Current Affairs MCQs for UPSC & State PSC Exams (23 September 2023)

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

Date: 23 September 2023

1. With reference to International Congress on the Chemistry of Cement (ICCC), consider the following statements:

1. ICCC is a global platform which summarizes the state of the art of cement chemistry and major trends in cement application.
2. India is the first-largest producer of cement in the world. It accounts for more than 8% of the global installed capacity.
3. India will host the ICCC at New Delhi in 2025.

How many of the above statements is/are correct?

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

Answer: (A)

Explanation: ICCC is a global platform which summarizes the state of the art of cement chemistry and major trends in cement application. Congresses have been held generally at intervals of four to six years since 1918. It’s permanent secretariat is in Dusseldorf, Germany. India also organised the 9th ICCC in 1992. India is the second-largest producer of cement in the world. It accounts for more than 8% of the global installed capacity. India will host the ICCC at New Delhi in 2027. Hence, only statement 1 is correct.

2. Consider the following statements, with reference to Green Firecrackers:

1. They are crackers made without ash and with additives such as dust suppressants.
2. These crackers are made with barium compounds, which give the green colour to the crackers.
3. Green crackers cause zero pollution.

How many of the above statements is/are incorrect?

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

Answer: (B)

Explanation:

  • Recently the Supreme Court backed the verdict of Delhi high court that has banned the production and sale of the green crackers in the national capital ahead of the Diwali festival. Green crackers are firecrackers made with a reduced shell size, without ash, and/or with additives such as dust suppressants to reduce emissions with specific reference to particulate matter. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
  • These crackers come without barium compounds through which crackers get the green colour. It is a metal oxide that contributes to air and noise pollution. In India, green crackers were launched in 2019 and currently, there are 3 types of green crackers that includes:
  • SWAS (Safe Water Releaser)
  • STAR (Safe Thermite Cracker)
  • SAFAL (Safe Minimal Aluminium)
  • To identify green crackers, customers can look for the CSIR NEERI logo on the fireworks packaging. Green crackers cause 30 % lesser particulate matter pollution as compared to traditional crackers. Hence, statement 2 and 3 are incorrect.

3. Consider the following statements, with reference to Vaishali Festival of Democracy:

1. The festival aims to highlight aspects of India's democratic tradition.
2. The festival is organised by the Indian Council of World Affairs (ICWA).

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: (A)

Explanation:

  • Recently the ‘Vaishali Festival of Democracy’, was held at Vaishali, Bihar to understand democratic workings of India. Vaishali Festival of Democracy aims to 'highlight aspects of India's democratic tradition. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
  • Vaishali Festival of Democracy was organised by the Indian Council of Cultural Research (ICCR). The festival highlights the various dimensions of India’s democracy and its historical roots, as well as facilitates dialogue on its journey through the years. Hence, statement 2 is incorrect.

4. Consider the following statements with reference to Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar:

1. It is one of the highest recognitions in the field of science, technology and innovation in India.
2. People of Indian Origin staying abroad with exceptional contributions to Indian society are also eligible for the awards.

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: Recently the Union Government came out with a new set of National Awards in the field of Science, Technology and Innovation known as “Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar”. The awards aim to recognize the remarkable contributions made by scientists, technologists, and innovators in various fields of science and technology. Scientists, technologists, and innovators working in government or private sector organizations, as well as individuals working independently are eligible for this. People of Indian origin residing abroad who have made exceptional contributions benefiting Indian communities or society are also eligible for these awards. These awards will not include any cash component, instead, they will likely bestow only a certificate and medallion on the awardee. Hence, both statements are correct.

5. Which of the following best describes the PM-WANI Scheme?

(a) It is a framework that enables any entity, such as a shopkeeper or a tea stall owner, to set up a public Wi-Fi hotspot and provide internet service to customers.
(b) It is an academic development scheme for providing funding to state universities and colleges to improve infrastructure, faculty recruitment, and research facilities.
(c) It is a women-centric welfare program that aims to create a conducive environment for the overall development of women, especially in rural and marginalized communities.
(d) It is an agricultural development scheme that aims to improve water-use efficiency in the agriculture sector.

Answer: (A)

Explanation:

  • It is launched by the Department of Telecom (DoT) in December 2020, it is one key scheme launched to bolster the penetration of public WiFi hotspots to establish a robust digital communication infrastructure throughout the nation, especially in rural areas.
  • PM-WANI is a key part of India's Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI). It is a framework that enables any entity, such as a shopkeeper, a tea stall owner, or a Kirana store owner, to set up a public Wi-Fi hotspot and provide internet service to customers. Hence, option (a) is correct.