Current Affairs MCQs for UPSC & State PSC Exams (26 June 2023)

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

Date: 26 June 2023

1. In context of Indo-Egypt relation, consider the following statements:

1. Ashoka’s edicts refer to his relations with Egypt under Ptolemy-II.
2. Mahatma Gandhi and the Egyptian revolutionary Saad Zaghloul shared the common goal of independence from British colonial rule.
3. Maulana Azad Centre for Indian Culture (MACIC) was established in Cairo in 1992.
4. On the occasion of the 74th Republic Day, the President of Egypt was invited as the chief guest at the parade.

How many of the above statements are correct?

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

Answer: (D)

Explanation:

  • India and Egypt, two of the world’s oldest civilizations, have enjoyed a history of close contact from ancient times. Ashoka’s edicts refer to his relations with Egypt under Ptolemy-II. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
  • In modern times, Mahatma Gandhi and Saad Zaghloul shared common goals on the independence of their countries, a relationship that was to blossom into an exceptionally close friendship between President Nasser and Prime Minister Nehru, leading to a Friendship Treaty between the two countries in 1955. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
  • MACIC was inaugurated on 14th January 1992, and was named after Maulana Abul Kalam Azad (1888-1958), the distinguished scholar, educationist and statesman, who was the first Education Minister of India and the founding President of the Indian Council for Cultural Relations. Hence, statement 3 is correct.
  • President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi (President of Egypt) is on a State visit to India from 24-26 January 2023 at the invitation of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. President Sisi, who is on his second State Visit to India, will also be the Chief Guest on India's 74th Republic Day.Hence, statement 4 is correct.

2. Consider the following statements:

1. Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) encompasses various medical procedures and technologies used to facilitate conception and pregnancy.
2. IVF is a method where eggs are retrieved from the ovaries, fertilized with sperm in a laboratory, and then transferred to the uterus.
3. Surrogacy is a process where another woman carries and gives birth to a baby for individuals or couples who are unable to conceive or carry a pregnancy themselves.

How many of the statements given above are correct?

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

Answer: (C)

Explanation:

  • ART, which stands for Assisted Reproductive Technology, refers to a range of medical procedures and technologies designed to assist individuals or couples in achieving pregnancy. These techniques are used when natural conception is difficult or not possible. Hence, statement 1 is correct
  • In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a method of assisted reproductive technology (ART) where eggs are retrieved from the ovaries, fertilized with sperm in a laboratory setting, and then transferred to the uterus.Hence, statement 2 is correct
  • Surrogacy is a process in which another woman, known as a surrogate or gestational carrier, carries and gives birth to a baby on behalf of individuals or couples who are unable to conceive or carry a pregnancy themselves.Hence, statement 3 is correct

3. In the context of Kedarnath Temple, consider the following statements:

1. The Kedarnath Temple is located near the Mandakini River in the Rudraprayag District of Uttarakhand.
2. The original Kedarnath Temple was built by Adi Shankaracharya in the 8th century A.D.
3. Kedarnath Temple is a part of the 12 Jyotirlingas in India.

How many of the statements given above are correct?

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

Answer: (C)

Explanation:

  • The Kedarnath Temple is indeed located near the Mandakini River in the Rudraprayag District of Uttarakhand, India. It is one of the most important pilgrimage sites for Hindus and holds great religious significance. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
  • The construction of the original Kedarnath Temple is attributed to Adi Shankaracharya, a prominent Hindu philosopher and theologian who lived in the 8th century A.D. Adi Shankaracharya is considered one of the key figures in the revival and propagation of Hinduism during that time. He is also credited with the establishment of the four mathas (monastic institutions) in different corners of India. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
  • The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, which are considered the holiest abodes of Lord Shiva. Hence, statement 3 is correct.

4. Which of the following is not correct about the Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary?

(a) It is located in the state of Odisha.
(b) It was established in 1985.
(c) The prey density survey recorded 46 animals per square kilometer.
(d) It is situated near the Yamuna Dam.

Answer: (D)

Explanation:

  • The Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected area located in the state of Odisha, India. It was established in 1985 with the purpose of conserving the diverse flora and fauna found in the region. The sanctuary covers a significant area and is known for its rich biodiversity.
  • The sanctuary is home to various species of animals, including mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians. Some of the notable wildlife species found in Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary include tigers, leopards, elephants, deer, wild boars, and several species of birds. The presence of such a diverse range of wildlife makes it an important conservation area.
  • The Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary recently conducted a pre-monsoon sign survey, revealing a prey density of 46 animals per square kilometer within the sanctuary.
  • It is important to note that there is no mention of the sanctuary being situated near the Yamuna Dam. The Yamuna Dam is actually located in the state of Haryana and Uttarakhand, far away from the Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary in Odisha. The Hirakud Dam is a notable structure located near the Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary.

5. Consider the following statements about INS Sunayna:

1. INS Sunayna is a Saryu class Offshore Patrol Vessel that was commissioned at Kochi.
2. It operates under the Southern Naval Command and was built at the Goa Shipyard Limited.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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

Answer: (C)

Explanation: INS Sunayna is the second Saryu-class patrol vessel of the Indian Navy, designed and constructed indigenously by the Goa Shipyard Limited. It is designed to undertake fleet support operations, coastal and offshore patrolling, ocean surveillance and monitoring of sea lines of communications and offshore assets and escort duties. Hence, both statements are correct.