Daily Current Affairs MCQs for UPSC IAS Prelims - 16 May 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 right to statutory bail, often known as default bail?

a) The right of an accused person to be released on bail without any conditions.

b) The right of an accused person to be released on bail when the investigating agency fails to complete its investigation within the stipulated time.

c) The right of an accused person to be released on bail after completing a specific period of imprisonment.

d) The right of an accused person to be released on bail if the court finds insufficient evidence against them.

Answer: b

Explanation: The right to statutory bail, commonly referred to as default bail, is a legal provision that allows an accused person to be released on bail when the investigating agency fails to complete its investigation within the time limit prescribed by law. It is a safeguard to prevent the indefinite detention of an accused person without a fair and speedy trial. This right ensures that an accused person is not deprived of their liberty for an extended period solely due to delays in the investigation process. Once the stipulated time for investigation expires, the accused person becomes entitled to default bail, which means they can be released on bail as a matter of right, subject to certain conditions specified by the court. This provision upholds the principle of presumption of innocence until proven guilty and ensures that the accused person's right to personal liberty is protected.

Q2. According to the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 (PoSH) Act, which of the following organizations fall within the purview of the Act?

a) Only traditional office-based organizations.

b) Only public sector organizations in India.

c) All public and private sector organizations throughout India.

d) Only non-traditional workplaces such as factories and construction sites.

Answer: c

Explanation: The Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 (PoSH) Act defines sexual harassment to include unwelcome acts such as physical contact and sexual advances, a demand or request for sexual favours, making sexually coloured remarks, showing pornography, and any other unwelcome physical, verbal or non-verbal conduct of a sexual nature. Under the Act, an employee is defined not just in accordance with the company law. All women employees, whether employed regularly, temporarily, contractually, on an ad hoc or daily wage basis, as apprentices or interns or even employed without the knowledge of the principal employer, can seek redressal to sexual harassment in the workplace. The law expands the definition of ‘workplace’ beyond traditional offices to include all kinds of organisations across sectors, even non-traditional workplaces. It applies to all public and private sector organisations throughout India.

Q3. Which of the following statements is/are correct regarding the Aadhaar-enabled Payment System (AePS)?

1. The AePS is a bank-led model that enables online financial transactions at Point-of-Sale (PoS) devices and micro ATMs of any bank using Aadhaar authentication.

2. The AePS model eliminates the need for OTPs, bank accounts, and other financial details while allowing fund transfers using only the bank name, Aadhaar number, and fingerprint captured during Aadhaar enrolment.

3. Users who wish to receive any benefit or subsidy under schemes notified under section 7 of the Aadhaar Act have to mandatorily submit their Aadhaar number to the banking service provider.

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

a. 1 and 2 only

b. 2 and 3 only

c. 1 and 3 only

d. 1, 2, and 3

Answer: d

Explanation:

The Aadhaar-enabled Payment System (AePS) is a bank-led model that allows online financial transactions at Point-of-Sale (PoS) devices and micro ATMs of any bank using Aadhaar authentication. The model eliminates the need for OTPs, bank accounts, and other financial details while allowing fund transfers using only the bank name, Aadhaar number, and fingerprint captured during Aadhaar enrolment.

Users who wish to receive any benefit or subsidy under schemes notified under section 7 of the Aadhaar Act have to mandatorily submit their Aadhaar number to the banking service provider. Therefore, statement 3 is correct.

As the AePS model enables online financial transactions using Aadhaar authentication and eliminates the need for OTPs, bank accounts, and other financial details, both statements 1 and 2 are correct.

Q4. Which of the following statements is/are correct regarding the United Nations Statistical Commission?

1. The United Nations Statistical Commission was established in 1947 and serves as the highest decision-making body for international statistical activities.

2. The commission is responsible for setting statistical standards, developing concepts and methods, and overseeing the work of the United Nations Statistics Division.

3. India has been elected to the UN Statistical Commission for a four-year term beginning on January 1, 2024.

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

a. 1 and 2 only

b. 2 and 3 only

c. 1 and 3 only

d. 1, 2, and 3

Answer: d

Explanation:

The United Nations Statistical Commission, established in 1947, is indeed the highest body of the global statistical system. It brings together the Chief Statisticians from member states worldwide. Therefore, statement 1 is correct.

The commission serves as the highest decision-making body for international statistical activities. It is responsible for setting statistical standards, developing concepts and methods, and overseeing the work of the United Nations Statistics Division (UNSD). Hence, statement 2 is correct.

India's election to the UN Statistical Commission for a four-year term beginning on January 1, 2024, is also accurate. Therefore, statement 3 is correct.

Q5. Which of the following statements is/are correct regarding the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC)?

1. ONDC is an initiative aimed at promoting open networks for all aspects of the exchange of goods and services over digital or electronic networks.

2. ONDC is based on open-sourced methodology, using open specifications and open network protocols independent of any specific platform.

3. ONDC is being developed as a counter to the current duopoly in the Indian e-commerce market dominated by Amazon and Walmart-owned Flipkart.

4. The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) conducted a test run of ONDC in multiple cities, including Delhi-NCR, Bengaluru, Coimbatore, Bhopal, and Shillong, where it plans to onboard 150 sellers.

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

a. 1 and 2 only

b. 2 and 3 only

c. 1, 3, and 4 only

d. 1, 2, 3, and 4

Answer: d

Explanation:

The Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) is an initiative aimed at promoting open networks for all aspects of exchanging goods and services over digital or electronic networks. Therefore, statement 1 is correct.

ONDC is based on open-sourced methodology, which means it utilizes open specifications and open network protocols that are independent of any specific platform. This ensures a more inclusive and accessible digital commerce environment. Hence, statement 2 is correct.

ONDC is being developed as a counter to the current duopoly in the Indian e-commerce market, which is largely influenced by Amazon and Walmart-owned Flipkart. The initiative seeks to create a more competitive and diverse marketplace. Therefore, statement 3 is correct.

In May 2022, the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) conducted a test run of ONDC in various cities, including Delhi-NCR, Bengaluru, Coimbatore, Bhopal, and Shillong. The purpose of this test run was to assess the viability and functionality of the initiative. Additionally, the plan is to onboard 150 sellers onto the ONDC platform in these cities. Hence, statement 4 is correct.