GK UPDATE: JULY PART-III

1. Which team has won the 2014 FIFA World Cup by beating Argentina? A. Brazil B. Germany C. France D. Netherlands

Ans. B

BACKGROUND:

The 2014 FIFA World Cup participated by 32 nations was started on 12 June 2014 with a group stage and concluded on 13 July 2014 with the win of Germany in the finals against Argentina. The 2014 tournament was the 20th edition of FIFA World Cup and was held at 12 venues across Brazil, the country that hosted the game for the second time. Brazil known as Mecca of football hosted the tournament for the first time in 1950. Brazil was elected as the host of 2014 FIFA World Cup in 2007, when international football federation (FIFA) decreed that the tournament would be staged in South America for the first time since 1978 in Argentina, and the fifth time overall. Apart from this, the 2014 edition finals of the tournament for the first time saw use of the goal line technology by match officials. Germany on 13 July 2014 became the 2014 FIFA World Cup champion after defeating Argentina 1-0 at the Maracana in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The single goal of the final was made by Mario Gotze during the extra-time.  With this win, Germany lifted the trophy for the fourth time in the history of FIFA world Cup and first since 1990. The previous title was won by Germany in 1954, 1974 and 1990. Brazil with 5 wins is the country that leads the winning record. Germany also became the first European team to win a World Cup played in North or South America.

The following awards were given at the conclusion of the tournament

• Golden Ball – Lionel Messi of Argentina
• Golden Boot – James Rodriguez of Colombia
• Golden Glove – Manuel Neuer of Germany
• Best Young Player – Paul Pogba of France
• FIFA Fair Play Trophy – Colombia

2. Which team has won the Football World Cup maximum number of times? A. Brazil B. Argentina C. Germany D. France

Ans. A

BACKGROUND:

Brazil with 5 wins is the country that leads the winning record. Germany lifted the trophy for the fourth time in the history of FIFA world Cup and first since 1990. The previous title was won by Germany in 1954, 1974 and 1990.

3. Recently, the ______ BRICS Summit was held in Fortaleza, Brazil. A. 9^th B. 6^th C. 11^th D. 3^rd

Ans. B

BACKGROUND:

6th BRICS Summit was held in Fortaleza, Brazil on 15 July and 16 July 2014. The theme of the Summit was Inclusive Growth: Sustainable Solutions. During the plenary session on 15 July 2014, the participating countries Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa jointly issued the Fortaleza Declaration.

Main Highlights of the Fortaleza Declaration

• Russia will host the Seventh BRICS Summit in 2015 in the city of Ufa
• South Africa to host the 4th Meeting of BRICS Competition Authorities in 2015 to improve competition policy and enforcement
• Agreement for establishing the New Development Bank (NDB) with 100 billion US dollars corpus having equal distribution from all the BRICS countries for mobilizing resources for infrastructure and sustainable development projects in BRICS.
• Treaty for the establishment of the BRICS Contingent Reserve Arrangement (CRA) with an initial size of 100 billion US dollars to forestall short-term liquidity pressures
• Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation among BRICS Export Credit and Guarantees Agencies that will improve the support environment for increasing trade opportunities among our nations
• National Institutes of Statistics and the Ministries of Health and Education of BRICS countries asked to work on the development of joint methodologies for social indicators to be incorporated in the BRICS Joint Statistical Publication.
• The BRICS countries pledged to contribute to the G20 goal of lifting our collective GDP by more than 2 percent above the trajectory implied by current policies over the coming 5 years.
• To continue cooperative approach on issues related to tax administrations and to enhance cooperation in the international forums targeting tax base erosion and information exchange for tax purposes.
• BRICS countries called the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to find ways to implement the 14th General Review of Quotas without further delay so as to ensure increased voice and representation of Emerging and developing countries
• Called on the membership of the IMF to reach a final agreement on a new quota formula together with the 15th General Review of Quotas so as not to further jeopardize the postponed deadline of January 2015
• To initiate the work on the next shareholding review at the World Bank as soon as possible in order to meet the agreed deadline of October 2015. 

4. What was the theme of the 2014 BRICS Summit? A. Inclusive Growth: Sustainable Solutions B. Terrorism Free World C. International Peace D. Development and Environmental Security

Ans. A 

5. Which country will host the Seventh BRICS Summit in 2015 in the city of Ufa? A. South Africa B. India C. China D. Russia

Ans. D

6. Which country will host the 4th Meeting of BRICS Competition Authorities in 2015? A. South Africa B. India C. China D. Russia

Ans. A

7. BRICS countries have agreed to create a ______ billion dollar development bank and emergency reserve fund. A. 100 B. 200 C. 150 D. 1000

Ans. A

BACKGROUND:

BRICS nations on 15 July 2014 signed a deal to create a new 100 billion US dollar development bank and emergency reserve fund. The deal to from the bank was signed during the 6th BRICS Summit being held in Fortaleza, Brazil form 15 July to 16 July 2014. BRICS group includes Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa. Creation of the bank was announced after a plenary meet at a BRICS summit meet by Brazil’s President, Dilma Rousseff. The founding treaty for the New Development Bank and the Contingency Reserve Agreement were signed by the economy ministers of the member nations. Initially, the bank will start off with 50 billion dollars in initial capital with the five BRICS putting in 10 billion US dollars each. As per the deal, the capital of the bank will be split equally among the five participating countries, while headquarter will be in Shanghai, China. The Bank will have a rotating chair and its first President will come from India for the first six years. The Bank’s board will have five Finance Ministers and will be chaired by Brazil. Initially the bank will be involved in infrastructure projects in the BRICS nations.

Participant leaders of the five nations are:

• Brazil – Dilma Rousseff
• Russian – Vladimir Putin
• Indian – Narendra Modi
• China – Xi Jinping
• South Africa – Jacob Zuma

Contribution of different nations:

• China will contribute 41 billion US dollars
• Brazil, Russia and India will contribute 18 billion US dollars each
• South Africa will provide 5 billion US dollars

8. As per a recently released report by the Asian Development Bank, Indian economy is expected to grow at _____ in 2014.

Ans. 5.5 %

BACKGROUND:

Asian Development Bank released the Asian Development Outlook (ADO) 2014 Supplement on 18 July 2014. In the outlook, ADB forecasted a stable outlook for developing Asia in 2014 despite slower-than-expected growth in the United States (US) in the first quarter. It maintains ADB’s April 2014 forecast of 6.2 percent growth in 2014 and 6.4 percent in 2015 for the region’s 45 developing economies. 

Main Highlights:

• The major industrial economies are anticipated to expand by 1.5 percent in 2014 compared to 1.9 percent forecast in April’s ADO 2014.
• The People Republic of China is on track to meet ADO 2014 forecasts of 7.5 percent growth in 2014 and 7.4 percent in 2015 on back of steady consumer demand, targeted government measures to stabilize investment, and a pickup in external demand in the second quarter of 2014.
• Indian economy is forecasted to grow at 5.5 percent in 2014 and at 6.3 percent in 2015. The improvement in the forecast has come on the back of formation of new government and its 10-point plan to revive the Indian economy prioritizing infrastructure and investment reforms, faster resolution of inter-ministerial issues, efficient policy execution, and policy stability.
• Pakistan’s growth for the financial year ending June 2014 is forecasted to grow at 4.1 percent compared to the ADO 2014 forecast of 3.4 percent and Nepal’s growth was seeing a strong finish to its fiscal year.
• Overall, South Asia’s 2014 forecast is nudged up 0.1 percentage points to 5.4 percent. The improved outlook in India pushes up the subregional forecast for 2015 from 5.8 percent to 6.1 percent.

9. What is the proposed amount of Delhi Budget 2014-15?

Ans. 36766 crores 

BACKGROUND:

Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on 18 July 2014 presented Delhi’s Budget 2014-15 of 36776 crore rupees in Parliament. He presented the budget as the legislative assembly of Delhi has been kept under suspended animation because of imposition of President Rule.  In the proposed budget, the Union Finance Minister proposed no new taxes. Of the total proposed budget of 36766 crore rupees, 19066 crore rupees is non-plan expenditure. 

Health

• A new medical college with 100 seats will be started at Rohini and efforts will be made to ensure that the first batch of students is admitted by 2015.
• One multi-specialty hospital for South Delhi in the current year is proposed.
• One stop centre for crisis management and rehabilitation of victims of sexual assault will be setup in each district with the support of Central Government.
• Three more Forensic Science Laboratories will be setup at Sheikh Sarai, Rohini and Village Sayurpur.
• Regional Forensic Science Laboratory at Chanakya Puri will be made functional from the rented accommodation.

Education

• Senior Secondary Schools exclusively for girls would be opened in two Assembly Constituencies.
• A new School of Planning, Architecture and Design will be setup in East Delhi by GGSIP University.
• Construction work of National Institute of Technology (NIT) at Narela will be expedited.

Social Security & Welfare

• Financial support will be extended to two children of incarcerated parents till they attain the age of 18 years or till their parents are released whichever is earlier.
• All eligible beneficiaries will be covered under Food Security Scheme in next few months.
• All fair price shops will be computerized. All vehicles deployed for transportation of food articles to fair price shops will be covered by a GPS – RFID based vehicle tracking system.
• To set up three new homes for mentally challenged persons at different locations.

10. What is India’s Doctor (both Allopathic and AYUSH) to Population Ratio according to the National Health Profile 2013? A. 1: 1419 B. 1: 1987 C. 1: 482 D. 1: 1217

Ans. D

BACKGROUND:

Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare Dr. Harsh Vardhan on 17 July 2014 released the National Health Profile 2013. The National Health Profile 2013 called for creating comprehensive database for all sectors in healthcare for sound planning and effective implementation. Besides, releasing the National Health Profile 2013, Harshvardhan announced the agreement between The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and CDC Atlanta for close cooperation and collaboration, and exchange of information aimed at strengthening each other. 

Main Highlights:

In 2013, India’s doctor-to-population ratio worsened as compared to 2012. It was 1: 1217.84 as compared to 1:740.49 in 2012. That is, for a population of more than 1200 people only one doctor is available. The average population served per government hospital bed is 1946, while every hospital serves an average population of 61744 which was much more than the 50689 people in 2012. The per capita private expenditure is three to four times more than the per capita public expenditure except for a few union territories, and the states of Arunachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Mizoram, Nagaland and Sikkim. Acute respiratory infections accounted for the maximum number of cases among various communicable diseases reported by the states. Non-communicable diseases like diabetes and coronary heart disease have been rising in the country since 2000. More than 60 million Indians will suffer from coronary heart disease by 2015, and more than 40 million will suffer from diabetes by 2015. Only 33 per cent of Government doctors are available in the rural areas, that is, only 29562 of India’s 106613 government doctors work in villages. There is wide difference in health facilities available to people. For instance, infant mortality rate, a key human development index, in Kerala was only 66 per 1 lakh live births while it was 328 in Assam in 2010-12. Infant mortality rate in the country declined from 47 in 2010 to 42 in 2012 and the total fertility rate fell to 2.4 in 2012.

11. Name the captain of the German football team which recently won the FIFA World Cup. A. Philipp Lahm B. Horst Hrubesch C. Joachim Streich D. Oliver Kahn

Ans. A

BACKGROUND:

Philipp Lahm, the captain of Germany’s football team announced his retirement from international game on 18 July 2014. He announced his retirement just five days after Germany led by him won its fourth football World Cup beating Argentina 1-0 in the final of the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil. The win on 13 July 2014 helped Lahm to be 20th World Cup winning captain. However, 30-year-old Bayern Munich defender, Lahm will continue to play for his club side, where he renewed his contract till 2018 before the World Cup. He started playing for club side at the age of 11. He made his debut for the senior side in 2002 and has been its captain since 2011. He captained Bayern Munich to win 2013 Champions League, two Bundesliga title and two DFB-Pokal Cups.

12. Germany is currently ranked number ­­­­­_______ in FIFA’s world rankings. A. Two B. One C. Three D. Five

Ans. B 

BACKGROUND:

Germany was ranked number One in the latest FIFA’s world rankings released on 17 July 2014. Germany improved its position by one place as it was ranked number two behind Spain until now. Germany led by Philipp Lahm reclaimed the top spot after a gap of 20 years after it won the 2014 FIFA Football World Cup held in Brazil. In the final held at Rio de Janeiro’s Maracana, it defeated Argentina 1- 0. Argentina led by Lionel Messi was ranked second improving its position by three places, whereas Netherlands led by Robin van Persie was placed at third place improving its ranking by twelve places. India was ranked 151 in the latest FIFA rankings improving its position by three places. 

Latest FIFA Rankings:

1. Germany 2. Argentina 3. Netherlands 4. Colombia 5. Belgium

13. The Boeing 777 MH-17 plane which was shot down over Eastern Ukraine belonged to which Airlines? A. Australian B. Virgin C. Malaysia D. Air India

Ans. C 

BACKGROUND:

Malaysia Airlines Boeing 777 plane, MH-17, was shot down over war-torn eastern Ukraine near the Russian border on 17 July 2014. The Plane was shot down at an altitude of 10000 meters (33000 feet). The burning wreckage of the aircraft and bodies were found scattered at the village of Grabovo (some 40 km from the Russian border). Pro-Russian rebels are active in the area. Ukrainian authorities and Malaysia Airlines are investigating the incident. MH-17 was flying from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur carrying 283 passengers and 15 crew members. It is feared that almost everyone on board the plane have died. The plane, as reported, might have been shot down by the terrorists by a Buk surface-to-air missile system. The Buk missile system can fire missiles up to an altitude of 22000 meters (72000 feet). A voice recording between rebels and Russian intelligence was published by the Ukraine Security Service on 18 July 2014. The recording claimed that the pro-Russian rebels mistook MH-17 for war jet and committed the catastrophic blunder.

14. India will host the 7th IBSA Summit in 2015. Expand IBSA. A. International Blind Sports Association B. Independent Builders Supply Association C. India-Brazil-South Africa D. International Black Student Alliance

Ans. C

BACKGROUND:

7th India-Brazil-South Africa (IBSA) summit will be held in New Delhi, India in 2015. This was announced after Prime Minister Narendra Modi met South African President Jacob Juma on the sidelines of 6th BRICS Summit in Fortaleza, Brazil on 16 July 2014. Apart from this, it was also agreed to hold India Africa Forum meet in New Delhi in December 2014. 

About IBSA

IBSA is a trilateral initiative amongst three different societies of three different continents in India, Brazil and South Africa. It was formed with an aim to promote South-South cooperation and exchange of like-minded countries, committed to inclusive sustainable development. The group was formed on 6 June 2003 with the adoption of the Brasilia Declaration followed by a meet of foreign ministers of the three countries in Brasilia.

Previous IBSA Summits

• 2010: Brasilia, Brazil
• 2011: Tshwane, South Africa
• 2013: New Delhi, India

15. Inter-island air service is going to start in Andaman & Nicobar from 24 July. Which airline will start this service? A. Jet Airways B. Spice C. Air Asia D. Alliance Air Limited

Ans. D 

BACKGROUND:

An inter-island air service will start its operation in Andaman and Nicobar from 24 July 2014. The proposed commercial air service from Port Blair to Car Nicobar is being launched by the Andaman and Nicobar Administration. Inter-island air connectivity will start with CRJ-700 model jet aircraft (chartered by Islands Administration) from Alliance Air Limited, a subsidiary of Air India. The weekly services would be operated from both ends on Thursdays. The first chartered flight with 67 passenger capacity will fly from the Veer Saavarkar International Airport, Port Blair to Car Nicobar.

16. SC has ordered the Union Government to bring MGNREGS wage rates at par with the minimum wages. Minimum Wages Act was passed in_______.

Ans. 1948

BACKGROUND:

Supreme Court ordered Union government to bring wages under Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) on par with minimum wages existing under different States. The order was passed by the SC on 11 July 2014. The decision was given by the SC bench of Justice S J Mukhopadhaya and Justice S A Bobde. The bench directed that wage under the scheme cannot be less than the minimum wage fixed by the State government for agricultural labourers. The bench also asked the Union government to pay arrears to workers who had been paid less. The bench issued the direction while hearing an appeal filed by the Union government against a Karnataka High Court order which on 23 September 2011 had held the wage under the scheme cannot be less than the minimum wage. Earlier, the SC had questioned the Union government for paying fewer wages. It said that MGNREGS is a beneficiary legislation so there cannot be difference between minimum wages and the wage paid under the MGNREGS. The wage rate under the MGNREGS, which varied between 118 rupees and 181 rupees from State to State, was less than the notified minimum daily pay in six States. But in 14 States the wages under rural job scheme was higher than the minimum wage.

About Minimum Wages Act, 1948

In India, the Minimum Wages Act, 1948 provides for fixation and enforcement of minimum wages in respect of scheduled employments. The Act also requires the appropriate government (both at Centre and States) to fix minimum rates of wages in respect of employments specified in the schedule and also review and revise the same at intervals not exceeding five years.

17. INS Kuthar Warship was recently damaged in a mishap. It was commissioned in the Indian Navy in A. 1995 B. 1990 C. 2001 D. 2002

Ans. B 

BACKGROUND:

Indian Naval Ship (INS) Kuthar Warship was damaged in a mishap on 13 July 2014. This was the 15th such incident after INS Sindhurakshak sank on 14 August 2013. The Indian Navy ordered a Board of Inquiry to probe the incident. INS Kuthar is a Khukri class missile corvette warship weighing 1350 tonne. It is the part of the fleet of the Vishakhapatnam-based Eastern Naval Command, which is in-charge of operations in Bay of Bengal and areas beyond it. INS Kuthar along with INS Satpura and INS Ranvijay represented Indian Navy in the first ever Japan-India maritime exercise (JIMEX) held in the Bay of Bengal from 19 December – 22 December 2013.

18. Who has become the first basketball player of Indian-origin to join NBA? A. Jaspreet Singh B. Sim Bhullar C. Karun Arora D. Jacky Bhanot

Ans. B

BACKGROUND:

Sim Bhullar became the first basketball player of Indian origin to join the National Basketball Association (NBA). He signed a summer contract in second week of July 2014 with the Sacramento Kings, a professional basketball team in the US. In 2013, the Sacramento Kings became the NBA’s first team to have an Indian-origin majority owner – Vivek Ranadive. Since taking over the reins of the Kings, which was lying low in recent years due to less winning percentages and declining ticket sales, Ranadive has transformed the organisation into one of the better ones in the league.

19. India’s first indigenous anti-submarine warship _______has been recently handed over to the Indian Navy.

Ans. INS Kamrota

BACKGROUND:

India’s first indigenous anti-submarine warship (ASW) Indian Naval Ship (INS) Kamorta was handed over to the Indian Navy by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) in Kolkata on 12 July 2014. The ship was handed over to the Navy by Rear Admiral (retd) A K Verma, Chairman and Managing Director of GRSE, in a brief ceremony at GRSE’s Fitting Out-Jetty. INS Kamrota is the first in its class of four ASW corvettes being built by GRSE under Project-28 for the Navy. It is the first warship ever built in the country with almost 90 per cent of indigenous content. It is armed with stealth features and is the first warship equipped with new trainable chaff launcher – Kavach.

20. Air India has formally joined the global airline group Star Alliance. Who is the CMD of Air India? A. Deepak Kalra B. Mandeep Joshi C. Rohit Nandan D. Kishore Bhatt

Ans. C 

BACKGROUND:

Air India on 11 July 2014 formally joined the airline group Star Alliance as its 27th member. By formally joining the group, public carrier became the first Indian airline to become a member airlines club operating over 18500 flights a day in 192 countries. This Alliance will further benefit the passengers to get the benefit from a wider choice on routes connecting North America, Europe, Asia and Australia via the Indian Subcontinent. CMD of Air India Rohit Nandan and CEO of Star Alliance Mark Schwab jointly inducted an A320 airbus livery that was unveiled at the terminal 3 of the IGI international airport in New Delhi. The decision of including Air India, the national air carrier of India into the global airlines grouping, Star Alliance was taken during a meeting of the Star Alliance Chief Executive Board (CEB) on 23 June 2014 in London.

21. Afghanistan’s Presidential candidates have agreed on the audit of the votes cast in June 2014 elections. These candidates are:

Ans. Ashraf Ghani and Abdullah Abdullah 

BACKGROUND:

The two presidential candidates agreed on 13 July 2014 for an audit of every vote cast in June 2014 presidential election. The deal was brokered by US Secretary of State John Kerry in an effort to end a bitter standoff that raised fears of violence and ethnic unrest. The two presidential candidates agreed to the deal Ashraf Ghani and Abdullah Abdullah after two days of negotiations held in Kabul. As per the deal, after the audit of the votes, the winner will serve as President and will immediately form a government of national unity. Preliminary results released on 7 July 2014 showed that Ghani was in the lead, with some 56 percent of the vote, ahead of Abdullah on 44 percent. However, Abdullah declared himself the true winner citing massive fraud in counting of votes.

22. World renowned conductor Lorin Maazel died at the age of 84. He belonged to which country? A. USA B. France C. Russia D. Germany

Ans. A 

BACKGROUND:

Lorin Varencove Maazel, the American conductor of classical music, violinist and composer died on 13 July 2014 at his home in Castleton, Virginia. He died due to complications following pneumonia. He was 84 and is survived by four daughters, three sons and four grandchildren. Apart from conducting, he also composed music, produced an opera based on George Orwell’s novel, 1984. He is the second leading conductor to die in 2014. The first was Italian conductor Claudio Abbado, who died in January 2014 at the age of 80.

23. Which famous Sri Lankan cricketer recently announced his retirement from Test Cricket? A. K Sangakkara B. Duleep Mendis C. Sanath Jayasuriya D. Mahela Jayawardene

Ans. D 

BACKGROUND:

Mahela Jayawardene, the former skipper of Sri Lankan cricket team, announced his retirement from Test cricket on 14 July 2014. He will retire from Test Cricket after the home series against Pakistan in August 2014. The 37-year-old, Lankan batsman, will play two Tests against South Africa on 16 July and 24 July 2014, followed by a two-match series against Pakistan in August 2014. He communicated his written decision to Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) Ashley De Silva. However, Jayawardene will represent the country in the one-day format. The decision to continue in the one-day format is a hint that he will be playing for the nation during the Cricket World Cup 2015 that will be jointly hosted by Australia and New Zealand. Earlier in April 2014, he announced his retirement from the T20 format of the game after Sri Lanka won the ICC World T20 Cup for the first time defeating India.

About Jayawardene and his Test career

• Jayawardene played his Test debut against India in 1997
• Till date he has played 145 Tests scoring 11493 runs with 33 centuries and 48 fifties
• In 2006, he made the highest ever test-score of 374 by any Sri Lankan cricketer
• He is also the first player in the history of Sri Lankan cricket to score over 10000 Test runs
• In 2006, Jayawardene was named by the International Cricket Council as the best international captain of the year
• He was nominated in 2007 as the best Test cricket player of the year

24. The Football Coach of Brazil __________ has resigned recently. He had earlier guided the team to victory in the FIFA World Cup 2002.

Ans. Luiz Felipe Scolari 

BACKGROUND:

Luiz Felipe Scolari, the football coach of Brazil on 14 July 2014 resigned after Brazil failed to win the 2014 FIFA World Cup. His resignation was confirmed by the Country’s Football Federation Confederação Brasileira de Futebol (CBF). Scolari, a former Brazilian defender, became the coach of Brazil football team for the first time in 2001. He guided the team to win FIFA World Cup 2002. In the 2002 final played in Yokohama, Japan, Brazil defeated Germany 2-0 to win the Cup for the fifth time. He was again appointed as Brazil’s coach in 2012 after the debacle of Brazil in 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa under Dunga. However, this time he was unsuccessful in guiding the team to win the World Cup for the sixth time. In the semifinals of 2014 FIFA World Cup, Brazil lost to Germany 7-1. It was Brazil’s worst-ever defeat in World Cup history and their first defeat in semifinals in 39 years. Eventually, Brazil finished their campaign in 2014 World Cup at fourth place after they lost to Netherlands 3-0 in the play-off for third place.

25. _______, the Governor of Haryana recently gave approval to the Sikh Gurudwara Prabandhak Committee Bill 2014.

Ans. Jagannath Pahadia

BACKGROUND:

Haryana Governor Jagannath Pahadia on 14 July 2014 gave his assent to Haryana Sikh Gurudwaras (Management) Bill, 2014. With this, the Haryana Sikh Gurdwaras (Management) Bill, 2014, will be notified as an Act. The Act cleared the decks for the state government for creation of a separate committee for managing the Sikh Gurdwaras in the state.

26. United Nations Security Council has recently adopted a resolution to allow cross-border aid to______.

Ans. Syria

BACKGROUND:

15-member United Nations Security Council (UNSC) uanimously adopted the resolution 2165 in New York on 14 July 2014. The resolution 2165 sought to allow cross-border aid to three million Syrians. The resolution authorized UN Humanitarian agencies and other agencies to deliver relief materials to Syrians for 180 days across the conflict lines and through additional border crossings. In his latest report, the UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon noted that the main obstacle to humanitarian access is the deliberate decision by the Syrian authorities to systematically prohibit the delivery of vital relief supplies. It has been reported that month after month, Syrian authorities confiscated medical and surgical equipment for the most vulnerable populations living in areas controlled by the opposition to Bashar Al Assad’s regime and they denied the passage of humanitarian convoys through the border crossings identified as priorities by the UN. The resolution 2165 can be taken as serious efforts to provide humanitarian solution in the Syria. Syrian crisis is now in its fourth year with over 150000 people killed.  The resolution adopted on 14 July 2014 showcased an unusual agreement on Syria among the often divided council for the first time in the recent days. It has never been able to adopt a legally binding resolution calling for an end to the conflict. Earlier, the council has been deeply divided over Syria, between Russia and China, key allies of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, and the United States and its European allies, who have backed the opposition.

27. The President has recently appointed Governors of which five states?

Ans. Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, West Bengal, Gujarat and Nagaland.

BACKGROUND:

President of India, Pranab Mukherjee on 14 July 2014 appointed Governors of five states, namely Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, West Bengal, Gujarat and Nagaland. These are:

• Ram Naik as the Governor of Uttar Pradesh
• Balramji Dass Tandon as the Governor of Chhattisgarh
• Keshari Nath Tripathi as the Governor of West Bengal
• Om Prakash Kohli as the Governor of Gujarat
• Padmanabha Balakrishna Acharya as the Governor of Nagaland

Padmanabha Balakrishna Acharya, the Governor of Nagaland will also discharge the functions of the Governor of Tripura, in addition to his own duties, until regular arrangements for the office of the Governor of Tripura are made.  The terms of these Governors will take effect from the dates the incumbents assume charge of their respective offices. Apart from this, the President also accepted the resignation of Vakkom Purushothaman as Governor of Tripura.

28. Which state has recently decided to implement the National Food Security Act from 1 September, 2014? A. Himachal Pradesh B. Assam C. Tripura D. Haryana

Ans. B

BACKGROUND:

National Food Security Act (NFSA) will be implemented by the Assam Government from 1 September, 2014. The decision to implement the Act in the state was taken on 14 July 2014 at a meeting of senior officials of Food and Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Department convened by Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi in Guwahati. During the meet, the state government also decided to bring onions and potatoes in the list of essential commodities to curb hoarding. The Food and Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Department of the Assam Government will be the nodal department for implementing NFSA. The Chief Minister has also asked the officials to make adequate arrangements of the prescribed stock limit of essential commodities in Amar Dukans and keep a check on it, so that no anti-social element could indulge in hoarding of necessary articles leading to black-marketing.

29. Who has won the Gandhi Peace prize 2013? A. Suresh Mohanti B. Chandi Prasad Bhatt C. Ahmed J Ansari D. Reveendran Kollikat

Ans. B 

BACKGROUND:

Environmentalist and social activist Chandi Prasad Bhatt on 15 July 2014 was awarded with the prestigious Gandhi Peace prize for 2013. He was awarded by the President of India Pranab Mukherjee at a function in Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi. 80-year-old Bhatt is a Gandhian, an environmentalist and a social activist. He, after realizing aspirations of people, dedicated himself to improve lives of villagers. He is the person, who fought against government’s wrong policies on forests through non-violent means

Books written by Chandi Prasad Bhatt

• Pratikar Ke Ankur (Hindi)
• Adhure Gyan Aur Kalpanik Biswas per Himalaya Se Cherkhani Ghatak (Hindi)
• Future of Large Projects in the Himalaya
• Eco-system of Central Himalaya
• Chipko Experience
• Parvat Parvat Basti Basti

About Gandhi Peace prize
Gandhi Peace prize is an annual award given by Government of India and was instituted in 1995 on the occasion of the 125th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. It carries a plaque, citation and cash prize of one crore rupees. The award is given to individuals and institutions for their contributions towards social, economic and political transfor ation through non-violence and other methods of Mahatma Gandhi.

Previous recipients of the award includes

• Julius K Nyerere, former Tanzanian President (he was the first recipient of the award in 1995)
• Nelson Mandela, former South African President,
• AT Ariyaratne, founder President of Sarvodaya Shramadana movement in Sri Lanka
• Gerhard Fischer of Rama Krishna Mission in Germany and
• Baba Amte (Murlidhar Devidas Amte), a social worker of India who is known particularly for his work for the rehabilitation and empowerment of poor people suffering from leprosy
• Archbishop Desmond Tutu, cleric and activist of South Africa (received the award in 2005)

30. Which state government is going to set up 320 Mahila Suraksha Dals for women safety? A. Haryana B. Delhi C. Tamil Nadu D. Karnatka

ANS. B

BACKGROUND:

State Government of Delhi on 14 July 2014 decided to set up 320 Mahila Suraksha Dals (MSDs) across the national capital. These MSDs will be established to ensure women safety at public places.  According to the plan, the MSDs will be made functional in the 80 Gender Resource Centers. As a pilot programme, one MSD will be created in all 11 Districts of the city on the day of Raksha Bandhan. The decision to this effect of MSDs was taken at a high-level meet chaired by the Chief Secretary SK Srivastava.

About Mahila Suraksha Dals (MSDs)
The Mahila Suraksha Dals (MSDs) will comprise of retired army personnel, representatives from the local community (both men and women) and local NGO representatives. Each team will consist of 20 community members and three ex- servicemen. The initiative MSDs will work at the grass-root level and will address the issues of women safety at public place. It will also support women in distress including situations of sexual harassment, assault and rape. For creation of the MSDs, the former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal constituted a committee headed by the Director General of Home Guards and the Director of Women and Child development. The committee was supposed to submit a detailed report on the structure of the MSD by 15 February 2014. Earlier, Delhi Government, to address women safety issues, had created new parallel structures, Awaaz Uthao Project.

31. National Centre for Research & Development in Bulk Drugs (NCRDBD) is going to be set up at ______.

Ans. NIPER Hyderabad

BACKGROUND:

Union Ministry of Chemical and Fertilisers decided on 14 July 2014 to set up National Centre for Research & Development in Bulk Drugs (NCRDBD) at National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Hyderabad. The NCRDBD will fill the crucial existing gap in Research and Development in bulk drugs. The total cost of setting up NCRDBD will be over 52 crore rupees and will have an operating cost of over 37 crore rupees for five years.

32. Per student cooking cost under the Mid Day Meal Scheme has been enhanced. How many children does the scheme cover?

Ans. Over 12 crores

BACKGROUND:

Union Government of India enhanced the per student cooking cost under the Mid Day Meal Scheme (MDMS). The enhancement of the budget came into effect from 1 July 2014. The cooking cost per student has been enhanced by 7.5 percent every year since 2010-11. 

About Mid Day Meal Scheme (MDMS)
Mid Day Meal Scheme (MDMS) is a programme of Government of India and has been designed to improve the nutritional status of school-age children nationwide school. The meal programme covers over 12 crore children across India, in 12.65 lakh government and government aided schools on a daily basis. The scheme is the world’s largest school feeding programme. On 15 August 1995 the scheme was launched as a Centrally Sponsored Scheme, initially in 2408 blocks in the country. By the year 1997-98 the NP-NSPE was introduced in all blocks of the country. It was further extended in 2002 to cover not only children in classes I -V of Government, Government aided and local body schools, but also children studying in EGS and AIE centres.

33. An operation has been launched recently to refloat the wrecked Italian ship ______ A. Costa Concordia B. Deppa Meredian C. Auziar Le Ro D. Nametra Cozo

Ans. A 

BACKGROUND:

Operation to refloat the wrecked Italian ship Costa Concordia was launched on 14 July 2014. The refloating operation launched was one of the biggest maritime operations in the history. The operation will tow the wreck of Concordia at a top speed of about two knots (about 2.3 miles per hour) to the port of Genoa, Italy for dismantling. The total cost of the operation will be 2 billion US dollars (1.5 billion euro). The in-charge of the refloating operation to lift the Costa Concordia and tow it to Italy’s mainland is South African Nick Sloane.

34. SEBI has barred the Satyam Computers founder Ramalinga Raju and 4 others from accessing capital markets for how many years? A. 20 B. 14 C. 25 D. 5

Ans. B

BACKGROUND:

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) on 15 July 2014 barred founder of Satyam Computers, B Ramalinga Raju and four other top executives from accessing the capital markets for 14 years. Apart from this, the market watchdog also ordered the top five executives of Satyam to pay 1849 crore rupees because they made unlawful gains through sale of shares. The amount has to be paid within 45 days. In its order SEBI also said that the amount must be deposited along with 1200 crore rupees as interest due from January 2009 till date.