Daily Current Affairs MCQs for UPSC IAS Prelims - 29 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 is true about Gum Arabic?

(a) Gum Arabic is a product that is not in high demand internationally.

(b) Gum Arabic is extracted from oak trees in the Sahel region of Sudan.

(c) Gum Arabic is used in the production of adhesives, candy, and pharmaceuticals.

(d) Gum Arabic is a water-insoluble gum that can be easily substituted.

Answer: (c)

Explanation: Gum Arabic, also known as gum acacia, is a water-soluble gum that is obtained from acacia trees in the Sahel region of Sudan. It is a highly sought-after product used in various industries, including food and beverage, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. Few substitutes for Gum Arabic make it an important agricultural export. About 70% of the world's supply of Gum Arabic comes from Sudan, which is currently experiencing conflict between the army and a paramilitary force. This has caused international consumer goods makers to race to shore up supplies of Gum Arabic.

Q2.Which of the following statements about the Voyager mission is/are true?

(a) Voyager 2 was the first spacecraft to explore Uranus and Neptune.

(b) Voyager 1 and 2 are the only spacecraft operating outside the heliosphere.

(c) The Voyager spacecraft are powered by solar panels.

(d)The Voyager mission only targeted Jupiter and Saturn.

Answer: (b)

Explanation: The Voyager mission is a space exploration program that sent two spacecraft, Voyager 1 and Voyager 2, to study the outer Solar System and beyond.

Voyager 2 was launched first on August 20, 1977, followed by Voyager 1 on September 5 of the same year. While the original mission only targeted Jupiter and Saturn, Voyager 2 also explored Uranus and Neptune.

The heliosphere is a bubble of charged particles and magnetic fields generated by the Sun that extends beyond the orbit of Pluto. Voyager 1 and Voyager 2 are the only spacecraft to have ever operated outside the heliosphere, making them the furthest human-made objects from Earth.

Unlike many spacecraft powered by solar panels, the Voyager spacecraft are powered by radioisotope thermoelectric generators (RTGs) or nuclear batteries. These nuclear batteries convert the heat from decaying plutonium into electricity. The Voyager spacecraft are helping scientists better understand the heliosphere and how it protects our planet from interstellar energetic particles and other radiation.

Q3. What is the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII)?

(a) An executive body of the United Nations responsible for indigenous affairs

(b) A forum for indigenous communities to raise awareness about their issues

(c) An advisory body to the United Nations Economic and Social Council

(d) A regulatory body responsible for implementing policies related to indigenous rights

Answer: (c)

Explanation: The United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII) is an advisory body to the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC).

The Forum was established in 2000 with the mandate to deal with indigenous issues related to economic and social development, culture, the environment, education, health, and human rights.

The Forum provides expert advice and recommendations on indigenous issues to the ECOSOC and other United Nations bodies. It also raises awareness about indigenous issues and promotes the rights of indigenous peoples around the world.

Q4.Which of the following statements about the SCO Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure is correct?

(a) It was established to combat terrorism, separatism, and extremism by the member states of the Shanghai Convention.

(b) It is located in Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan.

(c) Its financing and rules of procedure are governed by the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation's charter.

(d) The Executive Committee of the SCO RATS is based in Bishkek, the Kyrgyz Republic.

Answer: (a)

Explanation: The SCO Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure was established on 15 June 2001 by the member states of the Shanghai Convention to combat terrorism, separatism, and extremism.

It is located in Bishkek, the Kyrgyz Republic. Its main objectives and functions, principles of its constitution and financing, and its rules of procedure are governed by a separate international treaty concluded by the member states and other necessary instruments adopted by them.

The Executive Committee of the SCO RATS, which is the permanent body of the SCO RATS, is based in Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan.

Q5.Which of the following countries does not border the South China Sea?

(a) Philippines

(b) Indonesia

(c) Japan

(d) Brunei

Answer: (c)

Explanation: The South China Sea is a marginal sea located in Southeast Asia. It borders several countries, including Brunei, China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Taiwan, and Vietnam. However, Japan does not border the South China Sea as it is located north of the sea.