Current Affairs MCQs for UPSC & State PSC Exams (23 March 2023)

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

Date: 23 March 2023

Q1. Which of the following is NOT a manifestation of discrimination in society?

a) Reducing opportunities for certain individuals based on their caste or religion.
b) Refusing to rent a house to someone based on their sexual orientation.
c) Providing equal opportunities to all individuals regardless of their socio-economic background.
d) Treating individuals differently based on their physical abilities.

Answer: (C)

Explanation:

  • Discrimination refers to treating individuals or groups differently based on certain characteristics such as race, gender, religion, caste, etc. Options (a), (b), and (d) are all manifestations of discrimination as they involve treating individuals differently based on their caste, sexual orientation, or physical abilities respectively.
  • However, providing equal opportunities to all individuals regardless of their socio-economic background is not a manifestation of discrimination, but rather an effort to overcome discrimination and create a more equitable society. Therefore, the correct answer is (c).

Q2. Consider the following statements:

1. Galathea National Park is located on the Great Nicobar Island.
2. Sentinelese tribes are indigenous to Great Nicobar Island.
3. Ten Degree Channel separates Andaman and Nicobar Island.

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) All of the above

Answer: (C)

Explanation:

  • Campbell Bay National Park and Galathea National Park are two national parks present in the Great Nicobar Biosphere Reserve.
  • Thus, statement 1 is correct.
  • The tribes of the Islands belong to two different races.
  • The Andamanese, Jarawas, Onges and the Sentinelese living in the Andaman group of islands belong to the Negrito group while the Nicobarese and Shompens, living in Nicobar Islands belong to the Mongoloid group.
  • So statement 2 is NOT correct.
  • Ten Degree Channel separates Andaman and Nicobar Island.
  • Therefore, statement 3 is correct.

Q3. Consider the following statements:

1. Among the Indian States, Madhya Pradesh has the maximum carbon stock in forests (1023.84 million tonnes), followed by Arunachal Pradesh (609.25 million tonnes).
2. India ranks third globally with respect to the net gain in average annual forest area between 2010 and 2020.

Which of the above statements is/are Not correct?

a) 1 Only
b) 2 Only
c) Both 1 and 2
d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: (A)

Explanation:

  • Among the Indian States, Arunachal Pradesh has the maximum carbon stock in forests (1023.84 million tonnes), followed by Madhya Pradesh (609.25 million tonnes). Statement 1 is not correct.
  • The country ranks third globally with respect to the net gain in average annual forest area between 2010 and 2020. Statement 2 is correct.

Q4. Consider the following statements about PMGDISHA

1. Pradhan Mantri Gramin Digital Saksharta Abhiyaan is the scheme to make 60 crore persons in rural areas, across States/UTs, digitally literate, reaching to around 40% of rural households
2. The Scheme aims to bridge the digital divide, specifically targeting the rural population including the marginalised sections of society like Scheduled Castes (SC) / Scheduled Tribes (ST) and Minorities only.

Which of the following option(s) is/are incorrect?

a) 1 only
b) 2 only
c) Both 1 and 2
d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: (C)

Explanation:

Objective of PMGDISHA:

  • Making one person in every family digitally literate is one of the integral components of the Prime Minister’s vision of “Digital India”.Pradhan Mantri Gramin Digital Saksharta Abhiyaan is the scheme to make six crore persons in rural areas, across States/UTs, digitally literate, reaching to around 40% of rural households by covering one member from every eligible household. (Hence option 1 is incorrect).
  • The Scheme would empower the citizens in rural areas by training them to operate computer or digital access devices (like tablets, smart phones etc.), send and receive e-mails, browse Internet, access Government services, search for information, undertake digital payment etc. and hence enable them to use the Information Technology and related applications especially Digital Payments to actively participate in the process of nation building.
  • The Scheme aims to bridge the digital divide, specifically targeting the rural population including the marginalised sections of society like Scheduled Castes (SC) / Scheduled Tribes (ST), Minorities, Below Poverty Line (BPL), women and differently-abled persons and minorities. (Hence option 2 is incorrect).

Solution1: As both the statements are incorrect. The Correct option is (c)

Q5. What is a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA)?

a) A legal agreement between a buyer and a seller for the sale and purchase of electricity.
b) A contract between a landlord and a tenant for the rental of power equipment.
c) An agreement between a company and its employees for the payment of electricity bills.
d) A regulatory requirement for the installation of renewable energy systems.

Answer: (A)

Explanation: A Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) often refers to a long-term electricity supply agreement between two parties, usually between a power producer and a customer (an electricity consumer or trader). The PPA defines the conditions of the agreement, such as the amount of electricity to be supplied, negotiated prices, accounting, and penalties for non-compliance. Since it is a bilateral agreement, a PPA can take many forms and is usually tailored to the specific application.

Solution. As statement A is correct, Hence the correct option is (a).