Current Affairs MCQs for UPSC & State PSC Exams (27 July 2023)

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

Date: 27 July 2023

1. Consider the following statements regarding Miocene Epoch:

1. During this epoch, there was a significant decrease in global temperatures.
2. Oceanic nutrient productivity during this time was uniform throughout all oceans.
3. During this period, the evolution of molluscs and marine plankton decreased.

How many of the above statements is/are correct?

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

Answer: (D)

Explanation:

  • Recently, a research group in Japan has uncovered an exceptionally well-preserved fossil forest which belongs to the late Miocene epoch. The Miocene epoch was a lengthy period characterized by the Earth's climate rebounding from the Oligocene cooling. During this epoch, there was a significant increase in global temperatures. Hence, statement 1 is incorrect.
  • Oceanic nutrient distribution patterns changed, resulting in greater production in some locations and decreased productivity in others. Hence, statement 2 is incorrect.
  • The Miocene spurred accelerated evolution in marine plankton and molluscs, increasing biological diversity. Africa has abundant Miocene fossils. Hence, statement 3 is incorrect.

2. With reference to No Confidence Motion, consider the following statements:

Statement I - A No-Confidence Motion should state the reasons for its adoption in the Lok Sabha.
Statement II – It can be moved against the entire council of ministers and not against an individual minister.

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: (D)

Explanation: No-confidence motion tests government's majority. Any Lok Sabha MP with 50 colleagues' support can introduce it. Lok Sabha can remove the ministry by passing this motion. Article 75 makes the council of ministers collectively responsible to Lok Sabha. It is not essential to state the reasons for adoption of No- Confidence motion. A No-Confidence motion cannot be moved against an individual minister. If it is passed in the Lok Sabha, the council of ministers must resign from the office. Hence, Statement-I is incorrect but Statement II is correct.

3. With reference to the STARFIRE algorithm, consider the following statements:

1. It can calculate the amount of Radio Frequency Interference emitted by FM radio stations.
2. It is being developed by Defence Research and Development Organisation.

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: (A)

Explanation:

  • STARFIRE stands for Simulation of TerrestriAlRadio Frequency Interference in oRbits around Earth. It can calculate and utilise the Radio Frequency Interference emitted by FM radio stations, WiFi networks, mobile towers, radar, satellites, and communication equipment to design and fine-tune antennas. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
  • Scientists at the Raman Research Institute (RRI), an autonomous institute of the Department of Science and Technology, have developed the STARFIRE algorithm. Hence, statement 2 is incorrect.

4. ‘Long March-10’ rocket, a new crewed launch vehicle recently seen in news is developed by which country?

(a) USA
(b) China
(c) India
(d) Japan

Answer: (B)

Explanation: The new carrier rocket from China is intended for manned moon landing missions. A crew module and lunar lander can both be transported by the rocket to an Earth-Moon transfer orbit. It has a modular design and is made up of a service capsule, a return capsule, and an escape tower, which makes it resemble a little space station all by itself. Hence, option (b) is correct.

5. Which of the following options correctly describes the ‘T+1 settlement system’, recently seen in the news?

(a) It refers to the transaction that is initiated through a bank and allows for the movement of funds from one account to another.
(b) It refers to reporting and recovery of NPA within one year from the day it is listed as NPA.
(c) It refers to the settlement dates of security transactions that occur on a transaction date plus one day.
(d) It refers to recovery phase of business cycle after recession.

Answer: (C)

Explanation: T+1 settlement cycle means any trade-related settlements must be completed within one day from the day of the transaction. For instance, if you have brought a share on Tuesday, it will be credited to your Demat account by Wednesday. T+1 settlement system will shorten the settlement cycle which will reduce the risk of default and will increase the liquidity in the market with availability of funds. China is the only market of significant size and scale which operates on a shortened settlement cycle (T0/T+1). SEBI announced a shift to T+1 settlement cycle for all scripts from October 1, 2023. Earlier, India followed T+2 settlement and now adopts T+1 settlement. T+1 means settlements must be completed within one day of the transaction's completion. Currently, trades on Indian stock exchanges are settled in two working days (T+2). Hence, option (b) is correct.