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Daily-mcqs 20 Dec 2024

Current Affairs MCQs for UPSC & State PSC Exams 20 Dec 2024

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Current Affairs MCQs for UPSC & State PSC Exams

Q1:

Consider the following statements regarding the panel on  NEET-UG paper leak:

1.    The panel was led by former ISRO chairman K. Radhakrishnan.

2.    One of the key recommendations was to expand the National Testing Agency's (NTA) scope to include recruitment exams beyond entrance exams.

3.    The panel proposed involving state and district-level officials, similar to election management, to ensure transparency during exams.

4.    The panel recommended the use of mobile testing centres in remote areas to improve accessibility.

Which of the following options is/are correct?

A: 1 and 2 only

B: 2 and 3 only

C: 1, 3, and 4 only

D: All of the above

Answer: C

Explanation:


  • Statement 1 is correct. The panel was indeed led by K. Radhakrishnan, the former ISRO chairman.

  • Statement 2 is incorrect. The panel recommended limiting the NTA's scope, especially due to its expanding role in conducting various exams beyond entrance exams, not expanding it.

  • Statement 3 is correct. The panel proposed involving state and district-level officials to ensure fair and transparent testing, similar to election management.

  • Statement 4 is correct. The panel suggested the use of mobile testing centres for remote areas to make exams more accessible.


                            

Q2:

Consider the following statements regarding the African Cheetah:

1.    The African cheetah is classified as Endangered by the IUCN due to habitat loss, poaching, and human-wildlife conflict.

2.    The African cheetah is larger than the Asiatic cheetah.

3.    African cheetahs primarily prey on herbivores like gazelles and antelopes.

4.    African cheetahs are known for their speed and can reach speeds of 100-110 mph during a chase.

Which of the following options is/are correct?

A: 1 and 2 only

B: 2 and 3 only

C: 1, 2, and 3 only

D: 2 and 4 only

Answer: B

Explanation:


  • Statement 1 is incorrect. The African cheetah is classified as Vulnerable, not Endangered, by the IUCN due to threats such as habitat loss, poaching, and human-wildlife conflict.

  • Statement 2 is correct. The African cheetah is indeed larger than the Asiatic cheetah, with a body length of up to 84 inches and a weight range of 120-159 lbs.

  • Statement 3 is correct. African cheetahs primarily prey on herbivores like gazelles and antelopes.

  • Statement 4 is incorrect. African cheetahs can reach speeds of 60-70 mph, not 100-110 mph.


                            

Q3:

Consider the following statements regarding the Worst Die-Off of Common Murres:

1.    The Blob, a marine heatwave, occurred between 2014 and 2016 and caused a massive die-off of the common murres.

2.    The die-off of common murres led to the loss of approximately 4 million birds, or about half of Alaska's murre population.

3.    The primary cause of the mass die-off was the pollution of ocean waters.

4.    The common murre is a seabird that has been described as a flying penguin due to its black-and-white plumage.

Which of the following options is/are correct?

A: 1, 2, and 3 only

B: 1, 2, and 4 only

C: 2, 3, and 4 only

D: All of the above

Answer: B

Explanation:


  • Statement 1 is correct. The Blob, a marine heatwave, occurred between 2014 and 2016, causing a significant die-off of common murres.

  • Statement 2 is correct. Approximately 4 million common murres (around half of Alaska's murre population) died during the event.

  • Statement 3 is incorrect. The die-off was primarily caused by a rise in ocean temperatures that led to the collapse of phytoplankton and forage fish populations, not pollution.

  • Statement 4 is correct. The common murre is often described as a flying penguin due to its black-and-white plumage and similar appearance.


                            

Q4:

Where was the first-ever tagging of the Gangetic Dolphin conducted?

A: Uttar Pradesh

B: West Bengal

C: Assam

D: Bihar

Answer: C

Explanation:

The first-ever tagging of the Gangetic Dolphin was conducted in Assam, marking a significant milestone in wildlife conservation.


                            

Q5:

Which of the following statements are correct regarding Minorities Rights Day?

Statement 1: Minorities Rights Day is celebrated every year on December 18
Statement 2: India’s Constitution guarantees fundamental rights to all citizens, including minorities, and ensures protection from discrimination, promoting equality of opportunity in all aspects of life.

Options:

A: Only Statement 1 is correct.

B: Only Statement 2 is correct.

C: Both Statement 1 and Statement 2 are correct.

D: Neither Statement 1 nor Statement 2 is correct.

Answer: C

Explanation:


  • Statement 1 is correct Minorities Rights Day is celebrated every year on December 18, marking the adoption of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Persons belonging to National or Ethnic, Religious, and Linguistic Minorities in 1992.

  • Statement 2 is correct as it reflects the provisions of the Indian Constitution that protect the rights of minorities and promote equality.