Current Affairs MCQs for UPSC & State PSC Exams (17 May 2022)

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

Date: 17 May 2022

Q1. Consider the following statements about the biomaterial pullulan:

1. The biomaterial can be used to disinfect wounds and hasten the process of healing.
2. The material is secreted by a virus and is an exopolysaccharide.
3. The material has seen no commercial use yet because of its toxic and immuno-genetic properties.

Which of the above statements are Not correct?

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

Answer: (B)

Explanation:

Polymer Pullulan

  • The polymer pullulan is secreted by the fungus Aureobasidium pullulans.
  • It is an exopolysaccharide, that is, this polymer is secreted by the fungus itself into the medium in which it is growing. Hence, the second statement is incorrect.
  • Pullulan as a biomaterial is already successful and widely used commercially.
  • It is exploited in the food, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical industry because of its non-toxic, non-mutagenic, and non-immunogenic properties. Hence, The third statement is also incorrect.
  • Further, its ease of manufacture has also added to its appeal.
  • In the biomedicine sector, it has been used for drug and gene delivery, but its use as an antimicrobial biomaterial has not been explored.

Q2. Consider the following statements about Jal Jeevan Mission:

1. JJM aims to ensure assured tap water supply or ‘Har Ghar Jal’ to all households all over India by 2024.
2. It also ensures conjunctive use of conserved water; drinking water source augmentation, drinking water supply system, grey water treatment and its reuse.

Which of the above given statements is/ are correct?

a) 1 only
b) 2 only
c) Both 1 and 2
d) Neither of these

Answer: (B)

Explanation:

  • Jal Jeevan Mission, is envisioned to provide safe and adequate drinking water through individual household tap connections by 2024 to all households in rural India.
  • The programme will also implement source sustainability measures as mandatory elements, such as recharge and reuse through grey water management, water conservation, rain water harvesting.

Q3. Consider the following statements:

1. Residue-free farming techniques can grow crops using synthetic pesticides.
2. Residue-free farming technique is an agricultural system that relies on pest controls and bio-fertilisers.

Which of the above statements is/ are correct?

a) 1 only
b) 2 only
c) Both 1 and 2
d) Neither of the above

Answer: (C)

Explanation:

  • Residue-free farming techniques entail the protection and growth improvement of seedlings and plants by using organically procured bio-fertilisers and biocides.
  • The produce is also grown using synthetic pesticides, which are applied at predetermined intervals so that the residue is not present in enormous quantities, conforming to the (MRL) Maximum Residue Level

Q4. Which of the following organisations brings out the Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Index?

A) World Bank
B) World Economic Forum
C) UN World Tourism Organisation
D) Asian Development Bank

Answer: (B)

Explanation: WEF brings this report biennially.

Q5. Consider the following statements:

1. The scope of the President’s pardoning power under Article 72 is wider than the pardoning power of the Governor under Article 161.
2. The Governor can commute a death sentence.

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 scope of the President’s pardoning power under Article 72 is wider than the pardoning power of the Governor under Article 161. The power differs in the following two ways:
  • Court Martial: The power of the President to grant pardon extends in cases where the punishment or sentence is by a Court Martial but Article 161 does not provide any such power to the Governor.
  • Death Sentence: The President can grant pardon in all cases where the sentence given is a sentence of death, but the governor’s pardoning power does not extend to death sentence cases.