Current Affairs MCQs for UPSC & State PSC Exams (09 August 2023)

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

Date: 09 August 2023

1. With reference to Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (GNCTD) (Amendment) Bill, 2023, consider the following statements:

1. It establishes National Capital Civil Services Authority (NCCSA), which consists of CM, Chief Secretary of Delhi and Principal Home Secretary of Delhi.
2. It empowers Central Government to make rules in connection with the affairs of GNCTD including the functions, terms and other conditions of service of officers and employees.

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: Parliament has passed GNCTD (Amendment) Bill 2023. It establishes National Capital Civil Services Authority (NCCSA), which consists of CM, Chief Secretary of Delhi and Principal Home Secretary of Delhi. It empowers Central Government to make rules in connection with the affairs of GNCTD including the functions, terms and other conditions of service of officers and employees. Hence, both statements are correct.

2. Consider the following statements, with reference to 2023 IMO Greenhouse Gas Strategy:

1. The strategy aims to reduce Green House Gas (GHG) emissions from international shipping by at least 50% by 2030.
2. The strategy pushes use of biofuel and bio-blends in the shipping industry.
3. The strategy was not backed by India as it imposes more restriction on developing countries.

How many of the statements given above are correct?

(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) Only three
(d) All four

Answer: (A)

Explanation: Recently United Nations International Maritime Organization (IMO) adopted 2023 IMO Greenhouse Gas Strategy which was backed by India. 2023 IMO GHG Strategy aims to reduce the total annual GHG emissions from international shipping by at least 20% by 2030, compared to 2008. Shipping industry to reduce the total annual GHG emissions from international shipping by at least 70%, striving for 80%, by 2040, compared to 2008. The strategy pushes use of biofuel and bio-blends in the shipping industry. This Strategy was backed aggressively by India. According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change 2022 report, maritime shipping is responsible for 3 % of global anthropogenic GHG emissions and these emissions are continuing to grow rapidly. Hence, only statement 2 is correct.

3. Consider the following statements:

Statement I - International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples is observed on 9 August each year to raise awareness and protect the rights of the world's indigenous population.
Statement II - The United Nations General Assembly proclaimed the period between 2022 and 2032 as the International Decade of Indigenous Languages.

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: (B)

Explanation: Every year, 9 August is commemorated as the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples, chosen in recognition of the first meeting of the UN Working Group on Indigenous Populations held in Geneva in 1982. The United Nations General Assembly proclaimed the period between 2022 and 2032 as the International Decade of Indigenous Languages (IDIL 2022-2032), to draw global attention on the critical situation of many indigenous languages and to mobilize stakeholders and resources for their preservation, revitalization and promotion. The theme for this year is "Indigenous Youth as Agents of Change for Self-determination." Hence, both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I.

4. Consider the following statements regarding Vaquita porpoise:

1. It is the world’s rarest and the smallest marine mammal found only in the northern Gulf of California in Mexico.
2. It is categorized as Critically Endangered in IUCN Red List.

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: Vaquita porpoise is the world’s rarest and the smallest marine mammal. It is also known as the panda of the sea for the distinctive black circles around its eyes. This porpoise was discovered in 1958. It is unique among the porpoises as it is the only species of that family found in warm waters, and the size of the dorsal fin is believed to be an adaptation to that, allowing for extra body heat to dissipate. It is found only in the northern Gulf of California (Sea of Cortez) in Mexico. They are found most commonly seen in shallow waters up to 50 metres deep. It is categorized as Critically Endangered in IUCN Red List. Hence, both statements are correct.

5. The publication ‘75 Endemic Birds of India’ recently seen in news is released by which of the following?

(a) Zoological Survey of India
(b) World Wide Fund for Nature
(c) United Nations Environment Programme
(d) National Biodiversity Authority

Answer: (A)

Explanation: The publication ‘75 Endemic Birds of India’ was recently released by Zoological Survey of India (ZSI). The Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) was established on 1916 to promote survey, exploration and research leading to the advancement in our knowledge of various aspects of exceptionally rich life of the erstwhile ´British Indian Empire´. The survey has its genesis in the establishment of the Zoological Section of the Indian Museum at Calcutta in 1875. Hence, option (a) is correct.