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


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

Date: 17 February 2023


Q1. Consider the following statements regarding the newly announced Vibrant Village Programme.

1. Vibrant Villages Programme (VVP), Central sector scheme, will be beneficial for the development of villages on the northern border.
2. Vibrant Village Action Plans will be created by the district administration with the help of gram panchayats.
3. It will provide funds for development of essential infrastructure and creation of livelihood opportunities in 19 districts and 46 border blocks in four States and one Union Territory.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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

Answer: (B)

Explanation:

  • The Cabinet approved a Centrally sponsored scheme — the Vibrant Villages Programme (VVP) for the financial years 2022-23 to 2025-26 with an allocation of ₹4,800 crore for development of villages on the northern border.
  • Thus statement 1 is NOT correct.
  • Vibrant Village Action Plans will be created by the district administration with the help of gram panchayats and 100% saturation of Central and State schemes will be ensured.
  • Hence statement 2 is correct.
  • The Vibrant Village Programmer will provide funds for development of essential infrastructure and creation of livelihood opportunities in 19 districts and 46 border blocks in four States and one Union Territory along the “northern land border of the country” which will help in achieving inclusive growth and retaining the population in the border areas.
  • Thus statement 3 is also correct.

Q2. Consider the following statements:

1. The framework for green bonds has been introduced by the RBI.
2. Blue bonds relate to water management and the marine sector, while yellow bonds pertain to solar energy.
3. The framework has been introduced to align the framework for green debt securities with the Green Bond Principles.

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

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

Answer: (B)

Explanation:

  • Markets regulator SEBI has recently strengthened the framework for green bonds by introducing the concept of 'blue' and 'yellow' bonds as new modes of sustainable finance. Hence, statement 1 is incorrect.
  • Blue bonds relate to water management and marine sector, while yellow bonds pertain to solar energy. These are sub-categories of green debt securities. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
  • These measures have been taken in the backdrop of increasing interest in sustainable finance in India as well as around the globe, and with a view to align the extant framework for green debt securities with the updated Green Bond Principles (GBP) recognised by IOSCO. Hence, statement 3 is correct.

Q3. ’The state of the global climate report’ is released by which of the following organization?

a) The World Meteorological Organization (WMO).
b) Global Environment Facility (GEF).
c) Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).
d) United Nations Environment Program (UNEP).

Answer: (A)

Explanation: ’The state of the global climate report’ is released by The World Meteorological Organization (WMO). Hence option A is correct.

Q4. With reference to Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR), consider the following statements:

1. AMR refers to the ability of microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites to resist the effects of antimicrobial drugs.
2. India is the country with the highest burden of antibiotic-resistant infections in the world.

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: (A)

Explanation:

  • Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) refers to the ability of microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites to resist the effects of antimicrobial drugs. Therefore, statement 1 is correct.
  • According to the Global Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance System (GLASS) report of 2021, India is not the country with the highest number of deaths attributable to AMR. The report shows that deaths attributable to AMR are highest in sub-Saharan Africa, followed by South Asia, Southeast Asia, and the Western Pacific region. Therefore, statement 2 is incorrect.

Q5. Consider the following statements

1. The Prohibition of Child Marriage Act 2006 says that child marriages are illegal but not void.
2. The POCSO Act, of 2012 criminalizes sex between a minor and an adult. The law does not recognize a minor’s consent as valid.

Which of the statement/s 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 POCSO Act, of 2012 criminalises sex between a minor and an adult. The law does not recognize a minor’s consent as valid. Hence option 1 is correct
  • Sexual assault under POCSO is a non-bailable, cognisable offence. This means that the police can make an arrest without warrant.
  • So a presumption of sexual assault is being made in case of child marriage involving minor girls below the age of 14.
  • The Prohibition of Child Marriage Act 2006 says that child marriages are illegal but not void. Hence option 2 is correct
  • Instead, they are voidable at the option of the minor party, in the scenario that the minor petitions the court to declare the marriage void.
  • The Act stipulates 18 years as the minimum marriageable age for women, while for men it is 21 years.

Solution: As both 1st and 2nd statements are correct, So the correct option is (c).