Current Affairs MCQs for UPSC & State PSC Exams (31 August 2022)

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

Date: 31 August 2022

Q1. Consider the following countries :

1. China
2. France
3. India
4. Israel
5. Pakistan
6. North Korea

Which among the above are Nuclear Weapons States as recognized by the Treaty on the Non-proliferation of nuclear weapons, commonly known as the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT)?

a) 1 and 2 only
b) 1, 3, 4, and 5 only
c) 2, 4, and 5 only
d) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6

Answer: (A)

Explanation:

  • The Treaty defines nuclear weapon states (NWS) as those that had manufactured and detonated a nuclear explosive device before 1 January 1967. All the other states are therefore considered non-nuclear weapon states (NNWS).
  • The five nuclear weapon states are China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

Q2. Consider the following statements regarding the Indian Economy.

1. Primary deficit indicates the gap between the government’s expenditure requirements and its receipts.
2. The recent Budget estimates show that the debt-GSDP ratio (gross state domestic product) of States would be in excess of 30% by 2022.

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

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

Answer: (B)

Explanation:

  • The debt-GSDP ratio of States increased from 22.6 in 2013 to 25.1 in 2018, and estimated to 31.2 in 2022 (budget estimates 2022).
  • Fiscal Deficit: It is the gap between the government’s expenditure requirements and its receipts.
  • Primary deficit: indicates the gap between the government’s expenditure requirements and its receipts, and excludes expenditure incurred on interest payments on past loans.
  • Primary deficit = Fiscal deficit – Interest payments on past loans

Q3. Consider the following statements:

1. The maximum retail price (MRP) of urea is fixed by the government, which compensates companies for the higher cost of manufacturing or imports incurred by them.
2. The companies cannot avail of subsidy if they sell the non-urea fertilisers at MRPs higher than that informally indicated by the government.
3. The government controls where the companies can sell the fertilisers.
4. Under the Nutrient Based Subsidy Scheme, the government announces the subsidy on Phosphatic and Potassic fertilizers only.

Which of the statement/s 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 maximum retail price of urea is currently fixed by the government, which compensates companies for the higher cost of manufacturing or imports incurred by them.
  • The MRPs of non-urea fertilisers are, on paper, decontrolled. But companies cannot avail of subsidy if they sell at MRPs higher than that informally indicated by the government.
  • The government also decides where they can sell the fertilisers apart from subsidising and deciding at what price companies can sell.
  • This is done through the Fertiliser (Movement) Control Order, 1973.

Q4. Consider the following statements regarding the Indian Penal Code sections related to women:

1. Section 354A is related to assault or criminal force to woman with intent to outrage her modesty.
2. A demand or request for sexual favour from a woman is punishable offence under Section 354A.
3. Stalking is a cognizable offense with punishment under section 354 and section 509.

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

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

Answer: (D)

Explanation:

  • Section 354A of the Indian Penal Code is related to Assault or criminal force to woman with intent to outrage her modesty.
  • Stalking is a cognizable offense with punishment under section 354 and section 509 of the IPC.
  • A demand or request for sexual favour from a woman is punishable offence under section 354A.

Q5. Which of the following statements are correct with regard to the live streaming of Supreme Court proceedings?

1. In the Swapnil Tripathi judgment, in September 2018, the SC allowed for live streaming of cases of national and constitutional importance.
2. It is expected that watching these proceedings will increase legal literacy.
3. If implemented without proper safeguards, it might lead to informational anarchy and majoritarianism.

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

a) 1 and 2 Only
b) 1 and 3 Only
c) 2 and 3 Only
d) All of the above

Answer: (D)

Q6. What are the advantages of fertigation in agriculture?

1. Controlling the alkalinity of irrigation water is possible.
2. Efficient application of Rock Phosphate and all other phosphatic fertilizers is possible.
3. Increased availability of nutrients to plants is possible.
4. Reduction in the leaching of chemical nutrients is possible.

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

a) 1, 2 and 3 only
b) 1, 2 and 4 only
c) 1, 3 and 4 only
d) 2, 3 and 4 only

Answer: (C)

Explanation: When an element forms precipitate with another substance commonly found in the irrigation water, it is not advisable to use this method. Phosphorus and anhydrous ammonia may form a precipitate in water with high calcium and magnesium content. So they are not used in fertigation.