Current Affairs MCQs for UPSC & State PSC Exams (02 February 2023)

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

Date: 02 February 2023

Q1. Consider the following statement about Multi-dimensional Poverty Index (MDPI)

1. The Global Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) was developed in 2010 by the Oxford Poverty & Human Development Initiative (OPHI) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
2. MDPI uses five dimensions and ten indicators.

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: (A)

Explanation:

What is Multi-dimensional Poverty Index (MDPI)?

  • MPI is based on the idea that poverty is not unidimensional (not just depends on income and one individual may lack several basic needs like education, health etc.), rather it is multidimensional.
  • The Global Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) was developed in 2010 by the Oxford Poverty & Human Development Initiative (OPHI) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). (Hence option 1 is correct)
  • MPI uses three dimensions and ten indicators which are:
  • Education: Years of schooling and child enrollment (1/6 weightage each, total 2/6);
  • Health: Child mortality and nutrition (1/6 weightage each, total 2/6);
  • Standard of living: electricity, flooring, drinking water, sanitation, cooking fuel and assets (1/18 weightage each, total 2/6). (Hence option 2 is incorrect)

Solution. As only statement 1 is correct, Hence correct option is (a) 1 only.

Q2. Consider the following statements about Myanmar:

1. It is the second largest country by area in Mainland Southeast Asia, after Thailand.
2. It is bordered by Bangladesh and India to its northwest, China to its northeast, Laos and Thailand to its east and southeast.
3. Myanmar is a member of the East Asia Summit, Non-Aligned Movement, ASEAN, BIMSTEC, and Commonwealth of Nations.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

a) 1 only
b) 2 only
c) 3 only
d) None of the above

Answer: (B)

Explanation:

  • Myanmar is a country in Southeast Asia. It is the largest country by area in Mainland Southeast Asia. Thus, statement 1 is incorrect.
  • It is bordered by Bangladesh and India to its northwest, China to its northeast, Laos, and Thailand to its east and southeast, and the Andaman Sea and the Bay of Bengal to its south and southwest. Thus, statement 2 is correct.
  • Myanmar is a member of the East Asia Summit, Non-Aligned Movement, ASEAN, and BIMSTEC, but it is not a member of the Commonwealth of Nations despite once being part of the British Empire. Thus, statement 3 is incorrect.

Q3. Which of the following state has the maximum solar energy potential in India?

a) Gujarat
b) Rajasthan
c) Tamil Nadu
d) Madhya Pradesh

Answer: (B)

Explanation: Rajasthan has the highest estimated solar energy potential in the country. It has the potential to generate about 142 gigawatts of solar energy. So, option (b) is correct.

Q4. Consider the following statements with reference to Millets:

1. Millets have special nutritive properties and special agronomic characteristics.
2. The government declares a Minimum Support Price (MSP) for all millets.
3. Maharashtra is the leading producer of Bajra (Pearl Millet).

Which of the statements given above is/are Not correct?

a) 1 and 2 Only
b) 2 and 3 Only
c) 3 only
d) 1 and 3 Only

Answer: (B)

Explanation:

  • Millets have special nutritive properties (they are high in protein, dietary fiber, micronutrients and antioxidants) and special agronomic characteristics (drought-resistant and suitable for semi-arid regions). Hence, statement 1 is correct.
  • The government declares a Minimum Support Price (MSP) for jowar, bajra, and ragi only. Therefore, statement 2 is NOT correct.
  • Bajra is mainly grown in Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra and Karnataka.
  • Of the total 7.75 mn ha under bajra in 2020-21, the highest (4.32 mn ha)
  • was in Rajasthan. The state also produced the most bajra in the country (4.53 million tonnes of the total 10.86 million tonnes) in 2020-21. Hence, statement 3 is also NOT correct.

Q5. Which part of the Constitution of India declares the ideal of a Welfare State?

(a) Directive Principles of State Policy
(b) Fundamental Rights
(c) Preamble
(d) Seventh Schedule

Answer: (A)

Explanation:

  • The Directive Principles enshrined in the Constitution guide India to be a “welfare state.”
  • In particular, Article 38 requires the state “…to secure a social order for the promotion of the welfare of the people” and “…. strive to minimise the inequalities in income, and endeavour to eliminate inequalities in status, facilities, and opportunities, not only amongst individuals but also amongst groups of people residing in different areas or engaged in different vocations.”Hence