
11 & 12 OCT CURRENT AFFAIRS (MCQ)
Q1. With reference to the India’s first Hydrogen Fuel Cell (HFC) prototype car, consider the following statements:
I t was developed by DRDO.
Hydrogen Fuel Cell (HFC) technology uses chemical reactions between hydrogen and oxygen (from air) to generate electrical energy.
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
Solution : b)
Explanation :-
Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and KPIT successfully ran trials of India’s first Hydrogen Fuel Cell (HFC) prototype car running on an indigenously developed fuel cell stack at CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory, Pune.
• The fuel cell is a low temperature PEM (Proton Exchange Membrane) type Fuel Cell that operates at 65-75 degree centigrade, which is suitable for vehicular applications.
• CSIR and KPIT have successfully developed a 10 kWe automotive grade LT-PEMFC fuel cell stack based on CSIR’s know-how. The heart of the PEM fuel cell technology includes the membrane electrode assembly, which is wholly a CSIR knowhow.
• In 2016, CSIR-NCL and CSIR-CECRI as part of the Industry Originated Project (IOP) category of the New Millennium Indian Technology Leadership Initiative (NMITLI) scheme partnered with KPIT for the development of an automotive grade PEM Fuel Cell technology.
• Hydrogen Fuel Cell (HFC) technology uses chemical reactions between hydrogen and oxygen (from air) to generate electrical energy, eliminating the use of fossil fuels. Hence only statement 2 is correct.
Q2. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will release a commemorative coin of Rs. 100 in honour of:
a) Vijaya Raje Scindia
b) Rajesh Pilot
c) Madhavrao Scindia
d) Sanjay Gandhi
Solution : a)
Explanation :-
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will release a commemorative coin of Rs. 100 in honour of Vijaya Raje Scindia on October 12, 2020.
• Vijaya Raje Scindia (1919 – 2001), born Lekha Divyeshwari Devi and known popularly as the
Rajmata of Gwalior, was a prominent Indian political personality.
• She was married to the last ruling Maharaja of Gwalior, Jivajirao Scindia.
• In later life, she became a politician of considerable influence and was elected repeatedly to
both houses of the Indian parliament.
• She was also an active member, for many decades, of the Jana Sangh and co-founder of Bharatiya Janata Party.
• She had four daughters and a son including
o Madhavrao Scindia (1945–2001), Indian politician belonging to the Indian National Congress and former Union Minister, and the titular Maharaja of Gwalior. He was the father of Jyotiraditya Scindia.
o Vasundhara Raje (b. 1953) BJP politician and a two-term Chief Minister of Rajasthan. She was formerly married to the titular Maharaja of Dholpur.
• Hence, option (a) is the correct answer.
Q3. Which of the following are the beaches that have been awarded the ‘BLUE FLAG”?
Ghoghla
Kappad
Radhanagar
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
a) 1 only
b) 1 and 2 only
c) 2 and 3 only
d) 1, 2 and 3
Solution : d)
Explanation :-
Union environment minister announced that 8 beaches of India, spread across five states and two union territories, have been awarded the “BLUE FLAG” by an International Jury comprising of eminent members viz UNEP, UNWTO, FEE, IUCN.
• The beaches that have been awarded the ‘BLUE FLAG” are Shivrajpur (Dwarka-Gujarat), Ghoghla (Diu), Kasarkod and Padubidri (Karnataka), Kappad (Kerala), Rushikonda (AP), Golden (Puri-Odisha) and Radhanagar (A&N Islands).
• India is also the first country in “Asia-Pacific” region which has achieved this feat in just about 2 years’ time. Japan, South Korea and UAE are the only other Asian nations who have been conferred with a couple of Blue Flag beaches, however, in a time frame of about 5 to 6 years!
• India is now in the league of 50 “BLUE FLAG” countries. India began its humble journey in 2018 for development of pilot beaches (one each in coastal states/UTs) and presented the first set of 08 beaches for the certification for the ensuing tourist season 2020.
• SICOM, MoEFCC, in its pursuit of “Sustainable Development” of the coastal regions of India
embarked upon program “BEAMS” (Beach Environment & Aesthetics Management Services) under its ICZM (Integrated Coastal Zone Management) project.
• This was aimed at striving for the coveted International eco-label “Blue flag”, accorded by The Foundation of Environment Education, FEE Denmark.
• Hence, option (d) is the correct answer.
Q4. Which of the following is the only flower known to bloom after sunset and just once a year, has been spotted in the higher reaches of the Himalayas in Uttarakhand?
a) Brahma Kamal
b) Disocactus ackermannii
c) Epiphyllum oxypetalum
d) None of the above
Solution : a)
Explanation :-
The rare Brahma Kamal, the only flower known to bloom after sunset and just once a year, has been spotted in the higher reaches of the Himalayas in Uttarakhand.
• It is said that Brahma Kamal – named after God Brahma who is believed to have created the universe – takes about two hours to bloom to about eight inches in diameter.
• The flower only blooms for a few hours, and is said to being good luck and prosperity.
• Scientifically known as Saussurea Obvallata, the flower finds mention in the scriptures and is offered in many holy shrines, including Kedarnath, Badrinath and Tunganath.
• Brahma Kamal is called the King of Himalayan Flowers, and is also the state flower of Uttarakhand. The state government has now started nurseries in the Chamoli district to conserve the flower.
• The flower is highly valued in Tibetan medicine and Ayurveda for its healing properties. It is extensively used by the local population to treat cuts and bruises
• Hence, option (a) is the correct answer.
Q5. The first old Norse temple discovered till date is in which of the following country?
a) Norway
b) India
c) Nepal
d) Bhutan
Solution : a)
Explanation :-
Archaeologists from the University Museum of Bergen have discovered evidence of a1200- year-old pagan structure in Norway.
• Once a wooden construction, it dates back to the Viking Age.
• The large wooden temple is said to have been used by an ancient civilization to pray and make sacrifices to Norse gods such as Odin and Thor.
• This is the first old Norse temple discovered till date. According to research, the temple once had a curved longside with slightly rounded gables and four posts at the centre.
• Norse mythology is the body of myths of the North Germanic peoples, stemming from Norse paganism and continuing after the Christianization of Scandinavia, and into the Scandinavian folklore of the modern period.
• Hence, option (a) is the correct answer.
Q6. With reference to the rare Rose-breasted Grosbeak, consider the following statements:
Rose-breasted grosbeaks are sexually dimorphic, meaning they have both males and females have different colour plumage. Its IUCN status is Vulnerable.
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
Solution : a)
Explanation :-
Biologists have found a rare Rose-breasted Grosbeak, a bird with both female and male plumage colours, in the United States’ Pennsylvania.
• The Rose-breasted Grosbeak derives its name from the male of the species who have a ruby-red triangular marking on a white chest and dark black wings with pink wing pits. The females are much less showy, with no patches on its beige body, brown wings and yellow
wing pits.
• Rose-breasted grosbeaks are sexually dimorphic, meaning they have both males and females have different colour plumage.
• Breeding habitat consists of cool-temperate open deciduous woods throughout much of eastern North America, with migration to tropical America in winter.
• Its IUCN status is Least Concern.
• The condition is called bilateral gynandromorphism, means the bird is both male and female, with one ovary and one testis. This occurs when two sperm fertilize an egg that has two nuclei instead of one, which results in the egg to develop a chromosome from each sex.
• A gynandromorph is an organism that has both male and female characteristics – or, a malefemale chimaera.
• It is often seen in insects, though gynandromorphic birds, snakes, lobsters and other animals have been observed, too.
• Hence only statement 1 is correct.
Q7. With reference to the Rudram, consider the following statements:
Rudram is an air-to-surface missile, designed and developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
The missile has an operational range of more than 100 km, based on the launch parameters from the fighter jet.
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
Solution : c)
Explanation :-
India’s first indigenous anti-radiation missile, Rudram, developed for the Indian Air Force, was successfully flight-tested from a Sukhoi-30 MKI jet off the east coast.
• Anti-radiation missiles are designed to detect, track and neutralise the adversary’s radar, communication assets and other radio frequency sources, which are generally part of their air defence systems.
Such a missile’s navigation mechanism comprises an inertial navigation system — a computerised mechanism that uses changes in the object’s own position — coupled with GPS, which is satellite-based.
• For guidance, it has a “passive homing head” — a system that can detect, classify and engage targets (radio frequency sources in this case) over a wide band of frequencies as programmed.
• Rudram is an air-to-surface missile, designed and developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
• Once the Rudram missile locks on the target, it is capable of striking accurately even if the radiation source switches off in between. The missile has an operational range of more than 100 km, based on the launch parameters from the fighter jet.
• While the system has been tested from a Sukhoi-30 MKI, it can be adapted for launch from other fighter jets too.
• Rudram has been developed for the IAF’s requirement to enhance its Suppression of Enemy Air Defence (SEAD) capability.
• Hence both statements are correct.
Q8. With reference to the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), consider the following statements:
The GRAP works only as an emergency measure.
If air quality reaches the ‘Severe+’ stage, the response under GRAP includes extreme measures such as shutting down schools and implementing the odd-even road-space rationing scheme.
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
Solution : c)
Explanation :-
Starting October 15, some stricter measures to fight air pollution will come into force in Delhi and its neighbouring NCR towns, as part of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP).
The action plan has been in effect for three years in Delhi and NCR.
• Approved by the Supreme Court in 2016, GRAP was notified in 2017 by the Centre and draws its authority from this notification.
• The GRAP works only as an emergency measure. As such, the plan does not include action by various state governments to be taken throughout the year to tackle industrial, vehicular and combustion emissions.
• The plan is incremental in nature — therefore, when the air quality moves from ‘Poor’ to
‘Very Poor’, the measures listed under both sections have to be followed.
• If air quality reaches the ‘Severe+’ stage, the response under GRAP includes extreme measures such as shutting down schools and implementing the odd-even road-space rationing scheme.
The plan requires action and coordination among 13 different agencies in Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana and Rajasthan (NCR areas). At the head of the table is the Environment Pollution (Prevention and Control) Authority (EPCA), mandated by the Supreme Court.
• Before the imposition of any measures, EPCA holds a meeting with representatives from all NCR states, and a call is taken on which actions have to be made applicable in which town.
• Hence both statements are correct.
Q9. Which of the following state government has branded Garba as the ‘Longest Dance Festival of the World’?
a) Kerala
b) Gujarat
c) Bihar
d) Uttar Pradesh
Solution : b)
Explanation :-
Gujarat government has ruled out commercial or traditional street garbas in the state for the current year owing to the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Garba is a form of dance which originated in Gujarat. Traditional garbas are performed around centrally lit lamp or a picture or statue of the Goddess Shakti.
• Women normally perform it in a graceful and rhythmic manner in a circle as they rotate around the object placed in the centre. The dancer’s whirl and move their feet and arms in a choreographed manner to the tune of the music with lots of drum beats.
• The women wear traditional dresses such as colourful embroidered choli, ghagra and bandhani dupattas dazzling with mirror work and heavy jewellery.
• Traditionally, it is performed during the nine-day Hindu festival Navaratri.
• The Gujarat government has branded Garba as the ‘Longest Dance Festival of the World’. Garba vs Dandiya Raas:
• Dandiya Raas is played with pair of colourfully decorated sticks, while Garba consists of various hand and feet movements.
• Most of the Dandiya steps require even number of people while in Garba there is no such requirement on number of people.
• The circular movements of Dandiya Raas are much more complex than that of Garba.
• While Garba is performed by women, men and women join in for Dandiya.
• Hence, option (b) is the correct answer.
Q10. The Raychaudhuri Equation, recently seen in news, is related to:
a) General Relativity
b) Crispr cas9
c) Supercomputer
d) Crypto currency
Solution : a)
Explanation :-
British physicist Dr Roger Penrose was awarded half the Nobel Prize in Physics this year for his work on black holes. But his work stands on the shoulders of Kolkata-born physicist Amal Kumar Raychaudhuri.
• The Raychaudhuri Equation in General Relativity, derived by Raychaudhuri, has now come into the spotlight. The Raychaudhuri Equation, a fundamental result in general relativity, describes how nearby bits of matter move.
• It was discovered independently by Raychaudhuri and Soviet physicist Lev Landau as a simple, general validation of our expectation that gravitation is a universal force that attracts objects with mass and energy according to the General Relativity theory (and Newton’s theory of gravitation).
• The Raychaudhuri Equation continues to be a key tool in investigating the behaviour of black hole horizons in modern physics.
• Hence, option (a) is the correct answer.
Q11. With reference to the Bharatmala Pariyojana, consider the following statements:
Bharatmala Pariyojana is an umbrella program for the highways sector that focuses on optimizing efficiency of freight and passenger movement across the country.
This will be done only by development of Economic Corridors and Inter Corridors. 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
Solution : a)
Explanation :-
A total of 322 projects in a length of 12,413 Km have been awarded under Bharatmala Pariyojana till August, 2020. Further, 2921 Km has been constructed under the Project till the same date.
• The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has taken up detailed review of NHs network.
• It has given overall investment approval for Bharatmala Pariyojana Phase I Scheme for development of about 34,800 km (including 10,000 Km residual NHDP stretches) at an estimated outlay of Rs 5,35,000 Crore.
• Bharatmala Pariyojana is an umbrella program for the highways sector that focuses on optimizing efficiency of freight and passenger movement across the country.
• This will be done by development of Economic Corridors, Inter Corridors and Feeder Routes,
National Corridor Efficiency Improvement, Border and International connectivity roads,
Coastal and Port connectivity roads and Green-field expressways.
Hence, option (a) is the correct answer.
Q12. With reference to the furry puss caterpillar, consider the following statements:
It is widely regarded as one of the most poisonous of its kind in the United States. It is named after the far less vicious house cat, is essentially a southern flannel moth in its larva stage.
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
Solution : c)
Explanation :-
Months after the Asian giant hornet — a vicious predatory insect popularly dubbed the ‘murder hornet’ — was first spotted in the US state of Washington, health officials in Virginia are now warning residents to watch out for another dangerous critter — the highly
venomous furry puss caterpillar.
• The furry puss caterpillar, named after the far less vicious house cat, is essentially a southern flannel moth in its larva stage.
• According to experts, after metamorphosis, the insect no longer poses a threat.
• Closely resembling a wig or toupée, the caterpillar is widely regarded as one of the most poisonous of its kind in the United States.
• Hence both statements are correct.
Q13. The Madrid Principles are in the news. They are related to
a) Afghanistan Peace talks
b) Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict
c) Nuclear disarmament
d) Gandhian ideology
Solution : b)
Explanation :-
The Madrid Principles
• The Madrid Principles was the basis for the formulation of a peace treaty between Armenia and Azerbaijan.
• They were drawn from the 1975 Helsinki Final Act principles, signed at the
Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe.
Q14. Blue Flag’ tag has been recommended for Kasarkod, Padubidri beaches. Thees beaches are located in
a) Tamil Nadu
b) Karnataka
c) Andhra Pradesh
d) Kerala
Solution : b)
Explanation :-
Blue Flag beaches are considered the cleanest beaches of the world.
• The eight beaches are Shivrajpur in Gujarat, Ghoghla in Daman & Diu, Kasarkod and Padubidri beach in Karnataka, Kappad in Kerala, Rushikonda in Andhra Pradesh, Golden beach of Odisha and Radhanagar beach in Andaman and Nicobar. About Blue flag certification
• The ‘Blue Flag’ beach is an ‘eco-tourism model’.
• It marks out beaches as providing tourists and beachgoers clean and hygienic bathing water, facilities/amenities, a safe and healthy environment, and sustainable development of the area.
• The certification is accorded by the Denmark-based Foundation for Environment Education, with 33 stringent criteria under four major heads for the beaches, that is,
• Environmental Education and Information
• Bathing Water Quality
• Environment Management and Conservation and
• Safety and Services.
• It was first started in France in 1985 and has been implemented in Europe since
Since 2001 it has been implemented in areas outside Europe when South
Africa joined.
• Japan and South Korea are the only countries in south and southeastern Asia to have Blue Flag beaches. Spain tops the list with 566 such beaches; Greece and France follow with 515 and 395 Blue Flag beaches.
Q15. Consider the following about Consolidated Fund of India
This fund was constituted under Article 266 (1) of the Constitution of India.
All revenues received by the government by way of direct taxes and indirect taxes, money borrowed and receipts from loans given by the government flow into the Consolidated Fund of India.
All government expenditure is made from this fund, except exceptional items which are met from the Contingency Fund or the Public Account. Importantly, no money can be withdrawn from this fund without the Parliament’s approval. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
a) 1 and 3 only
b) 1 and 2 only
c) 2 and 3 only
d) 1, 2 and 3
Solution : d)
Explanation :-
Consolidated Fund of India
• It is the most important of all government accounts.
• This fund was constituted under Article 266 (1) of the Constitution of India.
• All revenues received by the government by way of direct taxes and indirect taxes, money borrowed and receipts from loans given by the government flow into the Consolidated Fund of India.
• All government expenditure is made from this fund, except exceptional
items which are met from the Contingency Fund or the Public Account. Importantly, no money can be withdrawn from this fund without the Parliament’s approval.