Current Affairs MCQs for UPSC & State PSC Exams (05 May 2023)

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

Date: 05 May 2023

Q1. Which of the following statements about unseasonal rain in India is/are true?

1. Unseasonal rain can impact post-harvest crops and cause a rise in prices of perishable commodities.
2. Unseasonal rain only affects the agricultural sector of the economy.
3. The government has launched initiatives such as the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana to address the post-harvest loss due to unseasonal rain for farmers.

Choose the correct answer using the code given below:

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

Answer: (C)

Explanation:

  • Unseasonal rain can impact post-harvest crops, which can lead to a rise in prices of perishable commodities such as vegetables and fruits. Thus, statement 1 is correct.
  • Unseasonal rain can have far-reaching consequences for India's economy, not just for the agricultural sector but also for other industries such as construction. The disruption caused by unseasonal rains can lead to a rise in prices of key raw materials such as cement and steel, impacting the construction industry's growth. Thus, statement 2 is incorrect.
  • The government has launched several initiatives such as the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (Prime Minister's Crop Insurance Scheme) and the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana (Prime Minister's Agricultural Irrigation Scheme) to address the concerns of farmers regarding unseasonable rain. Thus, statement 3 is correct.

Q2. Consider the following statement with respect to the Comptroller and Auditor General of India:

1. CAG is a constitutional body defined under part V of Indian constitution.
2. While dealing with the audit and accounting of government companies, CAG has certain judicial powers for prosecuting those who violate the law.
3. The CAG is appointed by the President of India for a period of six years or up to the age of 65 years, whichever is earlier.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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

Answer: (B)

Explanation:

  • The Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) is mentioned in the Constitution of India under Article 148 to 151 under Part V.
  • Therefore, statement 1 is correct.
  • CAG is only an advisory body and has some quasi-judicial powers.
  • So, statement 2 is NOT correct.
  • The CAG is appointed by the President of India by a warrant under his hand and seal.
  • He holds office for a period of six years or up to the age of 65 years, whichever is earlier.

Thus statement 3 is correct.

Q3. Which of the following is/are negative effects of regional trade agreements?

a) Trade diversion
b) Exclusion of non-member countries
c) Increased and targeted market access and reduced tariffs
d) Incoherence in international trade law

Answer: (C)

Explanation: These economic partnerships and regional trade agreements do facilitate increased and targeted market access and reduced tariffs, these have potential negative impacts on smaller economies, the regionalisation of global trade rules, trade diversion, exclusion of non-member countries, and the overall incoherence in international trade law.

Q4. Consider the following statements:

1. Nuclear power shares currently more than 10% of total electricity in India.
2. The capital cost of nuclear power plants is 2.5 times that of coal-based plants.
3. India’s current target is to have 22.5GW capacity by 2031 through Nuclear Power.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

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

Answer: (B)

Explanation:

  • Nuclear power shares currently 3% of total electricity in India. Statement 1 is not correct.
  • The capital cost of nuclear power plants is 2.5 times that of coal-based plants. Statement 2 is correct.
  • India’s current target is to have 22.5GW capacity by 2031 through Nuclear Power. Statement 3 is correct.