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


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

Date: 21 October 2023


1. Consider the following statements, with reference to the Minimum Support Price (MSP):

1. It will be fixed by the government on the basis of recommendations of the Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP).
2. The Rangarajan Commission recommended that the MSP should at least be 50% more than the weighted average.
3. In India, MSPs are applicable to 22 kharif, rabi and commercial crops including sugarcane.

How many of the statements given above are correct?

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

Answer: (A)

Explanation: Recently the union government announced Minimum Support Price (MSP) for 6 Rabi crops for the 2024-25 marketing season with the old formula for MSP. Minimum Support Price (MSP) is a form of market intervention by the Government of India to insure agricultural producers against any sharp fall in farm prices. MSP are announced by the Government of India at the beginning of the sowing season for certain crops on the basis of the recommendations of the Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP). Hence, statement 1 is correct. The Swaminathan Commission recommended that the MSP should at least be 50 % more than the weighted average CoP, which it refers to as the C2 cost. Hence, statement 2 is not correct. The minimum support prices (MSPs) is mandated for 14 crops of the kharif season, 6 rabi crops and 2 other commercial crops (Cotton and Jute) excluding sugar cane. Hence, statement 3 is not correct.


2.Consider the following statements, with reference to the Ghar-Ghar KCC Abhiyaan:

1. It is a campaign to extend the benefits of the Kisan Credit Card (KCC) Scheme to every farmer including fish farmers across India.
2. NABARD is the Primary Executing Organization for this scheme.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

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

Answer: (C)

Explanation: Nirmala Sitharaman, Union Finance Minister and Narendra Singh Tomar, Union Agricluture minister recently launched the Ghar-Ghar KCC Abhiyaan to Ensure Kisan Credit Card Access for Fish Farmers. Ghar-Ghar KCC Abhiyaan is a transformative initiative to ensure Kisan Credit Card Access for Fish Farmers. It enhances financial inclusion and support for the fisheries sector. It ensures that every eligible farmer with the access to essential financial tool. NABARD is the Primary Executing Organization for this scheme. By expanding the reach of the KCC scheme, this campaign will promote financial inclusion in rural areas and bolster the economic well-being of farmers. Hence, both statements are correct.


3. Consider the following statements, with refernce to the Golden Peacock Award:

1. It is regarded as a benchmark award of Corporate Excellence worldwide that was instituted by the Institute of Directors, India in 1991. System."
2. The REC Limited, a Central Public Sector Enterprise received the award the Golden Peacock Award in Risk Management in 2023.

Which of the above statements is/are not correct?

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

Answer: (C)

Explanation: The Golden Peacock Awards, instituted by the Institute of Directors, India in 1991, are now regarded as a benchmark of Corporate Excellence worldwide. Golden Peacock Awards for Corporate Leadership and Institutional Excellence, over the time, have become a hallmark of excellence, both locally and globally. Award winners are eligible to use the Golden Peacock Awards Logo with year on all printed and promotional materials, which evidences the highest accolade received by the organisation. The Awards are bestowed annually and are designed to encourage total improvement in each sector of our business. REC Limited honoured with Golden Peacock Award in Risk Management in 2023. REC is a 'Maharatna' company under the administrative control of the Ministry of Power. Hence, both statements are correct.


4. The 2023 Nobel Prize for Economics (Sveriges Riksbank Prize in Economic Sciences) was awarded to Claudia Goldin for her work on:

(a) Research on banks and financial crises
(b) Auction theory
(c) Global poverty alleviation
(d) Female labour force participation

Answer: (D)

Explanation: Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences awarded the prestigious Sveriges Riksbank Prize in Economic Sciences, known as Nobel for Economics, for 2023 to Harvard University Professor Claudia Goldin. Recognized for her profound contributions to understanding women's labor market outcomes, Professor Goldin has delved deep into historical archives, spanning over two centuries, to unravel the complexities of female labour force participation (FLFP/Female LFPR). Her research challenges traditional narratives, revealing a U-shaped curve in women's labor force engagement, highlighting the intricate interplay of societal expectations, technological advancements, legislation, and individual choices. Hence, option (d) is correct.


5. Consider the following statements regarding the Broadcasting Content Complaints Council:

1. It operates as an independent self-regulatory body.
2. Chairperson is typically a serving Judge from the Supreme Court or High Court.
3. The BCCC's self-regulatory approach empowers the broadcasting industry to have a say in content regulation.

How many of the statements given above are correct?

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

Answer: (C)

Explanation: The Broadcasting Content Complaints Council (BCCC) operates as an independent self-regulatory body. It is affiliated with the Indian Broadcasting Foundation (IBF), which is an industry association of television broadcasters in India. The BCCC comprises thirteen members, including a Chairperson who is typically a retired Judge from the Supreme Court or High Court. The BCCC's self-regulatory approach empowers the broadcasting industry to have a say in content regulation. This approach strikes a balance between providing creative freedom for content creators and the responsibility to ensure that content aligns with established norms and community standards, thus upholding public expectations while fostering creative expression. Hence, all statements are correct.