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Current Affairs MCQ for UPSC Exams - 29 September 2020

Q1 Recently scientists have found the first compelling evidence that two groups of ecologically important marine microorganisms could be eating viruses -- catching their "prey" and engulfing them, an advance that may lead to a better understanding of the flow of organic matter in the oceans. Which of the following statements regarding the findings stands true ?

1) The scientists believe the removal of viruses from the water may reduce the number of viruses available to infect other organisms, while also shuttling the organic carbon within virus particles higher up the food chain.
2) Viruses are rich in phosphorus and nitrogen, and could potentially be a good supplement to a carbon-rich diet that might include cellular prey or carbon-rich marine colloids.
3) Scientists claim that microorganisms that consume viruses accumulate DNA sequences from their viral prey within their own genomes and protects themselves from all major viral infections.
Options :
a) 1 & 2 only
b) 2 & 3 only
c) 1 & 3 only
d) all the above

Q2 Nation pays homage to the revolutionary freedom fighter Bhagat Singh on his 113th birth anniversary today. Which of the following journals/movements were associated with BhagatSingh ?

1) Lahore conspiracy case
2) New India
3) Kesari
4) ChauriChaura incident
5) HSRA

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

Q3 With respect to prohibition of manual scavenging and the rehabilitation of workers associated with manual scavenging, which of the following statements stands true ?

1) The Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and their Rehabilitation Act, 2013 prohibits construction or maintenance of insanitary latrines, and employment of any person for manual scavenging or hazardous cleaning of sewers and septic tanks.
2) Currently, engaging any person for hazardous cleaning of sewers and septic tanks by any person or agency is punishable with imprisonment of up to five years or a fine of up to Rs 5 lakh or both.
3) Under the Self Employment Scheme for Rehabilitation of Manual Scavengers (SRMS), a one time cash assistance of Rs. 40,000 is provided and a skill development training up to two years with a stipend of Rs. 3,000 per month is provided among other benefits.
Options :
a) 1 & 2 only
b) 2 & 3 only
c) 1 & 3 only
d) all the above

Q4 In a major step toward adopting alternative clean fuel for transportation, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has allowed use of H-CNG (18% mix of hydrogen) in CNG engines recently. Which of the following statement regarding the same stands true ?

1) HCNG is a mixture of compressed natural gas (CNG) and some percentage of Hydrogen by energy.
2) In terms of emission reduction however, CNG engine can reduce CO2 emissions by 20%, CO 30% and NOx by 25% compared with HCNG engine.
3) Current cost of H2 is more than the cost of Natural Gas. So, HCNG’s cost is more than CNG.
Options :
a) 1 & 2 only
b) 2 & 3 only
c) 1 & 3 only
d) all the above

Q5 India in a unique move has launched Green Strategic Partnership for the first time with which of the following countries recently ?

a) Maldives
b) Denmark
c) Israel
d) Russia

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Current Affairs MCQ for UPSC Exams - 29 September 2020