Current Affairs MCQs Quiz for UPSC, IAS, UPPSC/UPPCS, MPPSC. BPSC, RPSC & All State PSC Exams
Date: 27 September 2023
1. Consider the following statements with reference to the International Coffee Organization (ICO):
1. It is established in 1963 and functions under the aegis of
the United Nations.
2. India is not a member of the ICO.
3. It is being held for the first time in an Asian coffee-producing country.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None
Answer: (B)
Explanation: For the 1st time in Asia, Bengaluru is set to host the 5th World Coffee Conference (WCC). The International Coffee Organization (ICO) was established in 1963 under the aegis of the United Nations and following the approval of the first International Coffee Agreement in 1962. The headquarters is located in London, United Kingdom. The ICO is the only intergovernmental organization for coffee, bringing together exporting and importing Governments. It currently represents 93% of world coffee production and 63% of world consumption. The mission is to strengthen the global coffee sector and promote its sustainable expansion in a market-based environment for the benefit of all actors in the Global Coffee Value Chain (G-CVC). There are 49 Members (75 countries) with India being one of the member. Every 4 to 5 years, the International Coffee Organization holds a high-level World Coffee Conference to enable discussion around critical topics for the global coffee sector. Hence, statement 2 is incorrect.
2. Consider the following statements with reference to Galactic Tides:
1. It is a tidal force experienced by objects subject to the
gravitational field of a galaxy.
2. Galactic tides affect the supermassive black holes at galaxy centres.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (C)
Explanation: Galactic tides are the tidal forces experienced by objects affected by the gravitational field of galaxies, such as the Milky Way. Galactic tides are caused by gravitational forces within a galaxy, arising in the interactions between celestial objects like stars and gas clouds. They can reshape a galaxy structure by creating tidal tails and bridges, promoting star formation, and disrupting smaller star systems. These tidal forces influence various aspects of a galaxy’s evolution. They can reshape a galaxy structure by creating tidal tails and bridges, promoting star formation, and disrupting smaller star systems. Galactic tides also disrupt the orbits of stars, leading to long-term changes in galactic structure. Galactic tides also affect the supermassive black holes at galaxy centres, leading to events that change the ways in which these cosmic beasts interact with nearby stars. Hence, both statements are correct.
3. ciTRAN, sometimes seen in the news is related to which of the following?
(a) A transgenic crop that contains the features of Citrus
plants.
(b) It is a very uncommon earth mineral.
(c) It is a virus that has only recently been found.
(d) It is a Ribonucleic acid (RNA) that is circular.
Answer: (D)
Explanation: Recently the researchers have identified ciTRAN is Circular RNA virus. ciTRAN is a circRNA that modulates HIV-1 transcription. Circular RNA (circRNA) plays a pivotal role in regulating gene expression and is essential for various biological processes. The establishment of how the ciTRAN modulates the virus’s transcription process, could potentially lead to novel drugs and therapies to fight HIV-1. HIV-1 viral protein R (VpR) induces ciTRAN expression, which in turn interacts with serine/arginine-rich splicing factor 1 (SRSF1), a protein known to repress HIV-1 transcription. HIV-1 viral protein R (VpR) is a multifunctional protein that plays specific roles at multiple stages of the HIV-1 viral life cycle and affects anti-HIV functions of the immune cells. ciTRAN prevents SRSF1 from doing its job, thereby promoting efficient viral transcription. The researchers developed an SRSF1-inspired mimic that can inhibit viral transcription regardless of ciTRAN induction. Hence, option (d) is correct.
4. With reference to the United Nations Climate Ambition Summit (CAS), consider the following statements:
1. The CAS aimed to accelerate climate action as a prelude to
the 28th Conference of Parties (COP 28).
2. China, USA and India are the most active participants of CAS.
3. In this Summit, India updated its goal to achieve net-zero emissions by 2070.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None
Answer: (B)
Explanation: The United Nations Climate Ambition Summit (CAS) held in United Nations Headquarters, New York on 20th September 2023, aimed to accelerate climate action as a prelude to the 28th Conference of Parties (COP 28) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). Hence, statement 1 is correct.
China, the US, and India, who collectively account for
about 42% of global greenhouse gas emissions and are the top three emitters
in that order, were all absent from the CAS. Hence, statement 2 is
incorrect.
In COP 26, India pledged to achieve net-zero emissions by 2070. Hence,
statement 3 is correct.
5. With reference to Odhuvars, consider the following statements:
1. Odhuvars sing devotional hymns at Hindu temples in Tamil
Nadu, but they are not priests.
2. They can be only men.
3. Odhuvars play an essential role in Saivite temples, as they are responsible
for singing from the Thirumurai.
How many of the above statements is/are correct?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None
Answer: (B)
Explanation: Odhuvar refers to individuals who perform devotional music and sing hymns in temples, particularly during religious ceremonies and rituals. They can be both men and women. They sing devotional hymns at Hindu temples in Tamil Nadu, but they are not priests. They play an essential role in Saivite temples, as they are responsible for singing from the Thirumurai not only during regular pujas but also during special functions and festivals, ensuring the sacred verses are honored and cherished. Hence, statement 2 is incorrect.
