Current Affairs MCQs for UPSC & State PSC Exams (18 July 2023)

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

Date: 18 July 2023

1. Consider the following statements regarding Veer Damodar Savarkar:

1. He advocated for the abolition of the caste system and promoted social equality.
2. He authored several influential books and pamphlets, including "The First War of Independence"

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: (C)

Explanation:

  • Savarkar was a vocal critic of the caste system. He believed that it was a social evil that needed to be abolished. He argued that the caste system was based on inequality and discrimination, and that it prevented the development of a united and strong India. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
  • Savarkar was a prolific writer. He wrote several books and pamphlets on a variety of topics, including politics, history, and social reform. His most famous book is "The First War of Independence", which argued that the Indian Rebellion of 1857 was a war of independence against British rule. Hence, statement 2 is correct.

2. Consider the following statements, with reference to Hoolock Gibbons:

1. Hoolock Gibbons are found in India, Myanmar and Bangladesh.
2. These animals are known to live in tropical evergreen forests and are commonly found near rivers.
3. Gibbons is the smallest and fastest of all apes.

How many of the statements given above are correct?

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

Answer: (C)

Explanation: Recently Global Gibbon Network (GGN) conducted an event in china to address the decreasing number of Gibbons due to deforestation. Hoolock Gibbons is the India’s only ape which are found at North East India. Hoolock gibbon is found from Myanmar (Burma) west of the Salween River into Assam, India and Bangladesh. These animals are known to live in tropical evergreen forests and are commonly found near rivers. Gibbons are the smallest and fastest of all the apes. Like all apes, Gibbons are extremely intelligent, with distinct personalities and strong family bonds. They are omnivorous and survive by eating fruits, insects, and leaves. All 20 species of Gibbons are at a high risk of extinction. It is listed as 'Endangered' under the IUCN Red List. Hence, all statements are correct.

3. Consider the following pairs:

Straits Joining Water Bodies
1. Bab-el-Mandeb Red sea and Gulf of Aden
2. Kerch strait Black Sea and Marmara Sea
3. Gibraltar Strait Mediterranean Sea & Atlantic Ocean

How many of the above pairs is/are correctly matched?

(a) Only one pair
(b) Only two pairs
(c) All three pairs
(d) None of the above

Answer: (B)

Explanation: The correct matching of the pairs is given below:

Straits Joining Water Bodies
1. Bab-el-Mandeb Red sea and Gulf of Aden
2. Kerch strait Black Sea and Sea of Azov
3. Gibraltar Strait Mediterranean Sea & Atlantic Ocean

Recently, the Kerch Bridge, linking Russia to the occupied Crimean Peninsula, was attacked with two explosions. The Kerch Bridge is located in the region of Kerch, connecting Russia to the Crimean Peninsula. It spans across the Kerch Strait, which separates the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov. Hence, option (b) is correct.

4. Bura Chapori Wildlife Sanctuary, recently seen in news, is located in which state?

(a) Assam
(b) Meghalaya
(c) Jharkhand
(d) Mizoram

Answer: (A)

Explanation: Bura Chapori Wildlife Sanctuary is situated in the northeastern state of Assam, India. The sanctuary is located on the northern bank of the Brahmaputra River. The sanctuary is particularly recognized for its significant bird population, with over 220 species of birds recorded, including several migratory species. Bura Chapori is home to diverse mammalian species, including the Gangetic dolphin, water buffalo, capped langur, Bengal fox and various species of deer. Hence, option (a) is correct.

5. ‘Black Sea Grain Initiative’ agreement is between which two countries?

1. Ukraine
2. Russia
3. USA
4. France

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 4 only
(d) 2 and 4 only

Answer: (A)

Explanation: Black Sea Grain Initiative : It is an initiative on the Safe Transportation of Grain and Foodstuffs from Ukrainian ports, also called the Black Sea Grain Initiative, is an agreement between Russia and Ukraine made with Turkey and the United Nations during the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine. Hence, option (a) is correct.