Current Affairs MCQs Quiz for UPSC, IAS, UPPSC/UPPCS, MPPSC. BPSC, RPSC & All State PSC Exams
Date: 30 June 2023
1. Consider the following countries:
1. Kenya
2. Uganda
3. Rwanda
4. Burundi
5. Zambia
6. Mozambique
How many of the above-mentioned countries share a border with Tanzania?
(a) Only three
(b) Only four
(c) Only five
(d) All six
Answer: (D)
Explanation: The Tanzania mainland is bounded by Uganda, Lake Victoria, and Kenya to the north, by the Indian Ocean to the east, by Mozambique, Lake Nyasa, Malawi, and Zambia to the south and southwest, and by Lake Tanganyika, Burundi, and Rwanda to the west.
2. Consider the following statements about the PM-PRANAM Scheme:
1. This scheme aims to promote sustainable agriculture and
reduce the dependency on chemical fertilizers.
2. The funding for the scheme will come from the savings generated by existing
fertilizer subsidies.
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: (C)
Explanation:
- The PM-PRANAM scheme is designed to promote sustainable agriculture and reduce the reliance on chemical fertilizers. It encourages the adoption of alternative fertilizers and responsible fertilizer usage to protect the environment and ensure the long-term health of the agricultural sector. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
- The funding for the PM-PRANAM scheme will be sourced from the savings obtained through existing fertilizer subsidies. Half of the subsidy savings will be given to the states as a grant, which can be utilized for creating assets related to the adoption and production of alternate fertilizers at the village, block, and district levels. Hence, Statement 2 is correct.
3. Consider the following statements, with reference to Gravitational Waves:
1. Gravitational waves are ripples in the fabric of
space-time that propagate outward from massive objects in the universe.
2. Supermassive black holes are responsible for generating gravitational waves
as they circle each other before merging.
3. The Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (LISA) mission aims to detect
gravitational waves.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None
Answer: (C)
Explanation:
- Gravitational waves are indeed ripples in the fabric of space-time that propagate outward from massive objects in the universe. These ripples are generated by the acceleration of massive objects, such as colliding black holes or neutron stars, and they travel at the speed of light. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
- Supermassive black holes, when they orbit each other and eventually merge, produce some of the strongest gravitational waves in the universe. The energy released during the merger generates gravitational waves that can be detected. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
- The Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (LISA) mission is indeed aimed at detecting gravitational waves. LISA is a planned space-based gravitational wave observatory, consisting of three spacecraft in a triangular formation, and it is designed to detect low-frequency gravitational waves. Hence, statement 3 is correct
4. Consider the following statements:
Statement-I: Dark matter constitutes approximately 85%
of the universe's total matter.
Statement-II: The presence of dark matter is inferred through its
gravitational effects on surrounding objects.
Which of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?
(a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and
Statement-II is the correct explanation of Statement-I
(b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the
correct explanation for Statement-I
(c) Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect
(d) Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct
Answer: (B)
Explanation:
- Dark matter is believed to constitute approximately 85% of the universe's total matter. It is a form of matter that does not interact with light or other electromagnetic radiation, making it difficult to detect directly. Hence, statement-I is correct.
- Dark matter is a form of matter that does not emit, absorb, or interact with electromagnetic radiation (light), making it invisible to us. However, its presence is inferred by its gravitational effects on visible matter, such as stars and galaxies. Hence, Statement-II is correct.
- Statement-II is not a direct explanation of the percentage of dark matter in the universe (Statement-I). The percentage of dark matter in the universe (approximately 85%) comes from various observations and measurements, including the cosmic microwave background radiation, the large-scale structure of the universe, and the motion of galaxies. These observations tell us about the composition of the universe, and dark matter is found to be the dominant form of matter, accounting for about 85% of the total matter content. The inference of dark matter's presence through gravitational effects (Statement-II) complements this understanding, but it doesn't directly explain the 85% value mentioned in Statement-I.
5. Which of the following organization developed the Global Forest Watch (GFW) platform?
(a) World Resources Institute (WRI)
(b) MacArthur Foundation
(c) United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)
(d) Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)
Answer: (A)
Explanation:
- The Global Forest Watch (GFW) platform was developed by the World Resources Institute (WRI). The WRI is a global research organization that focuses on addressing urgent environmental and sustainability challenges. It aims to create transformative solutions that protect the Earth and improve people's lives.
- Global Forest Watch is an online platform that provides near-real-time monitoring and analysis of global forests. It utilizes satellite imagery, remote sensing, and data from various sources to track and measure changes in forest cover and land use. The platform enables governments, NGOs, researchers, and individuals to access and analyze forest-related data to support informed decision-making, forest management, and conservation efforts.
