April 27 2024 Current Affairs MCQs

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct

• The Big Mac Index, coined as ‘Burgernomics’, is a non-official tool used to discern the difference in purchasing power parity (PPP) between two countries where BicMacs are sold.
• Pamela Woodall, an economist, created it and first published it in The Economist magazine in 1986.
• The traditional method of measuring PPP or exchange rates between two countries is that the exchange rate should adjust so that a sample basket of goods and services costs the same in both countries.
  • By comparing the prices of the same product in different countries, economists can estimate whether a currency is overvalued or undervalued based on the principle of purchasing power parity (PPP).
• The law of purchasing power parity states that if the exchange rates are at the correct level, an identical basket of goods and services should cost the same in all countries.
• In the Big Mac Index, the basket of goods only contains a Big Mac Burger as sold by McDonald’s all over the world. McDonald’s was chosen as it is present in almost all countries.
• The price of a Big Mac includes the price of ingredients and other overheads, which are more reliable for comparison.

Statement 2 is incorrect

• In reality, a higher value of the Big Mac index for a particular country implies that its currency is overvalued compared to the base currency.
• The Big Mac index is based on the concept of PPP, which suggests that in the long run, exchange rates should adjust so that identical goods (in this case, a Big Mac) cost the same in different countries when expressed in a common currency.
• Therefore, if the price of a Big Mac is higher in a particular country compared to the base country (typically the United States), it suggests that the currency of that country is overvalued, not undervalued.

Answer: (a) 1 only; Difficulty Level: Medium

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct

• Hippopotamus is a large semiaquatic mammal native to the sub-Saharan Africa.
• The word “hippopotamus” comes from the Greek word for “water horse” or “river horse,” although hippos and horses aren’t closely related.
• Instead, it belongs to the family Hippopotamidae, within the order Artiodactyla, which also includes pigs, deer, and cattle.

Statement 2 is correct

• Hippos secrete a thick, reddish fluid from their specialized sweat glands.
• This secretion contains two pigments: red and orange.
• When the fluid mixes with air, it turns brown, leading many people to mistakenly believe that hippos sweat blood.
• However, this fluid serves as both a sunscreen and a moisturizer, protecting the hippo’s sensitive skin from sunburn and keeping it hydrated.

Statement 3 is incorrect

• Conservation Status:
  • IUCN: Vulnerable
  • CITES: Appendix III
• Threats: Hunting for meat, ivory tasks, etc and loss of habitat.

Answer: (b) Only two; Difficulty Level: Medium

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct

• Phthalates are a group of chemicals commonly added to plastics to improve their flexibility, transparency, durability, and longevity.
• However, several studies have linked exposure to certain phthalates to adverse health effects, including hormonal disruptions, reproductive abnormalities, developmental issues in children, and potential carcinogenic effects.
• Due to these concerns, regulatory agencies in various countries have imposed restrictions on the use of certain phthalates in consumer products.

Statement 2 is incorrect

• Bisphenol A (BPA) is a chemical compound used primarily in the production of polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins.
• However, numerous studies have raised concerns about the potential health risks associated with BPA exposure.
• BPA is known to leach from plastic containers into food and beverages, particularly under conditions of high heat or acidity.
• Research has linked BPA exposure to various health issues, including hormonal disruptions, reproductive disorders, developmental abnormalities, and an increased risk of certain diseases such as obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases.
• As a result, many regulatory authorities have implemented restrictions on the use of BPA in certain consumer products, particularly those intended for food and beverage contact.

Answer: (a) 1 only; Difficulty Level: Medium

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect

• The Central Civil Services (Leave) Rules, 1972, which govern the grant of leave to government servants, explicitly include adoptive mothers in the provision of childcare leave.
• Specifically, a female Government servant, with fewer than two surviving children, may be granted child adoption leave for a period of 180 days immediately after the date of valid adoption.
• These provisions ensure that adoptive mothers have the necessary time and resources to care for their adopted children. It’s a significant step towards recognizing and supporting the diverse forms of parenthood.

Statement 2 is incorrect

• A woman Government servant having minor children below the age of eighteen years and who has no earned leave at her credit, may be granted child care leave for a maximum period of two years, i.e., 730 days during the entire service for taking care of up to two children whether for rearing or to look after any of their needs like examination, sickness, etc.
• The leave can be availed in more than one spell.

Answer: (c) Both 1 and 2; Difficulty Level: Medium

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect

• Memory effects are well known to users of nickel–cadmium and nickel–metal-hydride batteries.
• If these batteries are recharged repeatedly after being only partially discharged, they gradually lose usable capacity owing to a reduced working voltage.
• Lithium-ion batteries, in contrast, are considered to have no memory effect, which means they do not need to be fully discharged before recharging to maintain their capacity.

Statement 2 is correct

• Lithium-ion batteries indeed have a higher energy density compared to lead-acid batteries. Energy density refers to the amount of energy stored in a battery per unit volume or mass.
• Lithium-ion batteries offer a higher energy density, making them lighter and more compact for the same amount of energy storage compared to lead-acid batteries.
• This characteristic makes them suitable for various applications, including portable electronic devices, electric vehicles, and renewable energy storage systems.

Answer: (b) 2 only; Difficulty Level: Medium

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect

• The Central Pay Commission (CPC) is a body established by the Central Government to review and recommend changes to the salary structure of employees.
• This commission also reviews the bonuses, allowances and other benefits of the employees.
• These commissions are typically constituted approximately every 10 years, with the first one being set up in 1946.
• Recently, The Seventh Central Pay Commission (7th CPC) was established to address salary-related matters for central government employees.

Statement 2 is incorrect

• The Commission recommends changes for central government employees and pensioners as well as the defence forces.
• It is not mandatory for the government to accept the recommendations of the pay commission.
• The government may choose to accept or reject the recommendations.

Statement 3 is correct

• The Department of Expenditure under the Ministry of Finance is responsible for the implementation of the recommendations of the Central Pay Commission.

Answer: (a) Only one; Difficulty Level: Medium

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct

• SFBs, with their focus on providing banking services to the unbanked and underbanked segments of society, have utilized technology such as mobile banking and digital payments to reach people in areas where traditional banks have limited presence.
• Additionally, SFBs often engage with local communities to understand their needs better and tailor their services accordingly.
• This community engagement aspect is crucial for building trust and encouraging adoption of banking services in areas where financial literacy might be low.

Statement 2 is correct

• SFBs typically operate in resource-constrained environments, serving customers with low-income levels and limited access to formal banking services.
• To ensure their long-term viability, SFBs must carefully manage their operational costs, which can be higher due to factors such as infrastructure development in rural areas and compliance requirements.
• Moreover, SFBs need robust risk management strategies to mitigate credit, operational, and regulatory risks inherent in serving marginalized populations.
• Failure to manage these aspects effectively can jeopardize the sustainability and scalability of SFBs’ operations.

Answer: (b) Both statements I and II are correct, but statement II is not the explanation of statement I; Difficulty Level: Easy

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect

• The Dooars, located in the northern part of West Bengal and extending into parts of Assam and Bhutan, benefits from its proximity to the Eastern Himalayas.
• The region’s fertile alluvial soil, coupled with the cool and moist climate influenced by the mountains, creates an ideal environment for growing tea.
• The unique microclimate, characterized by ample rainfall and moderate temperatures, fosters the cultivation of high-quality tea varieties prized in both domestic and international markets.
• As a result, the Dooars region plays a significant role in India’s tea export industry, contributing to the country’s position as one of the largest tea producers and exporters globally.

Statement 2 is incorrect

• Land fragmentation, a common issue in many agricultural regions, can hinder economies of scale and agricultural productivity.
• Labor disputes, often related to wages, working conditions, and labor rights, can disrupt tea production and impact the livelihoods of workers.
• Additionally, environmental concerns such as deforestation, soil erosion, and pesticide usage pose threats to the ecological sustainability of tea cultivation in the region.
• Addressing these challenges is crucial for ensuring the sustainable growth of the tea industry in the Dooars, maintaining its contribution to the economy and livelihoods of the local population.

Answer: (d) Neither 1 nor 2; Difficulty Level: Medium

Explanation

• Recently, the centuries-old ‘Paruveta Utsavam’ (mock hunting festival) observed at the Ahobilam Sri Narasimha Swamy temple has been declared a ‘State festival’ by the Andhra Pradesh government.
• The Forest Department and Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Devasthanam (SLNSD) at Ahobilam have imposed certain restrictions on visitors arriving at the shrine, situated within the Nallamala forest.
• The restrictions have been imposed in the wake of the intense heat wave that can impact the movement of wild animals.
• To ensure the safety of animals, the department has already banned all forms of plastic such as sachets, water cups, tea cups and bottles.
• About Ahobilam Shrine:
• It is located in Kurnool district of Andhra Pradesh in the Nallamala ranges of the eastern ghats, about 400 km northwest of Chennai.
• The temple consists of nine shrines to Lord Narasimha located around a 5 km circle.

  

• In the Legends:
  • Ahobilam is the place where the Lord Narasimha killed Hiranyakasipu and saved Prahalada.
  • Mahalakshmi took avathar as Senjulakshmi among the Senju, tribal hunters of the hills, and married the Lord.
  • It is also mentioned in Mahabharatha, Brahmanda Purana, Sthala Purana, Kurma Purana, Padma Purana and Vishnu Purana.
• Ahobilam has abundant architectural and epigraphical evidence, chronicled right from the times of the Chalukyas in the eighth century AD.
  • An inscription of Chalukya Kirthivarman II, found at Peddapeta, refers to the name of a person as Vobula (a colloquial form of Ahobila).
• Ahobilam Kaifiyat, forming part of Mackenzie collections gives very valuable information regarding the Ahobilam temples. The Ahobilam Kaifiyat is in Telugu.
  • Kaifiyats are the digests from ‘Kaviles’ or village registers containing information on the political, social, religious and other conditions of the villages in Deccan were prepared by Pandits and Mussadis working under Col. Mackenzie.

Answer: (c) Andhra Pradesh; Difficulty Level: Medium

Explanation

• The 34th Seng Khihlang festival, a revered event for adherents of the Khasi Indigenous Faith, recently concluded in Wahiajer, Meghalaya.

• Rooted in the Khasi Indigenous Faith, the Seng Khihlang festival holds immense significance for believers, serving as a time of unity and celebration.
• Under the stewardship of the Seng Khasi Sein Raij, the festival has provided a unifying platform for all Khasi Indigenous Faith adherents.
• Central to the festival is the symbolic exchange of the Monolith, a cherished tradition that symbolises the enduring spirit of unity among believers.
• This year, Wahiajer has had the privilege of hosting this auspicious event, receiving the revered Monolith from Seng Khasi Shaid, situated in West Khasi Hills.
• Throughout the festival, believers have demonstrated their unwavering devotion through solemn prayers offered at every stop along the journey of the Monolith to Wahiajer.
• As believers prepare to bid farewell to another year of festivities, the Monolith will stand as a lasting symbol of the bonds of faith, culture, and community that define the essence of Seng Khihlang.

Answer: (a) Meghalaya; Difficulty Level: Medium