Current Affairs MCQs for UPSC & State PSC Exams (31 July 2023)

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

Date: 31 July 2023

1. Consider the following statements, with reference to Biosimilars:

1. Biosimilar is a biologic medical product that is almost an identical copy of an original product that is manufactured by a different company.
2. Biosimilars are the generic versions of biologics medicines made from chemicals as opposed to animal or plant proteins.
3. They are less sensitive to temperature, easy to maintain and do not require cold chain network.

How many of the above statements is/are correct?

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

Answer: (A)

Explanation:

  • Biosimilar is a biologic medication that is similar to another biologic drug. Biosimilar is a biologic medical product that is almost an identical copy of an original product that is manufactured by a different company. Biosimilars are officially approved versions of original “innovator” products and can be manufactured when the original product’s patent expires. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
  • Biosimilars are the generic versions of biologics medicines made from animal or plant proteins as opposed to chemicals. Biologics, or biological products, are medicines made from living organisms. Hence, statement 2 is incorrect.
  • Biosimilars are prescribed medications and serve as lower-cost alternatives to their original biologic counterparts. The temperature has a significant impact on the maintenance of biosimilars because of their great sensitivity. They must therefore be distributed via a cold chain network. Hence, statement 3 is incorrect.

2. Dongria Kondh Tribe, recently seen in news, belongs to which state?

(a) Chattisgarh
(b) Jharkhand
(c) Telangana
(d) Odisha

Answer: (D)

Explanation: The Dongria Kondh Tribe is an indigenous community belonging to the Munda ethnic group, residing in the Niyamgiri hills of Odisha, India. Their name is derived from "dongar," meaning 'hill,' and they refer to themselves as Jharnia, meaning 'protector of streams.' They use the Kui language, primarily spoken without a script. Hence, option (d) is correct.

3. With reference to Free Movement Regime (FMR), consider the following statements:

1. FMR is a mutually agreed arrangement between two countries that allows tribes living along the border on either side to travel up to 25 km inside the other country without a visa.
2. The FMR was implemented in 2021 as part of India’s Act East policy.

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:

  • The FMR is a mutually agreed arrangement between the two countries that allows tribes living along the border on either side to travel up to 16 km inside the other country without a visa. Hence, statement 1 is incorrect.
  • The FMR was implemented in 2018 as part of India’s Act East policy at a time when diplomatic relations between India and Myanmar were on the upswing. Hence, statement 2 is incorrect.

4. Consider the following statements regarding Qila Rai Pithora:

1. It was constructed in the 12th century by Rajput ruler Prithviraj Chauhan.
2. The complex of the Qila Lal Pithora also includes the Lal Kot, which had been built in the 18th century by Tomar ruler Anang Pal I.

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: Qila Rai Pithora (literally "Rai Pithora's Fort") is a fortified complex in present-day Delhi, including the Qutb Minar complex. The term was first used by the 16th century historian Abu'l-Fazl in his Ain-i-Akbari, who presents Delhi as the Chahamana capital. It was constructed in the 12th century by Rajput ruler Prithviraj Chauhan. The complex of the Qila Lal Pithora also includes the Lal Kot, which had been built in the 18th century by Tomar ruler Anang Pal I. Hence, both statements are incorrect.

5. Parkachik Glacier, recently seen in news, is situated in:

(a) Arunachal Pradesh
(b) Ladakh
(c) Sikkim
(d) Uttarakhand

Answer: (B)

Explanation: According to a new study conducted by scientists at the Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology, three glacial lakes are projected to form around the Parkachik Glacier in Ladakh due to rapid ice melt. The Parkachik glacier is one of the largest glaciers in the Suru River basin, encompassing 53 square kilometres and stretching 14 kilometres. The Suru River valley is located in the western Himalayas' southern Zanskar Ranges. Main reasons for rapid melting of glacier are global warming and increasing temperatures, and a lower altitude than other glaciers in Zanskar region. Hence, option (b) is correct.