Current Affairs Questions

Explanation :

Astana Format is a series of meeting held in Astana, Kazakhstan for Syrian settlement which includes representatives of Syrian government and opposition. Russia, Turkey and Iran are the guarantor states of Astana talks which also enjoys the support of the UN. Its next round of talks is scheduled in July 2019.

Explanation :

ECOSOC is one of the six main organs of the UN. It is the principal body for coordination, policy review, policy dialogue and recommendations on economic, social and environmental issues, as well as for implementation of the internationally agreed development goals. ECOSOC engages a wide variety of stakeholders, viz. policymakers, parliamentarians, academics, foundations, business sector representatives and registered NGOs in a productive dialogue on sustainable development through a programmatic cycle of meetings.

Explanation :

It is a permanent body of SCO based in Tashkent created to combat terrorism, separatism and extremism. Each member sends its representative to RATS and the head of RATS is elected for a three year term. It assists interaction among the member states for preparation and staging of counter-terrorism exercises at the request of concerned member states. It prepares and conducts search operations and other activities for counter-terrorism.

Explanation :

The Prime Minister was honoured with United Arab Emirates’ (UAE) highest civilian honour, the ‘Zayed Medal’ by the President of the UAE Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The medal, awarded to kings, presidents and heads of states, was conferred upon the PM for boosting bilateral strategic relations between the Emirates and India.

Explanation :

Iran is a member of OPEC which makes the first statement incorrect. Qatar has recently withdrawn from the bloc because its economy is largely based on gas and oil plays a minimum role.

Explanation :

Statement 1: Anti Hijacking Act 2016 replaced the Anti Hijacking Act, 1982. The given statement is correct.

Statement 2:  It gives effect both to The Hague Convention of 1971 and the Beijing Protocol of 2010. So the given statement is incorrect.

Statement 3: Death penalty, life sentence for hoax calls, and a wider definition for aircraft “in service” are the new introductions. So, the given statement is correct.

Statement 4: On 16th June, 2019, the National Investigation Agency Special(NIA) Court, Ahmedabad pronounced its judgment in the Jet Hijacking Case, making the accused Birju Kishor Salla the first convict under the Anti-Hijacking Act of 2016.So, the given Statement is incorrect.

Explanation :

• It was constituted in June 2018 to make special economic zone (SEZ) policy compatible with World Trade Organisation (WTO) rules after the US challenged India’s export subsidy programme at the multilateral trade body.
• It has recommended measures like continuation of tax incentives, migration of SEZs to employment and economic enclaves and creation of link infrastructure and maintenance for enclaves.

Explanation :

On 10th June, 2019, Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) declared ancient Buddhist site Chaukhandi Stupa in Sarnath (Uttar Pradesh) as protected monument of national importance.

It was built as a terraced temple during the Gupta period between the 4th and 6th centuries.

It was excavated by Alexander Cunningham and Daya Ram Sahni.

Explanation :

• Irula tribe is a Dravidian ethnic group, belonging to negrito race which inhabits the area of the Nilgiri mountains, in the states of Tamil Nadu and Kerala.
• They speak the Irula language, a mix of Tamil and Kannada language.
• They protect the ancient Nilgiri rock painting.

Explanation :

Article 371A grants special status to the people of Nagaland in terms of:

• Religious & social practices of Nagas;
• Nagas customary law & procedure;
• Administration of civil or criminal justice involving decisions according to Naga customary law; and
• Ownership & transfer of land and its resources.