Current Affairs MCQs for UPSC & State PSC Exams (27 June 2023)

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

Date: 27 June 2023

1. In the context of Belgium, consider the following statements:

1. It is positioned along the North Sea.
2. Its official language is French.
3. Belgium is the headquarters of NATO.

How many of the statements given above are correct?

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

Answer: (B)

Explanation:

  • Belgium is a federal state situated in Western Europe. It is positioned along the North Sea and shares borders with France, Germany, Luxembourg and the Netherlands. The country is divided into three distinct regions: Flanders, Wallonia and Brussels. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
  • Belgium is known for its linguistic and cultural diversity. The country has three official languages: Dutch (Flemish), French and German. Dutch is primarily spoken in the northern region of Flanders, French in the southern region of Wallonia and German in a small area along the eastern border. Hence, statement 2 is incorrect.
  • Belgium has a highly developed economy and is known for its advanced industries including manufacturing, technology and services. It is a member of the Eurozone and the World Trade Organization.Apart from hosting various European Union institutions, Belgium is the headquarters of NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) and several international organizations and think tanks. Hence, statement 3 is correct.

2. What is the main difference between a lithium-ion battery and a lithium-polymer battery?

(a) Lithium-ion batteries use a solid electrolyte, while lithium polymer batteries use a liquid electrolyte.
(b) Lithium-ion batteries are thinner and lighter than lithium polymer batteries.
(c) Lithium-ion batteries have a higher energy density compared to lithium polymer batteries.
(d) lithium-ion battery uses a liquid electrolyte, while lithium-polymer battery uses a dry solid, gel-like electrolyte.

Answer: (D)

Explanation:

Difference between Lithium-Ion Battery and Lithium Polymer Battery:

  • Lithium-ion batteries usually have a liquid electrolyte, whereas lithium polymer batteries use a solid or gel-like polymer electrolyte.
  • This distinction allows for different form factors and flexibility in shaping the battery.
  • Lithium polymer batteries are often thinner and lighter, making them suitable for devices with space limitations.
  • However, lithium-ion batteries are more commonly used in most consumer electronics and electric vehicles due to their higher energy density and established manufacturing processes.

3. Recently, the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry &Dairying has launched the NANDI Portal; consider the following statement regarding NANDI Portal:

1. It is India's effort to digitalize and streamline the procedures for approving veterinary products.
2. It is developed in coordination with the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO).

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:

  • Recently, the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying has launched the NANDI (NOC Approval for New Drug and Inoculation System) Portal to facilitate the regulatory approval process for veterinary products in India.
  • The NANDI (NOC Approval for New Drug and Inoculation System) portal represents a significant step in digitizing and streamlining the regulatory processes for veterinary products in India. It will contribute to the well-being of livestock, facilitate the availability of veterinary drugs and vaccines and promote the growth of the livestock industry. Hence, statement 1 is correct
  • The NANDI portal, developed in coordination with the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO), aims to expedite the regulatory process by enabling quick and easy coordination between government departments, institutes and the industry. It leverages IT systems to ensure minimum government intervention and maximum governance. Hence, statement 2 is correct.

4. Consider the following statements:

1. The Golden Crescent consists of three contiguous countries: Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Iran.
2. Afghanistan is the leading contributor to illicit opium production in the Golden Crescent.
3. Pakistan has a significantly lower opium production compared to Afghanistan.
4. The Golden Triangle is situated in Southeast Asia and consists of three neighboring countries: Laos, Thailand, and Myanmar.

How many of the above statements are correct?

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

Answer: (D)

Explanation:

  • The Golden Crescent refers to a region in Southwest Asia that comprises Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Iran. These countries are geographically connected, forming a crescent-shaped area.Hence statement 1 is correct.
  • Afghanistan is known as the largest contributor to illicit opium production within the Golden Crescent region. It is a major producer of opium poppy, which is the primary source of heroin. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
  • While Pakistan is part of the Golden Crescent and engages in opium production, its output is considerably lower compared to Afghanistan. Pakistan's opium production is relatively smaller in scale.Hence, statement 3 is correct.
  • The Golden Triangle refers to a region in Southeast Asia composed of three neighboring countries: Laos, Thailand, and Myanmar. It is another significant area known for its illicit opium production and drug trafficking activities. Hence, statement 4 is correct.

5. Consider the following statements, with reference to Wagner Group:

Statement-I: It is a mercenary organisation that was first identified in 2014, during Russia’s annexation of Crimea.
Statement-II: It’s essentially a network of contractors that supply soldiers for hire and the group got registered as a company in 2022.

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:

  • Wagner Group is the mercenary organisation was first identified in 2014, during Russia’s annexation of Crimea. It’s essentially a network of contractors that supply soldiers for hire and the group got registered as a company in 2022. Headquarters: St Petersburg.
  • Initially, the Wagner Group remained mostly secretive and consisted of just 5,000 fighters, active particularly in Africa and West Asia. It expanded to comprise 50,000 fighters just in Ukraine. Hence, both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I.