Current Affairs MCQ for UPSC Exams - 23 May 2020

Current Affairs MCQ for UPSC Exams - 23 May 2020

Q1. A recent study, published in the journal Cell, had placed pangolins as a natural reservoir of coronaviruses similar to SARS-CoV-2, the one behind the COVID-19 pandemic. Which of the following statements regarding the species stands true ?

1) Ecologically pangolins are so important. In natural ecosystem it plays as a biological pest controller and soil caretakers. Due to their food preferences pangolin control the population of termites and ants in natural ecosystem
2) Since the major threat for the survival of pangolin is from local communities, an understanding of public perceptions and awareness on conservation of the mammal is important.
3) Between the last 10 years, states in Northeast India like Assam, Manipur, and Meghalaya have become the hotspots for pangolin poaching in the country.

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

Q2. World Turtle Day is an annual event that has been taking place since the year 2000 and was founded by American Tortoise Rescue. The purpose of World Turtle Day is to educate people about how to protect turtle and tortoise habitats. Which of the following species of tortoises are exclusively found in India ?

1) Red crowned roofed turtle
2) Black pond turtle
3) Red Ear Slider
4) Aldabra giant
5) Green sea

a) 1,2 & 3 only
b) 2,3 & 5 only
c) 1,2 & 5 only
d) all of the above

Q3. The central government’s debt as a percentage of gross domestic product (GDP) dropped marginally by 0.1% from 45.8% in fiscal 2017-18 to 45.7% or Rs 86.73 lakh crore in FY19.Which of the following statements regarding the same stands true ?

1) The debt-to-GDP ratio is the metric comparing a country's public debt to its gross domestic product (GDP). By comparing what a country owes with what it produces, the debt-to-GDP ratio reliably indicates that particular country’s ability to pay back its debts.
2) A country able to continue paying interest on its debt--without refinancing, and without hampering economic growth, is generally considered to be stable.
3) India’s government debt to GDP ratio does not include the debt of states/UT’s.

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

Q4. Locust swarms from Pakistan have entered Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana and Madhya Pradesh threatening major damage to standing cotton crops and vegetables over more than 200,000 hectare. These states have sought immediate help from the Centre. Which of the following statements regarding them are true ?

1) Locusts are migratory short-horned grasshoppers with voracious feeding behaviour.
2) A small swarm of locusts east as much as 10 elephants, 25 camels or 2500 people.
3) They are also edible insects; they have been eaten throughout history and are considered a delicacy in many countries.

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

Q5. The Sasthamkotta wetland which is considered the southernmost ramsar wetland site in India is located in which of the following states ?

CLICK HERE FOR ANSWERS (Only for Course Members)

Click Here For Today's Current Affairs

Click Here for MCQ's Archive

DOWNLOAD Weekly Current Affairs PDF

JOIN Full Online Course for UPSC PRE Exam

Study Notes for UPSC IAS Exams

ANSWER................

CLICK HERE FOR ANSWERS (Only for Course Members)