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

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

Date: 17 May 2023

Q1. In its recent judgments, the Supreme Court has been critical of admitting DNA reports as clinching evidence in criminal cases. Which of the following is the most likely reason for this?

1. DNA samples are often prone to contamination and mishandling.
2. DNA evidence can be misinterpreted.
3. DNA evidence can be tampered with.

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: (D)

Explanation: The reason for the Supreme Court's criticism is that DNA evidence is not always reliable. There have been cases where DNA evidence has been misinterpreted or where it has been tampered with. There are concerns regarding the collection and handling of DNA samples. This means that DNA evidence should not be considered as conclusive evidence, but should be considered as one piece of evidence among many. Thus, option (d) is the correct answer.

Q2. Consider the following statements.

1. India had ratified the Stockholm Convention on January 13, 2006.
2. The ratification process would enable India to access Global Environment Facility (GEF) financial resources in updating the National Implementation Plan.

Select the correct option.

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

Answer: (C)

Explanation:

  • India had ratified the Stockholm Convention on January 13, 2006 as per Article 25(4), which enabled it to keep itself in a default "opt-out" position such that amendments in various Annexes of the convention cannot be enforced on it unless an instrument of ratification/ acceptance/ approval or accession is explicitly deposited with UN depositary.
  • The ratification process would enable India to access Global Environment Facility (GEF) financial resources in updating the NIP (National Implementation Plan).

Q3. With reference to the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition, and Redressal) Act, 2013, consider the following statements:

1. The act applies to both organized and unorganized sectors.
2. The act mandates that every workplace with at least 10 employees must have an Internal Complaints Committee (ICC).
3. The act has a provision for punishment of the employer if found guilty of sexual harassment of a woman employee.

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 Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition, and Redressal) Act, 2013 applies to all workplaces, both in the organized and unorganized sectors, including the government, private, and non-governmental organizations. Thus, statement 1 is correct.
  • The act mandates that every workplace with at least 10 employees must have an Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) to receive complaints of sexual harassment. Thus, statement 2 is correct.
  • The act has a provision for punishment of the employer if found guilty of sexual harassment of a woman employee. The punishment can range from a monetary fine to cancellation of license or registration to conduct business. Thus, statement 3 is correct.

Q4. Consider the following statements:

1. Currently, the USA is the largest producer of steel in the world.
2. In Green Steel production hydrogen is used as the reducing agent.
3. Much of Indian iron ore is suitable for making green steel.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

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

Answer: (A)

Explanation:

  • China is the largest producer of steel in the world. Statement 1 is Not correct.
  • Green steel’, or the steel produced through processes that do not emit carbon dioxide, essentially means using hydrogen as the ‘reducing agent’ (remover of oxygen) in steel production. Statement 2 is correct.
  • Much of Indian iron ore is unsuitable for making green steel.
  • According to Australia’s Commonwealth Industrial and Scientific Research Organization (CSIRO), 66 per cent of India’s (and Australia’s) iron ore is not suitable for being made into green steel. Statement 3 is Not correct. Hence (a) is the correct option.