Current Affairs MCQs for UPSC & State PSC Exams (01 July 2023)

Current Affairs MCQs Quiz for UPSC, IAS, UPPSC/UPPCS, MPPSC. BPSC, RPSC & All State PSC Exams

Date: 01 July 2023

1. Recently, the Solicitor General of India was re-appointed; consider the following statement regarding the Solicitor General of India:

1. He is the highest law officer in the country.
2. He is appointed for a three-year term by the Appointment Committee of the Cabinet, chaired by the law minister.
3. He can participate and vote in parliamentary proceedings.

How many of the statements given above are correct?

(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None

Answer: (D)

Explanation:

  • The Solicitor-General of India is the second-highest law officer in the country, not the highest. The highest law officer is the Attorney General of India. Hence, statement 1 is incorrect.
  • The Solicitor-General is appointed for a three-year term by the Appointment Committee of the Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister, not the "law minister." Hence, statement 2 is incorrect.
  • The Solicitor-General does not have the right to participate and vote in parliamentary proceedings. In Law officials only the Attorney General of India has the right to participate in parliamentary proceedings but without voting rights. Hence, statement 3 is incorrect.

2. The National Research Foundation (NRF) Bill 2023, aimed at providing strategic direction to scientific research in India, has been approved by the Union Cabinet. Which of the following is not correct about National Research Foundation (NRF)?

(a) The NRF will be chaired by the Prime Minister of India.
(b) The Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB) will be subsumed into NRF.
(c) NRF comes under the Ministry of Education.
(d) NRF aims to increase private sector participation in Research and Development.

Answer: (C)

Explanation:

Highlights of the National Research Foundation (NRF) Bill:

  • Establishment: The bill will establish the National Research Foundation (NRF) in India.
  • Repeal of SERB: The Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB) will be subsumed into the NRF as a result of the bill.
  • Previous Status of SERB: SERB is a statutory body established in 2009 under the Department of Science and Technology (DST) by the SERB Act, 2008.
  • Objectives of SERB: SERB was created to promote basic research in science and engineering and provide financial assistance to scientists, academic institutions, research and development (R&D) laboratories, and science and technology (S&T) start-ups.
  • Governance:
  • NRF will have a Governing Board.
  • President of the Board: The Prime Minister (ex-officio).
  • Vice-Presidents: Union Minister of Science and Technology and Union Minister of Education (ex-officio).
  • Board members: Eminent researchers and professionals from various disciplines.
  • Executive Council: Chaired by the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India.

3. In recent years, there has been growing interest in using psilocybin for therapeutic purposes, particularly in the treatment of mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety. It is found in:

(a) Coffee
(b) Opium
(c) Magic mushrooms
(d) Tobacco

Answer: (C)

Explanation: In recent years, there has been growing interest in using psilocybin for therapeutic purposes, particularly in the treatment of mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety.Psilocybin is a naturally occurring psychedelic compound found in certain species of mushrooms, commonly known as "magic mushrooms" or "shrooms." It belongs to a class of drugs called hallucinogens or psychedelics.

4. Consider the following statements regarding Santhal rebel:

1. Hul Diwas is celebrated on June 30th every year.
2. Sidho-Kanhu and Chand-Bhairav were leaders of the Santhal tribe during the rebellion.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: (C)

Explanation:

  • Hul Diwas, also known as Santhal Hool or Santhal Rebellion Day, is an important observance in India that commemorates the Hul Rebellion or Santhal Rebellion of 1855-1856. It is celebrated on June 30th every year. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
  • The day specifically honors the sacrifices and resistance shown by tribal leaders such as Sidho-Kanhu, Chand-Bhairav, and Phulo-Jhano. Hence, statement 2 is correct.

5. With reference to Precision fermentation, consider the following statements:

1. It involves programming microorganisms, such as yeast, to produce specific proteins by inserting genetic instructions or DNA sequences into their cells.
2. It holds immense potential in minimizing the environmental footprint associated with the conventional methods of food production.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: (C)

Explanation: Precision fermentation is a cutting-edge technology that combines traditional fermentation methods with precision biology techniques. It involves programming microorganisms, such as yeast, to produce specific proteins by inserting genetic instructions or DNA sequences into their cells. Precision fermentation reduces the environmental impact of food production by minimizing deforestation, soil degradation, and methane emissions from livestock. Hence, both statements are correct.