Current Affairs MCQs – June 17-18

Which one of the following best describes 2-Bromo-4-Methylpropiophenone, recently seen in the news?

1. A psychotropic drug used for the treatment of neurological disorders
2. A chemical precursor used in the synthesis of mephedrone and certain pharmaceutical compounds
3. A synthetic opioid responsible for the majority of drug overdose deaths worldwide
4. A pesticide widely used for controlling invasive agricultural pests

Explanation

Option (b) is correct

• 2-Bromo-4-Methylpropiophenone is an aromatic ketone that acts as a key precursor in the synthesis of mephedrone (Meow Meow/M-CAT), a synthetic psychotropic stimulant. It also has legitimate uses in the manufacture of certain pharmaceutical products, including analgesics, sedatives, and anticonvulsants. Due to its potential diversion for illicit drug production, it has been listed as a controlled substance under the NDPS Act.

Answer: (b) A chemical precursor used in the synthesis of mephedrone and certain pharmaceutical compounds; Difficulty Level: Medium

With reference to the Long-Range Land Attack Cruise Missile (LRLACM), consider the following statements:

1. It is an indigenous subsonic cruise missile capable of terrain-hugging flight profiles.
2. It is powered by the indigenous Manik Small Turbofan Engine.
3. It has been developed exclusively for deployment by the Indian Navy.
4. It is the successor to the Nirbhay cruise missile programme.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

1. 1, 2 and 4 only
2. 1 and 3 only
3. 2, 3 and 4 only
4. 1, 2, 3 and 4

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct

• LRLACM (Long-Range Land Attack Cruise Missile) is an indigenous subsonic cruise missile capable of terrain-hugging flight, enabling it to evade enemy radar and air-defence systems while striking high-value stationary targets.

Statement 2 is correct

• The missile is powered by the indigenous Manik Small Turbofan Engine, marking a significant advancement in India’s self-reliance in missile propulsion technology.

Statement 3 is incorrect

• LRLACM is not developed exclusively for the Indian Navy. It is designed for tri-service integration, allowing deployment by the Army, Navy, and Air Force.

Statement 4 is correct

• LRLACM is the direct successor to the Nirbhay cruise missile programme and incorporates improvements in range, guidance, propulsion, and operational flexibility.

Answer: (a) 1, 2 and 4; Difficulty Level: Medium

With reference to the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (Prohibition of Sex Selection) Act, 1994, consider the following statements:

1. The Act prohibits sex selection both before and after conception.
2. Prenatal diagnostic techniques may be used for detecting chromosomal abnormalities and congenital anomalies under specified conditions.
3. Genetic Clinics can operate ultrasound machines without registration if they are used solely for medical purposes.
4. Advertisements relating to prenatal sex determination or pre-conception sex selection facilities are prohibited under the Act.

How many of the statements given above are correct?

1. Only one
2. Only two
3. Only three
4. All four

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct

• The Act prohibits the use of any technology, treatment, or procedure for sex selection or sex determination, whether before conception or after conception.

Statement 2 is correct

• The Act permits the use of prenatal diagnostic techniques only for legitimate medical purposes, such as detecting genetic abnormalities, metabolic disorders, chromosomal abnormalities, haemoglobinopathies, or congenital anomalies, and only under specified conditions.

Statement 3 is incorrect

• No Genetic Counselling Centre, Genetic Laboratory, or Genetic Clinic can operate or possess ultrasound equipment unless it is registered under the Act, irrespective of the intended medical use.

Statement 4 is correct

• The Act expressly prohibits the publication, distribution, communication, or display of advertisements offering prenatal sex determination or pre-conception sex selection services.

Answer: (c) Only three; Difficulty Level: Medium

Sulawesi, recently seen in the news due to a major earthquake, is an island belonging to which one of the following countries?

1. Philippines
2. Indonesia
3. Papua New Guinea
4. Malaysia

Explanation

Option (b) is correct

• A 6.7-magnitude earthquake has recently struck Indonesia’s Sulawesi Island. Sulawesi, also known as Celebes, is located between Borneo (Kalimantan), the Maluku Islands, and the Philippines, and is known for its distinctive K-shaped geography. It lies at the convergence of Eurasian, Indo-Australian, Pacific, and Philippine Sea Plates, making it highly prone to earthquakes and tsunamis.

Answer: (b) Indonesia; Difficulty Level: Easy

With reference to the 52nd G7 Summit, consider the following statements:

1. The summit adopted a declaration on securing supply chains for critical minerals through the Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment (PGII).
2. The members agreed to extend the G20 Common Framework to all vulnerable middle-income countries.
3. The summit approved a call for creating a safer digital space for minors, including measures to address AI-generated deepfakes and algorithmic risks.

How many of the statements given above are correct?

1. Only one
2. Only two
3. All three
4. None

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct

• The summit adopted the G7 Leaders’ Declaration on Securing Supply Chains for Critical Minerals, aimed at diversifying critical mineral value chains through the Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment (PGII).

Statement 2 is incorrect

• The G7 members pledged debt-restructuring support for vulnerable middle-income countries currently excluded from the G20 Common Framework. However, they did not decide to extend the framework itself to these countries.

Statement 3 is correct

• The summit approved the Call on a Safer Digital Space for Minors, which seeks to establish international safeguards against online harms, including AI-generated deepfakes and algorithmic risks.

Answer: (b) Only two; Difficulty Level: Easy