Current Affairs Quiz , 05 Nov 2018

1) Which of the following groups is India not a part of?

a) Australia Group
b) Nuclear Suppliers Group
c) Wassenaar Agreement
d) Missile Technology Control Regime

Answer: b
• Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR)
o Established in April 1987, it is a voluntary association of 35 countries and four “unilateral adherents” that follow its rules: Israel, Romania, Slovakia, Macedonia. The group aims to slow the spread of missiles and other unmanned delivery technology that could be used for chemical, biological and nuclear attacks. The regime urges members, which include most of the world’s major missile manufacturers, to restrict exports of missiles and related technologies capable of carrying a 500 kg payload at least 300 km
• Wassenaar Arrangement:
o Wassenaar Arrangement was established to contribute to regional and international security and stability. It aims to promote transparency and greater responsibility in transfer of conventional arms and dual-use goods and technologies. It has 41 member states and was established in 1996 as an extension of the Coordination Committee for Multilateral Export Controls (COCOM).
• Australia Group
o The Australia Group is an informal forum of countries that seeks to ensure that exports do not contribute to the development of chemical or biological weapons. It was established in 1985 and presently has 42 members.
• NSG
o The Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) is a group of nuclear supplier countries that seeks to contribute to the non-proliferation of nuclear weapons through the implementation of two sets of Guidelines for nuclear exports and nuclear-related exports. It is not a formal organization, and its guidelines are not binding. Decisions, including on membership, are made by consensus.

2) Which one of the following is India’s first indigenously built strategic nuclear submarine?

a) INS Viraat
b) INS Chakra
c) INS Shalki
d) INS Arihant

Answer: d
• INS Arihant, India’s first indigenously developed nuclear submarine.
• The submarine is a vital cog in India’s quest in attaining a minimum deterrent nuclear ‘triad’ – the ability to fire nuclear-tipped missiles from land, air and sea.
• The submarine was sanctioned using secret funds in the late 1970s by then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi after India conducted its first nuclear test.
• INS Arihant was launched on July 26, 2009 by the then Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to mark 10 years since the end of the Kargil War.
• Arihant Vs other submarines:
• India has been vying to equip its naval forces with nuclear arsenal ever since it successfully conducted Pokhran-II nuclear tests in 1998.
• Strategic Strike Nuclear Submarines (SSBNs) are a way forward in this direction.
• They are different from conventional SSK submarines, which use a diesel-electric engine as their power source, and have to surface daily to get oxygen for fuel combustion.
• SSBNs are bigger in size and are powered by a nuclear reactor and as a result, they can function submerged for months without having to surface.
• This feature allows them to travel further and with greater stealth.
• SSBNs are supposed to be the best guarantor of a second-strike capability in a nuclear exchange.

3) “India for Humanity” is an initiative of which of the following ministries?

a) Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment
b) Ministry of External Affairs
c) Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
d) Ministry of HRD

Answer: b
• Ministry of External Affairs has launched India for Humanity Initiative to commemorate the 150th anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi.
• With its focus on Mahatma Gandhi’s philosophy of compassion, caring and service to humanity, the initiative will feature a yearlong series of artificial limb fitment camps in a  number of countries spanning the globe.
• These camps will be initially held in 12 countries identified through our missions with financial support of the central government.
• The larger aim is to provide for the physical, economic and social rehabilitation of the differently-abled around the world by helping them regain their mobility and dignity to become self-respecting and productive members of society.
• The initiative will touch the lives of thousands of people who are in need of such assistance and will span one-year covering several countries.

4) “Ganga Gram Yojana” was launched by which of the following ministries?

a) Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation
b) Ministry of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation
c) Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs
d) Ministry of Rural Development

Answer: a
• Under the “Namami Gange” Programme, the government plans to develop the villages located along the main stem of river Ganga which have historic, cultural, and religious and/or tourist importance.
• Works related to Ganga Grams will encompass comprehensive rural sanitation, development of water bodies and river ghats, construction/ modernization of crematoria etc.
• The main objectives of developing Ganga Gram (Model Village) is:-
o Make the village open defecation free.
o Abate direct discharge of untreated liquid wastewater from such villages into river Ganga.
o Facilitate adequate infrastructure for crematoria .
o Develop proper solid waste disposal facilities in order to avoid any pollution to river Ganga.
o Promote better sanitation practices in the villages through IEC activities.

5) Doha is the capital city of which of the following middle-eastern countries?

a) Qatar
b) Bahrain
c) Kuwait
d) Oman

Answer: a
• Our External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj is on a 4-day visit to Qatar and Kuwait
• She reached Doha, the capital of Qatar to start her 2 day visit.
• She visited the state of Qatar at the invitation of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Qatar, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani.
• A booklet titled ‘Welcome to Qatar’, prepared by the Embassy for Indians coming to Qatar for employment, was released by EAM at the event.