Current Affairs MCQ for UPSC Exams - 17 December 2019

Q1. In sync with the Government’s commitment for ‘Ease of doing business’, theMinistry of Coalhas decided to simplify the process of clearance for Coal Mining Projects.

Which of the following statements regarding the same stands true ?

1) The Ministry of Coal has re-engineeredthe Mining Plan preparation and approval process. This is likely to slash the approval period substantially from existing 120 days to about 90 days.
2) The proposed simplified guidelines and format not only reduce the mining plan formulation time but also make the document lighter and easier to comprehend. This will further facilitate hosting the soft copy in an accessible data base.
3) To ensure the quality of preparation of Mining Plan, Government approved accrediting body will accredit agency(s) consisting a team of multi-disciplinary background, which will be recognised for preparation of mining plan and for certification.

a) 1 & 2 only
b) 2 & 3 only
c) 1 & 3 only
d) all of the above

Q2. Which of the following includes the recommendations given by the High Level Committee (HLC) to the Supreme Court to control air pollution in Delhi and NCR ?

1) The committee recommended the use of photocatalytic paints, which can remove pollutants from the air in the presence of sunlight and ultraviolet (UV) rays.
2) It recommends use of Anti­smog gun is a devicethat sprays nebulised water droplets into the air through high pressure propellers, which help particles to settle down.
3) The HLC has also suggested that a pilot project of “smog tower” could be employed.
4) HLC also recommended using of wireless sensors and laser methods for monitoring pollution.

a) 1 & 2 only
b) 2 & 4 only
c) All of the above
d) 1 & 3 only

Q3. The Supreme Court today said that states would have to set up two designated courts in districts where the number of pending cases of child abuse under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act is more than 300.

Which of the following statements regarding the provisions of the POCSO act stands true ?

1) Under the Act, a person is guilty of using a child for pornographic purposes if he uses a child in any form of media for the purpose of sexual gratification. The Act also penalises persons who use children for pornographic purposes resulting in sexual assault.
2) The Bill adds two more offences to definition of aggravated sexual assault. These include: (i) assault committed during natural calamity and (ii) administrating or help in administering any chemical substance or any hormone to child for the purpose of attaining early sexual maturity.
3) The POCSO amendment act 2018 provides for establishment of fast track courts for conducting trials of rape and murder cases with respect to children as well.

a) 1 & 2 only
b) 2 & 3 only
c) 1 & 3 only
d) all of the above

Q4. Which of the following statements regarding the recently adopted European Green Deal (climate neutrality plan ) by the European union stands true ?

1) The Climate Neutrality Plan by the European Union is a key commitment under 2015 Paris Agreement on Climate Change. It is a 100 billion Euro plan for net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2030.
2) Climate Neutrality means emissions will have no impact on climate. It also includes warming effects that do not come from carbon.
3) The plan is important as the EU bloc that comprises of 28 countries is the third largest economic bloc after China and US in contributions to climate change.

a) 1 & 2 only
b) 2 & 3 only
c) 1 & 3 only
d) all of the above

Q5. “White Island volcano” is a stratovolcano, a classic cone-shaped volcano, like Stromboli in the Mediterranean, Mount St. Helens in Washington and Vesuvius, brooding above Naples, Italy. These volcanoes form along the tectonic boundaries where the Earth's oceanic plates are forced down below continental plates.

The white island volcano which erupted recently is part of which of the following countries?

a) United States
b) Alaska
c) New Zealand
d) Peru

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Answer :

1. (b) 2. (c) 3. (a) 4. (b) 5.(c)