UPSC Current Affairs Quiz: February 11, 2025
February 11, 2025 February 11, 2025
1. In the light of the recent discovery of Bryospilus bharaticus, consider the following statements regarding similar organisms:
- Water bears (Tardigrades) can survive extreme conditions, including the vacuum of space.
- Copepods are among the most abundant multicellular organisms in the ocean and play a vital role in marine food webs.
- Ostracods, ancient crustaceans, have a fossil record over 450 million years old.
How many of the above statements are correct?
[A] Only one
[B] Only two
[C] All three
[D] None
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [All three]
Notes:- Water bears (Tardigrades) can survive extreme conditions, including the vacuum of space. Correct: Tardigrades can endure extreme temperatures, radiation, and desiccation, even surviving in space.
- Copepods are among the most abundant multicellular organisms in the ocean and play a vital role in marine food webs. Correct: Copepods are crucial for transferring energy from phytoplankton to higher trophic levels.
- Ostracods, ancient crustaceans, have a fossil record over 450 million years old. Correct: Ostracods are crustaceans with a fossil record dating back over 450 million years, making them one of the oldest known animal groups. Their fossils provide valuable insights into ancient marine environments.
2. In the context of the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC), Consider the following:
- It has six members, with the Finance Minister as its chairman.
- It is responsible for fixing the benchmark policy rate (repo rate) to control inflation within the target range.
- The MPC makes decisions by majority vote, and its decisions are binding on the RBI.
Which of the above is/are directly related to central banking and economic policy?
[A] Only 2
[B] Only 2 & 3
[C] 1, 2 & 3
[D] Only 1 & 2
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Only 2 & 3]
Notes:- It has six members, with the Finance Minister as its chairman. Incorrect: MPC will have six members: the RBI Governor (Chairperson), the RBI Deputy Governor in charge of monetary policy, one official nominated by the RBI Board, and the remaining three members would represent the Government of India. The external members hold office for a period of four years.
- It is responsible for fixing the benchmark policy rate (repo rate) to control inflation within the target range. Correct: The MPC is entrusted with the task of fixing the benchmark policy rate (repo rate) required to contain inflation within the specified target level.
- The MPC makes decisions by majority vote, and its decisions are binding on the RBI. Correct: The MPC takes decisions based on a majority vote.In case of a tie, the RBI governor will have the second or casting vote. The decisionof the MPC would be binding on the RBI.
3. Consider the following:
- Ranikhet disease
- Avian influenza
- Pacheco’s Disease
Which of the above is/are viral diseases affecting birds?
[A] Only 1 & 2
[B] Only 1 & 3
[C] 1, 2 & 3
[D] Only 2
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [1, 2 & 3]
Notes:- Ranikhet disease (Newcastle disease) is a highly contagious viral infection in birds, causing severe respiratory issues and high mortality rates.
- Avian influenza, also known as bird flu, is caused by influenza viruses that can infect various bird species and cause severe disease in poultry.
- Pacheco’s Disease in Birds. Pacheco’s disease is caused by a herpes virus. Many species of birds are susceptible. Cockatoos and Amazon parrots are very susceptible to the infection and usually die.
4. In context with Fort William, which of the following observations is/are correct?
- Fort William in Kolkata, the headquarters of the Eastern Army Command, has been renamed Vijay Durg.
- The fort is octagonal in shape and has an imposing structure made out of brick and mortar.
- The name “Vijay Durg” is inspired by a fort associated with the Vijayanagara Empire.
Select the correct option from the codes given below:
[A] Only one
[B] Only two
[C] All three
[D] None
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Only two]
Notes:- Fort William in Kolkata, the headquarters of the Eastern Army Command, has been renamed Vijay Durg. Correct: Fort William in Kolkata, the headquarters of the Eastern Army Command, has been renamed Vijay Durg recently.
- The fort is octagonal in shape and has an imposing structure made out of brick and mortar. Correct: The fort is octagonal in shape and has an imposing structure made out of brick and mortar. It is spread over 70.9 acres and is embellished with hundreds of arched windows that overlook lush green gardens.
- The name “Vijay Durg” is inspired by a fort associated with the Vijayanagara Empire. Incorrect: “Vijay Durg” is derived from a fort along the Sindhudurg coast in Maharashtra, associated with the Marathas under Chhatrapati Shivaji, not the Vijayanagar Empire.
5. With reference to India, consider the following statements:
- When a prisoner makes out a sufficient case, parole cannot be denied to such prisoner because it becomes a matter of his/her right.
- Each state government has its own rules for prisoner release on parole.
- Both parole and furlough are legal rights of prisoners.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
[A] Only one
[B] Only two
[C] All three
[D] None
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Only one ]
Notes:- When a prisoner makes out a sufficient case, parole cannot be denied to such prisoner because it becomes a matter of his/her right. Incorrect: Parole is a temporary release of a prisoner with sentence suspension, but not a right. It may be denied even if a valid case is made. It is granted only for urgent reasons like severe illness or a family member’s death, with approval from the deputy home secretary of the state. Furlough, unlike parole, is considered a right for prisoners, granted periodically without specific reasons to help maintain family and social ties. However, both parole and furlough can be denied if deemed against public interest.
- Each state government has its own rules for prisoner release on parole. Correct: State governments have their own Prisoner Release on Parole Rules, as ‘Prisons’ is a State subject under the Seventh Schedule of the Constitution. The Prisons Act, 1894, empowers states to regulate parole, furlough, and remission as part of jail reforms.
- Both parole and furlough are legal rights of prisoners. Incorrect: Parole is a privilege, not a right, granted for urgent needs like medical or family emergencies, subject to strict scrutiny for public safety. Furlough helps prisoners maintain family ties and break imprisonment monotony but remains discretionary, balancing reform with public interest.
The above questions are part of Daily UPSC 20 Current Affairs MCQs Series in GKToday Android Application. This series can be subscribed in the app only for user friendly test with detailed answers and explanations.
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