Daily Current Affairs MCQ: 18th July 2025 - UPSC MCQ

- Statement 1 is correct: Section 79 of the IT Act provides a safe harbour to intermediaries, protecting them from liability for third-party content. However, this protection is conditional on the intermediaries complying with government takedown notices. Failure to comply with such notices can result in the loss of this protection.

- Statement 2 is correct: Section 69A of the IT Act authorizes the government to block public access to information on the internet in the interest of national security, public order, or other specified grounds. It includes procedural safeguards, such as the requirement for reasons to be recorded in writing and a review mechanism.

- Statement 3 is incorrect: The Sahyog Portal is indeed developed by the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C), but the controversy arises because it is perceived as a tool for enforcing compliance with government mandates on content removal, rather than merely facilitating voluntary compliance. It has been criticized by some as a "censorship portal," suggesting its role goes beyond voluntary compliance.

Hence, only statements 1 and 2 are correct, making Option B the correct answer.

1. Masulipatnam - Ancient name of Machilipatnam: Correct. Machilipatnam is indeed known by several historical names, including Masulipatnam, which accurately reflects its historical identity.

2. Vishnukundins - Known for establishing Machilipatnam as a diamond trade hub: Incorrect. While the Vishnukundins were significant rulers in the region, the Qutb Shahis, not the Vishnukundins, are credited with establishing Machilipatnam as a major hub for diamond trade, along with muslin and Kalamkari textiles.

3. Kalamkari Art - Traditional textile art associated with Machilipatnam: Correct. Machilipatnam is famous for Kalamkari art, which is a traditional form of hand-painted or block-printed textile art.

4. Qutb Shahis - Constructed a fort in Machilipatnam during their rule: Incorrect. The fort in Machilipatnam was constructed by the Dutch in the 17th century, not by the Qutb Shahis.

Pairs 1 and 3 are correctly matched, while pairs 2 and 4 are not. Therefore, the correct answer is Option B: Only two pairs.

1. Protostar - Early-stage star undergoing nuclear fusion: Incorrect. Protostars are early-stage stars that have not yet begun sustained nuclear fusion. They are still in the process of gathering gas and dust.

2. Circular Polarisation - Indicates presence of strong magnetic fields: Correct. Circular polarisation in radio waves is a phenomenon that indicates the presence of strong magnetic fields, such as those observed near the protostar IRAS 18162-2048.

3. IRAS 18162-2048 - A massive protostar: Correct. IRAS 18162-2048 is indeed a massive protostar, as noted in the provided material.

4. Mount Kilimanjaro - Tallest mountain in Africa, located in Kenya: Incorrect. While Mount Kilimanjaro is the tallest mountain in Africa, it is located in northeastern Tanzania, not Kenya.

Thus, only two pairs are correctly matched: pairs 2 and 3.

1. **Haidar Ali - Introduced iron-cased Mysorean rockets**: Incorrect. While Haidar Ali did modernize the Mysorean army, the introduction and significant use of iron-cased Mysorean rockets are primarily attributed to his son, Tipu Sultan.
2. **Treaty of Madras - Ended the First Anglo-Mysore War**: Correct. The Treaty of Madras was signed in 1769, ending the First Anglo-Mysore War and restoring the status quo between the Kingdom of Mysore and the British East India Company.
3. **Treaty of Seringapatam - Resulted in the ceding of half of Tipu Sultan's territory**: Correct. The Treaty of Seringapatam, signed in 1792, concluded the Third Anglo-Mysore War. Under this treaty, Tipu Sultan was forced to cede half of his territories to the British and their allies.
4. **Battle of Seringapatam - Haidar Ali was killed**: Incorrect. The Battle of Seringapatam refers to the final battle in 1799 during the Fourth Anglo-Mysore War, where Tipu Sultan was killed. Haidar Ali died in 1782 during the Second Anglo-Mysore War.
Thus, only pairs 2 and 3 are correctly matched.

Haidar Ali was the individual responsible for introducing Western military training, establishing arms factories with French assistance, and implementing administrative reforms such as a new calendar and land revenue reforms. His efforts in modernizing the military and governance systems were crucial during the Anglo-Mysore Wars, showcasing his strategic and innovative approach to resistance against colonial powers.

Machilipatnam, also known as Masulipatnam, is located in the state of Andhra Pradesh. This historic port city has played a crucial role in maritime trade for centuries, connecting with traders from various parts of the world. Today, with the establishment of a modern Greenfield port, Machilipatnam is set for a significant revival, aiming to enhance its maritime legacy and boost economic development in the region.

Statement-I correctly highlights the protection from liability granted to intermediaries like social media platforms under Section 79 of the Information Technology (IT) Act. This protection is contingent upon compliance with takedown notices.
Statement-II accurately describes Section 69A of the IT Act, which empowers the government to block content on specified grounds like national security and public order, with necessary procedural safeguards in place. This statement complements Statement-I by providing additional context on the government's authority in content regulation.
Therefore, both statements are factually correct, and Statement-II logically explains the context and necessity behind the protection offered by Section 79 through its reference to Section 69A.

1. Statement 1: Machilipatnam has indeed been an important port city for approximately 1,700 years, with historical trade connections that extended to Rome and Southeast Asia. This statement is correct.

2. Statement 2: The port of Machilipatnam was primarily known for exporting high-quality Muslin textiles, not silk textiles, to various regions including Europe. Therefore, this statement is incorrect.

3. Statement 3: The British East India Company did establish its first factory in the Bay of Bengal at Machilipatnam in 1611. This statement is correct.

Based on the analysis above, statements 1 and 3 are correct, while statement 2 is incorrect. Thus, the correct answer is Option B: 1 and 3 Only.

The Behdienkhlam Festival celebrated by the Pnar community in Meghalaya holds significant cultural and communal importance, signifying a communal cleansing ritual aimed at driving away plague or evil forces. It is an annual event observed in mid-July after the sowing season, with intentions including prayers for a good harvest and community purification. The festival highlights the cultural richness of the Pnar community and plays a vital role in fostering community spirit and celebrating their agricultural traditions.

• Statement-I is accurate as Machilipatnam has a historical legacy of being an important port city for approximately 1,700 years.
• Statement-II is also correct because official project documents and releases from the Andhra Pradesh Maritime Board and the Ministry of Ports state that the Greenfield port development aims to re-establish the historical glory of Machilipatnam as a major maritime hub.
• Hence, Statement-II explains Statement-I.