Daily Current Affairs MCQs for UPSC IAS Prelims - 30 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. Which of the following countries share a border with Belarus?

1)Russia

2)Ukraine

3)Poland

4)Latvia

5)Lithuania

A) 1,2,3 only

B) 1,2,4,5 only

C) 2,3,4 only

D) All of the above

Answer: D

Explanation: Belarus is a landlocked country located in Eastern Europe. It shares its borders with five countries: Russia to the east and northeast, Ukraine to the south, Poland to the west, Latvia to the northwest, and Lithuania to the north and northwest.

Q2. What is Project Akashteer, recently in the news?

A) An indigenous air defence system developed by the Indian Army

B) A joint military exercise between India and Bhutan

C) A satellite launch vehicle developed by ISRO

D) An underwater defence system developed by DRDO

Answer: A

Explanation: Project Akashteer is an automated air defence control and reporting system developed by the Indian Army. It is designed to provide a state-of-the-art capability to the Air Defense units of the Indian Army, enabling them to operate effectively in an integrated manner. The system will allow for monitoring of low-level airspace over the battle areas of the Indian Army and effectively control the Ground Based Air Defense Weapon Systems. The project aims to enhance the Indian Army's air defence capabilities with indigenous technology, reducing the reliance on foreign equipment.

Q3. What is the Bucharest Nine or Bucharest Format, often abbreviated as the B9?

A) A group of nine NATO countries in Eastern Europe that became part of the US-led military alliance after the end of the Cold War.

B) A military exercise conducted by NATO in Bucharest, Romania.

C) An economic forum for Central and Eastern European countries.

D) A political alliance of Balkan countries to counter Russian influence in the region.

Answer: A

Explanation: The Bucharest Nine or Bucharest Format, often abbreviated as the B9, is a group of nine NATO countries in Eastern Europe that became part of the US-led military alliance after the end of the Cold War. The group was founded on November 4, 2015, and takes its name from Bucharest, the capital of Romania. The group includes Romania, Poland, Hungary, Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, and the three Baltic republics of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. All nine countries were once closely associated with the now-dissolved Soviet Union but later chose the path of democracy.

The B9 offers a platform for deepening the dialogue and consultation among the participant allied states to articulate their specific contribution to the ongoing processes across the North-Atlantic Alliance in total compliance with the principles of solidarity and indivisibility of the security of the NATO Member States. All members of the B9 are part of the European Union (EU) and North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO).

Q4. Which organization administers a contributory provident fund, pension scheme and insurance scheme for the workforce engaged in the organized sector in India?

A) Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC)

B) Central Board of Trustees

C) National Pension System (NPS)

D) Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA)

Answer: B

Explanation: The Central Board of Trustees administers a contributory provident fund, a pension scheme and an insurance scheme for the workforce engaged in the organized sector in India. The Board is assisted by the Employees’ PF Organization (EPFO), consisting of offices at 138 locations across the country. The EPFO is responsible for implementing the schemes under the administrative control of the Ministry of Labour and Employment, Government of India.

The EPFO is an important institution for the working population of India as it provides them with social security and financial assistance during retirement or in the event of any unfortunate event. The EPFO has a well-equipped training set-up where officers and employees of the Organization as well as Representatives of the Employers and Employees, attend sessions for trainings and seminars.

Q5. What is the objective of the New India Literacy Programme (NILP) launched by the government of India?

A) To cover a target of 5.00 crore non-literates in the age group of 15 years and above

B) To provide vocational training to literate individuals

C) To encourage more people to enrol in formal education

D) To provide financial assistance to the education sector

Answer: A

Explanation: The New India Literacy Programme (NILP) is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme launched by the Government of India to cover a target of 5.00 crore non-literates in the age group of 15 years and above. The scheme has five components: Foundational Literacy and Numeracy, Critical Life Skills, Vocational Skills Development, Basic Education, and Continuing Education. The beneficiaries under the scheme are identified through door-to-door surveys on Mobile Apps by the surveyors in the States/UTs. The scheme is based on volunteerism for teaching and learning and is implemented predominantly through online mode. The teaching-learning material and resources have been made available on the DIKSHA platform of NCERT and can be accessed through mobile apps.