Current Affairs MCQs for UPSC & State PSC Exams (25 October 2023)

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

Date: 25 October 2023

1.Consider the following statements, with reference to Pradhan Mantri Anusuchit Jaati Abhuyday Yojana:

1. It is a merged scheme of 3 Centrally Sponsored Scheme that aims to reduce poverty of the Schedule Caste (SC) communities.
2. Adarsh Gram is one of the components of the yojana.
3. The scheme functions under aegis of the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.

How many of the statements given above are correct?

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

Answer: (C)

Explanation: Pradhan Mantri Anusuchit Jaati Abhuyday Yojana (PM- AJAY) is a merged scheme of 3 Centrally Sponsored Scheme such as:

  • Pradhan Mantri Adarsh Gram Yojana (PMAGY) – Aims at integrated development of Scheduled Castes majority villages.
  • Special Central Assistance to Scheduled Castes Sub Plan (SCA to SCSP) – Provides 100% grant to the States/UTs as an additive to their Scheduled Castes Sub Plan (SCSP).
  • Babu Jagjivan Ram Chhatrawas Yojana(BJRCY) – Construction of hostels for students belonging to Scheduled Castes (SC).

PM- AJAY aims to reduce poverty of the SC communities by generation of additional employment opportunities through Skill development, income generating schemes and other initiatives. It aids to improve socio-economic developmental indicators by ensuring adequate infrastructure and requisite services in the SC dominated villages. The 3 components of PM- AJAY are:

  • Development of SC dominated villages into an “Adarsh Gram”.
  • Grants-in-aid to State/Districts.
  • Construction/Repair of Hostels.

    • The objective of Adarsh Gram is to ensure integrated development of SC majority villages. All requisite infrastructure necessary for socio-economic development needs are to be provided under the Scheme. The scheme functions under aegis of the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. Hence, all statements are correct.


2.Consider the following statements, with reference to the Visa Shopping:

1. It is the practice of applying for a visa in a country where it is faster or easier to get as compared to the original destination.
2. Schengen Visa is a type of visa shopping that facilitates free movement for travellers between India and Nepal.

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)

The practice of ‘visa shopping’ has been gaining popularity in recent times in several Indian states which may have legal implications if traveller did not adhere to the norms and guidelines of the visa process. Visa shopping is the practice of applying for a visa from the country where it is faster or easier to get as compared to main or original destination. Hence, statement 1 is correct. Schengen Visa is a type of visa shopping that facilitates free movement for travellers Schengen region in the Europe. The Schengen system was established in 1985. Under it, member countries form the Schengen area and people can travel freely between them without going through border controls. Once Schengen visa is granted, travellers can traverse the Schengen region and reach their intended destination. Schengen Visa is the most sought-after visa in Visa Shopping. Hence, statement 2 is not correct.


3. ‘Cyclone Hamoon’ is formed in which of the following region?

(a) Bay of Bengal
(b) Arabian Sea
(c) Red Sea
(d) Mediterranean Sea

Answer: (A)

Explanation: ‘Cyclone Hamoon’ formed in the Bay of Bengal has recently intensified into the severe cyclonic storm that is likely to reach very severe category. The cyclonic storm “Hamoon” that has formed over the Bay of Bengal has rapidly intensified into a severe cyclonic storm. Hamoon was a Deep Depression before intensifying into a Cyclonic Storm. Hence, option (a) is correct.


4. With reference to the Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs), consider the following statements:

1. They are international organizations made up of both developed and developing nations.
2. Developed countries make contributions to MDB lending, while developing countries borrow from them for development initiatives.

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: MDBs are international institutions comprising developed and developing countries. They offer financing and technical assistance for various projects in areas like transportation, energy, urban infrastructure, and waste management. Developed countries contribute to MDB lending while developing nations typically borrow from them for development projects. MDBs have been instrumental in supporting the development of both low-income and middle-income countries (LICs and MICs) by addressing issues such as poverty reduction, infrastructure development, human capital formation, etc. MDBs include the World Bank Group, the Asian Development Bank, the African Development Bank, the Inter-American Development Bank, etc. Hence, both statements are correct.


5. Consider the following statements regarding Best Tourism Village:

1. Dhordo village of Rajasthan has been conferred the prestigious title of Best Tourism Village 2023.
2. The award is given by the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO).

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: (B)

Explanation: Dhordo village in Gujarat made it to the UN World Tourism Organisation’s (UNWTOs) best villages list for its rich cultural heritage and natural beauty. Dhordo village is nestled in the Great Rann of Kutch in Gujarat which hosts the annual cultural festival Rann Utsav that showcases the region’s traditional art, music, and crafts. It also hosted the 1st Tourism Working Group Meeting of the G-20 held under India’s presidency in 2023. Hence, statement 1 is not correct.
Global initiative to highlight those villages where tourism preserves cultures and traditions, celebrates diversity, provides opportunities and safeguards biodiversity. The award is given by the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO). Hence, statement 2 is correct.