Current Affairs MCQs for UPSC & State PSC Exams (14 December 2023)


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

Date: 14 December 2023


1. Consider the following statements regarding Asia and the Pacific Regional Overview of Food Security and Nutrition 2023:

1. Undernourishment in the Asia-Pacific region has fallen in 2022. 2. About half of world’s undernourished people are living in Asia-Pacific region. 3. Prevalence rates of stunting, wasting, and obesity in children under five are also falling.

How many of the above statements are correct?

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

Answer: (B)

Explanation:

The Asia-Pacific region, home to 370.7 million undernourished individuals, accounts for half of the worldwide total. Although undernourishment in this region decreased to 8.4% in 2022 from 8.8% in the preceding year, it remains 55 million higher than the 2019 figure. Hence statement 1 is correct. In 2022, approximately 55 million additional individuals in Asia experienced undernourishment compared to pre-COVID-19 levels. The most severely impacted area is Southern Asia, where around half of the global undernourished and food-insecure population resides within the Asia-Pacific region. Hence statement 2 is correct. The rates of stunting, wasting, and obesity among children under the age of five are on the rise. Southern Asia stands out with the highest proportion of children under five affected by wasting, surpassing the global average in 2022. Hence statement 3 is incorrect.


2. Consider the following statements:

1. IPC establishes rules and guidelines for fair trial, sentencing, and appeals.
2. CrPC defines criminal actions and their corresponding punishments.

Which of the above statements are correct?

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

Answer: (D)

Explanation:The Indian Penal Code (IPC) comprehensively outlines criminal actions and their corresponding penalties, constituting substantive criminal law that addresses a diverse range of offenses. Applicable nationwide across the entire territory of India, the IPC categorizes offenses into sections, encompassing crimes against persons, property, and more. It serves as the primary source of substantive criminal law in India, working in tandem with the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) to ensure the effective enforcement of criminal laws. The IPC covers a wide spectrum of offenses, including those against persons, property, morality, and public tranquility, specifying the applicable offenses and penalties in various situations. Hence statement 1 is incorrect. The Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) delineates the procedures involved in the investigation, trial, and punishment of criminal offenses. It primarily addresses the administration of criminal justice and procedural aspects, constituting procedural law that outlines the steps for enforcing criminal laws. Applicable across India, with exceptions for Jammu and Kashmir, the CrPC focuses on the procedural intricacies of arrest, bail, investigation, trial, and appeals. It establishes rules and guidelines to ensure a fair trial, just sentencing, and proper appeals process, outlining the legal procedures to be followed during criminal proceedings. The CrPC is designed to facilitate the fair and efficient administration of criminal justice, working in conjunction with the Indian Penal Code (IPC) to provide the legal framework for criminal procedures. Emphasizing procedural aspects, the CrPC ensures due process and safeguards the rights of individuals, contributing to the lawful and just application of criminal laws throughout legal proceedings, including arrest procedures, bail hearings, trial processes, and appeals. Hence statement 2 is incorrect.


3.Which of the statements about the Global River Cities Alliance is not correct?

(a) At the UN Climate Change Conference in Dubai, the National Mission for Clean Ganga launches the Global River Cities Alliance.
(b) Global river cities include Den Haag (Netherlands), Adelaide (Australia), Szolnok (Hungary).
(c) The alliance covers global cities in 11 countries
(d) The Secretariat of the Alliance is established at Ministry of Jal Shakti.

Answer: (D)

Explanation: The Global River Cities Alliance (GRCA) is inaugurated by the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) during the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Dubai. Launched under India's Ministry of Jal Shakti, the initiative includes partner countries such as Egypt, Netherlands, Denmark, Ghana, Australia, Bhutan, Cambodia, Japan, and global river cities like Den Haag ‘The Hague’ (Netherlands), Adelaide (Australia), Szolnok (Hungary). Noteworthy international funding organizations, including the World Bank, Asian Development Bank, Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, and knowledge partner KPMG, are also integral members of GRCA. Hence statements (a) and (b) are correct. It seeks to promote widespread adoption of sustainable river management practices worldwide. Encompassing 275+ river cities across 11 countries, its mission is to drive large-scale initiatives for the sustainable development of river ecosystems. Hence statement (c) is correct.
The Alliance centers its efforts on three main themes: Networking, Capacity Building, and Technical Support. The Secretariat of the Alliance is headquartered at the National Institute for Urban Affairs (NIUA). Hence statement (d) is incorrect.


4. Consider the following statements about Green Hydrogen:

1. Green hydrogen refers to hydrogen gas generated by electrolyzing water using renewable energy.
2. The Green Hydrogen Catapult, an initiative by the India and United States, aims to reduce the cost of green hydrogen.
3. It can be used in a fuel cell but can’t be used for direct combustion.

How many of the above statements are correct?

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

Answer: (A)

Explanation: Green hydrogen is generated by employing renewable power in the electrolysis of water.
The process of electrolysis, used to split water into hydrogen and oxygen, is energy-intensive. Hence statement 1 is correct.
The Green Hydrogen Catapult, a United Nations initiative focused on reducing the cost of green hydrogen, has declared its intention to nearly double its target for green electrolysers. The previous goal, set at 25 gigawatts last year, is now increased to 45 gigawatts by 2027. Hence statement 2 is incorrect.

Green hydrogen serves as a clean and sustainable fuel with versatile applications, including:
1. Internal Combustion: Green hydrogen can be directly employed as a fuel for internal combustion engines. This involves mixing hydrogen with air and igniting the mixture. Internal combustion engines powered by hydrogen function similarly to gasoline-powered engines but produce no emissions. Hence statement 3 is incorrect.
2. Blending with Natural Gas: Green hydrogen can be blended with natural gas and utilized as fuel for heat or power generation. When combined with natural gas, hydrogen contributes to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.
3. Hydrogen Fuel Cells: Green hydrogen finds application in hydrogen fuel cells for vehicle propulsion. Hydrogen fuel cells are devices that convert hydrogen and oxygen into electricity. The generated electricity can then power the motor of a vehicle, offering an environmentally friendly alternative for transportation.


5. Consider the following peninsulas around the world:

1. Labrador peninsula
2. Kamchatka peninsula
3. Deccan peninsula
4. Iberian peninsula

Arrange the above given seas in order from West to East:

(a) 2,4,3,1
(b) 2,1,3,4
(c) 1,4,3,2
(d) 1,4,2,3

Answer: (A)

Explanation: Labrador Peninsula: The Labrador Peninsula is situated in eastern Canada and is part of the larger Labrador region, which is predominantly in the province of Newfoundland and Labrador. It is bounded by the Labrador Sea to the east, the Hudson Bay to the west, and the Quebec mainland to the southwest.

Kamchatka Peninsula: The Kamchatka Peninsula is located in the Russian Far East, extending into the Pacific Ocean. It is surrounded by the Sea of Okhotsk to the west, the Bering Sea to the east, and the Pacific Ocean to the southeast. The Kamchatka Peninsula is known for its volcanic activity and diverse ecosystems.

Deccan Peninsula: The Deccan Peninsula is a large landmass in southern India, separated from the rest of the Indian subcontinent by the Satpura and Vindhya mountain ranges. It is surrounded by the Arabian Sea to the west, the Bay of Bengal to the east, and the Indian Ocean to the south. The Deccan Plateau, a significant part of the peninsula, is known for its diverse landscapes.

Iberian Peninsula: The Iberian Peninsula is located in southwestern Europe and is shared by two countries, Spain and Portugal. It is surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. The Pyrenees Mountains form the natural boundary between the Iberian Peninsula and the rest of Europe to the north. The Strait of Gibraltar separates it from North Africa to the south.