Current Affairs MCQs for UPSC & State PSC Exams (17 April 2023)

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

Date: 17 April 2023

Q1. Which of the following statements is/are correct?

1. Nuclear Power is the fifth-largest source of generating electricity in India after coal, gas, wind power, and hydroelectricity.
2. China produces more nuclear power than any other country in the world.

Choose the correct option:

a) 1 only
b) 2 only
c) Both 1 and 2
d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: (A)

Explanation:

  • Nuclear Power is the fifth-largest source of generating electricity in India after coal, gas, wind power, and hydroelectricity. Statement 1 is correct.
  • The United States is the largest producer of nuclear power, while France has the largest share of electricity generated by nuclear power, at about 70%. Statement 2 is Not correct.

Q2. Consider the following statements regarding the Inter-operable Criminal Justice System (ICJS).

1. It is a common platform for information exchange and analytics of all the pillars of the criminal justice system comprising Police, Forensics, Prosecution, Courts, Prisons.
2. National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) is responsible for the implementation of the project in association with National Informatics Center (NIC).
3. It was launched in 2018 by the Law Ministry.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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

Answer: (A)

Explanation:

  • Inter-operable Criminal Justice System (ICJS) is a common platform for information exchange and analytics of all the pillars of the criminal justice system comprising Police, Forensics, Prosecution, Courts, Prisons.
  • Thus statement 1 is correct.
  • National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) is responsible for the implementation of the project in association with National Informatics Center (NIC).
  • Hence statement 2 is correct.
  • It was launched in 2018 by the Ministry of Home Affairs.
  • Thus statement 3 is NOT correct.

Q3. Which of the following is true regarding Green Deposits as per the recent guidelines issued by the Reserve Bank of India?

1. They are interest-bearing instruments received by banks for a fixed period, with the proceeds earmarked for green financing activities.
2. The funds raised through Green Deposits can be used for any sector, including carbon-heavy industries.
3. The funds raised through green deposits shall be subject to an independent Third-Party Verification (TPV) on an annual basis.

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:

  • A green deposit is an interest-bearing instrument received by banks for a fixed period, the proceeds of which are earmarked for green financings, such as funding renewable energy projects. Thus, statement 1 is correct.
  • The proceeds from green deposits can be used to fund projects in 9 sectors — renewable energy, energy efficiency, clean transportation, climate change adaptation, sustainable water and waste management, pollution prevention, and control, green buildings, management of living natural resources, and biodiversity conservation. While a bank may use the capital raised via fixed deposit to lend or invest in even carbon-heavy sectors, it cannot use proceeds from green deposits for non-environment-friendly projects. Thus, statement 2 is incorrect.
  • The allocation of funds raised through green deposits during a financial year shall be subject to an independent Third-Party Verification (TPV) on an annual basis. Thus, statement 3 is correct.

Q4. Which of the following is/are appointed by the President of India by warrant under his hand and seal, as provided by the Indian Constitution?

1. Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG)
2. Judges of the Supreme Court
3. Governors of the states

Choose the correct answer using the code given below:

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

Answer: (D)

Explanation:

  • The following are among the functionaries that are appointed by the President by warrant under his hand and seal:
  • Chairperson and Members of the National Commission for Scheduled Castes (SCs)
  • Chairperson and Members of the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (STs)
  • Chairperson and Members of the National Commission for Backward Classes (BCs)
  • Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG)
  • Governors
  • Judges of the Supreme Court and High Courts
  • Thus, option (d) is the correct answer.

Q5. Consider the following statements regarding different types of drought.

1. Meteorological Drought – Refers to low levels of water in reservoirs.
2. Agricultural drought – Refers to lack of moisture in the soil where crops grow.
3. Hydrological drought – Refers to lack of precipitation.
4. Socio-economic drought – Refers to water shortages affecting people in society, which impacts availability of foodgrains, fodder, etc.

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

a) 1 and 3 only
b) 2 and 4 only
c) 1 and 4 only
d) 3 and 4 only

Answer: (B)

Explanation:

About Drought

  • Variability of rainfall leading to rainfall deficiency and water shortage causes drought. In India, almost three-fourths of annual rainfall is received during South West Monsoon Period (June-September) and erratic nature of monsoon (South West Monsoon), with long dry spells & high temperature is mainly responsible for drought. Drought is declared by the respective State Governments taking into account rainfall situation, crop growth, etc.

Types of droughts:

  • Meteorological Drought – referring to lack of precipitation.
  • Agricultural drought – referring to lack of moisture in the soil where crops grow.
  • Hydrological drought – referring to low levels of water in reservoirs.
  • Socio-economic drought – referring to water shortages affecting people in society, which impacts availability of foodgrains, fodder, etc

Only the second and fourth statements are correct, the correct option is (b).