Current Affairs MCQs for UPSC & State PSC Exams (7 December 2023)

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

Date: 7 December 2023

1. With reference to International Civil Aviation Day, consider the following statements

1. International Civil Aviation Day is celebrated on December 7th every year.
2. The theme for International Civil Aviation Day 2023 is "Advancing Innovation for Global Aviation Development".

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: International Civil Aviation Day is celebrated on December 7th every year. The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations. The day also recognises the special contribution of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) in maintaining the efficiency, safety and cooperation of international aviation. It was established in 1994 as part of the International Civil Aviation Organization's (ICAO) 50th anniversary. The United Nations General Assembly officially recognized the day in 1996. The United Nations and other international organizations celebrate this day to recognize the importance of aviation to the world's social and economic development. The theme for International Civil Aviation Day 2023 is "Advancing Innovation for Global Aviation Development". Hence, both statements are correct.


2. Consider the following statements regarding Environment Impact Assessment:

Statement I - Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is a tool used to evaluate the positive and negative environmental, economic and social impacts of a project.
Statement II - It is used to predict the environmental impacts of a project in the pre-planning stage so that decisions can be taken to reduce the adverse impacts.

Which one 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 for 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: (A)

Explanation:Recently, the Union government told to the Parliament that the Char Dham project in Uttarakhand, under which the Silkyara tunnel is being developed, did not require an Environment Impact Assessment (EIA). Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is a tool used to evaluate the positive and negative environmental, economic and social impacts of a project. It is used to predict the environmental impacts of a project in the pre-planning stage so that decisions can be taken to reduce the adverse impacts. The concept of EIA emerged in the 1960s and 1970s as a response to growing concerns about the environmental impacts of large-scale development projects. On 27 January 1994, the Union Ministry of Environment and Forests, Government of India issued the first EIA notification. Hence, both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I.


3. Lakadong Turmeric, recently seen in news, has been awarded Geographical Indication (GI) tag. It belongs to which of the following state?

(a) Sikkim
(b) Meghalaya
(c) Andhra Pradesh
(d) Mizoram

Answer: (B)

Explanation: Recently, Lakadong Turmeric of Meghalaya has been awarded with the Geographical Indication (GI) tag. Lakadong turmeric is a variety of turmeric that originated in Jaintia Hills, Meghalaya. Lakadong turmeric is considered to be one of the world's best varieties of turmeric with a curcumin content of around 6 .8 to 7.5 per cent. Curcumin is the compound that gives turmeric its bright yellow color and has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Garo Dakmanda (traditional dress), Larnai pottery and Garo Chubitchi (alcoholic beverage) have also been awarded with the Geographical Indication (GI) tag. Hence, option (b) is correct.


4. With reference to Global Partnership on AI (GPAI), consider the following statements:

1. It is a multi-stakeholder initiative which aims to bridge the gap between theory and practice on AI by supporting cutting-edge research and applied activities on AI-related priorities.
2. At present, it has 29 members and India is also a member of this initiative.
3. The partnership is engaged in providing financial support and carrying out research and development activities in the field of artificial intelligence.

How many of the above statements is/are correct?

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

Answer: (B)

Explanation: The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), Government of India is pleased to announce that it will assume the role of Lead Council Chair for the Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence (GPAI) and will host the prestigious GPAI Summit in New Delhi from December 12 to 14, 2023. The GPAI Summit brings together engaged minds and expertise from science, industry, civil society, governments, international organisations and academia to foster international cooperation on the future of artificial intelligence and its impact on society. This summit will focus on various critical aspects of AI, including responsible AI, data governance, future of work and innovation and commercialization. GPAI is a multi-stakeholder initiative bringing together leading experts from science, industry, civil society, international organizations, and government that share values to bridge the gap between theory and practice on AI by supporting cutting-edge research and applied activities on AI-related priorities. GPAI is a congregation of 28 Member Countries and the European Union. India had joined the group as a founding member in 2020. GPAI is not directly involved in funding or conducting AI research and development. It’s primarily focused on developing principles and guidelines for responsible AI development, rather than conducting research itself. Hence, statement 3 is not correct.


5. Consider the following:

1. Garba
2. Sankirtana
3. Bihu dance
4. Mudiyettu
5. Nawrouz and Yoga

Which of the above are included in the UNESCO’s Intangible Heritage List?

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

Answer: (C)

Explanation: “Garba of Gujarat” has been inscribed in the Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) of Humanity by UNESCO. Garba of Gujarat becomes the 15th element from India to join the Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) list. India’s additions in Intangible Heritage List:
• 2023: Garba of Gujarat
• 2021: Durga Puja in Kolkata
• 2017: Kumbh Mela
• 2016: Nawrouz and Yoga
• 2014: Traditional brass and copper craft of utensil making among the Thatheras of Jandiala Guru, Punjab
• 2013: Sankirtana, ritual singing, drumming and dancing of Manipur
• 2012: Buddhist chanting of Ladakh: recitation of sacred Buddhist
texts in the trans-Himalayan Ladakh region, Jammu and Kashmir
• 2010:
√ Chhau dance
√ Kalbelia folk songs and dances of Rajasthan
√ Mudiyettu, ritual theatre and dance drama of Kerala
• 2009: Ramman, religious festival and ritual theatre of the Garhwal Himalayas
• 2008:
√ Kutiyattam, Sanskrit theatre
√ Tradition of Vedic chanting
√ Ramlila, the traditional performance of the Ramayana
Hence, option (c) is correct.