Current Affairs MCQs for UPSC & State PSC Exams (01 August 2023)

Current Affairs MCQs Quiz for UPSC, IAS, UPPSC/UPPCS, MPPSC. BPSC, RPSC & All State PSC Exams

Date: 01 August 2023

1. Consider the following statements regarding black hole:

1. A stellar black hole is generated by the collapse of a single massive star.
2. Most galaxies, including our own, have supermassive black holes at their cores.

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: Black holes are regions of space-time with so much gravity that nothing, not even light, can escape. They are generated when a huge star collapses in on itself at the end of its life, resulting in an extremely dense object with such a powerful gravitational attraction that it warps space-time around it. A stellar black hole is generated by the collapse of a single massive star. Intermediate black holes have masses ranging from 100 to 100,000 times that of the sun. Supermassive black holes are found at the centre of most galaxies, including our own Milky Way galaxy, and have masses ranging from millions to billions of times that of the sun. Hence, both statements are correct.

2. Consider the following statements regarding Akira Ransomware:

Statement I - Akira is a ransomware targeting only Windows-based systems.
Statement II – The primary objective of Akira ransomware is to steal sensitive data from victims and conduct double extortion for ransom.

Which one 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 for 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: (D)

Explanation:

  • Akira is a ransomware targeting Windows and Linux devices, encrypting data and demanding double ransom for decryption and recovery. Akira spreads through spear phishing emails, drive-by-downloads and insecure remote desktop connections. Akira deletes Windows Shadow Volume copies, hindering data recovery and backup. Hence, statement 1 is incorrect.
  • Akira adopts a double extortion scheme to maximize its impact and financial gains. The ransomware first infiltrates the victim’s system to steal sensitive information. Following this, it encrypts the victim’s data, rendering it inaccessible. Finally, the hackers demand a ransom from the victim to restore access to their data. Hence, statement 2 is correct.

3. Consider the following statements regarding Gross Fixed Capital Formation (GFCF):

1. GFCF measures investments in fixed assets by businesses, governments, and households.
2. It includes both tangible and intangible assets.
3. GFCF calculates the total investments in the country after adjusting for depreciation.

How many of the above statements is/are correct?

(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None

Answer: (B)

Explanation:

  • Gross Fixed Capital Formation (GFCF) in the Indian economy has increased significantly. It rose from Rs. 32.78 lakh crore (constant 2011-12 prices) in 2014-15 to Rs. 54.35 lakh crore in 2022-23 (Provisional Estimates). GFCF measures investments in fixed assets by businesses, governments, and households. It includes tangible and intangible assets. Hence, statement 1 and 2 are correct.
  • GFCF is a key indicator of economic growth and investment activity. GFCF is not a measure of total investment, because only the value of net additions to fixed assets is measured, and all kinds of financial assets are excluded, as well as stocks of inventories and other operating costs. Hence, statement 3 is incorrect.

4. Consider the following statements regarding Direct Methanol Fuel Cells (DMFCs):

1. DMFC is an electrochemical energy conversion device that converts chemical energy of liquid methanol into electrical energy directly.
2. It functions as a battery charger for laptops, digital cameras, and mobile phones.
3. It is highly effective and low in energy density.

How many of the above statements is/are correct?

(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None

Answer: (B)

Explanation:

  • DMFC is an electrochemical energy conversion device that converts chemical energy of liquid methanol into electrical energy directly. An alloy of Cobalt and Platinum when doped with Manganese has been found as an effective catalyst in DMFCs. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
  • Among the several fuel cell classes put forth, DMFCs have long been seen as a desirable alternative power source for small vehicles like forklifts and as battery chargers for cell phones, digital cameras, laptops, and other small electronic devices. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
  • DMFCs have high energy density, high efficiency and low operating temperature and are safer to operate as they deal with liquid fuel (methanol). Hence, statement 3 is incorrect.

5. Which of the following statements most accurately describes the Pedicularis Revealiana?

(a) A bacterial disease.
(b) A recently discovered virus.
(c) It is a brand-new species of millipede.
(d) The plant species is hemiparasitic.

Answer: (D)

Explanation: It is exclusive to the Pedicularis genus. It has thick, woody stems and tiny, pinkish-purple flowers on them. It is a species of hemiparasitic plant. In addition to producing its own food, it has the capacity to collect nutrients from adjacent trees and plants' roots. Hence, option (d) is correct.