Current Affairs MCQs [26 and 27 December 2017] PIB TheHindu IndianExpress & Other leading newspapers

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

Which of the following can be categorized as Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA)? 1. Partial Scope

Agreement 2. Free Trade

Agreement 3. Economic Union 4. Customs Union

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

All fall under the category of PTAs. Within the broad category of PTAs, one can distinguish five forms, listed below, with each subsequent arrangement being a deeper form of integration, requiring more coordination and a greater loss of autonomy. o Partial Scope Agreement (PSA): A PSA is only partial in scope,

meaning it allows for trade between countries on a small number of goods.

o Free Trade Agreement (FTA): A free trade agreement is a preferential arrangement in which members reduce tariffs on trade among themselves, while maintaining their own tariff rates for trade with non-members.

o Customs Union (CU): A customs union (CU) is a free-trade agreement in which members apply a common external tariff (CET) schedule to imports from non-members.

o Common Market (CM): A common market is a customs union where movement of factors of production is relatively free amongst member countries.

o Economic Union (EU): An economic union is a common market where member countries coordinate macro-economic and exchange rate policies.

Which of the following country is not the member of MERCOSUR? (a) Brazil (b) Argentina (c) Chile (d) Uruguay Ans C

MERCOSUR is a trading bloc in Latin America comprising Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay. • MERCOSUR was formed in 1991 with the objective of

facilitating the free movement of goods, services, capital and people among the four member countries.

• It is the third largest integrated market after the European Union (EU), North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA).

• India has signed PTA with it in 2004.

‘CD Count’ and ‘ART’ often appear in the news in the context of tests and treatments related to which one of the following infections? a) Tuberculosis b) HIV/AIDS c) Swine Flu d) Hepatitis C Solution: b

The ‘Four Waters’ concept, implemented in some districts of Telangana and Rajasthan, revolves around a) Water Harvesting b) River revival c) Sustainable farming d) Energy conservation Solution: A The methodology of the Four Waters concept revolves around the harvesting of available runoff (four waters – rain water, surface water, ground water & in-situ soil moisture) in rural areas by treatment of catchment, proper utilization of available water harvesting structures, renovation of the non-functional water harvesting structures & creation of new water harvesting structures.

What Is Antiretroviral Therapy (ART)? ART are medications that treat HIV. • The drugs do not kill or cure the virus. • However, when taken in combination they can prevent the growth of the virus. When the virus is slowed

down, so is HIV disease. • Antiretroviral drugs are referred to as ARV. • Combination ARV therapy (cART) is referred to as highly active ART(HAART).

WHAT IS THE HIV LIFE CYCLE? There are several steps in the HIV life cycle. 1. Free virus circulates in the bloodstream. 2. HIV attaches to a cell. 3. HIV empties its contents into the cell. 4. The HIV genetic material (RNA) is used by the reverse transcriptase enzyme to build HIV DNA.

5. The HIV DNA is inserted into the cell’s chromosome by the HIV integrase enzyme. This establishes the HIV infection in the cell. 6. When the infected cell reproduces, it activates the HIV DNA, which makes the raw material for new HIV viruses. 7. Packets of material for a new virus come together. 8. The immature virus pushes out of the infected cell in a process called “budding.” 9. The immature virus breaks free of the infected cell. 10. The new virus matures: raw materials are cut by the protease enzyme and assembled into a functioning virus. Which of the following is/are not a Monetary Union? 1. European Union 2. Eurasian Economic

Union 3. ASEAN 4. Mercosur 5. Southern African

Customs Union Select the correct answer using the code given below. (a) 1 only (b) 2, 3, 4 and 5 only (c) 3, 4 and 5 only (d) 1 and 4 only Ans B

• The EEU is not a Monetary Union, at present.

• A currency union (also known as monetary union) involves two or more states sharing the same currency without their necessarily having any further integration (such as an economic and monetary union, which would have, in addition, a customs union and a single market).

• India does not have a free trade agreement with EEU. The members of the EEU have agreed to set up expert groups to develop preferential trade regimes with Israel and India.

• The Chabahar project — and the port, rail network, and road systems that it will tap into — will give India access to economic opportunities in regions from which it has been cut off for centuries.

• India’s ongoing negotiations with the Eurasian Economic Union, made up of Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Russia, could help India expand trade and investment opportunities through the region.

The Eurasian Economic Union comprises 1. Russia 2. Kazakhstan 3. Armenia 4. India 5. Belarus

Select the correct answer using the code given below: a) 1 and 2 only b) 3, 4 and 5 only c) 1, 2, 3 and 5 d) 1, 2 and 3 only Solution: c. The Eurasian Economic Union comprises Russia, Belarus, Armenia, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan.

The North American Free Trade Agreement is an agreement signed by 1. USA 2. Canada 3. Mexico 4. Cuba

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

India is set to formalise a free trade agreement with the Eurasian Economic Union, clearing the decks for negotiations on deepening trade relations with the five former Soviet republics. River Narmada’s tributaries include which of the following? 1. Halon 2. Heran 3. Shakkar 4. Orsang

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

Solution: d. • Narmada river rises near Amarkantak in

Madhya Pradesh and flows for over a 1000km before emptying into the Arabian Sea through the Gulf of Cambay.

• Its principal tributaries are the Burhner, the Halon, the Heran, the Banjar, the Dudhi, the Shakkar, the Tawa, the Barna ,the Kolar, the Ganjal, the Beda, the Goi, and the Orsang.

Doha Amendment which was in news recently, is related to a) Trade disputes between developed and developing nations b) The future of WTO and its trade deals c) Amendment made to the Kyoto Protocol d) None of the above Solution: c)

Where is the WTO’s 11th biennial Ministerial Conference taking place? a) Morocco b) Nigeria c) Brazil d) Argentina Solution: d The Eleventh Ministerial Conference (MC11) : from 10 to 13 December 2017 in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

WTO Structure Ministerial Conference

• Supreme Decision Making body

• Meets once every 2 years,(9th Ministerial Conference in 2013- Bali; 10th in 2015 - Nairobi)

• deliberates on trade agreements

• Appoints Director general

General Council • day to day Decision Making body

• Meets regularly at Geneva. • implements decision of ministerial conferences

• Has Representative from each member state. has two bodies, with separate chairmen

1. Dispute settlement body 2. Trade policy review body

• Below general council, there are Committees on individual agreements and annexes- Anti dumping, Subsidies & countervailing measures (SCM) etc.

Director General • Appointed by ministerial conference

• Has four years term. • heads the Secretariat at Geneva

WTO Functions o Ensure the developing countries benefit from world trade, especially the least Developed countries. o Reduce barriers to international trade – both tariff barriers and non-tariff barriers. o Get the members Enter into multilateral trade agreements to achieve above objectives. o Provide forum for negotiation and dispute settlement for the members, if the agreements are violated. o Cooperate with UN, World and IMF for a global economic policy that improves livelihood, protects

environment and promotes sustainable Development. According to a recent World Trade Organisation report, “the state of play in the services negotiations” covers which of the following areas 1. Services related to e-commerce 2. Services trade facilitation 3. Domestic regulation 4. Gender equality

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

India rejected attempts by some WTO Members such as European Union and Canada to include ‘gender equality’ in the services trade negotiations agenda. According to a November 27 WTO report, “the state of play in the services negotiations covers four areas: services trade facilitation, services related to e-commerce, market access, and domestic regulation.”)

c) 3 and 4 only d) 1, 2, 3 and 4 Solution: A India’s Coromandel coast takes its name from which one of the following? a) The bird cormorant which once was found in abundance in this region but now is extinct b) The ancient dynasty of Kerala rulers known as the Cheras c) The first discovered coral islands of the world, off of this coast (what is now referred to as the Lakshadweep) d) None of the above Solution: D

Coromandel • the eastern coast of the Peninsula of India from Point

Calimere to the mouth of the Kistna, sometimes to Orissa…

• The name is in fact Choramandala, the Realm of Chora; this being the Tamil form of the very ancient title of the Tamil Kings who reigned at Tanjore… The name occurs in the forms Cholamandalam or Solamandalam on the great temple inscription of Tanjore.” “So Coromandel takes its name from the ancient dynasty of Tamil rulers known as the Cholas. That word ‘Chola’ first appears on rock inscriptions that can be accurately dated to within a year or two either side of 260 BCE, carved by order of Emperor Ashoka, and it continues to reappear century after century on the walls and monuments of the great temple cities of Tamil country, right up to a final appearance in the year 1279 CE.”

Who among the following is not the member of regional comprehensive economic partnership (RCEP)? a. India

How many indian states share border with china?

b. Brunei c. Maldives d. Mayanmar

Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) • is a proposed free trade agreement (FTA) between the ten

member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) (Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam) and the six states with which ASEAN has existing free trade agreements (Australia, China, India, Japan, South Korea and New Zealand).

a. 4 states b. 3 states c. 5 states d. 6 states

5 indian states share border with china Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh

Which of the following is/are objective(s) of Ganga Gram project, recently in the news? 1. Promotion of organic farming 2. Solid and liquid waste management 3. Renovation of ponds and water resources 4. Promotion of the cultivation of medicinal

plants 5. Conservation of water by renovating

ponds and other water resources Select the correct answer using the codes given below, 1. 2 and 5 only 2. 1, 2 and 4 only 3. 2, 3 and 5 only 4. 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5

Ans D

• Ganga Gram project is an integrated approach for holistic development of villages situated on the banks of River Ganga with active participation of the villagers.

• The objectives of Ganga Gram Project include solid and liquid waste management, renovation of ponds and water resources, water conservation projects, organic farming, horticulture, and promotion of medicinal plants.

With reference to the United Nations General Assembly, consider the following statements: 1. It is composed of the

representatives of all member states of the United Nations.

2. It has the power to take action in cases of breach of peace or act of aggression when the Security Council fails to act.

Which of the statements given above is / are correct? 1. 1 only 2. 2 only 3. Both 1 and 2 4. Neither 1 nor 2

Ans C

o The United Nations General Assembly

• the main deliberative organ of the UN

• is composed of the representatives of all member states (currently there are 193 members).

• UNGA is the only principal organ of UN system in which all member nations have equal representation.

• Its composition, functions, powers, voting, and procedures are set out in Chapter IV of the United Nations Charter.

o The General Assembly may take action in cases of a threat to the peace, breach of peace or act of aggression, when the Security Council has failed to act owing to the negative vote of a permanent member.

o In such instances, according to its “Uniting for peace” resolution of 3 November 1950, the Assembly may consider the matter immediately and recommend to its Members collective measures to maintain or restore international peace and security.

With reference to Biopesticides, which of the following is/are correct?

Recently, our scientists have discovered a new scorpion species named Schaller’s wood scorpion. In

1. It can found in the form of animals, plants, bacteria, and minerals.

2. It does not affect only the target pest but proliferate in the environment very quickly.

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

Ans A • Biopesticides are certain types of pesticides derived from

such natural materials as animals, plants, bacteria, and certain minerals.

• Biochemical pesticides are naturally occurring substances that control pests by non-toxic mechanisms.

• Biopesticides generally affect only the target pest and closely related organisms, in contrast to broad spectrum, conventional pesticides that may affect organisms as different as birds, insects and mammals or the environment.

which of Indian states has it been discovered? a. Tripura b. Maharashtra c. Chhattisgarh d. Odisha

Scientists have discovered new scorpion species named Schaller’s wood scorpion (Liocheles schalleri) from at Trishna Wildlife Sanctuary, Tripura. • It has been named in honour of

celebrated wildlife biologist George Schaller who has studied wildlife across the world, including the snow leopards of the Himalayas and central India’s tigers.

With reference to Swachh Iconic Places (SIP), consider the following statements: 1. It aims to clean up places across India

which has special significance. 2. It is administered in association with the

Ministry of Tourism. Which of the following statement(s) is/are correct? 1. 1 only 2. 2 only 3. Both and 2 4. Neither 1 nor 2 Ans C

With reference to Smart Cities Mission, consider the following statements: 1. It is primarily an urban renewal program for

existing cities 2. All Indian states and Union territories has

participated in the mission except West Bengal.

Which of the following statement(s) is/are correct? 1. 1 only 2. 2 only 3. Both and 2

• A multi-stakeholder initiative focusing on cleaning up 100 places across India that are “iconic” due to their heritage, religious and/or cultural significance.

• This initiative is in partnership with Ministries of Urban Development, Tourism and Culture with MDWS being the nodal ministry.

4. Neither 1 nor 2 Ans C • Smart Cities Mission is an urban renewal and

retrofitting program by the Government of India with a mission to develop 100 cities all over the country making them citizen friendly and sustainable.

• It is a five-year program, where all of the Indian states and Union territories are participating except West Bengal.

Under the WTO negotiations, the “Friends of Special Products” in agriculture refers to a coalition of a) Developing countries pressing for flexibility for developing countries to undertake limited market opening in agriculture b) Agricultural exporting nations lobbying for agricultural trade liberalization c) Countries lobbying for agriculture to be treated as diverse and special because of non-trade concerns d) Developing countries pressing for ambitious reforms of

“The G-33 coalition — which includes Indonesia, China and India — seeks a complete exemption from commitments to reduce subsidies, such as minimum support prices, from this poverty-alleviation programme. New Delhi has declined to negotiate any more trade-offs on this proposal at Buenos Aires, or accept calls for stringent transparency requirements to monitor these schemes..” • The G-33 coalition is also called “friends of special

products” in agriculture. To repeat, it is a “coalition of developing countries pressing for flexibility for developing countries to undertake limited market opening in agriculture.”

• G20 coalition (within the WTO; this G20 is not to be confused with the G-20 group of finance ministers and central bank governors).

agriculture in developed countries with some flexibility for developing countries Solution: A The ‘Marginalist Revolution’ can be most closely identified as being a) The dividing line between classical and modern economics b) The earliest instance in documented history of the revolt of an oppressed class of people c) The forerunner of economic reforms in developing countries of the 20th century d) None of the above Ans A “Marginalism” describes both a method of analysis and a theory of value in economics. According to this theory, individuals make economic decisions on the margin; value is determined by how much additional utility an extra unit of a good or service provides. The development of marginal theory is commonly referred to as the ‘Marginalist Revolution’ and is seen as the dividing line between classical and modern economics.

Which of the following targets is/are listed under the UN Sustainable Development Goal Three (SDG 3 – Good Health and Well-Being)? 1.Halve the number of global deaths and injuries from road traffic accidents 2.Achieve access to adequate and equitable sanitation and hygiene for all and end open defecation Select the correct answer using the code given below: a) 1 only b) 2 only c) Both 1 and 2 d) Neither 1 nor 2 Ans A SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being

Which of the following international events were recently/are being hosted in India for the first time? o Organic World Congress o Global Clubfoot Conference o International Congress of Military Medicine o World Food Convention

Select the correct answer using the code given below: a) 1, 3 and 4 only b) 1 and 4 only c) 2 and 3 only d) 1, 2, 3 and 4 Solution: d. All four events were recently hosted by India for the first time (all in the past month or so). Additional Information: The ‘focus state’ in World Food India – 2017 was Odisha. +