Current Affairs Quiz (9th March, 2023) (Date : 09-03-2023)

Question 1:

With reference to Great Indian Bustard, consider the following statements:

It’s International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) status is Critically Endangered.
In India, its population is confined mostly to Gujarat and Rajasthan.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Correct Answer : C

About Great Indian Bustard:
- The Great Indian Bustard (Ardeotis nigriceps), the State bird of Rajasthan, is considered India’s most critically endangered bird.
- It is considered the flagship grassland species, representing the health of the grassland ecology.
- Its population is confined mostly to Rajasthan and Gujarat. Small populations occur in Maharashtra, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. Hence, statement 2 is correct.

Vulnerability:
- The bird is under constant threats due to collision/electrocution with power transmission lines, hunting (still prevalent in Pakistan), habitat loss and alteration as a result of widespread agricultural expansion, etc.
Protection Status:
- IUCN red List: Critically Endangered, Hence, statement 1 is correct.
- Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES): Appendix1
- Convention on Migratory Species (CMS): Appendix I
- Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972: Schedule I

Question 2:

Consider the following statements:

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Correct Answer : C

Across India, an outbreak of a respiratory illness with symptoms of cold, sore throat and fever accompanied by fatigue has been observed recently.
The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) confirmed that Influenza Sub-type H3N2 has been causing this illness.
- It further warned that the virus appeared to lead to more hospitalisations than other Influenza subtypes.
There are four types of seasonal influenza viruses, types A, B, C and D. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
Influenza A and B viruses circulate and cause seasonal epidemics of disease. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
- Influenza A viruses are the only influenza viruses known to cause flu pandemics (i.e., global epidemics of flu disease).

Question 3:

With reference to the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC), consider the following statements:

It is an autonomous body under the University Grants Commission (UGC).
It is responsible for assessing the quality of higher educational institutions in India.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Correct Answer : C

Established in 1994, National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC), is an autonomous body under the University Grants Commission (UGC) responsible for assessing the quality of higher educational institutions in India. Hence, statement 1 and 2 are correct.
Through a multi-layered assessment process, it awards grades ranging from A++ to C based on parameters such as curriculum, faculty, infrastructure, research and financial well-being.

Question 4:

Which of the following is correct about Megha-Tropiques-1 Satellite:

It is an Indo-Canada Earth Observation Satellite.
It was launched for carrying out tropical weather and climate studies.
It was recently in news as the ISRO has successfully carried out the controlled Re-Entry experiment for the decommissioned Megha-Tropiques-1 (MT-1) Satellite.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

Correct Answer : B

Recently, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has successfully carried out the controlled Re-Entry experiment for the decommissioned Megha-Tropiques-1 (MT-1) Satellite. Hence, Statement 3 is correct.
It is an Indo-French Earth Observation Satellite, which was launched in October 2011 for carrying out tropical weather and climate studies. Hence, statement 1 is not correct. and, statement 2 is correct.
The main objective of this mission is to understand the life cycle of convective systems that influence the tropical weather and climate and their role in the associated energy and moisture budget of the atmosphere in tropical regions.

Question 5:

Consider the following statements:

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Correct Answer : C

In the Global gender gap index (which measures progress towards gender parity), India slipped to 135th place in 2022. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
However, recently the WEF has agreed to make changes in criteria for Global Gender Gap Reports by taking into account the participation of women at panchayat level to rank countries in its future reports. It will better India’s position at the global level.
As per the data compiled by the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), of which India is a member, women represent just 14.44% of the total members of the Lok Sabha. Hence, statement 2 is correct.