Current Affairs MCQs for UPSC & State PSC Exams (29 November 2023)

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

Date: 29 November 2023

1. Consider the following statements, with reference to Rat-Hole Mining:

1. Rat-hole mining is a method of extracting coal from narrow, horizontal coal beds.
2. This practice of mining is prevalent in Meghalaya.
3. The practice of rat-hole mining is banned 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: With large metal pieces hindering machine drilling in Uttarakhand tunnel rescue operation, now it has been planned to use Rat-Hole Mining method to drill the remaining few meters. Rat-hole mining is a method of extracting coal from narrow, horizontal coal beds which is prevalent in Meghalaya. The term “rat hole” refers to the narrow pits dug into the ground, typically just large enough for one person to descend and extract coal. Once the pits are dug, miners descend using ropes or bamboo ladders to reach the coal seams. The coal is then manually extracted using primitive tools such as pickaxes, shovels, and baskets. Once the coal seam is found, rat-hole-sized tunnels are dug horizontally through which workers can extract the coal. Rat hole mining poses significant safety and environmental hazards. The mines are typically unregulated, lacking safety measures such as proper ventilation, structural support, or safety gear for the workers. The mining process can cause land degradation, deforestation, and water pollution. They often persist due to economic factors and the absence of viable alternative livelihoods for the local population. The National Green Tribunal (NGT) banned the practice of rat-hole mining in 2014, and retained the ban in 2015. Hence, all statements are correct.


2. Consider the following passage:

It is covered by dry deciduous, moist deciduous and semi evergreen forests of Sahyadri hills in the Western Ghats. It is situated in the Shimoga district of Karnataka. The tree species here include Teak, Sandal, Rosewood, Honne and Nandi. The wildlife such as Elephant, Bison, Spotted deer, Tiger and Panther can be spotted here.

The above passage best describes which of the following sanctuary?

(a) Shettihalli Wildlife Sanctuary
(b) Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary
(c) Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary
(d) Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary

Answer: (A)

Explanation:Recently the National Green Tribunal has set a dead line of 6 months in issuing Eco-Sensitive Zone tag, which may resolve the confusion over the boundaries of the sanctuary. Shettihalli Wildlife Sanctuary is situated in the Shimoga (Shivamogga) district of Karnataka and is home to a variety of flora and fauna. The sanctuary is divided into 3 zones, namely- core zone, buffer zone and tourism zone. It was declared a wildlife sanctuary on November, 1974. The Tunga Anicut Dam is situated within the sanctuary and provides shelter for otters and water birds. The Mandagadde Bird Sanctuary is also a part of the Shettihalli Wildlife Sanctuary. It is covered by dry deciduous, moist deciduous and semi evergreen forests of Sahyadri hills in the Western Ghats. The tree species here include Teak, Sandal, Rosewood, Honne and Nandi. The wildlife such as Elephant, Bison, Spotted deer, Tiger and Panther can be spotted here. The hilly area forms the catchment basin for Kumadwathi River. The sanctuary has many tourist attraction spots like Elephant camp at Sacrebyle, Mandagadde Bird Sanctuary and Tiger and Lion Safari at Thyavarekoppa. Hence, option (a) is correct.


3. Consider the following statements, with reference to Saurauia Punduana:

1. It is a critically endangered plant species that is endemic to Sikkim in India.
2. The flowers of Saurauia Punduana turn white to pink on maturity and fruits of it are used in veterinary medicine.

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: (B)

Explanation: The Saurauia Punduana were recorded for the first time in Manipur during a recent Rapid Biodiversity Assessment (RBA) field survey. Saurauia Punduana is a critically endangered plant species under International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List. The native range of this species is from Bhutan to Southeastern Tibet. Flowers of Saurauia Punduana turn white to pink on maturity. Petals are pink, ovate to obovate curled at the tip. Its fruits are spherical shining white, and are used in veterinary medicine. In India it is distributed across Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh and Assam. The native range of this species is from Bhutan to South-eastern Tibet that includes India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Myanmar and Tibet. Hence, statement 1 is not correct.


4. ‘Just Transition’, often seen in the news is related to which of the following?

(a) It generally means starting a transition from unsustainable energy use to sustainable energy use.
(b) It refers to the unavoidable social and financial transition impacts caused by extreme weather events.
(c) It describes a shift to a low-carbon or net-zero economy without jeopardising the rights of workers and the needs of communities.
(d) It refers to a five-year review in which countries assess where they are in the fight against climate change.

Answer: (C)

Explanation: The term describes a shift to a low-carbon or net-zero economy without jeopardising the rights of workers and the needs of communities, which could be affected due major changes to industries like fossil fuels. Hence, option (c) is correct.


5. Consider the following statements regarding Guru Nanak Dev Ji:

1. Guru Nanak Dev Ji was born in the 15th century in present-day Pakistan.
2. He founded Sikhism and preached the concept of "Ik Onkar," emphasizing the belief in a single, formless divine entity.
3. Guru Nanak Dev Ji's spiritual journey included extensive travels known as "Udasis," during which he spread his teachings across different regions.

How many of the statements given above are correct?

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

Answer: (C)

Explanation: Guru Nanak Dev Ji was born on April 15, 1469, in the village of Talwandi, which is now in Pakistan and is known as Nankana Sahib. Guru Nanak Dev Ji founded Sikhism and preached the concept of "Ik Onkar," emphasizing the belief in a single, formless divine entity that transcends all religious divisions. Guru Nanak Dev Ji's spiritual journey included extensive travels known as "Udasis," during which he traveled to various regions, spreading his teachings and promoting the message of equality, peace, and oneness. Hence, all statements are correct.