Daily Current Affairs MCQs for UPSC IAS Prelims - 18 April 2023

Welcome to the RAYACADEMY Daily Current Affairs MCQs! Our focus is to provide you with engaging and informative questions that primarily revolve around current affairs, derived from reliable sources such as 'The Hindu', 'Indian Express', and 'PIB'. Our MCQs test your understanding of factual and conceptual knowledge, which is essential for cracking the UPSC IAS and State PCS prelim exams. Below are some of Today's Current Affairs MCQs. We hope you make the most of this initiative and wish you all the best in your preparation.

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Q1.Which of the following statements about heat stroke is/are correct?

1)Heat stroke is caused by exposure to high temperatures and humidity, or due to prolonged physical exertion at high temperatures.

2)A heat stroke is not considered to be a medical emergency.

3)The body's inability to sweat is a cause of heat stroke.

4)Heat exhaustion can cause symptoms such as fatigue, dizziness, headache, nausea, vomiting, hypotension (low blood pressure) and tachycardia (increased heart rate).

A) Only statements 1 and 3 are correct

B) Only statements 1 and 4 are correct

C) Statements 1, 3 and 4 are correct

D) All statements are correct

Answer: C)

Explanation: Heat stroke is the result of overheating of the body caused by exposure to high temperatures and humidity, or due to prolonged physical exertion at high temperatures. It is considered to be a medical emergency that requires prompt attention. When the body fails to sweat and is therefore unable to lose heat by evaporation, there is an increase in the core temperature of the body, which can shoot up to 106 degrees Fahrenheit within a few minutes if the body fails to cool down. This can cause severe health implications including death.

Heat exhaustion, on the other hand, is a milder form of heat illness that can occur after several days of exposure to high temperatures and inadequate or unbalanced replacement of fluids. Persons suffering from heat exhaustion experience symptoms such as fatigue, dizziness, headache, nausea, vomiting, hypotension (low blood pressure) and tachycardia (increased heart rate). Therefore, statements 1, 3 and 4 are correct, and the correct option is C.

Q2. What is the PM SVANidhi scheme launched in June?

A) A scheme to provide free healthcare to street vendors

B) A scheme to provide unemployment benefits to street vendors

C) A micro-credit facility to provide collateral-free loans to street vendors

D) A scheme to provide housing facilities to street vendors

Answer: C)

Explanation: The PM Street Vendor’s AtmaNirbhar Nidhi (PM SVANidhi) scheme was launched in June amid the pandemic. It is a micro-credit facility that provides street vendors with a collateral-free loan of Rs 10,000 with low rates of interest for a period of one year. The scheme aims to provide working capital to street vendors to resume their businesses that have been affected due to the COVID-19 pandemic. All vendors who have been vending from or before March 24, 2020, and with a certificate of vending can avail of the loan. Therefore, option C is the correct answer.

Q3. What is the purpose of the Micro Units Development & Refinance Agency (MUDRA)?

A) To provide loans to large corporate businesses

B) To provide loans to non-corporate, non-farm, small and micro enterprises

C) To provide subsidies to farmers

D) To provide financial assistance to government employees

Answer: B)

Explanation: The Micro Units Development & Refinance Agency (MUDRA) was launched on April 8, 2015, by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to provide loans up to Rs 10 lakh to non-corporate, non-farm, small and micro enterprises.

The loans are given under three categories - Shishu up to Rs 50,000, Kishore Rs 50,001 to Rs 5 lakh, and Tarun from Rs 5 lakh to Rs 10 lakh.

The scheme is known as the Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana. Mudra loans do not require any collateral/security, making them accessible to small businesses that may not have the assets to pledge as collateral. Therefore, option B is the correct answer.

Q4.Which of the following statements is true about World Heritage Day?

A) It was proposed by UNESCO in 1982 and celebrated for the first time in 1983.

B) It is also known as the International Day for Cultural Heritage.

C) The main aim of the day is to promote tourism to cultural heritage sites.

D) The theme for World Heritage Day 2023 is "Heritage Changes".

Answer: D

Explanation:

World Heritage Day, also known as the International Day for Monuments and Sites, is celebrated every year on April 18. The International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) proposed the idea of World Heritage Day in 1982, and it was approved by UNESCO's General Conference the following year. The first World Heritage Day was celebrated in 1983, and since then, it has become an important event for promoting awareness about cultural heritage.

The main aim of World Heritage Day is to increase awareness about the importance of preserving cultural heritage sites and monuments. The day provides an opportunity to highlight the value of cultural heritage and the need to protect it from damage or destruction due to natural disasters, human activities, or urbanization. Therefore, statements A and C are incorrect.

The theme for World Heritage Day 2023 is "Heritage Changes". This theme reflects the dynamic and evolving nature of cultural heritage and its importance in shaping the future. It encourages people to explore how cultural heritage has changed over time and how it continues to shape the world around us. Therefore, statement D is correct.

Q5.Which of the following statements regarding the mangrove pitta bird is/are correct?

1)Bhitarkanika national park is the only Ramsar site where the bird is found.

2)The bird feeds only on crustaceans and molluscs.

3)The first-ever population census of mangrove pitta birds in Bhitarkanika national park revealed the presence of around 179 species.

A) 1 and 2 only

B) 2 and 3 only

C) 1 and 3 only

D) 1, 2, and 3

Answer: C

Explanation:

The mangrove pitta bird was surveyed in Bhitarkanika national park. According to the survey, Bhitarkanika national park is home to around 179 of avian species. Hence, statement 3 is correct.

Statement 1 is incorrect because mangrove pitta birds are found in other mangrove forests as well, not just in Bhitarkanika national park. Ramsar site is a wetland of international importance, and Bhitarkanika national park is a Ramsar site, but it is not the only Ramsar site where the bird is found.

Statement 2 is incorrect because the bird feeds on various foods, including crustaceans, molluscs, and insects, as stated in the statement itself. Hence, the correct answer is option C.