Current Affairs MCQs for UPSC & State PSC Exams (14 October 2023)

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

Date: 14 October 2023

1. Consider the following statements, with reference to Global Hunger Index, 2023:

1. India ranked 111 out of the 125 countries in the index.
2. The index is released by Concern Worldwide and Welthungerhilfe.
3. India has the highest child wasting rate in the world at 18.7%.

How many of the statements given above are correct?

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

Answer: (C)

Explanation: The Global Hunger Index, 2023 was recently released by the Concern Worldwide and Welthungerhilfe, Non-Government Organisations from Ireland and Germany respectively. The Global Hunger Index (GHI) is a tool for comprehensively measuring and tracking hunger at global, regional and national levels. GHI scores are based on the values of 4 component indicators that includes:

  • Undernourishment – The share of the population with insufficient caloric intake.
  • Child stunting – The share of children under age five who have low height for their age, reflecting chronic undernutrition.
  • Child wasting – The share of children under age five who have low weight for their height, reflecting acute undernutrition.
  • Child mortality – The share of children who die before their fifth birthday, partly reflecting the fatal mix of inadequate nutrition and unhealthy environments.

In the 2023 Global Hunger Index, India ranks 111th out of the 125 countries. India has a score of 28.7 in the 2023 Global Hunger Index and has a level of hunger that is serious. India has the highest child wasting rate in the world at 18.7%. Afghanistan, Haiti and 12 sub-Saharan countries perform worse than India on the index. Hence, all statements are correct.

2. Consider the following statements, with reference to Setu Bandhan Scheme:

1. The scheme aims to improve inter-state connectivity, especially on the rural areas at the borders.
2. The scheme is an initiative of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways.

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: Recently the ministry of road transport and highways approved 7 bridge projects in Arunachal Pradesh under the Setu Bandhan Scheme. The Setu Bandhan scheme has been introduced to improve inter-state connectivity, especially on the rural areas at the borders where state roads do not get the required attention. The scheme is an initiative of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (Morth). The scheme is different from “Setu Bharatam” scheme. Setu Bharatam is an ambitious programme with an investment of Rs. 50,000 crore to build bridges for safe and seamless travel on National Highways. The programme aims at making all national highways Railway Level Crossing free by 2019. Hence, both statements are correct.

3. Consider the following statements, with reference to the Arabian Leopard:

1. Arabian leopard is the smallest leopard subspecies that is endemic to Arabian Peninsula.
2. It has been listed as Critically Endangered on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List.
3. The global fund for the Arabian leopard is an initiative of the International Fund for Animal Welfare of IUCN.

How many of the statements given above are correct?

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

Answer: (B)

Explanation:

  • The recent ongoing war between Israel and Palestine may be a threat to the declining population of the Arabian leopard. Arabian leopard is the smallest leopard subspecies that is endemic to Arabian Peninsula. It is found on the countries such as Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Oman, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates and Yemen. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
  • Its population is estimated to contain fewer than 200 individuals. It has been listed as Critically Endangered on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
  • The global fund for the Arabian leopard is an initiative of the Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU). AlUla is a City in Saudi Arabia and RCU is headed by the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud. Hence, statement 3 is not correct.

4. Consider the following statements regarding 2028 Olympics:

1. It will be held in Paris, France.
2. The International Olympic Committee recently approved cricket to be included in the 2028 Olympics.

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: (B)

Explanation: The International Olympic Committee recently approved cricket for 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. Cricket along with baseball/softball, flag football, squash and lacrosse will be included in the 2028 LA Olympics. Hence, statement 1 is incorrect.

5. Consider the following statements, with reference to White Phosphorus:

1. It is insoluble in water but soluble in organic solvents.
2. It is utilized in the production of safety matches, flame retardants, and in the semiconductor industry.
3. It exhibits semiconductor properties and is used in electronic and optoelectronic devices.

How many of the statements given above are correct?

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

Answer: (A)

Explanation:

  • White phosphorus exists in different allotropes and is the most reactive and least stable among all the elemental forms of phosphorus. It is insoluble in water but soluble in organic solvents, and it readily catches fire when exposed to air. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
  • Red phosphorus is a more stable form, utilized in the production of safety matches, flame retardants, and in the semiconductor industry. Hence, statement 2 is not correct.
  • Black phosphorus exhibits semiconductor properties and is used in electronic and optoelectronic devices. Hence, statement 3 is not correct.