Current Affairs MCQs for UPSC & State PSC Exams (15 November 2023)

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

Date: 15 November 2023

1. ‘The Ben Gurion Canal Project’ was recently in the news. It proposed to connect which one of the pairs of water bodies?

(a) Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman
(b) Mediterranean Sea and Atlantic Ocean
(c) Gulf of Aqaba to the Mediterranean Sea
(d) English Channel and North Sea

Answer: (C)

Explanation: The Ben Gurion Canal Project is a proposed canal project through the state of Israel.
It would connect the Gulf of Aqaba to the Mediterranean Sea. David Ben Gurion, for whom it would be named, is considered the Founding Father of Israel and was the first Prime Minister of Israel.
The canal would rival the Suez Canal, which runs through Egypt and has had many disturbances in its history, such as the Israeli blockage through the Suez Canal and Straits of Tiran, Closure of the Suez Canal (1956–1957), Closure of the Suez Canal (1967–1975), and the 2021 Suez Canal obstruction. It would be slightly more than 50% longer than the 120.1 mi (193.3 km) Suez Canal, at around 182 mi (292.9 km).


2. Consider the following statements in the context of Lake Titicaca:

1. It is the highest navigable water body in the world, located in the South American Continent.
2. It is the second-largest lake in South America.
3. More than 25 rivers empty their waters into Titicaca; the largest, the Ramis, drains about two-fifths of the entire Titicaca Basin.
4. Recently, the water levels at this lake reached to record lows, worsened by the El Nino weather phenomenon.

How many of the above statements are correct?

(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) Only three
(d) All four

Answer: (D)

Explanation:
The water levels at Lake Titicaca are now reaching record lows, worsened by the El Nino weather phenomenon, compounding a long dry spell and rare high temperatures. Hence Statement 4 is Correct.
It is the highest navigable water body in the world, located in the Andes Mountains of South America. Hence Statement 1 is Correct.
It lies on the border between Peruto the west and Bolivia to the east. It is the second-largest lake in South America (after Maracaibo). Hence Statement 2 is Correct.
More that 25 rivers empty their waters into Titicaca; the largest, the Ramis, draining about two-fifths of the entire Titicaca Basin, enters the north-western corner of the lake. One small river, the Desaguadero, drains the lake at its southern end.Forty-one islands rise from Titicaca’s waters, the largest of which, Titicaca Island. Hence Statement 3 is Correct.


3. Consider the following countries:

1.Australia
2. United Kingdom
3. Russia
4. France

With how many of the above-mentioned countries India has held 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue?

(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) Only three
(d) All four

Answer: (C)

Explanation: The 2+2 meetings signify the participation of two high-level representatives, Ministers holding Foreign and Defence portfolios, from each of the two countries who aim to enhance the scope of dialogue between them.
India’s 2+2 Partners: The US is India’s oldest and most important 2+2 talks partner.
Additionally, India has held 2+2 meetings with ministers from Australia, Japan, the United Kingdom and Russia.
Recently, 5th Edition of the India-US 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue took place, where both countries highlighted progress in various areas of bilateral cooperation including defense, semiconductors, emerging technology, space, health etc.


4. Consider the following statements about Crop Residue Management (CRM) Scheme

1. It is a Central Sector Scheme of Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare to address the issue of stubble burning by assisting farmers.
2. Farmers receive financial assistance at a rate of 80% for the purchase of crop residue management machinery.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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

Answer: (A)

Explanation: The Crop Residue Management (CRM) Scheme is a Central Sector Scheme of the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare (MoA&FW) that aims to address the issue of stubble burning by assisting farmers in the procurement of crop residue management machinery. Hence Statement 1 is Correct.
Farmers receive financial assistance at a rate of 50% for the purchase of crop residue management machinery. Hence Statement 2 is incorrect.
Cooperative Societies, Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), and Panchayats receive financial assistance at a rate of 80% for establishing Custom Hiring Centres (CHCs).


5.Which of the following is correct regarding PET plastic.

(a) PET plastic is a common type of plastic used to make bottles, containers, and synthetic fibres.
(b) It is known for its transparency, lightweight nature, and recyclability.
(c) It produces less product waste due to its resistance to breakage and denting.
(d) All of the above

Answer: (D)

Explanation: PET plastic, or polyethylene terephthalate, is a widely used thermoplastic polymer that is known for its versatility, durability, and recyclability. It is commonly used to make a variety of products, including: Bottles and containers: PET is a popular choice for beverage bottles due to its clarity, strength, and ability to withstand high pressures. It is also used for food containers, such as yogurt tubs and deli trays.
Synthetic fibers: PET is a major component of synthetic fibers, such as polyester and Dacron. These fibers are used in a wide range of applications, including clothing, textiles, and industrial products.
Other applications: PET is also used in a variety of other products, such as films, sheets, and strapping. It is a versatile material that can be used in a wide range of applications.
PET plastic is a good choice for many applications because it is: Transparent: PET is a clear, transparent plastic that allows consumers to see the product inside. This is important for food packaging, as it allows consumers to see the quality and condition of the product.
Lightweight: PET is a lightweight plastic that is easy to transport and handle. This makes it a good choice for packaging, as it can help to reduce transportation costs.
Recyclable: PET is a recyclable plastic that can be processed into new products. This helps to reduce the amount of PET plastic that ends up in landfills.
Durable: PET is a durable plastic that is resistant to breakage and denting. This makes it a good choice for products that need to withstand wear and tear.