Current Affairs MCQ for UPSC Exams - 22 August 2020

Q1 Election Commission has issued detailed guidelines related to key activities for conducting upcoming General Elections and bye-elections in various States and Union Territories during the period of COVID-19 Pandemic. Which of the following statements regarding the same stands true ?

1) The guidelines also say that a maximum of only 1 thousand voters should be allowed in a polling station at a given point in time instead of the current norm of one thousand five hundred voters.
2) Those found violating the instructions on COVID-19 measures even during the campaign process will be liable to be proceeded against, as per the provisions of the essential services maintenance act 1968.
3) All necessary forms including the Nomination form will be available online on the website of CEO and DEO for the intending candidates. Candidates can even deposit the security money through online mode at the designated platform.

Options :

a) 1 & 2 only
b) 2 & 3 only
c) 1 & 3 only
d) all the above

Q2 With a view to achieving blending targets, Government is encouraging sugar mills and molasses based standalone distilleries to enhance their ethanol distillation capacity. Which of the following materials can be regarded as first generation bio fuels ?

1) Bioethers
2) Wood stocks
3) Vegetable oil
4) Biomethanol
5) Sugar

Options :

a) 1,2 & 3 only
b) 2,3 & 5 only
c) 1,3 & 5 only
d) 2,4 & 5 only 

Q3 Scientists from the Institute of Nano Science & Technology (INST), Mohali, have developed an oral nanomedicine with the help of surface-modified solid lipid nanoparticles based combinational cargo system for combating visceral leishmaniasis(Kala-Azar) recently. Which of the following statements regarding the same stands true ?

1) This study by INST team may lead to product and process patent enhancing the role of our country for developing innovative therapy against neglected diseases.The only drug available against leishmaniasis, miltefosine, is rapidly losing its effectiveness because of emerging resistance to this drug due to a decrease in its accumulation inside the parasite.
2) The usage of lower therapeutic dose of the purified drugs through nanomodifications will be a boon in reducing toxicity, which has been a major hindrance in the existing conventional treatment when administered orally.
3) Kala-Azar is caused by a parasite called Leishmania, which is transmitted through the bite of house fly.

Options :

a) 1 & 2 only
b) 2 & 3 only
c) 1 & 3 only
d) all the above

Q4 AI (Artificial Intelligence) has become a strategic lever for economic growth across nations and will continue to be one of the most crucial technologies of the future. Which of the following statements with respect to the future of AI prospects stands true ?

1) Data and Artificial Intelligence (AI) could add $450-$500 billion to India’s GDP by 2025 and contribute to the country’s economic recovery and growth.
2) Digital India has reimagined how our government connects with citizens and the accelerated deployment of AI and other emerging technologies will help further this objective.
3) To harness its full potential, India needs to embrace AI innovation and regulation with an open, inclusive and a collaborative mindset.

Options :

a) 1 & 2 only
b) 2 & 3 only
c) 1 & 3 only
d) all the above

Q5 The‘Harit Path’ mobile app was recently launched by NHAI for which of the following purposes ?

a) To prevent man-animal conflict in highways.
b) To monitor plantations along national highways.
c) For speeding up construction in highways using bio-degradable substances.
d) Promotion of urban forestry in rural-urban clusters along rural roads.

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