts that the valuations are not realistic, and far more than the "fair value" and was done to launder unaccounted for cash. Fair Value is a rational value of an asset, and the tax authorities use a standard method to find that. A tax of 30% will be charged on the extra value, if it is held to be correct. Experts expect a lot of litigation to result from this move. This compilation by Civils Tapasya portal, PT's IAS Academy
10. National Steel Policy and plan for turnaround of steel sector
(Infrastructure)
The Ministry of Steel under Mr Birender Singh (Steel Minister) is planning to take the lead role in transforming & turning around Steel PSUs. It plans to bring accountability and a result-oriented approach in its working. There will henceforth be zero tolerance for laxity in performance and the officials are expected to play an active role in transforming and turning around steel PSUs. Accountability and result-oriented approach to be built into the work culture of Ministry of Steel and the PSUs is the need of the hour. Instituting an award of “Plant of Excellence” for the best performing Plant among Steel PSUs is on the cards. The steel production target of 300 million tonnes set in the National Steel Policy-2017 will be broken down year-wise and exponential annual increase will have to be ensured for realistic achievement. The world is swamped with cheap Chinese steel exports as of now. This compilation by Civils Tapasya portal, PT's IAS Academy
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CIVILS TAPASYA - Quizzes - All govt. examsQ1. Who is the HRD Minister of India? Which two portals have been launched with fanfare recently? For whom?(People and Personalities, Dynamic)(1) Prakash Javadekar, Swayam & Diksha, Students and Teachers resp.
(2) Suresh Prabhu, Diksha & MOOC, Students and Teachers resp.
(3) Smriti Irani, Swayam & Pratikaha, Students and Teachers resp.
(4) Prakash Javadekar, Swayam & Diksha, Teachers and Students resp.
Q2. What does M2M stand for with reference to the telecom sector? What is speeding up M2M worldwide?(Infrastructure, Dynamic)(1) Mobile to Mobile; rapid spread of IP networks
(2) Machine to Machine; rapid spread of IP networks
(3) Man to Machine; rapid spread of IP networks & battery technologies
(4) Machine to Machine; rapid spread of IP networks & battery technologiesQ3. Who is the current Chief of Army Staff (COAS) of India? Who is the Defence Minister? Which ex Defence Chief is a minister?(Defence and Military, Dynamic)(1) Gen Bipin Rawat, Nirmala Sitharaman, Gen (R) V K Singh
(2) Gen Dalbir Singh Suhag, Arun Jaitley, Gen (R) V L Singh
(3) Gen Bikram Singh, Rajnath Singh, Gen (R) V S Singh
(4) Gen VK Singh, Nirmala Sitharaman, Gen (R) B B Singh
Q4. Which of the following relations is correct?(Trivia and Miscellaneous, Static)(1) tera = 10^14
(2) hecto = 10^3
(3) nano = 10^-11
(4) femto = 10^-15
Q5. Which of the following regions of India has been illegally occupied by China? Which lake is disputed between India and China?(Regional Politics, Static)(1) Gilgit Baltistan, Tsang Po Lake
(2) Azad Kashmir, Tsang La Lake
(3) Aksai Chin, Pangong Lake
(4) Aksai Chin, Pandong Lake
Q6. What is the ICAR?(Trivia and Miscellaneous, Static)(1) Indian Council of Agricultural Research
(2) Indian Committee for Aeronautical Research
(3) Indian Commission for Automobile Research
(4) India Council for Agricultural ResearchQ7. What is the steel production target for India as laid out in the National Steel Policy 2017? What is the problem due to China?(Infrastructure, Dynamic)(1) 50 million tonne, lack of steel in market
(2) 200 million tonne, excessive steel imports at cheap rates
(3) 300 million tonne, flooding of world markets with cheap Chinese steel
(4) 500 million tonne, killing of domestic industry
Q8. Who will be the Chairman of the Task Force on Employment and Export?(People and Personalities, Dynamic)(1) Narendra Modi
(2) Arvind Panagariya
(3) Rajiv Kumar
(4) Suresh PrabhuQ9. Which of the following is not a part of RCEP ? What is the RCEP?(Treaties and Protocols, Dynamic)(1) Brunei, an ongoing negotiation for a regional pact
(2) Japan, a finalised negotiated treaty
(3) China, an ongoing discussion for a global pact
(4) None of these, an ongoing negotiation for a regional trade pact
Q10. Why have revenue authorities started targetting the startups in India with tax demands (on the preference share issue)?(Taxation and revenues, Dynamic)(1) They suspect laundering through higher than fair market value
(2) They suspect terror funding through prefence share allotment
(3) They suspect a Chinese takeover of Indian markets
(4) None of the above
ANSWERS TO THE QUIZ
Q1.(1) | Q2.(2) | Q3.(1) | Q4.(4) | Q5.(3) | Q6.(1) | Q7.(3) | Q8.(4) | Q9.(4) | Q10.(1)
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1. Supreme Court goes hard on WhatsApp and Facebook : asks them to file affidavit
(Constitution and Law)
The Supreme Court of India's five judge bench presided by CJI Dipak Misra has asked social media giants WhatsApp and Facebook to file an affidavit in 4 weeks stating what data they acquire about millions of users and whether or not they are sharing it with any third parties or not. This directive is in view of the recent judgment unanimously passed by a Nine-judge constitutional bench declaring privacy as a fundamental right in India. A notice was also issued to Google, alleging that it had violated the right to privacy. The companies were also asked to tell the court about important data they were not storing. Since the matter may get too technical, an expert committee has been set up to investigate the matter. These giants share data internally, freely (FB with WhatsApp etc.) without any user's permission. Their entire business model is based on mining data and pushing commercial advertisements. Read more on privacy related issues here | Compilation by PT's IAS Academy, Civils Tapasya Portal
2. Rajasthan clears PPP model in state run schools
(Education)
The Rajasthan government in an attempt to improve the quality of education in government schools was trying to come up with a PPP model since 2015 to allow private players to take over government schools. This has finally been done. First those schools with a sub-par performance will be handed over to private players. The private investor would have to invest Rs.75 lakh to create infrastructure apart from providing teachers and staff for all classes. There will be no additional burden felt by students or parents and all existing benefits will continue like before. While all this may sound like a proactive government trying to solve a big social problem, tough questions need to asked of the thousands of government officers and education department employees as to why they should not take full responsibility for the failure of their work - and then penalised for failure. Compilation by PT's IAS Academy, Civils Tapasya Portal
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3. Data on Accidents out - a crashing tally
(Infrastructure - Roadways)
According to a report titled ‘Road Accidents in India 2016’ by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, 1.51 lakh people died in 4.81 lakh accidents in India in 2016. The total number of accidents have declined by 4.1% but the number of fatalities has gone up by 3%. This suggests that road accidents have become more fatal. Accident severity is measured by number of deaths per 100 accidents. This number has gone up to 31.4 as compared to 29.1 the previous year. 83% of the people dying from accidents belong to the WAP (working age population). This is a big concern as it signifies the loss of an earning member in the family. It was seen that the drivers’ fault was the main reason in 84% of accidents with the main fault being over-speeding. Download PDF reports from our downloads page here (Infrastructure - Roadways tab) | Compilation by PT's IAS Academy, Civils Tapasya Portal
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4. 261 ‘Impactful’ projects identified
(Government schemes)
The Centre and States have collectively identified 261 projects worth Rs.32,600 crore. The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MHUA) has pushed the states to step up implementation of these projects so that visible and transformative impact could be seen in people’s lives. This may be an effort to bring the Smart Cities Mission into highlight in the run up to the May 2019 elections. Only 79 projects with a total budget of Rs.841 crore have been completed so far while another 2014 projects worth Rs.7,963 crore are under implementation since the first list of 20 smart cities came out in January 2016. Read more on government schemes here Compilation by PT's IAS Academy, Civils Tapasya Portal
5. Siachen and Sir Creek
(Indian history)
India’s former Foreign Secretary Shyam Saran recently launched his book “How India Sees the World : Kautilya to the 21st Century” in which he talks about the Siachen and the Sir Creek dispute and how India and Pakistan had come very close to solving these disputes. As per him, India and Pakistan had nearly come to an agreement to demilitarise Siachen in 1989, 1992 and 2006. Another opportunity he says was missed when the Sir Creek problem could have been solved with a solution provided by the Indian Navy based on the 'equidistance principle’. Will make interesting reading for sure. Compilation by PT's IAS Academy, Civils Tapasya Portal
6. India-Sri Lanka conduct joint naval exercise
(Defence and Military)
India and Sri Lanka are conducting the 7th edition of a joint maritime naval exercise called SLINEX (Sri Lanka India Naval Exercise) 2017 from 7-14 September 2017. The aim of this exercise is to reinforce strong ties among the neighbours along with extensive maritime interaction and improved interoperability. The focus areas of the exercise will be fleet work, seamanship, communication, replenishment at sea and helicopter operations. SLINEX is a bilateral maritime exercise between the 2 countries which is conducted every 2 years with a view to enhance maritime security in the region. Read more on such military exercises here, on Indian Paramilitaries here, and on Indian Defence preparedness here | This compilation by Civils Tapasya portal, PT's IAS Academy
7. Brexit story - twists and turns!
(World Politics)
In a latest move regarding Brexit, official documents from the Home Office were leaked to The Guardian newspaper. These documents suggest that in an attempt to ‘take back control’, Britain could introduce a tough visa regime. This move proposes to give the same treatment to EU migrants then as it would give to any other migrants outside of EU. This may include having to seek permission before getting employment, having to give preference to local recruitment, etc. The document also proposes to impose restrictions on migration of families. It must be noted that this proposal is still in a draft stage but has still managed to raise concerns in Europe. Read more on related issues in Brexit, here.
8. UN blames Syrian Government for Sarin chemical attack
(Defence and Military)
The UN COI (Commission on Inquiry) claims to have evidence that the chemical attack (sarin gas) that killed 83 people in Khan Sheikhun, Syria in April 2017 was supported by the Syrian government. Syria has been denying the allegations stating that it had surrendered all its chemical arsenal under a treaty in 2013. The UN COI has also found the Syrian government to be behind 23 more chemical attacks in the country since 2013. The report claims that the Su-22 fighter bombers of the Syrian Airforce were responsible for the attacks on April 4. In Syria, Russia is pitted against the US. Compilation by PT's IAS Academy, Civils Tapasya Portal
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9. Boosting manufacturing and exports
(Indian Economy - Industries and services)
Union Commerce Minister Suresh Prabhu has laid out the following priorities of his ministry - (i) to address the challenge faced by the exporters due to GST (ii) to integrate India’s exports into the global supply chain (iii) to reduce transaction costs of exporters by improving logistics (iv) to bring out an agricultural exports policy (v) increase the share of manufacturing in the GDP by developing a district-wise industrial development plan (vi) to improve India’s economic diplomacy and spur exports and investments. It is worth noting that Indian rupee is at an all-time recent high, and Indian exports have been slowing down consistently since past many quarters. This compilation by Civils Tapasya portal, PT's IAS Academy
10. Essar Oil to invest in UK refinery
(Corporates)
Essar Oil is planning to invest $250 million into its refinery at Stanlow, United Kingdom. This move comes as a positive signal amidst the challenged being face by businesses in the UK like Brexit and the commitment of the government to an electric future for vehicles. With this investment, Essar would be able to increase its annual production to 75 million barrels from the current production of 68 million barrels. It will also help in expanding its basket of crude items and the production of petrochemicals. This compilation by Civils Tapasya portal, PT's IAS Academy
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CIVILS TAPASYA - Quizzes - All govt. examsQ1. When were the first 20 cities of the Smart Cities project announced? Who was the Minister of Urban Development then?(Government schemes, Dynamic)(1) July 2014, PM Narendra Modi himself
(2) January 2015, Venkaiah Naidu
(3) July 2015, Suresh Prabhu
(4) January 2016, Venkaiah Naidu
Q2. Which of the following is the holding company of WhatsApp? Who founded WhatsApp?(Corporates, Dynamic)(1) Alphabet, Larry Page & Jan Koum
(2) Facebook, Brian Acton & Jan Koum
(3) Google, Sergei Brin and Larry Page
(4) Facebook, Brian Acton & Larry PageQ3. Which of the following states has recently come up with a PPP model for government schools? What is PPP?(Education, Dynamic)(1) Gujarat, Public Private Partnership
(2) Madhya Pradesh, Private Profiteering Partnership
(3) Goa, Private People Partnership
(4) Rajasthan, Public Private Partnership
Q4. In which state is Sir Creek located? What is it?(Geography, Static)(1) Punjab, the dividing marshland between the state and Sindh province of Pakistan
(2) Gujarat, the dividing desert line between the state and Sindh province of Pak
(3) Jammu and Kashmir, the dividing mountain valley between the state and Karakoram
(4) Gujarat, the dividing marshland between the state and Sindh province of Pakistan
Q5. When was SLINEX started? Who is the President of the other nation, as on date?(Defence and Military, Static)(1) 2013, Shinzo Abe
(2) 2005, Maithripala Sirisena
(3) 2014, Sheikh Hasina
(4) 2004, Maithripala Sirisena
Q6. Which government has been accused of using chemical weapons in Syria by the UN COI? Who is the US supporting in the ongoing war?(World Politics, Static)(1) Russia, Syrian rebels
(2) USA, ISIS
(3) Iran, Russian rebels
(4) Syria, Syrian rebelsQ7. Who is the minister of Road Transport and Highways in India? Which document did he release recently?(Infrastructure, Dynamic)(1) Nitin Gadkari, Report on Road and Rail Accidents 2016
(2) JP Nadda, Report on Road Accidents 2016
(3) Nitin Gadkari, Report on Road Accidents 2016
(4) Suresh Prabhu, Report on Rail Accidents 2016
Q8. Essar Oil is originally based in which country? Which is the controlling family?(Infrastructure, Dynamic)(1) India, Ruias
(2) USA, Stephensons
(3) Britain, Michales
(4) India, BirlasQ9. Which of the following is the current focus of the Commerce Ministry? What is the usual reason for not allowing agri exports from India?(Indian Economy, Dynamic)(1) Reducing agricultural exports, WTO norms
(2) Increasing agricultural imports, pro farmer policies
(3) Increasing agricultural exports, price control in local markets
(4) Both (1) and (2)
Q10. Who is current the Prime Minister of Britain? What are the two options being discussed as part of Brexit dynamics?(People and personalities, Dynamic)(1) Gordon Brown, Hard and Soft
(2) Theresa May, Soft and Hard
(3) Tony Blair, Temporary and Permanent
(4) Theresa May, Costly and Cheap
ANSWERS TO THE QUIZ
Q1.(4) | Q2.(2) | Q3.(4) | Q4.(4) | Q5.(2) | Q6.(4) | Q7.(3) | Q8.(1) | Q9.(3) | Q10.(2)
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1. Television, Minister, Landing Pages
(Governance and Institutions)
The Information and Broadcasting (I&B) Ministry, headed by Smriti Irani, has requested the Rating agency Broadcast Audience Research Council of India (BARC) to stop producing ratings of TV channels that use landing pages to increase viewership. The landing page is a redirect to a channel which appears on screen the moment the televison is switched on. This issue cropped up between recent sour ties between two news channels. The I&B Ministry has termed the use of landing channels a violation of TRAI regulations. | Compilation by PT's IAS Academy, Civils Tapasya Portal
2. Finally, the NAG missile is on its course!
(Defence and Military)
India’s indigenously developed third generation Anti Tank Guided Missile (ATGM) Nag has been successfully flight tested twice by DRDO. The ATGM Nag missile had successfully hit targets under different ranges and conditions with very high accuracy as desired by the Armed Forces. Unlike previous Aakash missile tests these missiles were highly reliable and accurate. The complete functionality of Nag ATGM along with its launcher system NAMICA (NAG Missile Carrier) has been established. Read more on such military exercises here, on Indian Paramilitaries here, and on Indian Defence preparedness here | This compilation by Civils Tapasya portal, PT's IAS Academy
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3. Water Management in Karnataka
(Infrastructure)
Central Ground Water Board (CGWB), Ministry of Water Resources has signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bangalore for the development of a solid ground water flow model and preparation of aquifer management plans in Karnataka. The study has to be completed within a year and IISc will present an inception report and a final comprehensive report. The inception report will include detailed work plan and timelines specific to the study area. Refer a resource page on Rivers of India and the World, here | Compilation by PT's IAS Academy, Civils Tapasya Portal
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4. Chemical terror attack alert in India!
(Terrorism)
Following certain intelligence inputs that terrorists may launch chemical attacks by releasing toxic gases in aircraft and other modes of public transport, the Union Home Ministry has issued an alert to all states and security agencies to step up frisking and baggage checks at airports, bus stands, and train and metro stations. The MHA alert said the terrorists could adopt chemical warfare capabilities to conduct chemical attacks by creating toxic gases from materials available at hardware store or even simple food material used at home like beverages or household cleaners. The menace of terrorism just doesn't end. Read more on terrorism related issues here | Compilation by PT's IAS Academy, Civils Tapasya Portal
5. Terror funding bank in US shut down
(Terrorism)
US banking regulators ordered Pakistan's Habib Bank to shut down its New York office after nearly 40 years, for repeatedly failing to heed concerns over possible terrorist financing and money laundering. New York regulators said Habib facilitated billions of dollars of transactions with Saudi private bank, Al Rajhi Bank, which reportedly has links to al Qaeda, and failed to do enough to ensure that the funds were not laundered or used for terrorism. Read more on terrorism related issues here | Compilation by PT's IAS Academy, Civils Tapasya Portal
6. Aadhar here, Aadhar there, Aadhar everywhere
(Government schemes)
The government is moving ahead with linking Aadhaar with mobile SIM cards and all unlinked phones will be deactivated after February 2018. Aadhaar mobile linkage is being done as per the orders of Supreme Court passed in February 2017. Biometrics collected should be encrypted by telecom company and sent to UIDAI at that moment itself and any storage of biometric by a service provider is a criminal offence punishable with up to three years of imprisonment under the Aadhaar Act 2016. This will act as a means of identifying and punishing individuals who fake details to gain SIM Cards. How far will the benefits outweigh the costs remains to be seen. Read more here | This compilation by Civils Tapasya portal, PT's IAS Academy
7. Shoot down that UFO, oops, UAV
(Terrorism)
In recent times, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) have become a cause for concern for security agencies. Now, the anti-terror force NSG and security agency CISF may be empowered to shoot down "rogue" low-flying objects like drones and gliders under a new policy which is being finalised. A draft policy on low-flying, pilot-less objects will come up soon to deal with such elements. The policy is being formulated after spotting of several UAVs in airports and national borders, they are hampering air traffic and raising security concern and causing huge monetary and time losses in such a crucial sector. The menace of terrorism just doesn't end. Read more on terrorism related issues here | Compilation by PT's IAS Academy, Civils Tapasya Portal
8. The bullet trains have arrived - PMs Modi and Shinzo Abe to inaugurate
(Infrastructure - Railways)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe will lay the foundation stone for the proposed Ahmedabad-Mumbai High Speed Rail Network, commonly known as the bullet train, on September 14 in Ahmedabad The bullet train, which has a capacity to accommodate 750 people, is expected to reduce travel time between the two cities from seven to three hours. The train will stop at each of the 12 railway stations on the route, but only for 165 seconds. Critics say it will largely benefit Ahmedabad, not Mumbai, and that the cost is not worth it. Compilation by PT's IAS Academy, Civils Tapasya Portal
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9. The middle eastern Qatar-KSA merry-go-round never stops
(Regional Politics)
Saudi Arabia on Saturday suspended any dialogue with Qatar, accusing it of “distorting facts”, just after a report of a phone call between the leaders of both countries suggested a breakthrough in the Gulf dispute. Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman spoke by with Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani when they discussed the dispute, state media from both countries reported. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) has announced the suspension of any dialogue or communication with the authority in Qatar until a clear statement is issued clarifying its position in public. This compilation by Civils Tapasya portal, PT's IAS Academy
10. Dumping China's dumped goods
(Indian Economy)
India has imposed an additional import tax on certain stainless steel flat products from China for five years in order to curb influx of cheaper foreign imports, The government imposed 18.95 percent countervailing duty on some hot-rolled and cold-rolled stainless steel flat products, a first such levy on a steel product. India has previously imposed many anti-dumping duties on import of steel and stainless steel products from China, Japan and South Korea. This is aimed at helping local steel makers benefit when there is surge in imports. This compilation by Civils Tapasya portal, PT's IAS Academy
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CIVILS TAPASYA - Quizzes - All govt. examsQ1. Which of the following statements is true regarding 'TV Landing Pages'?(Science and Technology, Dynamic)(1) TV Landing Pages can be changed by the viewer according to his/her preference
(2) TV Landing Pages are removable according to the wish of the viewer
(3) The Cable Network on which the viewer is accessing the television services has full control on 'TV Landing Pages'
(4) TV Landing Pages has not yet been used by private news channels to increase their viewership
Q2. What is the full form of NAMICA, a tank destroyer built for the Indian army?(Defence and Military, Static)(1) New Anti-Missile Carrier.
(2) Nag Machine Carrier
(3) Nag Missile Carrier
(4) New Anti Machine CarrierQ3. Which of the following is not a problem that UAVs and rogue drones create?(Social Issues, Dynamic)(1) They can violate the security and privacy of individuals or an institution
(2) They can cause loss of a huge amount of money at airports as operations have to be halted under its security threat
(3) They can cause air accidents with birds, Helicopters and even small planes
(4) None of the above
Q4. Which of the following statements is true regarding Aadhar?(Governance and Institutions, Dynamic)(1) Aadhar is a violation of the fundamental Right to Privacy according to the Supreme Court
(2) Aadhar may no longer be attached to other utilities by the government after the Supreme Court decision
(3) Aadhar linking to mobile phone will be made compulsory with a deadline of February 2018
(4) Aadhar scheme has been dissolved after the Supreme Court decision on privacy
Q5. The power of Supreme Court of India to decide the dispute between the centre and states falls under its(Constitution and Law, Static)(1) Advisory jurisdiction
(2) Appellate jurisdiction
(3) Original jurisdiction
(4) Constitutional jurisdiction
Q6. Excise duty is (was) a tax levied on the(Indian Economy, Static)(1) Production of goods in the country.
(2) Export of goods
(3) Import of goods
(4) Sale of goodsQ7. Which of the following is true regarding the recent Gulf Crisis (June 2017)?(World Politics, Dynamic)(1) The Gulf Crisis has ended with Saudi Arabia and its allies formally reigniting its ties with Qatar
(2) Although the Gulf Crisis is still ongoing, many restrictions on Qatar have been uplifted
(3) The United States does not have a role to play in the Gulf Crisis
(4) Saudi Arabia has still stood strong on its ban and has recently reiterated its intentions
Q8. Which one of the following union territories has its territorial areas spread in three states?(Trivia and Miscellaneous, Static)(1) Delhi
(2) Pondicherry
(3) Chandigarh
(4) LakshadeepQ9. When is the International Day for Disaster Reduction celebrated?(United Nations, Static)(1) 5th May
(2) 11th September
(3) 17th March
(4) 13th October
Q10. Which of the following Apps did the ex Union Minister for Urban development and housing M. Venkaiah Naidu launch?(Governance and Institutions, Static)(1) MEAIndia
(2) mKavach
(3) MKisan
(4) MyMSME
ANSWERS TO THE QUIZ
Q1.(3) | Q2.(3) | Q3.(4) | Q4.(3) | Q5.(3) | Q6.(1) | Q7.(4) | Q8.(2) | Q9.(4) | Q10.(4)
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1. Pluto mountains named after Tenzing Norgay, Edmund Hillary
(People and Personalities)
The International Astronomical Union (IAU) has named 2 mountain ranges on the dwarf planet Pluto after mountaineers Tenzing Norgay and Edmund Hillary. These are the first geological features on Pluto to be officially approved by the Working Group for Planetary System Nomenclature of the IAU. Tenzing Montes and Hillary Montes are mountain ranges which honour Tenzing Norgay (1914-1986) the Indian/Nepali Sherpa and Sir Edmund Hillary (1919-2008) the mountaineer from New Zealand who were the first to reach the summit of Mount Everest and return safely. The IAU is the internationally recognised authority for naming celestial bodies and their surface features. Meanwhile, NASA's Cassini planned-crash into Saturn on 11th Sept 2017, completing a fantastic journey beginning 1997 | Compilation by PT's IAS Academy, Civils Tapasya Portal
2. Plan to tackle on-board unruly behaviour - life ban
(Governance and Institutions)
The Ministry of Civil Aviation has issued rules to handle disruptive and unruly passengers on flights. The DGCA (Directorate General of Civil Aviation) revised particular sections of the Civil Aviation Requirement in accordance with the provisions of the Tokyo Convention of 1963. These include (i) formation of a national no-fly list of unruly passengers (ii) dealing of unruly behaviour by relevant security agencies under applicable penal provisions for all carriers, scheduled and non-scheduled, domestic and international (iii) it defines unruly behaviour in 3 categories according to severity (iv) the complaint will have to be filed by the pilot-in-command to an internal committee to be set up by the airline (v) the defines the composition of the internal committee (vi) there is a provision for appeal with the Appellate Committee constituted by the Ministry of Civil Aviation. The Tokyo convention issued a set of international standards to deal with passengers who jeopardised the safety of other fellow passengers and the plane which were effective from 1969 | This compilation by Civils Tapasya portal, PT's IAS Academy
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3. Nag missile finally gets rolling; CAG report debunked
(Defence and Military)
Even as the new Defence Minister rejected the CAG claims regarding fighting capabilities based on ammuniction stock, in a separate development the DRDO successfully tested its indigenous 3rd generation Anti-Tank Guided Missile (ATGM) Nag in Rajasthan. The tests were successful and the missiles showed high accuracy. These tests along with previous tests in June 2017 testify the complete functionality of the both Nag missiles as well as the launching system NAMICA (Nag Missile Carrier). It is one of DRDO’s 5 indigenously developed missile systems along with Agni, Akash, Trishul and Prithvi. Nag is equipped with advanced Imaging Infrared Radar (IRR) seeker and the advanced passing homing guidance system. Only a few countries possess the IRR technology. Nag has a range of 500m to 4 km when launched from land and 7-10 km when launched from air. The purpose of Nag is to destroy battle tanks and other armoured targets. Its helicopter variant is known as HELINA. The Defence Minister's criticism of CAG report has come under criticism from many quarters | Compilation by PT's IAS Academy, Civils Tapasya Portal
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4. Scientists make fuel from air!
(Science and Technology)
Cardiff University scientists have found a new way of making methanol from the air around us. Methanol can be used as an important component of fuel in vehicles. If successfully applicable, this discovery will help in cleaner and greener industrial processes. This is also a very cheap technique as it uses atmospheric air that is freely available, cheap chemicals and the production process of methanol is also very cheap and efficient. The current techniques used for producing methanol (steam reforming and methanol synthesis) are expensive and energy intensive. The new process could allow us to reduce our fossil fuel consumption and thus reduce our carbon footprint. | Compilation by PT's IAS Academy, Civils Tapasya Portal
5. Bharat Petroleum set to become ‘Maharatna’
(Corporates)
BPCL (Bharat Petroleum Corporation) is soon to join the list of top 8 central public sector companies to get the status of ‘Maharatnas' by the government of India. It was a Navratna till now. This move will empower the board of BPCL to have a greater say in taking big decisions in for the company and to expand its operations in both India and abroad. The Navratna scheme was introduced in 1997 to identify PSUs which had the potential to become global giants. The Maharatna scheme was introduced in 2009 to empower big PSUs to become multinational and dominate the global markets. The seven existing Maharatnas are BHEL, CIL, GAIL, IOC, NTPC, ONGC and SAIL. | Compilation by PT's IAS Academy, Civils Tapasya Portal
6. CGWB & IISc join hand to clean underground water
(Environment Ecology and Climate Change)
A Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) has been signed between the Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) and IISc Bangalore to develop ground water models for the state of Karnataka. CGWB is a scientific organisation under the Ministry of Water Resources, River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation which is mandated with the task of developing and disseminating technologies and monitoring and implementing national policies for sustainable development of our ground water. It is a multidisciplinary body which has the responsibility of carrying out scientific study, monitoring ground water regime and managing and regulating it. Other activities undertaken by the CGWB include exploration, assessment, conservation, augmentation and protection of the ground water system from pollutants. | This compilation by Civils Tapasya portal, PT's IAS Academy
7. FAME India Scheme extended
(Indian Politics)
The Faster Adoption and Manufacturing (FAME) - India scheme by the Ministry of Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises has been extended by a period of 6 months till 31st March, 2018. It was launched in 2015 under the National Electric Mobility Mission Plan (NEMMP). Its aim was promoting eco-friendly vehicles in India and providing fiscal and monetary incentives for the adoption and market creation of both hybrid and electric vehicles. Rs 75 crore and Rs 123 crore were allocated in 2016 and 2017 respectively which benefitted around 1.5 lakh electric vehicles in 2 years. The NEMMP 2020 aims to achieve national fuel security in the country by promoting hybrid and e-vehicles. It has a target of 6-7 million sales of e-vehicles to be done every year from 2020 onward. | Compilation by PT's IAS Academy, Civils Tapasya Portal
8. Sahara Forest Project
(Environment Ecology and Climate Change)
A project called the “Sahara Forest Project” was recently launched in Jordan. The aim of the project is to turn Jordan’s sand dunes into farming land to produce food using the Sun and water from the sea. In the first stage, the project will produce 130 tonnes of organic vegetables annually from approximately 4,000 square metres of area. It will also produce fresh water for drinking purpose. Solar panels will be used to generate power. The project will include an outdoor planting space, 2 saltwater-cooled greenhouses, 1 water desalination unit and salt ponds for producing salt. The funders of the project include Norway and the European Union. The project will be be expanded from 3 hectares to 200 hectares of desert. Compilation by PT's IAS Academy, Civils Tapasya Portal
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9. 'Smart' touch to Durga Puja
(Religion)
In an attempt to boost tourism in the state, Kolkata has made a ‘smart’ move ahead of the festive season including Durga Puja on September 26 and the FIFA under-17 World Cup final in October. The Tourism Department of West Bengal has launched a massive campaign to promote the city's brand image at various public places including airports and railway stations. A mobile app has been launched to provide the citizens information about different pandals in the city and locations of high profile durga pujas along with means of getting there as well. This is expected to benefit the tourists immensely and promote tourism in the state. This compilation by Civils Tapasya portal, PT's IAS Academy
10. Nadal wins US open
(Entertainment Games and Sports)
Rafael Nadal beat Kevin Anderson of South Africa in straight sets to win the US Open 2017 grand slam (6-3, 6-3, 6-4). It was Nadal’s 3rd US Open win overall. This takes his tally of all grand slam wins (Australian Open, Roland Garros, Wimbledon, US Open) to 16 (2nd this year). Only Roger Federer beats him on this statistic with 19 grand slam wins under his belt. Rafael Nadal is 31 years old and currently ranked number one in the world followed by Andy Murray and Roger Federer. This compilation by Civils Tapasya portal, PT's IAS Academy
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CIVILS TAPASYA - Quizzes - All govt. examsQ1. Who is the all-time record holder for most wins in men’s Tennis singles Grand Slams?(Entertainment Games and Sports, Dynamic)(1) Roger Federer
(2) Pete Sampras
(3) Andre Agassi
(4) Rafael Nadal
Q2. Where is the FIFA Under-17 WC being held this year?(Entertainment Games and Sports, Dynamic)(1) Russia
(2) London
(3) Tokyo
(4) IndiaQ3. Which country has recently launched the ‘Sahara Forest Project’?(Environment Ecology and Climate Change, Dynamic)(1) Nigeria
(2) Libya
(3) Jordan
(4) Lebanon
Q4. Which Ministry is looking after the FAME-India scheme?(Government schemes, Dynamic)(1) Ministry of Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises
(2) Ministry of Road Transport and Highways
(3) Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change
(4) Ministry of New and Renewable Energy
Q5. The CGWB has tied up with which of the following to reduce groundwater pollution?(Pollution, Dynamic)(1) IIM Ahmedabad
(2) IIT Bombay
(3) IISc Bangalore
(4) IIIT Gwalior
Q6. Which of the following is NOT a Maharatna?(Corporates, Dynamic)(1) NTPC
(2) SAIL
(3) OIL
(4) BHEL
Q7. Which of the following is an anti-tank missile? What is the IGMDP?(Defence and Military, Dynamic)(1) Trishul, Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme
(2) Nag, Integrated Guided Missile Development Process
(3) Akash, Indian Guided Missile Development Programme
(4) Nag, Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme
Q8. Edmund Hillary belonged to which country?(People and Personalities, Static)(1) Britain
(2) Australia
(3) New Zealand
(4) South AfricaQ9. When was the Tokyo Convention signed?(Treaties and Protocols, Static)(1) 1969
(2) 1967
(3) 1965
(4) 1963
Q10. What is the percentage of Oxygen found in air?(Trivia and Miscellaneous, Static)(1) 19%
(2) 21%
(3) 25%
(4) 30%
ANSWERS TO THE QUIZ
Q1.(1) | Q2.(4) | Q3.(3) | Q4.(1) | Q5.(3) | Q6.(3) | Q7.(4) | Q8.(3) | Q9.(4) | Q10.(2)
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1. ‘Historical’ day for North Korea
(World Politics)
Kim Jong-un, the Supreme leader of North Korea, threw a massive celebratory party for his top nuclear scientists and technicians who were instrumental in successfully detonating the Hydrogen bomb earlier this month. This was North Korea’s 6th successful nuclear test. The celebrations were conducted on 9 September which marked the 69th foundation day of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK). Two of the prominent scientists included Ri Hong-sop, head of North Korea’s Nuclear Weapons Institute, and Hong Sung-mu, deputy director of the ruling Workers’ Party of Korea’s munitions industry department. Well, quite a party it must have been, with every participant wondering when he'd meet the shooting squad :) Read more on North Korea related issues here | Compilation by PT's IAS Academy, Civils Tapasya Portal
2. USA wants fresh sanctions on DPRK
(United Nations)
The United States of America has formally asked the United Nations (UN) to impose stricter sanctions on North Korea over the nuclear test and the proclamation of nuclear arms buildup. This move received resistance from China and Russia who say that fresh sanctions should not be rushed into and a dialogue must be opened up with the rogue nation. The proposed US sanctions include oil embargo, freezing of international assets of Kim Jong-un, banning textile exports and punishing guest workers of North Korea by ending their payments. Read more on North Korea related issues here | This compilation by Civils Tapasya portal, PT's IAS Academy
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3. Jaipur burns with fire precipitated from a small incident in Ramganj
(Law and order)
Violence erupted in Jaipur on Friday near Ramganj police station when locals clashed with the police authorities over alleged mishandling of a person by the police. In the clash that ensued, a 24 year old Muslim man called Raees lost his life when the police finally opened fire. A number of government buildings and vehicles were set ablaze. Curfew was imposed in multiple locations and internet services suspended in an attempt to control the violence and normal life got affected. The police along with some NGOs distributed bread and milk to the residents who ran out of supplies because of the curfew. Ramganj has a predominant Muslim population. Various organisation have decided to stage a protest to demand justice for the man who lost his life. | Compilation by PT's IAS Academy, Civils Tapasya Portal
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4. China-Pak Joint Exercise - Shaheen VI
(Defence and Military)
China and Pakistan started their annual joint Air Force exercise on 7 September 2017. It is expected to last till September 27. The exercise is called Shaheen VI in which the PAF (Pakistan Air Force) and the PLAAF (People’s Liberation Army Air Force) participate. This exercise is taking place in China this year and the responsibility of hosting is rotated every year. The Shaheen V was held last year in Pakistan. Pakistani Prime Minister Shahid Khan Abbasi had earlier announced that a Pakistan would be hosting a multi-national air exercise involving personnel from 19 air forces in October. This will be Pakistan’s largest joint air exercise ever. Last year, the PAF had participated in Turkey's Anatolian Eagle and USA’s Red Flag exercises as well. Want to read more on India - China - Pakistan? Click here | Compilation by PT's IAS Academy, Civils Tapasya Portal
5. Trying to resolve exporters' issues - contact@DGFT
(Indian Economy)
The Ministry of Commerce and Industry has launched Contact@DGFT for quick and effective resolution of all issues related to foreign trade of importers and exporters. It is an online service facility activated on the DGFT (Directorate General of Foreign Trade) website. The DGFT is the nodal agency which is responsible for the execution of import and export policies in India and is responsible for formulating foreign trade policy its implementation. Its main objective is to boost India’s exports, which have seen a southward journey since past few quarters. The constantly strengthening rupee has further put tremendous pressure on Indian exporters. Read more on exports here | Compilation by PT's IAS Academy, Civils Tapasya Portal
6. A new fish species discovered - Labeo Filiferus
(Environment Ecology and Climate Change)
A new edible species of freshwater fish was discovered by researchers in Pampa river, Pathanamthitta, Kerala. It is called Labeo Filiferus. Filiferus is a Latin word which refers to a long dorsal fin that can be seen on this fish. The fish has a black body and fins, small eyes with an orange tinge, a long snout, prominent barbels and elongated dorsal and anal fins. It weighs around 5 kgs and is 20-40 cms in length. The genus of this fish is Labeo. Such fish are found in abundance in the inland waterbodies of the Indian subcontinent, Malaysia, tropical Africa and Syria. The most commonly used in aquaculture in India is the Labeo Rohita or the Rohu. | This compilation by Civils Tapasya portal, PT's IAS Academy
7. Project Insight for tackling high value transactions
(Indian Economy - Taxation and revenues)
The Finance Ministry plans to launch ‘Project Insight’ from October 2017 with the objective of being able to monitor all high value transactions and detect those who evade tax, with the help of technology in a non-intrusive manner (unlike search and seizure operations). This move is expected to put a check on black money. The technology partner for the ministry in this initiative would be L&T Infotech Limited. Steps that the government has taken so far to curb black money - 1. Amendment of DTAAs with other countries (Double Tax Avoidance Agreements), 2. Income Disclosure scheme before DeMo, 3. Demonetisation, 4. Operation Clean Money after DeMo, 5. Goods and Services Tax, 6.Project Insight. Read more on Demonetisation here | Compilation by PT's IAS Academy, Civils Tapasya Portal
8. Scrap Article 35 A now - demand refugees from West Pakistan!
(Constitution and Law)
Some refugees from West Pakistan who had migrated to India during the partition have gone to the Supreme Court challenging the validity of Article 35 A of the Constitution which relates to the special rights and privileges of the permanent residents of Jammu and Kashmir. Around 50,000 of them had moved to Kashmir and have been living there since then. Their population has increased to almost 1.25 lakh not. For the past 70 years they have not been recognised as permanent residents of the state and as a result do not have the right to vote, buy property or get government jobs and other benefits that the 'permanent residents' under Article 35 A enjoy. There are ongoing cases pending for hearing before the Supreme Court and it seems that a landmark verdict is going to be delivered soon. | Compilation by PT's IAS Academy, Civils Tapasya Portal
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9. Smart Waterways
(Infrastructure - Shipping and waterways)
Interlinking of rivers as an idea has been floating around since the time of Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru. Every year we see drought and flood affected areas and states haggling over their fare share of water. These problems, it is imagined, can be solved with the interlinking of rivers for which a project of ‘smart waterways’ has been proposed. Under this project, two rivers can be linked by a waterway built on a flat plane which would allow a 2-way flow between rivers. This system would have a number of advantages such as increased and improved irrigation, diversion of flood water to drought stricken areas, bi-directional flow of water, navigation, etc. Some experts have warned that this project will carry a huge cost and untold and unforeseen risks that will be devastating. This compilation by Civils Tapasya portal, PT's IAS Academy
10. Navika Sagar Parikrama - all women crew to conquer the world!
(Defence and Military)
The Defence Minister of India Ms. Nirmala Sitharaman flagged off the 6 member, all-women crew of Navika Sagar Parikrama at the INS Mandovi naval training base near Panaji, Goa. The naval vessel is the INSV Tarini (Indian Naval Sailing Vessel). The Navika Sagar Parikrama is expected to sail the world in 165 days and return in April 2018. The expedition will have layovers at 4 ports, namely Fremantle in Austria, Lyttleton in New Zealand, Port Stanley in the Falkland Islands, and Cape Town in South Africa. The crew will collect data and provide information to the Indian Meteorological Department for accurate weather forecasts and report on pollution in the oceans. It is an environment-friendly expedition as the INSV is a sailing vessels which uses the winds for navigation rather than conventional heavy ship engines. This compilation by Civils Tapasya portal, PT's IAS Academy
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CIVILS TAPASYA - Quizzes - All govt. examsQ1. Which of these is correct?(Defence and Military, Dynamic)(1) The Navika Sagar Parikrama will be done aboard INSV Tarini by an 8 member all female crew of Indian Navy
(2) The Navika Sagarika Parikrama will be done aboard INSV Dharini by a 6 member all female crew of Indian Navy
(3) The Navika Sagar Parikrama will be done aboard INSV Tarini by a 6 member all female crew of Indian Navy
(4) The Navika Sagar Parikrama will be done aboard INSV Tarini by an 8 member all female crew of Indian Navy
Q2. Which of the following is the benefit of linking rivers?(Infrastructure - Shipping and waterways, Dynamic)(1) Improved irrigation
(2) Flood risk mitigation
(3) Navigation
(4) All of theseQ3. Which of the following articles talks about benefits accruing to the permanent residents of the state of Jammu and Kashmir? What are the demands regarding it?(Constitution and Law, Static)(1) Article 35A; that it be scrapped totally keeping in mind Article 370
(2) Article 37B; that it be modified as per changing times
(3) Article 35A; that it be scrapped totally
(4) Article 35A; that is be modified suitably
Q4. As per the government's claims, which of the following initiatives was launched with an attempt to curb black money?(Taxation and revenues, Dynamic)(1) Project Insight
(2) Income Disclosure Scheme
(3) Demonetisation
(4) All of these
Q5. In which state has the Labeo filiferus been discovered in India?(Environment Ecology and Climate Change, Dynamic)(1) Jammu and Kashmir
(2) Punjab
(3) Kerala
(4) Maharashtra
Q6. Who is the Minister of Commerce and industry in India? What is a pressing challenge for the Minister?(People and Personalities, Dynamic)(1) Nirmala Sitharaman; to push up imports
(2) Suresh Prabhu; to push up exports
(3) Nitin Gadkari; to push up imports and reduce exports
(4) Suresh Prabhu; to push up exports and reduce imports
Q7. Which edition of the Shaheen exercise was conducted between Pakistan and China in 2016? Which services of the armed forces were involved?(Defence and Military, Dynamic)(1) Shaheen IV; Army
(2) Shaheen V; Air Force
(3) Shaheen VI; Air Force
(4) Shaheen VII; Army
Q8. Who is the CM of Rajasthan? What was the root cause of conflict in Ramganj in September 2017?(Governance and Institutions, Static)(1) Vasundhra Raje, a minor incident involving police that snowballed later
(2) Vijay Rupani, a demand for separte benefits that went violent
(3) Ashish Gehlot, a call for strike that was suppressed by factory owners
(4) Vasundhara Raje, a minor incident that snowballedQ9. When was DPRK formed? What is the DPRK?(World Politics, Static)(1) 11 September 1948; the Democratic People's Republic of North Korea
(2) 9 September 1951; the Demographic People's Republic of Koreans
(3) 11 September 1947; the Democratic Proletariat Republic of Korea
(4) 9 September 1948; the Democratic People's Republic of Korea
Q10. How many successful nuclear tests has North Korea conducted so far? Which other nation has benefited through black market channels in nuclear technology proliferation with North Korea?(Trivia and Miscellaneous, Static)(1) 3, Uzbekistan
(2) 6, Pakistan
(3) 7, Israel
(4) 5, Pakistan
ANSWERS TO THE QUIZ
Q1.(3) | Q2.(4) | Q3.(3) | Q4.(4) | Q5.(3) | Q6.(2) | Q7.(2) | Q8.(1) | Q9.(4) | Q10.(2)
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1. Dangerous space polluting debris
(Science and Technology - Space technology)
A US-based Aerospace Corporation (funded by NASA) is developing an ultra-thin flexible membrane which could be used to collect all the space debris that floats in the earth’s orbit endangering satellites and astronauts. It is called the Brane Craft and is a spacecraft consisting of a membrane with a thickness less than that of a human hair. It will drag the junk through the atmosphere and consequently burn it up. There are estimated to be more than 50,000 pieces of debris that are floating in the earth’s orbit at over 25,000 km/h and are a potential threat to satellites and astronauts. A Russian satellite called Blits had reported damage due to debris in 2007. | Compilation by PT's IAS Academy, Civils Tapasya Portal
2. RBI Paper on Farm loan waivers warns governments
(Governance and Institutions)
RBI warns the Central and State governments that the farm loan waiver of Rs.88,000 crore to be given in 7 states can push inflation to permanently higher levels. According to a paper issued by RBI, an increase of 0.2% may be seen permanently in the inflation levels. Farm loan waivers also have other drawbacks such as : 1. disrupting the credit culture, 2. such economic shocks have a prolonged impact on market borrowings, 3. lead to fiscal burden and indiscipline, 4. does not include all those who need the loans and suffers from inclusion-exclusion errors. Download the RBI September Monthly bulletin 2017 from our Downloads Section and read all about it. | This compilation by Civils Tapasya portal, PT's IAS Academy
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3. FSSAI launches FoSCoRIS for online food safety processes
(Governance and Institutions)
A nationwide online platform called FoSCoRIS (Food Safety Compliance through Regular Inspections and Sampling) has been launched by the FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India) to bring transparency in food safety inspection and sampling. The platform will help in verifying compliance of food safety and hygiene standards by food businesses, bring in transparency and bring together all stakeholders, viz. businesses, safety officers, etc on a national platform. The FSSAI works under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and was established under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. | Compilation by PT's IAS Academy, Civils Tapasya Portal
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4. Global Financial Centres - latest list 2017
(World Economy)
The Global Financial Centres Index (GFCI) 2017 was released by the Z/Yen and China Development Institute. It ranks the competitiveness of financial centres based on various aggregate parameters from five different areas viz. business environment, financial sector development, infrastructure factors, human capital, reputation, general factors. The top 10 cities according to the index are - 1. London, 2. New York, 3. Singapore, 4. Hong Kong, 5. Tokyo, 6. San Francisco, 7. Chicago, 8. Sydney, 9. Boston, and 10. Toronto. It is worth noting that Indian government has been working to have at least one Indian city included in this list through reforms and ease of doing business, but so far we have failed. Download the Global Financial Centres Index 2017 report from our Downloads Section and read all about it. | Compilation by PT's IAS Academy, Civils Tapasya Portal
5. Govt. reconstitutes Six committees of the Cabinet
(Indian Politics)
Following the rejig of cabinet ministers in August (see entire Cabinet Chart here), six cabinet committees have been reconstituted. The Cabinet Committees are constituted under the India Transaction of Business Rules, 1961 and are extra-constitutional in nature, i.e. not mentioned in the Constitution. The 6 committees are - 1. Appointment Committee of the Cabinet (ACC), 2. Cabinet Committee on Accommodation (CCA), 3. Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), 4. Cabinet Committee on Parliamentary Affairs (CCPA), 5. Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs (CCPA), and 6. Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS). All Cabinet Committees are chaired by the Prime Minister, except the Cabinet Committee on Parliamentary Affairs which is chaired by the Home Minister. | Compilation by PT's IAS Academy, Civils Tapasya Portal
6. Tougher Sanctions Against North Korea
(United Nations)
The UNSC (United Nations Security Council) has unanimously adopted fresh sanctions against North Korea over its sixth and most powerful nuclear test yet which is claimed to be a Hydrogen bomb. The sanctions include (a) a ban on export of textiles, which are North Korea’s second biggest export item, (b) restrictions on the import of crude oil, (c) overseas employment opportunities for North Koreans limiting tax revenue of over $500 million per year. It is the ninth such sanction resolution passed by the UNSC against North Korea since 2006 when the country conducted its first successful nuclear test. | This compilation by Civils Tapasya portal, PT's IAS Academy
7. Payment of Gratuity (Amendment) Bill, 2017
(Government Schemes)
The Cabinet has given its approval for introducing the Payment of Gratuity (Amendment) Bill, 2017 in the Parliament. This would increase the maximum limit of gratuity of employees, in both the private and public sector who are not covered under CCS (Pension) Rules (Central Civil Services), at par with Central Government employees. The Payment of Gratuity Act, 1972 was introduced to provide social security to employees after retirement, whatever be the reason of retirement. The upper cap on gratuity amount is Rs 10 lakh currently. The 7th Pay Commission has increased the cap for government employees to Rs 20 lakh. Therefore the government is making an amendment to bring those who are not covered under CCS at par with the Central government employees. | Compilation by PT's IAS Academy, Civils Tapasya Portal
8. Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited gets into Tower action
(Corporates)
BSNL is planning to monetise its tower telecom infrastructure by hiving off its mobile tower assets into a separate subsidiary company. This would have multiple benefits. It would mean higher revenues for BSNL as it owns about 66,000 of 4.42 lakh mobile towers in India and will now be able to generate money through them. At the same time, this will help other telecom operators achieve economies of scale and reducing capital investment costs. The subsidiary company will now own BSNL’s passive infrastructure assets such as mobile towers, diesel generator sets, power interface units, air conditioning units, etc. which it will be able to share with other mobile service providers as per the regulations of the Department of Telecom (DoT). | Compilation by PT's IAS Academy, Civils Tapasya Portal
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9. Survey of Sedimentary Basins of India
(Science and Technology - Modern technologies)
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has given its nod for a project to acquire 48,243 Line Kilometre of 2D seismic data for assessing the sedimentary basins where sufficient data is not available. This project would help to increase domestic oil and gas production.The implementation of this project will be done by the National Oil Companies (NOCs) like Oil India Ltd (OIL), ONGC (Oil and Natural Gas Corporation). The budget of the project is Rs.5 crores, to be spent over the next 5 years. This will also generate a lot of skilled and unskilled employment for support services. A sedimentary basin is a low area of the earth which is formed by long term subsidence and allows the filling-in of sediments into it over time. As the sediments are buried, the pressure increases and over a long period of time, these are converted into rich oil reserves. This compilation by Civils Tapasya portal, PT's IAS Academy
10. GoM and Committee on Exports
(Indian Economy - GST)
TA Group of Ministers (GoM) with Bihar Deputy CM Sushil Kumar Modi as its convenor has been constituted in order to monitor and resolve the IT challenges that stand in the way of GST implementation. A Committee on Exports headed by Revenue Secretary HasmukhAdhia has also been set up to explore the issues of the export sector and give recommendations to the GST Council regarding exports in the post-GST environment. Both these committees have been set up by the Finance Minister in pursuance of the decision taken at the 21st meeting of the GST Council on 9 September 2017 at Hyderabad. This compilation by Civils Tapasya portal, PT's IAS Academy
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CIVILS TAPASYA - Quizzes - All govt. examsQ1. Who is the Revenue Secretary of India? Which Ministry does he come under?(Indian Economy, Dynamic)(1) Hasmukh Adhia, Revenue Ministry
(2) Rajiv Mehrishi, Commerce Ministry
(3) Hasmukh Adhia, Finance Ministry
(4) TCA Anant, Industry Ministry
Q2. Which of the following is not a member of the UN Security Council? Who is the present UN Secretary General?(United Nations, Static)(1) Russia, Roberto Azevedo
(2) France, António Guterres
(3) Germany, António Guterres
(4) Italy, Roberto AzevedoQ3. Which of the following is being developed to control space pollution? Which satellite recently "crashed" into Saturn? (September 2017)(Science and Technology, Dynamic)(1) Brane Craft, Cassandra
(2) Membrane Craft, Aryabhatt
(3) Space Craft, NASA
(4) Brane Craft, Cassini
Q4. According to a recent paper by the RBI, what is the expected permanent rise in inflation in India due to farm loan waivers? Who is the deputy governor of RBI dealing with NPAs actively?(Government schemes, Dynamic)(1) 0.2%, Viral Acharya
(2) 0.5%, Raghuram Rajan
(3) 1%, Urjit Patel
(4) 2%, Viral Acharya
Q5. Under which of the following ministries does the FSSAI operate?(Social Issues - Consumerism, Dynamic)(1) Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare
(2) Ministry to Food Processing Industries
(3) Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
(4) It functions independently
Q6. Which country topped the list of Global Financial Centres Index 2017? What factors make a city a global financial centre?(World Economy, Dynamic)(1) Mumbai; Size, scale, freedom, government support, linkages
(2) New York; ; Size, scale, global integration, govt. support, talent availability
(3) Hong Kong; Size, scale, global integration, ease of doing business, govt. support
(4) London; Size, scale, global integration, ease of doing business, govt. support
Q7. Which of the following is NOT headed by the Prime Minister? Who heads that?(Governance and Institutions, Dynamic)(1) Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs (CCPA); Finance Minister
(2) Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA); Home Minister
(3) Cabinet Committee on Parliamentary Affairs; Home Minister
(4) All are headed by the PM
Q8. Approximately how many mobile towers are there in India? How many of them belong to BSNL?(Corporates, Dynamic)(1) 20 lakh; 10 lakh
(2) 10 lakh; 1 lakh
(3) 5 lakh; 70,000
(4) 1 lakh; 20,000Q9. Which of the following is the most recent Pay Commission? Who headed it?(Commissions and Authorities, Static)(1) 7th Pay Commission; Retd. Justice Prem Mathur
(2) 6th Pay Commission; ; Retd. Justice Ashok Kumar Mathur
(3) 7th Pay Commission; ; Retd. Justice Ashok Kumar Mathur
(4) 8th Pay Commission; Retd. Justice Ashok Jain
Q10. Which of the following contribute to formation of fossil fuels?(Energy - Fossil fuels, Static)(1) Time
(2) Heat
(3) Pressure
(4) All of these
ANSWERS TO THE QUIZ
Q1.(3) | Q2.(3) | Q3.(4) | Q4.(1) | Q5.(3) | Q6.(4) | Q7.(3) | Q8.(3) | Q9.(3) | Q10.(4)
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1. The pigs pollution crisis of China
(Environment Ecology and Climate Change - Pollution)
300 tonnes of diseased pig carcasses have been found buried on the outskirt of the city of Huzhou in the eastern province of Zhejiang during an inspection. Whistleblowers had alarmed the authorities of suspicious activity, and residents had been complaining of a rancid and mysterious stench lingering. This incident along with many others similar have thrown light on the terrible environmental conditions prevalent in China, feted for its breakneck economic growth. Burials like these cause severe pollution of not only the soil and rivers but also underground water and air pollution. Activists in China say that the condition of water and soil pollution is as bad as that of air pollution if not more. | Compilation by PT's IAS Academy, Civils Tapasya Portal
2. Namami Gange flowing fast - yet again!
(Government schemes)
The Namami Gange Project has signed an MoU with students of Uttarakhand based Hemawati Nandan Bahuguna Garhwal University for the conservation of Ganges. The University will conduct activities such a seminars, conferences, gatherings, etc. and make a pitch for public outreach and community participation. The Namami Gange programme was started by the Union Government in May 2015, and aims at interception, diversion and treatment of wastewater flowing through the open drains through bioremediation, in situ treatment or new technologies. The progress so far has been patchy and not upto the mark, leading to change of guard in the Ministry also. | This compilation by Civils Tapasya portal, PT's IAS Academy
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3. Focussing on Sir Creek's security aspects
(Defence and Military)
Raksha Mantri Nirmala Sitharaman has called Sir Creek “very important” for national security and particularly for Gujarat. Sir Creek is a 96 km long strip of water in the marshlands of the Rann of Kutch. This was also a bone of contention in the 1965 Indo-Pak war. It was originally called Ban Ganga but the name was changed after a British official later. It roughly forms the border between Gujarat and the Sindh province of Pakistan. Pakistan claims Sir Creek to be in Sindh and that the border is marked by its eastern boundary. India claims the border lying in the middle of the river channel. It is of strategic importance to both Pakistan and India. | Compilation by PT's IAS Academy, Civils Tapasya Portal
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4. NASA’s Cassini completes last flyby of Saturn’s moon Titan
(Science and Technology)
Launched on October 15, 1997, the Cassini mission is coming to an end. It was a collaboration between NASA, ESA (European Space Agency) and the Italian Space Agency. The Cassini-Huygens was an unmanned spacecraft that went to Saturn making it the 4th space probe to visit the planet and the 1st to enter orbit. Huygens refers to the lander which landed on Saturn’s moon Titan in 2005 making it the first ever landing in the outer Solar System. The Cassini has recently completed its last flyby of Titan as the space probe is all set to enter Saturn’s atmosphere and disintegrate, not before relaying as much information, about Saturn’s interior to the earth, as it can. | Compilation by PT's IAS Academy, Civils Tapasya Portal
5. Bengaluru named among world’s top 25 High-Tech cities
(Indian Economy)
Bengaluru moves up to rank 19 from 49 last year in the top 25 high-tech cities of the world in a survey conducted by research firm 2thinknow. It rates cities on the basis of 10 factors like patents per capita, startups, tech venture capitalists, ranking in other innovation datasets, smartphone penetration. Influx of IT companies and growing digital population of Bangalore contributed to the improved rankings. San Francisco or the 'Silicon Valley’ is ranked 1 on the list. Some other cities in the top 10 are London (3), Los Angeles (4), Seoul (5), Taipei, Boston, Singapore, Toronto, Chicago. | Compilation by PT's IAS Academy, Civils Tapasya Portal
6. Operation Insaniyat
(Citizenship and immigration)
The Indian Ministry of External Affairs launched Operation Insaniyat to provide relief to Rohingya refugees. The Indian Air Force (IAF) is airlifting relief material and delivering it to Chittagong in Bangladesh. The plane being used is the C-17 Globemaster and the relief in the first plane includes 55 tons of critical daily necessities like rice, pulses, sugar, salt, cooking oil, ready to eat meals, mosquito nets etc. The relief will be provided in multiple consignments. The violence had started when Rohingya Muslims from the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (Harakat al-Yakeen) attacked police posts in Rakhine in Myanmar. | This compilation by Civils Tapasya portal, PT's IAS Academy
7. UGC rolls out application process
(Education)
The University Grants Commission (UGC) has rolled out an application process for higher education institutions and universities who seek ‘institutes of eminence’ status. This is being done with an aim of bringing top Indian universities in the global top 500 and top 100 rankings soon. The aim is grant 20 institutions (10 public and 10 private) this status and the opportunity to become world class institutions. The 10 public institutions will additionally be given Rs.10,000 crore over a period of 10 years. The UGC is a statutory body under the HRD Ministry and was set up under the UGC Act of 1956. | Compilation by PT's IAS Academy, Civils Tapasya Portal
8. Mouse Deer reintroduced in Telangana forest
(Environment Ecology and Climate Change)
8 Mouse Deers (2 males, 6 females) have been reintroduced in the Nallamalla forests in Amrabad Tiger Reserve (bred at Nehru Zoological Park, Hyderabad) by the Telangana forest department. A breeding programme for the conservation of mouse deer was ongoing since 2010 at the Nehru Zoological Park in collaboration with LaCONES (Laboratory for Conservation of Endangered Species) of the CCMB (Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology) and the Central Zoo Authority, Delhi. The total population of this endangered species has been raised to 172. The Mouse Deer is also known as the Spotted Chevrotain and looks like a mixture of mouse, deer and pig. It belongs to the Tragulidae family and is nocturnal. Found in deciduous and evergreen forests in India. Endangered due to poaching and habitat destruction. | Compilation by PT's IAS Academy, Civils Tapasya Portal
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9. India - Japan coming closer - string of MoUs
(Indian Politics)
During Japan’s PM Shinzo Abe’s recent India visit, 15 MoUs were signed between India and Japan to promote bilateral cooperation in areas like investment promotion, civil aviation, science and tech, etc. Following are some of the important ones - MoU on International Academic and Sports Exchange, on International Academic and Sports Exchange, Exchange of RoD on Civil Aviation Cooperation (Open Sky), MOC between Ministry of Home Affairs and Cabinet Office of Japan, India-Japan Investment Promotion Road map between DIPP and METI, between DBT and National Institute of Advanced Science & Technology (AIST), Arrangement between India Post and Japan Post for the Implementation of Cool EMS service, between RIS and IDE-JETRO for promotion of Cooperation in Research Related Activities, MOC between METI and Gujarat on ‘Japan-India special programme for Make In India’ in Mandal Bechraj-Khoraj in Gujarat, India-Japan Act East Forum: To enhance connectivity and promote developmental projects in North East India in efficient and effective manner, Joint Research Contract India’s Department of Biotechnology (DBT) and between National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science & Technology (AIST), Japan, Agreement for International joint exchange programme between interdisciplinary theoretical and mathematical sciences programme, RIKEN and National Centres for Biological Sciences. This compilation by Civils Tapasya portal, PT's IAS Academy
10. Global Human Capital Index Rankings
(Social Issues)
The Global Human Capital Index ranks 130 countries based on their ability to nurture, develop and deploy human capital for economic growth. This is done across 4 dimensions and 5 age classes on a scale of 0 to 100. It assesses the progress within countries and highlights the potential opportunities for learning and exchange. The 4 dimensions are – (1) Capacity (investment in formal education), (2) Deployment (accumulation of skills), (3) Development (reselling and up-skilling), (4) Know-how (specialised skills). The top 3 countries in GHCI 2017 were Norway (1), Finland (2), Switzerland (3). India ranked 103 in 2017, 2 places up from 2016. Download the report from our Downloads page. This compilation by Civils Tapasya portal, PT's IAS Academy
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CIVILS TAPASYA - Quizzes - All govt. examsQ1. When was the Namami Gange Project launched?(Indian Politics, Static)(1) May 2015
(2) June 2014
(3) May 2014
(4) June 2016
Q2. Sir Creek is under dispute between India and which other country?(Defence and Military, Static)(1) China
(2) Portugal
(3) Pakistan
(4) BangladeshQ3. Which of these is the largest moon in the solar system? Which planet does it orbit?(Science and Technology, Static)(1) Titan, Saturn
(2) Ganymede, Jupiter
(3) Titan, Jupiter
(4) Ganymede, Saturn
Q4. Which city is popularly called the ‘Silicon Valley’? Why?(World Economy, Static)(1) New York, due to the use of silicon in computer chips that the fortune of the city is built upon
(2) Chicago, due to silicon chips and computers
(3) Detroit, due to silicon chips used in automobiles
(4) San Francisco, due to the hugely successful computer industry, that uses silicon in the chips
Q5. Which of the following have been launched to provide relief to the Rohingya by India?(Social Issues, Dynamic)(1) Operation Sahara
(2) Operation Raahat
(3) Operation Vijay
(4) Operation Insaniyat
Q6. Which of the following does the UGC function under?(Education, Dynamic)(1) Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
(2) Ministry of Commerce and Industry
(3) Ministry of Higher Education and Training
(4) Ministry of Human Resource Development
Q7. Which country topped the Global Human Capital Index Rankings for 2017?(Social Issues, Dynamic)Q8. What is the meaning of the Japanese word "Shinkansen" used for Bullet Train?(Infrastructure, Dynamic)(1) original Japanese train
(2) extremely efficient and very fast train
(3) very fast train
(4) new trunk lineQ9. Where is the Amrabad Tiger Reserve located?(Commissions and Authorities, Static)(1) Karnataka
(2) Andhra Pradesh
(3) Telangana
(4) Odisha
Q10. Several tonnes worth of pig carcasses discovered buried in China’s Huzhou cause which type of pollution?(Environment Ecology and Climate Change, Dynamic)(1) Air
(2) Soil
(3) Water
(4) All of these
ANSWERS TO THE QUIZ
Q1.(1) | Q2.(3) | Q3.(2) | Q4.(4) | Q5.(4) | Q6.(4) | Q7.(1) | Q8.(4) | Q9.(3) | Q10.(4)
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1. PV Sindhu's winning streak continues!
(Entertainment Games and Sports)
PV Sindhu became the first Indian to win the Korean Super Series making it her third Super Series title. She beat Nozomi Okuhara (world no. 7) of Japan in the final. PV Sindhu is currently ranked no. 4 in the world. She had won the China Super Series and India Super Series prior to this. PV Sindhu was conferred the Padma Shri in 2015 (India’s 4th highest civilian honour). She won the Olympic Silver in women’s singles in the 2016 Rio Olympics. | Compilation by PT's IAS Academy, Civils Tapasya Portal
2. ATAGS - Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System - successfully tested
(Defence and Military)
The ATAGS (Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System) - an indigenous artillery gun has set a new world record in the Pokhran test firing range. It was developed by the DRDO along with a private sector consortium consisting of Bharat Forge Limited of Kalyani Group, Tata Power Strategic Engineering Division and Mahindra Defence Naval System and the Ordnance Factory Board. The ATAGS struck targets successfully at 48.074 kilometres, making a world record. Special HE-BB ammunition (High Explosive - Base Bleed) developed by the Kalyani Group was used. The ATAGS is a 155 mm 52 caliber gun and was made as a part of the Army’s artillery modernisation programme. Read more India's military exercises here, on Indian Paramilitaries here, and on Indian Defence preparedness here | This compilation by Civils Tapasya portal, PT's IAS Academy
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3. Alang Sosiya ship-recycling yards - India Japan deal signed
(Infrastructure - Shipping and waterways)
A $76 million loan deal has been signed between the JICA (Japan International Cooperation Agency) and India to upgrade the environment management plan at the Alang-Sosiya ship recycling yards. The total cost of the project will be $111 million of which $76 would be provided as soft loan from JICA. The execution of the project will be undertaken by the Gujarat Maritime Board and the expected year of completion is 2022. This would bring the Alang-Sosiya ship-recycling yards at par with international safety and environment regulation standards, attract more business, increase employment. Alang is located on the south-eastern coast of Bhavnagar district in Gujarat opening into the Gulf of Khambhat. Read a full report on Shipping statistics and Ports of India here | Compilation by PT's IAS Academy, Civils Tapasya Portal
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4. Supreme Court bats for open air jails
(Constitution and Law - Jurisprudence)
The Supreme Court (SC) has issued a number of directions to improve the inhumane conditions prevailing in over 1,400 jails in India while hearing a 2013 PIL (Public Interest Litigation). These directions include appointing counsellors, providing medical assistance, training and sensitising programmes for police officials, etc. Prison management falls under the domain of the state government as per the 7th Schedule of the Constitution. Indian prisons suffer from overcrowding, understaffing and underfunding which translate to poor living conditions for the inmates. Jail statistics (2015): Total number of jails in India - 1,401, Total capacity - 3,66,781, Total inmates on 31.12.15 - 4,19,623 (95.7% male) (67.2% under-trials), Occupancy rate - 114.4% (down from 118.4% in 2013). Read more on judiciary related topics here | Compilation by PT's IAS Academy, Civils Tapasya Portal
5. Manmohan Panel on resolving the Kashmir issue
(Indian Politics)
India’s former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh is heading the Opposition Congress’s J&K policy and planning panel. On his 2-day visit to Srinagar, a majority of the 1,200 delegates he met sought his intervention for resolution of the Kashmir issue. They pointed out to Congress’s earlier initiatives like working groups, interlocutors, and talks with President Parvez Musharraf but said that it always lacked follow-up. The Congress has welcomed talks with all stakeholders including the separatist Hurriyat Conference. Read more on Kashmir issue here | Compilation by PT's IAS Academy, Civils Tapasya Portal
6. India and Japan come closer to counter BRI/OBOR and open up Asia-Pacific
(World Politics)
India and Japan have recently signed an MoU to set up the India-Japan Act East Forum which is made by linking India’s Act East Policy and Japan’s Free and Open Asia-Pacific Strategy. This move is another attempt at consolidating Indo-Japanese relations and undermining China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). This project will enhance connectivity in the north-eastern states of India which form the gateway to ASEAN for India and boost regional connectivity and economic development. India will receive a loan of Rs. 2,239 crores for the North East Road Network Connectivity Improvement Project. Japan is one of the few countries that is allowed presence in the sensitive region of the 7 north-eastern sister states, much to the chagrin of China. Read more on India's international relations, here | This compilation by Civils Tapasya portal, PT's IAS Academy
7. Assam government on a social mode
(Social Issues - Gender inequality)
The state government of Assam has passed the ‘Population and Women Empowerment Policy of Assam’ resolution. It entails a strict 2-child policy for government servants and the elected or nominated members of panchayats and other statutory bodies stressing on women empowerment and awareness. It seeks to empower women and check the increasing demographic changes and pressure on the limited resources. The Assam State Capital Region Development Authority Bill (ASCRDA) Bill 2017 has also been passed by the state legislature to form a state capital region including Guwahati and peripheral areas just like the NCR (National Capital Region) of Delhi. This has been done to improve administration in the region. | Compilation by PT's IAS Academy, Civils Tapasya Portal
8. Good news for the Snow Leopard!
(Environment Ecology and Climate Change)
The Snow Leopard found in the Himalayas has been shifted from the ‘endangered’ to the ‘vulnerable’ category by the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature). For a species to be classified as ‘endangered', there must be less than 2,500 mature animals declining at a high rate. A ‘vulnerable’ species has less than 10,000 animals with a rate of decline of at least 10% over 3 generations. The snow leopard still faces threats from poaching, climate change and habitat destruction. | Compilation by PT's IAS Academy, Civils Tapasya Portal
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9. Huge gold imports into India have the government worried
(Indian Politics)
Gold imports in India have increased more than three times to $15.24 billion ahead of the festive season during the April-August period. These stood at $5.08 billion during the same period last year. Gold imports have a bearing on India’s CAD (Current Account Deficit) since foreign exchange flows out of the country. It affects the exchange rate of the currency as well. India is the world’s second largest consumer of gold after China. Most of Indian gold imports cater to the needs of the jewellery industry. There also is speculation that gold is being used to park black money and cash that has become difficult to hold post-demonetisation and even post-GST. This compilation by Civils Tapasya portal, PT's IAS Academy
10. Aabha Hanjura in Kashmir
(Society and Culture)
Aabha Hanjura of the ‘Sufistication’ band performed live in front of the Dal Lake in Kashmir, uniting Kashmiri Pandits and Muslims of the Valley in the process. Her concert ‘Saaz-e- Kashmir’ was attended by over 2,000 people. She herself is a Kashmiri Pandit and wants to bring about peace in the Valley through her music and put Kashmir on the global map. She mixes folk Kashmiri songs in Western style music and creates foot tapping rhythms that attract a lot of Kashmiri youth. One of her latest hits called ‘Hukkus Bukkus’ is Kashmir’s famous ballad by the same name. This compilation by Civils Tapasya portal, PT's IAS Academy
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CIVILS TAPASYA - Quizzes - All govt. examsQ1. Which of the following are the world’s top consumers of gold? Which is the top gold producing nation?(World Economy, Dynamic)(1) India and China, India
(2) USA and India, USA
(3) China and India, China
(4) South Africa and China, China
Q2. In which of the following categories will the Himalayan Snow Leopard fall as per IUCN?(Environment Ecology and Climate Change, Dynamic)(1) Threatened
(2) Endangered
(3) Vulnerable
(4) Least ConcernQ3. Which are the capital cities of Assam, Mizoram and Tripura, respectively?(Science and Technology, Static)(1) Dispur, Aizawl, Imphal
(2) Gangtok, Aizawl, Dispur
(3) Dispur, Aizawl, Agartala
(4) Dispur, Aizawl, Kohima
Q4. Which Congress leader led panel is proposing to open up dialogue with all stakeholders in Kashmir? What complaint have the cross-border barter traders lodged with the government of India recently?(Indian Politics, dynamic)(1) Ghulam Nabi Azad; that they are being not paid GST refunds in time
(2) Manmohan Singh; that their barter trade is suffering due to GST
(3) Manmohan Singh; that the NIA is troubling them regularly and unnecessarily
(4) P Chidambaram; that their prices are no longer competitive due to GST
Q5. Approximately what percentage of the prison inmates in India are under-trials?(Constitution and Law, Dynamic)(1) 67%
(2) 50%
(3) 33%
(4) 10%
Q6. Where is the Alang-Sosiyaship recycling yard located? What is ship-breaking?(Indian Economy, Dynamic)(1) Rajasthan; removing parts from ships by stealing and pilfering
(2) Gujarat; salvaging value of old ships by trading up
(3) Tamil Nadu; removing parts from ships wrecked in accidents
(4) Gujarat; salvaging remaining value from various parts of a now useless ship
Q7. Which Super Series title did PV Sindhu recently win?(Entertainment Games and Sports, Dynamic)(1) Korean Super Series
(2) China Super Series
(3) India Super Series
(4) Beijing Super Series
Q8. What is the approximate range of the ATAGS (Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System)?(Defence and Military, Dynamic)(1) 40 kms
(2) 60 kms
(3) 90 kms
(4) 100 kmsQ9. Which of the following is not a part of ASEAN?(Treaties and Protocols, Dynamic)(1) Brunei
(2) Cambodia
(3) Papua New Guinea
(4) Myanmar
Q10. Who was the King of Kashmir right before its integration into India? What document did he sign?(People and Personalities, Dynamic)(1) Ranbir Singh; instrument of accession
(2) Hari Singh; instrument of accession
(3) Rajnath Singh; instrument of suzerainty
(4) Hari Singh; accession to the dominion of India under the suzerain power of Crown
ANSWERS TO THE QUIZ
Q1.(3) | Q2.(3) | Q3.(3) | Q4.(3) | Q5.(1) | Q6.(4) | Q7.(1) | Q8.(1) | Q9.(3) | Q10.(2)
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1. Astra Missile - a potent one!
(Defence and Military)
Successful trials were conducted of the BVRAAM (Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Missile) "Astra" by the Indian Air Force (IAF) off the cost of Chandipur (Odisha) in the Bay of Bengal. The Astra is an indigenously developed missile system developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). It can engage targets in short-range mode upto 20 kms and head-on mode upto 80 kms. Its top speed in Mach 4 (4 times the speed of sound ~ 1350 m per second). It is capable of integration into all fighter aircraft currently in use by the IAF, viz. Sukhoi-30 MKI, Mirage-2000, MiG-29, Jaguar, Tejas LCA (Light Combat Aircraft). Read more India's military exercises here, on Indian Paramilitaries here, and on Indian Defence preparedness here | Compilation by PT's IAS Academy, Civils Tapasya Portal
2. Shinzo Abe for snap elections in Japan to consolidate his position
(World Politics)
Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is looking to call snap elections in Japan in October 2017. This would allow him to consolidate his power by taking advantage of his improved political position and capitalising on the opposition party's disarray. What is a snap election? When elections are called earlier than expected, and are not mandated by law or convention, they are called snap elections. They are usually conducted to take advantage of a favourable political situation or to decide on a contentious issue. Japan has witnessed his special brand of deflation-busting economic moves called "Abenomics" which has shown some positive results. | This compilation by Civils Tapasya portal, PT's IAS Academy
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3. Judges appointment issue in High Courts
(Constitution and Law)
Six High Courts (HCs) in India viz. Calcutta, Delhi, Himachal, Jharkhand, Manipur and Telangana and Andhra Pradesh do not have Chief Justices (CJs) and have been like that for the past several months. At least four CJs of other HCs are due to retire in 2017. Acting CJs have been made to take over the responsibility as a temporary measure. Judicial vacancies in the Indian HCs stand at 413 out of the approved strength of 1,079 in all the 24 HCs on September 1, 2017. This means a vacancy rate of over 38.2%. After the NJAC controversy, the government and Supreme Court had been locked in a legal tussle, which still is not fully resolved. Read more on such constitutional and legal issues here | Compilation by PT's IAS Academy, Civils Tapasya Portal
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4. India’s Forex Reserves touch a record high
(Indian Economy - Features of Indian economy)
India’s reserves of foreign exchange have crossed the $400 billion mark for the first time according to the Reserve Bank of India. This brings India to the 6th position in the world in terms of forex reserves after China ($3,053 bn), Japan ($1,188 bn), Switzerland ($743 bn), Saudi Arabia ($489 bn), Taiwan ($441 bn). India’s forex basket includes FCAs (Foreign Currency Assets), Gold, SDRs (Special Drawing Rights) and RBI’s reserve position with the IMF. Most of it is in the form of FCAs. Break-up: FCAs $376.2 bn, Gold $20.69 bn, SDRs $1.52 bn, IMF Reserves $2.3 bn. Read more about Indian economy related issues here | Compilation by PT's IAS Academy, Civils Tapasya Portal
5. Hamas ready to hold polls in Gaza
(Terrorism)
The Islamic Resistance Movement of Palestine (a Sunni-Islamic fundamentalist organization) Hamas's chief Ismail Haniya has announced that it was ready to resolve a decade-long dispute with Palestinian President Mahmud Abbas’s Fatah and dissolve its ‘administrative committee’ (seen as a rival government) and hold fresh elections. Hamas leaders had engaged in talks with Egyptian leaders and the Gaza Strip run by Palestinian islamist movement, in the previous week. Hamas has agreed to the main demand made by the Fatah such as dissolving the administrative committee, ordering fresh elections and forming a unity government in the region. Read more on Israel related issues here, and on Terrorism here | Compilation by PT's IAS Academy, Civils Tapasya Portal
6. Review of FSI/FAR norms for rapid urbanisation needs
(Infrastructure)
A review of the Floor Space Index (FSI) and the Floor Area Ratio (FAR) norms in mega cities has been ordered by the government. 53 cities with a population of 1 million and above will take up a time bound review of these norms. FSI is the ratio of the total floor area of a building to the size of land on which it stands. This ratio is about 1.50 for Indian cities. This is said to be on the lower side given the need for rapid urbanisation in India and to meet the demand for affordable housing under the PMAY (Urban). | This compilation by Civils Tapasya portal, PT's IAS Academy
7. US pushing India to cut ties with North Korea
(World Politics)
The United States is repeatedly insisting that India cut ties with North Korea over the latter’s flagrant violations of international law. India has strongly condemned the nuclear tests and ballistic strikes by North Korea but its bilateral ties have remained unaffected. The Ministry of External Affairs has insisted that the trade between the 2 nations consists mainly of humanitarian supplies like food and medicines. A 2016 report had revealed that a Dehradun based institute - the Centre for Space Science and Technology Education in Asia and the Pacific (CSSTEAP) - had trained North Korean scientists despite UN sanctions. Interestingly, North Korea is also participating in the under-17 FIFA World Cup being hosted by India. Read more on North Korea related issues here | Compilation by PT's IAS Academy, Civils Tapasya Portal
8. Northeast Venture Fund
(Indian Economy - Entrepreneurship and startups)
Young startups have been invited by the government to avail the benefits of the Northeast Venture Fund and make the Northeast a favourite destination for young startups. It has been rolled out by the Ministry of DoNER (Development of North-Eastern Region) to provide benefits in addition to the Central government’s “Startup India Standup India” programme. The fund has been set up by the North Eastern Development Finance Corporation Ltd. (NEDFi). NEDFi also performs the tasks of hand-holding and capacity building for young businesses to encourage entrepreneurship in the region. | Compilation by PT's IAS Academy, Civils Tapasya Portal
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9. Huge gold imports into India have the government worried
(Indian Politics - Elections)
The (RPA) Representation of People’s Act (Amendment) Bill, 2017 to increase transparency and accountability has been proposed to be presented in the Winter Session of the Parliament this year. It proposes that all parliamentarians declare their assets within 90 days after their tenure ends. This provision would be made as a sub section 75B(1) in the RPA 1951. Currently, asset declaration by MPs takes place within 90 days of acquiring a seat in the parliament but not at the expiry of their term. Read more on Indian elections here, and corruption and transparency here. This compilation by Civils Tapasya portal, PT's IAS Academy
10. Yudh Abhyas 2017
(Defence and Military)
The 13th edition of Yudh Abhyas was held at Joint Base Lewis McChord, Washington, USA. It is a joint military training exercise between India and the USA held every year alternatively in both countries. The focus of this year’s drill was on tactical skills in counter-insurgency and counter terrorist operations (CICT Ops) under the UN Charter. Soldiers of the Gorkha Rifles from the Surya Command represented India while 5th Infantry Battalion of 20 Infantry Regiment represented the United States in Yudh Abhyas 2017. The 2-week long exercise began on 16 September 2017. Read more India's military exercises here, on Indian Paramilitaries here, and on Indian Defence preparedness here | This compilation by Civils Tapasya portal, PT's IAS Academy
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CIVILS TAPASYA - Quizzes - All govt. examsQ1. When was the Representation of People’s Act (RPA) passed? What does it govern?(Indian Politics - Elections, Dynamic)(1) 1947; all rules pertaining to Indian elections
(2) 1948; all transparency norms in constitutional amendments
(3) 1950; all model code of conduct requirements for Indian elections
(4) 1951; all rules and aspects related to elections in India
Q2. Who is the President of Palestine? What does "Hamas" mean?(People and Personalities, Dynamic)(1) Ismail Haniya; Islamic Resistance Movement of Palestine
(2) Mahmud Abbas; Islamic Resistance Movement of Palestine
(3) Abdel Fattah el-Sisi; Sunni Islamic Resistance Movement of Palestine
(4) Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud; Shiya Resistance Movement of PalestineQ3. What is the value of India’s forex reserves in September 2017? What is the situation of C.A.D.(current account deficit) in September 2017?(Indian Economy, Dynamic)(1) $420 billion; growing sharply
(2) $4 trillion; growing sharply
(3) $510 billion; dropping sharply
(4) $400 billion; growing sharply
Q4. India conducted the Yudh Abhyas 2017 joint military training exercise with which other country(ies)? What is the SLINEX?(Defence and Military, dynamic)(1) USA; naval exercises between India and Sri Lanka
(2) Japan; ; naval exercises between India and Seychelles
(3) North Korea; ; air and naval exercises between India and Sri Lanka
(4) Both (1) and (2); naval exercises between India and Sri Lanka
Q5. What is the approximate vacancy rate of judges in the Indian High Courts? (Sept 2017)(Constitution and Law, Dynamic)(1) 10%
(2) 25%
(3) 40%
(4) 67%
Q6. The Astra missile falls in which of the following categories of missiles? What is the Agni VI missile?(Defence and Military, Dynamic)(1) Surface-to-air; an IRBM
(2) Air-to-air; an ICBM
(3) Air-to-surface; an IRBM
(4) Water-to-air; an ICBM
Q7. When is Shinzo Abe mulling snap elections in Japan? Why?(People and Personalities, Dynamic)(1) September 2018; pressure from the opposition
(2) October 2017; to take advantage of the situation
(3) December 2017; due to international pressure
(4) None of these
Q8. What is the general FSI ratio for Indian cities? Do we need more, or less, for rapid urbanisation?(Infrastructure, Dynamic)(1) 10; more
(2) 15; lesser
(3) 0; lesser
(4) 1.5; moreQ9. What is the capital of DPRK (North Korea)? Who is the eternal leader of DPRK?(Trivia and Miscellaneous, Static)(1) Seoul; Kim il-Sung
(2) Pyongyang; Kim il-Sung
(3) Ulaanbaatar; Kim il-Sung
(4) Pyongyang; Kim Jong-un
Q10. Who is the minister responsible for Ministry of DoNER?(Indian Politics, Dynamic)(1) Jitendra Singh
(2) Narendra Tomar
(3) Birender Singh
(4) Harsh Vardhan
ANSWERS TO THE QUIZ
Q1.(4) | Q2.(2) | Q3.(4) | Q4.(1) | Q5.(3) | Q6.(2) | Q7.(2) | Q8.(4) | Q9.(4) | Q10.(1)
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1. Norms eased for fundsraising
(Indian Economy)
The SEBI (Securities and Exchange Board of India) has allowed REITs (Real Estate Investment Trusts) and InvITs (Infrastructure Investment Trusts) to issue debt securities to raise capital. Lending to an underlying holding company or a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) has also been allowed to REITs. What are REITs? REITs are just like mutual funds with the difference being that mutual funds allow investment in equity stocks, whereas REITs provide an opportunity to invest in income-generating real estate assets. Since REITs are structured as trusts, its assets are held by an independent trustee on behalf of the investors. A short-term capital gain tax at 15% is applicable for the investors. SEBI Chairman: Ajay Tyagi | Compilation by PT's IAS Academy, Civils Tapasya Portal
2. Fugitive Economic Offenders Bill - no more Mallyas please!
(Constitution and Law)
The draft Fugitive Economic Offenders Bill has been approved by the Law Ministry. This law is expected to empower the government to seize properties of economic offenders who flee India, with a new saving clause. The saving clause is a new provision that is advocated by the Law Ministry to be incorporated. It allows for some exceptions in the statute and enables the repealed law to be in force with respect to certain existing rights. This legislation was needed to put a check on the increasing cases of economic offenders who fled India in order to escape prosecution. This hampered the judicial proceedings in India, wasted the time of courts and undermined the rule of law. Finance Minister Arun Jaitley had mentioned in his budget speech 2017-18 to bring in such a law. | This compilation by Civils Tapasya portal, PT's IAS Academy
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3. Smart Border Management
(Defence and Military)
Border fence sealing using 'smart’ fences is expected to be up and running by December 2018. The Border Security Force (BSF) is developing a Comprehensive Integrated Border Management System (CIBMS) to be deployed along the Pakistan border. This technology would be capable of detecting counter infiltration and cross border terror attacks via land, water, air and tunnels. The CIBMS would integrate manpower, sensors and command and control to increase situational awareness and the capability to respond immediately in emergency situations. This can also be extended to guard the coastline of India. Read more India's military exercises here, on Indian Paramilitaries here, and on Indian Defence preparedness here | Compilation by PT's IAS Academy, Civils Tapasya Portal
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4. SSB Intel Wing - toning things up
(Defence and Military)
The Home Ministry has launched the first intelligence wing of the SSB (Sashastra Seema Bal) with 650 field and staff agents to gather intelligence information. The primary role of the SSB is to guard the 1,751 kms long Indo-Nepal and 700 kms long Indo-Bhutan borders where criminals and smugglers take advantage of the friendly borders to infiltrate into India. IPS officer Rajni Kant Mishra has been appointed as the new Director General of the SSB. He will replace Archana Ramasundaram who was the first female IPS officer to head a paramilitary force in India. | Compilation by PT's IAS Academy, Civils Tapasya Portal
5. TRAI draft recommendations
(Infrastructure - Telecom)
The severely stressed telecom sector is grappling with multiple issues, including intense competition and pricing regime structure. Now, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has passed draft regulations to promote the ease of doing business in the telecom sector. Some of them are - (i) a cap on market share a new company is formed through a merger, (ii) the differential amount in spectrum licence fees must be paid by the new company against the entry fees paid by the transfer company, (iii) the condition of minimum net worth shall not be applicable for the renewal of licence for an existing service provider, (iv) a suitable matrix for linking the penalty to the severity of the incident and the number of occurrences of violation must be devised by the department of telecom for imposition of financial penalties. Chairman of TRAI: RS Sharma | Compilation by PT's IAS Academy, Civils Tapasya Portal
6. Hague child custody pact
(Social Issues)
The government of India had in November 2016, announced that it would not sign The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction (or simply The Hague Abduction Convention). The Ministry of Women and Child Development believed that it could adversely affect women’s rights in India. The USA has been encouraging India to join the convention as it would provide an effective mechanism to deal with inter-country parental child abduction. Now India is rethinking of joining the pact. The Hague Abduction Convention is a multilateral treaty developed by The Hague Conference on Private International Law. It came into force on 1st December 1983 and applies to all children below the age of 16. | This compilation by Civils Tapasya portal, PT's IAS Academy
7. US H-1B Visa
(World Politics)
Around 5 months ago, the US had stopped processing H-1B visas to Indians to handle the huge rush of applicants. The fast processing of these work visas has now been resumed. An H-1B is a non-immigrant visa through which US companies can employ foreign workers in specific occupations which require technical expertise. The H-1B visa had also become very unpopular among many Americans as they felt that foreign workers were taking away their jobs as they were ready to work at lower salaries. The H-1B is very popular among Indian IT professionals. The US companies hire tens of thousands of employees using the H-1B visa each year. Read more on citizenship and immigration related issues here | Compilation by PT's IAS Academy, Civils Tapasya Portal
8. NGT approves Chardham highway project
(Infrastructure - Roads and railways)
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has given its approval to the widening project of the Chardham highway for the NH-34 stretch which aims to connect the holy sites in Uttarakhand. The plea filed in the NGT alleged that the project would violate the provisions of the Bhagirathi eco-sensitive zone. The Chardham highway project is an ambitious project of the Prime Minister that aims to develop 900 kms of highways which connect Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri and Yamunotri. The project is expected to cost Rs.12,000 crores. | Compilation by PT's IAS Academy, Civils Tapasya Portal
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9. Shaheed Gram Vikas Yojana Jharkhand
(History)
The Jharkhand government has launched the Shaheed Gram Vikas Yojana from Ulihatu Village, where freedom fighter Birsa Munda was born. This scheme aims to develop the villages of the freedom fighters of the state. Under this scheme, many of the villages that have hitherto remained inaccessible due to left wing extremism will now be provided with basic amenities and pucca houses. Birsa Munda was a freedom fighter who led the Munda Rebellion against the British in 1895. He used guerrilla warfare techniques and kept fighting till he was captured and jailed in 1900. He died the same year in jail because of Cholera. The Ranchi Airport is named the Birsa Munda Airport in his honour. This compilation by Civils Tapasya portal, PT's IAS Academy
10. Fast spinning star
(Science and Technology)
Over 70 years ago in 1946, Indian astrophysicist and Nobel laureate Subrahmanyan Chandrashekhar had predicted that rapidly rotating stars would emit polarised light. This prompted the development of sensitive stellar polarimeters to observe this effect. The detection of such polarised light had not been done till now until finally researchers from the University of New South Wales, Australia and University College London, UK detected polarised light from Regulus. Regulus is one of the brightest stars of the night sky and forms a part of the Leo constellation. There are 88 official constellations in our solar system. As new stars keep getting discovered, there are added to the constellation they are closest to. Read more on science and technology issues here | This compilation by Civils Tapasya portal, PT's IAS Academy
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CIVILS TAPASYA - Quizzes - All govt. examsQ1. Where was Birsa Munda born?(Indian History, Static)(1) Jharkhand
(2) Bihar
(3) Uttar Pradesh
(4) Chhattisgarh
Q2. Who was the first female officer to head a paramilitary force in India?(People and Personalities, Dynamic)(1) KC Bhattacharya
(2) Kiran Bedi
(3) Archana Ramasundaram
(4) Vimla MehraQ3. Who is the Chairman of SEBI?(People and Personalities, Dynamic)(1) Ajay Tyagi
(2) Rajiv Kumar
(3) Rajiv Mehrishi
(4) RS Sharma
Q4. Who is the Law Minister of India?(People and Personalities, Dynamic)(1) Uma Bharti
(2) Arun Jaitley
(3) Narendra Tomar
(4) Ravi Shankar Prasad
Q5. Which of the following is considered India’s ‘first line of defence’?(Defence and Military, Static)(1) Sashastra Seema Bal
(2) Indo-Tibetan Border Police
(3) Border Security Force
(4) Indian Air Force
Q6. Who is the Chairman of TRAI?(People and Personalities, Dynamic)(1) Ajay Tyagi
(2) Rajiv Kumar
(3) Rajiv Mehrishi
(4) RS Sharma
Q7. When did The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction come into force? It applies to children up to what age?(Treaties and Protocols, Dynamic)(1) December 2003; 18 years
(2) November 1993; 15 years
(3) January 2016; 12 years
(4) December 1983; 16 years
Q8. Which of the following visas is used by Indian IT professionals as a non-immigrant visa to work in the US?(Citizenship and immigration, Dynamic)(1) H-2B
(2) H-2A
(3) H-1B
(4) J-1Q9. What is the expected budget of the Chardham highway project?(Trivia and Miscellaneous, Static)(1) Rs.8,000 crores
(2) Rs.12,000 crores
(3) Rs.80,000 crores
(4) Rs.32,000 crores
Q10. How many official constellations are there in our solar system?(Science and Technology, Static)(1) 76
(2) 88
(3) 92
(4) 104
ANSWERS TO THE QUIZ
Q1.(1) | Q2.(3) | Q3.(1) | Q4.(4) | Q5.(3) | Q6.(4) | Q7.(4) | Q8.(3) | Q9.(2) | Q10.(2)
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1. Growth in Basmati Rice Exports
(Agriculture)
Basmati rice exports from India have seen a growth of 32% in the first quarter of this fiscal year. This was contributed by a 25% increase in realisations and a 7% increase in volumes. Basmati exports had declined consecutively in the last 3 years with prices falling from a peak of Rs. 77,988/mT in FY2014 toRs. 54,011/mT in FY2017. This was due to lower demand in the global market. The biggest importer of India’s Basmati rice is Saudi Arabia followed by Iran, UAE, Iraq and Kuwait. Saudi Arabia alone imported Rs. 4,508 crores worth of Basmati rice in 2016-17 (~8.11 lakh mT). | Compilation by PT's IAS Academy, Civils Tapasya Portal
2. Vigyan Gram Sankul Pariyojana (Science Village Cluster Scheme)
(Government schemes)
The Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyay Vigyan Gram Sankul Pariyojana has been launched with the aim of experimenting and endeavouring the formulation and implementation of relevant interventions through scorn and technology in the field of sustainable development through a cluster approach in the state of Uttarakhand. Over 1 lakh people are expected to benefit directly or indirectly through this project in 4 clusters of 60 villages in Uttarakhand after which the model can be replicated across a large chamber of village clusters in the country. It will also boost sustainable employment and livelihood options like eco-tourism, naturopathy, yoga, etc. | This compilation by Civils Tapasya portal, PT's IAS Academy
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3. Korea Plus for India
(India's international relations)
The government is planning to strengthen the ‘Korea Plus’ cell in order to facilitate greater investments from South Korea. Korea Plus is a strategic initiative between the Government of India and the Government of South Korea to ‘promote, facilitate and retain Korean investments in India’. The initiative covers the entire investment spectrum and involves facilitating Korean companies who are entering the Indian markets for the first time and help them with the problems they face. Korea Plus consists of one representative from the Korean Ministry of Industry, Trade and Energy, one from the Korea Trade Investment and Promotion Agency, and 3 from Invest India, which is the national investment promotion and facilitation agency of India. | Compilation by PT's IAS Academy, Civils Tapasya Portal
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4. German elections - Angela once more!
(World Politics)
Angela Dorothea Merkel, the Chancellor of Germany since 2005, has won a fourth term in office. She is the leader of the Christian Democratic Party (CDU) since 2000. Her Christian Union bloc has secured around 33% (~210) of the seats in the German Parliament called 'Bundestag’. The AfD, a hard-right political organisation has also entered the Parliament for the first time, leading to violent protests in the country. Their entry in the Bundestag with 13.5% (~87 seats) votes is being dubbed as the ‘return of the Nazis’. The total number of seats in the Bundestag is 709 (2017 onwards). The term of the Chancellor of Germany is for 4 years and can be renewed. The inaugural holder of this post was the “Iron Chancellor” - Otto von Bismarck. | Compilation by PT's IAS Academy, Civils Tapasya Portal
5. Pradhan Mantri LPG Panchayat
(Environment Ecology and Climate Change)
The Pradhan Mantri LPG Panchayat has been launched nation-wide by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas. It seeks to distribute LPG connections in the rural areas where conventional fuel is used for domestic purposes. It is considered as a backup scheme to the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY). This scheme is expected to promote the use of LPG and spread awareness about its benefits over conventional sources of fuel in villages such as wood, cowdung cakes, charcoal, etc. Around 1 lakh LPG Panchayats with around 100 LPG customers each would be set up to provide support on issues like safe practices, refill of cylinders, etc. India's Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister is Mr. Dharmendra Pradhan. | Compilation by PT's IAS Academy, Civils Tapasya Portal
6. FTSE S.B.I. Bond Index
(Corporates)
India’s first bond index series for overseas investors has been launched by the SBI along with FTSE Russel, a global index and data provider. It is called the FTSE SBI Bond Index and was launched at the London Stock Exchange. It is a transparent and reliable benchmark for investors in foreign markets to analyses the government bond market in India.The Indian bond market is worth $1.7 trillion. This launch would provide the sufficient depth in terms of bond products for international investors to invest in India. FTSE, informally ‘footsie’ stands for Financial Times Stock Exchange. The FTSE 100 index is a share index of the top 100 companies listed on the LSE based on market capitalisation. | This compilation by Civils Tapasya portal, PT's IAS Academy
7. Hastkala Sankul - handicrafts centre at Varanasi
(Society and Culture)
A trade facilitation centre for handicrafts - Deendayal Hastkala Sankul was recently inaugurated at Varanasi by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This ‘sankul’ is expected to cater to the needs of weavers, artisans and exporters in the promotion of handlooms and handicrafts in domestic as well as international markets. The traditional handloom and handicraft products of Varanasi will be preserved and showcased in the Crafts Museum in the sankul and would serve as an inspiration for the young generation, scholars, designers and tourists. This will also lead to the economic development of Varanasi and boost trade in the eastern part of the country. | Compilation by PT's IAS Academy, Civils Tapasya Portal
8. Pralay Sahayam - disaster management exercise
(Disaster Management)
Pralay Sahayam, a multi-agency, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief exercise was recently held in Hyderabad. The aim of the exercise was to create awareness about natural and anthropogenic climate change as well as urban disasters such as flooding. It was a 2-day exercise, organised jointly by the state government of Telangana along with the National Disaster Relief Force (NDRF) and the Indian Army. Relief activities such as rescue and evacuation, providing medical care, distributing essential supplies, etc. were carried out in a coordinated and efficient manner. This was to provide relief to the victims of floods in twin-cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad. The importance of early warning systems of the IMD (Indian Meteorological Department), NRSC (National Remote Sensing Centre) and the INCOIS (Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services) was emphasised. | Compilation by PT's IAS Academy, Civils Tapasya Portal
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9. SATH Programme, Assam
(Health and medicine)
A joint initiative of the NITI Aayog and the government of Assam - SATH (Sustainable Action for Transforming Health Capital) - has been launched in Assam. It aims to provide structured support to Assam in terms of identifying the major health priorities of the region and provide solutions and ensure their implementation for transforming the health infrastructure in the region and the lives of the people of Assam. This programme is in furtherance to the idea of cooperative federalism in India. The NITI Aayog expects to implement this initiative in other states as well. This compilation by Civils Tapasya portal, PT's IAS Academy
10. V-409 Interceptor
(Defence and Military)
A new interceptor boat V-409 of the Indian Coast Guard was launched in Mangaluru, Karnataka by the Bharathi Defence and Infrastructure Limited (BDIL). It is expected to be inducted into service by mid-October 2017. This boat is expected to give a boost to the coastal and national security. It is 28 metres long, with a beam of 6 metres and a draught of 1.2 metres with an aluminium hull. It is capable of very high acceleration and can function effectively even in shallow waters. It can perform high-speed interception, close-coast patrol, low-intensity maritime ops, search-and-rescue and surveillance ops. | This compilation by Civils Tapasya portal, PT's IAS Academy
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CIVILS TAPASYA - Quizzes - All govt. examsQ1. In which state was the disaster relief programme ‘Pralay Sahayam’ recently launched?(Natural Disasters, Dynamic)(1) Telangana
(2) Andhra Pradeh
(3) Karnataka
(4) Tamil Nadu
Q2. What is the location of the Deendayal Hastkala Sankul that was recently inaugurated by Prime Minister Modi?(Government Schemes, Dynamic)(1) Jaipur
(2) Allahabad
(3) Varanasi
(4) KanpurQ3. What is the approximate size of India’s bond market?(Indian Economy, Dynamic)(1) $2.4 trillion
(2) $1.7 trillion
(3) $720 billion
(4) $540 billion
Q4. Who is the Union Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas?(People and Personalities, Dynamic)(1) Jitendra Singh
(2) JP Nadda
(3) Dharmendra Pradhan
(4) Nitin Gadkari
Q5. The entry of which of the following parties to the German Parliament is being dubbed as the ‘return of the Nazis’? What is the lower House of the German Parliament called?(World Politics, Static)(1) CDU (Christian Democratic Union); Bundestag
(2) AfD (Alternative for Germany); Bundestag
(3) SPD (Social Democratic Party); Bundesliga
(4) Die Linke (The Left); Bundesliga
Q6. Which is the first state where the Deendayal Upadhyay Vigyan Gram Sankul Pariyojana has been launched?(Government schemes, Dynamic)(1) Himachal Pradesh
(2) Uttar Pradesh
(3) Maharashtra
(4) Uttarakhand
Q7. Which of the following is the largest importer of Basmati Rice from India?(Indian Economy, Dynamic)Q8. Which of the follow has developed the V-409 interceptor boat for the Indian Coast Guard?(Defence and Military, Dynamic)(1) BHEL
(2) DRDO
(3) HAL
(4) BDILQ9. Which of the following organs of the government along with the government of Assam has launched the SATH program?(Government schemes, Dynamic)(1) NITI Aayog
(2) Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
(3) Ministry of Women and Child Development
(4) Planning Commission
Q10. Which of the following initiatives seeks to facilitate greater investments from South Korea?(Indian Economy, Dynamic)(1) Korea Plus
(2) BRICS Plus
(3) Look East Policy
(4) None of these
ANSWERS TO THE QUIZ
Q1.(1) | Q2.(3) | Q3.(2) | Q4.(3) | Q5.(2) | Q6.(4) | Q7.(4) | Q8.(4) | Q9.(1) | Q10.(1)
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1. Chinese Media accepts Terrorism in Pakistan
(Terrorism)
In a grudging admission, the Chinese media has accepted that Pakistan is indeed the hub of terror in the region. Terming Sushma Swaraj’s attack on Pakistan at the UNGA (United Nations General Assembly) as ‘arrogant’, a state run Chinese newspaper accepted that ‘there is indeed terrorism in Pakistan’. The Indian External Affairs Minister had said that India and Pakistan had gotten independent within hours of each other and yet today the world sees India as an IT superpower whereas Pakistan is known as the factory of terror. In a scathing attack on Pakistan, she said that India made IITs and IIMs while Pakistan was successful in making LeT (Lashkar-e-Taiba) and JeM (Jaish-e-Mohammad). | Compilation by PT's IAS Academy, Civils Tapasya Portal
2. Economic Advisory Council of the Prime Minister
(Indian Economy)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has constituted a 5-member Economic Advisory Council to the PM (EAC-PM) to be headed by leading economist and NITI Aayog member, Dr. Bibek Debroy. The other members are Dr. Surjit Bhalla, Dr. Rathin Roy, Dr. Ashima Goyal and Ratan Watal. This council is an independent body. It will advise the Prime Minister on various important economic issues of national or international importance on which advice is sought by the PM. Prime Minister Manhmohan Singh earlier had an EAC headed by former RBI Governor C Rangarajan who resigned in 2014 when the UPA went out of power at the Centre. | This compilation by Civils Tapasya portal, PT's IAS Academy
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3. Hindu mass graves found in Myanmar
(Terrorism)
The Myanmar Army claims to have discovered a mass grave of Hindus in Ye Baw Kya village, Rakhine state, Myanmar. The Army says that there were 20 female and 8 male corpses which included 6 boys under the age of 10. They blamed the killings on Rohingya muslims. These reports have not been verified by any independent sources as the area is tightly controlled by the Myanmarese Army. It is possible that this is part of a propaganda in order to incite Hindus against the Rohingyas. A news like this would put pressure on the Indian government, especially the Bharatiya Janata Party, a party based on the philosophy of Hindutva, to take harsher measures against the refugees. | Compilation by PT's IAS Academy, Civils Tapasya Portal
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4. Saubhagya Scheme by PM Modi for free electricity
(Government schemes)
In order to provide last mil electricity connectivity to all rural and urban households, the Ministry of Power has launched the ‘Saubhagya’ scheme - also known as the Pradhan Mantri Sahaj Bijli Har Ghar Yojana. Free electricity will be provided to all the households that have been identified under the Socio-Economic and Caste Census (SECC) data, 2011, under this scheme. The total project outlay for this scheme is Rs. 16,320 crores and the Gross Budgetary Support would be Rs.12,320 crores. The funding will largely be done by the Central government and all states and UTs are expected to complete household electrification work by the end of 2018. | Compilation by PT's IAS Academy, Civils Tapasya Portal
5. TRIFED Amazon Tribal Products Online
(Social Issues)
The TRIFED (Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India Limited) and e-commerce giant Amazon has signed an MoU for selling tribal handicraft products like handloom products, cane and bamboo products, tribal ornaments, Dhokra craft, tribal weaves and embroidery, tribal paintings, etc. TRIFED has previously tied-up with Snapdeal for a similar initiative. Dhokra craft is a non-ferrous metal casting type of the lost-wax casting technique. The earliest known artefacts to have been made using the lost-wax technique was the ‘dancing girl’ of Mohenjo-daro. TRIFED was established in August 1987 and works under the administrative control of the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, currently headed by Jual Oram. | Compilation by PT's IAS Academy, Civils Tapasya Portal
6. OSIRIS-REx NASA does a swingaround
(Science and Technology)
NASA’s (National Aeronautics and Space Administration) OSIRIS-REx (Origins, Spectral Interpretation, Resource Identification, Security, Regolith Explorer) just did a very close swing-by of the earth using earth’s gravitational force to send it on its desired trajectory to chase asteroid Bennu. It came as close as 17,237 kms from the surface of the earth above Antarctica. The mission was launched in September 2016 and is expected to reach the asteroid in 2018 and return to the earth after collecting samples in 2023. Why is asteroid Bennu important? Scientists believe that asteroid Bennu has clues to the origin of life on earth and the source of water and organic molecules. | This compilation by Civils Tapasya portal, PT's IAS Academy
7. Von Hippel Award for Bharat Ratna Prof. CNR Rao
(Science and Technology)
Indian scientist and Bharat Ratna awardee, Prof. Chintamani Nagesa Ramachandra Rao has become the first Indian and Asian to be presented the Von Hippel Award. It is the highest international award in materials research. He is receiving the award for his interdisciplinary contributions to the development of novel functional materials including nano materials, graphene, superconductivity, 2D material & colossal magnetoresistance. The Von Hippel Award was instituted by the Materials Research Society and is named after Arthur von Hippel (19 November 1898 - 31 December 2003) who was a pioneer scientist in the field of dielectrics, semiconductors, ferromagnetics and ferroelectrics. The first recipient was Sir Arthur himself in 1976 and since 1978 the award has been conferred to different scientists. | Compilation by PT's IAS Academy, Civils Tapasya Portal
8. Rajiv Mehrishi the new CAG
(People and Personalities)
Rajiv Mehrishi, former Home Secretary of India has sworn in as the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India. He replaces Shashi Kant Sharma as the CAG. Mr. Mehrishi is a 1987-batch IAS officer of the Rajasthan cadre. The office of the CAG is a constitutional office under Article 148 of the Constitution. The appointment is made by the President and the term is for a period of 6 years or 65 years of age, whichever comes earlier. (Rajiv Mehrishi turns 65 on 8 August 2020). The allowances and pensions payable to or in respect of persons in the office of the CAG are charged upon the Consolidated Fund of India (CFI). The removal procedure for the CAG is similar to the removal of a Supreme Court judge. | Compilation by PT's IAS Academy, Civils Tapasya Portal
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9. Japan Mass RTS in Gujarat, Haryana
(Infrastructure)
A soft loan of about $4.5 billion is expected to be granted by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) in order to develop 2 MRTS (Mass Rapid Transport Systems), one each in Gujarat and Haryana. These MRTS will be a part of the Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor (DMIC). The total budget of the DMIC is around $100 billion and the project was so far being developed using the financial assistance on the Indian government alone. The DMIC project is expected to connect the distance of 1,483 kilometres between Delhi and Mumbai, the political and financial capitals of India respectively. | This compilation by Civils Tapasya portal, PT's IAS Academy
10. Petrol Pricing protests and government's refusal to change
(Social Issues)
After protests against the government’s new policy of daily revision of fuel prices, the government has rejected the possibility of putting an end to this practice. Earlier fuel prices were revised every fortnight but since 16 June 2017, the government started revising fuel prices every day. This practice is followed in several developed countries such as the United States. The government aims to shield the customers from large fluctuations that occur due to fortnightly revisions and want to pass on the burden or benefits directly to the consumers on an everyday basis. This has come under criticism as fuel prices in major cities have increased since the introduction of daily pricing after an initial fall in prices. People are also complaining that the benefits of lower crude oil prices are not passed on to them because of heavy taxes in this sector. | This compilation by Civils Tapasya portal, PT's IAS Academy
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CIVILS TAPASYA - Quizzes - All govt. examsQ1. What is the total budget of the Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor?(Infrastructure, Dynamic)(1) $ 4.5 billion
(2) $ 23 billion
(3) $ 50 billion
(4) $ 100 billion
Q2. Who has recently been appointed as the CAG of India? Under which article is the office of CAG established?(Government Schemes, Dynamic)(1) Rajiv Mehrishi, 138
(2) Ashok Lavasa, 128
(3) Rajiv Mehrishi, 148
(4) Hasmukh Adhia, 148Q3. Which Indian scientist has recently been awarded the prestigious Von Hippel Award? In which field?(People and Personalities, Dynamic)(1) CNR Rao; materials research
(2) Prof Yash Pal; Physics
(3) CNR Rao; quantum cryptography
(4) Anil Kakodkar; atomic energy
Q4. Which of the following asteroids is the OSIRIS-Rex chasing?(Science and Technology, Dynamic)(1) Achilles
(2) Herculina
(3) Bennu
(4) Vesta
Q5. Who is the Minister of Tribal Affairs in India?(People and Personalities, Dynamic)(1) Dharmendra Pradhan
(2) Jual Oram
(3) Uma Bharti
(4) Najma Heptulla
Q6. The recently launched Saubhagya scheme addresses which of the following issues?(Government schemes, Dynamic)(1) Housing for all
(2) Education for all
(3) Health for all
(4) Electricity for all
Q7. Who is the head of the newly appointed Economic Advisory Council (EAC) to the Prime Minister?(Indian Economy, Dynamic)(1) Arvind Subramanian
(2) Raghuram Rajan
(3) Bibek Debroy
(4) Rajiv Kumar
Q8. Which of the following is the leader and founder of Lashkar-e-Taiba?(Terrorism, Dynamic)(1) Hafiz Saeed
(2) Masood Azhar
(3) Burhan Wani
(4) Syed Ali Shah GeelaniQ9. A mass grave of people from which religion has recently been discovered in Rakhine state by the Myanmarese Army? Where is the Rakhine state?(Government schemes, Dynamic)(1) Muslims; southern state of Myanmar
(2) Hindus; western coast of Myanmar
(3) Buddhists; northern state of Myanmar
(4) Hindus; eastern coast of Myanmar
Q10. How often are fuel rates revised in India? (September 2017)(Indian Economy, Dynamic)(1) Fortnightly
(2) Weekly
(3) Monthly
(4) Daily
ANSWERS TO THE QUIZ
Q1.(4) | Q2.(3) | Q3.(1) | Q4.(3) | Q5.(2) | Q6.(4) | Q7.(3) | Q8.(1) | Q9.(2) | Q10.(4)
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1. India-South Korea FTA (Free Trade Agreement)
(Treaties and Protocols)
As India and South Korea look to expand their existing Free Trade Agreement (FTA), India is experiencing difficulty due to complicated provisions and regulations by South Korea in the agreement. One such difficulty being faced is that Indian English language teachers that were to be allowed to teach English in South Korean primary and secondary schools are being rejected on the ground that they are not from a primarily English-speaking nation. India has cited the example of South African teachers who are allowed to do so while their country has 11 official languages and English is only one of them. Indian yoga teachers are also being denied jobs as teachers from South Korea are learning yoga in India and returning to teach in South Korea. India’s trade deficit with South Korea has increased from $5 billion to $8 billion since the commencement of the FTA in 2010. | Compilation by PT's IAS Academy, Civils Tapasya Portal
2. Trump extends travel ban to DPRK, Venezuela and Chad
(World Politics)
US President Donald Trump has included North Korea and Venezuela in an open ended travel ban which includes 8 countries cited for poor security and lack of cooperation with U.S. authorities. Critics have been alleging that Donald Trump’s travel bans are solely focussed on keeping Muslims out of the country whereas the White House has maintained that these measures were being taken in the interests of national security. Full bans have been newly placed on North Korea and Chad while they have been extended for Iran, Libya, Somalia, Syria and Yemen. Sudan, a Muslim-majority country, has been removed from the list for cooperation and limited restrictions have been placed on Venezuela. | This compilation by Civils Tapasya portal, PT's IAS Academy
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3. Illegal Sale of Oxytocin Continues
(Health and medicine)
The government has banned the retail sale of the hormone drug Oxytocin for veterinary use. This drug is used to induce labour in women. Many cattle owners use this drug to increase the milk production of their cattle. In doing so, although the milk production is temporarily increased, it can have adverse effects on the health of the cow. Long-term use renders the cow infertile sooner and lowers its lifespan. Schedule H of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act 1940 allows for the sale of this drug only on prescription by a registered medical practitioner (RMP). In order to prevent bulk sale, these injections are packed in single unit blister packs only. However, it is observed in Karnataka that several pharmacies continue to sell it over the counter without prescription. | Compilation by PT's IAS Academy, Civils Tapasya Portal
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4. Afghanistan at the UNGA
(United Nations)
Afghanistan’s Foreign Minister Salahuddin Rabbani, speaking at United Nations General Assembly stated that terrorism in Afghanistan was a direct outcome of Pakistan’s long-standing policies. He claimed that the roots of terror in Afghanistan were located in terrorist sanctuaries and safe terrorist havens across the border in Pakistan. He further went on to say that Pakistan has never responded positively to the appeals made by Afghanistan to resolve the issues. He welcomed the new US strategy to resolve the conflict in Afghanistan and said the it had filled the people of Afghanistan with optimism. This comes as another blow on the face of Pakistan which has been facing strong international pressure recently due to its policy of harbouring terrorists. | Compilation by PT's IAS Academy, Civils Tapasya Portal
5. The Colour of a Lake
(Environment Ecology and Climate Change)
Scientists at the Leibniz-Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries (IGB), with the help of observations from 188 lakes across the world have found a relationship between the warming of lakes and their phytoplankton content which is contrary to previous assumptions. The new discovery shows that lakes which are green in colour due to their higher concentrations of phytoplankton, tend to become greener as the climate gets warmer as the concentration further increases. Similarly, blue or clear-water lakes tend to become more blue or clearer with increase in temperature as the concentration of phytoplankton further decreases. Thus the warming of lakes only further amplifies their richness or poverty of phytoplankton. | Compilation by PT's IAS Academy, Civils Tapasya Portal
6. Hurun India Rich List - Patanjali shines!
(People and Personalities)
The Hurun India rich-list is out and Patanjali’s Acharya Balakrishna has made it to the list this year as his wealth grew by 173% since last year. Patanjali Ayurveda recorded a turnover of Rs. 10,561 crores in FY2017. India’s top 10 on the rich-list were - (net worth in bracket in Rs. crore) - 1. Mukesh Ambani (257,900), 2. Dilip Shanghvi (89,000), 3. LN Mittal (88,200), 4. Shiv Nadar (85,100), 5. Azim Premji (79,300), 6. Cyrus S Poonawalla (71,100), 7. Gautam Adani (70,600), 8. Acharya Balakrishna (70,000), 9. Uday Kotak (62,700), 10. Sunil Mittal (56,500). It seems that Ayurved has never been more profitable! | This compilation by Civils Tapasya portal, PT's IAS Academy
7. Garbage Contractors in Bengaluru - ESMA invoked
(Governance and Institutions)
The Essential Services Maintenance Act (ESMA) has been invoked for one year against garbage contractors and sanitation workers in Bengaluru by the Karnataka government. This came after several complaints reached the government, saying that the contractors were not discharging their duties properly. The ESMA ensures the delivery of basic services to the people such as public transport, health services, etc and can be invoked by the state governments if obstruction of these services is affecting the normal life of the people. It is a very powerful law and the authority to execute lies entirely with the state governments. | Compilation by PT's IAS Academy, Civils Tapasya Portal
8. TMC Bengal in a churn - Mukul Roy expelled for 6 years
(Indian Politics)
Mukul Roy, one of the tallest leaders of the Trinamool Congress (TMC) and Rajya Sabha member from West Bengal, was expelled from the party for 6 years soon after he expressed his desire to resign from the party in a press conference. The TMC said that he was suspended for ‘hampering the progress of the party and promoting his own interests’. Mukul Roy had been the General Secretary of the party, the Vice-President and the Railway Minister for the TMC. He was often regarded as number two in the party and was the key election manager. Difference between him and Mamata Banerjee started emerging after he deposed before the CBI in the 2015 Saradha chit fund scam. | Compilation by PT's IAS Academy, Civils Tapasya Portal
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9. FIR against 1000 BHU students rocks the political boat
(Education)
The BHU police "midnight lathicharge on girls" case has taken a curious turn. A case has been filed at the Lanka police station in Varanasi, UP against 1,000 unknown students of the Benaras Hindu University under sections 148, 307, 353, 332 and 436. The students allegedly engaged in arson, rioting and destroying public property on the university campus while protesting against an alleged case of molestation. In the retaliatory baton charge by the police, a number of students were injured. A case has also been registered against the policemen who have been charged with assaulting and looting the journalists covering the event under sections 323, 325, 352 and 393 of the IPC. | This compilation by Civils Tapasya portal, PT's IAS Academy
10. INS Tarasa commissioned
(Defence and Military)
INS Tarasa (T94) has been commissioned into the Indian Navy at the Naval Dockyard in Mumbai. It is the fourth and last ship in the series of WJFAC (Water Jet Fast Attack Craft). It is named after the beautiful Teressa Island (Tarasa Dwip) which is a part of the Nicobar Archipelago in the Bay of Bengal. It has been built indigenously by the Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Limited (GRSE). It will be used for military missions like coastal and off-shore surveillance, exclusive economic zone patrol, law enforcement, as well as non-military operations like search and rescue, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief. Read more on Indian military exercises here, on Indian Paramilitaries here, and on Indian Defence preparedness here | This compilation by Civils Tapasya portal, PT's IAS Academy
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CIVILS TAPASYA - Quizzes - All govt. examsQ1. Where is the Tarasa Island located?(Defence and Military, Static)(1) Andaman Islands
(2) Nicobar Islands
(3) Lakshadweep Islands
(4) Chagos Archipelago
Q2. Which party has recently expelled Mukul Roy for 6 years? Which are the two "scams" the Party finds itself engulfed in?(Indian Politics, Dynamic)(1) Bharatiya Janata Party; Highway scam and Vyapam scam
(2) Samajwadi Party; Shradhha scam and Purti scam
(3) Trinamool Congress; Rose Valley scam and Shraddha scam
(4) Trinamool Congress; Narada scam and Saradha scamQ3. Which state government has recently imposed the Essential Services Maintenance Act? (September 2017)(Governance and Institutions, Dynamic)(1) Telangana
(2) Tamil Nadu
(3) Andhra Pradesh
(4) Karnataka
Q4. What was the approximate turnover of Patanjali Ayurveda in FY2017?(Corporates, Dynamic)(1) $ 100 million
(2) $ 500 million
(3) Rs.1000 crores
(4) Rs.10000 crores
Q5. When a lake is green in colour, which of the following does it indicate?(Environment Ecology and Climate Change, Static)(1) The lake is getting warmer due to global warming
(2) The lake is getting rotten
(3) The lake shows a relatively high concentration of phytoplankton
(4) The lake shows a relatively low concentration of phytoplankton
Q6. What has the Foreign Minister of Afghanistan said about Pakistan at the UNGA?(United Nations, Dynamic)(1) Pakistan is actively fighting terror along with Afghanistan
(2) Pakistan is struggling with its own problems of terrorism and therefore is not able to help in Afghanistan
(3) Pakistan is the root cause of all terror in Afghanistan
(4) None of these
Q7. Which of the following hormones is used to increase milk production in cattle illegally?(Science and Technology, Dynamic)Q8. Which of the following countries has been removed from the travel ban imposed by the Trump administration? (September 2017)(Citizenship and immigration, Dynamic)(1) Sudan
(2) Syria
(3) Somalia
(4) YemenQ9. What is India’s approximate trade deficit with South Korea?(Indian Economy, Dynamic)(1) $ 5 billion
(2) $ 8 billion
(3) $ 15 billion
(4) $ 18 billion
Q10. Who was the founder of the Benaras Hindu University? When was it founded?(Education, Static)(1) Madan Mohan Malviya, 1916
(2) Deendayal Upadhyay, 1926
(3) Ram Manohar Lohia, 1916
(4) Madan Mohan Malviya, 1926
ANSWERS TO THE QUIZ
Q1.(2) | Q2.(4) | Q3.(4) | Q4.(4) | Q5.(3) | Q6.(3) | Q7.(3) | Q8.(1) | Q9.(2) | Q10.(1)
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1. India-Afghanistan Cooperation on Police Training and Development
(Defence and Military)
An MoU between India and Afghanistan on the Technical Cooperation on Police Training and Development has been approved by the Cabinet. The approval is for a period of 5 years from the date of signing. This MoU will aim at capacity building of the Afghanistan National Police and improving the security situation in the region. India and Afghanistan had earlier signed the Agreement on Strategic Partnership under which police personnel from Afghanistan regularly take part in training activity in India along with Indian troops. During the meeting between Afghanistan, India and the UN in October last year, Afghanistan had asked for assistance in police training and development, law enforcement, strengthening the rule of law and building sustainable long term cooperation. US President Trump had recently asked India to increase its participation in rebuilding Afghanistan. | Compilation by PT's IAS Academy, Civils Tapasya Portal
2. World Tourism Day
(United Nations)
World Tourism Day (WTD) is observed on 27th September every year to raise awareness on the importance of tourism and its social, cultural, political and economic value among the international community. The date was chosen to mark the adoption of UNWTO - United Nations World Tourism Organisation on 27 September 1970. This year’s theme for the WTD is 'sustainable tourism - a tool for development’. It seeks to explore the role and potential contribution of tourism to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The Incredible India 2.0 campaign was launched in New Delhi by President Ram Nath Kovind to mark the occasion. | This compilation by Civils Tapasya portal, PT's IAS Academy
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3. Pak-Russia Joint Military Drill
(Defence and Military)
Pakistan and Russia are conducting a joint military drill called DRUZBA 2017 between their special forces. The focus of the exercise would be counter-terrorist operations, hostage and rescue missions, and cordon and search operations. General Qamar Javed Bajwa, the Chief of Pakistan Army will be visiting Moscow in the first week of October for a regular high level exchange that has been taking place between the two countries for the past few years. This is not at all a cause of concern as it is not uncommon for different countries, even if not allies, to engage in such military drills. For example, India and China engage in their annual joint military exercise called Hand-in-hand every year. Read more on Indian military exercises here, on Indian Paramilitaries here, and on Indian Defence preparedness here | Compilation by PT's IAS Academy, Civils Tapasya Portal
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4. Nuclear Power in India
(Energy)
According to the World Nuclear Industry Status Report 2017 released in September 2017, India is number three in the world when it comes to the number of nuclear plants being installed, with 6 reactors in progress. China leads the list with 20 nuclear reactors. Nuclear energy installations in the world are seeing a declining trend. Global nuclear power generation saw an increase of merely 1.4% in 2016. This was also primarily due to a 23% increase by China alone. In comparison, the global wind and solar power outputs have risen by 16% and 30% respectively. Countries like USA, Russia, Sweden, South Korea have been shutting down their nuclear plants due to their non-viability and the costs involved. | Compilation by PT's IAS Academy, Civils Tapasya Portal
5. Electronic Negotiable Warehouse Receipt System
(Agriculture)
Warehousing receipts in electronic format have been rolled out by the government for farmers so that bank credit can be easily availed by them without the fear of loss or misuse. This will also prevent farmers from taking multiple loans against a single receipt as all the data would be uploaded online and would be accessible to banks while sanctioning loans. Negotiable Warehouse Receipts were started in 2011 to allow the transfer of ownership of a commodity without actually physically delivering it. These are in negotiable nature, under the Warehouse (Development and Regulation) Act, 2007 and so can be used as collateral for loans. They are regulated by the Warehousing Development and Regulatory Authority (WDRA). | Compilation by PT's IAS Academy, Civils Tapasya Portal
6. States to compete for Central projects
(Governance and Institutions)
In an attempt to boost the efficiency of government projects, the Central government is planning to use the ‘challenge’ method to spur competition among the states. The government plans to award projects to the states based on their performance on 6-7 key parameters. The state with the highest score out of 100 would be awarded the project. These could be brownfield or greenfield projects applicable across sectors like transport, health, education, IT, etc. or national events like national games or youth festivals. Such a system would do away with political considerations in the allocation of big projects and would infuse speed, efficiency and transparency into the system. | This compilation by Civils Tapasya portal, PT's IAS Academy
7. EXIM Bank BRICS Mechanism
(World Economy)
The signing of the Interbank Local Currency Credit Line Agreement and Cooperation Memorandum relating to Credit Ratings by Exim Bank with member banks under BRICS Interbank Cooperation Mechanism has been approved by the Cabinet. These agreements were the highlight of the BRICS Leaders' Declaration in Xiamen in September this year. These are expected to deepen political and economic relations between the BRICS nations by promoting multilateral interaction in areas of mutual interest. This would also position the Exim bank on an international platform along with other large financial institutions of the BRICS countries. | Compilation by PT's IAS Academy, Civils Tapasya Portal
8. Divyang Sarathi - differently abled get a dedicated App
(Government schemes)
The accessible and comprehensive mobile application for the easy dissemination of information to ‘Divyangjans’ has been launched - ‘Divyang Sarathi’. The term ‘divyangjans’ is used to refer to the differently abled. There are over 2.68 crore divyangjans in India, constituting over 2.2% of the population. The app contains all relevant information from the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD) and the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment containing various rules and provisions made for the empowerment of the differently abled in an accessible format. The app is compliant with the principles of the UNCRPD (United Nations Convention of the Rights of Persons with Disability) for Universal Access and the provisions in the Rights of Persons with Disability Act, 2016. It is a part of the ICT (Information and Communications Technology) component of the Accessible India Campaign. | Compilation by PT's IAS Academy, Civils Tapasya Portal
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9. Safety Checks on Dams
(Environment Ecology and Climate Change)
There are 5,247 large dams in India, out of which over 196 are more than 100 years old. The government of India is planning to conduct a safety check on these dams and a break analysis. A break analysis is done to identify the potential failures which could lead to an uncontrolled release of water. In order to ensure the safety of dams, a dam safety bill is currently being reworked by the NITI Aayog. A Dam Rehabilitation and Improvement Programme (DRIP) started in April 2012 is also under progress. It has been working in collaboration with the Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh and Odisha state governments and two agencies, viz. the Damodar Valley Corporation in Jharkhand and the Uttarakhand Jal Vidyut Nigam Ltd. The budget for the project is Rs.2,100 crores. | This compilation by Civils Tapasya portal, PT's IAS Academy
10. Terrorist Abdul Qayoom killed in Kashmir
(Terrorism)
One of the most dreaded terrorists of the Hizbul Mujahideen (HM), Abdul Qayoom Najar, has been killed in an encounter with the security forces along the Line of Control in north Kashmir’s Uri sector on 26th September 2017. Najar was responsible for over 50 killings, IED (Improvised Explosive Device) blasts, attacks on mobile towers, etc. He was sent to head operations of the HM in North Kashmir after the top commanders like Pervaiz Wani and Yasin Yatoo of the terrorist organisation had been neutralised by the Indian security forces recently. He was sent by Syed Salahhudin, commander of the United Jehad Council. | This compilation by Civils Tapasya portal, PT's IAS Academy
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CIVILS TAPASYA - Quizzes - All govt. examsQ1. Which of the following terrorist organisations was Abdul Qayoom Najar affiliated with?(Terrorism, Dynamic)(1) Hizbul Mujahideen
(2) Jamat-ud-Dawa
(3) Lashkar-e-Taiba
(4) Jaish-e-Muhammad
Q2. What is the expected budget of the Dam Rehabilitation and Improvement Programme (DRIP) in India?(Environment Ecology and Climate Change, Dynamic)(1) Rs.600 crore
(2) Rs.1,100 crore
(3) Rs.1,600 crore
(4) Rs.2,100 croreQ3. What is the estimated population of divyangjans in India?(Social Issues, Dynamic)(1) 15 million
(2) 22 million
(3) 27 million
(4) 32 million
Q4. Where was the BRICS Summit 2017 held?(Treaties and Protocols, Dynamic)(1) Guangzhou, China
(2) Xi’an, China
(3) Tianjin, China
(4) Xiamen, China
Q5. How many nuclear reactors are being installed in India in 2017?(Energy, Dynamic)(1) 10
(2) 6
(3) 4
(4) None of the above
Q6. Which of the following military exercises is conducted between Russia and Pakistan?(Defence and Military, Dynamic)(1) Moscow Pindi
(2) Ghouri's Revenge
(3) DRUZBA (Friendship)
(4) Al Nagah-li
Q7. When was the World Tourism Organisation formed?(United Nations, Dynamic)(1) 23 September 1980
(2) 28 November 1967
(3) 27 September 1970
(4) 3 December 1989
Q8. What is the border between Afghanistan and Pakistan referred to as?(Geography, Dynamic)(1) Radcliffe line
(2) McMahon line
(3) Durand line
(4) Wavell lineQ9. When were the Negotiable Warehousing Receipts started in India? What has been done to them now?(Agriculture, Dynamic)(1) 2011; digitised
(2) 2009; abolished
(3) 2012; renewed
(4) 2007; abolished
Q10. How many states and UTs are there in India?(Geography, Static)(1) 28; 7
(2) 27; 8
(3) 29; 7
(4) 28; 8
ANSWERS TO THE QUIZ
Q1.(1) | Q2.(4) | Q3.(3) | Q4.(4) | Q5.(2) | Q6.(3) | Q7.(3) | Q8.(3) | Q9.(1) | Q10.(3)- 29
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1. Mini-Nuclear weapons - a dangerous escalation?
(Defence and Military)
The Pakistani PM Shahid Khaqan Abbasi threatened India at the UNGA (United Nations General Assembly) with the Pak Army’s preparedness to counter the Indian Army with short-range nukes, as a counter measure against India’s Cold Start doctrine. The Indian Army, in response, has armed its Pinaka rockets with nukes as a counter-measure. The Pinaka missile system has been indigenously developed by the DRDO. It has a range of 40 kms for Mark-I and 75 kms for Mark-II rockets. 12 rockets can be fired in 44 seconds at once and can completely annihilate an area of 4 square kilometres. The Pinaka tactical rockets were deployed in the 1999 Kargil war and successfully neutralised enemy positions on mountain tops. This can only be termed as a dangerous escalation, as tactical weapons usually have lower strategic control but higher local control through field commanders, making them susceptible to errors and pressures. Pakistan has been criticised for its policy earlier as well. Read more on Indian military exercises here, on Indian Paramilitaries here, and on Indian Defence preparedness here | Compilation by PT's IAS Academy, Civils Tapasya Portal
2. India-Belarus BIT
(Indian Economy)
The Union Cabinet has approved a Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT) between India and Belarus on investments. An MoU in the oil and gas sector between the two countries has also been approved. The BIT will increase investor confidence and FDI (Foreign Direct Investment) and ODI (Overseas Direct Investment) opportunities in both countries apart from generating employment. Under the MoU in oil and gas, both countries will establish cooperation in upstream and downstream activities, capacity building, enhanced oil recovery, technology transfer and the development of mature oil and gas fields in India along with enhanced commercial and economic cooperation. | This compilation by Civils Tapasya portal, PT's IAS Academy
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3. No Troops to Afghanistan: India
(World Politics)
USA’s Defence Minister (Secretary) James Mattis was in India to meet his Indian counterpart Nirmala Sitharaman in the first cabinet-level visit from the Trump administration. It was also Mrs Sithraman’s first engagement with a counterpart after taking charge as India’s Defence Minister. In the meeting, the USA encouraged India to play a greater role in terms of expanding cooperation in Afghanistan as well as supporting southeast Asian institutions such as the ASEAN in countering China’s increased maritime presence in the region. India has already committed over $3 billion in aid to Afghanistan mostly in development and medical assistance. India ruled out the possibility of sending troops into Afghanistan, putting an end to the rumours that surfaced after the Trump administration had called for a 'greater role' by India in Afghanistan. Read more on Afghanistan and Terror related issues here and here | Compilation by PT's IAS Academy, Civils Tapasya Portal
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4. Jan Sampark Program
(Government schemes)
A monthly ‘Jan Sampark’ program has been launched by the Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA) of the Ministry of Women and Child Development. The objective of the program is to enable the public to interact with the officials and staff of CARA for any help regarding adoption. Adoptive parents, prospective adoptive parents and representatives of agencies are expected to participate in this event. Details related to Immediate Placement and Special Needs Adoption Module of Child Adoption Resource Information and Guidance System (CARINGS) as well as the newly launched ‘Jan Sampark’ would be shared with them. CARA is the nodal body for the adoption, monitoring and regulation of Indian children, inside and outside India. It works in accordance with the provisions of The Hague Convention on Inter-Country adoption, 1993 which was ratified by India in 2003. | Compilation by PT's IAS Academy, Civils Tapasya Portal
5. Kandla Port renamed Deendayal Port Trust
(Infrastructure)
The Kandla Port located in the Gulf of Kutch, in the Kutch district of Gujarat, has been renamed as the Deendayal Port Trust by the Union Ministry of Shipping under the Indian Ports Act 1908. This was done as a part of the celebrations to commemorate Pandit Been Dayal Upadhyay’s birth anniversary. Panditji was one of the important leaders of the Bharatiya Jana Sangh and stood for the upliftment of the weaker sections of the society. This port is one of the 12 major ports of India. It is the largest in terms of volume of cargo with more than 100 million tonnes being handled every year. It was constructed in the 1950s to cater to the Western sea coast after the Karachi port went to Pakistan after partition. Read all about Indian Ports and Shipping here | Compilation by PT's IAS Academy, Civils Tapasya Portal
6. WTO’s 11th Ministerial Conference
(United Nations and WTO)
Developing countries of the world are mulling a ‘Plan B’ ahead of the 11th Ministerial Conference (MC) of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) in Buenos Aires, Argentina from 11-14 December, 2017. This is being considered if any substantive agreements on the outstanding Doha Development Agenda (DDA) issues are not achieved. One of India’s key demands is a permanent solution for public stockholding programs for food security which industrialised nations are reluctant to accede to - the situation has turned from bad to worse. The Plan B includes launching multilateral trade negotiations to establish rules in investment facilitation, disciplines for SMEs, fishery subsidies, electronic commerce, etc. Read more on WTO related issues here | This compilation by Civils Tapasya portal, PT's IAS Academy
7. BSF pushes Rohingya from Tripura
(Indian Politics)
On orders of the Home Ministry, the Border Security Force (BSF) has started pushing back illegal Rohingya migrants from the state of Tripura. This is the first action being taken against them since the Home Ministry issued the circular to identify and deport them on 19 August. The security forces have identified 75 vulnerable points on a 21-km stretch on the border between Tripura and Myanmar. Reharding the process of identifying the Rohingyas, their different dialect (of Bengali) compared to what is spoken in India and Bangladesh comes in handy. This move has seen strong opposition from the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC). Four Indian states share borders with Myanmar, viz. Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur and Mizoram. | Compilation by PT's IAS Academy, Civils Tapasya Portal
8. Arms procurement in full swing - DAC places orders
(Defence and Military)
In her first meeting of the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman cleared the proposal for the procurement of Russian Club missiles for older warships of the Indian Navy including the Kora class missile corvettes and the Delhi class frigates. The newer ships in the Navy use the latest BrahMos anti-ship cruise missiles. Apart from this, proposals worth Rs. 200 crores for upgraded SONARs (Sound Navigation and Ranging) for the destroyers and frigates of the Indian maritime force were also given a go-ahead through the Make-in-India route. The DAC is the apex body for clearing defence-related procurements. | Compilation by PT's IAS Academy, Civils Tapasya Portal
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9. e-Buses in Andhra
(Pollution)
Soon after the Himachal Pradesh state government flagged off its new e-bus service for tourists on the Kullu-Manali-Rohtang Pass route, the Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC) has started working on a similar e-bus service on the Tirupati-Tirumala route. The APSRTC is planning to start operations with 50 mini e-buses. Over 15,000 buses ply on this route every day and the government has taken this step to curb the menace of air pollution in the state. The cost of an e-bus is around Rs.3 crore, our of which Rs.85 lakh will be given as subsidy by the Centre. In comparison, a diesel bust costs around Rs.85 lakh but e-buses have lower operating costs and contribute up to 82% more in terms of operating profit. The concept of state-run e-buses is catching up and cities like Bengaluru, Rajkot, Chandigarh, Hyderabad and Mumbai have also carried out trial runs. | This compilation by Civils Tapasya portal, PT's IAS Academy
10. GJM in Darjeeling
(People and Personalities)
The President of the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) Bimal Gurung announced the withdrawal of the bandh which had caused an almost complete shutdown of Darjeeling for the past 100 days. The GJM have been demanding a separate state of Gorkhaland in the region. This withdrawal came within hours after the Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh made a fresh appeal to end the bandh. Although the GJM had been demanding tripartite talks to resolve the matter between the Centre, the State and GJM, the withdrawal took place without any direct assurance of such talks. | This compilation by Civils Tapasya portal, PT's IAS Academy
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CIVILS TAPASYA - Quizzes - All govt. examsQ1. Who is the President of the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha? What does it want?(People and Personalities, Static)(1) Bimal Jalan, A new state from within districts of eastern West Bengal
(2) Bimal Gurung, A new state from within districts of western West Bengal
(3) Bimal Gurung, A new state from within districts of northern West Bengal
(4) Biswamohan Debbarma, A new state from within districts of northen West Bengal
Q2. Which of the following states has/have already started operations of e-buses in a bid to curb air pollution? (September 2017)(Infrastructure, Dynamic)(1) Andhra Pradesh
(2) Maharashtra
(3) Himachal Pradesh
(4) All of the aboveQ3. What is the name of India Navy’s current Aircraft Carrier? What does a Carrier "carry"?(Defence and Military, Dynamic)(1) INS Viraat, entire aircrafts
(2) INS Vikramaditya, entire aircraft fleets
(3) INS Varuna, entire batallions of soldiers
(4) INS Satpura, hegemony of a nation
Q4. How many India states share a border with Myanmar? What is the capital city of Myammar?(Geography, Static)(1) 2, Nay pyik dawt
(2) 3, Pyongyang
(3) 4, Naypyidaw
(4) 5, Nay pyi dawt
Q5. Where is the Deendayal Port Trust situated?(Infrastructure, Dynamic)(1) Gulf of Kutch
(2) Gulf of Khambhat
(3) Gulf of Mannar
(4) Palk Bay
Q6. The recently launched ‘Jan Sampark’ program covers which of the following issues? Which Union Ministry is responsible for it?(Government schemes, Dynamic)(1) Information and Communications Technology (ICT); Ministry of Communications
(2) Transport; Ministry of Road Transport and Highways
(3) Telecom; Ministry of Communications
(4) Adoption; Ministry of Women and Child Development
Q7. Who is the Defence Minister of the USA?(People and Personalities, Dynamic)(1) James Mattis
(2) Michael Flynn
(3) HR McMaster
(4) Rex Tillerson
Q8. When did Belarus gain independence? What is its capital city?(History, Static)(1) 1949, Moscow
(2) 1950, Astana
(3) 1991, Minsk
(4) 2005, MinskQ9. Which of the following missiles has the Indian Army armed with mini nuclear warheads to counter Pakistan’s tactical nukes? What is a tactical nuclear weapon?(Defence and Military, Dynamic)(1) Pinaka, short-range weapon
(2) Nag, medium range weapon
(3) Akash, Long range weapon
(4) Astra, short range weapon
Q10. What is the proposed venue for the 11th Ministerial Conference of the WTO in December 2017?(People and Personalities, Static)(1) Sao Paulo, Brazil
(2) Buenos Aires, Argentina
(3) Mumbai, India
(4) Rome, Italy
ANSWERS TO THE QUIZ
Q1.(3) | Q2.(3) | Q3.(2) | Q4.(3) | Q5.(1) | Q6.(4) | Q7.(1) | Q8.(3) | Q9.(1) | Q10.(2)
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1. India-Norway Health Cooperation
(Health and medicine)
India and Norway have signed a Letter of Intent to expand cooperation in the health sector through the Norway India Partnership Initiative (NIPI) in 3 years, beginning from 2018. Through this, both countries will be working towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), 2030. The focus of this cooperation would be on global health issues of mutual interest including reproductive health, health of the mother, unborn and the new-born child, adolescent health and strengthening health systems based on the learnings from the first 2 phases of NIPI. It will also focus on innovative, catalytic and strategic support and take India’s Intensification Plan for Accelerated Maternal and Child Survival as the starting point. Read more on India's international relations here | Compilation by PT's IAS Academy, Civils Tapasya Portal
2. World Maritime Day
(United Nations)
September 28th is observed as the World Maritime Day to raise consciousness on the importance of shipping safety, maritime security, marine environment and in acknowledgment of the maritime industry. This date marks the adaptation of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Convention on 28th September 1958. The observance of this day began in the year 1978. The IMO was originally the Inter-Governmental Maritime Consultative Organisation (IMCO) and was changed to its present name in 1982. The theme for this year is ‘Connecting Ships, Ports and People’. There are 171 members and 3 associate members of the IMO with India being one of the earliest members, joining in 1959. | This compilation by Civils Tapasya portal, PT's IAS Academy
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3. Telecom Towers in Cantonments
(Infrastructure - Telecom)
The Union Cabinet has approved the revision of the policy of Ministry of Defence to provide defence land to communication operators for the construction of shared communication towers and allied infrastructure. This revision in policy covers the defence land allocation on lease and grant of permission in defence areas and cantonments to access service licensees and companies that are registered with the Department of Telecom as Infrastructure Providers of category-I (IP-I) to set up joint communication towers and allied infrastructure. Such a move is expected to improve the quality of communication services in and around cantonments and military stations and solve the problem of call drops in such areas. Read more on infrastructure related issues here | Compilation by PT's IAS Academy, Civils Tapasya Portal
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4. World Rabies Day
(Trivia and Miscellaneous)
The World Rabies Day is celebrated every year on 28 September every year to raise awareness about the disease and the preventive measures that can be taken against it. The theme for this year is ‘Rabies: Zero by 30’. It is an initiative of the Global Alliance for Rabies Control and was started in 2007. September 28th has been chosen to observe this day as it marks the death anniversary of French chemist and microbiologist Louis Pasteur who is credited with the development of the first anti-rabies vaccine. Rabies causes inflammation of the brain (acute encephalitis) and is caused by a neurotropic virus. It is a zoonotic disease and is most commonly transferred from animals to humans through biting by an infected animal. Dog-mediated rabies make up over 95% of all deaths by rabies in humans. Download basic information doc here | Compilation by PT's IAS Academy, Civils Tapasya Portal
5. V V P A Ts in Gujarat
(Elections)
Gujarat is set to become the second state in India after Goa (and the first big state) to use Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) equipped with Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) in the upcoming elections to the Gujarat State Legislative Assembly in November-December 2017. This would include all 50,128 polling both in Gujarat. 70,182 VVPAT machines will be used for the elections. VVPAT is a step taken to ensure free and fair elections after allegations of EVM tampering surfaced over the past few years. This allows voters to verify their vote and also maintains a physical record of the voting which can be later accessed if the need rises. Read more on elections in India here. | Compilation by PT's IAS Academy, Civils Tapasya Portal
6. 100 Suburban Rail Services in Mumbai | Serious tragedy kills many
(Infrastructure)
100 additional local train services are to be launched on the Mumbai suburban network of the Western Railway and Central Railway Zones by the Indian Railways to boost rail services in Mumbai. This will increase the number of such services in Mumbai from 2983 to 3083 and help the 77 lakh commuters who use the Mumbai suburban rail network daily. 68 of these services will be introduced on the Central Railways whereas 32 would be on Western Railways. At the same time, a serious tragedy struck at the Foot Over Bridge (FOB) on Elphinstone Road railway station, when hundreds of commuters fell over each other in a narrow and congested FOB (for which many renovation requests are pending with the Railways), due to sudden rains and consequent rush to save oneself from getting drenched. Tens were crushed to death. Critics say that the Indian Railways needs to get their priorities right - instead of the Bullet Train, perhaps they should focus on saving lives sniffed out due to utter negligence. | This compilation by Civils Tapasya portal, PT's IAS Academy
7. Electoral Bonds Scheme
(Corruption and transparency)
The Electoral Bonds Scheme for bringing increased transparency in the funding of political parties is being finalised by the Union Government. It was a part of electoral funding reforms announced in the 2017-18 Union Budget presented by Finance Minister Arun Jaitley. The electoral bonds are expected to force the donors to political parties to route their donations through banks. Payments will only be accepted through cheques or digital modes, thereby capturing their identity. The bonds issued would be similar to a promissory note and not interest-paying debt instruments. These bonds shall not carry the name of the donor and 'protect' his/her anonymity. Critics say that this is an outrightly wrong structure that will make money laundering very easy. Read more about elections and related topics here | Compilation by PT's IAS Academy, Civils Tapasya Portal
8. NDMA’s 13th Formation Day
(Disaster Management)
The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) celebrated its 13th Formation Day on 28th September 2017. The theme for this year’s celebrations was ‘School Safety’. With a view to improve the risk resilience of schools across the nation, the National Disaster Management guidelines on School Safety Policy were released on the occasion. A report on the 2015 Chennai floods was also released. The NDMA is the apex statutory body for disaster management in India. It works under the Home Ministry and was established in 2009 under the provisions of the Disaster Management Act, 2005. The Prime Minister of India is the ex-officio chairperson of the NDMA. | Compilation by PT's IAS Academy, Civils Tapasya Portal
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9. Gravitational Waves
(Science and Technology)
Gravitational waves have been successfully detected by scientists for the fourth time. They were first detected in September and December 2015 and later in January 2017. The recently discovered waves were generated by the merger of 2 black holes which were 31 and 25 times the mass of the Sun. The resulting black hole was 53 times as massive as the Sun and the remaining mass (equivalent to 3 solar masses) was converted into gravitational-wave energy. Gravitational waves travel at the speed of light at 299,792,458 m/s. Gravitational waves were predicted fir the first time by Albert Einstein in 1916 using his Theory of General Relativity. Read more on science and technology topics here | This compilation by Civils Tapasya portal, PT's IAS Academy
10. Directorate General of Quality Assurance
(Defence and Military)
The Directorate General of Quality Assurance (DGQA) celebrated its Golden Jubilee on 28th September 2017 on completing 60 years of its existence. It works under the Department of Defence Production, Ministry of Defence and was established in 1957. It is headquartered at New Delhi. It seeks to provide quality assurance cover for all the arms, ammunitions and other equipment which are supplied to the security forces of India. It also looks after import substitution and works in close collaboration with the DRDO in various development projects. Read more on defence related issues here | This compilation by Civils Tapasya portal, PT's IAS Academy
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CIVILS TAPASYA - Quizzes - All govt. examsQ1. Rabies is caused by which of the following microbes? How does it spread?(Science and Technology, Static)(1) Virus, Animal or insect saliva transmitted through bites
(2) Bacteria, Animal bites transmitting the saliva
(3) Virus, Only animal bites carrying saliva
(4) Protozoa, Only animal saliva
Q2. Who is the chairperson of the NDMA?(Governance and Institutions, Dynamic)(1) Rajnath Singh
(2) Rajiv Gauba
(3) Narendra Modi
(4) Kiren RijijuQ3. Who is India’s current Chief of Naval Staff? Who was his predecessor?(Defence and Military, Dynamic)(1) Sunil Lanba; R K Dhowan
(2) Robin Dhowan; Sunil Lanba
(3) BS Dhanoa; Sunil Lanba
(4) Bipin Rawat; R K Dhowan
Q4. Who among the following is credited with the prediction of gravitation waves?(Science and Technology, Static)(1) Richard Feynman
(2) Stephen Hawking
(3) CV Raman
(4) Albert Einstein
Q5. Under which of the following ministries does the Directorate General of Quality Assurance work?(Governance and Institutions, Dynamic)(1) Ministry of Commerce and Industry
(2) Ministry of Communications
(3) Ministry of Defence
(4) Ministry of Home Affairs
Q6. Which was the first State in India to use VVPATs in the state assembly elections? What does a VVPAT ensure?(Government schemes, Dynamic)(1) Gujarat; give feedback to Election Commission
(2) Goa; give feedback to voters without a ballot paper
(3) Maharashtra; maintain transparency in the process
(4) Goa; give proof of vote and signature to the voter
Q7. What is the deadline for the Sustainable Development Goals? What was the deadline for the MDGs?(United Nations, Static)Q8. Which of the following is not true about the International Maritime Organisation?(History, Static)(1) It has 171 members
(2) India joined the IMO in 1959
(3) It was earlier called the Inter-Governmental Maritime Consultative Organisation
(4) None of theseQ9. How many additional suburban rail services are proposed to be added in Mumbai by the Indian Railways? Where did the horrific stampede tragedy happen in Sept 2017?(Infrastructure, Dynamic)(1) 100; Elphinstone Road Railway FOB
(2) 500; Elphinstone Road Railway FOB
(3) 1,700; Parle Road Railway FOB
(4) 2,900; Parle Road Railway FOB
Q10. Which of the following is not true about the Electoral Bonds Scheme?(Elections, Static)(1) All donations to political parties will be made through cheques or digital modes of payment
(2) The electoral bonds would be similar to interest-paying debt instruments
(3) These would ensure greater transparency in elections
(4) These are a part of the so-called electoral funding reforms
ANSWERS TO THE QUIZ
Q1.(1) | Q2.(3) | Q3.(1) | Q4.(4) | Q5.(3) | Q6.(2) | Q7.(4) | Q8.(4) | Q9.(1) | Q10.(2)
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