GK Current Affairs Quiz October 17th, 2019: General Knowledge section of Versionweekly aims to help every competitive exam aspirant to revise the day at ease. Instantly obtain Latest Daily Current Affairs with all essential info, Be the first to know all the Today Current affairs 17 October 2019 top news, Major Issues, Current News, Important events in National Current News as well as International level with clear explanation.
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GK Current Affairs Quiz October 18th, 2019
Q. Which of the following is working with Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) to launch pretomanid, a medicine used to treat drug-resistant tuberculosis (TB)?
(a) Novartis
(b) Mylan
(c) Teva Pharmaceuticals
(d) Sandoz
(e) Pfizer
Answer/ Explanation
Answer: b
Explaination: Multinational pharmaceutical company Mylan is working with Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) to launch pretomanid, a medicine used to treat drug-resistant tuberculosis (TB).
Non-profit drug developer TB Alliance and Mylan NV had in April 2019 announced a global collaboration to make the experimental drug pretomanid for the cure of pulmonary tuberculosis.
Drug Controller General of India under the gamut of Central Drugs Standard Control Organization is responsible for approval of licences of specified categories of drugs such as blood and blood products, IV fluids, vaccines and sera in India.
Q. As part of India’s strategy to combat climate change, Indian Railways will become net zero carbon emitter by ________.
(a) 2025
(b) 2030
(c) 2035
(d) 2040
(e) 2045
Answer/ Explanation
Answer: b
Explaination: As part of India’s strategy to combat climate change, Indian Railways will become net zero carbon emitter by 2030.
India is the biggest emitter of greenhouse gases after the US and China, and is among countries most vulnerable to climate change.
Meanwhile, the national carrier has a rail network of around 125,000km, making it the world’s largest railway network under a single management.
Q. Where was the 17th Meeting of Maritime States Development Council (MSDC) held in October 2019?
(a) Kolkata
(b) New Delhi
(c) Chennai
(d) Pune
(e) Mumbai
Answer/ Explanation
Answer: b
Explaination: The Ministry of Shipping is working on a plan to develop a national port grid based on the synergy between major and minor ports in the country.
The 17th Meeting of Maritime States Development Council (MSDC) was held in New Delhi on 15 October 2019.
The government is looking at developing synergy between the major and minor ports so that together they can bring port-led development in the country.
Q. Which company is developing an Artificial intelligence (AI)-based tool for analysis of terrorist activities?
A. TCS
B. L&T
C. BEL
D. HUL
Answer/ Explanation
Correct Ans:Option C
Explanation: The public-sector giant Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) has announced that it is developing an Artificial intelligence (AI)-based tool for analysis of terrorist activities. The firm aims to utilize the use of AI in the security field. The tool will be used in screening and segregating raw information and assist in generating intelligence assessments, decision-making, and operational planning.
Q. Which airlines became the first in the world to use a TaxiBot?
A. Air India
B. Go Airways
C. Jet Airways
D. Spice Jet
Answer/ Explanation
Correct Ans:Option A
Explanation: National carrier Air India (AI) became the first airline in the world to use a TaxiBot on an Airbus A320 aircraft operating a commercial flight with passengers onboard. The aircraft of AI 665 Delhi-Mumbai flight was brought to the runway at Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI) airport’s Terminal 3 using the TaxiBot. The aircraft was flagged off by Air India Chief Managing Director Ashwani Lohani. The move of Air India is towards a cleaner environment.
Q. Which of the following countries borders Afghanistan?
A. Pakistan, Iran, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, China
B. Pakistan, Iran, Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan
C. Pakistan, Iran, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, China, Turkey
D. Pakistan, Iran, Iraq, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, China
Answer/ Explanation
Correct Ans:Option A
Explanation: Afghanistan is bordered by Pakistan in the east and south, Iran in the west, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan in the north, China in the far northeast.
Q. Which scheme was recently launched by FSSAI on the occasion of World Food Day?
a. Food Quality Scheme
b. Health and Food Relation Scheme
c. Food Supply Gram
d. Food Safety Mitra
Answer/ Explanation
Answer: (d) Food Safety Mitra
Explaination: Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare Dr Harsh Vardhan launched Food Safety Mitra Scheme to engage motivated individuals with the food safety ecosystem at ground level. He also launched Eat Right Jacket and Eat Right Jhola.
Q. Who has been recently selected as president of Indian Pharmaceutical Alliance?
a. Jatin Prasad
b. Vivek Tomar
c. Satish Reddy
d. Arjun Patel
Answer/ Explanation
Answer: (c) Satish Reddy
Explaination: Dr. Reddy’s Chairman K.K. Satish Reddy has been appointed as the new President of the Indian Pharmaceutical Alliance for 2019-21. Panacea Biotec Limited’s MD will continue as Vice President.
Q. India and which country is organizing a joint military exercise ‘Shinyuu Maitri’?
a. Nepal
b. China
c. Russia
d. Japan
Answer/ Explanation
Answer: (d) Japan
Explaination: Japan and India are jointly organizing ‘Shinyuu Maitri’ military exercise to extend bilateral relations. Japanese Air Force’s C2 aircraft, air crew and observers are participating in this exercise. The Indian Air Force is taking part in this exercise along with C17 and N-32 aircraft, air crew and observers.
Q. Who has been recently appointed as new law secretary?
a. Anoop Kumar Mendiratta
b. Abhijit Banerjee
c. Dev Patel Sahay
d. Vivek Goyal
Answer/ Explanation
Answer: (a) Anoop Kumar Mendiratta
Explaination: Serving District and Sessions Judge Anoop Kumar Mendiratta was appointed as Union Law Secretary. He has been appointed till 30 March 2023 on a contractual basis.
Q. Which Indian Armed Forces recently organized the Sangam Youth Festival?
a. Indian Air Force
b. Indian Military
c. Indian Navy
d. Para Military Force
Answer/ Explanation
Answer: (b) Indian Military
Explaination: The Indian Army organized Sangam Youth Festival at Bhaderwah in Jammu and Kashmir. About 1500 students of 32 different colleges and universities participated in the Sangam Youth Festival held in Jammu and Kashmir.
Q. Which countries, in October 2019, suspended military exports to Turkey?
A. Britain
B. Spain
C. Germany
D. A&B
Answer/ Explanation
Correct Ans:Option D
Explanation: Britain and Spain have joined hands with other major powers to suspend military exports to Turkey. The move comes after the incursion into northeastern Syria. The UK announced that no further export licenses would be granted to Turkey for items that might be used in military operations in Syria.
Q. Where is Cannes located?
A. Australia
B. USA
C. France
D. Germany
Answer/ Explanation
Correct Ans:Option C
Explanation: Cannes is a city located on the French Riviera. It is a commune located in the Alpes-Maritimes department, and host city of the annual Cannes Film Festival, Midem, and Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity.
Q. Recently, the Secretary Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) ________ launched the website and mobile application L2Pro India on Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs).
(a) Thawar Chand Gehlot
(b) Guruprasad Mohapatra
(c) Ravi Shankar Prasad
(d) Giriraj Singh
(e) Arvind Sawant
Answer/ Explanation
Answer: b
Explaination: Secretary Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) Guruprasad Mohapatra launched the website and mobile application L2Pro India (Learn to Protect, Secure and Maximize Your Innovation) on Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs).
The website and app will be very useful to the startup community which holds great promise for India and its economy.
The modules of this e-learning platform will aid and enable youth, innovators, entrepreneurs and small and medium industries (SMEs) in understanding IPRs for their ownership and protection, integrate IP into business models and obtain value for their R&D efforts.
Q. Who was conferred the Madhya Pradesh government’s National Kishore Kumar Samman for 2018-19?
(a) Mohanlal
(b) Neeraj Vora
(c) Priyadarshan
(d) Sreenivasan
(e) Manoj Joshi
Answer/ Explanation
Answer: c
Explaination: Noted director and producer Priyadarshan, who has made several blockbuster Malayalam and Hindi films, was conferred the Madhya Pradesh government’s National Kishore Kumar Samman for 2018-19 at a function in Khandwa, MP.
The award carries a cash prize of Rs 2 lakh and a citation.
Khandwa is the birthplace of the legendary singer-actor Kishore Kumar.
Q. ICC has changed the super-over rule for all its major events following the uproar over the outcome of the men’s World Cup final in 2019 when ________ was declared winners against New Zealand on boundary count.
(a) India
(b) England
(c) Australai
(d) Pakistan
(e) South Africa
Answer/ Explanation
Answer: b
Explaination: The International Cricket Council (ICC) has changed the super-over rule for all its major events following the uproar over the outcome of the men’s World Cup final in 2019 when England was declared winners against New Zealand on boundary count.
As per new rule, in case of a super over tie, there will be a repeated super over until one team has more runs than the other.
Q. What is the theme of the International Day of Rural Women 2019?
(a) Sustainable infrastructure, services and social protection for gender equality and the empowerment of rural women and girls
(b) Rural Women and Girls Building Climate Resilience
(c) Re-Thinking Women’s Empowerment and Gender Equality in 2019 and beyond
(d) Empower Rural Women, End Poverty and Hunger
(e) None of the above
Answer/ Explanation
Answer: b
Explaination: The International Day of Rural Women is observed on 15th October.
The day recognizes the crucial role of women and girls in ensuring the sustainability of rural households and communities, improving rural livelihoods and overall wellbeing.
The theme for 2019 is Rural Women and Girls Building Climate Resilience.
Q. According to the RBI guidelines on ‘on tap’ authorization of payment systems, the operator should have _______ net worth for Trade Receivables Discounting System (TReDS).
A. Rs.10 crore
B. Rs.25 crore
C. Rs.100 crore
D. Rs.125 crore
Answer/ Explanation
Correct Ans:Option B
Explanation: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) issued guidelines on ‘on tap’ authorization of payment systems on 15 October. For TReDS, the minimum paid-up equity capital should be Rs.25 crore. The net amount should be maintained at all times.
Q. Prince William and Kate Middleton visited _________ in 13 years to show the importance of quality education and highlight how girls benefit from pursuing higher education and professional career.
A. Vietnam
B. Thailand
C. India
D. Pakistan
Answer/ Explanation
Correct Ans:Option D
Explanation: Prince William and Kate Middleton are on a five day State visit to Pakistan from 14 October to 18 October 2019. This is the first royal visit to Pakistan in 13 years. The visit focuses on the importance of quality education and highlights how girls benefit from pursuing higher education and professional careers. The Royal couple visited Islamabad Model College for Girls in Islamabad.
Q. Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) is to launch _________ Authorized World Skills India Training Centers (AWSITC) across nine cities in India.
A. 8
B. 12
C. 14
D. 15
Answer/ Explanation
Correct Ans:Option C
Explanation: Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) is to launch 14 Authorized World Skills India Training Centers (AWSITC) across 9 cities in India. The announcement was made by the Union Minister of MSDE Dr. Mahendra Nath Pandey. The centres aim to improve the Media and Entertainment sector.
Q. How many matches in international cricket Mithali Raj has won as Indian women team’s captain?
a. 100
b. 150
c. 200
d. 250
Answer/ Explanation
Answer: (a) 100
Explaination: Mithali Raj has achieved this feat after winning the ODI series 3–0 against South Africa. Mithali Raj has captained 167 matches. She is only the second female captain to win 100 matches in women’s cricket after England’s Charlett Edwards.
Q. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has reduced India’s GDP growth forecast for the year 2019-20 from 7 percent to what percentage?
a. 6.9 percent
b. 6.1 percent
c. 6.8 percent
d. 6.5 percent
Answer/ Explanation
Answer: (b) 6.1 percent
Explaination: The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has reduced global economic growth forecast to 3 percent during 2019-20. IMF estimated India’s GDP growth for the year 2019-20 to 6.1 percent.
Q. What is the rank of India in Global Hunger Index 2019?
a. 94
b. 99
c. 102
d. 105
Answer/ Explanation
Answer: (c) 102
Explaination: India is ranked 102 in the Global Hunger Index of 117 countries. Its aim is to save the world from the food crisis and improve the quality of existing food production. It also helps to know about the policies issued by various governments around the world.
Q. Who among the following has won Booker Prize 2019?
a. Margret Atwood
b. Nilima Riddhi
c. Jenifer Williamson
d. Pedro Roberto
Answer/ Explanation
Answer: (a) Margret Atwood
Explaination: The Booker Prize for the year 2019 has been given jointly to Margaret Atwood and Bernardine Evaristo. Canada’s 79-year-old Atwood won this prize for her novel ‘The Testament’ while Bernardine Evaristo was selected for her work ‘Girl, Women and Other.’ Evaristo is the first black women winner of this award.
Q. How many PCOs to be established in the Kashmir region to improve phone connectivity in the area?
a. 40
b. 50
c. 60
d. 70
Answer/ Explanation
Answer: (b) 50
Explaination: Jammu and Kashmir government has announced to set up 50 PCOs to provide free of cost phone facility in Kashmir region. These PCOs will be set up by BSNL and people will be able to talk from these designated places at no charge.
Q. Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) reported that ______ has emerged as the most punctual airline in August 2019.
A. IndiGo
B. Emirates
C. GoAir
D. Air Arabia
Answer/ Explanation
Correct Ans:Option C
Explanation: Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) reported that GoAir has emerged as the most punctual airline in August 2019. The airlines created history in the Indian aviation sector. GoAir has set the record of a consecutive 12th-month achievement of distinction by being on top of on-time-performance (OTP) charts.
Q. Where was the 41st DRDO Directors Conference held?
A. Bengaluru
B. Hyderabad
C. Mumbai
D. New Delhi
Answer/ Explanation
Correct Ans:Option D
Explanation: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated 41st DRDO Directors Conference in New Delhi on 15 October. The Chiefs of the three forces, DRDO Chairman G Satheesh Reddy, National Security Adviser Ajit Doval was among the delegations that were present in the conference. The discussion included efforts taken by DRDO to ensure technological advancement of the Indian forces to safeguard the country.
Q. Which Organization launched India IP Guide in MIPCOM 2019?
A. Imports and Exports Promotion Council (IEPC)
B. Services Exports Promotion Council (SEPC)
C. Trade Promotion Council (TPC)
D. International Trade Exports Promotion Council (ITEPC)
Answer/ Explanation
Correct Ans:Option B
Explanation: Services Exports Promotion Council (SEPC) launched India Intellectual Property (IP) Guide in 36th MIPCOM 2019 on 16 October at Cannes, France. MIPCOM 2019 is being held from 14 October to 17 October for the Media and Entertainment (M&E) industry.
Q. Where was the 2nd phase of an Indo-Dutch project called Local Treatment of Urban Sewage Streams for Healthy Reuse, or LOTUS-HR launched in October 2019?
(a) Lucknow
(b) Raipur
(c) Pune
(d) New Delhi
(e) Mumbai
Answer/ Explanation
Answer: d
Explaination: The 2nd phase of an Indo-Dutch project called Local Treatment of Urban Sewage Streams for Healthy Reuse, or LOTUS-HR was launched at Barapullah drain in New Delhi.
This project was launched by Minister of Science and Technology Harsh Vardhan and the Dutch Royal couple, Netherlands King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima.
The (LOTUS-HR) project was set up in 2017 at the Sun Dial Park.
Q. Which of the following became the first airline in the world to use a TaxiBot on an Airbus A320 aircraft operating a commercial flight with passengers onboard?
(a) IndiGo
(b) Air India
(c) GoAir
(d) Air Arabia
(e) SpiceJet
Answer/ Explanation
Answer: b
Explaination: Air India became the first airline in the world to use a TaxiBot on an Airbus A320 aircraft operating a commercial flight with passengers onboard.
A TaxiBot or a Taxiing Robot is a pilot-controlled semi-robotic towbar-less aircraft tractor used as an alternate taxiing equipment.
It is used for taxiing an aircraft from parking bay to runway and vice versa.
Q. Which city will have a dedicated Anti-Terror Squad from November 1, 2019?
(a) Kolkata
(b) Raipur
(c) Lucknow
(d) Bengaluru
(e) Pune
Answer/ Explanation
Answer: d
Explaination: Bengaluru will have a dedicated Anti-Terror Squad from November 1, 2019.
The decision was taken after National Investigation Agency warned that at least 20 sleeping cells of terrorist groups exist in Bengaluru.
Anti Terror Squad will work in coordination with NIA, cybersecurity cell and Psychotropic drug control cells.
Q. Read the following statements carefully:
1.Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs has launched a programme to attract investments into India and strengthen Make in India.
2.This would be done under the bond scheme, of Customs Act, 1957.
3.The Section enables conduct of manufacture and other operations in a customs bonded warehouse.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
(a) Only 1
(b) Only 1 and 2
(c) Only 1 and 3
(d) Only 2 and 3
(e) All are correct
Answer/ Explanation
Answer: c
Explaination: Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs has launched a programme to attract investments into India and strengthen Make in India.
This would be done under the bond scheme, of Customs Act, 1962.
The Section enables conduct of manufacture and other operations in a customs bonded warehouse.
The scheme has been modernized with clear and transparent procedures.
Q. What is the theme of the World Food Day 2019?
(a) Our Actions Are Our Future, Healthy Diets for A #ZeroHunger World
(b) United against hunger
(c) Climate change: “Climate is changing. Food and agriculture must too”
(d) Agricultural cooperatives – key to feeding the world
(e) Food prices – from crisis to stability
Answer/ Explanation
Answer: a
Explaination: World Food Day is celebrated every year around the world on 16 October in honor of the date of the founding of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations in 1945.
The theme for WFD 2019 is Our Actions Are Our Future, Healthy Diets for A #ZeroHunger World.
This day generates awareness globally for those who suffer from hunger and to ensure the need for food security and nutritious diets for all.
Q. Bluetongue, a disease on domestic and wild ruminants is caused by __________.
A. Virus
B. Fungi
C. Bacteria
D. None of the above
Answer/ Explanation
Correct Ans:Option A
Explanation: Bluetongue sandwich ELISA (sELISA) kit can be used to detect Antigen. The insect-transmitted viral disease of domestic and wild ruminants is widespread among the sheep, goats, cattle, buffaloes, and camels in the country.
Q. When was the National Green Tribunal (NGT) established?
A. 2001
B. 1996
C. 2010
D. 2015
Answer/ Explanation
Correct Ans:Option C
Explanation: NGT was established on 18 October 2010 under the National Green Tribunal Act 2010. It is headquartered in Delhi. The Chairperson of NGT is Justice Adarsh Kumar Goel. NGT has been set up to handle the expeditious disposal of the cases pertaining to environmental issues. NGT is given the power to hear all civil cases related to environmental issues and cases linked to the implementation of laws listed in the Schedule I of the NGT Act.
Q. India handed over _________ Mi-24V helicopters to Afghanistan’s Air Force as a replacement for the helicopters gifted by India to Afghanistan in 2015 and 2016.
A. 2
B. 3
C. 4
D. 5
Answer/ Explanation
Correct Ans:Option A
Explanation: India handed over two more Mi-24V helicopters to Afghanistan’s Air Force. H.E. Vinay Kumar, Indian Ambassador, handed over the 2nd pair of Mi-24V helicopters to Afghanistan Minister of Defence Asadullah Khalid at the military airport in Kabul on 16 October. The two Mi-24V helicopters are a replacement for the four helicopters gifted by India to Afghanistan in 2015 and 2016.
Q. When was the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) established?
A. 1948
B. 1958
C. 1968
D. 1978
Answer/ Explanation
Correct Ans:Option B
Explanation: DRDO was formed in 1958. It is headquartered in New Delhi, India. It functions under the Ministry of Defence. The Minister responsible is Rajnath Singh. The Chairman of DRDO is G Satheesh Reddy. DRDO is charged with the military’s research and development.
Q. When is the World Students’ Day celebrated?
(a) 13 October
(b) 14 October
(c) 15 October
(d) 16 October
(e) 17 October
Answer/ Explanation
Answer: c
Explaination: World Students’ Day is celebrated every year on October 15 on former president APJ Abdul Kalam’s birthday.
The day is commemorated on his birth anniversary since he was a dedicated teacher and identified himself foremost in that role before anything else.
In 2010, the United Nations declared October 15 to be World Students’ Day
Q. Who prepared the Global Hunger Index (GHI) 2019?
A. Concern Worldwide
B. Welt Hunger Hilfe
C. Writer Global Survey
D. A&B
Answer/ Explanation
Correct Ans: Option D
Explanation: The Global Hunger Index (GHI) 2019 was jointly prepared by Concern Worldwide, an Irish aid agency, and Welt Hunger Hilfe, a German organization.
Q. When was the European Business & Technology Centre (EBTC) established?
A. 2000
B. 2003
C. 2005
D. 2008
Answer/ Explanation
Correct Ans: Option D
Explanation: European Business & Technology Centre (EBTC) was established in 2008. It is co-funded by the European Union (EN). It is headquartered in New Delhi. It is coordinated by EUROCHAMBRES, the Association of European Chambers of Commerce and Industry. It aims to promote European technologies and innovations to suit the local needs in India through various projects, programs, and initiatives by enabling Indo-European collaborations.
Q. Which Kit did the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)-Indian Veterinary Research Institute (IVRI) release for the control of Swine?
A. sELISA
B. xELISA
C. IgM ELISA
D. IexM ELIZA
Answer/ Explanation
Correct Ans:Option C
Explanation: Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)-Indian Veterinary Research Institute (IVRI) released two diagnostic kits developed under the ‘Make in India’ initiative. The two kits are Bluetongue: Sandwich ELISA (sELISA) for the detection of Antigen and Japanese Encephalitis IgM ELISA kit for the control of Swine.
Q. Which of the following Institutes is to get a Living Lab to help startups gather real-time data on urban infrastructure?
A. IIIT Hyderabad
B. IIT Ahmedabad
C. IIT Guwahati
D. IIIT Kanpur
Answer/ Explanation
Correct Ans:Option A
Explanation: International Institute of Information Technology (IIIT) Hyderabad signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the European Business & Technology Centre (EBTC). The agreement aimed to establish a Living Lab on the institute’s campus. The lab will be set up by the end of 2020.
Q. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated ________ DRDO Directors Conference in New Delhi.
A. 25th
B. 28th
C. 33rd
D. 41st
Answer/ Explanation
Correct Ans:Option D
Explanation: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated 41st DRDO Directors Conference in New Delhi on 15 October. The Chiefs of the three forces, DRDO Chairman G Satheesh Reddy, National Security Adviser Ajit Doval was among the delegations that were present in the conference.
Q. NGT was established under the __________.
A. National Green Tribunal Act 2008
B. National Green Tribunal Act 2010
C. National Green Tribunal Act 2012
D. National Green Tribunal Act 2015
Answer/ Explanation
Correct Ans: Option B
Explanation: NGT was established on 18 October 2010 under the National Green Tribunal Act 2010. It is headquartered in Delhi. The Chairperson of NGT is Justice Adarsh Kumar Goel. NGT has been set up to handle the expeditious disposal of the cases pertaining to environmental issues.
Q. According to the RBI guidelines on ‘on tap’ authorization of payment systems, the operator should have _______ net worth for WLAs (White Label ATMs).
A. Rs.10 crore
B. Rs.50 crore
C. Rs.100 crore
D. Rs.200 crorewrong Image
Answer/ Explanation
Correct Ans:Option C
Explanation: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) issued guidelines on ‘on tap’ authorization of payment systems on 15 October. The minimum net worth for entities that enters the WLA segment should be Rs.100 crore. The net amount should be maintained at all times.
Q. According to the annual study on the state of the glaciers, published by the Cryospheric Commission, Swiss Academy of Sciences in 2019, Switzerland’s glaciers have lost a ________ of their volume in the past 5 years alone.
(a) 4th
(b) 6th
(c) 8th
(d) 10th
(e) 12th
Answer/ Explanation
Answer: d
Explaination: Switzerland’s glaciers have lost a 10th of their volume in the past 5 years alone, a melting rate unmatched during observations stretching back more than a century.
Measurements on 20 Swiss glaciers have shown that melt rates in 2019 have reached record levels, according to the annual study on the state of the glaciers, published by the Cryospheric Commission, Swiss Academy of Sciences.
A recent study by glaciologists at the ETH technical university in Zurich indicated that more than 90% of the some 4,000 glaciers dotted throughout the Alps could disappear by the end of this century if greenhouse gas emissions are not reined in.
Q. Recently, which state has made women officers as nodal officers and directed them to go to their respective districts and review the implementation of welfare schemes for women?
(a) Madhya Pradesh
(b) Jharkhand
(c) Uttar Pradesh
(d) Chhattisgarh
(e) Bihar
Answer/ Explanation
Answer: c
Explaination: Uttar Pradesh government has made women officers as nodal officers and directed them to go to their respective districts and review the implementation of welfare schemes for women.
3-member teams of women officers will visit their allocated districts on October 18, 19 and 20, 2019.
They will make women aware about the various government schemes such as Ujjwala Yojna, Mission Indradhanush.
Q. How many Authorized World Skills India Training Centres will be set up across 9 cities for media and entertainment sector?
(a) 8
(b) 10
(c) 12
(d) 14
(e) 16
Answer/ Explanation
Answer: d
Explaination: 14 Authorized World Skills India Training Centres will be set up across 9 cities for media and entertainment sector.
These cities are Chandigarh, Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Indore, Mumbai, Pune, Shillong and Trivandrum.
The institutes will be set up for advanced skill training of candidates in media and entertainment sector and to further develop skilling eco-system for training candidates.
Q. To which country is Minister of State for External Affairs V Muraleedharan on a two day official visit in October 2019?
(a) Oman
(b) UAE
(c) Qatar
(d) Kuwait
(e) Bahrain
Answer/ Explanation
Answer: b
Explaination: Minister of State for External Affairs V Muraleedharan is on a two day official visit to UAE from 16 October 2019.
He is expected to participate in the ministerial level meeting of the Abu Dhabi Dialogue (ADD).
The Minister is also scheduled to participate in the Indian Community function being held in Sharjah.
The Abu Dhabi Dialogue (ADD) was established in 2008.
Q. Who won the 2019 Japanese Grand Prix?
(a) Max Verstappen
(b) Valtteri Bottas
(c) Lewis Hamilton
(d) Sebastian Vettel
(e) Fernando Alonso
Answer/ Explanation
Answer: b
Explaination: Mercedes’ Valtteri Bottas won the 2019 Japanese Grand Prix held at the Suzuka International Racing Course in Suzuka in Mie Prefecture, Japan.
Sebastian Vettel and Lewis Hamilton were ranked at the 2nd and 3rd respectively.
Since joining Mercedes, Bottas has won 6 races, 3 in 2017 and 3 in 2019.
Q. Recently, Kais Saied has been elected as the new President of ________.
(a) Algeria
(b) Tunisia
(c) Morocco
(d) Iran
(e) Syria
Answer/ Explanation
Answer: b
Explaination: Kais Saied is elected as the new President of Tunisia.
He won Tunisia’s presidential election with 73% of votes.
The elections followed the death of President Beji Caid Essebsi in July 2019.
The poll was Tunisia’s second free presidential election since its 2011 revolt.
October 16th One-Liner Top Current Affairs
World Food Day: 16 October
World Food Day is celebrated every year around the world on 16 October in honour of the date of the founding of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations in 1945.
- The day raises awareness and action on hunger to ensure food security and nutritious diet for all.
- 2019 theme: ‘Our Actions Are Our Future Healthy Diets for A #ZeroHunger World’
Air India becomes the first airline in the world to use Taxibot on A-320 aircraft
Air India has become the first airline in the world to use a Taxibot on an A-320 aircraft with passengers on board.
- Taxibot is a robot-used aircraft tractor for taxiing an aircraft from parking bay to runway and vice-versa.
- Air India Chairman and Managing Director Ashwani Lohani flagged off flight AI665 and it was carried to the runway using Taxibot at Terminal 3 of the Delhi Airport.
- It will bring down the consumption of fuel by 85 per cent and reduce engine wear and tear.
- The ignition will be turned on only when the aircraft reaches the runway.
India is 102 in Hunger Index of 117 nations
India has slipped from 95th rank in 2010 to 102nd in 2019 on the Global Hunger Index (GHI).
- The Global Hunger Index measures and tracks hunger globally, by region and by country.
- The focus of GHI 2019 is Climate Change and Hunger, exploring the impact of extreme weather on food production, nutrition and food security.
- With a score of 30.3, India suffers from a level of hunger that is serious.
- Seventeen countries, including Belarus, Ukraine, Turkey, Cuba and Kuwait, shared the top rank with GHI scores less than five.
International
Britain, Spain join other major powers in suspending military exports to Turkey
- Britain and Spain have joined other major powers in suspending military exports to Turkey following its incursion into northeastern Syria.
- British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said, no further export licences will be granted to Turkey for items which might be used in military operations in Syria.
- Spain, a major arms exporter to Turkey, similarly announced a halt to sales of military material. Spain’s Socialist government asked Turkey to put an end to this military operation. Sweden also announced it has halted exports of military equipment.
- Meanwhile, Russia has said it is patrolling in areas along the line of contact between Syrian and Turkish forces.
- The patrolling are taking place after Syrian government troops took control of the city of Manbij. A spokesman for the US-led coalition confirmed its forces had pulled out of the area.
- Syrian forces moved into the area as part of a deal that has seen regime troops deploy in several Kurdish-controlled areas in north to protect the region from an assault by Turkish forces.
Russian President Vladimir Putin arrives in UAE
- Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in UAE, to what is being termed as a ‘historic visit’, this afternoon to a warm welcome.
- Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces received him at the Presidential Airport.
- This is Putin’s first visit to the UAE after 2007.
- The Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi in a tweet said, he welcomes President Vladimir Putin as an honoured guest to the UAE.
- The historic visit reflects the strength of UAE-Russia relations, which they will continue to jointly promote at all levels for the mutual benefit of the two nations.
- The two leaders later witnessed the signing of several agreements and memoranda of understanding between the UAE and Russia.
- The Emirates News Agency said that the agreements span various vital sectors, including trade and investment, and sustainability and environment, intending to develop strategic partnerships between the UAE and Russia further.
- At a delegation-level meeting at the Qasr Al Watan or the Presidential Palace, Mr Putin said bilateral relations between Russian and the UAE are developing in a friendly and constructive atmosphere. Sheikh Mohamed thanked Mr Putin for his visit. The Crown Prince also said that Moscow is like his second home.
- The bilateral relationship with Russia has enabled the UAE to send its first astronaut to space earlier this month.
- Besides the bilateral ties, the two leaders are also expected to discuss regional and international developments.
Hong Kong’s leader Carrie Lam slams US Senator for “Police State” remark
- Hong Kong’s leader Carrie Lam on 15 October, 2019 said that it’s totally irresponsible and unfounded to suggest the semi-autonomous Chinese territory is becoming a police state as her government grapples with protests now in their fifth month.
- Responding to criticism from visiting U.S. senators, Carrie Lam has defended Hong Kong’s 30,000-strong police force, now widely detested by protesters for its riot-control methods and nearly 2,600 arrests.
- The protests started in June over a contested extradition bill that would have allowed some criminal suspects to be sent for trial in mainland China and have snowballed into an anti-government, anti-police and anti-China movement.
- The protests have increasingly ended in violence between hardcore demonstrators and police.
- Despite repeated government appeals for people not to take the side of those involved in vandalism, the protest movement is still rousing determined support from more moderate demonstrators, broadly worried about the future of the semi-autonomous Chinese territory and its freedoms, unique in China.
National
I&B Secretary gets additional charge as Secy, Dept of School Education & Literacy
- Information and Broadcasting Secretary Amit Khare has been given the additional charge of Secretary, Department of School Education and Literacy in Ministry of Human Resources Development.
- The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet approved the repatriation of Department of School Education and Literacy Secretary Rina Ray to her parent cadre with immediate effect.
- Rina Ray is an IAS officer of 1984 batch of the UT cadre.
14 skills training centres to be set up across 9 cities for media & entertainment sector
- Union Skill Development and Entrepreneurship Minister Mahendra Nath Pandey has said that 14 Authorized World Skills India Training Centres will be set up across 9 cities for media and entertainment sector.
- These cities are Chandigarh, Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Indore, Mumbai, Pune, Shillong and Trivandrum.
- The new institutes will be set up for advanced skill training of candidates in media and entertainment sector and to further develop skilling eco-system for training candidates for the international market.
NGT directs railways to control pollution during loading & unloading of goods
- The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has directed railways to evolve an appropriate mechanism to control pollution during loading and unloading of goods.
- It expressed concern over the pollution caused during loading and unloading of goods such as cement at railway siding.
- A bench headed by NGT Chairperson Justice Adarsh Kumar was hearing a plea against pollution in and around railway godown in Faizabad, Uttar Pradesh.
CBIC launches programme to strengthen Make in India
- Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs has launched a revamped and streamlined programme to attract investments into India and strengthen Make in India through manufacture and other operations under bond scheme, of Customs Act, 1962. The Section enables conduct of manufacture and other operations in a customs bonded warehouse.
- The scheme has been modernized with clear and transparent procedures, simplified compliance requirements ICT-based documentation and account keeping, by issue of Manufacture and Other Operations in Warehouse Regulations 2019.
- A single application cum approval form prescribed for uniformity of practice. The jurisdictional Commissioner of Customs will function as a single point of approval to set up and oversee the operations of such units.
- No geographical limitation on where such units can be set up. The unit can import goods (both inputs and capital goods) under a customs duty deferment program. The duties are fully remitted if the processed goods are exported.
- There will be no interest liability and units will benefit through improved liquidity.
- GST compliant goods can be procured from the domestic market for use in manufacture and other operations in a section 65 unit.
- A single digital account has been prescribed for ease of doing business and easy compliance.
- The scheme will also enable efficient capacity utilization, as there is no limit on quantum of clearances that can be exported or cleared to the domestic market.
- CBIC has collaborated with Invest India to launch a dedicated microsite for providing information and promoting the scheme and for facilitation of investors.
- The site can be accessed at <https://www.investindia.gov.in/bonded-manufacturing>
- The scheme is expected to play a critical role in promoting investments in India and in enhancing ease of doing business.
- It can enable the ‘Make in India’ programme, encourage exports, create hubs for electronics assembly, repair and refurbishment operations, inward and outward processing, facilitate global e-commerce hubs etc.
Andhra Pradesh government launched statewide water grid project
- The Andhra Pradesh government has launched an ambitious project to provide a drinking water connection to every household in the state by 2022.
- The statewide water grid project would ensure supply of clean drinking water to every household from 2022 for at least the next 30 years.
- Groundwater levels in the state have fallen to below 1,100 feet in districts like Anantapur and Chittoor.
Economy
RBI issues guidelines on ‘on tap’ authorisation on payment systems
- Reserve Bank has issued guidelines on ‘on tap’ authorisation of payment systems, including minimum networth criteria for different players, with an aim to encourage innovation and competition.
- RBI has been decided to offer on-tap authorisation for Bharat Bill Payment Operating Unit (BBPOU), Trade Receivables Discounting System (TReDS) and White Label ATMs (WLAs).
- For entities desirous to function, operate, or provide platforms for BBPOU, the RBI should have a 100 crore rupees net worth and should be maintained at all times.
- In case of TReDS, the minimum paid up equity capital should be 25 crore rupees.
- The minimum net worth for entities desirous of entering the WLA segement should be 100 crore rupees.
- Earlier in January 2019, the Reserve Bank had released a policy paper on authorisation of new retail payment systems.
Bilateral
President Ram Nath Kovind to visit Philippines, Japan
- President Ram Nath Kovind will embark on a visit to the Philippines and Japan on the 17 Oct 19.
- He will attend the Enthronement Ceremony of the Emperor of Japan, His Majesty Naruhito.
- The state visit is taking place on the occasion of 70 years of establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
- On the second leg of the tour, Mr Kovind will visit Japan on the 21 Oct 19.
Science& Technology
India’s first 5G powered ‘connected music’
- Ericsson and Airtel enabled a 5G powered Connected Music performance during the inauguration of the India Mobile Congress (IMC) 2019.
- A first for India, the show involved connecting two parts of a musical performance using a live 5G network and presenting it as one, for live audiences at both locations.
- The ultra-low latency of the 5G network powered the connected music showcase at the IMC.
Awards
India won four UNESCO heritage awards
- The UNESCO Asia-Pacific Awards for Cultural Heritage Conservation were announced on 14 Oct 2019.
- The four winners from India, include one from Ahmedabad — Award of Distinction for Vikram Sarabhai Library, Indian Institute of Management (IIM); and three from Mumbai — Award of Merit for Keneseth Eliyahoo Synagogue and Our Lady of Glory Church; while Honourable Mention for Flora Fountain.
Sports
Priyanshu Rajawat claims men’s singles title at Bahrain International Series
- Indian shuttler Priyanshu Rajawat claimed the men’s singles title at the Bahrain International Series Badminton at Isa Town last night.
- Seventeen year old Rajawat beat top-seed Jason Anthony Ho-Shue from Canada in the finals 16-21, 21-7, 21-12 in the summit clash.
- Top-seeded Indian mixed double pair of Juhi Dewangan and Venkat Gaurav Prasad also finished at the top.
- They defeated Thailand’s Pannawat Theerapanitnun and Kanyanat Sudchoeichom 21-18, 21-16 in 34 minutes to bag the gold medal.
- In women’s singles, Ira Sharma finished second best. Second seeded Indian men’s doubles pair of Rohan Kapoor and Saurabh Sharma settled for the runners-up position.