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UPSC Current Affairs Quiz: April 30, 2025
UPSC Current Affairs Quiz: April 30, 2025
1. Consider the following statements with reference to the recent discovery of Stegodon Ganesa fossils in Maharashtra:
- Stegodon Ganesa is an extinct species believed to be an ancestor of modern-day African elephants.
- The fossils were discovered near the confluence of the Wardha and Penganga rivers in the Chandrapur district.
- These remains are believed to be from the early Holocene epoch.
Which of the above statements is / are correct?
[A] Only 1 and 2
[B] Only 2
[C] Only 1 and 3
[D] All of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Only 2]
Notes:
Statement 1 is incorrect because Stegodon Ganesa is believed to be the ancestor of modern-day Asiatic elephants, not African elephants. Statement 2 is correct- The fossils were indeed found at the confluence of the Wardha and Penganga rivers in Chandrapur, Maharashtra. Statement 3 is incorrect because the discovered fossils date back to the late Pleistocene epoch, not the early Holocene epoch.
2. Consider the following statements regarding the Pleistocene epoch and its relevance to Indian palaeontology:
- The Pleistocene epoch is known for glacial cycles and the presence of large mammals, or megafauna.
- The epoch spanned from about 2.50 million years ago to 11,700 years ago.
- Evidence from this epoch in India is largely restricted to Himalayan sedimentary layers.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
[A] Only 1 and 2
[B] 2 and 3 only
[C] 1 only
[D] 1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Only 1 and 2]
Notes:- Statement 1 is correct: The Pleistocene epoch is characterized by repeated glaciation and large mammals.
- Statement 2 is correct: The epoch spanned from approximately 2.6 million to 11,700 years ago.
- Statement 3 is incorrect: Evidence from the Pleistocene is not restricted to the Himalayas; the recent find in Chandrapur, Maharashtra, clearly demonstrates its presence in peninsular India as well.
3. Consider the following factors that may have contributed to the extinction of Stegodon Ganesa according to recent findings:
- Over-hunting by early humans
- Massive floods during the end of the Ice Age
- Volcanic eruptions in the Deccan region
Select the correct answer using the code below.
[A] 1 and 2 only
[B] 2 and 3 only
[C] 1 and 3 only
[D] 1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [1 and 2 only]
Notes:
The extinction of Stegodon Ganesa was likely contributed to by over-hunting by early humans and massive floods during the end of the Ice Age. Volcanic eruptions such as the Deccan Traps predate the Pleistocene and did not contribute to this particular extinction event according to the recent study.
4. With reference to World Liver Day 2025, consider the following statements:
- It is observed on April 19 each year to raise awareness about kidney diseases.
- The theme for World Liver Day 2025 is “Food is Medicine.”
- Liver health has no significant impact on the immune system function.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
[A] Only 2
[B] 1 and 3 only
[C] 1 and 2 only
[D] 2 and 3 only
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Only 2]
Notes:- Statement 1 is incorrect: World Liver Day is observed to raise awareness about liver diseases, not kidney diseases.
- Statement 2 is correct: The theme for World Liver Day 2025 is indeed “Food is Medicine.”
- Statement 3 is incorrect: Liver health is crucial for proper immune function, hence it does have a significant impact on the immune system function.
5. Consider the following functions of the human liver:
- Filters out toxins from the blood
- Produces bile to aid in digestion
- Manufactures clotting proteins
- Directly generates red blood cells
Which of the above functions are performed by the liver?
[A] Only 1, 2 and 3
[B] 1 and 4 only
[C] 2, 3 and 4 only
[D] 1, 2, 3 and 4
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Only 1, 2 and 3]
Notes:
The liver indeed performs the functions of filtering out toxins from the blood, producing bile for digestion and manufacturing clotting proteins. However, the production of red blood cells mainly takes place in the bone marrow, not in the liver, except during the fetal development stage.
Originally written on
April 30, 2025
and last modified on
September 24, 2025.
Rabi Chandra Seal
May 1, 2025 at 8:06 amVery current and updated