All questions of Daily Current Affairs MCQs for UPSC CSE Exam

Statement 1: It is a highly contagious viral disease caused by Influenza Type A viruses which generally affects poultry birds such as chickens and turkeys.

The first statement is correct. Bird flu, also known as avian influenza, is a highly contagious viral disease caused by Influenza Type A viruses. These viruses primarily affect birds, especially domestic poultry birds such as chickens and turkeys. The disease can range from mild to severe, and in some cases, it can be fatal for the infected birds.

Statement 2: People coming in close contact with infected alive or dead birds have contracted the H5N1 bird flu, and it does not usually spread from person to person.

The second statement is also correct. In the case of H5N1 bird flu, which is one of the subtypes of avian influenza, people can become infected by coming into close contact with infected alive or dead birds. This can happen through direct contact with the birds or their droppings, as well as through contact with surfaces contaminated by the virus.

However, it is important to note that H5N1 bird flu does not usually spread easily from person to person. There have been rare instances of limited human-to-human transmission, but it is not a sustained or efficient mode of transmission. Most cases of H5N1 bird flu in humans have occurred in individuals who were in close contact with infected birds or their environments, such as poultry farms or live bird markets.

Conclusion:

Both statements are correct. Bird flu is a highly contagious viral disease that primarily affects poultry birds such as chickens and turkeys. People can contract the H5N1 bird flu by coming into close contact with infected birds, but it does not usually spread from person to person.

Godavari River

The Sabari River is one of the main tributaries of the Godavari River. Here is a detailed explanation of this connection:

Location
The Sabari River originates in the Eastern Ghats of Odisha and flows through the states of Odisha, Chhattisgarh, and Andhra Pradesh before finally joining the Godavari River.

Contribution to Godavari River
The Sabari River plays a significant role in the Godavari River's overall water flow and drainage basin. It adds to the volume of water in the Godavari River, especially during the monsoon season when it receives heavy rainfall.

Importance
The Sabari River is important for irrigation, drinking water supply, and supporting the ecosystem along its course. It also helps in sustaining agriculture and livelihoods of people living in the region.

Ecological Impact
The Sabari River and its tributaries support a diverse range of flora and fauna. The river's flow also contributes to the overall biodiversity of the Godavari River basin.

In conclusion, the Sabari River is a crucial tributary of the Godavari River, contributing to its water flow, ecological balance, and overall significance in the region.

The National Youth Day?

A) Mahatma Gandhi
B) Jawaharlal Nehru
C) Swami Vivekananda
D) Subhash Chandra Bose

The correct answer is C) Swami Vivekananda

Statement 1: At present, India has a network of 903 Protected Areas in the country covering about 5% of the country's total geographic area.

India is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, and the government has taken several measures to protect and conserve its natural resources. One such measure is the establishment of Protected Areas (PAs). PAs are areas that are designated and managed for the conservation of biodiversity and natural resources. These areas are protected from any kind of exploitation or human interference that may harm the ecosystem.

The given statement is correct. India currently has a network of 903 Protected Areas, which include National Parks, Wildlife Sanctuaries, Conservation Reserves, and Community Reserves. These areas cover approximately 5% of the country's total geographic area. These PAs serve as important habitats for various species of plants and animals, and they play a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance and preserving India's rich biodiversity.

Statement 2: Management Effectiveness Evaluation (MEE) of Protected Areas (PAs) being used by governments and international bodies to understand the protected area management systems' strengths and weaknesses.

Management Effectiveness Evaluation (MEE) is a process used to assess the effectiveness of management practices in Protected Areas. It helps in identifying the strengths and weaknesses of the management systems in place and provides recommendations for improvement. MEE is conducted by both governments and international bodies to ensure that PAs are being managed efficiently and effectively.

The given statement is also correct. MEE of PAs is a crucial tool in evaluating the management practices of these areas. It helps in assessing factors such as governance, staff capacity, financial resources, community participation, and ecological outcomes. By evaluating these factors, governments and international bodies can understand the strengths and weaknesses of the management systems and take appropriate measures to improve them.

MEE plays a significant role in promoting sustainable management practices in PAs. It helps in identifying areas of improvement, setting priorities, and allocating resources effectively. It also helps in monitoring the progress of management interventions and ensuring that the objectives of conservation and sustainable use of natural resources are being met.

Overall, both statements are correct. India has a network of 903 Protected Areas covering about 5% of the country's total geographic area, and the Management Effectiveness Evaluation of PAs is used by governments and international bodies to understand the strengths and weaknesses of the management systems in place.

Explanation:

1. Khanij Bidesh India Ltd:
- Khanij Bidesh India Ltd (KABIL) was incorporated by three state-owned firms, NALCO, Hindustan Copper, and Mineral Exploration Ltd., in August 2019.
- The formation of KABIL was a strategic move by the Indian government to ensure a consistent supply of critical and strategic minerals for the country's industries.

2. Objective of KABIL:
- The main objective of KABIL is to acquire overseas strategic mineral assets such as lithium and cobalt.
- These minerals are essential for the development of high-tech industries such as electric vehicles, renewable energy, and consumer electronics.

Conclusion:
- Both statements are correct. Statement 1 highlights the formation of KABIL by three state-owned firms, while statement 2 outlines the objective of KABIL to acquire overseas strategic mineral assets like lithium and cobalt.

Explanation:

Statement 1: The bad bank is not involved in lending and taking deposits, but helps commercial banks clean up their balance sheets and resolve bad loans.

This statement is correct. A bad bank is a separate entity that is established to take over bad loans from commercial banks. Its main purpose is to clean up the balance sheets of these banks and help them resolve bad loans. The bad bank does not engage in traditional banking activities such as lending or taking deposits.

Statement 2: The takeover of bad loans is normally below the loans book value, and the bad bank tries to recover as much as possible subsequently.

This statement is also correct. When a bad bank takes over bad loans from commercial banks, it usually does so at a price that is below the loans' book value. The book value is the value of the loan as recorded on the bank's balance sheet. This is because the bad loans are considered to be risky and may not be fully recoverable. The bad bank then tries to recover as much as possible from these bad loans through various means, such as restructuring the loans, selling collateral, or pursuing legal action against defaulting borrowers.

Conclusion: Both statements 1 and 2 are correct. The bad bank's role is to help commercial banks clean up their balance sheets by taking over bad loans. The takeover of bad loans is usually at a price below the loans' book value, and the bad bank tries to recover as much as possible from these loans subsequently.

Explanation:
The correct answer is option 'A': 1 only.

Explanation of Statement 1:
The Government of India instituted three gallantry awards on 26th January, 1950. These awards are Param Vir Chakra, Maha Vir Chakra, and Vir Chakra.

- Param Vir Chakra: It is the highest military decoration awarded for displaying acts of valor and bravery in the presence of the enemy. It is equivalent to the Victoria Cross of the United Kingdom and the Medal of Honor in the United States. It is awarded for the most conspicuous bravery or some daring or pre-eminent act of valor or self-sacrifice in the face of the enemy.
- Maha Vir Chakra: It is the second-highest military decoration awarded for acts of conspicuous gallantry in the presence of the enemy. It is awarded for acts of gallantry in the presence of the enemy, whether on land, at sea or in the air.
- Vir Chakra: It is the third-highest military decoration awarded for acts of gallantry in the presence of the enemy. It is awarded for acts of bravery in the presence of the enemy, whether on land, at sea or in the air.

Explanation of Statement 2:
The second statement is incorrect. These gallantry awards are not announced only once in a year. These awards can be announced and conferred on individuals at any time during the year, depending on the acts of bravery and valor displayed by the individuals. The announcements and conferrals are made by the President of India on the recommendation of the defense ministry.

Therefore, only statement 1 is correct, and the correct answer is option 'A': 1 only.

Introduction to the CIO Position
In July 2020, the Pentagon established the role of Chief Information Officer (CIO) for the U.S. Army to enhance its digital capabilities and streamline information technology (IT) operations. This initiative aimed to improve decision-making and operational efficiency in an increasingly digital battlefield.
Raj Iyer: First CIO of the U.S. Army
- Raj Iyer was appointed as the first Chief Information Officer of the U.S. Army, marking a significant step in the military's approach to IT management.
- With over 25 years of experience in IT and business management, Iyer brought a wealth of knowledge to this newly created role.
Responsibilities and Goals
- The primary responsibilities of the CIO include overseeing IT strategy, managing digital transformation efforts, and ensuring cybersecurity for the Army.
- Iyer's role is pivotal in coordinating the Army's IT initiatives with broader Department of Defense objectives.
Impact on the U.S. Army
- Under Iyer's leadership, the U.S. Army aims to leverage technology to enhance operational readiness and support soldiers more effectively.
- His appointment reflects a growing recognition of the importance of information technology in modern warfare and military operations.
Conclusion
Raj Iyer's appointment as the first CIO of the U.S. Army symbolizes a strategic shift towards embracing digital solutions in the military, ultimately aiming to enhance the Army's capabilities in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.