Current Affairs Questions & Answers - July 16, 2016

1)   Which country recently survived a coup attempt?

a. Turkey
b. Iran
c. Iraq
d. Syria
Answer  Explanation 

ANSWER: Turkey

Explanation:
Factions within Turkish military attempted to control the government on 15th July leaving the Parliament building bombed with jets swarming over Istanbul and close to 42 people being killed in the capital city of Ankara.

  • The rebel controlled air force jets continued to bomb parts of the capital after President Recep Tayyip Erdogan claimed the coup had been repelled.
  • Erdogan blamed the coup attempt on followers of Fethullah Gulen, an exiled cleric based in Pennsylvania.
  • His Hizmet movement has been accused of plotting against the government.
  • Alliance for Shared Values, a non profit associated with Gulen had released a statement that the movement has consistently denounced military interventions in domestic politics.


2)   India and which group of nations have resumed FTA talks w.e.f 15th July, 2016?

a. UAE
b. EU
c. SAARC
d. ASEAN
Answer  Explanation 

ANSWER: EU

Explanation:
Chief negotiators of EU and India held a meeting on 15th July 2016 to discuss the way forward for the Free Trade Agreement.

  • India will negotiate to conclude the FTA as soon as possible.
  • Negotiations on EU-India FTA began in 2007 and close to 16 rounds of negotiations have been carried out since then.
  • India-EU FTA talks were deadlocked as a compromise could not be found to meet key demands.
  • The key demands of the EU were that Indian eliminates duties on automobiles and wines as well as spirits and India’s main demands centred on data security status and easier temporary movement of service professionals.


3)   Which social media celeb became the latest victim of honour killing in Pakistan?

a. Qandeel Khan
b. Qandeel Baloch
c. Qandeel Sharif
d. Qandeel Ali
Answer  Explanation 

ANSWER: Qandeel Baloch

Explanation:
Social media celebrity Qandeel Baloch became a victim of honour killing after being strangled to death by her brother in Multan, according to Pakistani media reports.

  • Baloch was known as the Kim Kardashian of Pakistan and posted provocative selfies on FB.
  • Her brother had threatened her for posting bold videos and statements on the social media site.
  • Number of honour killings has been on the rise in Pakistan. IN 2015, 1096 women and 88 men were victims of honour crimes, according to Independent Human Rights Commission of Pakistan.
  • Many cases also go unreported, activists said.
  • Those who kill for “honour” are never punished because an Islamic Shariah law allows families of the victim to forgive the killer and in most cases, this includes family.


4)   Name the French city where a heavy truck ploughed through crowds and killed at least 84 people in what was a terror attack?

a. Nice
b. Paris
c. Toulouse
d. None of the above
Answer  Explanation  Related Ques

ANSWER: Nice

Explanation:
Nice citizens were the victims of a terror attack, when a terrorist at the wheel of a heavy truck slammed into crowds celebrating Bastille Day in French city Nice.

  • President Francois Hollande said that France was “filled with sadness by this new tragedy. There’s no denying the terrorist nature of this attack.”
  • Driver identified by the police as a 31-year-old Tunis born Frenchman also opened fire before officers shot him dead and was wanted by the police in connection with crimes like theft and violence.
  • ISIS claimed responsibility on 16th July 2016 for the terror attack by Mohamed Lahouaiej Bouhlel who used a hired lorry to kill 84 people in a Bastille day rampage.
  • The attacker carried out the operation in response to calls to target the citizens of coalition nations fighting IS


5)   Which is the largest island of the Philippines?

a. Luzon
b. Manila
c. Iloco
d. Mimaropa
Answer  Explanation 

ANSWER: Luzon

Explanation:
Luzon Island in the Philippines has undergone massive deforestation and is host to the world’s greatest concentration of unique species of mammals.

  • After studying the forest of Luzon for 15 years, scientists discovered there are 56 species of non-flying mammals of which 52 are nowhere else in the world.
  • At over 100,000 square kilometre, Luzon is the largest island in the Philippines and includes the Filipino capital of Manila.
  • Luzon has never been connected to any continental land-the species have been isolated.
  • The island of Luzon has another feature causing it diversity- it is covered by mountains and mountaintops form what scientists call “sky islands” which are pockets of distinctive habitat that the animals adapt to.
  • Among the 28 new species discovered by the team, are four species of tiny tree mice with with whiskers that reach to the ankles.
  • Most of the new species are in tropical cloud forests located high in the mountains where typhoons can drop 4-5 metres of rain per year.


6)   ACC has appointed whom as the new CBSE head?

a. Ramesh Kumar Chaturvedi
b. Rajesh Kumar Chaturvedi
c. Rajat Kumar Chaturvedi
d. None of the above
Answer  Explanation 

ANSWER: Rajesh Kumar Chaturvedi

Explanation:
The HRD Ministry’s power to appoint a chairperson of the Central Board of Secondary Education, the Appointment Committee of the Cabinet headed by PM Narendra Modi on 14th July appointed Rajesh Kumar Chaturvedi as the new CBSE head.

  • CBSE has been without a chairperson since December 2014.
  • Chaturvedi is an IAS officer of 1987 batch.
  • He belongs to MP cadre.
  • He has never worked in the education sector before this.
  • He will be appointed through the central staffing scheme and not through the search-cum-selection committee method.
  • This is after the second time that the name of the CBSE chairperson has been recommended by the HRD Ministry and rejected by the ACC.


7)   Team of researchers from India and the UK have come together to develop new cereal crop varieties that use _____ lowering GHG emissions.

a. nitrogen
b. carbon
c. oxygen
d. sulphur
Answer  Explanation  Related Ques

ANSWER: nitrogen

Explanation:
Team of researchers from India and the UK have come together to develop new cereal crop varieties that use nitrogen effectively reducing GHG emissions and ensuring profitability and sustainability of agriculture.

  • Partnership will go for natural variations of cereal and basic research in model plants to deliver new varieties of cereals with enhanced nitrogen use efficiency.
  • With a funding of 10 million pounds through the Newton Bhabha Fund, UK, Biotechnology and Biological Research Council, UK and the Department of Biotechnology/DBT of the Government of India, four new virtual joint centres in agricultural nitrogen will be created.
  • These are delivered in partnership with BBSRC, Natural Environment Research Council and the DBT.
  • Centre comprises multiple research organisations in India and the UK with centres receiving co-investment of around 2.5 million pounds according to an official statement by ICRISAT.
  • The Cambridge India Network for Translational Research in Nitrogen is one of 4 centres led by National Institute of Agricultural Botany in the UK and ICRISAT in India.


8)   Using which protein derived from human blood cells has a new method of creating human stem cells developed?

a. Inter-alpha inhibitor
b. Intra-alpha inhibitor
c. Interactional alpha inhibitor
d. None of the above
Answer  Explanation 

ANSWER: Inter-alpha inhibitor

Explanation:
Scientists have found a new way to create human stem cells solving big issues of large scale production needed to realise the potential of the cells for coping with disease.

  • Discovery was made by scientists from Britain’s University of Nottingham and Uppsala University and GE Healthcare in Sweden.
  • Using a protein derived from human blood cells called Inter-Alpha inhibitor, human pluripotent stem cells in a minimal medium without the need for pricey and time consuming biological substrates were created.
  • Inter-alpha inhibitor was found in human blood in high concentrations and is a by-product of standard drug purification schemes.
  • Protein can make stem cells attach on unmodified tissue culture plastic and improve survival of stem cells in harsh conditions.
  • This is the first stem cell culture method that does not need a pre-treated biological substrate for attachment and is a more easy way to initiate large scale production.
  • Human pluripotent stem cells are undifferentiated cells that have a unique potential to develop into different body cells.
  • Applications of this innovation include disease modelling, drug screening and tissue reengineering.


9)   Which astronaut will be testing a pocket sized DNA sequencer through its paces to test samples for DNA based life on space stations for the first time?

a. Kate Rubins
b. Sunita Williams
c. Sarah Wallace
d. None of the above
Answer  Explanation  Related Ques

ANSWER: Kate Rubins

Explanation:
Astronaut Kate Rubins will carry out carefully controlled experiments with bacteria, virus and mouse cells repeatedly testing for in a space station’s closed loop environment.

  • Rubins is a trained microbiologist who will be using samples to put together Oxford Nanopore’s MiniION sequencer- a pocket sized DNA sequencer through its paces.
  • Tests are intended to prove if technology can be used to understand microbes in the space station to scan fellow astronauts for genetic changes to diagnose illness and future missions to test samples from Mars and other planets for DNA based life.
  • Scientists will need to check if the machine can operate in microgravity.
  • The MinION sequencer which is about half the size of a smartphone operates fundamentally different from current DNA sequencers.
  • With most sequencers, scientists put on a sample which runs for 24 to 48 hours and stops.
  • The station’s sequencers displays its analysis as it works.
  • The MinION DNA sequencer is among the 4900 pounds of cargo scheduled to be launched to the station on 18th July 2014 abroad a SpaceX Dragon capsule.
  • This is the first time the machine will be used in space.


10)   Venture capital investments in startups rebounded in Q2, marking an increase of what percent in the Q1?

a. 20.4%
b. 20.5%
c. 20.6%
d. 20.7%
Answer  Explanation 

ANSWER: 20.5%

Explanation:
VC investments in startups rebounded in Q2 as the general stock market recovery helped to restore confidence.

  • Investors ploughed over USD 15.3 billion into venture backed startups in Q2, a 20.5 % increase over USD 12.7 billion invested in Q1, according to MoneyTree report by PwC and National Venture Capital Association.
  • In terms of total dollars, Q2 investments outpaced all but three quarters since 2000.
  • In terms of the dot-com boom, there are widespread concerns over valuations and a dormant market for tech IPOs, venture capitalists and institutional investors getting into the market.
  • Number of deals were down by 5% falling to 961 from 1011 during Q1


11)   Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority introduces new feature for NPS subscribers called ________.

a. NPS by NSDL e-Gov
b. NDS by NSFL e-Gov
c. NPS by NSGL e-Gov
d. None of the above
Answer  Explanation 

ANSWER: NPS by NSDL e-Gov

Explanation:
Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority introduced new features for the benefits of National Pension System subscribers including a mobile app “NPS by NSDL e-Gov.”

  • Subscribers can raise a request for transaction statement for a particular financial year.
  • Subscribers can also view their NPS account as well as latest details of scheme wise units along with the latest NAV and total value of the schemes, details of the five contributions credited and change contact details or modify password and set security question through Mobile App.
  • Subscribers can now update or modify their address on their own using Aadhaar based authentication.


12)   Who has been chosen to replace Nabam Tuki as the CM of Arunachal Pradesh?

a. Pema Khandu
b. Kalikho Pul
c. JP Rajkhowa
d. None of the above
Answer  Explanation 

ANSWER: Pema Khandu

Explanation:
Khandu was chosen as the new leader of the Congress Legislature party following the resignation of Tuki from the post.

  • Khandu is at odds with rebel Congress leader Kalikho Pul who took charge as CM with outside support from BJP.
  • Tuki was restored as CM on 13th July 2016 after the SC ruled that governor Rajkhowa had acted beyond the limits of his powers in advancing the Assembly session in which Tuki had been removed.
  • Pema Khandu is the son of former Arunachal Pradesh CM Dorjee Khandu who died in a chopper crash in 2011.


13)   UNESCO has declared Bihar’s much awaited ancient site around 98 km way from Patna as a heritage site on 16th July 2016. Which of the following are UNESCO heritage sites in Bihar?

a. Ruins of Nalanda Mahavihara
b. Mahabodhi temple in Bodh Gaya
c. Both of the above
d. Neither of the above
Answer  Explanation  Related Ques

ANSWER: Both of the above

Explanation:
UNESCO has declared Bihar’s much awaited site-ruins of Nalanda Mahavihara- a world heritage site close to 98 km from Patna with the inclusion of Nalanda making it the second UNESCO Heritage site after Mahabodhi temple in Bodh Gaya.

  • Nalanda is one of the most ancient universities of the Indian subcontinent engaged in the organised transmission of knowledge over 800 years.
  • Historical development of this site provides evidence of the development of Buddhism into a religion and the flourishing of monastic and educational traditions in this state.


14)   Railways has signed a JV agreement with which state to expand the rail network here at a faster pace on 16th July, 2016?

a. Haryana
b. Punjab
c. Uttar Pradesh
d. West Bengal
Answer  Explanation  Related Ques

ANSWER: Haryana

Explanation:
Railways has signed a joint venture agreement with Haryana for expanding rail network in the state at a more rapid pace.

  • National transporter has taken initiative for formation of joint ventures with states to expedite implementation of rail projects.
  • JV companies will now be responsible for identifying projects, land acquisition and possible financing along with government funding and monitoring.
  • Each joint venture will have an initial paid up capital of INR 100 crores in association with the quantum of projects to be initiated.
  • Railways initial paid up capital will be limited to INR 50 crore for every date.
  • Further infusion of the fund or equity for the purpose of projects should be done following the approval of the project as well as its funding at the level of relevant competent authority.
  • 17 states have consented for the formation of such companies and 8 of these have signed MoUs with railways


15)   More than half of the disabled population in India is now literate. What is the exact percentage?

a. 49.3
b. 54.5
c. 55.5
d. 48.3
Answer  Explanation 

ANSWER: 54.5

Explanation:
More than half of the total disabled population in India is now literate, according to new numbers released by the Census 2011 show.

  • Literacy rate among disabled has risen from 49.3 percent in 2001 to 54.5 percent in 2011.
  • This is considerably lower than the literacy rate of the country which is pegged at 74 percent.
  • Rural and urban areas saw the rise of 4 percentage points in literacy rate of the disabled.
  • Among the urban disabled, around 68 percent are literate while the number is at 49 percent for disabled in rural areas.
  • The difference between literacy rates of males and females is more so in rural areas - 72 percent of disabled males and 61 percent of disabled females in urban areas are literate-marking a difference of 9 percentage points.
  • In rural areas, the difference stands at 20 percentage points as 58 percent of disabled males and 38 percent of disabled females are literate.


16)   Jute Corporation of India Limited has announced the appointment of whom as CMD from 12th July 2016?

a. KVR Ganeshan
b. KVR Raghav
c. KVR Rao
d. KVR Murthy
Answer  Explanation 

ANSWER: KVR Murthy

Explanation:
The Jute Corporation of India Limited on 12th July 2016 announced that KVR Murthy has taken over as CMD, taking over the position w.e.f 2nd July 2016.

  • His appointment is for 5 years or till the date of superannuation, whichever is earlier.
  • Jute Corporation of India Ltd is an agency of the Government of India that assists jute cultivators in states where the crop is grown, providing MSP.
  • JCI was established in 1971 and is based in the capital city of Kolkata.
  • It is part of main jute growing areas of Bihar, Assam, West Bengal, Tripura, Odisha, Meghalaya and Andhra Pradesh.


17)   Who authored “Who Moved My Interest Rate?”

a. D Subbarao
b. V Subbarao
c. G Subbarao
d. N Subbarao
Answer  Explanation 

ANSWER: D Subbarao

Explanation:
A book entitled “Who Moved My Interest Rate” authored by Duvvuri Subbarao, the former Governor of RBI will be released on July 27, 2016.

  • This book details the dilemmas faced by the former Governor during the course of his office from 2008-2013.
  • This is an attempt to demystify the RBI and explain its impact to the public on everyday lives.
  • Duvvuri Subbarao is an Indian economist and former civil servant who was the 22nd Governor of RBI.
  • He is a 1972 batch AP cadre IAS officer.


18)   Pakistan captain Mishab-ul-Haq became the oldest cricketer to score a test hundred. What other record has he broken?

a. Oldest visiting player to play test on English soil in 3 decades
b. Oldest visiting player to play test on English soil in 4 decades
c. Oldest visiting player to play test on English soil in 5 decades
d. None of the above
Answer  Explanation  Related Ques

ANSWER: Oldest visiting player to play test on English soil in 3 decades

Explanation:
Pakistan’s captain Misbah-ul-Haq became the oldest captain to score a Test hundred after scoring 110 against England at the Lord’s on 14th July.

  • The 42 year old cricketer became the oldest captain to score Test hundred.
  • He is also the oldest visiting player to play a test on English soil in the past 3 decades.
  • Previous oldest player was Somachandra de Silva of Sri Lanka at 42 years and 73 days. Misbah is 42 years and 47 days old.
  • He was also the ODI captain till his requirement from ODI cricket after the 2015 Cricket World Cup.
  • He scored the fastest test half century equalling the record of Viv Richards which was later broken by Brendon McCulluam.


19)   WHO declared which country as maternal and neonatal tetanus free?

a. India
b. Pakistan
c. Afghanistan
d. Sri Lanka
Answer  Explanation  Related Ques

ANSWER: India

Explanation:
WHO on 14th July 2016 declared India as Maternal and neonatal tetanus free.

  • They also presented certificates to the Union Health and Family ministry.
  • WHO has also certified India as Yaws free after a team of experts verified interruption of disease transmission in the country.
  • India is the first country under the 2012 WHO neglected tropical disease roadmap to eliminate yaws.


20)   World Youth Skills Day was observed on 15th July 2016 across the world with which theme?

a. Skills Development to Improve Youth Employment
b. Skills Enhancement to Aid Youth Employment
c. Skills Development to Improve Adult Employment
d. None of the above
Answer  Explanation  Related Ques

ANSWER: Skills Development to Improve Youth Employment

Explanation:
The World Youth Skills Day has been internationally observed on 15th July 2016 with the theme Skills Development to Improve Youth Employment.

  • UN organised the event facilitated by the UN Envoy on Youth Ahmad Alhendawi.
  • The event was co-organised with the Permanent Missions of Portugal and Sri Lanka to the UN, UNESCO and ILO.
  • The day is observed to create more awareness and discussion on training and development of skills for youth today.
  • World Youth Skills Day was established in November 2014 to raise awareness about increasing youth skill development.


21)   Rare marbled map butterfly was sighted for the first time in which part of South India?

a. Andhra Pradesh
b. Kerala
c. Karnataka
d. TN
Answer  Explanation 

ANSWER: Andhra Pradesh

Explanation:
The rare marbled map butterfly was sighted in the Eastern Ghats near PM Kota Village of Maredumilli mandal in East Godavari district of AP.

  • This marks the first time the butterfly was sighted in S. India. It is usually found in NE regions of the nation.
  • Butterfly was found by a group of ecological enthusiasts led by Indian Forest Service officer N. Chandramohan Reddy.
  • The rare marbled map butterfly is confined to forested areas in India (AP, Jharkhand and Sikkim) and Bhutan and Myanmar.


22)   Tata Advanced System  Limited has joined hands with which company to support Indian aviation and defence modernisation initiatives?

a. Honeywell
b. Bell Helicopter
c. Reliance Defence
d. None of the above
Answer  Explanation 

ANSWER: Bell Helicopter

Explanation:
Tata Advanced System Limited and Bell Helicopter, a Textron company has on 14th July, 2016 signed an agreement to support Indian aviation and defence modernisation initiatives.

  • Agreement was inked with the emphasis on Make in India.
  • As per the agreement, TASL and Bell Helicopter will join together to develop commercial and public (including military) rotary wins markets in India in the light utility and reconnaissance segment.


23)   Which book authored by Margaret Alva was released in July 2016?

a. Courage & Commitment: An Autobiography
b. Courage & Commitment: A Biography
c. Courage & Commitment: A Memoir
d. Courage & Commitment: A Recollection
Answer  Explanation 

ANSWER: Courage & Commitment: An Autobiography

Explanation:
A book entitled “Courage & Commitment: An Autobiography” was released by Margaret Alva in the second week of July 2016.

  • Through this book, Alva narrates her 40 year old career under 4 Congress PMs- Indira Gandhi, Rajiv Gandhi, Narasimha Rao and Manmohan Singh.
  • The book also details her shift from political leader to governor.
  • She also detailed the Jain Hawala investigation in charge of the CBI.


24)   Which award winning author passed away on 16th July 2016 and was known as a historian as well?

a. William Hardy
b. William McNeill Hardy
c. William Hardy McNeil
d. None of the above
Answer  Explanation 

ANSWER: William Hardy McNeil

Explanation:
Well known world historian and author from Canada, William H. McNeill has passed away in Torrington, Connecticut at age 98.

  • His death was confirmed by the University of Chicago where he was professor emeritus.
  • He was also the father of historian JR McNeill with whom he co-authored “The Human Web: A Bird’s Eye View of World History.”
  • He was the son of theologist and educator John T. McNeill.
  • Educated at the University of Chicago, he also taught there.
  • McNeil was awarded the National Humanities Medal by President Obama in 2010


25)   Which operation was launched to evacuate Indian nationals from war torn South Sudan?

a. Sankat Mochan
b. Sankat Hanuman
c. Sankat Raksha
d. Sankat Suraksha
Answer  Explanation 

ANSWER: Sankat Mochan

Explanation:
MEA has launched the operation entitled Sankat Mochan to evacuate Indian nationals from war torn South Sudan.

  • Gen. VK Singh headed to South Sudan’s Juba to rescue 300 Indians there heading a team.
  • India has put in place an evacuation plan for nationals from South Sudan which has seen escalated violence due to conflict between pro and anti government supporters.


26)   Union Cabinet has approved estimate for which project in Bhutan on 16th July, 2016?

a. Punatsangchhu-I
b. Punatsangchhu-III
c. Punatsangchhu-IV
d. None of the above
Answer  Explanation 

ANSWER: None of the above

Explanation:
Union Cabinet chaired by PM Narendra Modi has approved the revised cost estimate of INR 7290 crore for an 1020 MW Punatsangchhu- II Hydroelectric Project in Bhutan.

  • Total cost escalation for the project at this stage is pegged at INR 3512 crore.
  • Bilateral agreement was signed by India and Bhutan in April 2010 with funding from GoI as 30 percent grant and 70 percent loan at 10 percent annual interest will be paid back in thirty equated semi,annual instalments.