Current Affairs MCQs for UPSC & State PSC Exams (30 December 2023)

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

Date: 30 December 2023

1. Which of the following statements are incorrect about Synthetic diamonds?

(a) They are mostly manufactured through two processes, High Pressure,High Temperature (HPHT) method or Chemical Vapour Deposition (CVD) method.
(b) Synthetic diamonds are used to efficiently dissipate heat in high-power electronics like laser diodes and transistors.
(c) The government has taken action to reduce the duty on seeds for rough LGDs from 5% to zero.
(d) None of the above

Answer: (D)

Explanation: These diamonds are primarily produced using two methods: High Pressure, High Temperature (HPHT) or Chemical Vapour Deposition (CVD). Both methods start with a diamond seed, typically a slice of another diamond. Pure synthetic diamonds serve as effective heat spreaders in electronics, specifically for high-power laser diodes, laser arrays, and high-power transistors.
The 2023 Union Budget aims to boost the production of lab-grown diamonds in India by pledging to eliminate the basic customs duty on seeds used in their manufacture, reducing the duty on rough LGD seeds from 5% to nil.


2. Consider the following Jain Teerthankars:

Teerthankars Symbols
1. Vardhamana Mahavira Lion
2. Mallinath Water Jug(kalasha)
3. Vimalnath Boar
4. Pushpadanta Dolphins

How many of the above pairs are correctly matched?

(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) Only three
(d) All four

Answer: (D)

    Explanation:
  • Vardhamana Mahavira: Vardhamana Mahavira, symbolized by a lion and associated with the color golden, embodies strength and courage. His title, "Prospering Great Hero," reflects the regality and power of his teachings in Jainism.
  • Mallinath: Malli, represented by a water jug(kalasha) and linked to the color blue, signifies strength, purity, and serenity. The wrestler emblem suggests resilience, creating a portrait of a Tirthankara with a balance of strength and tranquility.
  • Vimalnath: Vimala, symbolized by a boar and associated with the color golden, represents clarity and fearlessness. The boar's symbolism aligns with the tenacity implied by the name, and the golden color emphasizes purity and spiritual illumination.
  • Pushpadanta: Also known as Suvidi, Pushpadanta is associated with religious duties, symbolized by a dolphin or sea dragon, and linked to the color white. His symbolism conveys joyful dedication to religious practices, coupled with strength derived from spiritual awareness.

3. Consider the following statements about tigers in India:

1. India is home to more than 70% of the global wild tiger population, boasting a minimum of 3,167 tigers.
2. Nine tiger reserves received CA|TS accreditation in the current year.
3. The wild tiger population in India demonstrates a robust growth rate of 16% per year.

How many of the above statements is/are correct?

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

Answer: (A)

Explanation: India holds a preeminent position in global tiger conservation efforts, harboring more than 70% of the world's wild tiger population, totaling a minimum of 3,167 tigers. The recent release of the 5th cycle of the All India Tiger Estimation 2022 summary report underscores India's commitment to tracking and preserving its tiger population. Hence, statement 1 is correct. In a noteworthy achievement, six tiger reserves have received Conservation Assured Tiger Standards (CA|TS) accreditation this year, contributing to a total of 23 accredited reserves in the country. Hence, statement 2 is not correct. Despite the positive growth rate of 6% per year in India's wild tiger numbers, challenges such as poaching and habitat fragmentation persist. The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) remains actively engaged in collaborative efforts with Forest Departments to address these challenges and safeguard crucial habitats and corridors for the thriving tiger population. Hence, statement 3 is not correct.


4. Consider the following ranks:

1. Brigadier
2. Captain (Navy)
3. Wing Commander
4. Sub-lieutenant

Arrange the above in a hierarchical manner (bottom to top).

(a) 2, 4, 1, 3
(b) 2, 1, 4, 3
(c) 4, 2, 3, 1
(d) 4, 3, 2, 1

Answer: (C)

    Explanation:
    Air Force Army Navy
    1. Marshal of the Indian Air Force Field Marshal Admiral of the Fleet
    2. Air Chief Marshal General Admiral
    3. Air Marshal Air Marshal Lieutenant General (Army Commodore/ VCOAS) Vice Admiral / FOC-in-C / VCNS Vice Admiral / FOC-in-C / VCNS
    4. Air Vice Marshal Lieutenant General Vice Admiral
    5. Group Captain Colonel Captain
    6. Wing Commander Lieutenant Colonel Commander
    7. Squadron Leader Major Lieutenant Commander
    8. Flight Lieutenant Captain Lieutenant
    9. Flying Officer Lieutenant Sub Lieutenant
    10. Flight Cadet - -

5. Consider the following description:

Nestled in the tranquil environs of the Chandaka forest, lies a remarkable zoological park and botanical garden spanning 437 hectares (1,080 acres). This expansive sanctuary encompasses the scenic 134-acre (54 ha) Kanjia lake. Distinguished as the first of its kind in India, it introduces a novel approach to wildlife exploration. Visitors embark on a safari adventure where they remain enclosed in a vehicle while the animals roam freely in their natural habitat. Additionally, this immersive experience extends to observing sloth bears in their undisturbed natural surroundings, providing a unique and enriching wildlife encounter.

Which of the following places is best explained in the above description?

(a) Kotagarh Wildlife Sanctuary
(b) Satkosia Wildlife Sanctuary
(c) Nandankanan Zoological Park
(d) Chilika Wildlife Sanctuary

Answer: (C)

Explanation: Nandankanan Zoological Park, a sprawling 437-hectare zoo and botanical garden in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India, was established in 1960 and opened to the public in 1979. A pioneer in wildlife conservation, it became the first zoo in India to join the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA) in 2009. Nandankanan, known as The Garden of Heaven, is set amidst the Chandaka forest, featuring the picturesque 134-acre Kanjia Lake. Following a major upgrade in 2000 post the super-cyclone damage, it now attracts over 2.6 million visitors annually. Notably, Nandankanan offers a distinctive white tiger safari, allowing visitors an immersive experience as animals roam freely in their natural habitat. The park also features a lion safari and a sloth bear safari, making it a unique destination for wildlife enthusiasts.