Current Affairs MCQ (Consolidation)

March 2021 (Part-I)

Drishti, 641, First Floor, Dr. Mukherjee Nagar, -110009 Phone: 87501 87501, WhatsApp: 92058 85200, IVR: 8010 440 440 Email: [email protected] www.drishtiias.com Current Affairs MCQ (March) 2021 2

1. Consider the following initiatives: 6. Consider the following statements about the Mahanadi 1. Margadarshan and Margadarshak initiative river: 2. Uchhatar Avishkar Yojana (UAY) 1. It is the largest peninsular river system of India. 3. Manodarpan initiative 2. The river flows through the states of Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra. 4. SARAL initiative 3. India’s tallest dam is built on the Mahanadi river. Which of the initiatives mentioned above are taken to improve technical education in India? Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 3 and 4 only (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 only (c) 1, 2 and 4 (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4 (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3

2. Consider the following statements: 7. Consider the following statements about India-US Bilateral 1. Switzerland is a landlocked country with Germany, Trade: France and Italy as its immediate neighbours. 1. India has a trade surplus with the USA. 2. Switzerland is acknowledged as a neutral state in the 2. India is the largest service importer to the USA. Treaty of Versailles. 3. India is not a beneficiary of the duty-free benefits 3. Switzerland is not a member of the North Atlantic provided under the US Generalised System of Treaty Organization (NATO). Preferences. Which of the statements given above are correct? Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only (a) 1 and 3 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 (c) 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3

3. Consider the following statements: 8. With reference to the National Food Security Act (NFSA), 1. National Science Day (NSD) is celebrated to consider the following statements: commemorate the Birth Anniversary of Sir Chandrasekhara Venkata Raman. 1. Foodgrains under NFSA are made available to beneficiaries free of cost. 2. Sir Chandrasekhara Venkata Raman was awarded the Nobel Prize in 1930 for the discovery of the Raman 2. NFSA caters to the food demands of the families under Effect. Below Poverty Line (BPL). Which of the statements given above is/are correct? Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2

4. Consider the following statements: 9. With reference to the Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan, 1. A technical recession is when a country faces a consider the following statements: continuous decline for four consecutive quarters in the 1. It provides fundings to higher education institutions Gross Domestic Product (GDP). throughout the country. 2. The growth rate in terms of Gross Value Added (GVA) 2. It is a centrally sponsored scheme. is GDP minus net product taxes. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2

10. Which of the following are correct about the satellites of 5. Consider the following statements: PSLV-C51? 1. Switzerland is a member of Non-Aligned Movement (NAM). 1. Amazonia 1 has been placed in a geo-synchronous polar orbit. 2. The Bandung Conference of 1955 is an antecedent to the formation of the Non-Aligned Movement. 2. UNITYsat satellites have been deployed to provide radio relay services. 3. The United Nations has recognized 12th December as an International Day of Neutrality. 3. SDSAT is a nano satellite. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? Select the correct answer using the code given below: (a) 1 only (b) 1 and 2 only (a) 1 and 3 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 (c) 1 and 2 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 3 Current Affairs MCQ (March) 2021 www.drishtiias.com

11. Consider the following statements about Exercise Desert 16. Consider the following statements regarding the ‘Freedom Flag-VI: in the World 2021’ Report 1. It is an annual multinational warfare exercise of the 1. It is released by the United Nations Human Rights UAE. Council. 2. Indian Air Force is participating in the exercise for the 2. The report shows the declining trend of freedom in first time in 2021. India since 2019. Which of the statements given above is.are not correct? Which of the statements given above is/are not correct? (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2

12. With reference to Waste to Wealth Mission, consider the 17. Consider the following statements: following statements: 1. Article 45 provides education for children upto the 6 year of age. 1. The mission is undertaken by the Prime Minister’s Science, Technology and Innovation Advisory Council 2. The Ramamurti Committee presented the first official (PM-STIAC). document on the Right to Education. 2. The mission will assist and augment the Smart Cities 3. The Tapas Majumdar Committee recommended the projects to create a circular economic model. universal participation of children in the age group of 6 to 14 years in school education. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3

13. Consider the following statements regarding black-browed 18. Consider the following statements: Babbler: 1. The Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) is 1. It is a bird recently rediscovered in Kalimantan, established under the Ministry of Electronics and Indonesia. Information Technology. 2. It is listed as critically endangered in the IUCN Red List. 2. I4C coordinates all activities related to implementation Which of the statements given above is/are correct? of Mutual Legal Assistance Treaties (MLAT) with other (a) 1 only (b) 2 only countries related to cybercrimes. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 (a) 1 only (b) 2 only 14. Consider the following statements: (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 1. Better Than Cash Alliance (BTCA) is a partnership of governments that focuses on abolishing physical cash 19. With reference to the World Customs Organization (WCO), and providing responsible digital payment options. consider the following statements: 2. India became a member of the Better Than Cash 1. It is an independent intergovernmental body whose Alliance in 2015. mission is to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of Customs administrations. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 2. Central Revenues Control Laboratory (CRCL) of India (a) 1 only (b) 2 only has been recognized as a Regional Customs Laboratory (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 (RCL) of the WCO for Asia-Pacific Region. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 15. With reference to the United Nations Framework (a) 1 only (b) 2 only Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), consider the (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 following statements: 1. The secretariat of UNFCCC is located in Germany. 20. With reference to Similipal Biosphere Reserve, consider the 2. The UNFCCC is the parent treaty of the Kyoto Protocol following statements: and Paris Agreement. 1. Some of its area lies in the Mayurbhanj Elephant 3. The Paris Agreement is a legally binding international Reserve. treaty which replaced the Kyoto Protocol. 2. It is mainly inhabited by the Dongria Kond tribes. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 only (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 www.drishtiias.com Current Affairs MCQ (March) 2021 4

21. The ‘Food Waste Index Report’ is released by which of the 3. He was awarded with the highest national awards of following? Indonesia. (a) World Food Programme Which of the statements given above is/are not correct? (b) Food and Agriculture Organization (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 only (c) United Nations Development Programme (c) 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 (d) United Nations Environment Programme 27. With reference to the Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary, 22. Consider the following statements: consider the following statements: 1. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is a statutory 1. It is located at the border of Delhi and Haryana. body. 2. The sanctuary is a part of Aravalli ranges. 2. The Santhanam Committee recommended the Which of the statements given above is/are correct? establishment of the CBI. (a) 1 only (b) 2 only 3. CBI is under the administrative control of the Ministry of Home Affairs. (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 28. Consider the following statements: (a) 1 only (b) 2 only 1. Pench Tiger Reserve (PTR) is located in the southern (c) 1 and 2 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 reaches of the Satpura hills. 2. The area of PTR lies in both Madhya Pradesh and 23. With reference to Employees’ Provident Funds (EPF) Maharashtra. Scheme, consider the following statements: Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 1. The employee and employer each contribute 30% of the employee’s basic salary and dearness allowance (a) 1 only (b) 2 only towards EPF. (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 2. A person mandatorily becomes a member of EPF if his monthly salary does not exceed Rs. 15,000. 29. With reference to the QS World University Rankings by Which of the statements given above is/are correct? Subject 2021, consider the following statements: (a) 1 only (b) 2 only 1. The number of Indian universities/institutes in the top (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 100 subject rankings has increased. 2. No private institution from India has entered in the 24. With reference to Insurance Ombudsman in India, consider global top-100. the following statements: Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 1. It derives its powers from the Insurance Regulatory and (a) 1 only (b) 2 only Development Authority Act, 1999. (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 2. He serves his office for the term of five years and is not eligible for reappointment. 30. With reference to CSIR Floriculture Mission, consider the 3. His jurisdiction covers the deficiencies in service on the following statements: part of insurers, agents, brokers and other intermediaries. 1. Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) is the only implementing body for the mission. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 2. It will lead to the growth of the Apiculture. (a) 1 only (b) 2 only Which of the statements given above is/are correct ? (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 (a) 1 only (b) 2 only 25. The landmark judgement in K.S. Puttaswamy v. Union of (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 India in 2017 case protects which of the following rights? (a) Right to Food (b) Right to Education 31. Consider the following statements regarding Whale Sharks: (c) Right to Privacy (d) Right to Speech 1. It is the largest fish alive that feeds upon meat. 2. It is found in all the tropical oceans of the world. 26. Consider the following statements about Biju Patnaik: 3. It is listed as Endangered in the IUCN Red List. 1. He joined the Quit India Movement under the guidance Which of the statements given above is/are correct? of Mahatma Gandhi. (a) 1 only (b) 2 only 2. He became the first Finance Minister of independent India. (c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 5 Current Affairs MCQ (March) 2021 www.drishtiias.com

32. With reference to Equine Herpes Virus (EHV), consider the 2. India, Iran and Afghanistan signed a tripartite following statements: agreement for the development of Chabahar port in 1. EHV is a common DNA virus that occurs in Sheep 2016. populations. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 2. It can cause neurological problems leading to paralysis (a) 1 only (b) 2 only and even death. (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 Which of the statements given above is/are correct ? (a) 1 only (b) 2 only 37. Consider the following statements about Quasars: (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 1. These are very luminous objects that emit jets at gamma frequencies. 33. With reference to Overseas Citizens of India (OCI), consider 2. They are only found in the galaxies that have the following statements: supermassive blackholes. 1. OCI cardholders are entitled to get multiple entry 3. The nearest quasar to Earth has been recently lifelong visas for visiting India for any purpose. discovered by the Thirty Meter Telescope (TMT). 2. They need prior permission for carrying out journalism Which of the statements given above is/are not correct? in India. (a) 1 and 2 only 3. They have parity with Indian nationals in the matter of (b) 2 only entry fees to monuments. (c) 3 only Which of the statements given above is/are correct ? (d) 1 and 3 only (a) 2 and 3 only (b) 1 and 2 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 38. ‘Pre-pack framework’ is sometimes seen in the news, related to which of the following? 34. With reference to the MSME Credit Health Index, consider (a) Declaration of health emergency. the following statements: (b) Resolution of the debt of a distressed company. 1. It was launched by the TransUnion CIBIL in partnership (c) Management of disease transmission in wildlife. with the Ministry of Statistics & Programme (d) Uniform standards for drug delivery. Implementation (MoSPI).

2. The index measures the credit health of India’s MSME 39. Consider the following statements: industry on the parameters of growth and strength. 1. National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) is an Which of the statements given above is/are correct? umbrella organisation for operating retail payments (a) 1 only (b) 2 only and settlement systems in India. (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 2. It is an initiative of Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and Indian Banks’ Association (IBA). 35. With reference to the CERAweek Global Energy and 3. NPCI is an “Not for Profit” Company under the Section Environment Leadership Award, consider the following 8 of Companies Act 2013. statements: Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 1. The Indian Prime Minister was conferred with this (a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 only award in 2021 for his leadership role in meeting the (c) 2 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 future energy needs.

2. The award was instituted under the framework of the 40. Consider the following statements: United Nations Framework Convention on Climate 1. The Ministry of AYUSH is responsible for the Change. implementation of the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Which of the statements given above is/are correct? Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP). (a) 1 only (b) 2 only 2. The Janaushadhi Kendras can be set up by Self Help (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 Groups (SHGs) and NGOs anywhere outside the hospital premises.

36. Consider the following statements regarding the Chabahar Which of the statements given above is/are correct? Port: (a) 1 only (b) 2 only 1. It is an Iranian port located in the Persian Gulf. (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 www.drishtiias.com Current Affairs MCQ (March) 2021 6

41. Consider the following pairs: 2. The AIP system based submarines can stay underwater India’s Joint Military Partner Countries for a longer duration. Exercises Which of the statements given above is/are correct ? 1. Dustlik Mongolia (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 2. Nomadic Elephant Uzbekistan 3. Yudh Abhyas USA 46. Consider the following statements: 4. Bold Kurukshetra 1. Feni river originates from Tripura and flows into Which of the pairs given above is/are not correctly . matched? 2. Maitri Setu has been built over Padma river to (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 3 only symbolise friendly ties of India and Bangladesh. (c) 1, 2 and 4 (d) 2, 3 and 4 Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 2 only 42. Consider the following statements: (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 1. The Uighur Muslim is an indigenous minority community of China. 47. Consider the following statements about Cess: 2. The largest population of Uighurs live in Xinjiang region 1. A cess is an additional tax imposed with a purpose of of China. raising funds for a specific task. 3. The Xinjiang region of China shares borders with India 2. Article 250 of the Indian Constitution prohibits the and Pakistan only. sharing of cess with the State Governments. Which of the statements given above are correct? Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3

48. With reference to the ‘Kala-azar’, consider the following 43. With reference to the ‘National Social Assistance statements: Programme (NSAP)’, consider the following statements: 1. It is characterized by irregular bouts of fever and 1. This programme is being implemented only in rural substantial weight gain. areas. 2. It is caused by a virus called Leishmania. 2. The National Maternity Benefit Scheme (NMBS) is a 3. It is transmitted through the bite of sand flies. part of NSAP. Which of the statements given above is/are correct ? 3. It was brought within the umbrella of ‘Core of Core’ (a) 1 only (b) 3 only schemes of the Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSS) in 2016. (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 49. Consider the following statements: (a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 only 1. Project-75 is a programme of the Indian Navy that (c) 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 entails building Scorpene Class attack submarines. 2. The submarines in the Project-75 Scorpene Class are 44. Consider the following statements: powered by diesel-electric propulsion systems. 1. Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) was Which of the statements given above is/are correct? established by an executive order. (a) 1 only (b) 2 only 2. Telecommunications Dispute Settlement and Appellate (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 Tribunal (TDSAT) took over the adjudicatory and disputes functions from TRAI. 50. With reference to the ‘BBIN Initiative’ consider the following Which of the statements given above is/are correct? statements: (a) 1 only (b) 2 only 1. It is a strategic alliance to tackle China’s intrusion in the Himalyan region. (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 2. The Motor Vehicles Agreement (MVA) was signed in . 45. With reference to Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) System, Which of the statements given above is/are correct? consider the following statements: 1. It is used in nuclear submarines to increase their (a) 1 only (b) 2 only lethality and stealth multifold. (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 7 Current Affairs MCQ (March) 2021 www.drishtiias.com

51. Consider the following statements: 2. The Energy Efficiency Enterprise (E3) Certifications 1. Mount Sinabung is an active volcano of Indonesia. Programme is launched to promote the wind energy sector. 2. Sinabung and Semeru volcano are located in the Pacific Ring of Fire. Which of the statements given above is/are correct ? Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 57. Consider the following statements about the Sahitya Akademi Award: 52. Consider the following statements about Semi-Nomadic 1. It is the highest literary honour conferred in India. Tribes: 2. This award can be conferred to a person of Indian 1. These tribes were notified under the Criminal Tribes nationality only. Act under the British rule. 3. Amitav Ghosh was the first English writer to become a 2. Ambedkar Pre-Matric and Post-Matric Scholarship Sahitya Akademi Laureate. scheme is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme for Denotified, Nomadic and Semi-Nomadic Tribes (DNTs). Which of the statements given above is/are correct? Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 only (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 58. Consider the following statements: 1. The European Parliament has declared the European 53. With reference to Midday Meal Scheme, consider the Union as ‘LGBTIQ Freedom Zone. following statements: 2. Ireland became the first country to legalise same-sex 1. The scheme is under the Ministry of health and family marriage through public vote. welfare. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 2. It provides cooked meals to children within the age of 6 years to 14 years. (a) 1 only (b) 2 only Which of the statements given above is/are correct ? (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 (a) 1 only (b) 2 only 59. Consider the following statements: (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 1. The ‘2001 FO32’ asteroid has been designated a potentially hazardous asteroid. 54. Consider the following statements: 2. Trojans asteroids share an orbit with a larger planet, 1. The Mid-Atlantic Ridges and Great Rift Valley are the but do not collide with it. examples of divergent boundaries. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 2. A divergent boundary is also known as destructive (a) 1 only (b) 2 only boundaries. (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 2 only 60. The ‘Sangay National Park’ recently seen in the news for (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 volcano eruption is located in? (a) Japan (b) Ecuador 55. With reference to the National Thermal Power Corporation (c) Indonesia (d) New Zealand (NTPC), consider the following statements: 1. It is a central Public Sector Undertaking (PSU) under 61. Which of the following statements is/are correct? the Ministry of Power. 1. Raman Thermometry technique is used to determine 2. It is a maharatna company. the local temperature in microelectronics systems. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 2. The Raman scattering phenomena is used for (a) 1 only (b) 2 only temperature detection. (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 3. C.V Raman won the Nobel prize in science for the discovery of Raman scattering. Select the correct answer using the code given below: 56. Consider the following statements: 1. Bureau of Energy Efficiency is a statutory body under (a) 1 only (b) 1 and 2 only the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy. (c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 www.drishtiias.com Current Affairs MCQ (March) 2021 8

62. Consider the following statements: 64. Consider the following statements: 1. Seabuckthorn is a shrub found in the cold desert of 1. The State Election Commission conducts the election India. of the legislative assembly and the local bodies in the 2. The cold desert of India stretches from Ladakh to Sikkim state. in the Himalayas. 2. The State Election Commissioner is appointed by the Which of the statements given above is/are correct? President of India. (a) 1 only Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (b) 2 only (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 65. With reference to the ‘Refugee in India’, consider the 63. With reference to Bhadar River, consider the following following statements: statements: 1. In India the State governments have no powers to grant 1. Bhadar river originates from Malwa Plateau region. refugee status to any foreigner. 2. It flows through the Aravali and finally meets the 2. India is not a member of the United Nations Refugee Arabian sea. Convention of 1951. Which of the statements given above is/are correct ? Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 Answers 1. (a) 2. (c) 3. (b) 4. (b) 5. (c) 6. (b) 7. (a) 8. (d) 9. (c) 10. (b) 11. (d) 12. (c) 13. (a) 14. (b) 15. (d) 16. (a) 17. (d) 18. (b) 19. (c) 20. (a) 21. (d) 22. (b) 23. (b) 24. (c) 25. (c) 26. (b) 27. (c) 28. (c) 29. (a) 30. (b) 31. (c) 32. (b) 33. (d) 34. (c) 35. (a) 36. (b) 37. (d) 38. (b) 39. (d) 40. (b) 41. (c) 42. (b) 43. (c) 44. (b) 45. (b) 46. (a) 47. (a) 48. (b) 49. (c) 50. (b) 51. (c) 52. (b) 53. (b) 54. (a) 55. (c) 56. (d) 57. (b) 58. (c) 59. (c) 60. (b) 61. (d) 62. (a) 63. (d) 64. (d) 65. (c)