OTEE - Officer Trainee Entrance Current National Affairs Questions and Answers 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which of the following is a primary objective of the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023, which has been a key focus of implementation efforts?
- To give the government unrestricted access to all citizen data for national security purposes.
- To establish a framework for the processing of digital personal data that recognizes both the right of individuals to protect their data and the need to process such data for lawful purposes. (Correct answer)
- To eliminate the need for user consent before collecting any form of personal data.
- To mandate the linking of all digital identities with a national ID.
Correct answer: To establish a framework for the processing of digital personal data that recognizes both the right of individuals to protect their data and the need to process such data for lawful purposes.
The Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023, is designed to create a balance. It provides citizens with rights over their personal data while also outlining the legal grounds and obligations for entities (Data Fiduciaries) that process this data. It does not give the government unrestricted access, nor does it eliminate the need for consent.
Question 2: A key structural reform proposed by the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which is being implemented in phases, involves replacing the existing 10+2 school curriculum structure with a new pedagogical and curricular structure. What is this new structure?
- 8+4
- 10+2+3
- 5+3+3+4 (Correct answer)
- 5+2+2+3
Correct answer: 5+3+3+4
The NEP 2020 proposes a new curricular structure of 5+3+3+4, corresponding to ages 3-8 (Foundational Stage), 8-11 (Preparatory Stage), 11-14 (Middle Stage), and 14-18 (Secondary Stage). This replaces the traditional 10+2 system.
Question 3: An officer in the Ministry of Commerce is reviewing a proposal for a new port terminal. To ensure the project aligns with national priorities for integrated infrastructure and reduced logistics costs, the officer must ensure the proposal is compliant with the principles of which major national initiative?
- Make in India
- Swachh Bharat Mission
- Ayushman Bharat
- PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan (Correct answer)
Correct answer: PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan
The PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan is a digital platform designed to bring 16 ministries together for integrated planning and coordinated implementation of infrastructure connectivity projects. Its primary goal is to improve multimodal connectivity and reduce logistics costs.
Question 4: Following a new law passed by the Parliament in late 2023, the selection committee for the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and other Election Commissioners of India was reconstituted. Who among the following is NOT part of this newly constituted selection committee?
- The Chief Justice of India (Correct answer)
- The Prime Minister of India
- The Union Cabinet Minister nominated by the Prime Minister
- The Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha
Correct answer: The Chief Justice of India
The Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service and Term of Office) Act, 2023, establishes a selection committee consisting of the Prime Minister (as Chairperson), the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, and a Union Cabinet Minister nominated by the Prime Minister. This new law removed the Chief Justice of India from the selection panel that was previously suggested by a Supreme Court ruling.
Question 5: During India's G20 Presidency, which concluded with the summit in New Delhi in September 2023, a significant diplomatic achievement was the admission of a new permanent member to the group. Which organization was granted this membership?
- The South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC)
- The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)
- The African Union (AU) (Correct answer)
- The European Free Trade Association (EFTA)
Correct answer: The African Union (AU)
A major outcome of the G20 summit under India's presidency was the inclusion of the African Union (AU) as a permanent member of the G20. This was seen as a significant step towards making the G20 more inclusive and representative of the Global South.
Question 6: The Union Cabinet has approved the National Quantum Mission (NQM) to aid scientific and industrial research and development in Quantum Technology. What is the primary goal of this mission?
- To exclusively develop quantum computers for the defense sector.
- To replace all classical computing infrastructure with quantum systems by 2030.
- To establish international regulations for the ethical use of quantum mechanics.
- To position India as a leading nation in the development and application of quantum technologies. (Correct answer)
Correct answer: To position India as a leading nation in the development and application of quantum technologies.
The National Quantum Mission is a comprehensive initiative aimed at seeding, nurturing, and scaling up scientific and industrial R&D to create a vibrant and innovative ecosystem in Quantum Technology. The goal is to make India a global leader in this emerging field, with applications across various sectors, not just defense.
Which of the following is a primary objective of the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023, which has been a key focus of implementation efforts?