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Daily-mcqs 18 Mar 2025

Current Affairs MCQs for UPSC & State PSC Exams 18 Mar 2025

Current Affairs MCQs for UPSC & State PSC Exams

Q1:

Consider the following statements regarding Five Eyes alliance:

1. This alliance started as an agreement between America and Britain during the Second World War.

2. It included Canada in 1948 and Australia and New Zealand in 1956.

3. Its main objective was to promote trade and economic cooperation.

4. After 9/11, its scope expanded to counter-terrorism and cyber security.

Choose the correct answer:

A: Only 1 and 2 are correct.

B: Only 1, 2 and 4 are correct.

C: Only 3 and 4 are correct.

D: All are correct.

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Answer: B

Explanation:

The Five Eyes alliance began as a secret agreement between the US and Britain during World War II, aimed at intercepting and decoding enemy communications. The US, Britain, Canada, Australia and New Zealand are its members. The original purpose of this alliance was to share intelligence, not to promote trade. During the Cold War it remained important for tracking the activities of the Soviet Union and after 9/11 it expanded to terrorism and cybersecurity.

Q2:

Consider the following statements related to the recently introduced Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025:

1. This bill has been brought to streamline the entry, stay and movement of foreigners in India.

2. This bill provides for stringent penalties for the use of fake passports and visas.

3. This bill introduces a new comprehensive law by merging four old immigration laws.

4. Under this, no foreign national will require special permission to travel to India.

Choose the correct answer:

A: Only 1, 2 and 3 are correct.

B: Only 1 and 4 are correct.

C: Only 2, 3 and 4 are correct.

D: All the statements are correct.

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Answer: A

Explanation:

The Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025 aims to reform India's immigration system and make it more effective. The bill provides for stringent penalties for the use of fake passports and visas, including a jail term of up to seven years and a fine of up to Rs 10 lakh. Also, it replaces old laws like the Passport (Entry into India) Act, 1920, the Registration of Foreigners Act, 1939, the Foreigners Act, 1946 and the Immigration (Carriers Liability) Act, 2000 with a new comprehensive law. However, foreigners will still have to seek special permission to travel in specially protected areas (such as the Northeast, Andaman and Jammu and Kashmir).

Q3:

Consider the following statements:

1. Mangrove trees are adapted to survive in salt water and can tolerate high salinity.

2. Mangrove ecosystems play an important role in the conservation of biodiversity and coastal protection.

3. The seeds of mangrove trees germinate only after they fall into water, allowing them to expand rapidly.

4. Mangroves contribute to carbon sequestration and help mitigate climate change.

Choose the correct answer:

A: Only 1, 2 and 4 are correct.

B: Only 1 and 3 are correct.

C: Only 2 and 4 are correct.

D: All statements are correct.

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Answer: A

Explanation:

Mangroves form a unique ecosystem, adapting to high salinity, flooding and harsh coastal conditions. These trees provide coastal protection, preventing damage from cyclones and sea level rise. Their seeds often germinate on the parent tree, but seeds of some species can germinate even after falling into water. Another important contribution of mangrove forests is carbon sequestration, absorbing CO₂ from the atmosphere and storing it in soil and biomass, thereby reducing the effects of climate change.

Q4:

Consider the following statements with reference to the recently passed Oil Sector (Regulation and Development) Amendment Bill, 2024:

1. The Bill introduces a single licensing system for the oil and gas sector in India, thereby simplifying the exploration and production process.

2. It provides for promoting carbon capture, utilisation and sequestration (CCUS) and green hydrogen projects.

3. As per the Bill, states will no longer have the authority to issue petroleum leases and collect royalties.

4. Violators will be fined a maximum of ₹25 lakh and in some cases up to ₹10 lakh per day.

Choose the correct answer:

A: Only 1, 2 and 4 are correct.

B: Only 1 and 3 are correct.

C: Only 2 and 4 are correct.

D: All statements are correct.

Show

Answer: A

Explanation:

The Oil Sector (Regulation and Development) Amendment Bill, 2024 has been passed with the aim of bringing major reforms in India's oil and gas sector. It introduces a single licensing system in the form of "petroleum leases" by eliminating the need for separate licenses for different hydrocarbons, which will ease the exploration and production process. It has a provision to promote CCUS and green hydrogen projects, which are important for energy transition and sustainability. The Bill provides for stringent penalties, including a fine of up to ₹25 lakh and a penalty of up to ₹10 lakh per day for certain violations. However, it does not affect the rights of states, they can still issue petroleum leases and collect royalty.

Q5:

Which countries are included in the member countries of Five Eyes alliance?

1. US

2. UK

3. Russia

4. Canada

5. Australia

6. New Zealand

Choose the correct answer:

A: Only 1, 2 and 4

B: Only 1, 2, 4, 5 and 6

C: Only 1, 3, 4 and 5

D: All countries are included

Show

Answer: B

Explanation:

The Five Eyes alliance is an intelligence sharing group consisting of five countries—the US, UK, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. It was formed during World War II, when the US and UK collaborated to intercept and decode enemy communications. Later Canada (1948), Australia and New Zealand (1956) also joined it. The alliance is mainly active in military and cyber security, counter-terrorism operations and intelligence sharing. Russia is not a member of this alliance, as it has been part of the rival bloc of Western countries.