International (Current Affairs – UPSC) (Part-III)

Total Questions: 56

31. What is Cas9 protein that is often mentioned in news? [2020-1]

Correct Answer: (a) A molecular scissors used in targeted gene editing.
Solution:"CRIPSR/Cas9" is a gene editing scissors.

32. With reference to "Blockchain Technology" consider the following statements: [2020-1]

1. It is a public ledger that everyone can inspect, but which no single user controls.

2. The structure and design of blockchain is such that all the data in it are about cryptocurrency only.

3. Applications that depend on basic features of blockchain can be developed without anybody's permission.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Correct Answer: (d) 1 & 3 only
Solution:Blockchain technology is a decentralized Data Management Technology so #1 is right.

Blockchain Technology can be used for storing any type of data from Land records to vehicle ownership two transactions of cryptocurrency, So, #2 "Only for cryptocurrency" is wrong. So b and c are eliminated.

Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies & their wallets have been created by computer experts, without taking permission from any government or Central Bank. so the third statement is correct. Therefore the answer is (d).

33. Consider the following statements: [2020-1]

1. The value of Indo-Sri Lanka trade has consistently increased in the last decade.

2. "Textile and textile articles" constitute an important item of the trade between India and Bangladesh.

3. In the last five years, Nepal has been the largest trading partner of India in South Asia.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Correct Answer: (b) 2 only
Solution:The phrase "consistently increased" in the last one decade is difficult to digest. So, #1 should be wrong. checking the statistical appendix of economic survey 2018-19 page 130, it's evident that India's export to Sri Lanka was 34000 crore (2015), >26000 crore (2016), >28000 crore (2017). Thus, it is not a steady increase but zigzag graph. Statement one is wrong.

In South Asia, Bangladesh is bigger in GDP and population, compared to Nepal. So in terms of India's import and export relationships it is unlikely that Nepal would be India's largest trading partner in South Asia. So, #3 should be wrong.

Thus, we are left with answer b.

34. Consider the following statements in respect of the 32nd Summer Olympics: [2021-1]

1. The official motto for the Olympics is 'A New World'

2. Sport Climbing, Surfing, Skateboarding, Karate and Baseball are included in this Olympics.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

Correct Answer: (b) 2 only
Solution:Statement #1 is incorrect because the official motto was "United by Emotion".

Six new sports will be contested this year at the Tokyo Olympics baseball, softball, karate, skateboarding, sport climbing, and surfing the most since 1920, when 11 new sports were added to the mix. Only statement #2 is correct

35. Consider the following statements: [2021-1]

1. The Global Ocean Commission grants licenses for seabed exploration and mining in international waters.

2. India has received licenses for seabed mineral exploration in international waters.

3. 'Rare earth minerals' are present on the seafloor in international waters.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

Correct Answer: (b) 2 & 3 only
Solution:International Seabed Authority grants licences for seabed exploration and mining in international waters. So the 1st statement is incorrect. By eliminating Ist statement - we can option b correct.

India has received licenses for seabed mineral exploration in the central Indian ocean basins and south west part of Indian ocean 2nd statement is correct.
'Rare earth minerals are present on the seafloor in international waters. 3rd statement is correct.

So the correct answer is b.

36. With reference to the "New York Declaration on Forests" which of the following statements are correct? [2021-1]

1. It was first endorsed at the United Nations Climate Summit in 2014

2. It endorses a global timeline to end the loss of forests

3. It is a legally binding international declaration

4. It is endorsed by governments, big companies and indigenous communities.

5. India was one of the signatories at its inception

Select the correct answer using the code given below :

Correct Answer: (a) 1,2 & 4
Solution:The New York Declaration on Forests was endorsed at the 2014 Climate Summit. #1 is correct. So, we are 50:50 between Option A or B.

The declaration includes ambitious targets to end natural forest loss by 2030, with a 50% reduction by 2020. So, #2 is right because there is a deadline. → #2 is right.

There is only one combination where statement #1 and statement #2 are together.

37. With reference to "Water Credit", consider the following statements: [2021-1]

1. It puts microfinance tools to work in the water and sanitation sector.

2. It is a global initiative launched under the aegis of the World Health Organization and the World Bank.

3. It aims to enable the poor people to meet their water needs without depending on subsidies.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

Correct Answer: (c) 1 & 3 only
Solution:Water credit is a program by Water.org and World Bank. So, #2 is wrong thus A/B/D are eliminated & we are left with Option "c": is the correct answer.

38. Which one of the following statements best reflects the issue with Senkaku Islands, sometimes mentioned in the news? [2022-1]

Correct Answer: (b) China and Japan engage in maritime disputes over these islands in East China Sea.
Solution:Option (b) is correct: Senkaku Islands are disputed islands between China and Japan.

39. Consider the following pairs: [2022-1]

List-I (Country)List-II (Important reason for being in the news recently)
1. ChadSetting up of permanent military base by China
2. GuineaSuspension of Constitution and Government by military
3. LebanonSevere and prolonged economic depression
4. Tunisia PresidentSuspension of Parliament by

How many pairs given above are correctly matched ?

Correct Answer: (c) Only three pairs
Solution:Option 1 is not correct: China established its first, and so far only, overseas military base in the eastern African nation of Djibouti in 2017. And NOT in Chad. Option 2, 3 and 4 are correct.

40. Consider the following statements: [2022-1]

1. Vietnam has been one of the fastest growing economies in the world in the recent years.

2. Vietnam is led by a multi-party political system.

3. Vietnam's economic growth is linked to its integration with global supply chains and focus on exports.

4. For a long time Vietnam's low labour costs and stable exchange rates have attracted global manufacturers.

5. Vietnam has the most productive e-service sector in the Indo-Pacific region.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

Correct Answer: (c) 1, 3 and 4
Solution:Statement number 3 and 4 are correct as per the reading of the earlier economic surveys. There is only one option wherein statement 3 and 4 are together in therefore the answer is "(c)".