Daily Current Affairs MCQs for UPSC IAS Prelims - 3 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.Which of the following statements about the European Commission’s Global Gateway plan is/are correct?

1. The plan aims to invest 300 billion euros ($340 billion) globally by 2027 in infrastructure, digital, and climate projects as an alternative to China’s Belt and Road Initiative.

2. The plan aims to strengthen Europe’s supply chains, boost EU trade, and help fight climate change, focusing on digitalisation, health, climate, and energy and transport sectors, as well as education and research.

3. The plan does not allow EU Member States’ private sector to invest in the projects.

4. The plan is fully aligned with the UN’s Agenda 2030, its Sustainable Development Goals, and the Paris Agreement.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

A. 1 and 2 only

B. 2 and 3 only

C. 1, 2, and 4 only

D. 1, 2, 3 and 4

Answer: C

Explanation:

Statement 1 is correct. The European Commission’s Global Gateway plan aims to invest 300 billion euros ($340 billion) globally by 2027 in infrastructure, digital, and climate projects as a better alternative to China’s Belt and Road Initiative.

Statement 2 is correct. The plan aims to strengthen Europe’s supply chains, boost EU trade, and help fight climate change, focusing on digitalisation, health, climate, and energy and transport sectors, as well as education and research.

Statement 3 is incorrect. The plan allows EU Member States’ private sector to invest in the projects, creating opportunities for them to remain competitive whilst ensuring the highest environmental and labour standards and sound financial management.

Statement 4 is correct. The plan is fully aligned with the UN’s Agenda 2030, its Sustainable Development Goals, and the Paris Agreement.

Q2.Which of the following areas are included in the U.S.-India initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology (iCET), announced by President Biden and Prime Minister Modi?

1. Quantum computing

2. Renewable energy

3. Defence industrial cooperation

4. 5G and 6G wireless infrastructure

5. Civilian space projects such as lunar exploration

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

A. 1, 2, and 3 only

B. 1, 4, and 5 only

C. 2, 3, and 4 only

D. 1, 2, 4, and 5

Answer: B.

Explanation:

The U.S.-India initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology (iCET), announced by President Biden and Prime Minister Modi, involves collaboration in various areas, including quantum computing, semiconductors, 5G and 6G wireless infrastructure, and civilian space projects such as lunar exploration.

Statement 1 is correct. The iCET includes collaboration in the area of quantum computing, which has the potential to transform the way we process information and solve problems.

Statement 2 is incorrect. The iCET does not involve collaboration in the area of renewable energy.

Statement 3 is incorrect. While the iCET involves defence industrial cooperation, it is not the only collaboration area and is not included in the list provided in the question.

Statement 4 is correct. The iCET includes collaboration in the 5G and 6G wireless infrastructure, which are critical to developing next-generation telecommunications networks.

Statement 5 is correct. The iCET involves collaboration in civilian space projects such as lunar exploration, which could lead to new discoveries and advancements in space technology.

Q3.Which of the following statements is true regarding “Polyfluoroalkyl substances” (PFAs)?

A) PFAs are natural atmospheric, rainwater, and soil substances.

B) PFAs are man-made chemicals used to produce nonstick cookware, water-repellent clothing, and other products.

C) PFAs are substances that break down easily in the environment and do not remain for long periods of time.

D) A known method is to extract and remove PFAs from the atmosphere.

Answer: B

Explanation: PFAs are man-made chemicals used to make various products, including nonstick cookware, water-repellent clothing, stain-resistant fabrics, cosmetics, and firefighting forms. Therefore, option B is correct.

Option A is incorrect as the PFAs are man-made chemicals.

Option C is also incorrect as they do not break down and remain in the environment for long periods of time.

Option D is incorrect, as no known method exists to extract and remove PFAs from the atmosphere.

Q4.Which of the following statements is true about gig workers?

A) Gig workers only refer to those who work for technology-based companies.

B) Platform and non-platform workers are the two groups of gig workers.

C) Platform workers are those who work outside of online algorithmic matching platforms or apps.

D) Non-platform workers only refer to construction workers.

Answer: B

Explanation: Gig workers as workers outside of the traditional employer-employee relationship and categorizes into two groups: platform workers and non-platform workers. Therefore, option B is the correct answer.

Option A is incorrect because gig workers include technology- and non-technology-based temporary workers.

Option C is incorrect, as platform workers are those who use online algorithmic matching platforms or apps to connect with customers.

Option D is incorrect as non-platform workers include construction workers and other types of temporary workers who work outside of online platforms.

Q5.Recently seen in the news, where is Khartoum located?

A) South Africa

B) Sudan

C) Ethiopia

D) Kenya

Answer: B

Explanation: Khartoum is Sudan's capital, a country in North-East Africa. Therefore, option B is the correct answer.