Current Affairs MCQs for UPSC & State PSC Exams (12 August 2023)

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

Date: 12 August 2023

1. Consider the following pairs:

1. Indian Penal Code, 1860 Bhartiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita Bill, 2023
2. Criminal Procedure Code, 1898 Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita Bill, 2023
3. Indian Evidence Act, 1872 Bharatiya Sakshya Bill, 2023

How many of the above pairs are correctly matched?

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

Answer: (A)

Explanation: One of the five PRAN taken by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi before the country on August 15 was – to end all signs of slavery – today's three bills are going to fulfil this one vow of Shri Modi. Indian Penal Code, 1860 will be replaced by Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita Bill, 2023, the Criminal Procedure Code, 1898 will be replaced by the Bhartiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita Bill, 2023 and the Indian Evidence Act, 1872 will be replaced by the Bharatiya Sakshya Bill, 2023. These three outgoing laws were made to strengthen and protect the British rule and their purpose was to punish, not to give justice. These three laws made with Indian thought process will bring a huge change in our criminal justice system. Hence, only pair 3 is correctly matched.

2. With reference to EG.5 or Eris, consider the following statements:

1. EG.5 or Eris is a variant of SARS-CoV-2.
2. No case of EG.5 has been reported in India till now.
3. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has classified the EG.5 as “variant of high consequence”.

How many of the above statements is/are correct?

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

Answer: (A)

Explanation: EG.5 or Eris is a variant of SARS-CoV-2 was first reported on February 2023 and designated as a variant under monitoring (VUM) on July 2023 by the World Health Organisation (WHO). In August 2023, the WHO designated EG.5 and its sub-lineages as a variant of interest (VOI). Variants are broadly categorised by WHO into 3 categories:

  • “variants of interest”
  • “variants of concern”
  • “variants of high consequence”

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has classified the EG.5 as a "variant of interest". EG.5 is a descendent lineage of Omicron subvariant XBB.1.9.2. It carries an additional mutation in the spike protein which the SARS-CoV-2 uses to enter and infect the human cells compared to the parent subvariant. In India, only one case of EG.5 has been reported so far from Pune in May this year. Globally, there has been a steady increase in the proportion of EG.5. Hence, only statement 1 is correct.

3. Consider the following statements regarding Sarus crane:

1. It is a large non-migratory crane found only in India.
2. It is classified as 'vulnerable' under the IUCN Red List.
3. It has been declared as the state bird of Uttar Pradesh in 2014.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

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

Answer: (B)

Explanation:

  • The Sarus crane (Grus antigone) is a large bird belonging to the crane family, Gruidae. It is known for its distinctive appearance, with a tall stature, long legs, and a red crown on its head. Sarus cranes are found in various parts of the Indian subcontinent, Southeast Asia and Australia. Hence, statement 1 is incorrect.
  • It is classified as 'vulnerable' under the IUCN Red List and listed under Schedule IV of Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972. It has been declared as the state bird of Uttar Pradesh in 2014. Hence, statement 2 and 3 are correct.

4. Consider the following statements regarding Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), a type of nuclear reactor design:

1. SMRs are generally larger than traditional nuclear reactors and are primarily used for large-scale power generation in megawatt-class capacities.
2. SMRs are only suitable for deployment in remote areas with limited grid access and are not suitable for integration into existing power grids.

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: (D)

Explanation:

  • SMRs are designed to be smaller than traditional nuclear reactors, and they are often used for applications with smaller power generation needs, such as remote areas or grid support. Hence, statement 1 is incorrect.
    SMRs are suitable for a range of applications, including remote areas with limited grid access, but they can also be integrated into existing power grids to provide additional capacity or support. Hence, statement 2 is incorrect.
  • One of the advantages of SMRs is their potential for enhanced safety. They often incorporate inherent safety features and passive cooling mechanisms, which can improve their safety profile. They are designed to be more scalable, and their smaller size allows for easier manufacturing and assembly. This is one of the advantages of SMRs. SMRs typically use the same or similar types of fuel as traditional nuclear reactors, and they are designed to be efficient in terms of energy output.

5. Which statement accurately describes China's "sponge city" initiative?

(a) The initiative aims to promote water-intensive industries in major cities.
(b) "Sponge City" projects focus solely on using impermeable concrete to manage rainfall.
(c) The primary goal of the initiative is to address traffic congestion in urban areas.
(d) The initiative aims to improve flood resilience and water management through nature-based solutions.

Answer: (D)

Explanation: China's "sponge city" initiative is a significant urban development strategy introduced by the Chinese government to tackle pressing water management and flooding challenges in urban areas. The initiative takes a nature-based approach to enhance the resilience of cities against flooding and to improve overall water management. Hence, option (d) is correct.