EDEN IAS

Daily MCQ UPSC Current Affairs

Daily MCQs for UPSC Current Affairs | 21ST JANUARY 2023

Question 7: Consider the following statements:

  1. The Mahadayi river rises in Karnataka (Western Ghats) from the Bhimgad Wildlife Sanctuary.
  2. The Mahadayi river joins the Arabian Sea at Panaji.
  3. The Mahadayi river flows through two states.

Which of the following statements is/are true?
A) 1 and 2

B) 2 and 3

C) 1 and 3

D) 1, 2, and 3

Correct Answer: A

Explanation

  • The Mahadayi river rises in Karnataka (Western Ghats) from the Bhimgad Wildlife Sanctuary in Khanapur taluk of Karnataka’s Belagavi district.
  • Flowing westward, it enters the north Goa districts.
  • Several streams join the flow of the river to form the Mandovi which is one of two major rivers that flow through Goa.
  • It joins the Arabian Sea at Panaji.
  • Distribution: Of the total area, 375 sq km lies in Karnataka, 77 sq km in Maharashtra and remaining 1580 sq km is in Goa.

Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/bangalore/karnataka-kalasa-banduri-project-opposition-goa-8357387/

Question 8: Consider the following statements:

  1. Jupiter Icy Moons Explorer will be launched by the European Space Agency (ESA).
  2. It will be Europe’s first dedicated robotic mission to Jupiter.
  3. It will become the first spacecraft ever to reach orbit around the moon of another planet.

Which of the following statements is/are true?
A) 1 and 2

B) 2 and 3

C) 1 and 3

D) 1, 2, and 3

Correct Answer: D

Explanation

Jupiter Icy Moons Explorer:

  • In April 2023, the European Space Agency (ESA) is set to launch the Jupiter Icy Moons Explorer (Juice), in what will be Europe’s first dedicated robotic mission to Jupiter.
  • Juice is due to reach the planet in July 2031 after performing an incredible flight path through the Solar System. The mission will enter into orbit around Jupiter and perform numerous flybys of its large icy moons: Europa, Ganymede and Callisto.
  • After four years of moon flybys, Juice will then enter into orbit around Ganymede, the largest moon in the Solar System.
  • It will thus become the first spacecraft ever to reach orbit around the moon of another planet. The icy moons of Jupiter are all believed to host oceans of liquid water beneath their frozen surfaces.
  • Europa, in particular, is regarded as one of the most likely abodes in the Solar System for extra-terrestrial life.
  • Juice will be equipped with ten scientific instruments including ice-penetrating radar to study the internal oceans. This use of radar is a practical first step in mapping the sub-surface oceans, paving the way for more exotic future missions involving submersible vehicles.

Source: https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/science/five-space-exploration-missions-to-look-out-for-in-2023/article66316352.ece

Question 9: Consider the following statements:

  1. China was the first country that started operating hydrogen-powered trains.
  2. Hydrogen-powered trains make very little noise and emit no pollution.

Which of the following statements is/are true?
A) 1 only

B) 2 only

C) 1 and 2 only

D) Neither 1 nor 2

Correct Answer: B

Explanation

  • Designed and built in India, Vande Metro hydrogen trains would roll out by 2023.
  • Germany was the first country that started operating hydrogen-powered trains for the first time in the world in August.
  • These trains make very little noise and emit no pollution.
  • It only emits just steam and evaporated water.

Source: https://www.financialexpress.com/infrastructure/railways/indian-railways-projects-in-2023-hydrogen-powered-vande-metro-vande-bharat-express-sleeper-class-vande-bharat-3-0-irctc-amrit-bharat-scheme/2933626/

Question 10: Consider the following statements with respect to Nilgiri Tahr:

  1. Nilgiri Tahr are endemic to the Western Ghats.
  2. IUCN status is Endangered.

Which of the following statements is/are true?
A) 1 only

B) 2 only

C) 1 and 2 only

D) Neither 1 nor 2

Correct Answer: C

Explanation

  • Under The Nilgiri Tahr project, the Tamil Nadu government plans to develop a better understanding of the Nilgiri Tahr population through surveys and radio telemetry studies, reintroduce the Tahrs to their historical habitat, address proximate threats and increase public awareness of the species.
  • The project is to be implemented for 5-year period from 2022 to 2027.
  • Nilgiris Tahr is the only Caprine species found in the tropical mountains of southern India.
  • Habitat: They are endemic to the Western Ghats and used to inhabit a large part of the Western Ghats between Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
  • IUCN – Endangered, Wildlife (Protection) Act of India, 1972 – Schedule I

Source: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/tn-government-sets-up-nilgiri-tahr-conservation-project/article66313586.ece

Question 11: Consider the following statements:

  1. Last delimitation of constituencies in Assam was done on basis of 1971 census.
  2. President can order a delimitation exercise to be carried out in four North East States.
  3. Delimitation exercise has not been carried out for last 61 years in Manipur and Nagaland.

Which of the following statements is/are true?
A) 1 and 2

B) 2 and 3

C) 1 and 3

D) 1, 2, and 3

Correct Answer: A

Explanation

  • ECI has initiated the delimitation process for assembly and parliamentary constituencies in Assam, as per Section 8A of Representation of People Act (RPA), 1950.
  • Last delimitation of constituencies in Assam was done on basis of 1971 census figures.
  • As per Section 8A of RPA 1950, President can order a delimitation exercise to be carried out in four North East States (NES)-Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur and Nagaland.
  • Delimitation exercise has not been carried out for last 51 years in these states.
  • Last delimitation exercise (2002-08) kept out these NES due to apprehensions over use of 2001 Census.

Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/india/collection-of-data-and-maps-begins-for-assam-delimitation-8359688/

Question 12: Consider the following statements:

  1. Naegleria fowleri is an amoeba, a single-celled organism.
  2. Naegleria fowleri is commonly found in warm freshwater bodies.
  3. Amoeba enters human body through nose and then travels up to brain.

Which of the following statements is/are true?
A) 1 and 2

B) 2 and 3

C) 1 and 3

D) 1, 2, and 3

Correct Answer: D

Explanation

  • South Korea reported its first case of infection from Naegleria fowleri.
  • Naegleria is an amoeba, a single-celled organism, and only one of its species, called Naegleria fowleri, can infect humans.
  • It was first discovered in Australia in 1965.
  • It is commonly found in warm freshwater bodies, such as hot springs, rivers and lakes.
  • Amoeba enters human body through nose and then travels up to brain.
  • Then it destroys brain tissues and causes a dangerous infection known as Primary Amebic Meningoencephalitis (PAM).

Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-health/brain-eating-amoeba-kills-south-korean-man-what-is-this-infection-8346969/#:~:text=promo%20code%20SD25-,Naegleria%20is%20an%20amoeba%2C%20a%20single%2Dcelled%20organism%2C%20and,Control%20and%20Prevention%20(CDC).