Current Affairs MCQ for UPSC Exams - 25 May 2020

Q1 Scientists at Pune based Agharkar Research Institute (ARI) have recently mapped two alternative dwarfing genes Rht14 and Rht18 in wheat.Which of the following statements with respect to this gene mapping stands true ?

1) The gene was mapped in the chromosome 6A of the durum wheat.
2) It will allow deeper sowing of wheat seeds to avail advantage of residual moisture in the soil under dry environments.
3) It will help reduce the problem of stubble burning in the northwestern regions of the country.
Options :
a) 1 & 2 only 
b) 2 & 3 only 
c) 1 & 3 only 
d) all the above

Q2 Biosphere reserves are traditionally organized into three interrelated zones, known as the core area, the buffer zone, and a transition zone or ‘area of cooperation. In the buffer zone,activities are organized so they do not hinder the conservation objectives of the core area, but rather help to protect it.

Which of the following activities are permitted in the buffer zone ?

1) Tourism
2) Fishing
3) Hunting
4) Overgrazing
5) Limited recreations

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

Q3 The States want the Centre to relax norms regarding using money accumulated in funds such as Consolidated Sinking Fund (CSF).Which of the following statements regarding the same stands true ?

1) The fund should be maintained outside the consolidated fund of the States and the public account and should not be used for any other purpose, except for redemption of loans.
2) As per the scheme, State governments could contribute 1-3 per cent of the outstanding market loans each year to the Fund. The Fund is administered by the Central Accounts Section of RBI Nagpur.
3) The 14th Finance Commission recommended that all States should have sinking funds for amortisation of all loans, excluding loans from banks and liabilities on account of NSSF (National Small Saving Fund).
Options :
a) 1 & 2 only
b) 2 & 3 only
c) 1 & 3 only
d) all the above

Q4 With respect to the UN Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf (CLCS),which of the following statements stands true ?

1) The purpose of the CLCS is to facilitate the implementation of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (the Convention) in respect of the establishment of the outer limits of the continental shelf beyond 200 nautical miles.
2) The Convention on the Continental Shelf replaced the earlier practice of nations having sovereignty over only a very narrow strip of the sea surrounding them, with anything beyond that strip considered International Waters.
3) The Commission shall make binding recommendations to coastal States on matters related to the establishment of those limits.
Options :
a) 1 & 2 only
b) 2 & 3 only
c) 1 & 3 only
d) all the above

Q5 Jubalandor the Juba valley( recently in news)  is a disputed region in south Somalia.The region has been under territorial dispute over the years between Somalia and which of the following countries of Africa ?

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