Current Affairs MCQs for UPSC & State PSC Exams (03 March 2023)

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

Date: 03 March 2023

Q1. Consider the following statements with respect to the amendments to Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act 1971.

1. Abortion can now be performed until 28 weeks pregnancy.
2. As per the amendment women are being allowed to seek safe abortion services on grounds of contraceptive failure.

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: (B)

Explanation:

  • Abortion can now be performed until 24 weeks pregnancy. Statement 1 is not correct.
  • As per the amendment women are being allowed to seek safe abortion services on grounds of contraceptive failure. Statement 2 is correct.

Q2. With reference to the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, consider the following statements:

1. The FCRA was enacted in 1976 in order to maintain strict control over voluntary organizations and political associations that received foreign funding.
2. FCRA is applicable to all associations, groups and NGOs operating in India.
3. The registration is initially valid for five years and it can be renewed subsequently if they comply with all norms.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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

Answer: (C)

Explanation:

  • The FCRA regulates foreign donations and ensures that such contributions do not adversely affect internal security.
  • Therefore, statement 1 is correct.
  • The FCRA is applicable to all associations, groups and NGOs which intend to receive foreign donations.
  • Thus, statement 2 is NOT correct.
  • The registration is initially valid for five years and it can be renewed subsequently if they comply with all norms.
  • Therefore, statement 3 is correct.

Q3. Consider the following statements with respect to Anti Defection Law:

1. The decision of the presiding officer to decide any question regarding disqualification is not subject to Judicial Review.
2. The presiding officer can take up a defection case suo moto.
3. Disqualification under the Tenth Schedule would lead to a bar for contesting re-elections.

Which of the statements given above is/are incorrect?

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

Answer: (D)

Explanation:

  • 52nd amendment 1985 added the Tenth Schedule which laid down the process by which legislators may be disqualified on grounds of defection. Originally, the act provided that the decision of the presiding officer is final and cannot be questioned in any court.
  • Under Kihoto Hollohan judgment (1993), à Supreme Court declared this provision as unconstitutional. Hence, his decision, like that of any other tribunal, is subject to judicial review on the grounds of mala fides, perversity, etc. Hence, statement 1 is incorrect.
  • The presiding officer can take up a defection case only when he receives a complaint from a member of the House. Before taking the final decision, he must give the member (against whom the complaint has been made) a chance to submit his explanation. Hence, statement 2 is incorrect.
  • According to the SC, “neither under the Constitution nor under the statutory scheme (RPA 1951 or Anti-Defection Law) it is mentioned that disqualification under the Tenth Schedule would lead to a bar for contesting re-elections”. Hence, statement 3 is incorrect.

Q4. Which one of the following suggested that the Governor should be an imminent person from outside the State and should be a detached figure without intense political links or should not have taken part in politics in the recent past? (UPSC prelims 2019)

a) First Administrative Reforms Commission (1966)
b) Rajamannar Committee (1969)
c) Sarkaria Commission (1983)
d) National Commission to Review the Working of the Constitution (2000)

Answer: (C)

Explanation:

  • Sarkaria Commission Report (1988) Recommended the following on the appointment of Governor:
  • Governor should be an eminent person and not belong to the state where he is to be posted.
  • State chief minister should have a say in the appointment of the governor.
  • Governor should be a detached figure without intense political links or should not have taken part in politics in the recent past.
  • Governor should not be a member of the ruling party.
  • Thus, option (c) is correct.

Q5. Consider the following statements:

1. Cotton cultivation is less water-intensive and can be easily grown in water-scarce regions.
2. The use of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides in cotton cultivation can lead to soil degradation and chemical contamination of water resources.

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: (B)

Explanation:

  • Cotton cultivation is highly water-intensive and can contribute to water scarcity in regions with limited water resources. Statement 1 is Not correct
  • The use of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides in cotton cultivation can lead to soil degradation and chemical contamination of water resources. Statement 2 is correct.

Q6. Consider the following statements about the “Adopt a Heritage” Project.

1. The project plans to entrust development, upgradation and maintenance of amenities and facilities at the heritage, natural & tourist sites to the Monument Mitras.
2. It aims at ensuring quality & inclusive provision of amenities and facilities across heritage, natural, & tourist sites through active participation of private and public sector organizations and individuals.

Which of the statement/s given above is/are correct?

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

Answer: (C)

Explanation:

About ADOPT A HERITAGE:

  • This project is envisioned to fulfill the objective of the Government of India to provide an enhanced tourism experience to all travelers.
  • It aims at ensuring quality & inclusive provision of amenities and facilities across heritage, natural, & tourist sites through active participation of private and public sector organizations and individuals.( Hence option 2 is correct)
  • These organizations would be known as “Monument Mitras” for their collaboration initiative.
  • The project plans to entrust development, upgradation and maintenance of amenities and facilities at the heritage, natural & tourist sites to the Monument Mitras, coupled with innovation and technology interventions to increase awareness of these incredible treasures. (Hence option 1 is correct)

Solution. As both the statements are correct, The correct option is (c).