Current Affairs MCQs for UPSC & State PSC Exams (30 November 2022)

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

Date: 30 November 2022

Q1. Consider the following statements about the Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC):

1. GEAC is a statutory committee.
2. Clearance of the GEAC is mandatory for the environmental release of Genetically Modified (GM) crops.
3. It is responsible for the appraisal of activities involving large-scale use of hazardous microorganisms.
4. The committee is responsible for the appraisal of proposals relating to the release of genetically engineered (GE) organisms and products into the environment including experimental field trials.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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

Answer: (D)

Explanation:

  • The GEAC is the statutory committee constituted under the “Rules for the Manufacture, Use/Import/Export and Storage of Hazardous Micro Organisms/Genetically Engineered Organisms or Cells (Rules, 1989)” framed under Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 and functions under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
  • Clearance of the Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) is mandatory for the environmental release of Genetically Modified (GM) crops.
  • As per Rules, 1989, it is responsible for the appraisal of activities involving large-scale use of hazardous microorganisms and recombinants in research and industrial production from the environmental angle.
  • The committee is also responsible for the appraisal of proposals relating to the release of genetically engineered (GE) organisms and products into the environment including experimental field trials.

Hence, all the statements are correct.

Q2. Consider the following statements regarding Indian Knowledge System (IKS).

1. It is an innovative cell under the Ministry of Education (MoE).
2. It is established to promote interdisciplinary research on all aspects of IKS.
3. It actively engages in spreading the rich heritage of our country and traditional knowledge.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

a) 1 and 2 only
b) 2 and 3 only
c) 3 only
d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: (D)

Explanation:

  • Indian Knowledge System (IKS) is an innovative cell under Ministry of Education (MoE) at AICTE, New Delhi. Thus statement 1 is correct.
  • It is established to promote interdisciplinary research on all aspects of IKS, preserve and disseminate IKS for further research and societal applications. Hence statement 2 is also correct.
  • It will actively engage in spreading the rich heritage of our country and traditional knowledge. Thus statement 3 is correct.

Q3. Consider the following pairs of related to Indian polity

Judicial / legislative Measures Features/ Mandates
1) 99th Constitutional Amendment Act National Judicial Appointments Commission (NJAC)
2) Article 222 Transfer of High court Judges
3) Article 217 Appointment of High court judges
4) Supreme Court Collegium Statutory body

How many pairs given above are correctly matched?

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

Answer: (C)

Explanation:

  • In 2014, Parliament by unanimity backed by State legislatures enacted the National Judicial Appointments Commission (NJAC) through 99th constitutional amendment act.
  • Hence pair-1 is correctly matched.
  • Article 222 of the Constitution makes provision for the transfer of a Judge (including the Chief Justice) from one High Court to any other High Court.
  • Hence pair-2 is correctly matched.
  • Article 217 deals with appointment and conditions of the office of a Judge of a High Court.
  • Hence pair-3 is correctly matched.
  • The system of collegium has come to prominence through judgments of the Supreme Court of India.
  • It is neither a statutory nor a constitutional body
  • Hence pair-4 is incorrectly matched.

Q4. "Eliminate all forms of violence against all women and girls" is a target under which of the following Sustainable Development Goals?

a) SDG 4
b) SDG 5
c) SDG 6
d) SDG 7

Answer: (B)

Explanation:

  • SDG-5: Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls
  • Target 5.1: Eliminate all forms of violence against all women and girls in the public and private spheres, including trafficking and sexual and other types of exploitation. So, option (b) is the correct answer.

Q5. Consider the following statements regarding religious freedom under Indian Constitution:

1. Article 25 is only available to India Citizens.
2. Freedoms under Article 25 are subjected to Morality and Public Order only.
3. There could be no taxes, the proceeds of which can be directly used for the promotion of religion.

Choose the correct option below:

a) Only 1
b) Only 1 and 2
c) 1, 2 and 3
d) Only 3

Answer: (D)

Explanation: Constitutional Provisions w.r.t. Freedom of Religion

  • Article 25 says that all persons (hence statement 1 is incorrect) are equally entitled to freedom of conscience and the right to freely profess, practice and propagate religion.
  • These freedoms are subject to public order, health, and morality. (hence statement 2 is incorrect)
  • Article 26 provides that every religious denomination has the right to
  • Form and maintain institutions for religious and charitable intents.
  • Manage its own affairs in the matter of religion.
  • Acquire the immovable and movable property.
  • Administer such property according to the law.
  • The rights under article 26 are subjected to morality, health, and public order.
  • Article 27 says that there could be no taxes, the proceeds of which are directly used for the promotion and/or maintenance of any particular religion/religious denomination. (hence statement 3 is correct).