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

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

Date: 14 July 2023

1. With reference to Muslim World League, consider the following statements:

1. Muslim World League (MWL) is an international non-governmental organization (NGO) established in 1962.
2. India is the country with the second-largest population of Muslims in the world.
3. It is an Observer in the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC).

How many of the above statements is/are correct?

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

Answer: (C)

Explanation: Recently, President Droupadi Murmu had a meeting with the Secretary General of the Muslim World League, at Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi. Muslim World League (MWL) is an international non-governmental organization (NGO) established in 1962. It was founded in accordance with a resolution adopted during the meeting of the General Islamic Conference, which was held in Holy Makkah on the 14th to the 18th May 1962. India is the country with the second-largest population of Muslims in the world. It is an Observer in the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). Hence, all statements are correct.

2. ‘Salsola oppositifolia Desfontani’ a plant species recently seen in news is found to be a sustainable source for the manufacture of which of the following?

(a) Anti-bacterial
(b) Lye and soaps
(c) Technical textile
(d) Beverages

Answer: (B)

Explanation: ‘Salsola oppositifolia Desfontani’ is a new species, discovered recently, that belongs to family of Amaranthaceae. It is a perennial shrub that grows in saline, arid to semi-arid environments of Kutch district (Khadir Bet and bela region) of Gujarat. It is a succulent shrub that can grow one to two metres tall and have a smooth, cylindrical, woody base. It is rarely prostrate and unlike other species of Salsola, does not have any hairs. Salsola oppositifolia is used as a raw material for manufacturing soda ash. Other Salsola species are used in manufacturing lye and soaps. Research has established that the species of this genus are rich in pharmacological properties also. Hence, option (b) is correct.

3. With reference to ‘Phosphine’, consider the following statements:

1. It is found naturally on earth and can only be manufactured artificially
2. It is used in the production of a flame retardant and as a pesticide in stored grain

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: Phosphine on Earth is developed naturally by bacteria that live in very low-oxygen environments. To produce phosphine, Earth bacteria take up phosphate from minerals or biological material and add hydrogen. It is also called as hydrogen phosphide. It is a colourless, flammable, extremely toxic gas with disagreeable garlic like odour. Phosphine is used in semiconductor and plastics industries, in the production of a flame retardant, and as a pesticide in stored grain. Hence, both statements are correct.

3. Consider the following countries:

1. United States of America
2. Russia
3. China
4. Japan
5. India
6. Israel

How many of the above-mentioned countries have successfully achieved a soft landing on the moon?

(a) Only three
(b) Only four
(c) Only five
(d) All six

Answer: (A)

Explanation: As part of human exploration of the Moon, numerous space missions have been undertaken to study Earth's natural satellite. Of the Moon landings, Luna 2(1959) of the Soviet Union was the first spacecraft to reach its surface successfully. After that mission, various countries send their missions to moon:

  • United States
  • Soviet Union
  • China
  • Japan
  • India
  • European Union
  • Israel
  • United Arab Emirates
  • Luxembourg
  • South Korea
  • Italy

Only three countries, the U.S., Russia, and China, have successfully achieved a soft landing on the moon thus far. Chandrayaan-3(India) aims to achieve a soft landing on the lunar surface, following the unsuccessful attempt with the Chandrayaan-2 mission in 2019.

5. Consider the following statements:

Statement-I: 14 July also known as Bastille Day is observed as the national day of France.
Statement-II: The French Revolution started with an attack on the Bastille fort on 14 July 1789.

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: (A)

Explanation:

  • Recently, the Prime Minister of India visited Paris to attend the French National Day celebrations, known as Bastille Day, as the Guest of Honour.
  • The National Day of France, also known as Bastille Day or Fête Nationalefrançaise, is observed on July 14 and features a grand military parade, dancing, and celebrations. Hence, Statement-I is correct.
  • July 14 commemorates the storming of the Bastille, a fortress in Paris, in 1789, which marked the beginning of the French Revolution and influenced democratic ideas worldwide. Hence, both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement –II is the correct explanation of Statement-I.