QUESTIONS CURRENT AFFAIRS SEPTEMBER 2018

India’s first underwater robotic drone has been developed – EyeRoy Tuna. Given
below are some statements pertaining to the drone. Identify the correct
statements.
1. It is the first commercially developed underwater drone in the country
incubated at Maker village in Andhra Pradesh.
2. The underwater drone will send real time video of ships and underwater
structures to the concerned to be used as considered necessary.
3. The drone can operate in a submarine environment up to a depth of a
1000 metres controlled by a laptop or a joy stick.
4. The drone will be useful for defence applications; for checking the
foundations of bridges and dams, for underwater research and for
checking ships etc. on whether they require maintenance and repair.
a. 1, 2 and 4 b. 2, 3 and 4 c. 1 and 4 d. 4 only
Answer: a

India is committed to reduce its Greenhouse emissions as part of its intended

nationally determined contributions which all nations who were signatories to
the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change were to state. In
pursuance of this low carbon emission strategy the Bureau of Energy Efficiency
(BEE) has developed a star rating system for Energy Efficient chiller systems.
From the statements given below identify those which are correct.

1. Chillers are used for conditioning of buildings as well as in industrial

applications and cooling systems.
2. By incentivizing the chiller industry to improve technologically it is
expected that 3.5 million tonnes of carbon emissions will be saved by
2030.
3. The star rating system ranges from 1 to 10 stars and will be provided by
BEE on the basis of self-certification by the industry on its energy
consumption.
 4. One of the main objectives of the chiller rating system is to move the
industry towards developing more energy efficient chiller systems. The
star rating system would be displayed on labels on the products which
would be taken into account by potential buyers as environmental
consciousness is on the rise.
a. All the above b. 1 and 3 c. 3 and 4 d. 2, 3 and 4
Answer: a

Two statements given below pertain to the disturbance in the monsoonal

rainfall pattern in India. Choose the correct statement/s.
1. It is believe that the changes in the pattern of monsoon rainfall in India is
also due to anthropogenic emissions generating aerosols in the
atmosphere which cause disturbances in the cloud pattern leading in
intense rainfall in some parts and no rainfall in other parts.
2. It is believed that anthropogenic emissions have nothing to do with
disturbing the monsoon pattern of rainfall in the country and the reason
for the erratic rainfall is that in every decade there is a shift in rainfall
intensity which has not been explained till date.
Answer: 1

The National Hindi Day is observed on 14th September every year. Given below
are statements pertaining to the Day as also the language. Choose the
statement/s which is/are correct?
1. National Hindi Day is observed on 14th September because it is on this day
that the Constituent Assembly of India adopted Hindi as the official
language of India in 1949.
2. Hindi is spoken in India and in neighbouring Nepal only.
3. The World Hindi Day and the National Hindi Day are the same.
4. A number of Hindi words influenced the English language such as Yoga,
guru and cheetah amongst others.
a. 1 only b. 1 and 4 c. 1, 2 and 4 d. 1 and 3
Answer: b
The President of India has appointed Justice Ranjan Gogoi as the next Chief
Justice of India, under the powers vested in him under Article 124 of the
Constitution of India. From the statement/s given below identify the correct
ones pertaining to the 46th Chief Justice of India.
 1. Justice Gogoi was appointed because he was the senior most judge in the
Supreme Court after the then Chief Justice, Dipak Misra.
2. Before his appointment as a Supreme Court Judge in 2011 Justice Gogoi
was Chief Justice of the High Court of Assam, a state to which he belongs.
3. Justice Gogoi was not part of the unprecedented press conference
addressed by four Supreme Court judges criticising the role of the Chief
Justice of the Supreme Court as ‘Master of the Roster’.
4. Justice Gogoi’s bench was the bench which set a deadline for the
completion of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) in the state of
Assam.
a. 1 and 4 b. all the above c. 1 only d. 1 and 2
Answer: a
The Central government has banned the production, sale, and distribution of
328 fixed dose combination drugs (FDCs) in the country. Identify those
statements given below which are correct.
1. FDCs are single dosage drugs which however contain two or more drugs
in a combined fixed ratio.
2. On the recommendations of the Drugs Technical Advisory Board and an
expert committee the government banned the drugs under the Drugs and
Cosmetics Act, 1940.
3. A similar notification was issued in March 2016 which was struck down by
the High Court.
a. 1, 2 and 3 b. 1 and 2 c. 1 and 3
Answer: a
LK Advani has been renominated as the Chief of the Ethics Committee of the Lok
Sabha along with all the members. Which amongst the following statements is
correct with regard to the functioning of the Ethics Committee?

1. To oversee the moral and ethical conduct of the Members of Parliament.

2. Formulate a Code of Conduct for members and suggest amendments to it
from time to time.
3. To examine the cases referred to it with reference to ethical and other
misconduct of the Members.
4. It maintains a MPs register of financial interest where a MP has to disclose
all his financial interests and that of his family.
a. 1, 2 and 3 b. all the above c. 1 and 4 d. only 1
 Answer: a

The central government is considering imposing a ban on electronic cigarettes.

From the statements given below identify those which are pro the ban.

1. Electronic cigarettes carry only nicotine and no tobacco. In that case they
should be good for the health.
2. Banning an available alternative would deprive people of an alternative
and push them towards conventional cigarettes which would adversely
impact the health as tobacco is considered carcinogenic.
3. E-cigarettes help a person give up the habit of smoking regular tobacco
cigarettes, with no ill-effects.
a. None of the above b. 1 and 2 c. 3 only
Answer: a
Identify the correct statements from those given below pertaining to the nuclear
reactor ‘Apsara’.
1. Apsara was India’s first nuclear research reactor which was commissioned
in 1956 and was closed down in 2009, located in Trombay in Maharashtra.
2. Apsara has contributed extensively to the nuclear power programme in
the country with research in fuel development, and the processing of
isotopes which contributed significantly to development in the medical
sector in the country.
3. Apsara scientists carried out extensive research on crop plants which
resulted in the development of high yielding disease resistant crops.
4. Apsara was built with assistance from USA in the 1950’s and enriched fuel
from France.
a. 1, 2, and 3 b. 1 and 4 c. 1 only d. all the above
Answer: a

The statements given below pertain to NOTA or none of the above. Identify the
correct statements.
1. Nota or none of the above is an option provided in the ballot during
elections for use by those individuals who do not want to vote for any of
the political parties/candidates in the elections.
 2. Before nota was introduced the citizens of India had no choice but to cast
their vote in favour of one or the other candidate listed in the ballot paper.
3. Nota was disallowed from being used in the Rajya Sabha elections by the
Supreme Court indicating that "It is impermissible for the EC to have
prescribed NOTA option in RS elections, it being an indirect means for
proportional representation of States in RS".
4. It is believed that if the NOTA option was allowed in indirect elections such
as the Rajya Sabha elections it would introduce horse trading and
corruption into the system.
A. 1, 3 and 4 b. all the above c. 1 and 2 d. 1 and 3
Answer: a

Identify the correct statement from the two given below.

1. Nomadic Elephant is the term coined to describe the movement of
elephants in the elephant corridors between Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.
2. Nomadic Elephant is the name of a joint military exercise conducted
bilaterally between Mongolia and India.
Answer: 2

Snow Leopards have recently been sighted in which of the following wildlife
sanctuaries?
1. Dibang wildlife sanctuary in Arunachal Pradesh.
2. Kaziranga wildlife sanctuary in Assam
3. Lippa Asrang wildlife sanctuary in Himachal Pradesh
4. Fambong Lho wildlife sanctuary in Sikkim.
Answer: 3

From the names of the states given below name the two states where Oil and
Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) has made discoveries in Oil and Natural Gas.
1. Rajasthan
2. West Bengal
3. Andhra Pradesh
4. Madhya Pradesh
 Answer: 2 and 4

Two statements are given below. Identify the statement which gives the correct
meaning to the term ‘Yudh Abhyas’.
1. Yudh Abhyas is the term used to describe the physical training exercise
carried out by the army recruiting schools.
2. Yudh Abhyas is the name of the joint Indo-US combat exercise which is
carried out annually.
Answer: 2

Who is the author of the book ‘The Beauty of All My Days: A Memoir?
1. Chetan Bhagat
2. Vikram Seth
3. Ruskin Bond
4. Amitav Ghosh
Answer: 3

Johnson and Johnson, a global company, is in the eye of a storm in India due to
its ASR Hip System. Choose the correct statements from those given below
pertaining to the current problem being faced by the company.

1. J&J subsidiary DePuy the manufacturer of the ASR Hip System recalled
their product in 2010 on the basis of a complaint received from the United
Kingdom’s National registry of joints and informed the Indian government
of the recall.
2. DePuy agreed to pay out a US$ 2.5 billion compensation package in USA
to address the concerns of approximately 8000 patients. The company is
yet to agree to pay compensation in India.
3. The government has set up a committee to determine the extent of the
problem. Thereafter, the Government of India will take up the matter with
the company and if they do not agree to pay compensation to those
affected the government will take legal action.

a. 1, 2 and 3 b. 1 and 2 c. 2 only

Answer: a
Panchayat elections will be held in Jammu and Kashmir. Identify from those
statements given below the correct statements pertaining to not only the
Panchayati Raj in Jammu and Kashmir but across the country.

1. Jammu and Kashmir has its own Panchayat Raj Act which was notified in
1989.
2. Rajasthan was the first state to establish Panchayati Raj in the country.
3. In 2009 50 per cent reservation for women in the gram panchayats was
approved by the central government.
4. As per the Jammu and Kashmir Panchayat Raj Act reservation for women
is 33 per cent.
a. All the above b. 1, 2 and 3 c. 1, 2 and 4
Answer: a

NASA has for the last fifteen years being monitoring the change in polar ice caps
to determine to what degree there is a change due to the impacts of climate
change. From the statements given below identify those which are correct.

1. ICESat2 is a follow on mission of the earlier missions launched by NASA

namely ICESat in 2003 and IceBridge in 2009.
2. ICESat would through its advanced observational technologies be able to
advance the knowledge of scientists on how climate change has impacted
the polar ice caps contributing to rise in sea levels which is severely
threatening the existence of those islands which are just a few meters
above sea level such as the Maldives and islands in the Pacific Ocean.
a. 1 only b. 2 only c. both I and 2 d. none of the
above
Answer: c
As per data of the National Crime Records Bureau which among the following
states has the highest incidence of human trafficking?
1. Bihar
2. Assam
3. West Bengal
4. Uttar Pradesh
Answer: 3
 The National Testing Agency (NTA) has recently set up 3400 Test Practice
Centres in the country. Which of the statements given below pertaining to the
Centres is/are correct?

1. The Test Centres have been set up only in the tribal areas of the country
and in the remote hilly areas where students find it difficult to access
computers and may not have smart phones.
2. The papers which will be provided to the students for solving in these test
centres are in Hindi to make it easier for the students to understand the
same.
3. The test centres will help the students prepare for entrance examinations
and will also prepare the students for any change in the mode or the pattern
of the exams.
4. The test centres would prepare the students for the change in the pattern
of JEE (Mains) and UGC Net examination which would now be computer
based making the examination transparent, student friendly and fast.
a. 1, 2 and 3 b. 3 and 4 c. all the above d. 1, 3 and 4
Answer: b

An environmentally friendly alternative to diesel engine powered trains is now

available with the first hydrogen powered passenger train (named iLint)
unveiled in Germany. From the statements given below choose the correct ones.

1. The first hydrogen powered passenger train manufactured by the French

company Alstom was unveiled by France in September 2018.
2. These engines generate electricity from fuel cells which generate
electricity from a chemical reaction between oxygen and hydrogen and
store the electricity in batteries to be used when required.
3. The hydrogen powered engines would help the global fight against
climate change as they are zero emission vehicles releasing only steam
and water against diesel engines which release carbon dioxide,
particulates and other greenhouse gases.
4. The trains would be a boon for those countries with limited petroleum
reserves and dependent on imports.
a. 2, 3 and 4 b. 2 and 3 c. all the above d. 3 and 4
Answer: a
India has recently installed a ‘Smart Fence’ along its borders. From the
statements given below choose the correct ones pertaining to the Smart Fence.

1. A smart fence has a very high probability of detection due to the

performance sensors, cameras and radars that it incorporates into the
non-physical barrier.

2. The smart fence has certain environmental limitations. It is highly

susceptible to corrosion and therefore cannot be used along coasts or in
the deserts.

3. The first smart fence has been installed on a riverine stretch of the Indo
Pakistan Border in Jammu.

a. 1, 2 and 3 b. 1 and 3 c. 1 only d. none of the above

Answer: b

The President of India has promulgated an ordinance – Muslim Women

(Protection of Rights on Marriage) Ordinance 2018. Which of the statements
given below are correct pertaining to the Ordinance and its necessity.
1. The Ordinance was promulgated, as though the Triple Talaq Bill had been
cleared by the Lok Sabha in December 2017 it was subsequently blocked
in the Rajya Sabha.
2. The Triple Talaq Bill was introduced in Parliament as it was one of the
directions contained in the order of the Supreme Court in August 2017
that the government frame a suitable legislation.
3. In the original Bill the offence of Triple Talaq was made non-bailable and
non-compoundable, both of which have been reversed in the Ordinance.
4. The Ordinance has been accepted by the Muslim Community and no
organization has approached any court in the country for redress.
a. All the above b. 1, 2 and 3 c. 1 only d. 1 and 2
Answer: b

Sikkim has got its first airport at Pakyong village. Which of the statements given
below pertaining to the airport are correct.
 1. The Pakyong airport is one of the many Greenfield airports in the North
East.
2. At a height of 4500 feet it is the highest airfield in the country.
3. Sikkim was the sole state in the country which did not have an airport.
4. The project will also be used, when required, by the Indian Air Force.
a. 3 and 4 b. 1, 3 and 4 c. all the above d. 1 only
Answer: a

The central government has constituted an eight member search committee for
identifying and recommending suitable candidates for the post of Lokpal.
Choose the correct statements from those given below pertaining to the Lokpal.
1. The Cabinet Secretary is heading a search committee which will identify
suitable persons and recommend their names for consideration of the
Selection Committee for the post of Lokpal.
2. The Congress nominee has not attended any meeting of the Selection
Committee as the Congress is opposed to the concept of a Lokpal.
3. The Congress nominee has protested at his inclusion as ‘special invitee’
and has claimed that he should be invited as Leader of the Opposition.
However, as per the Act he does not represent a party which has at least
10 per cent seats in the Lok Sabha and cannot be designated as Leader of
the Opposition and hence the status of ‘special invitee’.
4. Mr. KR Venugopal is the eminent jurist nominated by the President of
India on the Selection Committee replacing the earlier nominee, senior
advocate PP Rao who expired.
a. 3 only b. 1, 3 and 4 c. 1, 2 and 4 d. 1 and 4
Answer: a

India has signed an additional protocol with the International Atomic Energy
Agency (IAEA). Which of the statements given below are correct pertaining to
the signing of the additional protocol.

1. India had signed a Safeguards Agreement with IAEA in 2009 placing 22 of

its civil nuclear facilities under inspection. With the signing of the
additional protocol 4 more nuclear facilities are subject to inspection by
the IAEA.
 2. Safeguards are a method whereby which the IAEA gives confidence to the
international community that the nuclear technology is being used for
peaceful purposes and is not being diverted for military use.
3. India is a signatory to the non-proliferation treaty.
4. Due to signing of its civil nuclear cooperation agreement with USA India
was allowed to undertake commercial trade in nuclear technology with
other countries.
a. 1, 2 and 4 b. 1 and 2 c. 2 only d. 1 only
Answer: a

Which of the following countries has shown a considerable increase in tiger

population from 120 tigers in 2009 to 235 presently.
1. Russia
2. Myanmar
3. Indonesia
4. Nepal.
Answer: 4

The Model Code of Conduct is implemented by the Election Commission

of India. Which among the following statements with regard to the Code
is true when the State Assembly is dissolved mid-term.

1. The Model Code comes into play on the announcement of the poll
dates by the Election Commission of India.
2. The Model Code comes into play on the dissolution of the state assembly.
3. The Model Code is only binding on the state where the assembly has
been dissolved and not on the central government.
a. 1 only b. 1 and 3 c. 2 only d. none of the above.
Answer: c

Which airport in the world is the world’s fully solar powered airport?
1. Changhai in Singapore.
2. Cochin International Airport in India.
3. Heathrow airport in the UK
4. JFK in USA
 Answer: 2

A Constitution Bench of the Supreme Court had in September passed an order

declaring that Aadhaar was constitutionally valid. Which of the following
statements pertaining to Aadhar in the context of the Supreme Court order are
correct?

1. The Aadhaar Act had been challenged in the Supreme Court indicating
that it was against the Fundamental Right to Privacy guaranteed by the
Constitution as also that the Act was invalid as it had been passed as a
‘Money Bill’ whereas it should have been debated and passed by both the
Lower House and the Upper House in Parliament.
2. The Supreme Court has directed that Aadhaar should continue to be used
for the identification of beneficiaries who are the recipients of the various
subsidies under the welfare schemes of the centre and the states in order
that ghost beneficiaries are weeded out.
3. Aadhaar will continue to be compulsorily linked to bank accounts and to
purchase a SIM card for a mobile telephone.
4. Aadhaar would be compulsorily required for admissions in government
schools and a child would not be allowed to partake of the mid-day meal
unless the child had an Aadhaar card.
a. All the above b. 1 and 2 c. 1 only d. 2 only
Answer: b

With regard to the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation
(AMRUT) which of the following statements are correct?
1. It will be implemented in around 500 cities including capital cities, and
cities on stems of rivers, state capitals, important hill stations, and
important tourist areas.
2. The central government releases 100 per cent of the budget for the
projects submitted by the states directly to the local bodies in each state.
3. AMRUT ranks cities based on an Ease of Living Index which has four main
parameters and 15 categories under these four parameters.
a. 1 and 2 b. 1 only c. 2 only d. all the above
Answer: a
The Supreme Court has recently taken a decision to live stream court
proceedings. In the context of this decision which of the following statements is
correct?
1. Initially cases of Constitutional or National Importance in the court of the
Chief Justice would be live streamed. Thereafter, the live streaming would
happen in a phased manner across other courts.
2. Live streaming would deal with the problem of distance as very often
public cannot reach New Delhi and even litigants have to come from long
distances. Live streaming would mean that the proceedings can be viewed
from anywhere and the quality of prosecution and defence determined.
3. The Supreme Court has directed that the Ministry of Information and
Broadcasting make arrangements to live stream the proceedings of all the
courts in the Supreme Court for the benefit of citizens.
4. Live streaming would only be possible after a suitable amendment is
made in the Supreme Court rules.
a. 1, 2 and 4 b. 1 and 2 c. 1 and 4 d. 1 only
Answer: a