Current Affairs MCQs for UPSC & State PSC Exams (25 July 2023)

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

Date: 25 July 2023

1. Consider the following statements with reference to Ludwigia Peruviana:

1. Ludwigia Peruviana is an aquatic weed native to India.
2. It is used as an ornamental plant for its tiny yellow flowers.
3. It grows fast along water bodies.

How many of the statements given above are correct?

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

Answer: (B)

Explanation:

  • Ludwiga peruviana an invasive weed, is threatening elephant habitats and foraging grounds in Tamil Nadu. It has infested the majority of the hill station’s swamps, locally known as vayals. It is popularly called primrose willow and is a native of Central and South America including Peru. Hence, statement 1 is incorrect.
  • It is used as an ornamental plant for its tiny yellow flowers. It grows fast along water bodies. It is among the 22 priority invasive plants in Tamil Nadu. Ludwigia peruviana is a perennial, sometimes deciduous, wetland shrub that can grow to 3 and 4 metres. Hnce, statement 2 and 3 are correct.

2. Batagaika Crater, located in Russia, is recently seen in news for which of the following reason?

(a) Land subsidence
(b) Ground water extraction
(c) Meteor impact
(d) Permafrost thawing

Answer: (D)

Explanation: Batagaika Crater is the World's biggest permafrost crater located in Far East of Russia. Scientists believe that the crater is the result of a melting permafrost land, which was frozen during the Quaternary Ice Age 2.58 million years ago. The locals call it “gateway to the underworld” while scientists call it as mega-slumps. This is produced by higher air temperatures, warming climate and anthropogenic impact. It holds clues to prehistoric life on Earth. Researchers believe the exposed ice and soil along the crater’s edges could hold up to 200,000 years of geological and biological history. Hence, option (d) is correct.

3. Consider the following statements regarding Hygroelectricity:

Statement I - Hygroelectricity is the generation of electricity from the humidity of the air.
Statement II - The key to harvesting electricity from humid air lies in a tiny device comprising two electrodes and a thin layer of material filled with nanopores.

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: (A)

Explanation: Hygroelectricity is the generation of electricity from the humidity of the air. It is a type of renewable energy that has the potential to be a major source of power in the future. The key to harvesting electricity from humid air lies in a tiny device comprising two electrodes and a thin layer of material filled with nanopores. Just as clouds create electrical charges and give rise to lightning bolts during storms, this revolutionary device converts air humidity into usable electricity. Unlike other renewable energy sources such as solar and wind, air humidity is continuously available, making it a sustainable reservoir of energy. Hence, both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement –II is the correct explanation of Statement-I.

4. With reference to Prime Minister’s Development Initiative for North East Region (PM-DevINE) scheme consider the following statements:

1. It will aim at providing livelihood opportunities to the youth and women of north eastern region.
2. The central government is bearing the entire fund of the scheme.

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:

  • PM-DevINE Scheme, short for "Prime Minister's Development Initiative for North Eastern Region," is a Central Sector scheme with 100% central funding, introduced in the Union Budget 2022-23. The scheme aims to promote development in the North Eastern Region (NER) of India. PM-DevINE scheme will be implemented by the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (MDoNER) through North Eastern Council or Central Ministries/agencies or State Government agencies.
  • The objectives of PM-DevINE are to: (i) Fund infrastructure convergently, in the spirit of PM GatiShakti; (ii) Support social development projects based on felt needs of the North Eastern Region (NER); (iii) Enable livelihood activities for youth and women; and (iv) Fill the development gaps in various sectors. PM-DevINE will not be a substitute for existing Central and State Schemes. It will lead to creation of infrastructure, support industries, social development projects and create livelihood activities for youth and women, thus leading to income and employment generation.

Hence, both statements are correct.

5. Consider the following statements regarding the Solar Technology and Application Resource Centres (STAR-C) initiative:

1. It is joint initiative of International Solar Alliance and United Nations Development Programme.
2. It aims to strengthen solar energy ecosystems in the world's poorest nations.

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: India is thinking of including many Pacific Island nations in its Solar Technology and Application Resource Centres (STAR-C) initiative. The International Solar Alliance and the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) collaborate to manage the project. The programme aims to strengthen solar energy ecosystems in the world's poorest nations. It aims to create a strong network of institutional capacities within ISA member states to enhance quality infrastructure for the uptake of solar energy products and services. Hence, both statements are correct.