Current Affairs MCQs for UPSC & State PSC Exams (12 October 2023)

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

Date: 12 October 2023

1. Consider the following statements, with reference to Multimodal Artificial Intelligence (AI):

1. It refers to the integration of multiple modes of information or sensory data to facilitate human-like reasoning and decision-making.
2. Gemini is a multimodal large language model being developed by the OpenAI.
3. Gobi is a multimodal Artificial Intelligence developed by the google.

How many of the statements given above are correct?

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

Answer: (A)

Explanation:

  • The multimodal model artificial intelligence refers to the integration of multiple modes of information or sensory data to facilitate human-like reasoning and decision-making. It revolutionizes the way AI systems process and interpret information by seamlessly integrating various sensory modalities. Multimodal systems allows users to engage with AI in several ways. Unlike conventional Al models, which focus on a single data type, multimodal Al systems have the capability to simultaneously comprehend and utilize data from diverse sources such as text, images, audio, and video. It is the next frontier of AI models.
  • Gemini is multimodal large language model being developed by the google. Gobi is multimodal AI being developed by the OpenAI. Hence, statement 1 is correct.

2. Consider the following statements, with reference to the Dancing Frogs:

1. The dancing frogs are endemic to Western Ghats.
2. The dance move named, Foot-flagging, serves the dual purpose of attracting a female and warning signs to other males in the area.
3. They are threatened by invasive species like the mosquito fish, land use change, variation in temperature and humidity.

How many of the statements given above are correct?

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

Answer: (C)

Explanation: The Wildlife Trust of India after analysing the second edition of the Global Amphibian Assessment and said the dancing frogs that are endemic to the Western Ghats are the most threatened amphibian genus of India. Dancing frogs are members of the Micrixalus genus and there are about 24 frog species in this family. Their preferred habitats are shola grasslands, myristica swamps and evergreen forests within the Western Ghats, where they mainly reside near slow-moving perennial streams. The dancing frogs that are found near the streams do a unique display to mate. The males stretch up their hind legs one at a time and wave their webbed toes in the air in a rapid motion akin to a dance. The signature dance move is called ‘foot-flagging’ and serves the dual purpose of attracting a female while also sending out a warning signal to other male frogs in the area. They are threatened by invasive species like the mosquito fish, land use change, variation in temperature and humidity. It is also the 5th most threatened genus in the world with 92 % of its species in the threatened category. Hence, all statements are correct.

3. Consider the following statements, with reference to the Electoral Bonds:

1. They are interest-free bearer instruments in the nature of a promissory note to donate money anonymously to political parties.
2. Cash payment is not allowed for the transactions that are involved in Electoral bonds scheme.

Which of the above statements are correct?

(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: (C)

Explanation:

  • The Supreme Court is about to hear petitions filed by two NGOs (Common Cause and Association for Democratic Reforms), challenging the scheme for lack of transparency and unlimited funding. Electoral bonds are interest-free bearer instruments in the nature of a promissory note to donate money anonymously to political parties that was announced in the 2017 Union Budget. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
  • They are sold in multiples of Rs 1,000, Rs 10,000, Rs 1 lakh, Rs 10 lakh, and Rs 1 crore. They can be bought from authorised branches of the State Bank of India (SBI). Under the electoral bonds scheme the donor is required to pay the amount only via cheque or a digital mechanism and cash payment is not allowed. Hence, statement 2 is correct.

4. Consider the following statements regarding the Israel Palestine Conflict:

1. After the Ottoman Empire was defeated in World War I, Britain gained control of Palestine.
2. In 1947, the United Nations voted to divide Palestine into separate Jewish and Arab states.
3. In 1948, Jewish leaders proclaimed the founding of Israel.

Which of the above statements are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: (D)

Explanation:

  • After the Ottoman Empire was defeated in World War I, Britain gained control of Palestine, which was inhabited by a Jewish minority and Arab majority. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
  • In 1947, the United Nations voted to divide Palestine into separate Jewish and Arab states, with Jerusalem under international administration. The Jewish leadership embraced the plan, but the Arab side rejected it, and it was never implemented. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
  • In 1948, unable to end the strife, British authorities withdrew and Jewish leaders proclaimed the founding of Israel. Many Palestinians objected, and a war ensued. Neighboring Arab countries intervened with military force. Hundreds of thousands of Palestinians fled or were driven from their homes in what they call Al Nakba, or "The Catastrophe". Hence, statement 3 is correct.

5. Ayyampalayam Nettai, recently seen in news, is a type of:

(a) Rice
(b) Sugarcane
(c) Turmeric
(d) Coconut

Answer: (D)

Explanation: Ayyampalayam Nettai is a variety of coconut from Tamil Nadu, for which the local farmers are trying to get a GI Tag (geographical indication). It has high oil content and a sweet kernel. It is drought & disease resistant and promotes intercropping. Hence, option (d) is correct.