Current Affairs MCQs for UPSC & State PSC Exams (07 October 2023)

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

Date: 07 October 2023

1. Consider the following statements, with reference to ‘A to Zero ASEAN Summit’:

1. The summit is associated with Net Zero Targets of the ASEAN countries.
2. This year the summit was hosted by India.
3. The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy is in charge of achieving Net Zero Targets in India.

How many of the statements given above are correct?

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

Answer: (A)

Explanation: The A to Zero ASEAN Summit was recently held at Malaysia to Accelerate Net Zero Pathways across Asia. A to Zero, or Accelerate to Net Zero, is a new series of events. The events brings together key decision makers and change makers to comprehensively explore pathways, policies and business opportunities that will catalyze an acceleration of net zero pathways. The summit was held at Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency (IREDA) was representative from India that participated in the summit. The Ministry of Environment Forest and Climate Change is responsible for achieving net zero targets in India. Hence, statement 1 is correct.

2. Consider the following statements, with reference to the Veer Gatha Project:

1. It aims to inspire school children to make them aware of the stories about the National Heroes.
2. It is launched by the Ministry of Defence in coordination with the Ministry of Education.
3. The Project will be implemented only in the schools in Tier II cities in India.

How many of the statements given above are correct?

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

Answer: (A)

Explanation: Recently over 1.36 crore school students from across the country participated in Veer Gatha Project 3.0 that aims to disseminate the acts of bravery of the Gallantry Awardees to school students. It aims to inspire school children to make them aware of the stories about the National Heroes and the brave hearts to disseminate their acts of bravery and life stories. The Students are encouraged to take part in a variety of activities such as the framing of poems, paragraphs, and essays, the painting competition. Project Veer Gatha was instituted under Gallantry Awards Portal (GAP) in 2021. Veer Gatha Project 3.0 is launched by the Ministry of Defence in coordination with the Ministry of Education. The project will be open to all schools in all States and Union Territories. The best project will be rewarded nationally by the Ministry of Defence on the forthcoming Republic Day. Hence, statement 3 is incorrect.

3. Consider the following statements, with reference to Sammakka-Sarakka Jatara:

1. It is annual tribal festival celebrated in Medaram, Telangana.
2. It is often referred to as the "Kumbh Mela of the tribals".
3. The festival commemorates the resistance against taxation and oppression by Sammakka and Sarakka.

How many of the statements given above are correct?

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

Answer: (B)

Explanation:

  • The Sammakka-Sarakka Jatara is a biennial tribal festival celebrated in Medaram, Telangana. It is one of the largest gatherings of tribal people globally. Hence, statement 1 is incorrect.
  • It is often referred to as the "Kumbh Mela of the tribals" and has gained recognition for its cultural and spiritual significance. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
  • The festival commemorates the courage and resistance of Sammakka and Sarakka and their fight against taxation and oppression. Hence, statement 3 is correct.

4. Consider the following statements, with reference to Nobel Prize for Literature 2023:

1. Jon Fosse was awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature in 2023 for his innovative plays and prose that give voice to the unsayable.
2. Fosse is known for his exploration of themes related to the human condition, the absurdity and futility of life, and the power of human emotions.

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: Jon Fosse, a Norwegian author, was awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature in 2023 for his innovative plays and prose that give voice to the unsayable. Fosse is known for his exploration of themes related to the human condition, the absurdity and futility of life, and the power of human emotions. His writing style is characterized by its simplicity, minimalism, and searing dialogue, which is reminiscent of renowned playwrights like Samuel Beckett and Harold Pinter. Hence, both statements are correct.

5. Which of the following best describes the 'Wagh Nakh'?

(a) A type of Indian sword used by warriors during battles.
(b) A medieval claw-like dagger with curved blades used for personal defense.
(c) A traditional Indian musical instrument made from tiger claws.
(d) A type of martial art practiced in ancient India.

Answer: (C)

Explanation: The 'wagh nakh,' meaning 'tiger claws,' is a medieval claw-like dagger used across the Indian subcontinent. It consists of four or five curved blades attached to a glove or bar and is known for its slicing capabilities. The legendary use of the 'wagh nakh' is associated with the story of Afzal Khan, a formidable general of Bijapur's Adil Shahi Sultanate, who was ordered to subdue Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Hence, option (c) is correct.