Current Affairs MCQs for UPSC & State PSC Exams (07 July 2023)

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

Date: 07 July 2023

1. In the context of ‘Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction Treaty (BBNJ)’, consider the following statements:

1. It aims to regulate fishing, mining and oil extraction in international waters.
2. It covers the high seas which constitute nearly half of the Earth's surface.
3. It establishes Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) and provides increased funding for marine conservation.

How many of the statements given above are correct?

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

Answer: (C)

Explanation:

  • The BBNJ Treaty, or Treaty of the High Seas, regulates activities in international waters to sustainably manage fishing, mining and oil extraction while minimizing harm to marine biodiversity. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
  • The BBNJ Treaty covers the high seas, which account for almost half of the Earth's surface, aiming to protect biodiversity in these vast international waters. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
  • The BBNJ Treaty promotes Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) and increased funding for marine conservation. It establishes a framework for creating MPAs in international waters to safeguard marine biodiversity and enhances financial resources and technology transfer for conservation efforts. Hence, statement 3 is correct.

2. Consider the following statements regarding the Indian government's initiatives for promoting science among women:

1. WISE-KIRAN is a government program that encourages women's participation in science and technology through gender-enabling programs.
2. The Indo-US Fellowship for Women in STEM aims to promote collaborative research opportunities for women scientists in the USA.
3. GATI is an initiative that focuses on transforming institutions to adopt a more gender-sensitive approach in science and technology.
4. BioCARe is a program that enhances women scientists' participation in biotechnology research.

How many of the above statements are correct?

(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) Only three
(d) All four

Answer: (D)

Explanation:

  • WISE-KIRAN is a government program in India that encourages women's participation in science and technology through scholarships, fellowships and training. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
  • The Indo-US Fellowship for Women in STEM provides collaborative research opportunities for Indian women scientists in the United States, fostering international collaborations with leading institutions. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
  • GATI (Gender Advancement for Transforming Institutions) promotes gender sensitivity in Indian science and technology. It transforms institutions by adopting inclusive policies, equal opportunities and a supportive environment for women in STEM. Hence, statement 3 is correct.
  • BioCARe is a program in India that supports women scientists in biotechnology research. It offers financial assistance, research grants, training and mentorship to empower women and foster their professional growth. Hence, statement 4 is correct.

3. Consider the following statements regarding the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD):

1. It is a temporary inter-governmental organization established in 1964.
2. It focuses primarily on addressing development issues related to international trade.

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: (B)

Explanation:

  • UNCTAD is a permanent inter-governmental organization that was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1964. Hence, Statement 1 is incorrect.
  • UNCTAD has a broader mandate than just addressing development issues related to international trade. While UNCTAD does indeed focus on trade and development, its mission encompasses a wider range of areas and concerns. Hence, statement 2 is correct.

4. Consider the following statements:

Statement-I: Migraine is a type of headache characterized by recurring attacks of moderate to severe throbbing pain, usually on one side of the head.
Statement-II: Migraine is caused by the dilation and inflammation of blood vessels in the brain.

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:

  • Migraine is a recurring headache with throbbing pain, often on one side of the head. It may come with nausea, sensitivity to light or sound and visual disturbances. Hence, Statement-I is correct.
  • Migraines result from a mix of genetic, environmental factors and various physiological changes in the brain. Dilated blood vessels and inflammation play a role, but other factors such as brain chemicals and nerve pathways are also involved. Hence, Statement-II is also correct.
  • Statement-II captures one aspect of migraines, but it is not the sole explanation for Statement-I. Migraines are complex, involving multiple factors beyond blood vessel dilation and inflammation.

5. On July 7th, World Swahili Language Day is celebrated to acknowledge the importance and cultural significance of Swahili. Consider the following statements regarding this Language:

1. Swahili is also the official language of the African Union.
2. Akashvani's External Services Division has been broadcasting a daily Swahili language service since May 1943.

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:

  • Swahili, also known as Kiswahili, is one of the official languages of the African Union. It is recognized as a lingua franca in many parts of East Africa and is widely spoken as a second language in countries such as Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
  • Akashvani, the national public radio broadcaster of India, has been broadcasting a daily Swahili language service since May 1943. This service was established to cater to the Swahili-speaking audience and promote cultural exchange between India and Swahili-speaking countries. Hence, statement 2 is correct.