Current Affairs MCQs for UPSC & State PSC Exams (20 July 2023)

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

Date: 20 July 2023

1. With reference to Graphics Processing Units (GPUs), consider the following statements:

1. Graphics Processing Units (GPUs) are specialized electronic circuits or processors designed to accelerate and enhance graphics rendering tasks in computers, gaming consoles, and other devices.
2. CPUs are latency-oriented and task-parallel, while GPUs are throughput-oriented and data-parallel.

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: The global surge in artificial intelligence (AI) has been fueled by the emergence of graphics processing units (GPUs). Graphics Processing Units (GPUs) are specialized electronic circuits or processors designed to accelerate and enhance graphics rendering tasks in computers, gaming consoles, and other devices. Graphics Processing Units (GPUs) have revolutionized AI globally. Originally for graphics tasks, GPUs excel in deep learning by executing parallel calculations, advancing AI models with larger datasets. CPUs are latency-oriented and task-parallel, while GPUs are throughput-oriented and data-parallel. GPUs' matrix operations make them ideal for AI. Hence, both statements are correct.

2. Consider the following statements regarding Universal Postal Union (UPU):

Statement 1 – UPU aim is to establish international regulations for postal services and to promote cooperation in postal matters.
Statement 2 – Any non-member country of United Nations may become a UPU member provided that its request is approved by at least two-thirds of the member countries of the UPU.

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:

  • The Universal Postal Union will assess UPI's integration with cross-border remittances through the global postal network, as per a recent official statement. The Universal Postal Union (UPU) is a specialized agency of the United Nations. It serves as the primary forum for international cooperation in the postal sector. UPU was established in 1874 by the Treaty of Bern. It is the world's second oldest international organization. UPU aim is to establish international regulations for postal services and to promote cooperation in postal matters. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
  • Membership in the UPU is open to any United Nations member country. Any non-member country of United Nations may become a UPU member provided that its request is approved by at least two-thirds of the member countries of the UPU. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
  • Therefore, both statement-I and statement-II are correct and statement II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I.

3. Consider the following statements, with reference to External commercial borrowings (ECBs):

1. It is an instrument used in India to facilitate Indian companies to raise money outside the country in foreign currency for the expansion of existing capacity as well as for fresh investments.
2. The funds are available for a relatively short term.
3. The cost of funds is usually cheaper from external sources if borrowed from economies with a lower interest rate.

How many of the above statements is/are correct?

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

Answer: (B)

Explanation:

  • External commercial borrowing (ECB) is borrowing made in foreign currency by non-resident lenders to Indian borrowers. It is an instrument used in India to facilitate Indian companies to raise money outside the country in foreign currency. The government of India permits Indian corporates to raise money via ECB for the expansion of existing capacity as well as for fresh investments. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
  • ECBs provide an opportunity to borrow large volumes of funds. The funds are available for a relatively long term. Hence, statement 2 is incorrect.
  • The cost of funds is usually cheaper from external sources if borrowed from economies with a lower interest rate. For example Indian companies can usually borrow at lower rates from the U.S. and the Eurozone as interest rates are lower there compared to the home country, India. Hence, statement 3 is correct.

4. Consider the following statements, with reference to Endometriosis:

1. It is a disease caused by a sexually transmitted virus.
2. It is a disease in which tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus.
3. There is currently no known cure for endometriosis.

How many of the above statements is/are incorrect?

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

Answer: (A)

Explanation: Endometriosis is a disease in which tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus. It can cause severe pain in the pelvis and make it harder to get pregnant. Endometriosis can start at a person’s first menstrual period and last until menopause. With endometriosis, tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus. This leads to inflammation and scar tissue forming in the pelvic region and (rarely) elsewhere in the body. The cause of endometriosis is unknown. There is no known way to prevent endometriosis. There is no cure, but its symptoms can be treated with medicines or, in some cases, surgery. Hence, only statement 1 is incorrect.

5. Consider the following statements, with reference to Light Fidelity (Li-Fi):

1. It uses special LED light bulbs as routers to deliver data.
2. Unlike Wi-Fi routers, which use radio frequencies to transmit data, Li-Fi devices use visible, infrared or ultraviolet light.

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: Li-Fi uses special LED (light-emitting diodes) light bulbs as routers and works on optical wireless communications (OWC) technology. Li-Fi devices will deliver data through visible, infrared, or ultraviolet light, unlike Wi-Fi routers, which use radio frequencies to transmit data. Li-Fi's speed is said to be 100 times faster than WiGig, the fastest Wi-Fi in the 60GHz frequency band, which can achieve a maximum speed of 7GB per second. Li-Fi decreases eavesdropping and jamming and facilitates centimeter-precision indoor navigation. If a user wants to use Li-FI, they need a Li-Fi-equipped LED bulb in the room since light cannot penetrate walls like radio waves. Currently, developers are working to optimise mixed use of Wi-Fi and Li-Fi for homes and offices use. Hence, both statements are correct.