Daily Current Affairs MCQ: 21st March 2025 - UPSC MCQ

1. Competition Commission of India (CCI) - Regulates data monopolization through the Digital Markets Act (DMA)

Incorrect. The Digital Markets Act (DMA) is a regulatory framework implemented by the European Union to curb the power of large digital platforms. The Competition Commission of India (CCI) is an Indian regulatory body that deals with anti-competitive practices but does not regulate through the DMA.

2. Holocene Epoch - Marks the beginning of the Paleolithic Ice Age

Incorrect. The Holocene Epoch marks the end of the last Ice Age, leading into a warmer and more stable climate. The Paleolithic Ice Age predates the Holocene, which began approximately 12,000 to 11,500 years ago.

3. Samarth Incubation Programme - Launched by the Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DoT)

Correct. The Samarth Incubation Programme is indeed launched by the Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DoT) to support startups in the technology sector.

4. Anthropocene Epoch - Highlights global changes driven by human activity

Correct. The term Anthropocene is used to describe the current geological age, viewed as the period during which human activity has been the dominant influence on climate and the environment.

Two pairs are correctly matched: 3 and 4.

Statement-I correctly highlights the increase in government health expenditure in India, from 1.15% of GDP in 2013-14 to 1.84% in 2021-22, showcasing a consistent rise in healthcare spending. Statement-II accurately presents India's total health expenditure figures, indicating a proactive governmental response to healthcare challenges with an increase from ₹7,39,327 crores to ₹9,04,461 crores. However, Statement-II does not directly explain or elaborate on the increase in government health expenditure mentioned in Statement-I. Instead, it provides additional context regarding total health expenditure and per capita expenditure in India. Therefore, both statements are correct, but Statement-II does not explain Statement-I, making option (b) the correct choice.

The 'Samarth' incubation programme launched by C-DoT aims at fostering innovation and growth specifically in the technology sector. This initiative focuses on supporting startups in various technological domains such as telecom software, cybersecurity, 5G/6G technologies, AI, IoT, and quantum technologies. By providing grants, mentorship, and access to facilities, the program strives to nurture sustainable and scalable business models, aiding startups in transitioning from ideation to commercialization.

- Statement 1: This statement is correct. The Union government's expenditure on healthcare rose from 1.15% of GDP in 2013-14 to 1.84% in 2021-22, reflecting an increased commitment to improving the public healthcare system.

- Statement 2: This statement is incorrect. The National Health Policy 2017 aims to increase government health expenditure to 2.5% of GDP by 2025, not 3.5%. This target aligns with the policy's broader goal of strengthening India's healthcare infrastructure.

- Statement 3: This statement is correct. Increased government spending on health has indeed contributed to reducing out-of-pocket expenditure for individuals. This is due to improved accessibility of public health services, expansion of government-funded health insurance, and initiatives like Ayushman Bharat, which have collectively reduced the financial burden on families.

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

Finland has been ranked as the happiest country for the eighth consecutive year according to the World Happiness Report 2025. This consistent top ranking reflects various factors contributing to Finland's high happiness score, such as social support, freedom to make life choices, and a strong sense of community and well-being.

- Statement 1 is correct. Pottery indeed provides valuable insights into the socio-economic status of ancient societies. Luxury pottery items, often intricately designed and made from costly materials, were typically associated with the elite class, while simpler pottery was used by the broader society.

- Statement 2 is incorrect. The study of pottery is highly relevant to understanding religious customs and practices. Pottery has been used historically in various ritualistic and symbolic contexts, such as in religious ceremonies and burial rituals. Thus, it plays a crucial role in shedding light on the religious aspects of ancient cultures.

- Statement 3 is correct. Pottery is a significant tool in archaeology for dating ancient sites. The styles, materials, and techniques used in pottery can help historians and archaeologists to determine the chronological order of cultural and technological progress in ancient civilizations.

Therefore, the correct statements are 1 and 3, making Option B: 1 and 3 Only the correct answer.

The primary objective of the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) is to promote old-age income security and safeguard the interests of pension fund subscribers. This statutory regulatory body, established in 2014, operates under the Ministry of Finance and plays a pivotal role in regulating the National Pension System (NPS) and other pension schemes. By ensuring sound regulation and development of pension schemes, the PFRDA aims to secure the financial future of individuals, especially in terms of post-retirement income stability and security.

Statement-I correctly states that the vernal equinox results in almost equal lengths of day and night across the globe. This phenomenon occurs when the Earth's axis is neither tilted towards nor away from the Sun, leading to this equal distribution of sunlight.
Statement-II is also accurate. During an equinox, the Sun is directly above the Equator, which causes nearly equal daylight in both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. This alignment leads to the specific lighting conditions observed during an equinox.
Therefore, both statements are correct, and Statement-II logically explains why Statement-I is true, making option (a) the correct answer.

Pottery serves as a significant reflection of daily life, technological expertise, and cultural expression in ancient societies. It not only showcases the artistic and functional aspects of these societies but also provides insights into how people lived, worked, and expressed their culture through material objects like pottery. The evolution of pottery-making reflects advancements in craftsmanship and creativity, offering valuable information about ancient civilizations.

1. Statement 1 is Correct: The Competition Commission of India (CCI) did impose a fine of ₹213.14 crore on Meta and also included a five-year ban on sharing WhatsApp user data with other Meta-owned platforms. This action was taken as part of the CCI's larger scrutiny of data exploitation and anti-competitive behavior by digital giants.

2. Statement 2 is Incorrect: The CCI's decision against Meta was not primarily due to a refusal to update its privacy policy as per Indian law, but rather because the 2021 privacy policy update was seen as an abuse of Meta's dominant position, reinforcing its market power through a "take-it-or-leave-it" consent model.

3. Statement 3 is Incorrect: The CCI's existing competition laws, established in 2002, are widely regarded as needing updates to effectively address the nuances of digital market dynamics. The scenario has evolved significantly with data playing a crucial role in market dominance, and hence there is a recognized need for reform to combat data-driven monopolies effectively.

Thus, only Statement 1 is correct, making Option A the correct answer.