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

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

Date: 28 February 2023

Q1. Consider the following statements about probable objectives of The Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill, 2022

1. The government's goal is to achieve "Minimum Government Maximum Governance" through Ease of Living and Ease of Doing Business reforms.
2. The government aims to boost investor confidence and make India the most preferred global investment destination.

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

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

Answer: (C)

Explanation:

Objectives of the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill, 2022:

  • The government's goal is to achieve "Minimum Government Maximum Governance" through Ease of Living and Ease of Doing Business reforms. (Hence option 1 is correct).
  • This involves simplifying, digitizing, and rationalizing compliances to reduce the compliance burden and improve the ease of living for people.
  • The government aims to boost investor confidence and make India the most preferred global investment destination by decriminalizing minor offences and replacing them with monetary penalties. . (Hence option 2 is correct)
  • This will not only make lives and businesses easier but also reduce the judicial burden.
  • The proposed Bill includes the rationalization of monetary penalties based on the gravity of the offence and an increase in the minimum amount of fine and penalty levied by ten percent after every three years.
  • This will bolster trust-based governance

Solution: As both statements are correct, So the correct option is (c).

Q2. Consider the following statements regarding India's efforts to curb smuggling:

1. The FICCI CASCADE is a leading organization in India that is working towards curbing smuggling and counterfeiting activities.
2. The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) is the primary agency responsible for detecting and preventing smuggling activities in India.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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

Answer: (C)

Explanation:

  • FICCI has a dedicated division called FICCI CASCADE (Committee Against Smuggling and Counterfeiting Activities Destroying the Economy), which works towards curbing the menace of smuggling and counterfeiting in India. Therefore, statement 1 is correct.
  • The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) is the premier intelligence and enforcement agency on anti-smuggling matters under the aegis of the Central Board of Indirect taxes & Customs (CBIC), Government of India. So, statement 2 is correct.

Q3. Consider the following statements:

1. R&D investment in India, has declined from 0.8% of the GDP in 2008–09 to 0.7% in 2017-18.
2. India’s GERD (Gross Domestic Spending On R&D) is higher than the other BRICS nations.

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: (B)

Explanation:

  • R&D investment in India, has declined from 0.8% of the GDP in 2008–09 to 0.7% in 2017-18. Hence statement 1 is correct.
  • India’s GERD (Gross Domestic Spending On R&D) is lower than the other BRICS nations. Hence statement 2 is not correct
  • Brazil, Russia, China and South Africa spend around 1.2%, 1.1%, above 2% and 0.8% respectively. The world average is around 1.8%.

Q4. Which of the following are responsible for the formation of heatwaves?

1. Warming of the Arabian sea
2. Declining lapse rate
3. Mountains of Afghanistan and Pakistan
4. Upper atmospheric westerly winds

Choose the correct option:

a) 1 and 2 only
b) 1, 3 and 4 only
c) 2, 3 and 4 only
d) All of the above

Answer: (D)

Explanation:

 

According to the Study by Nature Geoscience, following processes contribute to the formation of a heat wave:

  • Presence of warm air source
  • Warming of Arabian sea
  • Declining lapse rate
  • Mountains of Afghanistan and Pakistan
  • Upper atmospheric westerly winds

Hence, d is the correct option