Current Affairs MCQs for UPSC & State PSC Exams (30 March 2023)

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

Date: 30 March 2023

Q1. Consider the following statements about Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanisation.

1. It was launched by the Ministry of Rural Development.
2. It was launched with the objectives of increasing the reach of farm mechanization to small and marginal farmers and to the regions & difficult areas where farm power availability is low.

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: (B)

Explanation:

About Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanization (SMAM)

  • The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare has launched a Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanization (SMAM) in 2014-15. (Hence statement 1 is incorrect).
  • It was launched with the objectives of increasing the reach of farm mechanization to small and marginal farmers and to the regions & difficult areas where farm power availability is low. (Hence statement 2 is correct).

Additional information

  • For strengthening of agricultural mechanization in the country and to bring more inclusiveness Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanization (SMAM) has been introduced with the main objectives of are to promote ‘Custom Hiring Centres’ and ‘Hi-tech Hubs of High-Value Machines’ to offset the adverse economies of scale arising due to small and fragmented landholding and high cost of individual ownership; Creating awareness among stakeholders through demonstration and capacity building activities and ensuring performance testing and certification of agricultural machines at designated testing centres located all over the country.

Solution. As only the 2nd statement is correct, the correct option is (b).

Q2. With reference to provisions of reservation in the Indian Constitution, consider the following statements:

1. The Constitution provides for the reservation of seats in the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.
2. The Constitution provides for the reservation of seats in the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies for religious minorities.
3. The Constitution provides for the reservation of seats in the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies for economically weaker sections of society.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

a) 1 only
b) 1 and 2 only
c) 1 and 3 only
d) 1, 2, and 3

Answer: (A)

Explanation:

  • The Constitution of India provides for the reservation of seats in the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes under Article 330 and Article 332 respectively. Thus, statement 1 is correct.
  • There is no provision for the reservation of seats for religious minorities or economically weaker sections of society in the Parliament or State Legislative Assemblies. Thus, statements 2 and 3 are incorrect.

Q3. Consider the following statements: [UPSC CSE Pre 2016]

1. The Sustainable Development Goals were first proposed in 1972 by a global think tank called the ‘Club of Rome’.
2. The Sustainable Development Goals have to be achieved by 2030.

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: (B)

Explanation:

  • Sustainable Development denotes “development which meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs”.
  • This most widely accepted definition of Sustainable Development was given by the Brundtland Commission in its report Our Common Future (1987).
  • Therefore, statement 1 is NOT correct.
  • The Sustainable Development Goals have to be achieved by 2030.
  • Thus statement 2 is correct.

Q4. Consider the following Statements.

1. The Energy sector is the biggest contributor to greenhouse gasses in India.
2. Nitrous Oxide has higher global warming potential than Carbon dioxide gas.
3. India is the second highest greenhouse gas emitter behind China.

Select the correct Statement(s) using the code given below.

a) 1 and 2 only
b) 2 and 3 only
c) 1 and 3 only
d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: (A)

Explanation:

  • In India, Highest GHG emissions come from the energy sector (~69%), followed by agriculture, industrial processes.
  • Thus statement 1 is correct.
  • Global warming potential (GWP) is the heat absorbed by any greenhouse gas in the atmosphere, as a multiple of the heat that would be absorbed by the same mass of carbon dioxide (CO2).
  • Nitrous Oxide has higher global warming potential than Carbon dioxide gas.
  • Hence statement 2 is correct.
  • India is the third highest greenhouse gas emitter behind China and the United States.
  • Thus statement 3 is NOT correct.

Q5. Consider the following statements:

1. China is home to the world’s largest onshore wind farm.
2. Onshore wind power refers to wind turbines constructed and situated on the land.

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:

  • China is home to the world’s largest onshore wind farm. Statement 1 is correct.
  • Onshore wind power refers to wind turbines constructed and situated on the land. Statement 2 is correct.