Current Affairs MCQs for UPSC & State PSC Exams (19 August 2023)


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

Date: 19 August 2023


1. Consider the following statements with reference to ‘Floodwatch’ Mobile App:

1. The App provides real time information of flood like situation up to 5 days.
2. The App is launched by Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology.
3. The App is inclusive as it is available in all the 22 scheduled languages.

How many of the statements given above are correct?

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

Answer: (D)

Explanation: The App aims to disseminate information related to the flood situation and forecasts up to 7 days on a real-time basis to the public. The App has readable and audio broadcast and all the information is available in 2 languages that is English and Hindi. The App utilizes near real-time river flow data from various sources. The App also provides flood forecast at nearest location where users can check the flood advisory at the station nearest to them on the App. The App is launched by Central Water Commission (CWC). It utilizes advanced technologies such as satellite data analysis, mathematical modelling and real-time monitoring to deliver accurate and timely flood forecasts. Hence, all statements are incorrect.

2. Consider the following statements regarding INS Vindhyagiri:

1. It is an advanced stealth frigate, named after the mountain range in Kerala.
2. This ship was built under Project 17A.

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: It is named after the mountain range in Karnataka; Vindhyagiri is the 6th ship of the Project 17A Frigates. It was built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers. Over 75% of the orders of Project 17A have been placed on indigenous firms including Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), in line with ‘Aatma Nirbhar Bharat’. P17A ships are guided missile frigates, each 149 metres long, with a displacement of approximately 6,670 tonnes and a speed of 28 knots. Hence, statement 1 is incorrect while statement 2 is correct.

3. Gandhinagar Declaration, recently seen in the news, is associated with which of the following?

(a) Tuberculosis (TB) eradication
(b) Changes in the Climate
(c) Crops that have been genetically modified
(d) Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Answer: (A)

Explanation: The WHO South-East Asia Region recently pledged to accelerating efforts to eradicate tuberculosis by 2030 by adopting the Gandhinagar Declaration. It was agreed after a two-day meeting in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, to track the progress made by WHO South-East Asia Region nations in eradicating tuberculosis (TB). The Declaration calls for the establishment of high-level multisectoral commissions reporting to the highest political level in each country to coordinate efforts among diverse stakeholders and track progress toward the abolition of tuberculosis and other priority diseases. Hence, option (a) is correct.

4. Consider the following statements regarding Technology Development Fund (TDF) Scheme:

1. It is a Ministry of Science and Technology programme carried out by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR).
2. It was established as part of the 'Make in India' effort to encourage self-reliance in semiconductor manufacturing.

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: (D)

Explanation: The Technology Development Fund (TDF) Scheme has so far assisted 41 MSMEs and 20 startups, according to a Minister of State in the Defence Ministry. As part of the 'Make in India' drive, the TDF Scheme was designed to foster self-reliance in defense technology. It is an MoD (Ministry of Defence) programme carried out by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) to suit the requirements of the Tri-Services, Defence Production, and DRDO. It encourages MSMEs and start-ups to produce indigenous components, products, systems, and technology. The plan fosters public/private industry cooperation, particularly MSMEs, to develop an eco-system for enhancing cutting-edge technical capabilities for defence applications. Hence, both statements are incorrect.

5. Barachukki and Gaganachukki waterfalls are associated with which of the following rivers?

(a) Narmada
(b) Krishna
(c) Kaveri
(d) Tungabhadra

Answer: (C)

Explanation: Barachukki and Gaganachukki waterfalls are situated near the island town of Shivanasamudra in the Mandya district of Karnataka. The waterfalls are created by river Cauvery that runs down a 75 metre gorge before it divides into two branches that flows around the island of Shivanasamudra. Hence, option (c) is correct.