08th February 2023 Current Affairs Quiz for UPSC Prelims
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Question 1 of 10
1. Question
2 points
Shumang Leela, a traditional form of theatre is a folk art in the state of
Correct
Correct Answer: D
Explanation
Shumang Kumhei, also known as Shumang Leela, is a Meitei traditional form of theatre, usually performed in Manipur. The theatre is arranged in the form of open air from four sides. The roles are all played by male actors, some dressed as ladies.
Incorrect
Correct Answer: D
Explanation
Shumang Kumhei, also known as Shumang Leela, is a Meitei traditional form of theatre, usually performed in Manipur. The theatre is arranged in the form of open air from four sides. The roles are all played by male actors, some dressed as ladies.
Question 2 of 10
2. Question
2 points
Consider the following statements about PM SHRI Yojana:
1. The scheme aims to provide financial assistance to rural Self-Help Groups.
2. It is a centrally sponsored scheme.
3. It also aims to form at least one SHG in each village by 2024.
Choose the correct statements:
Correct
Correct Answer: A
Explanation
Answer: (a)
PM SHRI Yojana
• On the occasion of National Teachers’ Day, the Prime Minister announced a new initiative – PM SHRI Schools (PM ScHools for Rising India). Hence statement 1 and 3 are NOT correct.
• This will be a new centrally sponsored scheme for upgradation and development of more than 14500 Schools across the country by strengthening the selected existing schools from amongst schools managed by Central Government/ State/ UT Government/ local bodies. Hence statement 2 is correct.
• PM SHRI Schools will showcase all components of the National Education Policy 2020 and act as exemplar schools and also offer mentorship to other schools in their vicinity.
• The aim of these schools will not only be qualitative teaching, learning and cognitive development, but also creating holistic and well-rounded individuals equipped with key 21st century skills.
Incorrect
Correct Answer: A
Explanation
Answer: (a)
PM SHRI Yojana
• On the occasion of National Teachers’ Day, the Prime Minister announced a new initiative – PM SHRI Schools (PM ScHools for Rising India). Hence statement 1 and 3 are NOT correct.
• This will be a new centrally sponsored scheme for upgradation and development of more than 14500 Schools across the country by strengthening the selected existing schools from amongst schools managed by Central Government/ State/ UT Government/ local bodies. Hence statement 2 is correct.
• PM SHRI Schools will showcase all components of the National Education Policy 2020 and act as exemplar schools and also offer mentorship to other schools in their vicinity.
• The aim of these schools will not only be qualitative teaching, learning and cognitive development, but also creating holistic and well-rounded individuals equipped with key 21st century skills.
Question 3 of 10
3. Question
2 points
Consider the following statements about External Debt of India:
1. External debt as a ratio to GDP spiked in 2022 compared to 2021 due to global recession.
2. The short-term debt constituted the largest chunk of 80%, while the long-term debt accounted only for 19.6 per cent of the total.
Which of the given statements is/are correct?
Correct
Correct Answer: B
Explanation
Statement 1 is not correct, 2 is correct.
External Debt of India (2021-22)
• India’s external debt, at US$ 620.7 billion as at end-March 2022, grew by 8.2% over US$ 573.7 billon as at end-March 2021.
• While 53.2% of it was denominated in US dollar, Indian rupee denominated debt, estimated at 31.2%, was the second largest.
• External debt as a ratio to GDP fell marginally to 19.9 per cent as at end-March 2022 from 21.2 per cent a year ago. Hence statement 1 is not correct.
• Foreign currency reserves as a ratio to external debt stood slightly lower at 97.8% as at end March 2022 than 100.6 per cent a year ago.
• The long-term debt estimated at US$ 499.1 billion, constituted the largest chunk of 80.4 per cent, while the short-term debt, at US$ 121.7 billion, accounted for 19.6 per cent of the total. Hence statement 2 is correct.
• Commercial borrowings (CBs), NRIs deposits, short-term trade credit and multilateral loans together accounted for 90% of the total external debt.
Incorrect
Correct Answer: B
Explanation
Statement 1 is not correct, 2 is correct.
External Debt of India (2021-22)
• India’s external debt, at US$ 620.7 billion as at end-March 2022, grew by 8.2% over US$ 573.7 billon as at end-March 2021.
• While 53.2% of it was denominated in US dollar, Indian rupee denominated debt, estimated at 31.2%, was the second largest.
• External debt as a ratio to GDP fell marginally to 19.9 per cent as at end-March 2022 from 21.2 per cent a year ago. Hence statement 1 is not correct.
• Foreign currency reserves as a ratio to external debt stood slightly lower at 97.8% as at end March 2022 than 100.6 per cent a year ago.
• The long-term debt estimated at US$ 499.1 billion, constituted the largest chunk of 80.4 per cent, while the short-term debt, at US$ 121.7 billion, accounted for 19.6 per cent of the total. Hence statement 2 is correct.
• Commercial borrowings (CBs), NRIs deposits, short-term trade credit and multilateral loans together accounted for 90% of the total external debt.
Question 4 of 10
4. Question
2 points
Kushiyara River, which forms India-Bangladesh border, as a branch of which of the following river?
Correct
Correct Answer: B
Explanation
Kushiyara River
• The Kushiyara River is a distributary river in Bangladesh and Assam, India.
• It forms on the India-Bangladesh border as a branch of the Barak River, when the Barak separates into the Kushiyara and Surma.
• The waters of the Kushiyara thus originate in the state of Nagaland in India and pick up tributaries from Manipur, Mizoram and Assam.
• Kushiyara flows westward forming the boundary between Assam, India, and the Sylhet District of Bangladesh.
Incorrect
Correct Answer: B
Explanation
Kushiyara River
• The Kushiyara River is a distributary river in Bangladesh and Assam, India.
• It forms on the India-Bangladesh border as a branch of the Barak River, when the Barak separates into the Kushiyara and Surma.
• The waters of the Kushiyara thus originate in the state of Nagaland in India and pick up tributaries from Manipur, Mizoram and Assam.
• Kushiyara flows westward forming the boundary between Assam, India, and the Sylhet District of Bangladesh.
Question 5 of 10
5. Question
2 points
IUCN classifies species into several categories of threat perceptions based on data collected across the world. In this regard, consider the following statements:
1. Reduction of population more than 90% over the last 10 years or three generations.
2. Extent of occurrence estimated to be less than 5000 sq.km.
3. The overall population size estimated to number fewer than 1000 mature individuals.
Which of the given below is/are the criteria for Critically Endangered Species?
Correct
Correct Answer: A
Explanation
Only statement 1 is correct, 2 and 3 are correct.
Criteria for Critically Endangered Species
• IUCN classifies species into categories of Extinct, Extinct in wild, Critically Endangered, Endangered, Vulnerable, etc. based on data collected across the world.
Criteria for Critically Endangered
• Reduction of population ≥ 90% over the last 10 years or three generations, whichever is the longer, where the causes of the reduction are clearly reversible AND understood AND ceased. Hence statement 1 is correct.
• Extent of occurrence estimated to be less than 100 km2, and estimates indicating severely fragmented or known to exist at only a single location.
• Area of occupancy estimated to be less than 10 km2, and severely fragmented or known to exist at only a single location.
• The overall population size estimated to number fewer than 250 mature individuals and an estimated continuing decline of at least 25% within three years or one generation, whichever is longer.
Incorrect
Correct Answer: A
Explanation
Only statement 1 is correct, 2 and 3 are correct.
Criteria for Critically Endangered Species
• IUCN classifies species into categories of Extinct, Extinct in wild, Critically Endangered, Endangered, Vulnerable, etc. based on data collected across the world.
Criteria for Critically Endangered
• Reduction of population ≥ 90% over the last 10 years or three generations, whichever is the longer, where the causes of the reduction are clearly reversible AND understood AND ceased. Hence statement 1 is correct.
• Extent of occurrence estimated to be less than 100 km2, and estimates indicating severely fragmented or known to exist at only a single location.
• Area of occupancy estimated to be less than 10 km2, and severely fragmented or known to exist at only a single location.
• The overall population size estimated to number fewer than 250 mature individuals and an estimated continuing decline of at least 25% within three years or one generation, whichever is longer.
Question 6 of 10
6. Question
2 points
Which of the factors mentioned below can be attributed to the burning of stubble by the farmers?
1. Use of combine harvesters
2. Paddy transplantation
3. Intensification of crops
4. Short duration rice cultivation
5. Crop diversification
Select the correct options:
Correct
Correct Answer: A
Explanation
Only 1 and 3 are correct, rest are not correct.
Stubble Burning
• Stubble burning refers to the burning of the crop residue after the harvesting of wheat and paddy crops. It prepares the field for the next season. Stubble burning is one of the major reasons for pollution in and around Delhi during the winter months.
• A number of factors are responsible for the burning of stubble in the fields which includes use of combine harvesters that leave behind small residues in the fields. These residues are difficult to collect and are hence usually burnt.
• Intensification of the crop requires the ground to be immediately cleared for the next crop and hence burning the residue is the easiest option.
• Paddy transplantation is not itself the reason for the burning of the stubble.
• Cultivation of short duration rice varieties would provide an increased window for the clearing of the fields and crop diversification would be another method to control stubble burning.
• The Happy Seeder Machine is a tractor operated machine used for direct sowing of wheat and hence prevents stubble burning. It also increases the productivity of the crop.
• Hence, Use of combine harvesters and Intensification of crops are the factors responsible for the burning of stubble by the farmers.
• And, Cultivation of short duration rice and crop diversification are the measures to control the stubble burning.
Incorrect
Correct Answer: A
Explanation
Only 1 and 3 are correct, rest are not correct.
Stubble Burning
• Stubble burning refers to the burning of the crop residue after the harvesting of wheat and paddy crops. It prepares the field for the next season. Stubble burning is one of the major reasons for pollution in and around Delhi during the winter months.
• A number of factors are responsible for the burning of stubble in the fields which includes use of combine harvesters that leave behind small residues in the fields. These residues are difficult to collect and are hence usually burnt.
• Intensification of the crop requires the ground to be immediately cleared for the next crop and hence burning the residue is the easiest option.
• Paddy transplantation is not itself the reason for the burning of the stubble.
• Cultivation of short duration rice varieties would provide an increased window for the clearing of the fields and crop diversification would be another method to control stubble burning.
• The Happy Seeder Machine is a tractor operated machine used for direct sowing of wheat and hence prevents stubble burning. It also increases the productivity of the crop.
• Hence, Use of combine harvesters and Intensification of crops are the factors responsible for the burning of stubble by the farmers.
• And, Cultivation of short duration rice and crop diversification are the measures to control the stubble burning.
Question 7 of 10
7. Question
2 points
India recently hosted the 9th Session of Governing Body of the ‘International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture’ (ITPGRFA). In this regard, consider the following statements:
1. It aims to establish a global system which provides farmers, plant breeders, and scientists with access to plant genetic resources.
2. India is a not a member of this treaty but a permanent observer.
Which of the given statements is/are correct?
Correct
Correct Answer: A
Explanation
Statements 1 is correct, 2 is not correct.
International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture
• The International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (also known as International Seed Treaty or Plant Treaty), is a comprehensive international agreement in harmony with the Convention on Biological Diversity.
• It is a comprehensive agreement that aims to establish a global system which provides farmers, plant breeders, and scientists with access to plant genetic resources. Hence statement 1 is correct.
• The treaty provides solutions to achieve food and nutritional security as well as climate resilient agriculture.
• It aims at guaranteeing food security through the conservation, exchange and sustainable use of the world’s plant genetic resources for food and agriculture (PGRFA), the fair and equitable benefit sharing arising from its use, as well as the recognition of farmers’ rights.
Incorrect
Correct Answer: A
Explanation
Statements 1 is correct, 2 is not correct.
International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture
• The International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (also known as International Seed Treaty or Plant Treaty), is a comprehensive international agreement in harmony with the Convention on Biological Diversity.
• It is a comprehensive agreement that aims to establish a global system which provides farmers, plant breeders, and scientists with access to plant genetic resources. Hence statement 1 is correct.
• The treaty provides solutions to achieve food and nutritional security as well as climate resilient agriculture.
• It aims at guaranteeing food security through the conservation, exchange and sustainable use of the world’s plant genetic resources for food and agriculture (PGRFA), the fair and equitable benefit sharing arising from its use, as well as the recognition of farmers’ rights.
Question 8 of 10
8. Question
2 points
The Karman Line quite often seen in news is
Correct
Correct Answer: A
Explanation
Karman line
• The Karman line is an attempt to define a boundary between Earth’s atmosphere and outer space.
• The line is named after Theodore von Kármán (1881–1963), a Hungarian American engineer and physicist, who was active primarily in aeronautics and astronautics.
• He was the first person to calculate the altitude at which the atmosphere becomes too thin to support aeronautical flight and arrived at 83.6 km (51.9 miles) himself.
• The Fédération Aéronautique Internationale (FAI) defines Karman Line as the altitude of 100 kilometres (62 miles; 330,000 feet) above Earth’s mean sea level.
• However, other organizations do not use this definition. There is no international law defining the edge of space, and therefore the limit of national airspace.
• For instance, the US Air Force and NASA define the limit to be 50 miles (80 km) above sea level.
• The line is approximately at the turbopause, above which atmospheric gases are not well-mixed.
Incorrect
Correct Answer: A
Explanation
Karman line
• The Karman line is an attempt to define a boundary between Earth’s atmosphere and outer space.
• The line is named after Theodore von Kármán (1881–1963), a Hungarian American engineer and physicist, who was active primarily in aeronautics and astronautics.
• He was the first person to calculate the altitude at which the atmosphere becomes too thin to support aeronautical flight and arrived at 83.6 km (51.9 miles) himself.
• The Fédération Aéronautique Internationale (FAI) defines Karman Line as the altitude of 100 kilometres (62 miles; 330,000 feet) above Earth’s mean sea level.
• However, other organizations do not use this definition. There is no international law defining the edge of space, and therefore the limit of national airspace.
• For instance, the US Air Force and NASA define the limit to be 50 miles (80 km) above sea level.
• The line is approximately at the turbopause, above which atmospheric gases are not well-mixed.
Question 9 of 10
9. Question
2 points
Consider the following statements with reference to the Group of Four (G-4) Countries:
1. The G4 is a grouping of Brazil, South Korea, India and Japan which are aspiring to become permanent members of the UNSC.
2. The G4 nations traditionally meet on the sidelines of the annual high-level UN General Assembly session.
Which of the given statements is/are correct?
Correct
Correct Answer: C
Explanation
Both of them are correct.
Group of Four (G-4) Countries
• The G4 is a grouping of Brazil, Germany, India and Japan which are aspiring to become permanent members of the UNSC.
• The G4 countries are supporting each other’s bids for permanent membership of the UNSC.
• The G4 nations traditionally meet on the sidelines of the annual high-level UN General Assembly session.
Key Highlights of the G-4 Meeting
• They felt that the UN decision-making bodies needed to be urgently reformed as global issues were increasingly complex and interconnected.
• Further, they reiterated their joint commitment to work toward text-based negotiations that lead to Reformed Multilateralism.
• They highlighted that General Assembly did not make “meaningful progress” in the Inter-Governmental Negotiations (IGN) and lacked transparency.
• They reiterated their support for African countries being represented in a permanent and nonpermanent capacity.
• “Rapid Financing Instrument” and “Rapid Credit Facility” are the initiatives of International Monetary Fund (IMF).
Incorrect
Question 10 of 10
10. Question
2 points
Consider the following statements:
1. It has been practiced by the Deewaru community of Shimoga, Karnataka.
2. Clay paste is used to create art on the floors and walls of entrances of houses.
3. The drawings represent ceremony and rituals of life symbolized in geometric patterns.
Which of the following artform is described by above facts?
Correct
Correct Answer: B
Explanation
Chittara Art
• It is an artform in which clay paste is used to create geometric patterns on the floors and walls of entrances of houses.
• Historically, the art form has been practiced by women of the Deewaru community in the Sagar district of Karnataka.
• The Kannada word ‘Chittara’ means an image or design.
• It originated from ancient cave paintings, eventually found its way to the walls and floors of village homes.
