Current Affairs Questions & Answers - July 07, 2016

1)   Union Cabinet approved the National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme to be implemented by which ministry?

a. MSDE
b. MSME
c. MoE
d. MoD
Answer  Explanation 

ANSWER: MSDE

Explanation:
Union Cabinet approved the National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme having an outlay of INR 10,000 crore with a target to train 50 lakh apprentices by 2019-2020.

  • Scheme will be implemented by Director General of Training under the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship.
  • This marks the first time a scheme has been designed to offer fiscal incentives to engage apprentices.
  • Basic training is also supported which is an essential component of apprenticeship exercise.
  • 50 percent of the total expenditure incurred on providing basic training would be supported by the government.
  • According to an official statement 25 percent of the stipend payable to an apprentice would be shared with employers directly by the government.
  • Scheme will catalyse the entire apprenticeship ecosystem within the country and offered a win-win situation for all stakeholders
  • This is expected to become one of the most powerful skill delivery vehicles in the country.


2)   NADA has signed a two year memorandum with Australian Anti-Doping Agency and World Anti -Doping Agency. What does NADA stand for?

a. National Anti Doping Agency
b. Nation Anti Doping Agency
c. National Aid Doping Agency
d. None of the above
Answer  Explanation  Related Ques

ANSWER: National Anti Doping Agency

Explanation:
To bolster the anti-doping programme, the National Anti Doping Agency has signed a 2 year MoU with the Australian counterpart and international anti doping agency WADA.

  • NADA, Australian Anti Doping Agency and World Anti Doping Agency to ensure India implements a more effective anti-doping programme fully compliant with the WADA Code.
  • WADA’s role was to oversee the partnership including setting a timeline for the project and assisting with the implementation of work required.
  • Scope of agreement included improvement of key aspects of NADA programme including testing and results management structures, more timely appeals processes, and a review of the agency’s structure to confirm the current structure enables autonomy in operational decision making.
  • ASADA-NADA collaboration is part of a drive by WADA to promote knowledge exchange and enhance the quality of national anti-doping programs through NADO partnership program.
  • 9 other NADO-NADO partnerships were struck in recent years including the Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sport providing assistance to the Jamaican Anti Doping Commission and Anti Doping Norway and the Chinese Anti Doping Agency supporting Kenya.


3)   SFI has chosen which swimmers to participate in the Rio Olympics?

a. Sajan Prakash
b. Shivani Kataria
c. Both of the above
d. Neither a nor b
Answer  Explanation  Related Ques

ANSWER: Both of the above

Explanation:
With no Indian swimmer managing to attain the A qualification mark for Rio Olympics, the Swimming Federation of India selected Kerala’s Sajan Prakash and Haryana’s Shivani Kataria for representing India at the games.

  • India got two quota for the Olympics.
  • A qualification mark would have direct entry to Rio Olympics and a total of 5 swimmers have made the B cut.
  • Sajan has trained in Phuket along with Shivani under the FINA scholarship


4)   PM Narendra Modi has headed to Africa on 7th July, 2016 visiting which countries?

a. Mozambique
b. Ghana
c. Kenya
d. Only a and c
e. All the above
Answer  Explanation 

ANSWER: Only a and c

Explanation:
PM Narendra Modi headed to Africa on July 7, seeking to boost Indian economic power in a region dominated by Asian power China.

  • In 2015, India held a major summit of African heads of state.
  • PM Modi will head to Mozambique marking the first visit by an Indian PM in 34 years.
  • He will also travel to S. Africa, Kenya and Tanzania


5)   Which airport was the world’s largest charkha unveiled in?

a. Indira Gandhi International Airport
b. Lok Narayan Jayaprakash International Airport
c. Swami Vivekananda Airport
d. Sardar Vallabhai Patel International Airport
Answer  Explanation 

ANSWER: Indira Gandhi International Airport

Explanation:
The world’s largest Charkha/spinning wheel was launched at Terminal 3 of the Indira Gandhi International Airport, New Delhi by MSME Union Minister for Kalraj Mishra on July 5, 2016.

  • This is the world’s biggest charkha at the busiest airport to highlight India’s quest to foster a society with egalitarian values as demonstrated by Mahatma Gandhi.
  • All other artworks at the terminal- Mudras, Regal Procession, Elephant statues, Surya Sculpture, Suryanamaskar and Warli Art among others are reflective of India’s cultural heritage.
  • The Charkha weighs 4 tonnes and is made from Burma teak wood.
  • WIth a width of 9 feet and a height of 17 feet as well as 30 feet in length, this Charkha was built in 55 days by 42 skilled carpenters hailing from Ahmedabad.


6)   Abbas Kiarostami is known for which Palme d’Or award winning movie in 1997?

a. Taste of Apple
b. Taste of Grape
c. Taste of Orange
d. Taste of Cherry
Answer  Explanation 

ANSWER: Taste of Cherry

Explanation:
Abbas Kiarostami, a critically acclaimed Iranian director died on July 4 2016 following prolonged illness in France.

  • He died in Paris at the age of 76 and is survived by two sons.
  • His film Taste of Cherry won the Palme d’Or in 1997.
  • Kiarostami wrote as well as directed dozens of films over an illustrious career of more than 40 years
  • In 1977, he made the first feature length film entitled Report that is about a tax collector making money through bribes.
  • His Taste of Cherry won the Best Picture Award in 1997 at the Cannes Film Festival.
  • He also won an award at the 2005 Marrakech International Film Festival in Morocco from martin Scorsese.


7)   Union Cabinet on July 5, 2016 approved the signing of an MoU with India and which other country in the field of Rural Development and Poverty Alleviation?

a. Maldives
b. Malaysia
c. Myanmar
d. Mauritius
Answer  Explanation 

ANSWER: Mauritius

Explanation:
Union Cabinet on July 5, 2016 approved the signing of an MoU between India and Mauritius in the field of Rural Development and Poverty Alleviation.

  • MoU will help establish a framework for cooperating between National Development Unit, PMO of Mauritius and the Union Ministry of Rural Development in the sphere of rural development.
  • MoU will encourage cooperation in the field of rural development and capacity building on the basis of equality and mutual benefit between two nations.
  • Joint Committee on Cooperation on Rural Development will be established meeting alternatively in both countries on mutually agreed dates.
  • As per the MoU, the two nations have agreed to coordinate and facilitate appropriate technical cooperation in both countries on access to Indian institutions fulfilling MoU objectives and exchange of relevant information and documents in the sphere of rural development including scientific and technical information along with policies and the two nations would exchange relevant information regarding issues of mutual interest.
  • MoU is based on the fact that both nations have large segments of their population living in rural areas and depend on agriculture and allied activities for their livelihoods
  • An institutional arrangement for bilateral cooperation between India and Mauritius in the fields was under consideration for some period of time


8)   RBI has appointed whom as the Executive Director on July 5, 2016?

a. Sudarshan Sen
b. NS Vishwanathan
c. MS Swaminathan
d. None of the above
Answer  Explanation  Related Ques

ANSWER: Sudarshan Sen

Explanation:
RBI has appointed Sudarshan Sen as an executive director in place of NS Vishwanathan elevated as Deputy Governor at the central bank.

  • Sen will take care of Banking Regulation, Department of Cooperative Bank Regulation and Department of Non Banking Regulation.
  • Sen was a career central banker and has long association with bank supervision and regulation.
  • He was also in charge of the Department of Banking Regulation.
  • He served as Regional Director of Ahmedabad office of the RBI and holds an MBA in International banking and Financing from UK’s University of Birmingham.
  • RBI is involved in the printing of currency notes while coins are minted by GoI.
  • RBI is the central bank with current governor Raghuram Rajan set to retire in September 2016.


9)   Chhattisgarh CM Dr. Raman Singh has inaugurated the first commercial dispute resolution centre and commercial court in which state capital?

a. Raipur
b. Bhopal
c. Chambal
d. None of the above
Answer  Explanation 

ANSWER: Raipur

Explanation:
Chhattisgarh CM Dr. Raman Singh has inaugurated the country’s first commercial dispute resolution centre and commercial court in the state capital of Raipur.

  • The commercial court is located in Naya Raipur area of the city.
  • Court comprises arbitration centre and meditation centre.
  • Court also comprises facilities for litigants through a new system called video- conferencing, e-court, e-library, e-filing and e-summons
  • Ultra modern facilities available at court will boost investors in commercial dealings and help improve the judicial system.
  • Chattisgarh is one of the richest mineral wealth endowed states in India with 28 types of minerals found here including iron ore, bauxite, limestone, coal, diamond and gold.
  • State accounts for around 23 percent of the iron ore deposits of India.
  • With a total of 44 percent of the state covered by forests, this is a green state.
  • Three national parks form part of the state namely Indravati National Park, Kanger Valley National Park and Guru Ghasidas National Park.
  • This state also has 11 wildlife sanctuaries as well.
  • Hindi and Chattisgarhi are the main languages spoken in the state.


10)   TRAI will start a consultation process to fix which rules for mobile data?

a. Quality of service rules
b. Quality of servicing rules
c. Limits of service rules
d. Areas of service rule
Answer  Explanation  Related Ques

ANSWER: Quality of service rules

Explanation:
TRAI will soon start a consultation process to fix “quality of service” rules for mobile data including average data speed for operators.

  • Regulator will also launch a mobile app for measuring real time internet speeds that consumers get
  • Data will be made available on TRAI Analytics portal.
  • Through the application, TRAI Myspeed App, TRAI will get real time data from customers. This will be put on TRAI Analytics Portal.
  • This will show mobile data speed of each operator within a given area on real time basis.
  • TRAI has issued service quality benchmarks for wireless data earlier but Sharma said telecom operators have complained law of physics does not guarantee a minimum speed that they can provide to consumers.
  • TRAI is an independent regulatory of the telecommunications business in the country. It was established on February 20, 1997 by a Parliamentary Act to regulate telecom services and tariffs in the country.
  • Earlier regulation of telecom services and tariffs were overseen by Central Government.
  • TRAI aims to grow telecom networks in India and emerging global information society


11)   Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi was apprised of a joint issue of postage stamp between Department of Post, GoI and which other country’s postal service?

a. US
b. UK
c. Spain
d. Portugal
Answer  Explanation 

ANSWER: Portugal

Explanation:
Union Cabinet chaired by PM Shri Narendra Modi was apprised of a joint issue of postage stamps between Department of Post and Portugal Post.

  • The two countries enjoy excellent bilateral relations with each other.
  • Joint issue will help postal departments in both countries for production of philately.


12)   Union Cabinet chaired by PM Shri Narendra Modi has given approval for MoU on drug demand reduction and prevention of illicit trafficking in narcotic drugs, psychotropic drugs and precursor chemicals and related matters with which country?

a. Mozambique
b. Malawi
c. Mauritius
d. Maldives
Answer  Explanation 

ANSWER: Mozambique

Explanation:
Union Cabinet chaired by PM Shri Modi has given approval for signing an MoU between India and Mozambique on Drug Demand Reduction and prevention of illicit trafficking in narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and precursor chemicals as well as associated matters.

  • MoU is aimed to enhance mutual cooperation in battling illicit trafficking in narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and precursors through exchange of information, capacity building and expertise.


13)   Which two high courts have undergone name alteration?

a. Bombay
b. Madras
c. Kolkata
d. a and b
e. a and c
Answer  Explanation 

ANSWER: a and b

Explanation:
The High Courts (Alteration of Names) Bill 2016 will facilitate the changing of names of Bombay and Madras HC to Mumbai and Chennai.

  • HC of Bombay and Madras was named after cities where they were located.
  • There is no central law under which this proposal for change of names of HC can be addressed.
  • Bill would pave name change in HC of Bombay and Madras


14)   Union Cabinet chaired by PM Shri Narendra Modi has approved the signing of MoU between India and which other African nation?

a. Tanzania
b. Ghana
c. Colombia
d. Bolivia
Answer  Explanation  Related Ques

ANSWER: Tanzania

Explanation:
Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approved an MoU between India and Tanzania in the field of traditional systems of medicine and homeopathy.

  • MoU will provide structured framework for cooperating between two countries for propagating indian traditional systems of medicine and homeopathy in Tanzania.
  • There were no additional financial implications associated with this and financial resources needed to conduct research, training courses, conferences and meetings from allocated budget and plan schemes of AYUSH ministry.


15)   Which new port is being set up at TN?

a. Enayam
b. Colachel
c. Chennai
d. Kamarajar
Answer  Explanation 

ANSWER: Enayam

Explanation:
Union Cabinet chaired by PM Shri Narendra Modi has provided in-principle approval for establishing a port on Enayam near Colachel in Tamil Nadu.

  • SPV will be formed for development of this port with initial equity investment from three major ports in TN namely VO Chidambaranar Port Trust, Chennai Port Trust and Kamarajar Port Limited.
  • SPV will develop key infrastructure including connectivity links, construction of breakwater, dredging and reclamation.
  • There are few ports in the country which can handle global cargo and currently India loses INR 1500 crores of revenue every year.
  • Establishing the major port at Enayam will act as a major gateway container port for Indian cargo presently transhipped across India but also has become a transhipment hub for East-West trade route.
  • This will reduce logistics cost for exports and imports in S. India.


16)   Union Home Minister Shri Rajnath Singh released a book on the CRPF on July 5, 2016. What is it called?

a. Ayodhya ke vir
b. Ayodhya ke Mahavir
c. Ayodhya ke Shoorvir
d. None of the above
Answer  Explanation 

ANSWER: Ayodhya ke Shoorvir

Explanation:
Union Home Minister Shri Rajnath Singh released an illustrative book of the CRPF entitled “Ayodhya Ke Shoorvir” in New Delhi on July 5, 2016.

  • Book is on the vapour filled legends of CRPF in foiling the attack on the Ram Janam Bhumi- Babri Masjid Complex.
  • Only July 5, 2005, 5 terrorists tried to move towards inner barricades where 33 CRPF Battalion were deployed.
  • The troops neutralised the terrorists in an hour long confrontation.
  • For unparalleled bravery, 20 CRPF officers and men were awarded gallantry medals including 2 Shaurya chakras, 5 President’s Police medal for gallantry and 12 Police Medal for Gallantry.
  • CRPF is presenting a series of illustrative books Shaurya Gaathaayen highlighting the bravery of its officers and men.
  • 4 such books have been published till now namely Sardar Post: Ek Shaurya Gatha, Veer Brighunandan, Shurveer Prakash and Janbaz Elango have been published till now.


17)   Twitter has appointed whom to its board w.e.f 5th July 2016?

a. Bret Taylor
b. Bret Hart
c. Bret Donald
d. Bret Jones
Answer  Explanation  Related Ques

ANSWER: Bret Taylor

Explanation:
Twitter has appointed former Facebook chief technology officer Bret Taylor to the board.

  • The appointment was made with immediate effect.


18)   Following a cabinet reshuffle, who has been appointed as the new Union Law and Justice Minister?

a. Shri PP Choudhary
b. Shri Ravi Shankar Prasad
c. Shri Manoj Sinha
d. None of the above
Answer  Explanation 

ANSWER: Shri Ravi Shankar Prasad

Explanation:
Shri Ravi Shankar Prasad has taken over as the new Union Law and Justice Minister in New Delhi.

  • This is in addition to current charge of Union Ministry for Telecom and IT.
  • Meanwhile Shri PP Choudhary took over as new Minister of State in the Law & Justice Ministry.
  • Shri Arjun Ram Meghwal took over as new Minister of State for Finance and Corporate Affairs.
  • Shri Santosh Kumar Gangwar took over as new Minister of State for Finance.
  • Shri SS Ahluwalia took over as new Minister of State for Agriculture & Farmer’s Welfare


19)   Who took over as Minister of State in the Civil Aviation Ministry following a cabinet reshuffle?

a. Santosh Gangwar
b. Arun Meghwal
c. Jayant Sinha
d. None of the above
Answer  Explanation 

ANSWER: Jayant Sinha

Explanation:
Sinha is a BJP MP from Jharkhand. He has been Union Minister of State for Finance since November 2014.

  • Shri Narendra Singh Tomar took over as Minister for Rural Development, Panchayati Raj and Drinking Water and Sanitation.
  • Dr. Mahendra Nath Pandey took charge of office of MoS (HRD) while Shri Prakash Javadekar is the new HRD minister.
  • Shri Piyush Goyal took over as New Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Mines in addition to current charge as Minister of State for Power, Coal and New & Renewable Energy.
  • Cabinet Minister Shri Ananth Kumar took over the charge of Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs.
  • Manoj Sinha was appointed MoS (Independent charge) Ministry of Communications in addition to MoS Charge for State of Railways.
  • Shri Rajen Gohain assumed the charge of new Minister of State for Railways.
  • Chaudhary Birender Singh took over as new steel minister while Shri Ajay Tamta took over as MoS, Ministry of Textiles.


20)   Who has been appointed AG of Economic and Revenue Sector Audit in TN?

a. R. Thiruppathi Venkatswamy
b. R. Thiruppathi Ramaswamy
c. R. Thiruppathi Iyengar
d. None of the above
Answer  Explanation 

ANSWER: R. Thiruppathi Venkatswamy

Explanation:
R. Thiruppathi Venkatswamy was on July 6, 2016 appointed as Accountant General of Economic and Revenue Sector Audit of TN with immediate effect.

  • The appointment was approved by the Union Government and he is a 2000 batch Indian Audits and Accounts Service officer.


21)   Google has acquired which French startup?

a. Moodstock
b. Foodstock
c. Thinkstock
d. Woodstock
Answer  Explanation  Related Ques

ANSWER: Moodstock

Explanation:
Search engine major Google has acquired French startup Moodstock with the acquisition announced on the official blog.

  • Paris based startup developed image recognition technology for smartphones whose API for developers has been described as Shazam for images.
  • Focus is on creating great image recognition tools within Google.


22)   Scientists recorded the first facial tumour in a duck billed dinosaur called ______________.

a. Telmatosaurus transsylvanicus
b. Delmatosaurus transsylvanicus
c. Celmatosaurus transsylvanicus
d. Velmatosaurus transsylvanicus
Answer  Explanation 

ANSWER: Telmatosaurus transsylvanicus

Explanation:
Scientists have discovered the first record of the fossil facial tumour in the jaw of a 69 million year old dwarf duck billed dinosaur called Telmatosaurus transsylvanicus.

  • This marks the first ever tumour described in fossil record and the first to be documented in a dwarf dinosaur
  • The hadrosaur fossil said to be 69 million years old was discovered in Romania in the Valley of Dinosaurs in Transylvania


23)   How many new projects will be simultaneously inaugurated at numerous locations in UP, Uttarakhand, Bihar, Jharkhand, WB, Haryana and Delhi?

a. 123
b. 231
c. 321
d. 213
Answer  Explanation  Related Ques

ANSWER: 231

Explanation:
Union Water Resources Minister Uma Bharti indicated 231 projects will be inaugurated at numerous locations in UP, Bihar, Uttarakhand, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Haryana and New Delhi.

  • Projects include technology demonstration initiatives sourced from France, Australia and India.
  • This deals with commissioning and improving sewage treatment plants, redevelopment of ghats and cremation areas, growth of sewage infrastructure and treatment, afforestation, tree plantation, pilot drain project, trash skimmers and conservation of biodiversity.
  • 112 of the 231 projects are in UP set to go to polls next year.
  • Ms. Bharati added that close to 400 villages along River Ganga will be developed at Ganga Gram in phase 1 with IIT involvement
  • 8 biodiversity centres would also be developed along the Ganga for restoration of priority species.


24)   GoI constituted a committee to examine the feasibility of a new financial year under whom?

a. Dr. Shankar Acharya
b. Shri KM Chandrasekhar
c. Shri PV Rajaraman
d. None of the above
Answer  Explanation  Related Ques

ANSWER: Dr. Shankar Acharya

Explanation:
Committee headed by Dr. Shankar Acharya (former Chief Economic Adviser) has the following members:

  • Dr Rajiv Kumar (Senior Fellow, Centre for Policy Research)
  • Shri PV Rajaraman (former Finance Secretary TN).
  • Shri KM Chandrasekhar (former Cabinet secretary)
- The committee will be examining merits and demerits of various dates for commencement of financial year including the existing date (April to March).