Current Affairs MCQs for UPSC & State PSC Exams (28 August 2023)

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

Date: 28 August 2023

1. Consider the following statements, with reference to Tele-Law 2.0:

1. It uses communications and information technology for the delivery of legal information and advice.
2. It is an initiative of the Department of Justice, Ministry of Law & Justice.
3. It operates under the DISHA Scheme.

How many of the statements given above are correct?

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

Answer: (C)

Explanation: Tele-Law 2.0 was recently unveiled by Ministry of Law and Justice. Tele-Law means the use of communications and information technology for the delivery of legal information and advice. This e-interaction between lawyers and people would be through the video-conferencing infrastructure available at the Common Services Centre (CSCs). The concept of Tele-Law is to facilitate delivery of legal advice through a panel of lawyers stationed at the front office of Legal Services Authorities and CSC. Tele-Law 2.0 entails the fusion of Tele-Law Services with Nyaya Bandhu pro bono legal services, a merger to further enhance citizen accessibility to legal aid. It operates under the DISHA Scheme. Hence, all statements are correct.

2. Consider the following statements, with reference to Land to Landless Scheme:

1. Only Jammu and Kashmir domiciles are eligible for land to landless scheme.
2. It is a sub scheme under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Gramin).

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: Land to Landless Scheme is a sub scheme under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Gramin). Only Jammu and Kashmir domiciles are eligible for land to landless scheme. A person shall be eligible under the scheme only if he is a domicile of J&K having: a separate family and should not have land in his own name or in the name of any of his family members or is not entitled to inherit any more land. PMAY-G is flagship mission by the Ministry of Rural Development and implemented by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs. Hence, both statements are correct.

3. Consider the following statements regarding ‘Parboiled Rice’:

1. It is also called converted rice, is partially precooked in its inedible husk before being processed for eating.
2. Parboiled rice is higher in fiber and protein than white rice.
3. It is more nutritious than brown rice.

How many of the statements given above are correct?

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

Answer: (B)

Explanation:

  • Parboiled rice, also called converted rice, is partially precooked in its inedible husk before being processed for eating. It happens before rice is milled, that is before the inedible outer husk is removed to yield brown rice but before brown rice is refined to make white rice. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
  • Parboiling changes the color of rice to a light yellow or amber, which differs from the pale, white color of regular rice. Parboiling rice improves its texture, increases its shelf life, and provides health benefits. Parboiled rice is higher in fiber and protein than white rice. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
  • It is less nutritious than brown rice. It takes a little longer to cook. Hence, statement 3 is incorrect.

4. With reference to ‘Insurance Surety Bonds’, consider the following statements:

Statement 1 – These are instruments where insurance companies act as ‘Surety’ and provide the financial guarantee that the contractor will fulfill its obligation.
Statement 2 – If the principal fails to perform the act as promised, the surety is contractually liable for losses sustained.

Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

(a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement II is the correct explanation for Statement-I
(b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I
(c) Statement-I is correct but statement II is incorrect
(d) Statement -I is incorrect but Statement -II is correct

Answer: (A)

Explanation: Insurance Surety Bonds can be defined in their simplest form as a written agreement to guarantee compliance, payment, or performance of an act. These are instruments where insurance companies act as ‘Surety’ and provide the financial guarantee that the contractor will fulfil its obligation as per the agreed terms. The insurance company or surety company that guarantees the obligation will be performed. If the principal fails to perform the act as promised, the surety is contractually liable for losses sustained. Hence, both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement II is the correct explanation for Statement-I.

5. With reference to Seethakali folk art, consider the following statements:

1. It is a traditional folk dance drama that is performed during the festival days of Onam in Kerala.
2. The performance was carried out by dalit artists belonging to the Veda and Pulaya communities.

Which of the above statements is/are incorrect?

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

Answer: (D)

Explanation: Seethakali is a traditional folk dance drama that was once performed during the festival days in erstwhile Desinganad (Kollam, Kerala), primarily during the Onam festivities. The performance was carried out by dalit artists belonging to the Veda and Pulaya communities, focusing on presenting episodes from the Ramayana from Sita’s perspective. Vanayatra to Andardhanam: Seethakali portrays the journey from “vanayatra” (exile to the forest) to “andardhanam” (descend into the earth) of Sita, featuring a blend of songs, storytelling, and fast movements. Hence, both statements are correct.