Current Affairs MCQs for UPSC & State PSC Exams (11 February 2023)

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

Date: 11 February 2023

Q1. Consider the following statements with reference to Vulture Safety Zone (VSZ):

1. Diclofenac free zones’ (DFZ) meant the 75% removal of diclofenac in the identified vulture safe zones.
2. VSZs provide an opportunity to raise public awareness on vulture conservation and to raise funds.
3. The concept of a VSZ is unique for the Asian continent and does not exist anywhere else.

Which of the following statement(s) is/are correct?

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

Answer: (C)

Explanation:

Vulture Safety Zones:

  • The concept of a VSZ is unique for the Asian continent but similar VSZ is in operation in both Europe and Africa. Hence, statement 3 is incorrect.
  • Aim of developing VSZs is to establish targeted awareness activities surrounding a 150 km radius of vultures’ colonies so that no diclofenac or veterinary toxic drugs are found in cattle carcasses, the main food of vultures (to provide safe food). Hence, statement 1 is incorrect.
  • The VSZ has spread around several hundred kilometers covering the Jim Corbett in Uttarakhand, Dudhwa, and Kartarniaghat forest reserves in UP which is adjoining the Indo-Nepal border. Nepal has already set up VSZ on the Indian borders.
  • It provides an opportunity to raise public awareness of vulture conservation and to raise funds. Hence, statement 2 is correct.

Q2. Consider following statements about Rakhine State of Myanmar:

1. It touches Indian state of Mizoram.
2. It is the most eastern state in Myanmar.
3. Sittwe is the capital of Rakhine state.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

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

Answer: (D)

Explanation:

  • It does not touch Indian state of Mizoram. Hence Statement 1 Not Correct.
  • It is the most Western state in Myanmar. Hence Statement 2 Not Correct.
  • Sittwe is the capital of Rakhine state. Hence Statement 3 is Correct.

Q3. Consider the following statements:

1. Punjab and Haryana account for 15 per cent of total rice production but contribute to 34 per cent of national procurement
2. States like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand and West Bengal and Assam which account for 40 per cent of rice production account for around 50 per cent of procurement.

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: (A)

Explanation:

  • Punjab and Haryana account for 15 per cent of total rice production but contribute to 34 per cent of national procurement. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
  • States like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand and West Bengal and Assam which account for 40 per cent of rice production account for only 14 per cent of procurement (FCI, 2022). Statement 2 is incorrect.

Q4. Consider the following statements:

1. Purchasing power parities (PPPs) are the rates of currency conversion that try to equalise the purchasing power of different currencies, by eliminating the differences in price levels between countries.
2. India is the 3rd largest economy in the world in Purchasing Power Parity (PPP) terms and the 5th largest in market exchange rates.

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:

  • Purchasing power parities (PPPs): They are the rates of currency conversion that try to equalise the purchasing power of different currencies, by eliminating the differences in price levels between countries. So, statement 1 is correct.
  • According to the Economic Survey 2022-23, India is the third-largest economy in the world in PPP (purchasing power parity) terms and; 5th largest in terms of the exchange rate. So, statement 2 is correct.

Q5. Consider the following statements regarding International Solar Alliance.

1. A treaty-based international intergovernmental organization, International Solar Alliance (ISA), aims at mobilizing more than USD 1000 billion of investment needed by 2030 for the massive deployment of solar energy.
2. It was established by the joint efforts of France and India.
3. Only countries lying between the tropics are eligible for ISA membership.

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: (A)

Explanation:

  • A treaty-based international intergovernmental organization, International Solar Alliance (ISA), aims at mobilizing more than USD 1000 billion of investment needed by 2030 for the massive deployment of solar energy.
  • Thus statement 1 is correct.
  • ISA was established by France and India.
  • Hence statement 2 is also correct.
  • Any country can apply for ISA membership.
  • Thus statement 3 is NOT correct.