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

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

Date: 19 July 2023

1. Consider the following statements, with reference to Crimean-Congo Haemorrhagic fever (CCHF):

1. It is a viral haemorrhagic fever usually transmitted by ticks.
2. There is no vaccine available for either people or animals.
3. It is endemic to Africa, the Balkan countries, the Middle East, and parts of Asia.

How many of the above statements is/are correct?

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

Answer: (C)

Explanation: Europe is currently experiencing a heat wave and wildfires, which has led to concerns about the potential spread of viral haemorrhagic fever, a disease not commonly found in colder climates. Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever is a viral disease transmitted by ticks. The virus can also spread to humans through contact with viraemic animal tissues during or after slaughtering animals. The disease was first detected among soldiers in the Crimean Peninsula near the Black Sea in 1944. There is no vaccine for the virus in either humans or animals, and treatment generally consists of managing symptoms. CCHF can be transmitted from one infected human to another by contact with infectious blood or body fluids, such as sweat and saliva. The CCHF is endemic to Africa, the Balkan countries, Middle East, and parts of Asia. Hence, all statements are correct.

2. Which of the statement is incorrect regarding Export Preparedness Index (EPI) 2022?

(a) The index assesses the readiness of the states in terms of their export.
(b) The report is released by NITI Aayog.
(c) Karnataka and Tamil Nadu have the highest number of GI products being exported.
(d) Telangana topped the index among the landlocked regions.

Answer: (D)

Explanation: NITI Aayog releases the third edition of the ‘Export Preparedness Index (EPI) 2022’ for States/UTs. The index is aimed at assessing the readiness of the states in terms of their export potential and performance. Export Preparedness Index 2022 is released by NITI Aayog. Tamil Nadu has topped the index which is followed by Maharashtra, Karnataka, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, West Bengal and Kerala. In the category of union territories/small states, Goa was ranked first. Karnataka and Tamil Nadu have the highest number of GI products being exported. The ranking is based on 4 main pillars: Policy, Business ecosystem, Export ecosystem and Export performance. The index is also aimed at promoting competition among all states. Haryana topped the chart among the landlocked regions.

Hence, statement (d) is incorrect.

3. Consider the following statements, with reference to Gambusia Fish:

1. Gambusia fish is also known as mosquitofish because they act as biocontrol agent to control mosquitos.
2. The species is native to the U.S. and is categorised as invasive species in India.
3. It has a high breeding capacity, found mostly in marine water and occasionally in fresh and brackish water.

How many of the above statements is/are correct?

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

Answer: (B)

Explanation:

  • Andhra Pradesh released Gambusia fish into state’s water bodies to combat mosquito-borne diseases like malaria and dengue. Gambusia fish is also known as mosquitofish because they act as biocontrol agent to control mosquitos. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
  • It is native to the waters of the south eastern United States. Multiple countries, including India have listed Gambusia as invasive species. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
  • The fish has a high breeding capacity. They are found mostly in fresh and brackish, and occasionally marine waters. International Union for Conservation of Nature declared Gambusia as one of the 100 worst invasive alien species in the world. Hence, statement 3 is incorrect.

4. Consider the following statements with respect to ‘PM Mega Integrated Textile Regions and Apparel (PM MITRA) scheme’:

Statement 1 – The scheme will offer the opportunity to create an Integrated Textiles Value Chain from spinning to garment manufacturing at one location.
Statement 2 – A Special Purpose Vehicle owned exclusively by the Centre will be set up for each park which will oversee the implementation of the project.

Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

(a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement II is the correct explanation for Statement-I.
(b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I.
(c) Statement-I is correct but statement II is incorrect.
(d) Statement -I is incorrect but Statement -II is correct.

Answer: (C)

Explanation:

  • PM-MITRA will offer the opportunity to create an Integrated Textiles Value Chain right from spinning, weaving, processing/dyeing and printing to garment manufacturing etc. at one location and will reduce the logistics cost of the Industry. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
  • A Special Purpose Vehicle owned by the Centre and State Government will be set up for each park which will oversee the implementation of the project. The Ministry of Textiles will provide financial support in the form of Development Capital Support up to Rs. 500 crores per park to the Park SPV. Hence, statement 2 is incorrect.

5. With reference to Local Currency Settlement (LCS) system, consider the following statements:

1. The Local Currency Settlement (LCS) system enables exporters and importers to invoice and pay in their respective domestic currencies.
2. The LCS system between India and Bangladesh allows for the use of the Indian Rupee and Bangladesh Taka in bilateral trade.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

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

Answer: (A)

Explanation:

  • The Local Currency Settlement (LCS) system enables exporters and importers to invoice and pay in their respective domestic currencies. The agreement was signed between the Reserve Bank of India and the Central Bank of the UAE. Its objective is to revolutionize cross-border transactions between the two nations. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
  • Recently, India and UAE signed a historic Memorandum of Understanding on Local Currency Settlement (LCS) system. The LCS system between India and UAE allows for the use of the Indian Rupee and UAE Dirham in bilateral trade. It is India’s first-ever LCS arrangement. The LCS system will provide a seamless and efficient mechanism for cross-border transactions. Hence, statement 2 is incorrect.