Current Affairs MCQs for Social Work & MSW: Your Ultimate Exam Prep Guide

Current Affairs MCQs for Social Work & MSW: Your Ultimate Exam Prep Guide

Boost your Social Work and MSW exam prep! Test your knowledge with current affairs MCQs covering key topics. Essential for students and professionals.

Topic 1: Caste Census in India

1. What is the primary objective of conducting a caste census in India?
A. To increase caste-based reservations in all states
B. To understand the socio-economic distribution of caste groups for policy-making
C. To eliminate caste identities from official records
D. To promote competitive backwardness among communities

Correct Answer: B
Explanation: A caste census aims to collect data on caste identities to inform policies on social justice, reservations, and welfare, addressing socio-economic disparities. It does not seek to eliminate caste identities or promote competitive backwardness but rather to provide data for equitable policy formulation.

2. Which of the following is a concern associated with conducting a caste census?
A. It guarantees equal representation for all castes
B. It may reinforce caste identities and social divisions
C. It eliminates the need for affirmative action policies
D. It simplifies the classification of castes across states

Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Critics argue that a caste census could entrench caste consciousness, potentially deepening social divisions, which contradicts the goal of a caste-less society. It does not guarantee representation, eliminate affirmative action, or simplify caste classification due to diverse and fluid caste identities.

3. How can Artificial Intelligence (AI) contribute to improving the accuracy of a caste census?
A. By replacing enumerators with automated systems
B. By sorting and analyzing data to reduce classification errors
C. By eliminating the need for self-reported caste data
D. By enforcing a standardized caste list across all states

Correct Answer: B
Explanation: AI and machine learning can enhance data sorting and analysis, reducing errors in caste classification, as suggested for improving the credibility of the caste census. It does not replace enumerators, eliminate self-reported data, or enforce standardized lists.

Key Takeaway for Social Workers:
A caste census provides critical data for social workers to advocate for equitable resource allocation and targeted interventions for marginalized caste groups. Understanding socio-economic disparities enables social workers to design inclusive community programs and address systemic inequalities, aligning with social justice principles.


Topic 2: Human Development Report 2025

4. What is India’s rank in the 2025 Human Development Report, and how has it changed from 2022?
A. 130th, improved from 133rd
B. 133rd, declined from 130th
C. 125th, improved from 130th
D. 130th, no change from 2022

Correct Answer: A
Explanation: The 2025 Human Development Report ranks India 130th out of 193 countries, an improvement from 133rd in 2022, with an HDI value rising from 0.676 to 0.685, reflecting progress in health, education, and income.

5. Which factor significantly reduces India’s Human Development Index (HDI) according to the 2025 report?
A. Low life expectancy
B. High gender inequality
C. Lack of AI skills penetration
D. Declining mean years of schooling

Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Gender inequality, reflected in low female labor force participation and political representation, reduces India’s HDI by 30.7%, one of the highest losses in the region. Life expectancy and schooling have improved, and AI skills are a strength.

6. How can AI contribute to human development in India, as per the 2025 Human Development Report?
A. By replacing teachers in schools
B. By improving healthcare access through telemedicine
C. By reducing the need for welfare schemes
D. By automating all governance processes

Correct Answer: B
Explanation: AI enhances healthcare access through telemedicine, radiology accuracy, and personalized treatments, particularly in underserved areas, as highlighted in the report. It does not replace teachers, eliminate welfare schemes, or fully automate governance.

Key Takeaway for Social Workers:
The Human Development Report underscores the importance of addressing gender inequality and leveraging AI for inclusive development. Social workers can advocate for policies that enhance women’s participation and use AI-driven tools to improve healthcare and education access for marginalized communities.


Topic 3: India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA)

7. What is a key benefit of the India-UK Free Trade Agreement for Indian professionals?
A. Permanent residency in the UK
B. Exemption from UK social security contributions for three years
C. Mandatory employment in UK digital services
D. Elimination of all visa requirements

Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The FTA includes a Double Contribution Convention, exempting Indian workers temporarily in the UK from paying social security contributions for three years, easing professional mobility. It does not offer permanent residency, mandatory employment, or visa elimination.

8. Which sector is expected to gain export opportunities under the India-UK FTA?
A. Aerospace engineering
B. Textiles and marine products
C. Renewable energy production
D. Pharmaceutical manufacturing

Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The FTA enhances export opportunities for sectors like textiles, marine products, leather, footwear, and engineering goods, increasing their competitiveness. Aerospace, renewable energy, and pharmaceuticals are not specifically mentioned.

9. How does the India-UK FTA address non-tariff barriers?
A. By imposing new trade restrictions
B. By promoting good regulatory practices
C. By increasing tariffs on services
D. By limiting professional mobility

Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The FTA addresses non-tariff barriers by promoting good regulatory practices, facilitating smoother trade. It does not impose restrictions, increase tariffs, or limit mobility.

Key Takeaway for Social Workers:
The India-UK FTA opens opportunities for skilled youth and professionals, which social workers can leverage to support career counseling and skill development programs for marginalized groups, ensuring equitable access to global job markets and economic empowerment.


Topic 4: Gaganyaan Mission

10. What is the primary objective of India’s Gaganyaan Mission?
A. To establish a permanent space station
B. To demonstrate human spaceflight capability
C. To explore Mars with a crewed mission
D. To launch satellites for communication

Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The Gaganyaan Mission aims to demonstrate India’s human spaceflight capability by launching a crew of three to a 400 km orbit for three days and safely returning them to Indian sea waters.

11. What role does the Gynoid Vyommitra play in the Gaganyaan Mission?
A. It serves as the mission’s lead astronaut
B. It undertakes the first uncrewed mission
C. It controls the Launch Vehicle Mark-3
D. It manages the crew escape system

Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Vyommitra, a female robot, will undertake the first uncrewed mission of Gaganyaan to test systems before human flights. It does not act as an astronaut, control the launch vehicle, or manage the escape system.

12. Which component of the Gaganyaan Orbital Module houses astronauts?
A. Service Module
B. Crew Module
C. Cryogenic Engine
D. Solid-Fuel Boosters

Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The Crew Module, part of the Orbital Module, houses up to three astronauts for a week, equipped with life support systems and parachutes for re-entry. The Service Module provides propulsion, not housing.

Key Takeaway for Social Workers:
The Gaganyaan Mission highlights India’s technological advancements, inspiring youth in STEM fields. Social workers can use this to motivate underprivileged students through educational outreach, fostering aspirations and addressing barriers to STEM education.


Topic 5: Global Network of Age-friendly Cities and Communities (GNAFCC)

13. What is the primary aim of the Global Network of Age-friendly Cities and Communities (GNAFCC)?
A. To promote urban tourism for seniors
B. To make communities great places to grow older
C. To provide healthcare subsidies for the elderly
D. To relocate seniors to rural areas

Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Established by WHO in 2010, GNAFCC aims to connect cities and communities to make them great places to grow older, focusing on age-friendly environments, not tourism, subsidies, or relocation.

14. Which Indian city was recently honored with GNAFCC membership?
A. Bengaluru
B. Kozhikode
C. Hyderabad
D. Jaipur

Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Kozhikode city has been honored with membership in the WHO’s GNAFCC, recognizing its efforts to create age-friendly environments for its elderly population.

15. How does GNAFCC support its member cities and communities?
A. By funding infrastructure projects
B. By facilitating the exchange of knowledge and experience
C. By enforcing mandatory retirement policies
D. By providing free housing for seniors

Correct Answer: B
Explanation: GNAFCC supports members by connecting them to share information, knowledge, and innovative solutions, not through funding, enforcing policies, or providing housing.

Key Takeaway for Social Workers:
GNAFCC membership highlights the need for age-friendly communities, a key focus for social workers. They can advocate for inclusive urban planning, support elderly care programs, and address social isolation among seniors to enhance their quality of life.


Topic 6: Piezocatalysis for Hydrogen Production

16. What is the primary function of the piezoelectric catalyst developed for hydrogen production?
A. To convert solar energy into hydrogen
B. To generate charge carriers for water splitting
C. To store hydrogen in solid form
D. To purify water before hydrogen extraction

Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The metal-free porous organic catalyst uses piezocatalysis, harnessing mechanical energy to generate charge carriers for water splitting, producing hydrogen efficiently.

17. What is the piezoelectric effect, as described in the context of the catalyst?
A. The ability to store electrical energy in materials
B. The generation of electric charge from mechanical stress
C. The conversion of light into mechanical energy
D. The production of heat from electrical currents

Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The piezoelectric effect is the ability of certain materials to generate an electric charge in response to applied mechanical stress, used in piezocatalysis for hydrogen production.

18. Which of the following is a piezoelectric material mentioned in the document?
A. Graphite
B. Quartz
C. Aluminum
D. Plastic

Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Quartz is listed as a piezoelectric material, alongside others like berlinite and Rochelle salt, capable of generating electricity under mechanical stress.

Key Takeaway for Social Workers:
Innovations like piezocatalysis for sustainable energy can inspire social workers to advocate for environmental justice, ensuring marginalized communities benefit from clean energy solutions and addressing disparities in access to green technologies.


Topic 7: Saola Genome Mapping

19. What is the conservation status of the Saola, often called the "Asian unicorn"?
A. Vulnerable
B. Endangered
C. Critically Endangered
D. Least Concern

Correct Answer: C
Explanation: The Saola is listed as Critically Endangered by the IUCN, reflecting its rarity and the urgent need for conservation efforts in its habitat in the Annamite Mountains.

20. Where is the primary habitat of the Saola?
A. Himalayan foothills
B. Annamite Mountains along Vietnam-Laos border
C. Western Ghats of India
D. Borneo rainforests

Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The Saola inhabits mist-covered evergreen forests of the Annamite Mountains along the Vietnam-Laos border, not other regions like the Himalayas or Western Ghats.

21. What is a key feature of the Saola that aids in territorial marking or mate attraction?
A. Long tail with vibrant colors
B. Large glands on the muzzle
C. Brightly colored fur
D. Elongated hooves

Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The Saola has large glands on its muzzle, likely used to mark territory or attract mates, along with white facial markings and parallel horns.

Key Takeaway for Social Workers:
The Saola’s critical endangerment underscores the importance of biodiversity conservation. Social workers can engage in community education to promote environmental stewardship, particularly in indigenous and rural areas, to protect endangered species and habitats.


Topic 8: Multi-Influence Ground Mine (MIGM)

22. Which organization developed the Multi-Influence Ground Mine (MIGM) tested by the Indian Navy?
A. Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)
B. Naval Science and Technological Laboratory (NSTL)
C. Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL)
D. Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL)

Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The MIGM was designed and developed by the Naval Science and Technological Laboratory (NSTL) under DRDO, not ISRO, BEL, or HAL.

23. What type of signals does the MIGM use to detect marine vessels?
A. Thermal and infrared signals
B. Acoustic, magnetic, and pressure signals
C. Radio and satellite signals
D. Visual and sonar signals

Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The MIGM uses multiple sensors to detect acoustic, magnetic, and pressure signals from marine vessels, enhancing its capability against stealth ships and submarines.

24. From which platforms can the MIGM be deployed?
A. Aircraft and drones
B. Ships and submarines
C. Land-based launchers
D. Satellites and space stations

Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The MIGM is deployable from ships and submarines, as mentioned in the document, not from aircraft, land-based launchers, or satellites.

Key Takeaway for Social Workers:
While defense technologies like MIGM are technical, social workers can advocate for ethical military development and support communities near defense facilities, addressing their socio-economic needs and promoting peace-building initiatives.


Topic 9: National Archives of India (NAI)

25. Under which ministry does the National Archives of India (NAI) operate?
A. Ministry of Education
B. Ministry of Culture
C. Ministry of Home Affairs
D. Ministry of Information and Broadcasting

Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The NAI is an attached office of the Ministry of Culture, responsible for preserving records of enduring value.

26. What is the primary purpose of the National Archives of India?
A. To publish historical books
B. To act as custodian of records of enduring value
C. To regulate media archives
D. To manage digital copyrights

Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The NAI serves as the custodian of records, including public records, private papers, and microfilms, preserving India’s historical documents, not publishing books or regulating media.

27. When was the National Archives of India established?
A. 1857
B. 1891
C. 1947
D. 1961

Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The NAI was established in 1891 as the Imperial Records Department in Calcutta, later moving to New Delhi.

Key Takeaway for Social Workers:
The NAI’s digitization efforts preserve cultural heritage, which social workers can use to promote community identity and historical awareness. They can facilitate access to these resources for educational programs, especially for marginalized groups.


Topic 10: Alcatraz Prison Reopening

28. For what purpose has the USA President instructed the reopening of Alcatraz prison?
A. To house political prisoners
B. To accommodate ruthless and violent offenders
C. To serve as a rehabilitation center
D. To convert it into a tourist museum

Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The USA President instructed the rebuilding and reopening of Alcatraz to house ruthless and violent offenders, not for political prisoners, rehabilitation, or tourism.

29. What is a notable ecological feature of Alcatraz Island?
A. It is a sanctuary for seabirds and faunal species
B. It hosts a large freshwater lake
C. It is covered with dense tropical forests
D. It is a breeding ground for marine turtles

Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Alcatraz Island is a sanctuary for seabirds like cormorants and western gulls, as well as faunal species like deer mice and slender salamanders, not a lake, forest, or turtle breeding ground.

30. What is the historical significance of Alcatraz Island?
A. It was always a tourist destination
B. It served as a fort, military prison, and federal prison
C. It was a colonial trading post
D. It was a scientific research station

Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Alcatraz has a history as a fort, military prison, and high-security federal prison before becoming a National Historic Landmark and tourist destination.

Key Takeaway for Social Workers:
The reopening of Alcatraz for violent offenders raises ethical questions about incarceration. Social workers can advocate for humane prison conditions, rehabilitation programs, and community-based alternatives to reduce recidivism and promote restorative justice.


Topic 11: Thrissur Pooram Festival

31. In which month is the Thrissur Pooram Festival celebrated?
A. January-February
B. April-May
C. August-September
D. November-December

Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The Thrissur Pooram Festival is celebrated in the Malayalam month of Medom, corresponding to April-May, at the Vadakkumnathan Temple in Kerala.

32. What is a key feature of the Thrissur Pooram Festival?
A. It involves large-scale fireworks displays
B. It includes a procession of caparisoned elephants
C. It is a water-based festival with boat races
D. It features martial arts competitions

Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The festival is known for its grand procession of caparisoned elephants, accompanied by Chenda Melam and Pancha Vadyam, not fireworks, boat races, or martial arts.

33. Which temple hosts the Thrissur Pooram Festival?
A. Sabarimala Temple
B. Vadakkumnathan Temple
C. Guruvayur Temple
D. Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple

Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The Vadakkumnathan Temple, a Shiva temple in Thrissur, Kerala, hosts the Thrissur Pooram Festival and received a UNESCO heritage award in 2015.

Key Takeaway for Social Workers:
Cultural festivals like Thrissur Pooram strengthen community bonds. Social workers can leverage such events to promote social cohesion, cultural preservation, and mental health through community engagement, especially for diverse or marginalized groups.


Topic 12: Vesak Day

34. What is the significance of Vesak Day for Buddhists?
A. It marks the construction of the first Buddhist temple
B. It commemorates three major events in Gautama Buddha’s life
C. It celebrates the spread of Buddhism to the West
D. It honors Buddhist monks’ contributions

Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Vesak Day, or Buddha Purnima, marks three events in Gautama Buddha’s life—birth, enlightenment, and passing away—all occurring on the same day, making it the most sacred day for Buddhists.

35. In which year did the UN General Assembly recognize Vesak as an international day?
A. 1985
B. 1999
C. 2005
D. 2015

Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The UN General Assembly recognized Vesak as an international day in 1999 to honor Buddhism’s contributions to global spirituality.

36. Where was the Vesak Day 2025 event, attended by India, held?
A. India
B. Thailand
C. Vietnam
D. Sri Lanka

Correct Answer: C
Explanation: India reaffirmed its commitment to Buddha’s teachings at the UN Vesak Day 2025 event held in Vietnam.

Key Takeaway for Social Workers:
Vesak Day promotes peace and compassion, core Buddhist values. Social workers can integrate these principles into community programs, fostering mindfulness-based interventions and interfaith dialogue to support mental health and social harmony.


Topic 13: Maldives and Humanitarian Assistance

37. What is the purpose of INS Sharda’s visit to Maafilaafushi, Maldives?
A. To conduct a naval combat exercise
B. To participate in a Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) exercise
C. To establish a naval base
D. To promote tourism in the Maldives

Correct Answer: B
Explanation: INS Sharda visited Maafilaafushi to participate in a Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) exercise, enhancing bilateral cooperation in disaster response.

38. What geographical feature distinguishes the Maldives?
A. It is formed entirely by coral reefs
B. It has the highest mountain range in South Asia
C. It contains numerous freshwater rivers
D. It is a volcanic island chain

Correct Answer: A
Explanation: The Maldives is composed of 26 coral atolls, formed entirely by coral reefs, with no rivers or mountains, and hosts the world’s seventh-largest coral reef system.

39. What is the Eight Degree Channel in relation to the Maldives?
A. A major shipping route in the Pacific Ocean
B. The separation between Minicoy (India) and Maldives
C. A coral reef system within the Maldives
D. A deep-sea trench near the Maldives

Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The Eight Degree Channel separates the islands of Minicoy (India) from the Maldives, a key geographical feature in the Indian Ocean.

Key Takeaway for Social Workers:
The Maldives’ HADR exercise highlights the importance of disaster preparedness. Social workers can advocate for vulnerable coastal communities, ensuring access to disaster relief and building resilience against climate-related challenges like rising sea levels.


Topic 14: Parliamentary Oversight in India

40. Under which constitutional article is the Council of Ministers collectively accountable to the Lok Sabha?
A. Article 75
B. Article 108
C. Article 111
D. Article 113

Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Article 75 ensures that the Council of Ministers is collectively accountable to the Lok Sabha, a cornerstone of parliamentary oversight in India’s Westminster-style democracy.

41. What is a key gap in India’s parliamentary oversight mechanism?
A. Overuse of Question Hour
B. Lack of post-legislative scrutiny
C. Excessive public engagement in committees
D. Over-reliance on technology

Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The absence of institutionalized post-legislative scrutiny means there is no mechanism to evaluate the impact of enacted laws, unlike in countries like the UK.

42. How can AI enhance parliamentary oversight, as suggested in the document?
A. By replacing MPs in committees
B. By analyzing budget documents and CAG reports
C. By drafting all legislation automatically
D. By limiting public access to reports

Correct Answer: B
Explanation: AI can help MPs examine budget documents, CAG reports, and ministry performance, improving scrutiny efficiency, not replacing MPs or limiting access.

Key Takeaway for Social Workers:
Strong parliamentary oversight ensures accountable governance, which social workers can support by advocating for transparent policies and public engagement in legislative processes, particularly for marginalized communities’ welfare.


Topic 15: Cryptocurrency and Hawala Nexus

43. Why did the Supreme Court compare cryptocurrency trading in India to the Hawala system?
A. Both are regulated by the Reserve Bank of India
B. Both operate outside traditional banking systems
C. Both require government-issued fiat currency
D. Both involve physical cash movements

Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The Supreme Court noted that both cryptocurrency and Hawala operate outside traditional banking systems, making them unregulated and vulnerable to illicit activities, not involving fiat currency or physical cash.

44. What is a key feature shared by cryptocurrency and Hawala transactions?
A. High transparency in public records
B. Use of unique passcodes or encryption keys
C. Dependence on central bank oversight
D. Involvement of physical cash transfers

Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Cryptocurrency uses encryption keys, while Hawala uses passcodes shared between hawaladars, ensuring secure transactions without central bank oversight or physical cash.

45. What makes cryptocurrency and Hawala transactions cheaper compared to traditional banking?
A. They are subject to high commissions
B. They avoid currency exchange fees
C. They rely on government subsidies
D. They use centralized clearinghouses

Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Both systems avoid prohibitive commissions and currency exchange fees, making them cheaper than traditional banking, which often involves such costs.

Key Takeaway for Social Workers:
The cryptocurrency-Hawala nexus raises concerns about financial transparency. Social workers can educate vulnerable communities about the risks of unregulated financial systems and advocate for policies to protect against exploitation in informal economies.

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