Current Affairs Today MCQs (25 Nov 2024)

1. What feature distinguishes African penguins from other penguin species?

(A) They have wings instead of flippers

(B) They exhibit pink skin patches above their eyes

(D) They are found in the Northern Hemisphere

Correct Answer!

Incorrect Answer!

The correct answer is (B) They exhibit pink skin patches above their eyes

African penguins have unique pink patches above their eyes, which help regulate body temperature. Found only in Namibia and South Africa, they are monogamous and face threats from predators, climate change, and food scarcity.

2. Who were the recipients of the Indira Gandhi Peace Prize 2023?

(A) Malala Yousafzai and Kailash Satyarthi

(B) Indian Medical Association and Trained Nurses Association of India

(D) Daniel Barenboim and Ali Abu Awwad

Correct Answer!

Incorrect Answer!

The correct answer is (D) Daniel Barenboim and Ali Abu Awwad

Daniel Barenboim, an Argentine-born pianist, and Ali Abu Awwad, a Palestinian peace activist, were awarded the Indira Gandhi Peace Prize 2023 for their contributions to peacebuilding and harmony in the Middle East.

3. What is the maximum range of the Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS)

(A) 150 km

(B) 200 km

(D) 500 km

Correct Answer!

Incorrect Answer!

The correct answer is (C) 300 km

The ATACMS, a short-range ballistic missile, is capable of striking targets up to 300 km away. Developed in the 1980s, it was initially designed to counter Soviet military assets and remains a key tool for precision strikes in modern warfare.

4. Which South African law protects African penguins?

(A) Sea Birds and Seals Protection Act (1973)

(B) Marine Species Preservation Act (1990)

(D) Coastal Biodiversity Conservation Act (2001)

Correct Answer!

Incorrect Answer!

The correct answer is (A) Sea Birds and Seals Protection Act (1973)

The Sea Birds and Seals Protection Act of 1973 and subsequent regulations, like the Marine Threatened or Protected Species Regulations (2017), protect African penguins by banning their capture and preventing harm to them or their eggs.

5. Which of the following states does the Teesta River flow through before joining the Brahmaputra?

(A) Assam and West Bengal

(B) Sikkim and Assam

(D) Arunachal Pradesh and Assam

Correct Answer!

Incorrect Answer!

The correct answer is (C) Sikkim and West Bengal

The Teesta River originates in the Tibetan Plateau and flows through the Indian states of Sikkim and West Bengal before entering Bangladesh, where it merges with the Brahmaputra River. This geographical trajectory makes it a critical water source for these regions, influencing both ecology and livelihoods.

6. Why has the Teesta River been identified as a threat to Sikkim and West Bengal?

(A) Increasing sedimentation

(B) Monsoon-related flooding

(D) Declining pilgrimage activities

Correct Answer!

Incorrect Answer!

The correct answer is (B) Monsoon-related flooding

The Teesta River poses a significant threat during the monsoon season due to its potential for causing severe floods. Community-based organisations have raised concerns over inadequate mitigation measures, emphasizing the urgency of addressing this issue before the 2025 monsoon.

7. What is Khecheopalri Lake, and where is it located?

(A) A crater lake in Arunachal Pradesh

(B) A saltwater lake in West Bengal

(D) A sacred lake in Sikkim

Correct Answer!

Incorrect Answer!

The correct answer is (D) A sacred lake in Sikkim

Khecheopalri Lake is a sacred lake located near the Teesta Valley in Sikkim. It holds religious significance and attracts both pilgrims and trekkers. Its proximity to the biologically rich Teesta Valley makes it an integral part of the region’s cultural and ecological landscape.

8. According to Article 82 of the Indian Constitution, who is authorized to enact a Delimitation Act after every Census?

(A) The State Governments

(B) The Supreme Court

(D) The Election Commission

Correct Answer!

Incorrect Answer!

The correct answer is (C) The Parliament

Article 82 empowers the Parliament to enact a Delimitation Act after every Census. This law provides the framework for redefining constituencies to ensure fair representation based on population changes, thus maintaining electoral equity.

9. Which of the following members is not part of the Delimitation Commission?

(A) Chief Election Commissioner

(B) Retired Supreme Court judge

(D) Lok Sabha Speaker

Correct Answer!

Incorrect Answer!

The correct answer is (D) Lok Sabha Speaker

The Delimitation Commission is composed of a retired Supreme Court judge, the Chief Election Commissioner, and respective State Election Commissioners. The Lok Sabha Speaker is not a member of this commission. This composition ensures impartiality and adherence to constitutional principles during the delimitation process.

10. What is the primary source of the Teesta River?

(A) Himalayan glaciers in Arunachal Pradesh

(B) Tibetan Plateau

(D) Meghalaya Hills

Correct Answer!

Incorrect Answer!

The correct answer is (B) Tibetan Plateau

The Teesta River originates in the Tibetan Plateau and flows southward through the Indian states of Sikkim and West Bengal before joining the Brahmaputra River in Bangladesh. This makes it a transboundary river of ecological and political significance.

11. What is the primary purpose of the Delimitation Commission in India?

(A) To draw boundaries between state

(B) To resolve interstate disputes

(D) To fix limits of territorial constituencies for elections

Correct Answer!

Incorrect Answer!

The correct answer is (D) To fix limits of territorial constituencies for elections

The Delimitation Commission is tasked with determining the number and boundaries of constituencies to ensure equitable population representation. It also identifies seats reserved for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes based on population data.

12. Under which article of the Constitution does the Delimitation Act provide for the division of states into territorial constituencies?

(A) Article 324

(B) Article 356

(D) Article 170

Correct Answer!

Incorrect Answer!

The correct answer is (D) Article 170

Article 170 of the Indian Constitution provides for the division of states into territorial constituencies as per the Delimitation Act. This is aimed at ensuring proportional representation in state legislative assemblies.

13.Which of the following years did not witness the formation of a Delimitation Commission in India?

(A) 1952

(B) 1973

(D) 2002

Correct Answer!

Incorrect Answer!

Delimitation Commissions in India were constituted in 1952, 1963, 1973, and 2002 under respective Delimitation Acts. No such commission was formed in 1985, making it an incorrect option.

14. What makes the Teesta Valley a biologically rich area?

(A) High agricultural output

(B) Presence of diverse flora and fauna

(D) Rich mineral deposits

Correct Answer!

Incorrect Answer!

The correct answer is (B) Presence of diverse flora and fauna

The Teesta Valley in Sikkim is renowned for its biodiversity, hosting a variety of flora and fauna. Its unique ecology supports numerous species, making it a critical zone for conservation and sustainable development efforts.

15. Which feature of Khecheopalri Lake contributes to its status as a sacred site?

(A) Its proximity to the Teesta River

(B) Its geological formation

(D) Local legends and religious significance

Correct Answer!

Incorrect Answer!

The correct answer is (D) Local legends and religious significance

Khecheopalri Lake is revered by local communities and pilgrims due to its religious and spiritual importance. It is believed to fulfill wishes, and its pristine environment attracts trekkers and nature enthusiasts alike.

16. What is the primary purpose of cloud seeding?

(A) To reduce global warming

(B) To combat air pollution

(D) To prevent hurricanes

Correct Answer!

Incorrect Answer!

The correct answer is (C) To induce artificial rainfall

Cloud seeding is a weather modification technique designed to induce artificial rainfall by introducing chemicals like silver iodide or potassium iodide into existing clouds. These chemicals act as nuclei for moisture in the air to condense, which accelerates rainfall, making it useful for drought relief and other applications.

17. Which of the following chemicals is commonly used in the glaciogenic method of cloud seeding?

(A) Potassium iodide

(B) Silver iodide

(D) Liquid propane

Correct Answer!

Incorrect Answer!

The correct answer is (B) Silver iodide

The glaciogenic method of cloud seeding involves using silver iodide or dry ice to induce ice crystal formation in supercooled clouds. This process helps trigger precipitation. However, concerns about the environmental impact of silver iodide persist.

18. Which Indian states have implemented cloud seeding techniques for drought relief?

(A) Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Maharashtra

(B) Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Punjab

(D) Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Goa

Correct Answer!

Incorrect Answer!

The correct answer is (A) Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Maharashtra

India has attempted cloud seeding in states like Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Maharashtra to address water scarcity and drought conditions. The technique has shown varying degrees of success depending on atmospheric conditions.

19. What makes Nafithromycin a significant development in India’s healthcare sector?

(A) It is India’s first antiviral drug

(B) It is a cure for tuberculosis

(D) It eradicates bacterial infections entirely

Correct Answer!

Incorrect Answer!

The correct answer is (C) It targets antimicrobial resistance (AMR)

Nafithromycin, developed indigenously with support from BIRAC, is designed to treat drug-resistant bacterial infections, particularly Community-Acquired Bacterial Pneumonia (CABP). Its effectiveness and safety make it a vital tool in combating antimicrobial resistance.

20. What is a major concern about the effectiveness of cloud seeding?

(A) High operational costs

(B) Unavailability of technology

(D) Environmental impact of chemicals used

Correct Answer!

Incorrect Answer!

The correct answer is (D) Environmental impact of chemicals used

Cloud seeding raises concerns about the environmental impact of chemicals like silver iodide, which may harm ecosystems. Additionally, its effectiveness depends on specific atmospheric conditions, requiring further research to address these challenges.

21. What is the primary mode of transmission of measles?

(A) Contaminated water

(B) Airborne droplets

(D) Consumption of spoiled food

Correct Answer!

Incorrect Answer!

The correct answer is (B) Airborne droplets

Measles is a highly contagious viral disease that spreads through airborne droplets when an infected person breathes, coughs, or sneezes. Its rapid transmission highlights the need for widespread vaccination efforts.

22. What is the function of the MMR vaccine?

(A) To prevent malaria, meningitis, and rubella

(B) To cure tuberculosis, hepatitis, and measles

(D) To protect against measles, mumps, and rubella

Correct Answer!

Incorrect Answer!

The correct answer is (D) To protect against measles, mumps, and rubella

The MMR vaccine provides immunity against three diseases: measles, mumps, and rubella. It is a crucial tool in preventing outbreaks and reducing the global burden of these diseases, particularly in children.

23. Which Indian program aims to provide free immunization against measles and other diseases?

(A) National Health Protection Mission

(B) Ayushman Bharat Yojana

(D) Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram

Correct Answer!

Incorrect Answer!

The correct answer is (C) Universal Immunization Programme (UIP)

The Universal Immunization Programme (UIP) is India’s flagship public health initiative, offering free vaccines for diseases like measles, polio, and hepatitis B. It plays a pivotal role in reducing infant mortality and ensuring health equity.

24. 10. What was the success rate reported by the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology for cloud seeding experiments?

(A) 30-40%

(B) 50-60%

(D) 80-90%

Correct Answer!

Incorrect Answer!

The correct answer is (C) 60-70%

The Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology reported a 60-70% success rate in inducing rainfall through cloud seeding. While promising, this success rate underscores the need for more robust research to improve reliability and minimize environmental risks.

25. Which type of cloud seeding uses salt particles to enhance rainfall?

(A) Hygroscopic cloud seeding

(B) Glaciogenic cloud seeding

(D) Cumulonimbus cloud seeding

Correct Answer!

Incorrect Answer!

The correct answer is (A) Hygroscopic cloud seeding

Hygroscopic cloud seeding involves the use of salt particles to enhance droplet formation in liquid clouds. This technique accelerates condensation, leading to precipitation, and is commonly used to address water scarcity.

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Current Affairs Today MCQs (25 Nov 2024)

1. What feature distinguishes African penguins from other penguin species?

2. Who were the recipients of the Indira Gandhi Peace Prize 2023?

3. What is the maximum range of the Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS)

4. Which South African law protects African penguins?

5. Which of the following states does the Teesta River flow through before joining the Brahmaputra?

6. Why has the Teesta River been identified as a threat to Sikkim and West Bengal?

7. What is Khecheopalri Lake, and where is it located?

8. According to Article 82 of the Indian Constitution, who is authorized to enact a Delimitation Act after every Census?

9. Which of the following members is not part of the Delimitation Commission?

10. What is the primary source of the Teesta River?

11. What is the primary purpose of the Delimitation Commission in India?

12. Under which article of the Constitution does the Delimitation Act provide for the division of states into territorial constituencies?

13.Which of the following years did not witness the formation of a Delimitation Commission in India?

14. What makes the Teesta Valley a biologically rich area?

15. Which feature of Khecheopalri Lake contributes to its status as a sacred site?

16. What is the primary purpose of cloud seeding?

17. Which of the following chemicals is commonly used in the glaciogenic method of cloud seeding?

18. Which Indian states have implemented cloud seeding techniques for drought relief?

19. What makes Nafithromycin a significant development in India’s healthcare sector?

20. What is a major concern about the effectiveness of cloud seeding?

21. What is the primary mode of transmission of measles?

22. What is the function of the MMR vaccine?

23. Which Indian program aims to provide free immunization against measles and other diseases?

24. 10. What was the success rate reported by the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology for cloud seeding experiments?

25. Which type of cloud seeding uses salt particles to enhance rainfall?