Current Affairs MCQs for UPSC & State PSC Exams (24 August 2023)


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

Date: 24 August 2023


1. Consider the following statements with reference, to Bharat New Car Assessment Programme (Bharat NCAP):

1. Bharat NCAP is an indigenous programme for testing cars in which car manufacturers can volunteer to get a star rating indicating the safety of their models in a crash.
2. Under the programme, crash tests will evaluate vehicle performance and award ratings from 0 to 5 stars.
3. The programme is mandatory for the vehicles with gross weight exceeding 3,500 kg.

How many of the statements given above are correct?

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

Answer: (A)

Explanation:

  • Recently Ministry of Road Transport and Highways unveiled the Bharat NCAP to increase the road safety. Bharat NCAP is an indigenous programme for testing cars in which car manufacturers can volunteer to get a star rating indicating the safety of their models in a crash. It is an indigenous programme which crash-test cars as per Automotive Industry Standard (AIS) 197. The programme is voluntary in nature. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
  • A rating from 1 star to 5 stars will be assigned to a vehicle after an evaluation of 3 parameters which includes:
  • Adult occupant protection.
  • Child occupant protection.
  • Safety assist technologies present in the car.

Hence, statement 2 is incorrect.

The programme will be applicable to passenger vehicles with not more than eight seats in addition to the driver’s seat with gross vehicle weight not exceeding 3,500 kg. The Bharat New Car Assessment Programme (Bharat NCAP) is modelled on the Global New Car Assessment Programme (Global NCAP). Hence, statement 3 is incorrect.

2. Consider the following statements regarding PHYGITAL Banking:

1. It replaces the traditional brick-and-mortar banking branches with digital platforms.
2. Through this bank can sell another product or service that the customer is not looking for.

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: Phygital or Hybrid model is a combination of the phrases physical and digital banking. It is a service where traditional and digital models co-exist, and customers get best of both the worlds. A PHYGITAL approach can meet the needs of all end users. The significant advantage of phygital is increased efficiency and cost savings. India Post Payments Bank uses PHYGITAL Banking Service platform to attain inclusive banking. India Post Payments Bank at national scale has created a differential positioning, envisaged to operate where traditional banking failed to catch up owing to conventional barriers. Cross selling refers to the practice where bank associate attempts to sell an existing customer additional financial product. Hence, both statements are incorrect.

3. Which of the following relates to the recently identified 'Demon Particle'?

(a) Artificial Intelligence (AI)
(b) Blockchain innovation
(c) Superconductivity
(d) Exploration of space

Answer: (C)

Explanation: A "demon particle" is a theoretical concept predicted by physicist David Pines in 1956. Pines proposed that electrons passing through solids could lead to the formation of a new type of particle, the "demon particle." These particles are massless, chargeless, and transparent to light. Superconductivity allows electric charge to move through a material with zero resistance. Energy transfer between points becomes highly efficient, devoid of heat loss. In theory, this allows electrical energy to be transported between two sites with 100% efficiency and no heat loss. Hence, option (c) is correct.

4. Umiam lake, also known as Barapani Lake recently seen in news is located in which state?

(a) Nagaland
(b) Manipur
(c) Meghalaya
(d) Assam

Answer: (C)

Explanation: Umiam Lake is one of the largest artificial lakes in Meghalaya. It is locally known as Bara Pani or Large Water. The Sylvan Hills and Khasi Pine trees add to the beauty of this vast lake. It was initially established as a dam or reservoir for hydroelectric power generation, but currently it is a popular tourist destination. Hence, option (c) is correct.

5. Consider the following statements regarding Chandrayaan-3 mission:

1. It is a follow-on mission to Chandrayaan-2 to demonstrate end-to-end capability in safe landing and roving on the lunar surface.
2. Chandrayaan-3 consists of an indigenous Lander module Propulsion module and a Rover.
3. India is the first nation in the world to accomplish soft landing on Moon’s South Pole successfully.

How many of the statements given above are correct?

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

Answer: (C)

Explanation: Chandrayaan-3 is a follow-on mission to Chandrayaan-2 to demonstrate end-to-end capability in safe landing and roving on the lunar surface. It was launched by LVM3 from SDSC SHAR, Sriharikota. Chandrayaan-3 consists of an indigenous Lander module (LM), Propulsion module (PM) and a Rover with an objective of developing and demonstrating new technologies required for Inter planetary missions. Recently, Indian Chandrayaan-3 mission successfully landed the moon; it is one of the most defining moments in India’s history. With the landing on moon, India became one of the four countries to accomplish a soft landing on the lunar surface, and the first to do so near the Moon’s South Pole. Hence, all statements are correct.