Current Affairs MCQs for UPSC & State PSC Exams (15 September 2022)

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

Date: 15 September 2022

Q1. Consider the following statements:

1. The dependency ratio is a measure of the number of dependents aged zero to 14 and over the age of 65, compared with the total population aged 15 to 64.
2. Demographic dividend is a boost in economic productivity that occurs when there are growing numbers of people in the workforce relative to the number of dependents.
3. The median age in India is the lowest in the world.

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: (A)

Explanation:

  • The dependency ratio is an age-population ratio of those typically not in the labour force (the dependent part ages 0 to 14 and 65+) and those typically in the labour force (the productive part ages 15 to 64).
  • The median age in India is 28 years. The African country of Niger has the lowest median age in the world at just 14.8 years.
  • According to United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), demographic dividend means, "the economic growth potential that can result from shifts in a population’s age structure, mainly when the share of the working-age population (15 to 64) is larger than the non-working-age share of the population (14 and younger, and 65 and older)".

Q2. The World Population Prospects (WPP), 2022 report which projects the world population to be 8 billion on November 15, 2022 is released by following organization(s).

1. United Nations Population Fund.
2. Department of Economic and Social Affairs of the United Nations Secretariat.
3. United Nations Development Programme.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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

Answer: (B)

Explanation:

  • The 2022 Revision of World Population Prospects is the twenty-seventh edition of official United Nations population estimates and projections.
  • It has been prepared by the Population Division of the Department of Economic and Social Affairs of the United Nations Secretariat.
  • It presents population estimates from 1950 to the present for 237 countries or areas, underpinned by analyses of historical demographic trends.

Q3. Consider the following statements.

1. Hate Speech is well-fined in the provisions of the Indian Penal Code with clear provisions for its punishment.
2. ‘Hate Speech’ is also specifically mentioned as a ground for disqualification of candidature in elections under the provisions of the Representation of People’s Act 1951.

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: It is still not defined or mentioned in either of the statutes.

Q4. What is the Cas9 protein that is often mentioned in news? (UPSC prelims 2019)

a) A molecular scissors used in targeted gene editing.
b) A biosensor used in the accurate detection of pathogens in patients.
c) A gene that makes plants pest-resistant.
d) A herbicidal substance synthesized in genetically modified crops.

Answer: (A)

Explanation: Cas9 (CRISPR-associated protein 9) is a protein which plays a vital role in the immunological defence of certain bacteria against DNA viruses and is heavily utilized in genetic engineering applications. Its main function is to cut DNA and therefore it can alter a cell’s genome.

Q5. Consider the following statements regarding Special Economic Zone:

1. A special economic zone (SEZ) is an area in which the business and trade laws are different from the rest of the country.
2. Goods and services going into the SEZ shall be treated as Exports.
3. Asia’s first export processing zone was established in 1965 at Kandla in India.

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: (D)

Explanation:

  • The Special Economic Zone Act, 2005 further amended the country’s SEZ policy. Many EPZs were converted to SEZs.
  • The SEZ Rules, 2006 lay down the complete procedure to develop a proposed SEZ or establish a unit in an SEZ.
  • A special economic zone (SEZ) is an area in which the business and trade laws are different from the rest of the country.
  • Goods and services going into the SEZ area from Domestic Tariff Area (whole India except SEZ) shall be treated as exports and goods coming from the SEZ area into DTA shall be treated as imports.