Daily Current Affairs MCQs for UPSC IAS Prelims - 20 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. The Kamakhya temple, one of the oldest and most revered centres of Tantric practices, is situated on which of the following hills?

a) Vindhyachal Hills

b) Nilachal Hills

c) Satpura Hills

d) Aravalli Hills

Answer: (b)

Explanation:

The Kamakhya temple is located atop the Nilachal Hills in Guwahati, Assam. It is one of the oldest and most revered centres of Tantric practices in India. According to the legend, the ancient demon king Narakasura had the temple built in honour of Goddess Kamakhya. The temple was later rebuilt under the patronage of Naranarayan, the last ruler of the undivided Kamata kingdom, which included parts of present-day Assam, Bangladesh, and West Bengal. The temple is also famous for the annual Ambubachi Mela, which celebrates the menstruation of the goddess and is attended by thousands of devotees from across the country.

Q2. Which of the following is/are true regarding the National Quantum Mission (NQM) approved by the Union Cabinet recently?

1) NQM is worth Rs. 6,003.65 crores.

2) NQM will work towards strengthening India’s research and development in the quantum arena.

3) NQM aims to build quantum-based computers that are more powerful and can solve complex problems in a highly secure manner.

4) The NQM will establish a thematic hub for each of the four broad themes - Quantum Computing, Quantum Communication, Quantum Sensing and Metrology and Quantum Material and Devices.

a) Only 1 and 2

b) Only 1,2, and 3

c) Only 2,3 and 4

d) All of the above

Answer: (d)

Explanation:

The National Quantum Mission (NQM) has been approved by the Union Cabinet recently. The mission is worth Rs. 6,003.65 crore and will work towards strengthening India’s research and development in the quantum arena, alongside indigenously building quantum-based computers that are far more powerful to perform the most complex problems in a highly secure manner.

Under NQM, there will be four broad themes — Quantum Computing, Quantum Communication, Quantum Sensing and Metrology and Quantum Material and Devices. Thematic hubs for each of the four themes will be established at research institutes and R&D centres that are already working in this field of research. Therefore, all the given statements are true.

Q3.Which of the following statements is/are true about Web3 technology?

1)Web3 is a decentralised web built on top of existing Internet infrastructure.

2)Web3 is a direct competition with the previous versions of the web platform.

3)Web3 enables peer-to-peer transactions and interactions, making users more in control of their data.

4)Web3 does not allow the creation and use of decentralised applications (dApps) and smart contracts.

a) Only 1 and 2

b) Only 1 and 3

c) Only 1, 3, and 4

d) Only 2 and 4

Answer: b)

Explanation:

Statement 1 is true that Web3 is a decentralised web built on top of existing Internet infrastructure, leveraging blockchain technology to create a more open and transparent web.

However, statement 2 is false as Web3 is not a direct competition to the previous versions of the web platform. It's built on top of the existing infrastructure and aims to improve it with new capabilities.

Statement 3 is true, as Web3 enables peer-to-peer transactions and interactions, allowing users to control their data and choose whom to share it with. This also makes Web3 more secure, as there is no single point of failure that can be exploited by hackers.

Finally, statement 4 is false, as one of the key features of Web3 is the ability to create and use decentralised applications (dApps) and smart contracts in the blockchain system. These dApps can be used for various purposes, such as social media, finance, gaming, and more. Therefore, the correct answer is b) Only 1 and 3.

Q4.Which of the following statements is/are true about the Sri Lankan Toque Macaque?

1)It is the largest species of Macaca.

2)It is endemic to Sri Lanka.

3)It is easily distinguished by the toque-shaped swirl of hair on the top of its head.

4)The amount of hair on the top of the head is the same throughout its range.

a) Only 1 and 2

b) Only 2 and 3

c) Only 2 and 4

d) Only 3 and 4

Answer: b)

Explanation:

Statement 1 is false as the Sri Lankan Toque Macaque is the smallest species of Macaca, not the largest.

Statement 2 is true, as the Sri Lankan Toque Macaque is endemic to Sri Lanka, meaning it is only found naturally in Sri Lanka.

Statement 3 is true, as the Sri Lankan Toque Macaque is easily distinguished by the toque-shaped swirl of hair on the top of its head.

Finally, statement 4 is false, as the amount of hair on the top of the head is geographically variable within the range of Sri Lankan Toque Macaque.

Q5.Which of the following statements is/are true about the Chhau dance?

1)It is a folk dance performed in the Indian state of Rajasthan.

2)It is a classical dance form originating from southern India.

3)It involves the use of masks, elaborate costumes and acrobatic movements.

4)It is performed only by men.

a) Only 1 and 2

b) Only 3 and 4

c) Only 1, 3, and 4

d) Only 2 and 3

Answer: (b)

Explanation:

Statement 1 is false, as the Chhau dance is not performed in the Indian state of Rajasthan. It is a traditional dance form that originated in the eastern Indian states of Jharkhand, West Bengal and Odisha.

Statement 2 is false, as Chhau is not a classical dance form originating from southern India. It is a traditional tribal dance form.

Statement 3 is true, as Chhau dance involves the use of masks, elaborate costumes and acrobatic movements. The dance form is known for its vigorous and athletic movements, and the use of masks is an important feature of the dance.

Statement 4 is also true, as traditionally, Chhau dance was performed only by male dancers. However, in recent times, female dancers have also started performing this dance form.