Current Affairs Quiz 19 and 20 July

Current Affairs MCQs [ 19 and 20 July 2017 ]

PIB TheHindu IndianExpress & Other leading newspapers
Sumant Kumar, B.Tech NIT Allahabad
Consider the following statements
regarding Turkey :
1. Turkey is a
transcontinental country in
Eurasia
2. Turkey is a democratic,
secular, unitary, parliamentary
republic
3. Turkey is a crucial NATO
ally
Which of the following statements
given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 3 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Ans : (d) 1, 2 and 3

Consider the following Turkey is bordered by eight countries: Greece and Bulgaria to
statements regarding the northwest; Georgia to the northeast; Armenia, the
Turkey : Azerbaijani exclave of Nakhchivan and Iran to the east; Iraq
1. Turkey is and Syria to the south.
bordered by 6 countries.
2. The country is
encircled by seas on
three sides: the Aegean
Sea is to the west, the
Black Sea to the north,
and the Mediterranean
Sea to the south.
Which of the statements
given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Ans : (b) 2 only
Consider the following statements
regarding Turkey :
1. Ankara is the capital
2. Istanbul is the country's
largest city and main cultural and
commercial centre.
3. Kurds are the largest ethnic • A recent referendum gave Turkish President
minority group, making up
approximately 20% of the
population.
Which of the following statements
given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 3 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Ans : (d) 1, 2 and 3
Consider the following statements
regarding Kurds :
o
The Kurds are an ethnic group in the
South East Asia
o
mostly inhabiting a contiguous area
spanning adjacent parts of
southeastern Turkey (Northern
Kurdistan), northwestern Iran
(Eastern Kurdistan), northern Iraq
(Southern Kurdistan), and northern
Syria (Western Kurdistan).
Which of the statements given above
is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2Ans : (b) 2 only
The Kurds are an ethnic group in the
Middle East
Turkey :
• Current bilateral Trade is about $6.4 Billion
• Target is $10 Billion for 2020
• Turkish President visited India in May 2017
Current Status of Turkey:
sweeping executive powers giving rise to fears
about a lack of adequate safeguards for
democratic rights in Turkey.
• President is using Islam to shore up his
credibility
Turkish stance on Indian issues:
• Turkey supports “multilateral dialogue” on Kashmir
and offers to mediate between India and Pakistan.
Thus, it is against India's stance of Kashmir being a
bilateral issue.
• Turkey supports Organisation of Islamic
Cooperation’s position on Kashmir which is again
anti-India
• On India’s entry into the Nuclear Suppliers Group,
the Turkish stance has been to push for Pakistan’s
case along with India’s.
• Turkey supports India’s bid for a permanent seat in
the United Nations Security Council. But, Turkey is a
member of the group called Uniting for Consensus
which opposes expansion of permanent membership
in the Security Council. And this group includes
Pakistan
Scope in Future:
• Focus should be Trade and Economic ties.
• Turkey needs new market as Europe is not
welcoming Turkey.
 • The two nations are also exploring cooperation in
areas such as construction, infrastructure
development, renewable energy, and tourism

Consider the following statements: • The Global Innovation Index 2016

According to the World Bank, India’s ranked India 66th out of 128 countries.
gross spending on R&D as a %age of its • India still lags behind China at 25,

GDP is lesser than that of China and
Brazil
In India, the government accounts for the
majority share of overall spending in
research
Which of the statements given above
is/are correct?
a) 1 only
Russia at 43 and South Africa at 54.
• Reason : low levels of investment in
Research and Development (R&D).
• According to the World Bank, in 2014,
India’s gross spending on R&D was about
0.63% of its GDP, against 1.5% by China
and 1.1% by Brazil.
• Many developed countries spend

b) 2 only upwards of 4% on their R&D.

c) Both 1 and 2
d) Neither 1 nor 2
Ans : c.

Consider the following statements regarding It is published by Cornell

Global Innovation Index 2017 University, INSEAD, and the
It is published by World Trade World Intellectual Property
Organisation Organization, in partnership
India climbed 6 spots, from 66 last year, to with other organizations and
60/130 institutions
a) 1 only
b) 2 only
c) Both 1 and 2
d) Neither 1 nor 2
Ans : b) 2 only
Consider the following statements regarding Global • Positives in India:
Innovation Index 2017 o
Strong market potential
Switzerland is ranked 1st o
Excellent talent pool
India has maintained the top spot in the Central and o
An underlying culture of
South Asia regions frugal innovation
India is ranked above all its neighbours. • Negatives in India:
BRICS countries: Brazil (69), Russia (45), China (22), o
Business environment,
South Africa (57). o
Education expenditures,
Select the correct answer using the code given below. o
New business creations and
(a) 1 and 2 only o
Creative goods and services
(b) 1, 3 and 4 only production
(c) 2, 3 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Ans : (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Products used by differently-abled people are A tax incidence is an economic term for
being taxed at the lowest GST rate of 5%. the division of a tax burden between
Which of the following is/are the consequences? buyers and sellers.
• Tax incidence will go up, resulting in higher

expenditure incurred by the buyer • if such goods are exempt, then even

• Imported products of the same category of imports will have to be at zero duty,
goods will be at an advantage as they are which will increase competition for the
zero-rated domestic industry. This would mean
Select the correct answer using the code given that domestically manufactured
below: devices and equipment would bear
a) 1 only the burden of input taxes, increasing
b) 2 only their cost and becoming
c) Both 1 and 2 uncompetitive to imports.
d) Neither 1 nor 2
The ‘City Liveability Index’ was
recently launched by
a) Ministry of Housing and Urban
Affairs
b) Ministry of Health and Family
Welfare
c) Ministry of Drinking Water and
• The Ministry of Urban Development (now Ministry of
Housing and Urban Affairs) launched the City
Liveability Index.
• The index will be used to measure 116 cities, which
include smart cities, state capitals, and cities with a
population of above one million.
• Why the Index :
• The index will be a common minimum reference

Sanitation framework that will help cities know where they

d) Ministry of Environment, Forest stand in terms of quality of life.
and Climate Change • It would also help cities to understand the

Ans : A interventions required to improve these standards.

The cities will be assessed on a set of 79 parameters
which would capture the extent and quality of
infrastructure.
These include availability of roads, mobility, education
and health care, employment opportunities,
emergency responses, mechanisms for grievance
redressal, level of pollution, and availability of open
spaces.

http://moud.gov.in/#

Consider the following statements regarding City Liveability Index :

It is published by Ministry of Home Affairs
It will cover cities with a population above one million, including the capital
cities.
The index will help cities to analyse where they stand in terms of the quality of
life.
It will help them to come up with interventions required to improve it.
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1, 3 and 4 only
(c) 2, 3 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Ans : (c) 2, 3 and 4 only

Consider the following statements Issues With Microplastics

regarding Microplastics
They are biodegradable
They increase water pollution
They have a potential to disrupt increase water pollution
the aquatic ecosystem.
Which of the following statements
given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 3 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Ans : (c) 2 and 3 only
non-biodegradable
flow through sewers to seas/oceans and add to the
huge chunk of “plastic soup” in the environment.
have a potential to disrupt the aquatic ecosystem.
Once they enter water bodies they accumulate as
act as carriers for other pollutants.
They carry carcinogenic chemical compounds in the
food chain.
Due to their small size they pass through waste
water treatment filtration system as well.
Their unregulated production and use aggravates
the problem.
There is an international campaign demanding ban
on Microplastic.
Consider the following statements MicroPlastics/MicroBeads
regarding Microplastics •
A petition has been filed in NGT
1. Once the microplastics enter demanding ban on Microplastics.
water bodies they accumulate as act as •
The NGT has issued notice to MoEF
carriers for other pollutants. and Ministry for Water Resources
2. They carry carcinogenic chemical and sought their reply.
compounds in the food chain.
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 : c) Both 1 and 2

Consider the following statements MicroPlastics/MicroBeads What are they?

regarding Microplastics •
Microplastics measure less than five
1. Due to their small size milimetres.
they pass through waste water •
The microplastics or microbeads found in
treatment filtration system as personal care products are always smaller
well. than one milimetre.
2. There is an international•
Microplastics or Microbeads are plastic
campaign demanding ban on pieces or fibre which is very small,
Microplastic. generally measuring less than 1mm.
Select the correct answer using theo
They are used in personal care products
code given below: like toothpaste, body creams, clothing and
a) 1 only industrial use.
b) 2 only •
They have an ability to spread easily and
c) Both 1 and 2 provide silky texture and colours to the
d) Neither 1 nor 2 Ans : c) Both 1 product. Thus adding visual appeal of the
and 2 cosmetic products.
The World Investment Report 2017 issued by the United Nations Conference on Trade
and Development also points out that tax-related concerns are a deterrent for some foreign
investors to invest in India. Thus, Israeli investors will not be comfortable if taxation is
completely outside BIT’s purview.

The annual ‘World Investment The World Investment Report 2017

Report’ is published by • issued by the United Nations Conference on
a) World Bank Trade and Development
b) World Trade Organisation • points out that tax-related concerns are a

c) United Nations Conference on deterrent for some foreign investors to invest in

Trade and Development India.
d) World Economic Forum • India continues to remain as a favourite

Ans : C destination for FDI even though tax related

concerns remain as a deterrent for the foreign
investors
• FDI inflows into India remained stagnant at USD

44 billion.
• Each year´s Report

o
covers the latest trends in foreign direct
investment around the World and
o
analyses in depth one selected topic related to
foreign direct investment and development.
Consider the following statements
regarding Iran nuclear deal :
The deal allows Iran to engage in
nuclear activities for peaceful and
constructive purposes like
addressing it’s energy needs.
Impact on Arabs:
• Iraq and Saudi Arabia are arch rival due to Shia-
Sunni conflict
• Saudi Arabia has openly opposed the deal
• seen as a threat to themselves by Sunni nations
(Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt etc.)
• Thus it may lead to proliferation of nuclear weapons

It was done between Iran and P5+1 via Pakistan to these nations further endangering
The deal is seen as a threat to global peace.
themselves by Sunni nations (Saudi Impact on India:
Arabia, UAE, Egypt etc.) • India need all Arab nations. So a fine balancing act

Which of the following statements is needed

given above is/are correct? • It has trade and cultural relations with most of the

(a) 1 only nations of the region and imports crude oil from
(b) 1 and 3 only Saudi Arabia as well as Iran.
• A large number of Indians work in the Gulf countries.
(c) 2 and 3 only
• At the same time, India which is on the target of
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Islamist terrorism will also have to make sure that
Ans : (c) 2 and 3 only
nuclear weapons don’t reach them.

Which of the following are not the Options :

part of P5+1 nations with reference 1, 2, 4, 6 and 8 Only
to Iran Nuclear Deal : 3 and 8 only
USA 3, 4 and 8 only
UK None of the Above
India Ans : B 3 & 8
China
France
Russia
Germany
Japan
The ‘Joint Comprehensive Plan of On July 14, 2015, the P5+1 (China, France, Germany,
Action’, issues related to which Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States),
often appear in the news, is one the European Union (EU), and Iran reached a Joint
that was reached between which of Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) to ensure
the following countries? that Iran’s nuclear program will be exclusively
USA peaceful.
Russia
Germany
China
Select the correct answer using
the code given below:
a) 1 and 2 only
b) 1, 2 and 3 only
c) 2, 3 and 4 only
d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Solution: d.

Consider the following statements
regarding Zero Hour :
It is not mentioned in the Rules of
Procedure.
It is an Indian innovation in the field
of parliamentary procedures
It has been in existence since 1962.
With this device, members of the
Parliament can raise matters without
prior notice.
Select the correct answer using the code
given below.
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1, 3 and 4 only
“It is not mentioned in the Rules of Procedure. It
is an Indian innovation in the field of
parliamentary procedures and has been in
existence since 1962. With this device, members
of the Parliament can raise matters without prior
notice.”
These statements refer to which one of the
following devices of parliamentary proceedings?
a) Question Hour
b) Zero Hour
c) Calling Attention Motion
d) Half-an-Hour Discussion
Ans : b.
• The Calling Attention motion, unlike the zero

(c) 2, 3 and 4 only hour, is mentioned in the rules of procedure.

(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4 • But like the zero hour, it also an Indian

Ans : (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4 innovation in parliamentary procedure and

has been in existence since 1954.

The ‘Joint International Taskforce on
Shared Intelligence and Collaboration’
is related to the issue of
a) Tax avoidance
b) Drug trafficking
c) Trafficking of women and children
d) “Lone wolf”-style terrorism
Ans : A
• The JITSIC brings together 37 of the world’s
national tax administrations that have
committed to more effective and efficient
ways to deal with tax avoidance.
• It offers a platform to enable its members to
actively collaborate within the legal
framework of effective bilateral and
multilateral conventions and tax information
exchange agreements – sharing their
experience, resources and expertise to tackle
the issues they face in common.
• India is a member.
 With reference to the Strategic Partnership
Model, consider the following statements:
It was released by the Ministry of Home
Affairs.
The Government will select only one
strategic partner for manufacture of each
category of defence equipment
To be eligible for a strategic partnership, the
organisation must be an Indian company,
owned and controlled by resident Indian
citizens
Which of the following statements given above
is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 3 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Ans : (c) 2 and 3 only
It was released by the Ministry of Defence.
• Building expertise:
• The government will select one strategic
partner for manufacture of each of the
following defence equipment: fighter
aircrafts, helicopters, submarines and main
battle tanks.
• This is to ensure that each strategic partner
maintains a core area of expertise.
• Ownership and management:
• An organisation must be an Indian company
(as defined under the Companies Act, 2013),
owned and controlled by resident Indian
citizens, to be eligible for strategic
partnerships.
• Indian citizens must have majority
representation on the company’s Board of
Directors, and the chief executives of the
company must be resident Indians.
• Maximum FDI permitted in such a company
will be 49%.

Challenges : fundamental differences Israel and India
have on BITs
Investor-state dispute settlement (ISDS) provision
that allows foreign investors to bring claims against a
host state for alleged treaty breaches at international
arbitral forums.
o Foreign investors prefer international arbitration —
which is faster and independent — over litigating in
domestic courts.
o Israeli model : gives an investor the choice to submit
any investment dispute with a state to international
arbitration if not resolved within 6 months through
negotiations.
o Indian model : A foreign investor will have to litigate
in domestic courts for 5 years before pursuing a
claim under international law.
Israel’s model provides a broad asset-based definition of
foreign investment that covers both FDI and portfolio
investment.
o Indian model of 2016 defines investment narrowly as
an enterprise (with its assets) that has to possess
certain characteristics of investment including the
investment having ‘significance for the development’
— words not defined in the BIT — of the host
country.
Israeli model contains a broad most favoured nation
(MFN) provision - which is missing in the Indian model.
Indian model excludes taxation altogether from the
purview of the BIT.
o Thus, the foreign investor cannot bring an ISDS claim
Which of the following statements refer to
certain provisions in the model Bilateral
Investment Treaty (BIT) of Israel, that are
absent in the Indian BIT?
Foreign investors can bring claims against a
host state for alleged treaty breaches at
international arbitral forums
Israel’s BIT model provides a broad asset-
based definition of foreign investment
unlike the Indian model which defines it
narrowly
It contains a broad, Most Favoured Nation
(MFN) provision
Select the correct answer using the code
given below:
a) 1 and 2 only
b) 2 and 3 only
c) 1 and 3 only
d) 1, 2 and 3
Solution: b.

even if taxes imposed are confiscatory,

discriminatory or unfair.