Current Affairs MCQs for UPSC & State PSC Exams (18 November 2023)


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

Date: 18 November 2023


1. Consider the following statements, with reference to City Investments to Innovate, Integrate and Sustain (CITIIS) 2.0 Programme:

1. CITIIS 2.0 envisages fostering climate-sensitive planning in Indian cities and driving investments into urban climate action through specific projects. 2. It is an initiative of the Ministry of Urban Affairs. 3. All 100 Smart Cities are eligible to seek assistance under CITIIS 2.0 programme.

How many of the statements given above are correct?

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

Answer: (C)

Explanation: The second phase of the City Investments to Innovate, Integrate and Sustain (CITIIS) programme was recently launched by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs. CITIIS 2.0 envisages fostering climate-sensitive planning in Indian cities and driving investments into urban climate action through specific projects. The CITIIS 2.0 is an initiative of the Urban Affairs Ministry in collaboration with the following:
- French Development Agency (AFD),
- KfW Development Bank,
- European Union and
- National Institute of Urban Affairs (NIUA).
The programme aims to drive investments into urban climate action through competitively selected projects promoting a circular economy with a focus on integrated waste management. CITIIS 2.0 will complement the Smart Cities Mission and converge with the Swachh Bharat Mission to enable innovation throughout the value chain of waste management in our cities. All 100 Smart Cities are eligible to seek assistance under CITIIS 2.0 programme. Hence, all statements are correct.


2. ‘Global Plastics Outlook: Policy Scenarios to 2060’ Report is released by which of the following organisation?

(a)International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)
(b) Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)
(c) World Meteorological Organization (WMO)
(d) Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)

Answer: (B)

Explanation:
Global Plastics Outlook: Policy Scenarios to 2060 Report is released by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). The report states that if the present trends persist, the global plastic production will triple and exceed 1 billion tonnes by the year 2060. The report indicates that the plastic pollution will rise in almost threefold increase in plastics use driven by rising populations and incomes without any radical action taken. The report estimates that almost 2/3rd of plastic waste in 2060 will be from short-lived items such as packaging, low-cost products and textiles. Globally, plastic leakage to the environment is seen doubling to 44 million tonnes (Mt) a year. The build-up of plastics in lakes, rivers and oceans will more than triple, as plastic waste balloons from 353 Mt in 2019 to 1,014 Mt in 2060. About 350 million tonnes of plastic waste are generated every year of which less than 10% is recycled. The share of plastic waste that is successfully recycled is projected to rise to 17% in 2060 from 9% in 2019. The incineration and landfilling of plastic waste will continue to account for around 20% and 50% of plastic waste respectively. Hence, option (b) is correct.


3. Consider the following statements, with reference to the second Voice of Global South Summit:

1. This initiative brings together 125 countries of the Global South to share their perspectives and priorities on a common platform.
2. The summit is hosted by India.

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: Second Voice of Global South Summit brings together 125 countries of the Global South to share their perspectives and priorities on a common platform. This summit will focus on sharing with countries of the Global South the key outcomes achieved in various G20 meetings over the course of India’s Presidency. The summit will be structured into 10 sessions and the inaugural and concluding sessions will be at the head of state/government level, and hosted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Summit will serve as a platform to discuss ways to sustain the momentum generated towards our common aspiration of a more inclusive, representative and progressive world order. Recently, the Prime Minister Narendra Modi also inaugurated a global centre for excellence for the Global South countries called DAKSHIN. Hence, both statements are correct.


4. Consider the following:

1. Eye movement
2. Facial movements
3. Audio quality
4. Body Movement

How many of the above are used to identify deepfakes?

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

Answer: (D)

Explanation: A video that supposedly shows actress Rashmika Mandanna entering an elevator has ignited a firestorm of controversy on the internet. The original video features a British Indian girl, Zara Patel, whose face was morphed to insert Mandana’s face instead. Here’s how many deep fakes can be spotted:
Unnatural Eye Movements: Deepfake videos often exhibit unnatural eye movements or gaze patterns. In genuine videos, eye movements are typically smooth and coordinated with the person’s speech and actions.
Mismatches in Color and Lighting: Deepfake creators may struggle to reproduce accurate colour tones and lighting conditions.
Compare and Contrast Audio Quality: Deepfake videos often use AI-generated audio that may have subtle imperfections.
Strange Body Shape or Movement: Deepfakes may sometimes result in unusual body shapes or movements. Legs, for example, may appear excessively long or short, or the body may move in an unusual or distorted manner.
Artificial Facial Movements: Deepfake software may not always accurately replicate genuine facial expressions.
Unnatural Positioning of Facial Features: Deepfakes may occasionally exhibit distortions or misalignments in these features, which can signify manipulation.
Awkward Posture or Physique: Deepfakes may struggle to maintain a natural posture or physique.
Hence, all are correct.


5. With reference to the Arunachal Yak churpi, consider the following statements:

1. Arunachal Yak churpi is a traditional cheese created from the milk of yaks, a kind of animal that is accustomed to high-altitude environments.
2. Arunachal Yak churpi has received Geographical Indication (GI) status.
3. Churpi is a fundamental part of the region's tangible cultural legacy and plays an important role in conserving and passing on Arunachal Pradesh's cultural heritage.

How many of the statements given above are correct?

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

Answer: (C)

Explanation: Arunachal Yak churpi is a traditional cheese made from the milk of yaks, which are a breed of cattle adapted to high-altitude regions. Arunachal Yak churpi is highly valued for its nutritional content, particularly its protein content. Arunachal Yak churpi has been granted the Geographical Indication (GI) designation. Churpi holds deep cultural significance in the daily lives and traditions of the people of Arunachal Pradesh. Churpi is an integral part of the tangible cultural heritage of the region and plays a vital role in preserving and passing on the cultural heritage of Arunachal Pradesh. Hence, all statements are correct.