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Daily-mcqs 08 Feb 2024

Current Affairs MCQs for UPSC & State PSC Exams 08 Feb 2024

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Current Affairs MCQs for UPSC & State PSC Exams

Q1:

Consider the following statements regarding Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana:

  1. The objective is to ensure sufficient rest for women during pregnancy, cash incentives are provided to partially compensate for any wage loss.
  2.  In the event of miscarriage or stillbirth, future eligibility for remaining instalments is forfeited.
  3. Eligible beneficiaries are entitled to receive Rs 5000 in cash incentives distributed over three instalments.

How many of the statements given above are correct?

A: Only one

B: Only two

C: All three

D: None

Answer: B

Explanation:

The primary objective of the PMMVY is to offer partial compensation for wage loss to pregnant women, facilitating sufficient rest before and after childbirth. Hence statement 1 is correct.


In cases of miscarriage or stillbirth, eligibility for scheme benefits is limited to one occurrence, with the possibility of claiming remaining instalments upon future pregnancy. Hence statement 2 is incorrect.


Under PMMVY, beneficiaries receive a cash incentive of Rs 5000 distributed across three instalments: Rs 1000 upon early pregnancy registration, Rs 2000 after six months of pregnancy with at least one ante-natal check-up, and Rs 2000 post-childbirth upon fulfilling immunization requirements for the new-born. Hence statement 3 is correct.


 Hence option (b) is correct.


Q2:

Jigarthanda (S-2), recently seen in news, is:

A: India’s first fusion reactor

B: India’s latest fast breeder reactor

C: India's First Hypervelocity Expansion Tunnel Facility

D: India’s latest atomic clock working on Cs-133

Answer: C

Explanation:

India's first Hypervelocity Expansion Tunnel Facility, named Jigarthanda (S-2), spans 24 meters and stands as a pioneering achievement in the country's aerospace engineering landscape. Spearheaded by Associate Professor Ibrahim Sugarno and his team at IIT Kanpur, this facility finds its home in the Hypersonic Experimental Aerodynamics Lab within the institute's Department of Aerospace Engineering. Developed collaboratively with support from the Aeronautical Research and Development Board (ARDB), Department of Science and Technology (DST), and various IITs, its indigenous design took three years to materialize. This facility holds immense significance, providing a platform for testing hypersonic cruise missiles and rocket launcher vehicles under high-speed conditions. 


Hence option (c) is correct.


Q3:

Consider the following statements about NexCAR19:

  1.  It is engineered to precisely target cancer cells expressing the CD19 protein; it exhibits exceptional specificity in treatment.
  2. Despite its efficacy in cancer therapy, the only drawback of this treatment is its potential to induce neurotoxicity.

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:

NexCar19, an indigenous CAR-T and gene therapy developed by ImmunoACT at IIT Bombay, specifically targets cancer cells carrying the CD19 protein, initiating their elimination process. Notably, it minimizes drug-related toxicities, particularly reducing damage to neurons and the central nervous system (neurotoxicity). Hence statement 1 is correct.


However, neurotoxicity risks may persist if CAR-T cells recognizing CD19 enter the brain, potentially causing life-threatening situations. Furthermore, NexCar19 therapy is associated with minimal Cytokine Release Syndrome (CRS), characterized by inflammation and hyper inflammation due to the death of targeted tumour cells, showcasing its efficacy and potential for cancer treatment. Hence statement 2 is correct.


Q4:

Consider the following reports:

  1. Living Planet Report
  2. Forest Pathways Report
  3. High Cost of Cheap Water

Which of the above reports are published by World Wildlife Fund?

A: 1 only

B: 1 and 2 only

C: 2 and 3 only

D: 1, 2 and 3

Answer: D

Explanation:

World Wildlife Fund (WWF) is a global non-profit dedicated to preserving and safeguarding nature and its biodiversity. Renowned as the world's largest conservation organization, it boasts a vast supporter base exceeding five million worldwide. Founded in 1961, WWF is based in Gland, Switzerland, and commits to its mission of conserving nature while addressing the critical threats to Earth's biodiversity.


Reports:



  1. Living Planet Report

  2. Forest Pathways Report

  3.  High Cost of Cheap Water


 Hence option (d) is correct.


Q5:

Consider the following description:

Nestled on South America's northern coast, this sovereign state stands as the smallest among its continental counterparts. Its borders are demarcated by French Guiana to the east, Guyana to the west, the Atlantic Ocean to the north, and Brazil to the south. Noteworthy geographical features include Julianatop, the highest peak, and prominent rivers like the Maroni, and Courantyne. The climate here is characterized by intense heat and humidity, typical of tropical regions.

Which of the following countries is the paragraph describing?

A: French Guyana

B: Suriname

C: Ecuador

D: Guyana

Answer: B

Explanation:


Suriname, officially known as the Republic of Suriname, occupies a location in northern South America. Positioned just above the equator within the tropics, it boasts the highest percentage of rainforest coverage globally, enveloping over 90% of its land. Bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the north, French Guiana to the east, Guyana to the west, and Brazil to the south, Suriname stands as the smallest country in South America in terms of both population and territory. With approximately 612,985 residents inhabiting an area of around 163,820 square kilometres (63,251 square miles), its capital and largest city is Paramaribo, accommodating about half of its populace.



Hence option (b) is correct.