Current Affairs MCQs for UPSC & State PSC Exams (17 July 2023)

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

Date: 17 July 2023

1. With reference to Agriculture Infra Fund Scheme (AIF), consider the following statements:

1. AIF is a financing facility launched in 2020 for creation of pre-harvest management infrastructure and community farm assets.
2. Under it, Rs. 1 Lakh Crore will be provided by banks and financial institutions as loans without any interest.

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: (D)

Explanation: AIF is a financing facility launched in 2020 for creation of post-harvest management infrastructure and community farm assets. Duration of the scheme is from FY2020 to FY2029 (10 years). Under it, Rs. 1 Lakh Crore will be provided by banks and financial institutions as loans with interest subvention of 3% per annum. Eligible beneficiaries include farmers, FPOs, PACS, Marketing Cooperative Societies, SHGs, etc. Hence, both statements are incorrect.

2. Consider the following statements about ‘Amrit Bharat Station Scheme (ABSS)’:

Statement 1 – The scheme envisages development of stations on a continuous basis with a long-term vision.
Statement 2 – The scheme shall cater for introduction of new amenities as well as upgradation and replacement of existing amenities.

Which one 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 for 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:

  • Amrit Bharat Station Scheme (ABSS) envisages development of stations on a continuous basis with a long-term vision. The scheme will subsume all previous redevelopment projects where work is yet to begin. The scheme aims at preparation of Master Plans of the Railway stations and implementation of the Master Plan in phases to enhance the facilities including and beyond the Minimum Essential Amenities.
  • The model envisages low-cost redevelopment of stations which can be executed timely. The scheme shall cater for introduction of new amenities as well as upgradation and replacement of existing amenities.

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

3. Cicada is an insect with a distinct singing call, mainly by males to attract females. It has transparent wings, large eyes and is often found in trees. It periodically emerges in large numbers, known as "cicada swarms" or "broods" and is commonly found worldwide. Cicadas are important for:

1. Nutrient cycling in soil
2. Serving as food for predators
3. Indicating ecosystem health
4. Cultural significance

How many of the above options is/are correct?

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

Answer: (D)

Explanation: Recently, a 'foreign' cicada commonly found in several parts of South India has been given an Indian identity. Cicada is an insect with a distinct singing call, mainly by males to attract females. It has transparent wings, large eyes and is often found in trees. It periodically emerges in large numbers, known as "cicada swarms" or "broods" and is commonly found worldwide. Cicadas are important for:

  • Nutrient cycling in soil
  • Serving as food for predators
  • Indirectly aiding in pollination
  • Indicating ecosystem health
  • Cultural significance

Hence, all are correct.

4. With reference to Namda art, consider the following statements:

1. It is traditional craft of Kashmir which involves making a rug which is primarily made of pure sheep wool.
2. In India the use of this art started from the reign of Mughal emperor Jahangir.
3. The declined art form is revived through project Namda under Pradhan Mantri Vishwakarma Kaushal Samman Scheme.

How many of the above statements is/are correct?

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

Answer: (A)

Explanation:

  • Namda craft is traditional Kraft of Kashmir which involves making a rug which is primarily made of pure sheep wool. It is different from regular rug as instead of using normal weaving process, felting technique is used. Hence no weaving is involved in this process. Namda works are used in the form of carpets, rugs, floor mats etc. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
  • Namda Art is said to have begun in 16th century when Mughal Emperor Akbar wanted to get a covering for his horses to protect them from the cold. It is believed that a Sufi saint named Shah-e-Hamdan introduced Kashmiris to the Namda art. Hence, statement 2 is incorrect.
  • The Namda project seeks to revive and preserve rich heritage associated with Namda craft. The project is public-private partnership (PPP) model in the field of skill development, as it is being implemented in collaboration with local industry partners. Through this special project under Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY), the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) has designed short-term training curriculum to preserve this endangered craft. Hence, statement 3 is incorrect.

5. Sand Point, recently seen in news, is located in which country?

(a) Iran
(b) China
(c) USA
(d) Afghanistan

Answer: (C)

Explanation: Recently, on July 15, 2023, a powerful magnitude 7.2 earthquake hit the offshore Alaska Peninsula region, particularly near Sand Point. Sand Point is a small city located in the Aleutians East Borough of Alaska, USA. The economy of Sand Point is primarily based on commercial fishing, especially for salmon, halibut and crab. The area is susceptible to earthquakes and tsunamis due to its location along the seismically active Pacific Ring of Fire. Hence, option (c) is correct.