Week 3 Current Affairs Update

15th- 21st September 2017

EVENTS

NATIONAL

SOCIAL
Swachhta Hi Seva campaign
DATE: - 15th September, 2017
AGENDA/ISSUE: To mobilise people and reinforce the Jan Aandolan for
sanitation
TARGET/APPLICATION: The Centre has launched a nationwide, fortnight long
sanitation campaign to highlight the governments flagship cleanliness initiative,
Swachh Bharat Mission. The campaign has been named Swachhta Hi Seva
(cleanliness is service) and is launched in the village of Ishworiganj in Kanpur. The
objective of the campaign is to contribute to Mahatma Gandhis dream of a Clean
India. Sanitation is linked to various sectors. From health to giving security and
dignity to women, sanitation also affects a country economically.
The campaign is being coordinated by the Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation
(the convening Ministry for the Swachh Bharat Mission). Ministry of Drinking Water
and Sanitation has made plans along with the State Government in order to involve
people from various paths of life. It will see large scale mobilisation of people to
undertake shramdaan for cleanliness and construction of toilets and to make their
environments free from open defecation. There will be targeted cleaning of public
and tourist places. According to UNICEF (United Nations Childrens Fund) good
sanitation can save Rs50, 000 per year per family.
Open Sky Agreement between India and Japan
DATE: - 15th September, 2017
AGENDA/ISSUE: To encourage connectivity, passenger travelling and reduction
in airfares between both the countries
TARGET/APPLICATION: India and Japan have agreed to an open sky
arrangement under which the airlines of both countries can operate an unlimited
number of flights. The agreement was signed after talks between Prime Minister
Narendra Modi and Japan PM Shino Abe.
The agreement was signed in accordance with the National Civil Aviation Policy
(NACP), 2016. The NACP permits the government to enter into an open sky air
services agreement on a reciprocal basis with SAARC nations as well as countries
with territory located entirely beyond a 5,000 kilometre radius from New Delhi.
Last year, India signed an open sky agreement with Greece, Jamaica, Guyana,
Czech Republic, Finland, Spain and Sri Lanka. India also signed a bilateral open sky
agreement with the US in 2005. In 2003, India had signed an open sky agreement
with the 10-member Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN).
Population and women empowerment policy
DATE: - 16th September, 2017
AGENDA/ISSUE: To empower women for making learned choices regarding
motherhood and to check the increasing demographic changes
TARGET/APPLICATION: Population and women empowerment policy seeks
to curb population explosion in the state, especially among religious minority
through women empowerment in order to check increasing demographic changes
and pressure over limited resources. Assams average family size is 5.5 which is
above the national average that has pushed the states population by almost one crore
to 3.12 crore between 2001 and 2011 census, while the population density is 398 as
per 2011 census as against 340 in 2001. Also, the 37.9% of the population fall in
the category of poverty headcount ratio. The population pressure had a profound
impact on the economy, as Assam was among the lowest five States in terms of GDP
growth (less than 6%) between 2005 and 2014 of UNDP. The policy has a strict
two child policy for government servants and elected/nominated representatives of
panchayat, municipal and statutory bodies, with stress on women empowerment and
awareness. The policy has provisions to bar people with more than two children
from contesting election for panchayat, municipal and other statutory bodies and
committees at the state level.
Northeast Venture Fund
DATE: - 18th September, 2017
AGENDA/ISSUE: To promote young entrepreneurs in the fields of fruits and
vegetables, handicrafts and tourism
TARGET/APPLICATION: In a bid to make north-east a favourite destination,
the government has invited young start-ups to avail the benefits of Northeast Venture
Fund. Northeast Venture Fund is the first dedicated venture capital fund for North-
Eastern region. In addition to the provisions of tax holiday and exit period available in
the Government of Indias Standup India, Startup India programme, the Ministry of
DoNER has also rolled out Venture Fund for anybody who wishes to Startup in the
Northeast region, which would provide a huge financial relief particularly to young
entrepreneurs. It has been set up by North Eastern Development Finance Corporation
Ltd (NEDFi), which already has the mandate to encourage entrepreneurship in the
region, primarily by offering support to the first-generation entrepreneurs. In addition,
the NEDFi also performs the role of hand holding and capacity building.

SPACE

Traces of water found on Moon

DATE: - 15th September, 2017
AGENDA/ISSUE: To study whether water is used for drinking or as fuel for
astronauts
TARGET/APPLICATION: Scientists from NASA used the data from an
instrument which flew aboard Indias Chandrayaan-1 spacecraft and have created
the first map of water trapped in the uppermost layer of the moons soil. The study
builds on the initial discovery of water in 2009, which stated that the molecule
consists of one atom each of hydrogen and oxygen in the lunar soil. Scientists used a
new calibration of data taken from NASAs Moon Mineralogy Mapper, which flew
aboard Chandrayaan-1 spacecraft in 2008, to quantify how much water is present
on a global scale. The Chandrayaan-1 mission performed high resolution remote
sensing of the moon in visible, near infrared (NIR), low energy X-rays and high
energy X-ray regions. One of the objectives was to prepare a three dimensional atlas
(with high spatial and altitude resolution) of both near and far side of the moon.
It aimed at conducting chemical and mineralogical mapping of the entire lunar surface
for distribution of mineral and chemical elements such as magnesium, aluminium,
silicon, calcium, iron and titanium as well as high atomic number elements such
as radon, uranium and thorium with high spatial resolution. The discovery further
confirmed that the distribution of the water is largely uniform rather than splotchy
with concentrations gradually decreasing towards the equator. That pattern formed by
the water is consistent with implantation via solar wind (the constant bombardment
of protons from the sun). The concentration of water changes over the course of the
lunar day at latitudes lower than 60 degrees, going from wetter in the early morning
and evening to nearly bone dry around lunar noon. The fluctuation can be as much
as 200 parts per million.

DEFENCE
Astra Missile launched
DATE: - 16th September, 2017
AGENDA/ISSUE: - To engage and destroy aerial targets at supersonic speeds
TARGET/APPLICATION: - The final development flight trial of Astra Beyond
Visual Range Air to Air Missile (BVRAAM) was conducted recently over the Bay
of Bengal off the coast of Chandipur, Odisha. The missions included engagement of
target at very long range, engagement of high manoeuvring target at medium range
and multiple launches of missiles in salvo to engage multiple targets. All the sub
systems including the indigenous RF Seeker performed accurately. It is a Beyond-
Visual Range Air to Air missile indigenously developed. The missile could be
launched at different altitudes from sea level to 20 km for engaging aerial targets at
various ranges. The 60 km plus range missile possesses Shot Kill Probability (SSKP)
making it one of the most reliable in its class of weapon systems.
Exercise Yudh Abhyas 2017

DATE: - 18th September, 2017

AGENDA/ISSUE: - To counter terrorist operations
TARGET/APPLICATION: - Exercise Yudh Abhyas 2017, a joint military
exercise between Indian and US armies has commenced at Joint Base Lewis
McChord, Washington, USA. During the two week long exercise soldiers from both
countries will hold their tactical skills in counter insurgency and counter terrorist
operations under a joint brigade headquarter. Experts from both sides will hold
detailed discussions to share their experience and expertise on varied operational
topics. Both sides will jointly train, plan and execute a series of well developed
tactical drills for neutralization of likely threats that may be encountered in UN peace
keeping operations.
ENVIRONMENT
Sardar Sarovar Dam
DATE: - 18th September, 2017
AGENDA/ISSUE: - To generate hydroelectric power
TARGET/APPLICATION: - Prime Minister Narendra Modi has inaugurated
worlds second biggest Saradar Sarovar Dam on the River Naramada, 56 years after its
foundation stone which was laid by the former PM Jawaharlal Nehru. Sardar Sarovar
Dam is also the most controversial development project of the nation. Activists have
been demanding that the filling of the reservoir with water be stopped immediately
so as to reduce the water level. This project is the second biggest dam project in the
world after the Grand Coulee Dam in the United States. The Sardar Sarovar Dam
has two power houses - river bed power house and canal head powerhouse. The two
powerhouses have the installed capacity of 1,200 MW and 250 MW respectively.
As per the arrangement, the power generated from the Sardar Sarovar Dam will
be shared among Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat. About 57% of the
electricity produced from the Sardar Sarovar Dam would go to Maharashtra while
Madhya Pradesh will get 27% and Gujarat 16%.
23rd World Ozone Day celebrated
DATE: - 18th September, 2017
AGENDA/ISSUE: - To prevent the ozone layer depletion
TARGET/APPLICATION: - 30th Anniversary of Montreal protocol and 23rd
World Ozone Day were celebrated on September 16th across the country. The theme
was Caring for all life under the sun. Every year, on September 16, the World
celebrates the International day for the preservation of Ozone layer as the World
Ozone Day. During the United Nations convention in Vienna for the Montreal
Protocol, the General Assembly declared September 16 as the World Ozone Day
in order to remind the world of the depleting ozone layer. The first ozone hole was
discovered 30 years ago in May 1985 over Antarctica.
The Montreal Protocol is one of the most successful global environmental treaties,
the implementation of which has not only led to the phase out of around 98% of
ozone depleting chemicals but also averted more than 135 billion tonnes of carbon
dioxide equivalent emissions. Nearly, 2 million cases of skin cancer per year have
been averted globally. The Montreal Protocol is the only environmental treaty which
enjoys universal ratification of 197 UN member countries. The ozone layer absorbs
most of the suns ultraviolet light which is harmful to human life and other life forms.
The layer absorbs about 97 to 99% of ultraviolet rays and maintains the ozone oxygen
cycle. Dobson unit is a unit which is used to measure the ozone in the atmosphere at
a standard temperature and pressure

INTERNATIONAL

ENVIRONMENT

Snow leopard no longer a endangered species

DATE: - 16th September, 2017
AGENDA/ISSUE: - To prevent the extinction of snow leopard
TARGET/APPLICATION: - The conservation status of snow leopard has been
improved from endangered to vulnerable. The decision was announced by the
International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) the global standard for
assessing extinction risk. The status change followed a three year assessment process
by five international experts. However, experts have warned that the species still
faces serious threats from poaching and habitat destruction. The elegant yet elusive
creatures, which live in the mountains of central Asia, were first listed as endangered
by the IUCN in 1972. To be considered endangered, there must be fewer than 2,500
species. These are solitary creatures and usually hunt at dawn and dusk and are able
to kill prey up to three times their own weight. Mostly they feed on wild animals,
but also prey on livestock. They are usually found at elevations of 3,000-4,500m
(11,480-14,760ft). Their habitat covers more than 1.8 million sq km/ 694,980 sq
miles, across 12 countries.
 PEOPLE

NATIONAL

DEFENCE
Rajnikant Mishra
Background: - Rajnikant Mishra has been appointed as the new Chief of Sashastra
Seema Bal (SSB). The decision was taken by the Appointments Committee of the
Cabinet. Mishra, who is an IPS officer of 1984 batch Uttar Pradesh Cadre, will
succeed Archana Ramasundaram. Mishra is a native of Bihar and was posted as
Special Director General in Border Security Force (BSF) since 2012.

OBITUARY
Arjan Singh
Born: - 16th April, 1919
Died: - 16th September, 2017
Background: - Marshal of the Indian Air Force Arjan Singh was an Indian Air
Force marshal who served as Chief of the Air Staff from 1964 to 1969. For his
distinguished service in commanding the IAF during the Indo-Pakistani War of
1965, he was awarded the Padma Vibhushan. In 1966, he became the first IAF
officer to be promoted to air chief marshal. After retiring from the IAF, he served
as a diplomat, politician and advisor to the Indian government. He was Lieutenant
Governor of Delhi from 1989 to 1990. In 2002, he became the first and only officer
of the Indian Air Force to be promoted to five star rank as Marshal of the Indian
Air Force, equal to the army rank of Field Marshal.
Career: - Singh was born on 15 Apr 1919 in Lyallpur, Punjab (now known as
Faisalabad, Pakistan) into a Jat Sikh family of the Aulakh gotra(clan). The British
had built a network of canals across the Punjab in the latter half of the 19th century
and early 20th century, and had encouraged farmers to settle there and cultivate
the land. Singh was educated at Montgomery, British India (now in Pakistan) and
later entered the RAF College Cranwell in 1938 and was commissioned as a pilot
officer in December 1939. In 1943, he was promoted to acting squadron leader
and became the commander of No. 1 Squadron. Singh led No. 1 Squadron, Indian
Air Force into combat during the Arakan Campaign in 1944. He was awarded the
Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC) in June 1944. Later that year, he commanded
the Indian Air Force Exhibition Flight. As part of the celebrations for Independence
Day on 15th August 1947, Singh, by then a wing commander and acting group
captain, led the first fly past of RIAF aircraft over the Red Fort in Delhi.
 IDEAS

NATIONAL

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

First DNA databank in India
DATE: 15 September, 2017
ISSUE/AGENDA: To store DNA profile of criminals to help police investigations
dealing crimes against
TARGET/APPLICATION: An IT firm along with Maharashtra Forensic
Science Laboratory (FSL) is building a tool for storage of DNA profile of criminals
to help police investigations dealing serious crimes against women and children.
Maharashtra will be the first Indian state to start DNA database which will also help
law enforcement agencies in tracking maoists as well as terrorists besides repeat
offenders. The IT firm is preparing a tool for DNA profiling. The DNA profiling is
very strong evidence because it will lead to quicker arrest of repeat offenders and
exoneration of innocent suspects. This DNA profiling will also help increasing the
conviction rate, which is alarmingly low at present in India.
Almost all developed countries including the USA, Canada, Australia, UK, NZ as
well as majority of the European countries have DNA database. Even the China
has started preparing DNA database for criminals. The DNA databank will store
genetic information under several possible indices including crime scene, suspects
and under trials, history sheeters, unidentified bodies, etc. After sequencing the
DNA either the samples of hair, semen, blood, etc you get at the crime scene, one
need to match the algorithms, for which a tool is required to retrieve and match the
information with the sample. So we are trying to build that platform. Maharashtra
will be the first state to come up with the indigenous database for DNA fingerprinting
and matching with complete platform which will be role model for other states to
follow.

SOCIAL

First pension adalat

DATE:- 17 September, 2017
ISSUE/AGENDA: - To set a common ground for the aggrieved pensioner, the
concerned department, the bank or CGHS representative
TARGET/APPLICATION: - The Union Minister of State (Independent Charge)
Development of North-Eastern Region (DoNER) Dr Jitendra Singh will inaugurate
the first Pension Adalat. He will also award the Pensioners for their outstanding
contribution towards Anubhav a platform for retiring employees for sharing
their experience of working with Government. Moving ahead from e-governance
to m-governance, a Mobile App has been created to avail the services of Pensioners
Portal which will also be launched by Dr Jitendra Singh. As a measure of welfare to
the pensioners of Government of India, a workshop on Pre-Retirement Counseling
(PRC) of 300 retiring Central Government employees is also scheduled to be held.
The objective of this workshop is to create awareness about the post-retirement
entitlements as well as an advance planning for life after retirement. There will be
four interactive sessions which will cover inter-alia, the road map to retirement,
medical facilities for pensioners, re-engagement of retired people for voluntary
social activities under Sankalp. There will be another session on Income Tax
and other benefits for senior citizens as well as investment and financial planning
for retired people and the Importance of writing a Will. The Pension Department
in this programme will launch the first of a series of Pension Adalats which is
being convened with the objective of bringing on a common table the aggrieved
pensioner, the concerned department, the bank or CGHS representative, wherever
relevant, so that such cases can be settled across the table within the framework of
extant rules.

INTERNATIONAL

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

Microchip in hand to work as train tickets

DATE: 16 September, 2017
AGENDA/ISSUE: To make travel easier by doing away the need of carrying
paper tickets
TARGET/APPLICATION: A Swedish rail company is offering passengers the
option of using a biometric chip implanted into their hand in lieu of a paper train
ticket. SJ is the first travel company in the world to let people use this innovative
method that seems straight out of a sci-fi film. The tiny chip has the same technology
as contactless bank cards -NFC (Near Field Communication) -to enable conductors
to scan passengers hands.
The scheme is only applicable to those who already have the biometric implant-
-SJ is not offering to chip people. Around 2,000 Swedes have had the surgical
implant to date, most of them employed in the tech industry. State-owned operator
SJ expects about 200 people to take up the microchip method, but users must be
signed up as a loyalty programme member to access the service. Customers buy
tickets by logging onto the website or mobile app, and their membership number,
which is the reference code for the ticket, is linked to their chip. Some people are
concerned with the privacy issue and thats something we take really seriously.

DEFENCE

First unmanned attack helicopter

DATE: 19 September, 2017
AGENDA/ISSUE: To upgrade defense system by introducing unmanned
helicopter that can enter into inaccessible areas
TARGET/APPLICATION: China has put on display its first unmanned combat
helicopter AV500W for foreign buyers in the northeastern Tianjin city in a bid to
enlarge scope to market its military drones abroad. Aviation Industry Corp of China
(AVIC), the state-owned aircraft manufacturer, has put the reconnaissance-cum-
combat helicopter on display at the fourth China Helicopter Expo. The 7.2-meter-
long aircraft has a maximum take-off weight of 450 kilograms, a maximum speed
of 170 kilometres per hour and a flight ceiling of 4,000 meters, the State-run China
Daily reported. The aircraft was developed and produced at the AVIC Helicopter
Research and Development Institute in Jingdezhen, Jiangxi province.
In addition, the helicopter is capable of carrying 120 kilograms of weapons and
equipment. Its reconnaissance version can remain aloft for eight hours while the
reconnaissance/combat model is able to fly for four hours. The helicopter is able
to take off and land on almost any landform including plateaus and canyons. It
can operate in cold and tropical environments. It will be useful in border patrols,
counterterrorism operations and low-intensity conflicts because it can carry out
very-low-altitude penetration and keep hovering for a while.
HEALTHCARE

An all-in-one injection to immunise children

DATE: 21 September, 2017
AGENDA/ISSUE: To allow injection of all types of vaccines at a time to children
TARGET/APPLICATION: Scientists have invented a new technology that
could enable every childhood vaccination to be given in a single injection. The
all-in-one jab stores the different vaccines in microscopic capsules in the body
and releases the dose, as well as any required boosters, at the appropriate time.
Researchers at MIT found the method was successful in tests involving mice and
reported their findings in the Science journal. Micro-capsules released the different
vaccine particles at exactly nine, 20 and 41 days after they were first injected.
The new micro-particles are biodegradable and are designed to break down at just
the right time to deliver the vaccine into the body. Babies receive vaccinations
against diphtheria, tetanus, polio, whooping cough, Hib and hepatitis B at eight,
12 and 16 weeks. They are also given jabs again pneumococcal and meningitis B
at eight weeks, 16 weeks and one year. In addition, children are given a Hib and
meningitis C vaccine at one year, and inoculation against measles, mumps and
rubella at 12 months and when they are three. The new technology could instead
see all of these vaccinations given in one single jab.
 ISSUES

NATIONAL

SOCIAL
UNIFORM CIVIL CODE ISSUE
DATE: 14 September, 2017
ISSUE/AGENDA: Difficulty in implementing uniform civil code in a religious
diverse country like India
Personal laws deal in the main with family issues such as marriage, divorce,
inheritance and are by and large skewed against women across communities and
religions. Yet, some voices even from womens movements are wary about a
uniform civil code. It was first raised as a demand in the 1930s by the All India
Womens Conference, seeking equal rights for women, irrespective of religion, in
marriage, inheritance, divorce, adoption and succession.
While the Constituent Assembly and Parliament considered such a Uniform Civil
Code desirable, they did not want to force it upon any religious community in a
time of strife and insecurity. They left it as a Directive Principle of the Constitution,
hoping it would be enacted when the time was right. Each religious community in
India has certain unique practices in family life, from marriage to inheritance and
from marital separation to maintenance and adoption. Many of these are unfair to
women, in different ways. India allows each community to practise its personal
law, but these cannot violate constitutional rights. Reservation would have to be
extended to all religions. Distinctive practices of Buddhism, Jainism and Sikhism
might also have to end, in the domain of family law. In some aspects, Muslim law
is better for women, since they recognise individual rights to property, and because
marriages are civil contracts with fixed obligations, rather than sacraments. All
these would have to be taken into consideration for a just Uniform Civil Code.

ECONOMY
Rising wholesale price inflation
DATE: - 16 September, 2017
ISSUE/AGENDA: - Growing inflation to affect common people
Wholesale price inflation rose to a four-month high in August on the back of soaring
food and fuel prices, dampening hopes of any interest rate cut by the RBI when it
reviews monetary policy in October. Data released by the commerce and industry
department showed inflation, as measured by the wholesale price index, rose an
annual 3.24%, higher than previous months 1.9% and above 1.1% recorded in the
same month last year. The government kept the June inflation rate unchanged at
0.9%.
The WPI inflation data mirrored the retail inflation number, which hit a five-month
high of 3.4% in August largely driven by food and housing prices. While both retail
and wholesale price inflation numbers are below the central banks comfort level
the rising inflationary pressures may prompt the RBI to hold interest rates for now.
The uptick in headline as well as core WPI inflation in August 2017 strengthens the
case for a pause in the upcoming monetary policy review.

BUSINESS
Indian IT companies facing crises globally
DATE: - 17 September, 2017
ISSUE/AGENDA: - Growth of Indian IT companies slowed globally, impacting
the Indian economy

The woes of Indian information technology companies are not limited to the US
and extend from Australia to Canada as they not only have to grapple with visa
curbs but also obscure rules that are open to interpretation by local authorities.
Following the concerns brought out by Nasscom in a study, the government has
started flagging the hurdles, many of which are against the commitments given by
these countries at the World Trade Organisation or in trade agreements with India.

The study has brought out the fact that there is no match between the commitments
given and the visa issued. The report comes at a time when India is seeking a
permanent agreement for trade facilitation in services. Separately, it is pushing for
liberal rules in Asean and other countries such as China, Australia and New Zealand,
under the regional comprehensive economic partnership agreement, which will
create one of the worlds largest free trade areas. These countries are, however,
reluctant to ease the rules, but are seeking sharp duty cuts for goods imported into
India. There are other issues which have stalled the Indian IT sectors expansion
drive, such as outdated definitions. There is very little clarity on the definitions
of contractual service providers, independent professionals and inter-corporate
transfers, which results in lack of confidence among companies. The industry also
has to deal with subjective and discretionary elements of the commitments that
have been given, resulting in interpretations that are only meant to block access.

SOCIAL
Indias under-5 children mortality rate worlds worst
Date: 20 September, 2017
AGENDA/ISSUE: - Poor Indian health system and negligence leading to high
mortality rate of under-5 children
India still accounts for the highest number of deaths of children aged below five
years, data from the Global Burden of Disease-2016 report. Globally, mortality
rates have decreased across all age groups over the past five decades, with the
largest improvements occurring among children younger than five years. In absolute
terms, India recorded the largest number of under-5 deaths in 2016 at 0.9 million,
followed by Nigeria and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, which recorded
0.7 million and 0.3 million deaths, respectively.
The data show deaths among children aged below five decreased globally to
fewer than 5 million in 2016 for the first time, down from 16.4 million in 1970.
Overall, mortality rates declined across age groups, resulting in an increased life
expectancy. The average global life expectancy for women is 75.3 years, and 69.8
years for men. Japan has the highest life expectancy (83.9 years for both sexes),
and the Central African Republic the lowest (50.2). However, with the increased
life expectancy, the years lived with ill health or disability have also increased. The
proportion of total life spent with ill health is higher for lower-income countries.
Non-communicable diseases accounted for 72.3% of all deaths (39.5 million)
in 2016. Ischaemic heart disease -decreased blood flow and oxygen to the heart
muscle -was the leading cause of premature mortality in all regions, apart from in
low-income countries, where the leading cause was lower respiratory infections.
Globally, ischaemic heart disease caused 9.48 million deaths in 2016. Government
need to come up with firm steps to control the mortality of children.
 Weekly Multiple Choice Questions
1. Consider the following statements: 7. Read the following statements regarding the first
(I) Swachhta Hi Sewa campaign is the flagship pension adalat?
sanitation initiative of Swachh Bharat Mission and (I) It was launched by Union Finance Minister
mainly aims to contribute to Gandhijis clean India Arun Jaitley.
mission. (II) It has been established with an aim to revise
(II) The campaign was coordinated by the Ministry
pension.
of Health & Family Welfare.
Choose the correct option.
(III) The campaign encourages society to construct
toilets and make their environment free from open (a) I Only
defecation. (b) II Only
Which of the following is/are correct? (c) Both I and II
(a) I and II only (d) None of these
(b) I and III only 8. Read the following statements regarding the first
(c) II and III only unmanned combat helicopter.
(d) All of the above (I) It was developed by Germany.
2. The open sky agreement that allows airlines to
(II) It has a maximum speed of 170 kilometres per
operate an unlimited number of flights has been signed
hour and a flight ceiling of 4,000 meters.
between which of the following countries in 2017?
Choose the correct option.
(a) India- Pakistan
(a) I Only
(b) India- United States
(b) II Only
(c) Russia-Canada
(d) India-Japan (c) Both I and II
3. The Sardar Sarovar Dam constructed on the River (d) None of these
Naramada has which of the following power house that could 9. Read the following statements regarding a single
generate 1200 MW hydroelectric power? dose of vaccine injection.
(a) River Bed Power House (I) It was developed by researchers at MIT.
(b) Stone Bed Power House (II) The vaccine is contained in a biodegradable
(c) Under River Power House microscopic capsule.
(d) Tributaries Power House Choose the correct option.
4. Consider the following statements: (a) I Only
(I) The World Ozone day is celebrated every year (b) II Only
on 15th September and aims to prevent the depletion of (c) Both I and II
ozone layer. (d) None of these
(II) The theme of world ozone day 2017 is caring 10. Read the following statements:
for life under the sun.
(III) Montreal Protocol is the treaty which was (I) Wholesale price inflation rose in August 2017.
signed at Vienna Convention in order to phase out 98% (II) The food and fuel prices had no impact on
of the ozone depleting chemicals. wholesale price inflation.
Which of the following is/are correct? Choose the correct option.
(a) I and II only (a) I Only
(b) II and III only (b) II Only
(c) I and III only (c) Both I and II
(d) All of the above (d) None of these
5. The status of which of the following animals has 11. Read the following statements regarding the Indian
been changed from endangered to vulnerable?
IT companies.
(a) Snow cat
(I) They are growing rapidly globally, except in
(b) Bengal tiger
(c) Snow leopard the US.
(d) Mountain lion (II) They are enjoying liberal trade rules in Asean
6. Which of the following states will have Indias first and other countries.
DNA databank? Choose the correct option.
(a) Gujarat (a) I Only
(b) Maharashtra (b) II Only
(c) Tamil Nadu (c) Both I and II
(d) Karnataka (d) None of these
12. Read the following statements regarding child 13. Who has been appointed as the new chief of
mortality in India. Sashastra Seema Bal?
(I) The rate of under-5 child mortality rate has (a) Archana Ramasundaram
increased as of September 2017. (b) Somit Joshi
(II) Most of the deaths of children occur due to (c) Rajnikant Mishra
Ischaemic heart disease. (d) B. D. Sharma
Choose the correct option. 14. Who among the following became first IAF officer
(a) I Only to be promoted to Air Chief Marshal?
(b) II Only (a) Subroto Mukherjee
(c) Both I and II (b) Dilbagh Singh
(d) None of these (c) Arup Raha
(d) Arjan Singh
 ANSWER AND EXPLANATION
1. (b) I and III are correct.
The Centre has launched a nationwide sanitation
campaign to highlight the governments flagship
cleanliness initiative, Swachh Bharat Mission. The
campaign has been named Swachhta Hi Seva
(cleanliness is service) and is launched in the village of
Ishworiganj in Kanpur. The campaign is coordinated
by the Ministry of Drinking water and Sanitation.
2. (d) India-Japan
India and Japan have agreed to an open sky arrangement
under which the airlines of both countries can operate
an unlimited number of flights. The agreement was
signed after talks between Prime Minister Narendra
Modi and Japan PM Shino Abe.
3. (a) River Bed Power House
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has inaugurated
worlds second biggest Saradar Sarovar Dam on the
River Naramada. The Sardar Sarovar Dam has two
power houses river bed power house and canal head
powerhouse.
4. (b) II and III only are correct.
Ozone day is celebrated every year on 16th September
and aims to reduce the depletion of ozone layer that
would cause certain diseases. Montreal Protocol is
the treaty that was signed among the countries so as
to phase out 98% of ozone depleting chemicals. The
theme of 2017 was Caring for life Under the Sun.
5. (c) Snow Leopard
The conservation status of snow leopard has been
improved from endangered to vulnerable. The
decision was announced by the International Union for
Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
6. (b) Maharashtra will have Indias first DNA
databank.
7. (d) The first pension adalat was launched by Union
Minister of State (Independent Charge) Development
of North-Eastern Region (DoNER) Dr Jitendra Singh.
It was established to hear pension issues.
8. (b) The first unmanned combat helicopter has
been developed by China.
9. (c) A single dose of vaccine injection was
developed by researchers at MIT. It is stored in a
biodegradable microscopic capsule.
10. (a) Wholesale price inflation rose in August 2017
due to high food and fuel prices.
11. (d) Indian IT companies are facing crises globally.
They are yet to enjoy free trade rules in Asean and other
countries.
12. (c) The rate of under-5 child mortality rate has
increased mainly due to Ischaemic heart disease.
13. (c) Rajnikant Mishra
Rajnikant Mishra has been appointed as the new Chief
of Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB). Mishra, will succeed
Archana Ramasundaram.
14. (d) Arjan Singh
Marshal of the Indian Air Force Arjan Singh was an
Indian Air Force marshal who served as Chief of the Air
Staff from 1964 to 1969. He was awarded the Padma
Vibhushan for his distinguished service in commanding
IAF during Indo-Pakistan War. He became the first IAF
officer to be promoted to air chief marshal.