Daily Current Affairs MCQs for UPSC IAS Prelims - 25 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.

---

Q1. What is the significance of the 'Sengol' in the context of India's independence?

a) It represents the transfer of power from British to Indian hands.

b) It is a historic symbol of Tamil Nadu's cultural heritage.

c) It is a ceremonial sceptre used during religious processions.

d) It signifies the authority of Lord Mountbatten as the last British Viceroy.

Answer: a

Explanation: The 'Sengol' holds great significance in the context of India's independence. During the ceremony symbolizing the transfer of power from British to Indian hands, C. Rajagopalachari suggested using the 'Sengol' followed by Cholas. On the night of August 14, 1947, Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of independent India, received the 'Sengol' from the priest of the Thiruvaduthurai Adheenam (Mutt) in Tamil Nadu. This moment marked the exact time of India's independence and the transfer of power. The 'Sengol' is a historic sceptre measuring five feet in length, with a 'Nandi' bull on top. The word 'Sengol' is derived from the Tamil word 'Semmai,' which means 'Righteousness.' It symbolizes power and represents the authority of the recipient to rule justly and fairly. The 'Sengol' was later kept in a museum in Allahabad, highlighting its historical significance.

Q2. Which of the following best defines the term "tampon tax"?

a) A tax imposed on items such as sanitary pads, tampons, panty liners, and menstrual cups.

b) A tax levied exclusively on feminine cosmetic products.

c) A tax exemption granted to menstrual products in most countries.

d) A tax policy that aims to address gender inequality in taxation.

Answer: a

Explanation: The term "tampon tax" refers to the imposition of a tax on items such as sanitary pads, tampons, panty liners, and menstrual cups. Many countries charge a value-added tax (VAT) or similar consumption levies on these feminine hygiene products. This tax has been a subject of debate and criticism because it is argued to disproportionately affect women and can be seen as a form of gender-based taxation. The imposition of the tampon tax has prompted discussions and advocacy for its removal or reduction, with the aim of addressing issues related to gender inequality and menstrual health.

Q3. Which of the following statements about the International Transport Forum (ITF) and its Annual Summit is not correct?

a) The ITF is administratively integrated with the OECD but politically autonomous.

b) The Annual Summit of transport ministers is the world's largest gathering of ITF members.

c) The theme of the Transport Summit 2023 was 'Transport Enabling Sustainable Economies'.

d) The International Transport Forum is the only global body focused on maritime transport.

Answer: d

Explanation: The International Transport Forum (ITF) is a think tank for transport policy that is administratively integrated with the OECD (Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development) but politically autonomous. It serves as a platform for discussions and cooperation among member countries on various transportation-related issues. The ITF organizes the Annual Summit of transport ministers, which is the world's largest gathering of transport ministers and a premier global transport policy event. In 2023, the Transport Summit was held in Leipzig, Germany, for three days. The theme of the summit was 'Transport Enabling Sustainable Economies', indicating a focus on the role of transportation in fostering sustainable economic development.

Q4. Which one of the following ancient towns is well known for its elaborate system of water harvesting and management by building a series of dams and channelising water into connected reservoirs?

(a) Dholavira

(b) Kalibanganff

(c) Rakhigarhi

(d) Ropar

Answer: a)

Explanation: A wide range of water structures -- bathing platforms and house drains -- are found in Dholavira, both within and outside the walls of the city. But such water structures have not been found at the other above options.

Q5. With reference to the “G20 Common Framework”, consider the following statements:

1. It is an initiative endorsed by the G20 together with the Paris Club.

2. It is an initiative to support Low-Income Countries with unsustainable debt.

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: (c)

Explanation: The Common Framework for debt treatment beyond the DSSI (Common Framework) is an initiative endorsed by the G20, together with the Paris Club, to support, in a structural manner, Low-Income Countries with unsustainable debt.

The Common Framework considers debt treatment on a case-by-case basis, driven by requests from eligible debtor countries. A Creditor Committee is convened in response to a request for debt treatment. Negotiations are supported by the IMF and the World Bank, including through their Debt Sustainability Analysis.