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


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

Date: 19 October 2023


1. Consider the following statements with respect to the Election Seizure Management System (ESMS):

1. It is a technology platform for real time update that ensures seamless coordination amongst enforcement agencies during elections.
2. It was introduced by the election commission during the 16th Lok Sabha election in 2014.
3. The platform is developed by the National Informatics Centre (NIC).

How many of the statements given above are correct?

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

Answer: (A)

Explanation: Recently the election commission introduced ‘Election Seizure Management System’ to increase the transparency in the election. The Election Seizure Management System is a new technology-driven platform for real-time updates on seizures from the field by multifarious state and central enforcement agencies. The system ensures seamless coordination and intelligence sharing amongst enforcement agencies. The platform is developed by the Election Commission of India (ECI). It will also monitor action taken by central and state enforcement agencies against such offences. The enforcement agencies are required to upload details of every recorded movement and seizure of illicit cash, liquor, drugs etc. The ESMS is set to be introduced by the Election Commission in the upcoming assembly elections in 5 states, scheduled for November 2023. It keeps the record of the seizure of cash, drugs and freebies to induce voters during the assembly poll in 5 states. It will also facilitate qualitative analysis and planning. Hence, only statement 1 is correct.

2. Consider the following statements, with reference to Marine Cloud Brightening:

1. It refers to an albedo modification technique that aims to increase the reflectivity of certain clouds.
2. Long-term benefits are only possible if the cloud brightening activity occurs alongside aggressive emissions reductions.

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: (A)

Explanation: In recent times several Australian organisations are exploring the possibilities to reduce coral bleaching with the help of marine cloud brightening. Marine Cloud Brightening is also called as Cloud whitening and cloud brightening. It is a geoengineering technique designed to increase the reflectance of Earth’s cloud cover to reduce the amount of incoming solar radiation striking Earth’s surface. Marine cloud brightening refers to an albedo modification technique that aims to increase the reflectivity of the clouds. It was originally proposed by the John Latham in 1990 as a way to control global warming by altering Earth’s energy balance. The Cloud brightening have both the risks as well as benefits. Long-term benefits are only possible if the cloud brightening activity occurs alongside aggressive emissions reductions. Hence, both statements are correct.

3. Consider the following statements regarding the Muthuvan tribe:

1. They have a distinct government system known as the "Kani System."
2. They reside in a highland forest that straddles Karnataka and Maharashtra.

Which of the above statements is/are not correct?

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

Answer: (B)

Explanation: The Muthuvan tribe will be involved in the Nilgiri Tahr conservation initiative, according to the Tamil Nadu Forest Department. These people reside in the hill jungles that separate Kerala and Tamil Nadu. They speak somewhat distinct dialects and are known as Malayalam Muthuvan and Pandi Muthuvan, respectively. They are animists and spirit worshipers who also believe in forest gods. They think that their ancestors' ghosts will be the first to go to the highland forests. With their traditional knowledge, they are noted for coexisting with animals. The 'Kani form' is a unique form of governance that these indigenous people follow. Each village is led by a 'Kani', who is in charge of the village's administration. They are experts in traditional remedies that are extremely effective, and these medications and medicine men are kept secret and passed down through generations. Agriculture is the main employment of these Muthuvan tribes, who produce a variety of items such as ragi, cardamom, and lemon grass. Hence, statement 2 is not correct.

4. Consider the following statements, with reference to the WorldSkills Competition:

1. It is the largest skill competition in the world which will be held once in every two years.
2. It will be conducted by the WorldSkills International that has 86 member countries including India.
3. India has secured the top position in the competition surpassing China.

How many of the statements given above are correct?

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

Answer: (B)

Explanation:

  • Recently the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship felicitated the winners of the WorldSkills Competition. WorldSkills Competition is the largest skill competition in the world, held once in every two years. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
  • It is conducted by WorldSkills International, which has 86 member countries including India. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
  • These competitions provide both a benchmark for high performance and an objective way to assess vocational excellence. WorldSkills Competition 2022 – It had 62 skill competitions were held over 12 weeks in 15 countries and regions between 7 September and 26 November 2022. India secured 11th positon in the Total Medal Points and secured 4th position in the total points. Chinese Taipei secured 1st in the total points and China secured 1st position in total medal points. Hence, statement 3 is not correct.

5. Consider the following pairs:

GI products States
1. Yak churpi Arunachal Pradesh
2. Khaw Tai Meghalaya
3. Tangsa textile Ladakh

How many of the statements given above pairs are correct?

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

Answer: (A)

Explanation:

  • Recently 3 indigenous products of Arunachal Pradesh such as Yak churpi, Khamti rice & Tangsa textile received GI tag.
  • Yak churpi is the first ever yak milk product, Arunachal Yak Churpi, to receive the Geographical Indication.
  • Khaw Tai is a chewy sticky rice variety of Namsai region being cultivated by traditional Khampti tribal farmers in Arunachal Pradesh.
  • Tangsa textile – Textile products of the Tangsa tribe of Changlang district, Arunachal Pradesh are famous for their exotic designs and colours.

Hence, only pair 1 is correctly matched.