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

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

Date: 14 September 2023

1. Consider the following statements, with reference to Voter verifiable paper audit trail:

1. It is a machine that is attached to the Electronic Voting Machine that provides feedback to voters using a ballot less voting system.
2. It has a transparent window that shows the Name, Serial number and Election symbol for 7 seconds to the voter.

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: Recently election commission of India mandates the counting of all VVPAT slips in 5 randomly selected polling stations per Assembly constituency or segment in the upcoming 2024 Lok Sabha election. VVPAT is a machine that is attached to the ballot unit (BU) Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) that provides feedback to voters using a ballot less voting system. It is also called as verifiable paper record (VPR). When a vote is cast, a slip is printed containing the serial number, name and symbol of the candidate and remains exposed through a transparent window for 7 seconds. Thereafter, this printed slip automatically gets cut and falls in the sealed drop box of the VVPAT. It was used for the first time in all 21 polling stations of the Noksen Assembly constituency of Nagaland in 2013. The 2019 Lok Sabha elections became the first general election to have 100% of EVMs being attached to VVPATs. Hence, both statements are correct.

2. Consider the following statements, with reference to Nipah virus (NiV):

1. NiV is a zoonotic virus (transmitted from animals to humans) and can also be transmitted through contaminated food or directly between people.
2. It was first recognized in 1999 during an outbreak among pig farmers in Malaysia.
3. There is no treatment or vaccine available for either people or animals.

How many of the above statements is/are correct?

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

Answer: (C)

Explanation: Kerala has witnessed outbreak of NiV. NiV is a zoonotic virus (transmitted from animals to humans) and can also be transmitted through contaminated food or directly between people. It was first recognized in 1999 during an outbreak among pig farmers in Malaysia. Fruit bats of family (Pteropodidae) and genus (Pteropus) are the natural hosts for Nipah virus. There is no treatment or vaccine available for either people or animals. Hence, all statements are correct.

3. Moodbidri, a place where unique terracotta figurines were discovered is located which of the following state?

(a) Andhra Pradesh
(b) Karnataka
(c) Telangana
(d) Tamil Nadu

Answer: (B)

Explanation: In recent archaeological explorations near Moodbidri, Dakshina Kannada, unique terracotta figurines were discovered (related to the Megalithic Dolmen site). Mudbidri is a town and taluk in Dakshina Kannada district. It lies 34 km northeast of the district headquarters, Mangalore, in Karnataka. Because of the widely grown bamboo in ancient days, this place was named Moodabidri. Hence, option (b) is correct.

4. With reference to the Nataraja sculpture, consider the following statements:

1. Around the 5th century AD, the notion of Shiva as a dancer, known as Nataraja, began to take shape.
2. Sand casting was used to create the Nataraja sculpture at Bharat Mandapam.
3. The Nataraja statue at Bharat Mandapam is inspired by the Thillai Nataraja Temple, the Uma Maheswarar Temple, and the Brihadeeswara (Big) Temple.

How many of the above statements is/are correct?

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

Answer: (C)

Explanation: Around the 5th century AD, the notion of Shiva as a dancer, known as Nataraja, began to take shape. Bharat Mandapam's Nataraja sculpture was created utilizing the lost wax method. This Nataraja statue was inspired by three respected Nataraja idols: the Thillai Nataraja Temple in Chidambaram, the Uma Maheswarar Temple in Konerirajapuram, and the Brihadeeswara (Big) Temple in Thanjavur, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Hence, statement 2 is incorrect.

5. Eastern Maritime Corridor is a proposed marine corridor between which of the following countries?

(a) India and Bangladesh
(b) Japan and India
(c) India and Singapore
(d) Russia and India

Answer: (D)

Explanation: Eastern Maritime Corridor (EMC) is the proposed marine corridor between India and Russia connecting Chennai and Vladivostok ports. EMC is estimated to reduce the time required to transport cargo between Indian and Russian Ports of Far-East Region by up to 16 days. A large container ship which travels at the normal cruising speed of will be able to cover this distance in 10 to 12 days approximately. It is a part of India’s maritime programme and its flagship programme Sagarmala. Sagarmala was launched with the objective to boost India’s logistics sector performance, by unlocking the full potential of India’s coastline and waterways. Hence, option (d) is correct.