Daily Current Affairs MCQ: 22nd August 2025 - UPSC MCQ

1. Operation Sindoor 2025 - Incorrect. This operation refers to enhanced military support from China to Pakistan, not India, raising security concerns for India due to increased military cooperation between China and Pakistan.
2. Weaponisation of Dependencies - Correct. China has indeed restricted exports of critical supplies to India, using these dependencies as potential leverage in geopolitical strategies.
3. Hydropower Concerns - Correct. Chinese dam projects pose significant concerns for India regarding water resources, particularly in the context of the Brahmaputra River, which affects India's water security.
4. 10-point Understanding - Incorrect. While Wang Yi's visit to India resulted in a 10-point understanding aimed at improving cooperation, it did not address all border issues. Major tensions, particularly in Ladakh, remain unresolved.
Thus, only pairs 2 and 3 are correctly matched.

The primary goal of Exercise Samanvay Shakti 2025 is to foster synergy among different entities, including security forces, government bodies, and civil institutions, to effectively address the complex challenges in the region through a unified approach. This initiative aims to enhance cooperation, understanding, and operational readiness among various organizations involved, thereby contributing to national integration and preparedness for security challenges.

1. Lipulekh Pass - Located in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand: This pair is correctly matched. Lipulekh Pass is indeed located in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand and is a significant high-altitude mountain pass that connects India with Tibet.

2. Shipki La Pass - Opened for trade with China in 1994: This pair is correctly matched. Shipki La Pass was indeed opened for trade with China in 1994, following Lipulekh Pass which was opened in 1992.

3. Nathu La Pass - Situated at the trijunction of India, Nepal, and China: This pair is incorrectly matched. Nathu La Pass is not located at the trijunction of India, Nepal, and China. It is located on the Indo-Tibetan border, specifically between the Indian state of Sikkim and Tibet Autonomous Region in China.

4. Kailash Mansarovar Yatra - Associated with Shipki La Pass: This pair is incorrectly matched. The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is associated with Lipulekh Pass, not Shipki La Pass. Lipulekh Pass is a traditional route taken by Indian pilgrims to reach the sacred Kailash Mansarovar in Tibet.

Thus, only pairs 1 and 2 are correctly matched, making the correct answer Option B: Only two pairs.

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) warns against raising the 4% inflation target currently in place to maintain the economic stability achieved in the last decade. This caution is rooted in the belief that altering the inflation target could potentially jeopardize the credibility of the monetary policy framework and undo the progress made in ensuring economic stability over the years. By keeping the inflation target at 4%, the RBI aims to sustain investor confidence and continue managing inflationary pressures effectively.

- Statement 1: Incorrect. Lipulekh Pass is situated near the trijunction of India, Nepal, and China, not Bhutan. This geographical detail is crucial as it reflects the strategic significance of the pass in terms of international borders. The mention of Bhutan instead of China makes this statement incorrect.

- Statement 2: Correct. Lipulekh Pass is indeed a significant route for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, which is an important pilgrimage for Hindus. This highlights the religious importance of the pass, alongside its geographical and strategic significance.

- Statement 3: Correct. Lipulekh Pass was the first Indian border post opened for trade with China in 1992. This reflects its historical role in facilitating trade between India and China and underscores its strategic importance.

Thus, only statements 2 and 3 are correct, making Option D the correct answer.

- Statement 1 is correct. The Election Commission of India (ECI) has indeed faced criticism regarding its lack of transparency and inefficiency in maintaining accurate electoral rolls. This criticism stems from issues like duplication and ghost voters, which compromise electoral integrity.

- Statement 2 is incorrect. While political parties have shifted towards digital strategies, this transition has not necessarily strengthened grassroots connections. Instead, it has been argued that the reliance on digital methods creates a false sense of connection, potentially neglecting the importance of local engagement.

- Statement 3 is correct. Booth Level Agents (BLAs) are intended to play a crucial role in ensuring the accuracy of electoral rolls. However, recent controversies and questions about their accountability have raised concerns about their effectiveness in this role.

Thus, statements 1 and 3 are correct, making Option C the right choice.

During the recent visit of Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi to India, a 10-point understanding was reached between India and China aimed at improving cooperation. This agreement comes at a crucial time when the India-China relationship is under renewed scrutiny due to various geopolitical factors. The understanding signifies a step towards enhancing bilateral ties, although underlying tensions persist, particularly in regions like Ladakh and due to China's support for Pakistan.

Statement-I correctly highlights the criticism faced by the Election Commission of India for not addressing irregularities and limiting oversight, which has raised concerns about its impartiality. Statement-II accurately points out the shift of political parties in India from traditional grassroots methods to digital strategies, impacting their voter connections. However, Statement-II does not provide an explanation or direct correlation to Statement-I. The two statements address distinct aspects of electoral processes in India without one being a direct cause or explanation of the other. Hence, option (b) is the correct answer.

Statement-I is correct as per the news article, where the RBI indeed cautions against raising the 4% inflation target to maintain the credibility of the monetary policy framework. Statement-II is also accurate as it reflects the objective of the proposed two-rate GST structure mentioned in the text, aiming to simplify tax compliance and enhance transparency. Furthermore, Statement-II explains why maintaining the current inflation target is crucial to avoid undermining investor confidence and past policy achievements, linking the two statements cohesively.

- Statement 1 is correct. The RBI has maintained an inflation target of 4% with a tolerance band of 2-6% since the adoption of the flexible inflation targeting framework in 2016. This target is set to be maintained until March 2026, as per the RBI's discussion paper.

- Statement 2 is incorrect. Although the RBI has invited feedback on whether to target core inflation (which excludes food and energy prices) instead of headline inflation (which includes all items), the discussion paper emphasizes that food prices significantly impact overall inflation. Thus, the RBI has not yet decided to shift its focus from headline to core inflation; it is merely a topic under consideration for public feedback.

- Statement 3 is correct. The RBI cautions that raising the inflation target above 4% could jeopardize the credibility of the monetary policy framework, as it would be perceived as a weakening of the inflation targeting framework, especially amidst global economic uncertainties.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option C: 1 and 3 Only.