Current Affairs MCQs for UPSC & State PSC Exams (24 October 2023)

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

Date: 24 October 2023

1. Consider the following statements

1. Millets are fundamentally grasses.
2. Millets are becoming more popular in India as well because of their low input requirements and high nutritional density

Which of the above statements are correct?

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

Answer: (C)

Explanation: Millets, which are essentially grasses, are grown worldwide, with a focus on tropical regions of Africa and Asia, where they are cultivated as cereal crops. Some common varieties include pearl millet (Cenchrus americanus), barnyard millet (Echinochloa utilis), finger millet (Eleusine coracana), and foxtail millet (Setaria italica). The rising popularity of millets in India can be attributed to their low input demands and high nutritional density, qualities that are particularly valuable for a nation anticipating substantial food security challenges in the upcoming decades.


2.Consider the following pairs:

1. Article 16(4A) - Abolishes untouchability and prohibits its practice.
2. Article 17 - Reservation in promotions for underrepresented SCs/STs in government jobs.
3. Article 46 - Directs the State to promote educational and economic interests of SCs.

How many of the above pairs are correctly matched?

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

Answer: (A)

Explanation: Constitutional provisions for upliftment of SCs:
1. Article 15(4) outlines special provisions aimed at promoting the advancement of specific groups.
2. Article 16(4A) addresses the concept of "reservation in promotions for certain categories, like SCs/STs, who are underrepresented in government services."
3. Article 17 abolishes the practice of Untouchability.
4. Article 46 mandates that the State should actively promote the educational and economic welfare of marginalized communities, particularly the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, while also safeguarding them from social injustice and exploitation.
5. Article 335 emphasizes that while making appointments to government services and positions, the claims of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes must be considered, provided it does not compromise administrative efficiency.
6. Article 330 and Article 332 in the Constitution respectively stipulate the reservation of seats for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes in the House of the People and the legislative assemblies of the States.
7. Parts IX and IXA of the Constitution deal with Panchayats and Municipalities, respectively, and introduce provisions for the reservation of seats for SC and ST members in local governing bodies.


3. Consider the following statements in connection with the biasing of semiconductor diodes:

1. LEDs operate in a forward bias mode.
2. Photodiodes function in a forward bias mode.
3. Zener diodes are employed in a reverse bias mode.
4. Variable capacitance diodes are utilized in a reverse bias mode.

How many of the above statements are correct?

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

Answer: (C)

Explanation: 1. Light-Emitting Diode (LED):

  • An LED is a semiconductor device that emits visible light when an electric current flows through it.
  • LED operation occurs exclusively in the forward bias condition.
  • In the junction or depletion region, free electrons combine with holes in the positive ions, leading to light emission.
2. Photodiode:
  • A photodiode is a specialized p-n junction diode designed with a transparent window, allowing light to illuminate the diode.
  • It functions under reverse bias.
3. Zener Diode:
  • A Zener diode operates similarly to a PN junction diode in forward bias, but it distinguishes itself by conducting in reverse bias above its threshold or breakdown voltage.
  • Zener diodes operate in the breakdown region.
4. Variable Capacitance Diodes (Varactor Diodes):
  • Variable capacitance diodes, also known as varactor diodes, adjust their capacitance in response to applied voltage bias.
  • They are typically utilized in the reverse bias condition because their capacitance is responsive to the voltage applied across them in this state, commonly found in electronic tuning circuits.


4. With reference to technologies for solar power production, consider the following statements:

1. Photovoltaics is a technology that directly converts light into electricity to generate power.
2. Solar Thermal technology harnesses solar energy to produce heat, which is subsequently employed in the electricity generation process.
3. India possesses a manufacturing base for Solar Thermal technology but lacks one for Photovoltaics.

How many of the above statements are correct?

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

Answer: (A)

Explanation: Photovoltaics (PV) is indeed a technology that directly converts light into electricity, which is used to generate power.
Solar thermal heating is the utilisation of solar energy to provide process heat, especially in crop drying, water heating, cooking or space heating and cooling.
The statement about India's manufacturing base for solar technologies is not accurate. India has manufacturing facilities for both Solar Thermal and Photovoltaic technologies. It has been making efforts to expand its capacity in the field of solar power generation, including both types of technologies.


5. Which of the following set of countries share a border with Serbia?

(a) Romania, Greece, and Bulgaria
(b) Croatia, Hungary, and North Macedonia
(c) Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Croatia
(d) Albania, Kosovo, and Bulgaria

Answer: (C)

Explanation: