Current Affairs MCQs for UPSC & State PSC Exams (18 August 2022)

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

Date: 18 August 2022

Q1. Which of the following is not the member of the G20?

a) Indonesia
b) Singapore
c) Mexico
d) Turkey

Answer: (B)

Explanation: Singapore is not the member of the G20.

Q2. Which of the following organization releases the ‘Gender Inequality Index’?

a) World Economic Forum
b) UN Human Rights Council
c) UN Women
d) United Nations Development Programme

Answer: (D)

Explanation: The Gender Inequality Index (GII) is an index for measurement of gender disparity that was introduced in the 2010 Human Development Report 20th anniversary edition by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

Q3. Consider the following statements about ethanol:

1. Burning of ethanol does not emit any pollutants.
2. The ethanol blending programme is being focused upon as it has high land use efficiency.
3. The electric energy generated from solar energy in one hectare of land is equivalent to ethanol generated from 187 hectares of maize.

Which of the statement/s given above is/are not correct?

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

Answer: (B)

Explanation:

  • Burning of ethanol does not reduce the emissions of nitrous oxide which is a key pollutant.
  • The land use in ethanol production is highly inefficient.
  • The land can be used far more efficiently by generating renewable power for EV batteries.
  • For example, the annual travel distance of EVs recharged from solar energy generating one hectare is equivalent to 187 hectares of maize-derived ethanol.

Q4. Consider the following statements regarding Quantum Key Distribution seen in the news sometimes.

1. It is a new method devised by IT companies to distribute Software Keys using Quantum technology.
2. It is an application of Quantum Cryptography to secure communication channels.
3. It is a method of distributing Cryptocurrency keys to various users.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

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

Answer: (C)

Explanation: Quantum Key Distribution is an application of Quantum Cryptography which is used to encrypt communication signals thus securing them from hacking.

Q5. Which of the following is/are the aims of Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS):

1. To reduce the Aggregate Technical & Commercial losses (AT&C) losses to pan-India levels of 12-15% by 2024-25.
2. To reduce the ACS-ARR (average cost of supply-average revenue realized) gap to zero by 2024-25.

Choose the correct answer using the codes given below:

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

Answer: (C)

Explanation:

  • The scheme aims to meet the following objectives:
  • Reduction of AT&C losses to pan-India levels of 12-15% by 2024-25.
  • Reduction of ACS-ARR gap to zero by 2024-25.
  • Improvement in the quality, reliability, and affordability of power supply to consumers through a financially sustainable and operationally efficient distribution sector.

Q6. Consider the following statements regarding North East Council:

1. It was founded in 1947 as an advisory body having security of the region as primary concern.
2. Both the Chief Minister and the Governor of the respective states are included as members of the council.
3. The act was amended in 2002 changing its role from an advisory to become an infrastructure planning body for the region.

Which of the above statements is/are correct:

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

Answer: (C)

Explanation: North Eastern Council

  • The institution was founded in 1971 as an advisory body.
  • Initially, its members were Governors of the Northeast States, thereby remaining as the ears and eyes of the Center.
  • Its original pledge too made security the primary concern.
  • In 2002, the act that brought NEC to life was amended. From an advisory role, it became an infrastructure planning body for the region.
  • Sikkim was also brought into its fold. Significantly, its executive structure expanded to include Chief Ministers of these States, linking it to the aspirations of local electorates.