Current Affairs MCQs [ 2 and 3 December 2017 ] PIB TheHindu IndianExpress & Other leading newspapers

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

The term 'biosimilar', sometimes seen in the news is in the context of (a) twin children of same sex. (b) naturally occurring organisms to neutralize pollutants. (c) a type of pesticide derived from natural material. (d) impersonations of drugs. Ans D

Trastuzumab, recently in news, is a drug for treatment of: (a) malaria (b) breast cancer (c) swine flu (d) tuberculosis Ans B • Recently, in March 2017 Delhi high court a green

signal to pharmaceutical companies Biocon and Mylan to manufacture and sell its biosimilar drug Trastuzumab for early breast cancer and metastatic gastric cancer.

• Trastuzumab is a drug used to treat metastatic (spread) breast cancer.

• It is given through an infusion into the vein.

Biosimilar Biosimilar are equivalent of drugs where the active ingredient is made by an engineered organism e.g. E.coli has been engineered to express a modified version of human insulin gene. Difference between biosimilar and generics- • Biosimilar involve developing equivalent of biological entity while generics involve developing equivalent of a

chemical entity-the Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API) • Biosimilar are extracted from natural sources while generics through chemical synthesis. • In case of biosimilar, biological entities being different (and not replica), every organism has to be engineered

to produce the same therapeutic effect while in generics, the copies of API can be generated • Differences in efficiency in biosimilar may arise because of first input i.e. the organism, while in case of

generics because the input (API) is same, the differences in efficiency arise because of the process involved. • Regulatory procedure to get approval for biosimilar is complex as compared to that of a generics

Market for biosimilar is attractive for Indian companies because- • Huge market exists in EU, Japan and USA. USA FDA has approved two biosimilar drugs in 2016. • Blockbuster drugs are going to get off-patent soon and hence their manufacturing can be done in India by

Indian companies. • Drugs and Cosmetics Act has been amended to ease down the procedure of clinical trials • Research in biosimilar can benefit from the Healthcare Mission launched under National Biotechnology

Development Strategy (2015-2020)

Which of the following are the objectives of ‘National Nutrition Mission’? 1. To create awareness relating to

malnutrition among pregnant women and lactating mothers.

2. To reduce the incidence of anaemia among young children, adolescent girls and women.

3. To promote the consumption of millets, coarse cereals and unpolished rice.

4. To promote the consumption of poultry eggs.

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

There are two components of the National Nutrition Mission as follows: 1. Information, Education and Communication (IEC) Campaign against malnutrition 2. Multi-sectoral Nutrition Programme The key objectives of these programmes are as under: - To create awareness relating to malnutrition amongst pregnant women, lactating mothers, promote healthy lactating practices and importance of balanced nutrition; - To improve maternal and child under-nutrition in 200 high burdened districts and to prevent and reduce the under-nutrition prevalent among children below 3 years; - To reduce incidence of anaemia among young children, adolescent girls and women.

UPSC Prelims 2012 Consider the following factors: 1. Rotation of the Earth 2. Air pressure and wind 3. Density of ocean water 4. Revolution of the Earth Which of the above factors influence the ocean currents? (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 1, 2 and 3 (c) 1 and 4 (d) 2, 3 and 4 Ans B

UPSC Prelims 2016 In the context of which of the following do you sometimes find the terms ‘amber box, blue box and green box’ in the news? (a) WTO affairs (b) SAARC affairs (c) UNFCCC affairs (d) India-EU negotiations on FTA

With reference to National Nutrition Mission 2014, consider the following statements: 1. The objective is to create awareness

relating to malnutrition among pregnant women and lactating mothers.

2. National Nutrition Mission aims to reduce incidence of anaemia among pregnant women only.

3. National Institute of Public Cooperation and Child Development (NIPCCD) is entrusted with the task of tracking the progress and achievements of the mission.

Which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. 2 only 2. 2 and 3 3. 1 and 3 4. All of the above

Ans C

Key objectives of the National Nutrition Mission’ are: • To create awareness relating to malnutrition

amongst pregnant women, lactating mothers, promote healthy lactating practices and importance of balanced nutrition;

• To improve maternal and child under-nutrition in 200 high burdened districts and to prevent and reduce the under-nutrition prevalent among children below 3 years;

• To reduce incidence of anaemia among young children, adolescent girls and women.

Key objectives mentioned by Ministry of Women and Child Development for National Nutrition Mission mentions as one of its objective to reduce incidence of anaemia among young children, adolescent girls and women and not just pregnant women. Monitoring and evaluation of the programme has been entrusted to National Institute of Public Cooperation and Child Development (NIPCCD) to track the progress and achievements during and after implementation.

With reference to String of Pearls, consider the following statements: 1. The String of Pearls theory is a geopolitical theory of the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). 2. The term refers to only commercial facilities developed by China in countries

• ‘String of Pearls’ refers to a geopolitical theory to the network of Chinese intentions in India Ocean Region (IOR).

• Precisely, it refers to the network of Chinese military and commercial facilities developed by China in countries falling on the Indian Ocean between the Chinese mainland and Port Sudan.

falling on the Indian Ocean. Which of the above statement(s) is/are true? 1. Only 1 2. Only 2 3. Both 1 and 2 4. Neither 1 nor 2

• The sea lines run through several maritime choke points such as the Strait of Bab Al-Mandeb, Strait of Malacca, Strait of Hormuz and the Lombok Strait, as well as other strategic maritime centers in Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Maldives, Djibouti and Somalia.

• This term was first used by United States Department of Defense in report titled “Energy Futures in Asia”.

Which of the following is/are objectives of Mission Indradhanush? 1. To immunize all children

under the age of 2 years, as well as all pregnant women, against seven vaccine preventable diseases

2. To provide life-saving vaccines to all children across the country free of cost to protect them against diseases such as Tuberculosis, Diphtheria, Pertussis, Tetanus and Polio

Select the correct answer using codes below: a) 1 only b) 2 only c) Both 1 and 2 d) Neither 1 nor 2Solution: c)

Recently, the union government approved the scheme for grant of Permanent Residency Status (PRS) to foreign investors subject to the relevant conditions as specified in the FDI Policy notified by the Government from time to time. As a PRS, can avail which of the following facilities? 1. Can purchase one residential property for

dwelling purpose 2. The spouse/ dependents of the PRS holder

will be allowed to take up employment in private sector

3. Permanent Residency Status will be granted for a period of 10 years initially with multiple entry facility, which can be renewed for another 10 years

Select the correct answer using codes below: a) 1 and 3 Only b) 1 and 2 Only c) 2 and 3 Only d) All Solution: d)

With reference to the value added method for national income accounting, consider the following statements: 1. Gross Value Added (GVA) at factor

cost does not include any taxes.

o GVA at basic prices will include production taxes and exclude production subsidies available on the commodity.

o GVA at factor cost includes no taxes and excludes no subsidies

2. GVA at basic prices excludes production taxes and includes production subsidies available on the commodity.

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

o GDP at market prices include both production and product taxes and excludes both production and product subsidies.

o Relationship between GVA at Factor Cost and GVA at Basic Prices :

o GVA at factor cost + (Production taxes less Production subsidies) = GVA at basic prices.

Which of the following best defines Tax buoyancy?

(a) It is the ratio of growth in tax revenue to growth in GDP. (b) It is the ratio of gross tax collected to the total public debt of the state. (c) It is the ratio of gross tax collected by the state to the percentage of GDP. (d) It is the ratio of growth in tax revenue to the growth in population. Ans A Tax buoyancy is an indicator to measure efficiency of revenue mobilization with respect to growth in national income. If it is more than one then growth in tax collection would be higher than growth in GDP.

The Financial Resolution and Deposit Insurance Bill 2017, a proposed new law for resolving bankruptcy, will be applicable to 1. Pension funds 2. Stock exchanges 3. Insurance companies

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

Solution: d. • The Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016 provides

a time-bound process for resolving insolvency in companies and among individuals.

• Insolvency is a situation where individuals or companies are unable to repay their outstanding debt.

• Financial Resolution and Deposit Insurance Bill, 2017 establishes a Resolution Corporation to monitor financial firms (these include banks, non-banking financial companies, insurance companies,

c) 1, 2 and 3 d) None of the above

pensions funds, stock exchanges, and depositories), anticipate risk of failure, take corrective action, and resolve them in case of such failure. The Corporation will also provide deposit insurance up to a certain limit, in case of bank failure.

The Global Entrepreneurship Summit (GES) was recently held in ? 1. Mumbai 2. Amravati 3. Hyderabad 4. New Delhi 5. Gujarat

Ans C

What is the theme of the 8th edition of the Global Entrepreneurship Summit? 1. Cashless India Prosper India 2. Women First, Prosperity for All 3. Go Digital 4. Live Together for prosperityAns B

The 8th edition of the Global Entrepreneurship Summit-2017 • held at Hyderabad

• co-hosted by India and the USA and for the first time it is being held in South Asia.

• This year the theme of the Summit is “Women First, Prosperity for All”.

• focus on supporting women entrepreneurs and fostering economic growth globally.

• four areas- Energy and Infrastructure, Digital Economy and Financial Technology, Health and Life Sciences and Media and Entertainment.

Siang River Which of the following statement is/are correct? 1. The River originates in Nepal 2. It is joined by other two Rivers –Dibang and Lohit

as it enters in India. Select the correct answer using the code given below. 1. 1 only 2. 2 only 3. Both 1 and 2

The park bounded is by the Brahmaputra and Lohit rivers in the north. It mainly consists of moist mixed semi-evergreen forests, moist mixed deciduous forests, canebrakes and grasslands. It has tropical monsoon climate with a hot and wet summer and cool and usually dry winter. To which of the following national parks does this description refer? a) Nokrek National Park

4. Neither 1 nor 2 Ans B • Brahmaputra river, locally known as Siang in

Arunachal Pradesh

• Siang originates in China

• Siang originates in China and then enters India through Arunachal Pradesh, it is then joined by two other rivers–Dibang and Lohit–as it enters Assam where it is called the Brahmaputra.

b) Manas National Park c) Kaziranga National Park d) None of the above Solution: d) Dibru-Saikhowa National Park • a national park in Assam

• located in Dibrugarh and Tinsukia districts

• was designated a Biosphere Reserve in July 1997

Lesotho Which of the following statement is/are correct? 1. Lesotho is an enclaved,

landlocked country situated in southern Africa

2. Its capital and largest city is Maseru.

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

Ans C • Lesotho is an enclaved, landlocked

country in southern Africa.

• Its capital and largest city is Maseru

With reference to “National Anti-profiteering Authority”, which of the following statement is/are correct? 1. It is tasked with ensuring the full

benefits of a reduction in tax on supply of goods to the consumers.

2. It can impose a penalty on the defaulting business entity and even order the cancellation of its registration under GST.

Select the correct answer using the code given below. 1. 1 only 2. 2 only 3. Both 1 and 2

The National Anti-profiteering Authority • is tasked with ensuring the full benefits

of a reduction in tax on supply of goods or services flow to the consumers.

• shall be responsible for applying anti-profiteering measures in the event of a reduction in rate of GST on supply of goods or services or, if the benefit of input tax credit is not passed on to the recipients by way of commensurate reduction in prices.

• In extreme cases the National Anti-profiteering Authority can impose a penalty on the defaulting business entity

4. Neither 1 nor 2 Ans C

and even order the cancellation of its registration under GST.

India is going to host 36th International Geological Congress (IGC) in 2020 in NCR New Delhi. India had won the bid in 2012 at 34th IGC Brisbane, Australia to host the Congress in 2020. With reference to “International Geological Congress(IGC)”, which of the following statement is/are correct?

• International Geological Congress (IGC) is the prestigious global platform for advancement of Earth Science.

• The first session of IGC assembled in 1878 in France Select the correct answer using the code given below. • 1 only • 2 only • Both 1 and 2 • Neither 1 nor 2 Ans C

International Union of Geological Sciences (IUGS) • The IUGS is an international non-

governmental organization devoted to international cooperation in the field of geology.

• It was founded in 1961. • Currently geologists from 121

countries (and regions) are represented in IUGS through 121 adhering organizations.

• It is joint partner with UNESCO for International Geoscience Programme (IGCP).

International Geological Congress (IGC) • The IGC is prestigious conclave of geoscientists from around

world. • It is considered as an Olympic of the International Geosciences

fraternity. • It aims to bring together the geo-scientific community across the

continents and oceans. • It is held once every four years (quadrennially) under aegis of

IUGS through process of global bidding.

• the prestigious global platform for advancement of Earth Science.

• The first session of IGC assembled in 1878 in France with an aim to provide the global geological community with an opportunity to create an organizational framework for meeting at regular intervals.

ISRO has successfully launched GSAT-19 communication satellite through which launch vehicle? • GSLV Mark III • GSLV Mark IV • GSLV Mark II • GSLV Mark V

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has successfully launched its 3136 kg GSAT-19 communication satellite with its brand new and heaviest – Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle Mark-III D-1 (GSLV-Mk III D-1) satellite into Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO) from the SatishDhawan Space Centre (SDSC) in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh on June 5, 2017. • The satellite GSAT-19 has an intended life span of 10 years and is developed to improve

telecommunication and broadcasting areas.

• The GSLV-Mk III is popularly known as “fat boy” and is developed for 15 years at a cost of around Rs 300 crore.

• The rocket is capable of carrying payloads of up to 4,000 kg into the GTO and 10,000 kg into the Low Earth Orbit (LEO). The GSLV-Mk III is a three stage rocket. Its first stage is made of two strap on motors filled with solid fuel. The second stage uses the liquid fuel and the third is the cryogenic upper stage “C25”, which is powered by the highly complex indigenous cryogenic engine “CE20”. The number 20 denotes the 20-ton thrust it generates for the rocket to reach the intended height with the heavy mass on board.