Current Affairs MCQs for UPSC & State PSC Exams (23 December 2022)

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

Date: 23 December 2022

Q1. With respect to the patent system in India, consider the following statements:

1. The patent system in India is governed by the Patents Act, of 1970.
2. Indian Patent gives protection worldwide.
3. Inventions relating to atomic energy are not patentable.

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: (C)

Explanation:

  • The patent system in India is governed by the Patents Act, of 1970 as amended by the Patents (Amendment) Act, of 2005 and the Patents Rules, of 2003. So, statement 1 is correct.
  • Patent protection is a territorial right and therefore it is effective only within the territory of India. There is no concept of a global patent. So, statement 2 is incorrect.
  • Section 4 in The Patents Act, 1970: Inventions relating to atomic energy not patentable. So statement 3 is correct.

Q2. Consider the following statements regarding Artificial intelligence(AI):

1. AI can create personalized learning experiences for students.
2. AI can be used to scan documents for plagiarism.
3. AI based speech recognition technology can help students with dyslexia.
4. Use of Chatbots is an example of an AI based interface.

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

a. 1 and 2 only
b. 2 and 3 only
c. 1, 2 and 3 only
d. 1,2 ,3 and 4

Answer: (D)

Explanation: Following are the potential benefits of AI in improving student learning experiences:

  • AI can create personalized learning experiences for students.
  • AI can be used to scan documents for plagiarism.
  • AI based speech recognition technology can help students with dyslexia.
  • Use of Chatbots are an example of an AI based interface.

Q3. Consider the following statements regarding the Great lakes of North America

1. The Great Lakes are five contiguous lakes which lie along the US-Canada border.
2. The 5 lake system drains into the Gulf of Florida in the North Atlantic through the St Lawrence River.
3. Lake Michigan lies entirely in the US while Lake Ontario lies entirely in Canada.
4. Lake Superior is the largest among the 5 lakes and is the world’s second largest freshwater lake after Lake Victoria.

How many statements given above are INCORRECT?

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

Answer: (C)

Explanation:

  • The Great Lakes are five interconnected bodies of water straddling the US-Canada border that drain into the Gulf of St Lawrence in the North Atlantic through the St Lawrence River. (Statement-1 is correct and 2 is incorrect)
  • The Great lakes (in area wise descending order) comprise Superior, Huron, Michigan, Erie, and Ontario.
  • Also, Lake Superior is the world’s largest freshwater lake and Lake Victoria follows it. (Statement-4 is incorrect)
  • The US-Canada border passes through Lakes Superior, Huron, Erie, and Ontario.
  • Lake Michigan is the only lake which lies entirely in the US and no lake among the 5 lies entirely in Canada. (Statement-3 is incorrect)

Q4. With reference to India, consider the following:

1. Nationalization of Banks
2. Formation of Regional Rural Banks
3. Adoption of villages by Bank Branches

Which of the above can be considered as steps taken to achieve the “financial inclusion” in India? [UPSC PRELIMS 2010]

A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3

Answer: (D)

Explanation:

  • Nationalization of Banks
  • Nationalization of banks was done in 1969 and 1980 with the objective to better serve the needs of development of the economy in conformity with national policy objectives.
  • Formation of Regional Rural Banks
  • Regional Rural Banks (RRBs) were established under the provisions of RRB Act of 1976 to provide banking and loan services for agriculture and other rural areas.
  • Adoption of villages by Bank Branches
  • It was launched in 1960 with the objective of growing the rural economy of the country.

Q5. Consider the following statements with respect to the First Longitudinal Ageing Study India (LASI):

1. It is launched under the aegis of the Ministry of Education.
2. Nearly 62 percent of people aged 45-59 years are currently working in India.
3. Nearly 35.7 percent of aged 60 years and above are currently working in India.

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

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

Answer: (B)

Explanation:

  • The study is launched under the aegis of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW), Govt. Hence, statement 1 is incorrect.
  • In the findings of the first wave of the survey which were made available last year, nearly 62 per cent of people aged 45-59 years and 35.7 per cent of aged 60 years and above are currently working. Statements 2 and 3 are correct.