Current Affairs MCQs for UPSC & State PSC Exams (15 July 2023)

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

Date: 15 July 2023

1. Consider the following statements, with reference to Kaas Plateau:

1. Kaas plateau also known as valley of flower is located in Maharashtra and It falls in biosphere of Western Ghats.
2. It is made of sedimentary rocks.
3. This plateau is inscribed in UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site lists under the name of Western Ghats.

How many of the statements given above are correct?

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

Answer: (B)

Explanation: New study of sediments from a seasonal lake in Kaas Plateau has indicated a major shift in Indian Summer Monsoons. Kaas plateau or pathar, also known as valley of flower, is located in Satara District, Maharashtra. It falls in biosphere of Western Ghats. Its name is derived from Kaasa tree, botanically known as Elaeocarpus glandulosus (rudraksha family). It is made of igneous rocks. This plateau is inscribed in UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site lists under the name of Western Ghats. Hence, statement 2 is incorrect.

2. With reference to Duchenne’s Muscular Dystrophy, consider the following statements:

1. DMS is a rare genetic disease characterized by progressive muscle degeneration and weakness due to alterations of a protein called dystrophin.
2. It can begin as early as age 2 or 3, primarily affects girls, but in rare cases it can affect boys.

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:

  • Researchers from India and Japan have developed a disease-modifying treatment for DMD. DMS is a rare genetic disease characterized by progressive muscle degeneration and weakness due to alterations of a protein called dystrophin. Muscle weakness is the principal symptom of DMD. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
  • It can begin as early as age 2 or 3, primarily affects boys, but in rare cases it can affect girls. Women are usually carriers of the genetic trait. Hence, statement 2 is incorrect.

3. Thermal InfraRed Imaging Satellite for High-resolution Natural resource Assessment (TRISHNA) mission is a joint initiative of:

(a) India-France
(b) India-Japan
(c) USA-Canada
(d) USA-European Union

Answer: (A)

Explanation: Thermal InfraRed Imaging Satellite for High-resolution Natural resource Assessment (TRISHNA) is a joint development by the French Space Agency (CNES) and Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO). The satellite will join the Franco-Indian fleet for use in climate monitoring and operational applications. Hence, option (a) is correct.

4. Consider the following statements regarding BHARAT Campaign:

1. Improving agricultural product value chains and market connections.
2. Providing farmers with better access to credit, insurance, and technology.
3. Supporting gender equality in agriculture and empowering women farmers.

How many of the above are the objectives of the BHARAT Campaign?

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

Answer: (C)

Explanation: Recently, the BHARAT (Building Human Assets and Resilient Agriculture) campaign was launched to raise Rs 7200 crore under the Agri Infra Fund from July 15th to August 15th, 2023. It is an important campaign initiated by the Government of India.

Objectives:

  • Enhancing agricultural productivity and income of farmers.
  • Promoting sustainable farming practices and reducing environmental degradation.
  • Strengthening the value chains and market linkages for agricultural produce.
  • Ensuring better access to credit, insurance, and technology for farmers.
  • Empowering women farmers and promoting gender equality in agriculture.
  • Improving rural infrastructure and providing essential services to farming communities.
  • Enhancing research and development efforts in agriculture for innovation and technology adoption.
  • Promoting skill development and capacity building of farmers and rural youth.

5. Consider the following statements:

Statement-I: The HathniKund barrage is located on the Yamuna River in Yamuna Nagar district of Haryana.
Statement-II: The HathniKund Barrage ensures water distribution of the Yamuna river among riparian states.

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:

  • The HathniKund is a concrete barrage located on the Yamuna River in Yamuna Nagar district of Haryana state, India. It was constructed between October 1996 and June 1999 for the purpose of irrigation. It replaced the Tajewala Barrage 3 km (2 mi) downstream which was constructed in 1873 and is now out of service. Hence, statement-I is correct.
  • The Hathinikund Barrage plays a significant role in regulating the flow of the Yamuna River and ensuring water distribution among riparian states. The barrage, located upstream on the Haryana-UP border, is instrumental in maintaining water-sharing agreements and managing water resources. Hence, statement-II is correct.

Hence, both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct but Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I.