Current Affairs MCQs for UPSC & State PSC Exams (18 August 2023)

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

Date: 18 August 2023

1. With reference to Aatmanirbhar Bharat Rojgar Yojana (ABRY), consider the following statements:

1. ABRY has been launched in 2022 by Ministry of Labour & Employment as part of Atmanirbhar Bharat package 3.0.
2. It aims to incentivize employers for creation of new employment and restoration of loss of employment during Covid-19 pandemic.
3. It was being implemented through Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO).

How many of the above statements is/are correct?

(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None

Answer: (B)

Explanation:

  • Government has fallen short of its target for employment generation in formal sector under ABRY. ABRY has been launched in 2020 by Ministry of Labour & Employment as part of Atmanirbhar Bharat package 3.0. Hence, statement 1 is incorrect.
  • It aims to incentivize employers for creation of new employment and restoration of loss of employment during Covid-19 pandemic. It intends to reduce the financial burden of employers and encourages them to hire more workers. It was being implemented through Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO). Hence, statement 2 and 3 are correct.

2. Consider the following statements, with reference to Pong Dam:

1. It is the highest earth fill dam in India that has been declared as Ramsar Site in 2002.
2. Pong Dam is a manmade reservoir. It was constructed in 1975 on river Beas in wetland of Shivalik hills of Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh.

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: Pong Dam is a manmade reservoir. It was constructed in 1975 on river Beas in wetland of Shivalik hills of Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh. In 1983, entire reservoir was declared as Wildlife Sanctuary. It is the highest earth fill dam in India. Pong Dam Lake has been declared as Ramsar Site in 2002. Hence, both statements are correct.

3. Recently, President Droupadi Murmu launched Vindhyagiri for Indian navy, which one of the following is the best description of ‘Vindhyagiri’?

(a) Stealth frigates
(b) Nuclear-powered submarine
(c) Torpedo launch and recovery vessel
(d) Nuclear-powered aircraft carrier

Answer: (A)

Explanation: Recently, President Droupadi Murmu launched the advanced stealth frigate ‘Vindhyagiri’ for the Indian Navy in Kolkata and said its rollout was a step towards achieving the goal of an ‘atmanirbhar Bharat’ (self-reliant India) through indigenous shipbuilding. The ship was built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Ltd’s (GRSE) facility at Kolkata under Project 17A frigate. According to officials, the P17A ships are guided missile frigates. “They are 149 metres long, with a displacement of approximately 6,670 tonnes and a speed of 28 knots. These ships are capable of neutralising threats in all three dimensions of air, surface and sub-surface. Hence, option (a) is correct.

4. Operation Jericho, recently seen in the news is related to:

(a) Operation by Mizo National Front (MNF) to take control of Aizawl
(b) Operation by Indian Air Force (IAF) that quelled the rebels in Mizoram
(c) Operation by Assam Rifles (AR) to quell Manipur violence
(d) Operation by Indian Army to save border people in Gujarat

Answer: (A)

Explanation: The Mizo National Front uprising was a revolt against the government of India aimed at establishing a sovereign nation state for the Mizo people, which started on February 1966. Operation Jericho was launched by Mizo National Front (MNF) to take control of Aizawl during a separatist movement led by Mizo National Front (MNF) in 1966. Mizo National Front (MNF) captured the Aizawl. Operation Jericho was quelled by Indian Air Force after the failure of Assam Riffles and Indian Army. Hence, option (a) is correct.

5. Consider the following statements, with reference to Kola Peninsula:

1. The Kola Peninsula is a landlocked region located within the African continent.
2. Murmansk port is situated in southern Russia, along the Black Sea coast.
3. The Northern Sea Route (NSR) is a waterway that runs along the southern coast of Africa, connecting the Indian Ocean to the Atlantic Ocean.

How many of the above statements is/are correct?

(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None

Answer: (D)

Explanation: Kola Peninsula is a peninsula in the extreme northwest of Russia and one of the largest peninsulas of Europe. Murmansk port is located in northwestern Russia, on the Kola Peninsula, near the Barents Sea and the Arctic Ocean. NSR connects the eastern and western parts of the Arctic Ocean. It is the shortest shipping route connecting the western part of Eurasia and the Asia-Pacific region. Hence, all statements are incorrect.