Current Affairs MCQs for UPSC & State PSC Exams (21 October 2022)

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

Date: 21 October 2022

Q1. Consider the following statements: (UPSC Prelims 2019)

1. Purchasing Power Parity (PPP) exchange rates are calculated by comparing the prices of the same basket of goods and services in different countries.
2. In terms of PPP dollars, India is the fifth-largest economy 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:

  • Purchasing power parities (PPPs) are the rates of currency conversion that try to equalize the purchasing power of different currencies, by eliminating the differences in price levels between countries. So, statement 1 is correct.
  • Recently, India became the world’s fifth-largest economy by overtaking the United Kingdom (Nominal GDP terms).
  • On the PPP basis, China is the world’s largest economy in 2022, followed by the United States in 2nd and India in 3rd position. So, statement 2 is incorrect.

Q2. Consider the following statements about the LIFE mission (Lifestyle for Environment):

1. The LIFE mission recognises that accountability is relative to contribution.
2. Those who consume the least will not be asked to consume less, but rather supported to participate in the green economy.
3. The ‘Pro Planet’ stakeholders are nudged according to a similar approach.

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

a) 1 only
b) 1 and 2 only
c) 2 and 3 only
d) All of the above

Answer: (B)

Explanation:

  • The idea of LiFE was introduced by the Prime Minister during the 26th United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) in Glasgow last year.
  • The LIFE mission recognises that accountability is relative to contribution.
  • Those who consume the least, often the most vulnerable and marginalised members of society, will not be asked to consume less, but rather supported to participate in the green economy. Hence both statements 1 and 2 are correct.
  • Each ‘Pro Planet’ stakeholder is nudged according to differentiated approaches. Hence, the statement 3 is incorrect.

Q3. Consider the following statements: (CSE Prelims 2019)

1. The coal sector was nationalized by the Government of India under Indira Gandhi.
2. Now, coal blocks are allocated on a lottery basis.
3. Till recently, India imported coal to meet the shortages of domestic supply, but now India is self-sufficient in coal production.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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

Answer: (A)

Explanation:

  • In India, the Coal sector was nationalized under Indira Gandhi Govt in 1972. Thus statement 1 is correct.
  • Coal blocks are allocated on the basis of the auction. Hence statement 2 is not correct.
  • India imports coal to meet the shortages of domestic supply so India is not self-sufficient in coal production. Thus statement 3 is also not correct.

Q4. Consider the following statements regarding the Financial Action Task Force (FATF).

1. India has been a founding member of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF).
2. Afghanistan and North Korea have been placed under the Black list of the FATF.

Choose the INCORRECT answer using the code given below:

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

Answer: (C)

Explanation:

  • The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) is an inter-governmental body.
  • It was established in 1989 during the G7 Summit in Paris.
  • India became its member in 2010, hence statement-1 is incorrect.

Black List:

  • Countries known as Non-Cooperative Countries or Territories (NCCTs) are put in the blacklist.
  • These countries support terror funding and money laundering activities.
  • Iran and North Korea have been placed under the Black list, hence the statement-2 is also incorrect.

Q5. SVEEP programme sometimes seen in the news is related to:

a) Skill development
b) Voter education
c) Women empowerment
d) Child abuse

Answer: (B)

Explanation:

  • Systematic Voters’ Education and Electoral Participation program, better known as SVEEP, is the flagship program of the Election Commission of India for voter education, spreading voter awareness and promoting voter literacy in India.
  • Since 2009, Election Commission of India has been working towards preparing India’s electors and equipping them with basic knowledge related to the electoral process.
  • SVEEP’s primary goal is to build a truly participative democracy in India by encouraging all eligible citizens to vote and make an informed decision during the elections.

So, option b is correct.