Current Affairs MCQs Quiz for UPSC, IAS, UPPSC/UPPCS, MPPSC. BPSC, RPSC & All State PSC Exams
Date: 16 August 2023
1. In the context of Gallantry Awards in India Consider the following statements:
1. Ashok Chakra can be awarded to members of the Army, Navy,
and Air Force only.
2. The first three gallantry awards were established in 1950.
3. The Investiture Ceremony for these awards is held on both Republic Day and
Independence Day.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None
Answer: (A)
Explanation: The following categories of personnel shall be eligible for the Ashok Chakra:
- Officers, men and women of all ranks of the Army, the Navy and the Air Force, of any of the Reserve Forces, of the Territorial Army, Militia and of any other lawfully constituted Armed Forces.
- Members of the Nursing Services of the Armed Forces.
- Civilian citizens of either sex in all walks of life and members of Police Forces including Central Para-Military Forces and Railway Protection Force.
Hence, statement 1 is incorrect.
Post-independence, first three gallantry awards namely Param Vir Chakra, Maha Vir Chakra and Vir Chakra were instituted by the Government of India on 26th January, 1950 which were deemed to have effect from the 15th August, 1947. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
Gallantry awards are conferred to the awardees/Next-of-Kins (NoKs) by the President at the Defence Investiture Ceremony held every year at the Rashtrapati Bhawan. The Param Vir Chakra and the Ashoka Chakra are conferred by the President to the awardees/ on the occasion of the Republic Day Parade at the Rajpath. Hence, statement 3 is incorrect.
Hence, option (a) is the correct answer.
2. Consider the following statements regarding the Vishwakarma Yojana:
1. It provides financial support to skilled artisans from OBC
communities for traditional crafts.
2. It is intended to support individuals with expertise in modern technology
fields.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (A)
Explanation:
- The Vishwakarma Yojana is a scheme launched by the Government of India to provide financial support to individuals skilled in traditional crafts, particularly those from the OBC community.
- The following are the objectives of the Vishwakarma Yojana:
- To promote traditional crafts and help preserve them.
- To provide financial assistance to skilled artisans to upgrade their skills and set up their own businesses.
- To create employment opportunities for skilled artisans.
- To help reduce poverty among the OBC community.
Hence, statement 1 is correct
The Vishwakarma Yojana is not intended to support individuals with expertise in modern technology fields. The scheme specifically targets individuals skilled in traditional crafts, particularly those from the OBC community. Hence, statement 2 is incorrect.
Hence, option (a) is the correct answer.
3. With reference to the Aditya-L1 mission, consider the following statements:
1. Its primary objective is to observe the layers of the Sun
2. The mission carries ten payloads.
3. It aims to provide insights into various solar phenomena and their impact on
space weather.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None
Answer: (B)
Explanation:
- The Aditya-L1 mission is India's space endeavor by ISRO to study the Sun using a space-based observatory. Its primary objective is to observe the layers of the Sun, particularly its corona, and analyze solar activity. The spacecraft is placed in a halo orbit around Lagrange point 1 (L1) of the Sun-Earth system. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
- L1 is located about 1.5 million km from Earth and provides a stable platform for observing the Sun. The mission carries seven payloads designed for different observations of the Sun's layers. These payloads include instruments for electromagnetic, particle, and magnetic field observations. Among the payloads, four are dedicated to directly studying the Sun and its various phenomena. The remaining three payloads are focused on conducting in-situ studies of particles and fields at the L1 point. Hence, statement 2 is incorrect.
- The mission's scientific goals include investigating coronal heating, coronal mass ejections, flare activities, space weather dynamics, and particle-field propagation. It aims to provide insights into various solar phenomena and their impact on space weather. Hence, statement 3 is correct.
Hence, option (b) is the correct answer.
4. Consider the following statements about the Perseid Meteor Shower:
1. It is an annual event caused by debris from the
Swift-Tuttle comet.
2. It occurs in October, mainly around 11th to 13th October.
3. Perseid meteors are fast-moving, bright, and leave visible trails of light.
4. It is known for producing fireballs.
How many of the above statements are correct?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) Only three
(d) All four
Answer: (C)
Explanation:
- Perseid Meteor Shower is an annual event when Earth passes through debris from the Swift-Tuttle comet, resulting in a display of bright meteors. Meteors appear to originate from the Perseus constellation, hence the name "Perseid." Hence, statement 1 is correct.
- The shower typically occurs in August, specifically around August 11th to 13th. The most intense meteor activity happens around August 12th. Hence, statement 2 is incorrect.
- Perseid meteors are fast-moving and bright, often leaving visible trails of light as they streak across the sky. During the peak, observers can witness around 50 to 100 meteors per hour. Hence, statement 3 is correct.
- The Perseid Meteor Shower is known for producing fireballs, larger bursts of light and color caused by bigger comet fragments. A popular event among stargazers and astronomy enthusiasts due to its vibrant and impressive meteor display. Hence, statement 4 is correct.
Hence, option (c) is the correct answer.
5. Consider the following statements:
1. Kubu Raya Regency is located in the province of East
Kalimantan.
2. Charcoal production from mangroves has led to environmental degradation in
the region.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (B)
Explanation:
- Kubu Raya Regency is located in West Kalimantan, Indonesia, bordering the South China Sea. It boasts the largest mangrove forest in the western part of Indonesian Borneo. Indonesia holds 20% of global mangroves, with this area contributing significantly. Hence, statement 1 is incorrect.
- Deforestation concerns arise due to mangrove charcoal production, a traditional industry since the 1940s, impacting resources. Escalating activities intensify pressure, causing visible deforestation and reducing dense mangrove areas. The region's significance hinges on biodiversity, carbon sequestration and coastal protection. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
Hence, option (b) is the correct answer.
