Current Affairs Quiz 3 January 2025 MCQ Answers
Are you searching for a daily current affairs quiz that includes answers and covers all important topics from an exam perspective, such as UPSC Prelims and State PCS? If yes, you’ve come to the right place!
This current affairs quiz includes recent questions and answers. You can attempt it as a daily MCQ quiz for UPSC.
In our daily current affairs quiz, we strive to cover a variety of sources, including Vision IAS Daily Current Affairs, PIB, and newspapers such as the Indian Express, The Hindu, and The Economic Times.
Q1. Which organization is the Biennial Annual Report related to?
(A). UNEP
(B). UNESCO
(C). IPCC
(D). UNFCCC
Answer
Correct Answer: (D)
Q2. Consider the following statements regarding WPI (Wholesale Price Index):
- It indicates the average price movement of a fixed basket of goods at the wholesale level over time.
- It may include some taxes and distribution costs.
- WPI covers both goods and services.
Which of the following statements given above is/are correct?
(A). 1 & 2 only
(B). 2 & 3 only
(C). 1 & 3 only
(D). 1, 2 & 3
Answer
Correct Answer: (A)
Q3. How many times has the WPI series been revised in India?
(A). 5
(B). 6
(C). 7
(D). 8
Answer
Correct Answer: (C)
Q4. Comparative Study of School Education System Report released by
(A). Confederation of Indian Industry (CII)
(B). NITI Aayog
(C). NCERT
(D). NGO Pratham
Answer
Correct Answer: (A)
Q5. Consider the following statements regarding NITI Aayog:
- It was established through a resolution of the Union Cabinet.
- It monitors and coordinates the SDG goals in India.
- The Prime Minister is its Chairperson.
- It follows a top-down approach.
- It has financial powers to allocate resources to states.
- CMs of all states are part of their Governing Council.
How many of the above statements are correct?
(A). Only 2
(B). Only 3
(C). Only 4
(D). Only 5
Answer
Correct Answer: (C)
Q6. Consider the following statements regarding Bharat Small Reactors (BSRs) :
- These are compact nuclear reactors with a capacity of up to 220 MWe.
- While Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) are an entirely new concept, India’s BSRs are based on Pressurized Heavy Water Reactor (PHWR) technology to meet localized needs.
Which of the following statements given above is/are correct?
(A). 1 only
(B). 2 only
(C). Both 1 & 2
(D). Neither 1 nor 2
Answer
Correct Answer: (C)
Q7. Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary is located in which state?
(A). Andhra Pradesh
(B). Kerala
(C). Telangana
(D). Arunachal Pradesh
Answer
Correct Answer: (B)
Q8. Methylcobalamin, commonly used in supplements, is a form of which vitamin?
(A). Vitamin A
(B). Vitamin D
(C). Vitamin B7
(D). Vitamin B12
Answer
Correct Answer: (D)
Q9. Pig butchering scams recently in the news are related to
(A). Stock market manipulation
(B). Investment fraud
(C). Illegal wildlife trade
(D). Hacking of financial institutions
Answer
Correct Answer: (B)
Q10. Consider the following statements regarding the Right to Property:
- It is a constitutional right.
- The 42nd Constitutional Amendment of 1946 removed the right to property from the list of Fundamental Rights and made it a constitutional right under Article 300A.
Which of the following statements given above is/are correct?
(A). 1 only
(B). 2 only
(C). Both 1 & 2
(D). Neither 1 nor 2
Answer
Correct Answer: (A)
Q11. Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti was contemporary with which ruler in India?
(A). Akbar
(B). Muhammad-bin-Tughlaq
(C). Maharana Pratap
(D). Prithviraj Chauhan
Answer
Correct Answer: (D)
Q12. Consider the following statements regarding the Gomti River:
- It is a tributary of the Ganga River.
- Lucknow city is located on this river.
Which of the following statements given above is/are incorrect?
(A). 1 only
(B). 2 only
(C). Both 1 & 2
(D). Neither 1 nor 2
Answer
Correct Answer: (D)
Q13. Project VISTAAR, recently in the news, is related to which sector?
(A). Agriculture Sector
(B). Manufacturing Sector
(C). Aviation Sector
(D). Defence Sector
Answer
Correct Answer: (A)
Q14. Consider the following pairs regarding winners of the National Sports Awards 2024:
| Sportsperson | Respective Sport | |
| 1 | Manu Bhakar | Hockey |
| 2 | Gukesh D | Chess |
| 3 | Praveen Kumar | Para-Athletics |
| 4 | Harmanpreet Singh | Shooting |
How many of the above pairs are correctly matched?
(A). Only one
(B). Only two
(C). Only three
(D). All four
Answer
Correct Answer: (B)
Q15. Consider the following statements regarding Hydrogel:
- They are water-based, three-dimensional polymers capable of absorbing and retaining fluids.
- They can be used for targeted breast cancer therapy.
Which of the following statements given above is/are incorrect?
(A). 1 only
(B). 2 only
(C). Both 1 & 2
(D). Neither 1 nor 2
Answer
Correct Answer: (C)
1. Biennial Annual Report
Context: India recently submitted its Fourth Biennial Update Report (BUR-4) under Article 4.1 to UNFCCC.
About Fourth Biennial Update Report (BRU-4)
- It contains updates on the national Greenhouse Gas Inventory for 2020.
- Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change is the nodal ministry to manage and coordinate climate change-related activities.
Key points of the report
- India’s GHG emissions have reduced by 7.9% in 2020 compared to 2019.
- The emission intensity of India’s GDP has reduced by 36% from 2005 to 2020.
- The share of non-fossil sources in installed electricity generation now constitutes 46.52%.
- Additional carbon sinks of 2.29 billion tonnes of CO2 have been created through additional forest cover (25.17%).
- Sector-wise emissions: Energy (75.66%), agriculture (13.72%), industrial sector (8.06%), waste (2.56%).
2. WPI (Wholesale Price Index)
Context: The Central Government has constituted an 18-member working group for the base revision of the current series of WPI from 2011-12 to 2022-23.
What is WPI?
- It indicates the average price change of a fixed basket of goods over time at the first point of bulk sale in the domestic market. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
- It does not cover services. Hence, statement 3 is incorrect.
- WPI may include some taxes and distribution costs up to the wholesale level. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
- It is released by the Office of the Economic Advisor, Ministry of Commerce and Industries.
- The current series of 2011-12 consists of 117 primary articles, 16 fuel items, and 564 manufactured products.
3. WPI Series Revision
Context: An 18-member working group has been set up by the Central Government for the revision of the base year of the current series of the Wholesale Price Index (WPI).
The WPI series has been revised seven times from 1952-53, 1961-62, 1970-71, 1981-82, 1993-94, 2004-05, and 2011-12.
Key terms of reference for the working group
- Suggest changes to the WPI and PPI commodity baskets.
- Recommend computational methodology for better reliability.
- Recommend a roadmap for the switchover from WPI to PPI.
- Examine the methodology for compiling the Producer Price Index (PPI) and suggest improvements.
4. Comparative Study of School Education System Report
Context: The Confederation of Indian Industries (CII) recently released a Comparative Study of School Education System(SES) Report.
Comparison of India’s SES with other countries
| Parameters | India | Other Countries |
|---|---|---|
| Learning Methodology | Theoretical learning and rote learning | Creativity-based learning (US), Inquiry-based learning (Australia) |
| Assessment | Continuous and comprehensive | Ongoing evaluations combining national tests with project-based assessments |
| Budget | 2.7-2.9% of GDP | China (4.1%), Australia (5.5%) |
| Technology Integration | SWAYAM, SMART Classrooms | National Digital Strategy (Sweden) |
Suggestions given in the report:
- Increase the education budget to 6% of GDP.
- Develop and adopt a curriculum framework that embraces regional diversity.
- Address inequality through sufficient rural infrastructure, strategic teacher deployment, and learning from best practices (Sweden’s disability-inclusive framework).
- Embrace digital education and create localized content.
5. NITI Aayog
Context: NITI Aayog recently celebrated its 10th anniversary since its foundation.
About NITI Aayog
- It was formed through a Resolution of the Union Government, replacing the Planning Commission.
- Its two key mandates oversee the adoption and monitoring of the SDGs in the country and promote competitive and cooperative federalism among States and UTs.
- The Prime Minister is its Chairperson.
- The Governing Council includes CMs of all states and UTs with the legislature, the Lt. Governor of other UTs, ex-officio members, the vice chairperson, a full-time member, and special invitees.
| Parameters | NITI Aayog | Planning Commission |
|---|---|---|
| Approach | Bottom-up and cooperative | Top-down and centralised |
| Resource Allocation | No financial power | Power to allocate resources to states and approve projects |
| State Participation | States and UTs in Governing Council | Limited involvement |
| Policy Formulation | Long-term strategic policies | Five years plan |
6. Bharat Small Reactors (BSRs)
Context: National Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) has recently invited the Request for Proposal from Indian users for 220 MWe BSRs-PHWR in brown or green fields.
What are Bharat Small Reactors (BSRs)?
- They are compact nuclear reactors based on India’s PHWR technology with up to 220 MWe capacity. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
- They are aligned with global SMRs, which have a capacity ranging from 30 MWe to 300 MWe.
- The difference between SMRs and BSRs is that while SMRs are an entirely new concept, India’s BSRs are based on PHWR technology to meet localized needs. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
| Importance of Private Sector Participation in Nuclear Energy 1. Resource mobilisation of up to $26 billion. 2. Energy transition target of 500 GW of energy from non-fossil fuel sources. 3. Advancement of technology through investment in cutting-edge research. | Challenges associated with Private Sector Participation 1. The Atomic Energy Act of 1962 restricts the private sector in the nuclear energy domain. 2. Uncertainty regarding liability under the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act 2010. 3. High initial investment and lack of public trust, etc. |
7. Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary
Context: Recently, a faunal survey was conducted in Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary (Kerala).
About Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary
- It is part of the Agasthyamalai Biosphere Reserve in the southern Western Ghats in Kollam district, Kerala.
- Important species include the Great Indian Hornbill (the state bird of Kerala), Malabar Banded Peacock (a butterfly), elephant, Sabhar, gaur, Nilgiri langur, lion-tailed macaque, and the Malabar Giant Squirrel.
- Major river: Kallada
8. Methylcobalamin
Context: Recently, the FSSAI clarified guidelines for using methylcobalamin for medical purposes, health supplements, and nutraceutical products under certain conditions. It had banned methylcobalamin in 2016 and lifted the ban in 2021.
What is methylcobalamin?
- It is a naturally occurring form of vitamin B12 with a methyl group attached to the central cobalt atom. Other forms include cyanocobalamin and hydroxocobalamin.
- It can be obtained from food supplements and sources such as meat, fish, eggs, and milk.
- Vitamin B12 is essential for various important functions in the human body, such as DNA synthesis, RBC production, regulation of cell multiplication, protein synthesis, and neurological health.
- It is used in the alleviation of pain in diabetic neuropathy, treatment of anaemia, and Alzheimer’s disease.
9. Pig butchering scams
Context: In its annual report for 2023-24, the Ministry of Home Affairs highlighted the rise of a new type of cyber fraud known as the ‘pig butchering scam’ or ‘investment scam’.
What is Pig butchering scam?
- It is a global phenomenon that originated in China in 2016, involving long-term scams and investment fraud.
- In this, the perpetrator slowly gains the victim’s confidence and gradually lures them into increasing monetary contributions to seemingly sound investment opportunities before the scammer disappears with the contributed money.
- It also includes cyber slavery.
10. Right to Property
Context: The Supreme Court reiterated the status of the Right to Property. It is no longer a fundamental right but remains a constitutional right and a recognized human right.
Right to Property under the Indian Constitution
- It was adopted as a fundamental right under Article 19(1)(f) and 31 of the Constitution, which provides the right to property and adequate compensation for acquisition.
- However, under the 44th Constitutional Amendment in 1978, it was removed from the list of Fundamental Rights and added under Article 300A as a constitutional right. Hence, statement 1 is correct, and statement 2 is incorrect.
- Article 300A – No person shall be deprived of his property saved by the authority of law.
11. Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti
Context: The Urs festival, celebrated to commemorate the death anniversary of Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti, is held in Ajmer, Rajasthan.
About Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti
- He was born in 1141 CE in Chishti, Herat, Afghanistan, and founded the Chishti order of Sufism in the Indian Subcontinent.
- His notable disciples were Khwaja Qutbuddin Bakhtiyar Kaki, Naseeruddin Charagh, and Nizamuddin Auliya.
12. Gomti River
Context: Following the CETF’s success for the Ganga River, the Indian Army created a new company to revitalize the Gomati River. Composite Ecological Task Force (CETF) is a unit of ex-servicemen supporting the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) efforts to rejuvenate the River Ganga.
About Gomti River
- It is a tributary of the Ganga River, originating at Gomath Taal (Fulhar Jheel) near Madhotanda in the Pilibhit District of Uttar Pradesh.
- Major tributaries are Kathina, Sai, etc.
- It merges with the Ganga in the Ghazipur District of UP, where the famous Markandey Mahadeo Temple is located.
- Lucknow and Jaunpur are major cities situated along this river.
13. Project VISTAAR
Context: IIT Madras recently partnered with the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare on Project VISTAAR (Virtually Integrated System to Access Agricultural Resources) to expand the agri-advisory network.
What is Project VISTAAR?
- It is a network of networks connecting decentralised databases to provide seamless access to vital agricultural resources, further enhancing decision-making and resource utilisation.
- It helps states build their own agri-advisory network.
14. National Sports Awards 2024
Context: The Ministry of Youth and Sports Affairs has recently announced the winners of the National Sports Award 2024, which will be presented by the President.
National Sports Awards categories
- Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award to a sportsperson who has performed outstandingly over four years.
- Arjun Award
- Arjuna (Lifetime) Award
- Dronacharya Award to coaches
- Maulana Abul Kalam Azad Trophy to top-performing universities.
- Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puruskar to organizations/individuals for promoting sports.
Correct order
| Sportsperson | Respective Sport | |
| 1 | Manu Bhakar | Shooting |
| 2 | Gukesh D | Chess |
| 3 | Praveen Kumar | Para-Athletics |
| 4 | Harmanpreet Singh | Hockey |
15. Hydrogel
Context: IIT Guwahati researchers have developed an innovative injectable hydrogel for targeted breast cancer therapy.
What is Hydrogel?
- They are water-insoluble 3D polymer networks capable of absorbing and retaining large amounts of water or biological fluids.
- They have several applications, especially in the biomedical field, such as hydrogel dressing.
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