Current Affairs MCQs for UPSC & State PSC Exams (14 August 2023)

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

Date: 14 August 2023

1. With reference to United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) consider the following statements:

1. Its aim is to count the world’s growing populations and suggest measures to allocate resources efficiently.
2. It focuses on improving the lives of youths and women by advocating for human rights and gender equality and by promoting the understanding of population dynamics.
3. It was created in 1969 to deliver a world where every pregnancy is wanted.

How many of the above statements is/are correct?

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

Answer: (B)

Explanation: UNFPA is the United Nations sexual and reproductive health agency. The organization was created in 1969. Its mission is to deliver a world where every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe and every young person’s potential is fulfilled. UNFPA partners with governments, other agencies and civil society to advance its mission. It also focuses on improving the lives of youths and women by advocating for human rights and gender equality and by promoting the understanding of population dynamics. Hence, only statement 1 is incorrect.

2. Consider the following statements regarding National Automated Fingerprint Identification System:

1. It is a country-wide searchable database of crime and criminal related fingerprints developed by National Crime Records Bureau.
2. NAFIS assigns a unique 10-digit National Fingerprint Number (NFN) to each person arrested for a crime.
3. This unique ID will be used for the person’s lifetime, and different crimes registered under different FIRs will be linked to the same NFN.

How many of the above statements is/are correct?

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

Answer: (C)

Explanation: National Automated Fingerprints Identification System (NAFIS) project is a country-wide searchable database of crime- and criminal-related fingerprints developed by National Crime Records Bureau. The web-based application functions as a central information repository by consolidating fingerprint data from all states and Union Territories. NAFIS assigns a unique 10-digit National Fingerprint Number (NFN) to each person arrested for a crime. This unique ID will be used for the person’s lifetime, and different crimes registered under different FIRs will be linked to the same NFN. Recently, in April of this year, Madhya Pradesh gained distinction as the first Indian state to successfully identify a deceased person using the NAFIS system. Hence, all statements are correct.

3. Mushkbudji Rice, recently seen in news, is grown in:

(a) Bihar
(b) Jammu and Kashmir
(c) Assam
(d) Uttar Pradesh

Answer: (B)

Explanation: Mushkbudji Rice just earned the Geographical Indication (GI) label. It is short, robust, aromatic rice grown in Kashmir's higher elevations. The cooked rice is one-of-a-kind, with a harmonious blend of flavor, aroma, and rich organoleptic qualities. It is primarily grown in the districts of Anantnag's Sagam, Panzgam, and Soaf Shali, as well as Budgam's Beerwah belt. Aromatic rice is now only consumed on rare occasions, such as weddings and festivals, in Kashmir. Hence, option (b) is correct.

4. With reference to Indian Flying Fox bat, consider the following statements:

1. It is a species of flying fox native to the Indian subcontinent.
2. It is listed as endangered on the IUCN Red List.

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: (A)

Explanation:

  • It is a species of flying fox native to the Indian subcontinent. It is one of the largest bats in the world. The nectar and fruit-eating flying fox (Pteropus giganteus) is generally considered vermin as they raid orchards. It is a keystone species causing seed dispersals of many plants in tropical systems. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
  • It is listed as least concern on the IUCN Red List. It is highly social creatures, forming large roosts of several hundred animals. These bats are endemic to South Central Asia, found from Pakistan and China to the Maldives Islands. Hence, statement 2 is incorrect.

5. Exercise Zayed Talwar, recently is news was a bilateral exercise conducted between India and which of the following country?

(a) Oman
(b) Indonesia
(c) Saudi Arabia
(d) UAE

Answer: (D)

Explanation: Indian Navy and United Arab Emirates conducted bilateral exercise ‘Zayed Talwar. The exercise aims to enhance interoperability and cooperation between the two naval forces. The visit seeks to strengthen the maritime partnership, share best practices, and foster a common understanding of security challenges in the region. Hence, option (d) is correct.