Current Affairs MCQs for UPSC & State PSC Exams (25 December 2023)

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

Date: 25 December 2023

1. Consider the following statements regarding Aerogel Fibre:

1. Aerogel fiber is a new type of functional clothing fiber with excellent thermal insulation, moisture absorption and breathability.
2. It has unique properties, such as low porosity, high density and low thermal conductivity.
3. It can provide protection against the cold with only a fraction of the thickness required for conventional sweaters or down jackets.

How many of the above statements is/are correct?

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

Answer: (B)

Explanation: Recently, the researchers have developed knittable aerogel fiber based on polar bear fur structure. Aerogel fiber is a new type of functional clothing fiber with excellent thermal insulation, moisture absorption and breathability. It has unique properties, such as high porosity, low density and low thermal conductivity. It is an ideal material for thermal insulation. The fiber has exceptional thermal and mechanical properties and is washable, dyeable and durable. It is also suitable for knitting or weaving. The fiber is made using aerogel, a thermal insulation material that's mainly used in the aerospace industry. The resulting fiber is ultralight and coated with polyurethane. It can protect wearers from the cold at a fraction of the thickness needed for conventional sweaters or down jackets. Hence, statement 2 is not correct.


2. Consider the following statements regarding Microbiome:

1. Microbiome refers to the collection of bacteria, fungi, viruses, algae, protozoa and viruses present in a particular location, such as the human eye.
2. Microbes are so small that they can only be seen with a microscope, but they contribute significantly to human health and wellness.

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: (C)

Explanation: Microbiome refers to the collection of bacteria, fungi, viruses, algae, protozoa and viruses present in a particular location, such as the human eye. The microbiome is a collection of microorganisms that live in a particular environment. Microbes are so small that they can only be seen with a microscope, but they contribute significantly to human health and wellness. In humans, the microbiome is often used to describe the microorganisms that live in or on a specific part of the body, such as the skin or gastrointestinal tract. The human body contains around 39 trillion bacteria. Hence, both statements are correct.


3. Consider the following pairs:

1. Bab-el-Mandeb Strait Red Sea and Gulf of Aden
2. Yucatan Strait Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean Sea
3. Bosporous Strait Marmara Sea and Agean Sea
4. Gibraltar Strait Mediterranean Sea and Pacific Ocean

How many of the above pairs are correctly matched?

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

Answer: (B)

Explanation:

1. Bab-el-Mandeb Strait Red Sea and Gulf of Aden
2. Yucatan Strait Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean Sea
3. Bosporous Strait Black Sea and Marmara Sea
4. Gibraltar Strait Mediterranean Sea and Atlantic Ocean


4. Consider the following statements regarding Turquet's Octopus:

1. This is a species of benthic octopus that lives around Arctic.
2. It has been recorded endangered in IUCN list.
3. It is characterized by the absence of a skin ridge around the body, and its nearly smooth skin, which is covered with low granular bumps.

How many of the above statements is/are correct?

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

Answer: (A)

Explanation: According to a recent study published in the journal Science, Turquet's octopuses (Pareledone turqueti) were able to navigate the region when the West Antarctic ice sheet melted around 125,000 years ago.
Turquet's octopus (Pareledone turqueti) is a species of benthic octopus that can be found in the Antarctic. It can be found at a wide range of depths, from shallow waters to 4,000 meters deep. It has been recorded least concern in IUCN list.
It is characterised by the absence of a skin ridge around the body, and its nearly smooth skin, which is covered with low granular bumps. In the wild it is known to be preyed upon by Patagonian toothfish off South Georgia and Weddell seals off the South Shetland Islands. Hence, only statement 3 is correct.


5. Rambagh Gate that has recently secured prestigious UNESCO Asia-Pacific Award for Cultural Heritage Conservation, is located in which state?

(a) Uttar Pradesh
(b) Haryana
(c) Rajasthan
(d) Punjab

Answer: (D)

Explanation: Recently, three heritage projects from Punjab and Haryana have secured prestigious spots among the UNESCO Asia-Pacific Awards for Cultural Heritage Conservation 2023. Award winning sites from India are as follows

  • The Rambagh Gate in Amritsar received the “Award of Excellence,” the highest recognition among all categories.
  • Pipal Haveli, a heritage rural homestay from Punjab was honoured for its sustainable development.
  • The Karnikara Mandapam at Kunnamangalam Bhagawati Temple in Kerala earned the Award of Distinction.
  • Epiphany in Haryana, David Sassoon Library and Reading Room in Mumbai and Bikaner House in New Delhi received the Award of Merit.