UPSC Current Affairs Quiz: January 13, 2025
January 13, 2025 January 13, 2025
1. With reference to the Tropic of Cancer, consider the following statements:
- The only river that traverses the Tropic of Cancer two times is The Mahi River.
- Ranchi is the only capital city in India that is located on the Tropic of Cancer.
- The sun is directly above the Tropic of Cancer on 23rd March every year.
How many of the above statements are correct?
[A] Only one
[B] Only two
[C] All Three
[D] None
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Only two]
Notes:- The Tropic of Cancer is a hypothetical line running across the centre of India at an inclination of 23.5 degrees north of the Equator. This hypothetical line on earth will go through 17 nations, and India is among those 17 nations. In India, there are eight states where the tropic of cancer passes through. Those eight places are Jasdan in Gujarat, Kalinjarh in Rajasthan, Shajapur in Madhya Pradesh, Sunhat in Chhattisgarh, and Lohardaga in Jharkhand, Krishnanagar in West Bengal, Udaipur in Tripura, Champai in Mizoram.
- The only river that traverses the Tropic of cancer two times is The Mahi river. It cuts Madhya Pradesh, and then it flows to Gujrat, where it cuts the second time.
- Ranchi is the only capital city in India that is located on the Tropic of Cancer. Ranchi is the capital of Jharkhand, a state in India.
- Summer days are very hot in India because the summer solstice is on 21 June, and the sun’s rays fall directly on the tropic of Cancer. It is also known as the Northern tropic, and it is one of the five great spheres of latitude that appear on the globe.
2. Consider the following:
- Mount Ibu
- Mount Merapi
- Mount Sinabung
Which of the above is / are located in Indonesia and known for their volcanic activity?
[A] Only 1 & 2
[B] Only 2 & 3
[C] 1, 2 and 3
[D] Only 1
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [1, 2 and 3]
Notes:- Mount Ibu is one of Indonesia’s 127 active volcanoes, with eruptions in 2023, including a major ash plume reaching 3 kilometers.
- Mount Merapi, located on the island of Java, is Indonesia’s most active volcano, frequently erupting and posing threats to nearby communities.
- Mount Sinabung, also in North Sumatra, has had continuous eruptions since 2013, leading to extensive evacuations and safety measures for residents. All three volcanoes are part of Indonesia’s geological landscape, situated along the Pacific Ring of Fire, known for its high volcanic activity.
3. In the context of viral diseases and their treatments, consider the following statements:
- HIV is primarily transmitted through sexual contact and contaminated needles.
- Rabies is caused by a virus transmitted through an infected animal’s bite.
- Influenza spreads via contact, contaminated objects, or inhaling virus-laden aerosols.
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:- HIV is primarily transmitted through sexual contact and contaminated needles: This is correct. HIV is mainly spread through unprotected sexual intercourse, sharing needles, and from mother to child during childbirth or breastfeeding.
- Rabies is caused by a virus that is typically transmitted through the bite of an infected animal: This is correct. Rabies is caused by the rabies virus, primarily transmitted through the saliva of infected animals via bites.
- Influenza is an acute viral infection of the respiratory tract which is considered to be one of the life-threatening infectious diseases. The virus can be transmitted by direct contact with infected individuals, via contaminated objects (also called fomites) and by inhalation of virus-laden aerosols.
Thus, all three statements are correct.
4. Regarding the Sri Parthasarathy Perumal Temple, consider the following statements:
- The temple, dedicated to Lord Krishna, uniquely enshrines Sri Balarama alongside Him.
- Though in South India, it features Vesara-style architecture.
- Located in Thiruvallikeni, the area is named after the temple tank.
How many of the above statements are correct?
[A] Only one
[B] Only two
[C] All three
[D] None
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Only two]
Notes:- The temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna and has a unique feature of enshrining Sri Balarama alongside Him: This is correct; it is one of the few temples with both deities.
- Though in South India, it features Vesara-style architecture: This is incorrect- The temple was originally built by the Pallavas between the 6th and 8th centuries. The temple was expanded by the Cholas and the Vijayanagara kings in the 15th century. The temple is known for its Dravidian style of architecture.
- The temple is located in the area known as Thiruvallikeni, which derives its name from the temple tank: This is correct- the name Thiruvallikeni is linked to the temple’s water body.
Thus, Only two statements are correct.
5. Consider the following statements regarding the BRICS countries:
- The term ‘BRICS’ was coined by British economist Jim O’Neill in 2001.
- The Beijing Declaration marked the establishment of the New Development Bank (NDB).
- The members of BRICS include Brazil, Russia, India, Indonesia, China, and South Africa.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
[A] 1 and 2
[B] 2 and 3
[C] 1 and 3
[D] 1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [1 and 3]
Notes:- In 2001, British economist Jim O’Neill coined the acronym ‘BRICS’ to represent the emerging economies of Brazil, Russia, India, and China.
- The Fortaleza Declaration, adopted at the 6th BRICS Summit, led to the creation of the New Development Bank (NDB).
- The members of BRICS include Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. Indonesia has officially joined the BRICS as a full member recently. The group, which brings together major emerging economies, now consists of Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, and Indonesia.
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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