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Daily-mcqs 23 Apr 2025

Current Affairs MCQs for UPSC & State PSC Exams 23 Apr 2025

Current Affairs MCQs for UPSC & State PSC Exams

Q1:

Consider the following statements about deep-sea squid species:

Statement-I: Colossal squids grow quickly and have a short lifespan.

Statement-II: Giant and colossal squids take years to reach full maturity and may live longer than most squid species.

Which of the following is correct?

A: Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct, and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I.

B: Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct, but Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I.

C: Statement-I is correct, but Statement-II is incorrect.

D: Statement-I is incorrect, but Statement-II is correct.

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Answer: D

Explanation:

Colossal and giant squids do not grow quickly and may take years to mature, unlike many other squid species.

Q2:

Why is rice more prone to arsenic accumulation than most other crops?

A: It is genetically more susceptible to heavy metals.

B: It is cultivated in oxygen-rich dry fields.

C: It is often grown in water-saturated soil, which increases arsenic solubility.

D: It has higher natural arsenic content than other crops.

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Answer: C

Explanation:

Paddy cultivation creates anaerobic conditions, enhancing arsenic mobility in the soil.

Q3:

According to the ICIMOD report, which of the following are direct consequences of reduced snow persistence in the Hindu Kush Himalayan (HKH) region?

        1.     Reduced summer river flow in the Indo-Gangetic plains

        2.     Decrease in hydropower potential

        3.     Disruption in wetland ecosystems

        4.     Increase in monsoon rainfall

How many of the above are correct?

A: Only two

B: Only three

C: All four

D: Only one

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Answer: B

Explanation:

The ICIMOD report states that declining snow persistence will reduce river flow during early summer, especially affecting irrigated agriculture, hydropower generation, and wetland ecosystems. These are all downstream effects of reduced snowmelt, which forms a major part of river runoff. However, an increase in monsoon rainfall is not cited as a consequence of reduced snow persistence. Instead, the report emphasizes variability in precipitation patterns due to climate change. Hence, only the first three statements are correct.

Q4:

Consider the following statements regarding the Welfare Efficiency Index (WEI):

Statement 1: The WEI combines fiscal and social outcomes to assess the effectiveness of welfare schemes.

Statement 2: An increase in WEI implies more government spending on subsidies.

Which one of the following is correct?

A: Statement 1 is correct, and Statement 2 is incorrect

B: Statement 1 is incorrect, and Statement 2 is correct

C: Both Statement 1 and 2 are correct

D: Both Statement 1 and 2 are incorrect

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Answer: A

Explanation:

Statement 1 is correct as the Welfare Efficiency Index (WEI) introduced in the report measures both fiscal savings and social outcomes like beneficiary coverage. Statement 2 is incorrect because a higher WEI reflects improved efficiency, not more spending. In fact, subsidy expenditure as a share of total expenditure fell from 16% to 9%, showing better targeting—not increased spending.

Q5:

Statement 1: India and China have a formal treaty for transboundary water sharing like the Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan.

Statement 2: India is concerned about China’s plans to build a dam on the Yarlung Tsangpo river.

A: Both statements are correct and Statement 2 is the correct explanation of Statement 1

B: Both statements are correct but Statement 2 is not the correct explanation of Statement 1

C: Statement 1 is incorrect but Statement 2 is correct

D: Both statements are incorrect

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Answer: C

Explanation:

India and China do not have a formal treaty like the Indus Waters Treaty. Hence, Statement 1 is incorrect. However, Statement 2 is correct—India is concerned about China’s plans to build a super dam on the Yarlung Tsangpo (Brahmaputra) due to the risks of water diversion, data opacity, and ecological harm. This has been a persistent issue in India-China relations. Although a hydrological data-sharing mechanism resumed in 2025, trust remains limited. The absence of a treaty adds to India’s strategic insecurity, especially in the face of climate-induced water stress.