Current Affairs MCQs for UPSC & State PSC Exams (20 June 2023)


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

Date: 20 June 2023


1. Consider the following statements:

1. Qubits are the fundamental units of information in quantum computers.
2. Qubits possess the unique property of existing in a superposition of states.
3. Different types of quantum computing, like linear optical quantum computing (LOQC), use alternative units of information such as phonons.
4. Any particle controllable through quantum phenomena has the potential to serve as an information unit in a quantum computer.

How many of the above statements are correct?

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

Answer: (C)

Explanation:

  • Qubits are indeed the fundamental units of information in quantum computers. They represent the quantum counterpart of classical bits and are the building blocks for quantum computations. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
  • Qubits possess the unique property of existing in a superposition of states. Unlike classical bits that can only represent a definite value of either 0 or 1, qubits can exist in a combination or superposition of both states simultaneously. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
  • Linear optical quantum computing (LOQC) does not typically use alternative units of information such as phonons. LOQC is a specific approach to quantum computing that utilizes photons (particles of light) as the quantum information carriers. Hence, statement 3 is not correct.
  • Any particle controllable through quantum phenomena has the potential to serve as an information unit in a quantum computer. This statement highlights the flexibility and broad scope of quantum computing, where various physical systems such as atoms, ions, electrons, photons, and even phonons can be harnessed as qubits. Hence, statement 4 is correct.

2. Recently India’s defense minister and the Minister of National Defense of Vietnam hold talks in New Delhi to carry forward bilateral defense cooperation. Consider the following statements in the context of India-Vietnam relations:

1. India supported Vietnam's independence from France and opposed American involvement in the Vietnam War.
2. Vietnam is an important regional partner in South East Asia, and India and Vietnam cooperate closely in regional forums such as ASEAN, East Asia Summit, Mekong Ganga Cooperation, ASEM, UN, and WTO.
3. Defense cooperation is a crucial aspect of the strategic partnership between India and Vietnam.

How many of the statements given above are correct?

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

Answer: (C)

Explanation:

  • India supported Vietnam's independence from France and opposed American involvement in the Vietnam War. This historical background showcases India's role in supporting Vietnam's struggle for independence. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
  • Vietnam is indeed an important regional partner in South East Asia, and India and Vietnam cooperate closely in various regional forums. These forums include ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations), East Asia Summit, Mekong Ganga Cooperation, ASEM (Asia-Europe Meeting), UN (United Nations), and WTO (World Trade Organization). This highlights the collaborative engagement between the two countries in regional affairs. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
  • Defense cooperation is a crucial aspect of the strategic partnership between India and Vietnam. Both countries engage in various defense-related activities, including capacity building, addressing shared security concerns, personnel training, and collaboration in defense research and development. This demonstrates the significance of defense cooperation in strengthening bilateral relations. Hence, statement 3 is correct.

3. Consider the following statements:

Statement-I: Miyawaki forests are multi-layered and maintenance-free, creating self-sustainable ecosystems.
Statement-II: The Miyawaki method involves improving soil quality, using mulch to prevent dryness, erosion, and weed growth, and planting native trees in close proximity.

Which 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 of 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: (B)

Explanation:

  • Miyawaki forests are indeed multi-layered and are designed to be self-sustainable ecosystems. The multi-layered approach involves planting trees of different heights, along with shrubs, herbs, and ground cover plants, mimicking the structure of a natural forest. This multi-layered approach helps to maximize the use of available space and creates a more diverse and resilient ecosystem. Hence statement-I is correct.
  • The Miyawaki method involves improving soil quality by adding organic matter and nutrients to enhance fertility. It also includes using mulch to prevent dryness, erosion, and weed growth. Additionally, the method emphasizes planting native trees in close proximity to encourage faster growth, biodiversity, and ecological benefits. Hence, statement-II is correct.
  • Statement-II describes some of the techniques used in the Miyawaki method, it does not fully explain why Miyawaki forests are multi-layered and maintenance-free. Hence, Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I So, both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I.

4. Consider the following locations related to the Gulf of California:

1. Baja California Peninsula
2. Mainland Mexico
3. Colorado River Delta
4. Cabo San Lucas
5. Sea of Cortez

How many of the above-mentioned locations are associated with the Gulf of California?

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

Answer: (D)

Explanation:

  • The Gulf of California, also known as the Sea of Cortez, is a body of water located between the Baja California Peninsula and mainland Mexico. It is connected to the Pacific Ocean by the narrow Strait of California.
  • Baja California Peninsula: This location is directly associated with the Gulf of California as it forms the eastern boundary of the gulf. Therefore, it is associated with the Gulf of California.
  • Mainland Mexico: The Gulf of California is situated between the Baja California Peninsula and mainland Mexico. Therefore, mainland Mexico is also associated with the Gulf of California.
  • Colorado River Delta: The Colorado River is one of the primary sources of water for the Gulf of California. The river flows into the gulf, and its delta forms a significant feature within the gulf. Therefore, the Colorado River Delta is associated with the Gulf of California.
  • Cabo San Lucas: Cabo San Lucas is a popular tourist destination located at the southern tip of the Baja California Peninsula. It is situated on the coast of the Gulf of California, making it associated with the gulf.
  • Sea of Cortez: The Sea of Cortez is another name for the Gulf of California. Therefore, this location is synonymous with the gulf and, therefore, associated with it.

5. Consider the following statements, with reference to Gandhi Peace Prize:

1. Gandhi Peace Prize is an annual award instituted by Government of India in 1955.
2. The award is open to all persons regardless of nationality, race, language, caste, creed or gender.
3. Gandhi Peace Prize for the year 2021 is being conferred on Gita Press, Gorakhpur.

How many statements given above are correct?

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

Answer: (B)

Explanation:

  • Gandhi Peace Prize is an annual award instituted by Government of India in 1995, on the occasion of 125th Birth Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi as a tribute to the ideals espoused by Mahatma Gandhi. Hence, statement 1 is incorrect.
  • The award is open to all persons regardless of nationality, race, language, caste, creed or gender. The award carries an amount of Rs. 1 crore, a citation, a plaque and an exquisite traditional handicraft/handloom item. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
  • The Jury headed by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, after due deliberations on 18th June, 2023 unanimously decided to select Gita Press, Gorakhpur as the recipient of the Gandhi Peace Prize for the year 2021, in recognition of its outstanding contribution towards social, economic and political transformation through non-violent and other Gandhian methods. Hence, statement 3 is correct.