Current Affairs MCQs for UPSC & State PSC Exams (01 September 2023)

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

Date: 01 September 2023

1. With reference to International Finance Corporation (IFC), consider the following statements:

1. IFC is a member of the World Bank Group established in 1956.
2. It is an international financial institution that offers investment, advisory, and asset management services to encourage private sector development in developing countries.
3. India is a member of all World Bank institutions except IFC.

How many of the above statements is/are correct?

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

Answer: (B)

Explanation:

  • IFC is an international financial institution that offers investment, advisory, and asset management services to encourage private sector development in developing countries. It was established in 1956 as the private sector arm of the World Bank Group to advance economic development by investing in strictly for-profit and commercial projects that purport to reduce poverty and promote development. The IFC is owned and governed by its member countries, but has its own executive leadership and staff that conduct its normal business operations. It is a member of the World Bank Group and is headquartered in Washington, D.C., United States.
  • Other members of the World Bank Group:
  • International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD)
  • International Development Association (IDA)
  • Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA)
  • International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID)

India is a member of all World Bank institutions except ICSID. Hence, statement 3 is incorrect.

2. With reference to Red Sand Boa, consider the following statements:

1. It is a Non-Venomous and Ovoviviparous snake endemic to India, Pakistan, and Iran.
2. It is called a "Two-headed snake" due to its round tail that looks like a head.
3. It is used for making certain medicines, cosmetics, and in black magic, and is in huge demand in the international market.

How many of the above statements is/are correct?

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

Answer: (C)

Explanation: A report by the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS)-India report flags the illegal trade of red sand boa. It is a Non-Venomous and Ovoviviparous snake endemic to India, Pakistan, and Iran. It is called a "Two-headed snake" due to its round tail that looks like a head. It is used for making certain medicines, cosmetics, and in black magic, and is in huge demand in the international market. It is listed as near threatened in IUCN Red List. The trade and possession of it is an offense under the Wildlife Protection Act 1972. Hence, all statements are correct.

3. Consider the following statements regarding Super Blue Moon:

1. Super Blue Moon is the convergence of three lunar occurrences - a full Moon, a Super Moon, and a blue Moon.
2. Super moon happens when the moon is passing through or is close to its perigee, and is also a full moon.

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: Super Blue Moon is the convergence of three lunar occurrences - a full Moon, a Super Moon, and a blue Moon. Blue moon refers to the second full moon within a single month — a rare event since full moons typically occur once a month. When a season experiences four full moons, the third full moon is deemed the blue moon. Super moon happens when the moon is passing through or is close to its perigee, and is also a full moon. Full moon at perigee (super moon) is about 14% bigger and 30% brighter than a full moon at apogee (called a “micro moon”). The next Super Blue moon will occur in January 2037. Hence, both statements are correct.

4. Mahendragiri, Indian Navy's Stealth Frigate, is manufactured under which project?

(a) Project 75 (I)
(b) Project 17A
(c) Project 15 B
(d) Project 11 A

Answer: (B)

Explanation: The Indian Navy's final stealth frigate constructed as part of Project 17A, 'Mahendragiri', is scheduled for launch at Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd in Mumbai on Friday. Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar will be present at the launch ceremony. Named after a prominent peak in the Eastern Ghats of Odisha, INS 'Mahendragiri' marks the seventh addition to the fleet of Project 17A frigates. Distinguished by enhanced stealth characteristics, advanced weaponry, and cutting-edge sensors, these vessels are a continuation of the Project 17 frigate series. Hence, option (b) is correct.

5. Recently, Johannesburg Declaration was news, it is related to:

(a) Expansion of BRICS membership
(b) Raising the collective voice of developing nations at World trade organisation forum
(c) Providing agriculture subsidies to Africans nations
(d) Strengthening the bilateral relation betwen India and South Africa

Answer: (A)

Explanation: Recently, the 15th BRICS Summit concluded in Johannesburg last week with the membership of the grouping going from 5 to 11, after the induction of four countries from the Gulf and West Asia — Egypt, Iran, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates as well as Ethiopia and Argentina from Africa and South America, respectively. The expansion was carried out under the Johannesburg Declaration which refers to “consensus” being reached on “the guiding principles, standards, criteria and procedures of the BRICS expansion process”, details of which have not been made public so far. Hence, option (a) is correct.