Current Affairs MCQs for UPSC & State PSC Exams (21 June 2023)

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

Date: 21 June 2023

1. In the context of Sickle cell disease, consider the following statements:

1. It can result in the blockage of small blood vessels due to the misshapen cells.
2. It can be cured through medication, blood transfusions, and rarely a bone-marrow transplant.
3. It is characterized by extreme tiredness, swollen hands and feet, and jaundice.

How many of the statements given above are correct?

(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None

Answer: (B)

Explanation:

  • Sickle cell disease is a genetic disorder that affects red blood cells, causing them to become misshapen and rigid. These abnormal cells can block small blood vessels, leading to various complications. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
  • While there is no known cure for sickle cell disease, certain treatments can help manage the symptoms and complications. Medications, such as hydroxyurea, can reduce the frequency and severity of crises. Blood transfusions can be used to increase the number of healthy red blood cells and improve symptoms. In rare cases, a bone marrow transplant, also known as a stem cell transplant, may be considered as a potential cure, but it is a complex and risky procedure with significant limitations. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
  • While sickle cell disease can cause fatigue and tiredness, it is not the only defining characteristic. The disease is primarily characterized by episodes of intense pain, called sickle cell crises, caused by the blockage of blood vessels. Swollen hands and feet can occur during these crises, but it is not a universal symptom. Jaundice, the yellowing of the skin and eyes, can be observed in individuals with sickle cell disease, especially during crises or as a result of red blood cell destruction. Hence, statement 3 is not correct.

2. Consider the following statements regarding the Competition Commission of India (CCI):

1. It is responsible for promoting and regulating fair competition in the Indian market.
2. It operates autonomously and is an independent body.
3. It has the authority to investigate and penalize anti-competitive agreements, abuse of dominant position, and combinations that may have an adverse impact on competition.
4. The decisions of the CCI are subject to judicial review by the High Courts and the Supreme Court of India.

How many of the above statements are correct?

(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) Only three
(d) All four

Answer: (D)

Explanation:

  • The primary objective of the CCI is to promote and sustain competition in the Indian market. It aims to prevent practices that have an adverse effect on competition, protect the interests of consumers, and ensure the freedom of trade. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
  • The CCI is an autonomous statutory body established under the Competition Act, 2002. It operates independently and is not subject to control or influence by the government or any other external entity. This autonomy helps in ensuring fair and impartial decision-making. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
  • The CCI has the power to investigate cases related to anti-competitive agreements, abuse of dominant position by enterprises, and combinations (mergers and acquisitions) that may have an adverse impact on competition. It can impose penalties and take appropriate actions to address anti-competitive behavior. Hence, statement 3 is correct.
  • The decisions of the CCI are subject to judicial review. If a party is aggrieved by the decision of the CCI, they can appeal to the appropriate judicial authority. The decisions can be challenged before the High Courts and, ultimately, before the Supreme Court of India. Hence, statement 4 is correct

3. Recently, Pune-based Gennova Biopharmaceuticals has obtained emergency use authorization from the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) for the booster vaccine GEMCOVAC-OM. What type of vaccines does GEMCOVAC-OM belong to?

(a) Inactivated vaccines
(b) Vector-based vaccines
(c) mRNA vaccines
(d) Protein subunit vaccines

Answer: (C)

Explanation: GEMCOVAC-OM is an mRNA Covid-19 booster vaccine developed by Gennova Biopharmaceuticals to target the Omicron variant. It falls under the category of mRNA vaccines, which utilize a messenger RNA platform to stimulate an immune response against the virus.

4. Consider the following statements:

Statement-I: Lake Victoria is the world's second largest freshwater lake by surface area.
Statement-II: The Lake Victoria Basin (LVB) is facing environmental concerns due to human activities and changing precipitation patterns.

Which of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

(a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct, and Statement-II is the correct explanation of Statement-I.
(b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct, but Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I.
(c) Statement-I is correct, but Statement-II is incorrect.
(d) Statement-I is incorrect, but Statement-II is correct.

Answer: (B)

Explanation:

  • Lake Victoria is indeed the world's second-largest freshwater lake by surface area after Lake Superior in North America. It is a significant water body located in East Africa. Hence, Statement-I is correct.
  • The Lake Victoria Basin (LVB) is facing environmental concerns due to various human activities such as rapid population growth, agricultural expansion, urbanization, and industrialization. These activities have contributed to the degradation of the lake and its surrounding ecosystem. This region is experiencing changing precipitation patterns and increasing extreme climate events, which further exacerbate the environmental concerns in the area.
  • While the environmental concerns and changing precipitation patterns do affect Lake Victoria, they are not directly related to its status as the world's second-largest freshwater lake by surface area. The ecological importance and environmental concerns are separate factors from the lake's size. Hence, Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I.

5. Consider the following statements:

1. Vietnam shares its borders with China, Laos, and Cambodia.
2. Vietnam is a member of the United Nations, ASEAN, and WTO.

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:

  • Vietnam is located in Southeast Asia and shares its borders with China to the north, Laos to the northwest, and Cambodia to the southwest. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
  • Vietnam is a member of the United Nations (UN), having joined on September 20, 1977. It is also a member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), which it joined on July 28, 1995. Additionally, Vietnam became a member of the World Trade Organization (WTO) on January 11, 2007. Hence, statement 2 is correct.