Current Affairs MCQs Quiz for UPSC, IAS, UPPSC/UPPCS, MPPSC. BPSC, RPSC & All State PSC Exams
Date: 29 December 2023
1. Valkyrie, recently seen in news, is a:
(a) World’s first fully smart car
(b) Humanoid robot of NASA
(c) A form of genetic aberration
(d) A newly discovered star
Answer: (B)
Explanation: Valkyrie, a 6-foot-2-inch humanoid space robot developed by NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas, is undergoing tests designed for operation in degraded or damaged human-engineered environments, such as those impacted by natural disasters.
Costing $2 million, Valkyrie is set to participate in NASA's Space Robotics Challenge, with a $1 million prize for the winning team. Resembling Iron Man, it features a LIDAR sensor, cameras, and sensors for environmental awareness. Equipped with three-fingered hands containing 38 sensors, the robot has 44 degrees of freedom controlled by small motors. Powered by two Intel Core i7 computers, Valkyrie has a one-hour battery life. Originally designed for disaster relief, it was reconfigured for potential use as a "caretaker" robot on Mars.
2. Bio-electronic soil uses which of the following techniques to enhance plant growth?
(a) Aeroponics
(b) Geoponics
(c) Hydroponics
(d) Intensive cropping
Answer: (C)
Explanation: The bio-electronic soil (eSoil) holds promise for revolutionizing hydroponic farming by offering potential solutions to enhance crop yields, particularly in regions facing adverse environmental conditions. One notable advantage lies in its potential to diminish the reliance on fertilizers, presenting a more sustainable approach to farming. Moreover, the incorporation of eSoil in hydroponic farms holds the prospect of optimizing energy consumption, addressing the energy-intensive nature of traditional hydroponic methods. While the technology's energy efficiency is evident, comprehensive studies are imperative to gauge its long-term impact on the complete plant growth cycle. Future research endeavors aim to extend the understanding of how this innovative technique influences the growth of diverse plant species beyond barley.
3. Consider the following statements about NPA:
1. NPAs remaining for less than or equal to 12 months are categorized as substandard assets.
2. Assets classified as NPAs for 12 or more months fall under the category of doubtful assets.
3. Loss assets are those where a loss is identified, and the loan is completely written off.
How of the above statements is/are correct?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None
Answer: (B)
Explanation: Substandard assets signify non-performing assets (NPAs) lingering for up to 12 months, displaying early signs of credit deterioration. Hence statement 1 is correct. Doubtful assets denote loans persistently classified as NPAs for 12 months, representing increased uncertainty and default risk. Hence statement 2 is correct. Loss assets indicate loans with identified losses where some residual value remains, avoiding complete write-off. Hence statement 3 is incorrect. These classifications in banking help gauge the severity of credit quality deterioration and guide institutions in managing risk. Substandard assets signal initial concerns, doubtful assets mark a higher risk level, and loss assets acknowledge identified losses with potential recoverable value.
4. Consider the following pairs:
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 1. Pardon | Clears the convict of both sentence and conviction, removing all penalties. |
| 2. Commutation | Reduces sentence duration without altering its core nature. |
| 3. Remission | Temporarily delays sentence execution, allowing time for pardon or commutation. |
| 4. Respite | Grants a milder sentence, considering special circumstances. |
| 5. Reprieve | Swaps harsh punishment for a lighter one |
How many of the above pairs are correctly matched?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) Only three
(d) Only four
Answer: (B)
- Explanation:
- Pardon: Completely clears the convict of both the sentence and conviction, removing all associated penalties and disqualifications. Hence pair 1 is correctly matched.
- Commutation: Swaps a harsher form of punishment with a lighter one, like changing a death sentence to rigorous imprisonment, which can then be further commuted to simple imprisonment. Hence pair 2 is incorrectly matched.
- Remission: Reduces the duration of the sentence without changing its fundamental nature, such as shortening a 1-year imprisonment to 6 months. Hence pair 3 is incorrectly matched.
- Respite: Grants a more lenient sentence than initially imposed, considering specific circumstances like the physical disability of a convict or the pregnancy of a female offender. Hence pair 4 is correctly matched.
- Reprieve: Temporarily postpones the execution of a sentence, especially in the case of a death sentence, to allow the convict time to seek pardon or commutation from the President. Hence pair 5 is incorrectly matched.
5. Consider the following statements regarding Huntington's disease:
1. Huntington's disease primarily affects brain cells that regulate involuntary movements.
2. Early onset Huntington's disease, known as juvenile Huntington's disease, is more common than adult onset.
3. Loss of coordination, difficulty swallowing, and slurred speech are physical symptoms of Huntington's disease.
4. A genetic mutation in the HTT gene leads to the abnormal shape of the huntingtin protein, causing the destruction of nerve cells in the basal ganglia and brain cortex.
How of the above statements is/are correct?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) Only three
(d) All four
Answer: (D)
Explanation: Huntington's disease is a neurodegenerative disorder primarily affecting brain cells that govern voluntary movement and memory. Involuntary movements, a hallmark of the disease, result from damage to the basal ganglia, disrupting coordination. Symptoms include difficulty swallowing (dysphagia), slurred speech, and loss of coordination (ataxia). Juvenile Huntington's disease, an early-onset form, affecting children and teenagers, is rarer than the adult-onset type, which manifests after age 30. The genetic mutation in the HTT gene leads to the abnormal huntingtin protein, crucial for nerve cell function. The malformed protein causes the destruction of neurons in the basal ganglia, impacting movement regulation, and the brain cortex, affecting cognitive functions. This progressive condition intensifies over time, making daily tasks increasingly challenging. Hence all the statements are correct.
