Daily Current Affairs MCQs for UPSC IAS Prelims - 28 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.‘RNA interference (RNAi)’ technology has become popular in recent years. Why?

(1) It is used in developing gene silencing therapies.

(2) It can be used in developing therapies for cancer treatment.

(3) It can be used to develop hormone replacement therapies.

(4) It can be used to produce crop plants resistant to virtual pathogens.

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

(a) 1, 2 and 4

(b) 2 and 3

(c) 1 and 3

(d) 1 and 4 only

Answer: (a)

Explanation: RNA interference (RNAi) technology is a technique that uses small RNA molecules to silence or inhibit the expression of specific genes.

It has gained popularity in the last few years because of its potential applications in various fields, such as medicine and agriculture.

(1) RNAi technology is used in developing gene silencing therapies, where specific genes responsible for causing diseases are silenced. This approach has shown promising results in treating diseases such as cancer, viral infections, and genetic disorders.

(2) RNAi technology can be used to develop cancer treatment therapies. RNAi can potentially inhibit tumour growth and spread by targeting specific genes responsible for promoting cancer cell growth.

(3) While RNAi technology has not been specifically used to develop hormone replacement therapies, it has the potential to be used in such applications by targeting specific genes that are involved in hormone regulation.

(4) RNAi technology can be used to produce crop plants that are resistant to various pathogens. By silencing genes responsible for susceptibility to pathogens, RNAi can confer resistance to the crops, reducing the need for harmful pesticides.

Q2.Which of the following statements about Nano DAP is/are true?

1)Nano DAP is a liquid formulation for foliar application.

2)Nano DAP contains particles of polymer-encapsulated DAP, which are of nano size (< 100 nm).

3)Nano DAP enters the plant through cuticular pores or stomata and then penetrates the cell membranes through exocytosis.

4)Nano DAP releases the DAP slowly inside the cell to ensure an adequate phosphorus concentration is available for photosynthesis.

5)Nano DAP is suitable for all crops, including cereals, fruits and vegetables, oil seeds, pulses, onion, cotton, Sugarcane, etc.

(a) 1, 2, 4 and 5 only

(b) 1 and 3 only

(c) 2, 3 and 5 only

(d) 2, 4 and 5 only

Answer: (a)

Explanation:

Statement 1 is true. Nano DAP is a liquid formulation that can be sprayed onto plant leaves after dilution.

Statement 2 is true. Nano DAP contains particles of polymer-encapsulated DAP, which are of nano size (< 100 nm). These nano-sized particles are suspended in an aqueous solution.

Statement 3 is false. Nano DAP enters the plant through cuticular pores or stomata and then penetrates the cell membranes through endocytosis, not exocytosis.

Statement 4 is true. Nano DAP particles release the DAP slowly inside the cell to ensure an adequate concentration of phosphorus is available for photosynthesis.

Statement 5 is true. Nano DAP is suitable for all crops, including cereals, fruits and vegetables, oil seeds, pulses, onion, cotton, Sugarcane, etc.

Q3.Which of the following statements about the World Development Report 2023 is/are true?

1)The report is released annually by the World Bank.

2)The report analyses international migration and its potential to contribute to the growth and shared prosperity in all countries.

3)The report proposes a framework to maximize the development impacts of cross-border movements.

4)The framework proposed in the report rests on a Match and Motive matrix.

(a)1 and 2 only

(b) 2,3 and 4 only

(c) 1,2 and 4 only

(d) All of the above

Answer: (d)

Explanation:

Statement 1 is true. The World Development Report is released annually by the World Bank.

Statement 2 is true. The report analyses international migration and its potential to contribute to growth and shared prosperity in all countries.

Statement 3 is true. The report proposes a framework to maximize the development impacts of cross-border movements.

Statement 4 is true. The framework proposed in the report rests on a Match and Motive matrix.

Q4.What is the purpose of the Shingrix vaccine launched by GlaxoSmithKline Pharma in India?

(a) Prevention of chickenpox in children

(b) Prevention of shingles and post-herpetic neuralgia in adults aged 50 years and above

(c) Prevention of influenza in adults aged 50 years and above

(d) Prevention of hepatitis A in adults aged 50 years and above

Answer: (b)

Explanation: GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) Pharma has launched the Shingrix vaccine in India. It is a recombinant subunit vaccine that is administered intramuscularly in two doses. It prevents shingles (herpes zoster) and post-herpetic neuralgia in adults aged 50 years and above. Shingles are caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox, the varicella-zoster virus (VZV). People suffering from diabetes, heart disease, and kidney diseases are at an increased risk of developing shingles due to weakened immunity. The vaccine has been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration and European Commission.

Q5. How many biodiversity heritage sites have been notified in Bengal, and what is the significance of this?

(a) 4, it signifies the need for more conservation efforts in the state

(b) 8, it makes Bengal the state with the highest number of biodiversity heritage sites in India (c) 2, it indicates a lack of interest in conservation efforts in the state

(d) 10, it is a record number for any state in India

Answer: (b)

Explanation: The government of Bengal has notified four more biodiversity heritage sites (BHS), bringing the total number of such sites in the state to eight. The newly notified sites are Char Balidanga (Nadia), Namthing Pokhari (Darjeeling), Amkhoi Wood Fossil Park (Birbhum), and State Horticulture Research and Development Station (Nadia). With this, Bengal has become the state with the highest number of biodiversity heritage sites in the country. The notification of these sites indicates the state's commitment to conserving its biodiversity and promoting sustainable development. Biodiversity heritage sites are areas that are unique in terms of their ecological and biological significance and need to be conserved for future generations.