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Daily-mcqs 25 Apr 2025

Current Affairs MCQs for UPSC & State PSC Exams 25 Apr 2025

Current Affairs MCQs for UPSC & State PSC Exams

Q1:

Consider the following developments regarding India’s Fintech ecosystem:

The Unified Payments Interface (UPI) has expanded to international markets and integrated with credit cards.

The Digital Lending Market in India is expected to reach over USD 500 billion by 2030.

Embedded Finance has no significant role in India’s Fintech growth.

Blockchain is primarily used only for cryptocurrency in India.

How many of the above statements are correct?

A: Only one

B: Only two

C: Only three

D: All four

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Answer: B

Explanation:

Statements 1 and 2 are correct. UPI has indeed expanded into international markets and integrated with credit cards, and digital lending is projected to grow significantly by 2030. Statement 3 is incorrect—embedded finance plays a significant role and is expected to unlock USD 25 billion by 2030. Statement 4 is incorrect—India is using blockchain for secure financial transactions beyond cryptocurrencies, including the pilot launch of the Digital Rupee. Therefore, only two statements are correct.

Q2:

Consider the following factors contributing to the degradation of coral reef ecosystems globally:

Ocean acidification due to increased CO₂ absorption

Prolonged marine heatwaves exacerbated by El Niño

Sedimentation caused by coastal trawling and land runoff

Proliferation of invasive species like Kappaphycus alvarezii and crown-of-thorns starfish

Bioaccumulation of xenobiotic pollutants such as copper and oil

How many of the above directly impact coral health and contribute to coral bleaching or mortality?

A: Only three

B: Only four

C: All five

D: Only two

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Answer: C

Explanation:

All five listed factors negatively impact coral health. Ocean acidification alters pH, weakening coral skeletons. Marine heatwaves and El Niño elevate sea surface temperatures (SSTs), causing bleaching. Sedimentation reduces sunlight for zooxanthellae photosynthesis. Invasive species like algae and predatory starfish overtake weakened reefs. Xenobiotics (e.g., oil, copper) degrade coral tissue and disrupt the coral-algae symbiosis. These stressors together contribute to declining reef health and mass bleaching events, including the ongoing global bleaching crisis.

Q3:

Which of the following statements is true regarding the Institute of Advanced Study in Science and Technology (IASST)?

A: It is a private research institute under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare

B: It is an autonomous institute under the Department of Science and Technology

C: It functions under the Ministry of AYUSH and focuses on herbal diagnostics

D: It operates as a public-private partnership in the field of genomics

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Answer: B

Explanation:

The Institute of Advanced Study in Science and Technology (IASST) is an autonomous institution under the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India. Based in Guwahati, it engages in interdisciplinary research across physics, chemistry, life sciences, and materials science. It does not fall under the Ministry of Health, AYUSH, or operate as a PPP entity. Its recent innovation in cholesterol detection underscores its role in applied research with national health relevance.

Q4:

Which of the following best explains the strategic impact of India's suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty in April 2025?

A: It allows Pakistan to claim water rights under the International Court of Justice

B: It completely revokes the Treaty’s legal validity

C: It enables India to reconfigure its river usage without legal exit

D: It initiates a UN-mandated water-sharing framework in South Asia

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Answer: C

Explanation:

India’s suspension of the IWT is strategic rather than legal. Since the Treaty has no exit clause, India cannot formally withdraw, but the suspension allows it to explore broader usage of Western Rivers—e.g., storage, dam operations—while ceasing data sharing with Pakistan. This maneuver avoids violating international law yet signals a shift in diplomatic posture. The move doesn’t nullify the Treaty but allows India to apply pressure while reevaluating terms. Options (a), (b), and (d) are either incorrect or irrelevant to the current framework.

Q5:

Consider the following statements regarding the impact of rising gold prices on the Indian economy:

1.      A rise in gold prices leads to a wider Current Account Deficit (CAD) due to an increase in the import bill.

2.      Higher gold prices provide greater financial security to households that own gold.

3.      A surge in gold prices is likely to reduce inflation in the economy.

How many of the above statements are correct?

A: 1 and 2 only

B: 2 and 3 only

C: 1 and 3 only

D: 1, 2, and 3

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Answer: A

Explanation:

Statement 1 is correct: Rising gold prices lead to a higher import bill as India imports most of its gold, thereby widening the Current Account Deficit (CAD).

Statement 2 is correct: As the price of gold increases, the value of gold holdings held by households rises, enhancing their perceived financial security.

Statement 3 is incorrect: Higher gold prices typically contribute to inflation, especially in a country like India where gold is integral to consumer spending, particularly in jewelry. This can lead to higher overall inflation.