Static GK and Current Events Questions and Answers: 12th March 2021

Answer the following questions and check the status of your general awareness or preparation of GS 1 paper for UPSC Civil Services Exam, 2021. The questions provide an insight into the direction that must be followed to excel in competitive exams.

1. Which country does the Maitri Setu connect India with?

1. Nepal
2. Bangladesh
3. Bhutan
4. Pakistan

Ans. b

Explanation: Narendra Modi inaugurated Maitri Setu also called as India Bangladesh Friendship Bridge to give a boost to the relationship between the two countries. 

2. On which river is the Maitri Setu built?

1. Ganga
2. Teesta
3. Meghna
4. Feni

Ans. d

Explanation: The 1.9 km Maitri Setu is built over Feni river.  Read all about the Maitri Setu Bridge between India and Bangladesh here

3. What is the name of India's longest bridge 

1. Maitri Setu
2. Ram Setu
3. Dhubri Phulbari
4. Howrah

Ans. c

Explanation: India's new longest bridge would be constructed between Dhubri and Phulbari over the river Brahmaputra.

4. What would be the immediate benefit of the Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) system in the submarines?

i) The sound/ noise made by the submarines would be reduced

ii) The submarines would be able to fly 1 metre above the sea surface

1. Only i
2. Only ii
3. Both i and ii
4. None of the above 

Ans. a

Explanation: DRDO has recently developed the AIP system that would help the Indian submarines to stay for longer hours than before underwater.It also makes the subsurface platform deadlier by decreasing the noise levels it makes while travelling making it hard to detect. 

5. DRDO’s AIP system is based on which of the following?

i) Lithium Ion Battery

ii) Phosphoric Acid Fuel Cell

1. Only i
2. Only ii
3. Both i and ii
4. None of the above 

Ans. b

Explanation: DRDO’s AIP technology is based on a Phosphoric Acid Fuel Cell. Explained: DRDO's Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) System and its benefits for Indian Submarines

6. Who was the first Chief Minister of Uttarakhand?

1. Bhagat Singh Koshiyari
2. Nityanand Swami
3. N.D Tiwari
4. Ramesh Pokhariyal

Ans. b

Explanation: Nityanand Swami became the first chief minister of the Indian state of Uttarakhand which was named Uttaranchal during his administration. Read about all Chief Ministers of Uttarakhand here

7. Which of the statements about Udupi Ramachandra Rao are true?

i) He was the former Chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)

ii) He was also the first chairman of Prasar Bharati

1. Only i
2. Only ii
3. Both i and ii
4. None of the above 

Ans. c

Explanation: Udupi Ramchandra Rao was the the former Chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). He was also the Co-Chairman of the National Centre for Antarctic and Ocean Research, Goa and the first chairman of Prasar Bharati.

8. Choose the correct statement with respect to Quantum Key Distribution

i) It is a theory based on the transmission of photons through optic fibre

ii) It has gained importance in recent cyber-security events

1. Only i
2. Only ii
3. Both i and ii
4. None 

Ans. c

Explanation: Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) is nowadays getting much attention, basically among cybersecurity experts. QKD functions by transmitting hundreds of thousands of polarized light particles called photons through a fibre optic cable from one entity to another.

9. When is No smoking day celebrated across the globe?

1. 10th March
2. Second Wednesday of March yearly
3. Second Sunday of March yearly
4. There is no such day

Ans. b

Explanation: No Smoking Day is celebrated across the world on the second Wednesday of March every year. This year it fell on 10 March. Read all about No Smoking Day here

10.  With which country is the Joint Military Exercise DUSTLIK II carried out?

1. India- Uzbekistan
2. India Sri Lanka
3. India-Iran
4. India Afghanistan

Ans. a

Explanation: The joint military exercise of India and Uzbekistan ‘DUSTLIK II’ commenced on March 10, 2021, in Ranikhet (Uttarakhand).

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