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

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

Date: 14 February 2023

Q1. Consider the following statements regarding the Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technologies (iCET).

1. The iCET is a partnership between India and the US to work together in developing important and new technologies.
2. It was announced at the Tokyo summit of the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad) in May 2022.
3. It will boost India’s technological capabilities with access to cutting-edge technology and expertise in areas that are critical and emerging in nature.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A. 1 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3

Answer: (D)

Explanation:

  • The iCET is a partnership between India and the US to work together in developing important and new technologies including quantum computing, semiconductors, 5G and 6G wireless infrastructure, and civilian space projects such as lunar exploration. Thus statement 1 is correct.
  • During the Tokyo summit of the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad) in May 2022, US President Joe Biden and Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the iCET. Hence statement 2 is also correct.
  • The iCET will boost India’s technological capabilities with access to cutting-edge technology and expertise in areas that are critical and emerging in nature. Thus statement 3 is also correct.

Q2. Consider the following statements:

1. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) is the primary counter-terrorist task force of India.
2. The agency is empowered to deal with the investigation of terror-related crimes across states without special permission from the states under written proclamation from the Ministry of Home Affairs.
3. The jurisdiction of the agency operates with Indian citizens outside the country.

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

a) 1 only
b) 1 and 2 only
c) 2 and 3 only
d) All of the above

Answer: (D)

Explanation:

  • The National Investigation Agency (NIA) is the primary counter-terrorist task force of India.
  • The agency is empowered to deal with the investigation of terror-related crimes across states without special permission from the states under a written proclamation from the Ministry of Home Affairs.
  • The law under which the agency operates extends to the whole of India and also applies to Indian citizens outside the country.

Hence, all statements are correct.

Q3. Consider the following statements:

1. The "essential religious practice" doctrine allows for the restriction of religious practices that are deemed non-essential for the preservation of a particular religion.
2. This doctrine is in line with the right to freedom of religion, as it allows for the protection of the essential practices of a religion.

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: (C)

Explanation:

  • The "essential religious practice" doctrine is a principle recognized by the Indian judiciary, which allows for the restriction of certain religious practices if they are deemed non-essential to the preservation of the religion. So, statement 1 is correct.
  • The doctrine is used to balance the right to freedom of religion with other constitutional values, such as public order and morality. The objective of the doctrine is to strike a balance between protecting the essential practices of a religion and protecting the rights of individuals and other religious groups. So, statement 2 is correct.

Q4. Consider the following statements about E-Commerce:

1. Increased e-commerce leads to tight and a form of perfect competition in the market, which leads to a slow pace in price fluctuations.
2. 100% FDI share is allowed in the B2B system.

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: (C)

Explanation:

  • There has been huge policy support to stimulate growth as 100% FDI share is allowed in the B2B system, also under automatic route is permitted in marketplace model of e-commerce. Statement 2 is correct.
  • This has been done to increase foreign player’s participation and allow foreign exchange and inflows to the developing economy of India.
  • Increased e-commerce leads to tight and a form of perfect competition in the market, which leads to a slow pace in price fluctuations. Statement 1 is correct.
  • B2B (Business to Business) the largest form of E-commerce. This model defines that buyer and seller are two different entities. It is similar to manufacturer issuing goods to the retailer or wholesaler. Hence Both statements are correct.