Current Affairs MCQs for UPSC & State PSC Exams (22 July 2023)

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

Date: 22 July 2023

1. What is the purpose of IMD's Experimental Heat Index launched on an experimental basis in India?

(a) To measure the impact of humidity on high temperatures in Antarctica.
(b) To offer guidance on precautions to alleviate discomfort caused by high temperatures and humidity.
(c) To implement color-coded weather alerts for cyclones in the Northern Indian Ocean region.
(d) To forecast weather conditions for different cities in India.

Answer: (B)

Explanation: The heat index is a measure of how hot it feels when humidity is factored in. It is used to provide guidance on precautions to alleviate discomfort caused by high temperatures and humidity. So the purpose of the IMD's Experimental Heat Index is to offer guidance on precautions to alleviate discomfort caused by high temperatures and humidity.

2. Consider the following statements about Women Empowerment Index:

1. It is developed by UN Women and UNESCO.
2. It includes 5 dimensions of which one is freedom from any type of violence.
3. SDG-10 focuses on creating Gender Equality.

How many of the above statements are correct?

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

Answer: (A)

Explanation:

  • The Women's Empowerment Index (WEI) is a comprehensive and significant composite index jointly developed by UN Women and UNDP. Hence statement 1 is incorrect.
  • It serves as a powerful tool for measuring and assessing women's empowerment in multiple dimensions. The WEI takes into account five key aspects that are crucial for women's progress: life and good health, education, skill-building and knowledge, labour and financial inclusion, participation in decision-making, and freedom from violence. Hence statement 2 is correct.
  • By capturing the power and freedom of women to make choices and seize opportunities in their lives, the index provides a valuable framework for evidence-based policymaking. It plays a pivotal role in monitoring the government's efforts and progress towards achieving Sustainable Development Goal 5 (SDG5) on gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls. Hence Statement 3 is incorrect.

3. Consider the following statements regarding the working of Rajya Sabha:

1. Rule 267 of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in the Council of States Rajya Sabha allows for suspension of debates but not the bills to be presented.
2. The duration of short-duration discussion is thirty minutes.
3. Formal voting is required when the Rule 176 comes in action.

How many of the above statements are correct?

(A) Only one
(B) Only two
(C) All three
(D) None

Answer: (A)

Explanation:

  • Rule 267 allows for the suspension of all business listed for the day, including bills. This means that if a motion is moved under Rule 267 and is carried, the Rajya Sabha can suspend all other business and discuss the matter raised by the member. This includes bills that are scheduled to be presented or discussed that day. Hence statement 1 is incorrect.
  • The duration of short-duration discussion under Rule 176 of the Rajya Sabha is thirty minutes. This means that the member who has given notice under Rule 176 can speak for up to thirty minutes, and the Minister who is responsible for the matter can speak for up to thirty minutes. There is no formal voting under a short-duration discussion. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
  • There is no formal voting required when Rule 176 comes in action. The Chairman of the Rajya Sabha has the discretion to decide whether or not to allow the motion to be moved under Rule 176. If the motion is allowed, then the matter will be discussed for thirty minutes, and there will be no formal voting. Hence, statement3 is incorrect.

4. Consider the following statements about Bacteriophages:

1. Bacteriophages are bacteria with DNA or RNA as genetic material.
2. Bacteriophages are harmless to human cells and some of them can be used as alternatives to antibiotics.
3. They were discovered by Frederick W. Twort in Great Britain (1915).
4. Bacteriophages are said to the reason of non-contaminated water of River Ganga.

How many of the above statements are correct?

(A) Only one
(B) Only two
(C) Only three
(D) All four

Answer: (A)

Explanation:

  • Bacteriophages are not bacteria. They are viruses that infect bacteria. They have DNA or RNA as genetic material, but they are not bacteria themselves. Hence, statement 1 is incorrect.
  • Some bacteriophages are harmless to human cells and can be used as alternatives to antibiotics. However, other bacteriophages can be harmful to human cells. Hence, statement 2 is incorrect.
  • Bacteriophages were discovered by Frederick W. Twort in Great Britain (1915). However, the term "bacteriophage" was coined by Félix d'Herelle in 1917. Hence, statement 3 is correct.
  • Bacteriophages are not the reason for the non-contaminated water of River Ganga. The non-contaminated water of River Ganga is due to a combination of factors, including the high flow rate of the river, the presence of sand and gravel in the riverbed, and the presence of certain minerals in the water. Hence, statement 4 is incorrect.

5. Which of the following is the Nodal ministry of National Disaster Response Force?

(A) Ministry of Cooperation
(B) Ministry of Home Affairs
(C) Ministry of Defence
(D) Ministry of Civil Aviation

Answer: (B)

Explanation: The modal ministry of National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) is the Ministry of Home Affairs. The NDRF was formed in 2006 under the Ministry of Home Affairs, and it is responsible for responding to natural disasters and other emergencies. The NDRF has 12 battalions, each with about 1,100 personnel. The NDRF is equipped with specialized equipment for search and rescue, and it has been deployed to respond to disasters in India and abroad.