Current Affairs MCQs Quiz for UPSC, IAS, UPPSC/UPPCS, MPPSC. BPSC, RPSC & All State PSC Exams
Date: 03 July 2023
1. With reference to Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP), consider the following statements:
1. It aims to reduce emissions in the energy sector and
accelerate the coal phase-out process.
2. Singapore has become the fourth country to sign the JETP deal after South
Africa, Indonesia, and India.
3. JETP was launched at COP26 with support from the UK, US, France, Germany, and
the EU.
How many of the above statements is/are correct?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None
Answer: (B)
Explanation:
- Just Energy Transition refers to the shift from reliance on non-renewable, fossil fuel-based energy sources to renewable, clean energy sources in order to mitigate the impacts of climate change and promote sustainability. The transition to a just energy system seeks to ensure that access to energy is equitable and benefits all members of society, rather than primarily benefiting corporations and the wealthy. It aims to reduce emissions in the energy sector and accelerate the coal phase-out process. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
- Senegal has become the fourth country to sign the JET-P deal after South Africa, Indonesia, and Vietnam. India has not ratified the deal. Hence, statement 2 is incorrect.
- JETP was launched at COP26 with support from the UK, US, France, Germany, and the EU. The G7 has also announced a similar partnership for India, Indonesia, Senegal, and Vietnam. India argues for equal terms in energy transition discussions, stating that coal should not be singled out as a polluting fuel. Hence, statement 3 is correct.
2. Aspartame is an artificial sweetener sold in the market. Recently, The World Health Organization's (WHO) declared that Aspartame is potentially carcinogenic to humans. Consider the following statements with reference to Aspartame:
1. Aspartame is as sweet as table sugar, but unlike table
sugar, it is not readily oxidized in human body due to lack of requisite
enzymes.
2. Aspartame is several times sweeter than table sugar; hence food items made
with small quantities of aspartame yield fewer calories on oxidation.
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: (B)
Explanation:
- Recently, the cancer research arm of the World Health Organization (WHO), the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), is reportedly set to list the artificial sweetener aspartame as “possibly carcinogenic to humans.” Aspartame is widely used as a sugar substitute in various food and beverage products, including diet soft drinks, chewing gum, and breakfast cereals.
- Aspartame is several times sweeter than table sugar. Hence, food items made with small quantities of aspartame yield fewer calories on oxidation. This makes it an attractive option for people who want to reduce their calorie intake. Aspartame is readily oxidized outside the body, but it is not oxidized in the body due to lack of requisite enzymes. This means that the sweet taste of aspartame remains even after ingestion, but it does not yield any calories. Hence, statement 1 is incorrect.
- Aspartame is several times sweeter than table sugar; hence food items made with small quantities of aspartame yield fewer calories on oxidation. It is composed of two amino acids, phenylalanine and aspartic acid, combined with a small amount of methanol. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
3. Consider the following statements regarding Nano Urea:
1. Urea is a chemical nitrogen fertiliser, white in colour,
which artificially provides nitrogen, a major nutrient required by plants.
2. It reduces the requirement of conventional urea by 100%.
3. India is the first country globally to start commercial production of Nano
Urea.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (C)
Explanation:
- Recently, the Chemical and Fertilizer Ministry announced plans to establish nine Nano Urea plants across the country by 2025. The establishment of nine Nano Urea plants is part of a larger goal to achieve self-reliance in urea production and reduce dependence on imports. Urea is a chemical nitrogen fertiliser, white in colour, which artificially provides nitrogen, a major nutrient required by plants. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
- Nano Urea Liquid is a nutrient to provide nitrogen to plants as an alternative to conventional urea. It reduces the requirement of conventional Urea by 50% or more. Hence, statement 2 is incorrect.
- It has been developed and patented by the Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative Limited (IFFCO). IFFCO Nano Urea is the only nano fertilizer approved by the Government of India and included in the Fertilizer Control Order (FCO). India has become the first country globally to start commercial production of Nano Urea. Hence, statement 3 is correct.
4. Diversity for Restoration (D4R), often seen in the news, is associated with which of the following?
(a) Initiative of government to restore people displaced by
Biparjoy cyclone.
(b) Programme by United Nations for restoration of mangroves along the coasts in
Pacific Countries.
(c) It is the initiative of the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment to
provide skilled employment to tribal people.
(d) It is a tool that aids in agro forestry and systematic restoration of the
ecosystem.
Answer: (D)
Explanation: Diversity for Restoration (D4R) is a tool that enables appropriate agro forestry and aids systematic ecosystem restoration. Diversity for Restoration (D4R) tool was devised by Bioversity International. It was later modified by Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment (ATREE) to adapt it to the Indian context. The tool will help improve the effectiveness of restoration programmes by providing manifold benefits to interested stakeholders while promoting sustainable development. The online tool precisely aims to help better decision-making and bring the best outcome for those plantation programmes. The tool helps the user in identifying species that match their restoration objectives. The tool has information about 100 plant functional traits that have been considered to offer the best possible solution. Hence, option (d) is correct.
5. Consider the following statements with reference, to Credit Information Companies (CICs):
1. CICs are companies registered under the Companies Act,
1956.
2. CICs collect public data, credit transactions & payment histories of
companies only.
3. Both banks & Non-banking financial institutions refer to the CIC’s report
before granting loan or credit card.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None
Answer: (B)
Explanation:
- “Credit Information Company” means a company formed and registered under the Companies Act, 1956. CICs otherwise called as Credit Information Bureaus have details about all the creditors and borrowers in the financial system. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
- CICs maintain credit information of borrowers (including individuals, corporate, SMEs) which can be accessed by banks and other lending institutions. CICs collect public data, credit transactions & payment histories of both individuals and companies. Hence, statement 2 is incorrect.
- Both banks & Non-banking financial institutions refer to the CIC’s report before granting loan or credit card. Unlike banks, people don’t have direct access to CICs’ database. They rate the borrowers in a scale of 300-900 with 900 being the highest rating. The companies often need to update the information so that the default player if subsequently makes the repayment their scale should be increased accordingly. Banks and finance companies normally take decision on the rating given by the credit bureaus. Hence, statement 3 is correct.
