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

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

Date: 31 December 2022

Q1. Choose the INCORRECT statements with respect to India and Maldives:

a) India is separated from Maldives by the Six Degree Channel.
b) Both nations are members of SASEC and SAARC organizations.
c) Operation Cactus was the assistance of the Indian Armed Forces to neutralize the coup attempt in Maldives.
d) Ekuverin is the joint military exercise of India and Maldives.

Answer: (A)

Explanation:

  • India is separated from Maldives by the Eight Degree Channel. Thus statement 1 is incorrect.
  • Operation Cactus was the assistance of the Indian Armed Forces to neutralize the coup attempt in Maldives in 1988.
  • India and Maldives have been conducting Exercise Ekuverin meaning 'Friends' in the Maldivian language since 2009.
  • India and Maldives both are member nations of SAARC and SASEC regional intergovernmental organizations.

Q2. Consider the following statements regarding the Indian Agriculture

1. At the time of Independence contribution of India’ Agriculture and allied sectors in GDP was more than 50%.
2. More than 40% of India’s workforce was employed in the agri sector in 2018-19.
3. Forestry & Logging contributes less than Fishing & Aquaculture in the Gross Value Added (GVA) of the country.

Choose the CORRECT answer using the codes given below:

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

Answer: (C)

Explanation:

  • Contribution of India’ Agri and allied sector in GDP stood at about 55% in 1951.(Statement-1 is correct)
  • According to the Economic Survey, the share of Agriculture & allied sectors in total Gross Value Added (GVA) in 2020-21 stood at about 20%.
  • Share of Agriculture & Allied Activities in Agriculture GVA
  • Crops – 60%
  • Livestock – 27%
  • Forestry & Logging – 7%
  • Fishing & Aquaculture – 6%

(Statement-3 is incorrect)

  • Agri was the only sector to have clocked a positive growth of 3.4% in 2020-21 (during COVID lockdown).
  • According to the World Bank, about 42 % of India’s workforce was employed in the agri sector in 2018-19. (Statement-2 is correct)

Q3. With reference to National Green Tribunal, consider the following statements:

1. It is mandated to make disposal of applications or appeals finally within 6 months of the filing of the same.
2. The Chairperson is appointed by the Central Government in consultation with the Chief Justice of India (CJI).
3. India is the first country in the world to set up a specialized environmental tribunal.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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

Answer: (A)

Explanation:

  • NGT is mandated to make disposal of applications or appeals finally within 6 months of the filing of the same. So, statement 1 is correct.
  • The Chairperson is appointed by the Central Government in consultation with the Chief Justice of India (CJI). So, statement 2 is correct.
  • With the establishment of the NGT, India became the third country in the world to set up a specialized environmental tribunal, only after Australia and New Zealand, and the first developing country to do so. So, statement 3 is incorrect.

Q4. Consider the following Statement regarding ports in India:

1. There are 12 major ports and 200 non-major ports (minor ports) in the country.
2. While the Major Ports are under the administrative control of the Ministry of Shipping, the non-major ports are under the jurisdiction of respective State Maritime Boards/ State Government.

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:

Major Ports & Non-Major Ports:

  • There are 12 major ports and 200 non-major ports (minor ports) in the country. Option 1 is correct
  • While the Major Ports are under the administrative control of Ministry of Shipping, the non-major ports are under the jurisdiction of respective State Maritime Boards/ State Government. Option 2 is correct
  • All the 12 Major ports are functional.
  • Out of the 200 non-major ports, around 65 ports are handling cargo and the others are “Port Limits” where no cargo is handled and these are used by fishing vessels and by small ferries.

Solution: Both the statements are correct so correct option is (c)

Q5. Consider the following statements:

1. The European Space Agency will launch the Jupiter Icy Moons Explorer.
2. Jupiter Icy Moons Explorer will reach Jupiter in the year 2031.
3. Europa, Ganymede and Callisto are the moons of the Jupiter.

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

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

Answer: (D)

Explanation:

  • The European Space Agency (ESA) is set to launch the Jupiter Icy Moons Explorer (Juice), in what will be Europe’s first dedicated robotic mission to Jupiter.
  • Juice is due to reach the planet in July 2031 after performing an incredible flight path through the Solar System.
  • The mission will enter into orbit around Jupiter and perform numerous flybys of its large icy moons: Europa, Ganymede and Callisto.