Daily Current Affairs MCQs for UPSC IAS Prelims - 14 Mar 2023

Welcome to the RAYACADEMY Daily Current Affairs MCQs! Our focus is to provide you with engaging and informative questions that primarily revolve around current affairs, derived from reliable sources such as 'The Hindu', 'Indian Express', and 'PIB'. Our MCQs test your understanding of factual and conceptual knowledge, which is essential for cracking the UPSC IAS and State PCS prelim exams.

Below are some of Today's Current Affairs MCQs. We hope you make the most of this initiative and wish you all the best in your preparation.

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Q1. What is the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI)?

A) It is a global organization dedicated to promoting peace and non-violence through advocacy and lobbying efforts.

B) It is a Swedish research institute focused on the study of conflict, armaments, and disarmament.

C) It is an intergovernmental organization that facilitates negotiations and peace agreements between nations.

D) It is a non-profit organization that provides humanitarian aid and support to conflict-affected regions.

Answer: B)

Explanation: The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) is an independent international research institute based in Stockholm, Sweden. It was founded in 1966 with the aim of studying conflict, armaments, and disarmament, and its research focuses on areas such as arms control, peace operations, nuclear disarmament, and military expenditure. SIPRI is known for its annual publication, the SIPRI Yearbook, which provides authoritative data and analysis on global military spending and armaments. The institute is funded by the Swedish government, research grants, and donations from private organizations.

Q2.What are Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Regulations?

1) It is a framework that helps stakeholders understand how an organization is managing risks and opportunities related to environmental, social, and governance criteria.

2) It is a set of regulations that mandate organizations to disclose their environmental impact and social practices.

3) It is a certification program that recognizes organizations that excel in environmental and social sustainability.

4) It is a framework that assesses an organization's financial performance based on its environmental and social practices.

A)1 only

B)1 & 2 only

C)3 only

D)All of the above

Answer: A)

Explanation: Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Regulations are a framework that helps stakeholders understand how an organization is managing risks and opportunities related to environmental, social and governance criteria. The ESG criteria can help organizations to improve their sustainability and create long-term value for their stakeholders.

The Environmental criteria refer to an organization's environmental impact(s) and risk management practices. It includes direct and indirect greenhouse gas emissions, management's stewardship over natural resources, etc.

The Social criteria refer to an organization's relationships with stakeholders. Examples of the metrics that a firm may be measured against include human capital management (HCM) metrics (like fair wages and employee engagement) and the organization's impact on the communities in which it operates.

The Governance criteria refer to an organization's internal governance and control practices.

Q3.Which of the following countries allowed same-sex marriages through legislation?

A) Australia

B) Argentina

C) Germany

D) All of the above

Answer: D)

Explanation: The countries that allow same-sex marriages through legislation are Australia, Ireland, Switzerland, Argentina, Canada, and Germany. Australia, Ireland, and Switzerland all passed laws recognizing same-sex marriage following a nationwide referendum. Argentina became the first Latin American country and the 10th country in the world to allow same-sex marriages nationwide in 2010. Same-sex couples in Canada have enjoyed the legal benefits of marriage since 1999, when the federal and provincial governments extended marriages under the Common Law to LGBTQ couples. Germany became the 15th European country to allow same-sex couples to wed in 2017. All of these countries passed laws that formalize the recognition of LGBTQ marriages.

Q4.Which country is set to become the seventh nation to graduate from the United Nations’ (UN) list of Least Developed Countries (LDC)?

A) Nepal

B) Bhutan

C) Bangladesh

D) Sri Lanka

Answer: B) Bhutan

Explanation: Bhutan is set to become the seventh nation to graduate from the United Nations (UN) list of Least Developed Countries (LDC) on December 13th of this year. This means that Bhutan's indicators of socioeconomic development have improved, meeting the criteria set by the UN for graduation from the LDC list. Bhutan is a mountainous, landlocked country that is consistently ranked as one of the happiest in the world.

Q5.What is the primary objective of the Suspension of Operations (SoO) pact between the Government of India, the Government of Manipur and Kuki insurgent groups in Manipur?

A) To grant independence to the Kuki community in Manipur

B) To establish a Kukiland state with separate legislative and administrative powers

C) To initiate political dialogue between the government and the Kuki insurgent groups

D) To provide rehabilitation and financial assistance to the Kuki insurgent groups

Answer: C)

Explanation: The primary objective of the Suspension of Operations (SoO) pact signed between the Government of India, the Government of Manipur and Kuki insurgent groups in Manipur on August 22, 2008, is to initiate political dialogue. The pact is aimed at bringing peace to the region by providing a platform for talks between the government and the insurgent groups. The Kuki outfits who were initially demanding a separate Kuki state have come down to a ‘Kukiland territorial council’, which would have financial and administrative powers independent of the Manipur Assembly and government. The pact also includes provisions for the confinement of militant cadres in designated camps identified by the government, arms control, and financial assistance to the insurgent groups as a part of their rehabilitation package.