Daily Current Affairs MCQ: 24th June 2025 - UPSC MCQ

1. Al-Udeid Air Base - Forward headquarters for U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM): Correct. The Al-Udeid Air Base in Qatar serves as the forward headquarters for CENTCOM, overseeing military operations across a vast region from Egypt to Kazakhstan.

2. Inflation Rate Drop - Result of RBI's effective monetary policy: Incorrect. Although India's inflation rate fell below 3% in May 2025, this was primarily due to a surge in agricultural output rather than the RBI's monetary policy. The RBI's inflation targeting through interest rate manipulation was not the main factor behind the inflation drop.

3. Child Labour Rescues - Highest in Uttar Pradesh: Incorrect. The states leading in child labour rescues and arrests in 2024-25 were Telangana, Bihar, and Rajasthan, not Uttar Pradesh. These states accounted for the most significant number of rescue operations.

4. Qatari Investment - Over $8 billion in Al-Udeid Air Base modernization: Correct. Qatar has indeed invested over $8 billion in modernizing the infrastructure of the Al-Udeid Air Base, which helps alleviate financial pressures on U.S. taxpayers.

The correctly matched pairs are 1 and 4.

- Statement 1: The sugar industry in India is indeed concerned about the import of genetically modified (GM) maize for ethanol production. The opposition stems from fears that imports could harm local producers by increasing competition and reducing the market share of domestic products. Therefore, statement 1 is correct.

- Statement 2: India's ethanol blending program does have a target of achieving a 20% blending ratio by 2025-26. This goal is part of the government's initiative to increase energy security and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by incorporating more ethanol into petrol. Thus, statement 2 is correct.

- Statement 3: The Soybean Processors Association of India (SOPA) is actually opposed to the importation of GM soybeans, not supportive of it. SOPA's opposition is based on fears that such imports would threaten the livelihoods of local soybean farmers and create logistical challenges, rather than favorable conditions. Therefore, statement 3 is incorrect.

Thus, the correct answer is Option B: 1 and 2 Only, as statements 1 and 2 are correct based on the context of the India-US trade deal and its impact on the agricultural sector in India.

Iran launched missile attacks on the Al-Udeid Air Base in Qatar in retaliation to recent U.S. airstrikes targeting its nuclear facilities. This act was a response to the aggression faced by Iran and aimed to send a strong message to the U.S. regarding its military actions in the region.

- Statement 1 is correct. The missile attacks by Iran on the Al-Udeid Air Base were indeed a response to U.S. airstrikes targeting Iranian nuclear facilities. This escalation highlights the ongoing tensions between the two nations.

- Statement 2 is correct. Al-Udeid Air Base serves as the forward headquarters for the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), overseeing operations from Egypt to Kazakhstan. It is noted as the largest U.S. military installation in the Middle East, emphasizing its strategic importance.

- Statement 3 is incorrect. Contrary to the statement, Qatar has invested significantly in the modernization of the Al-Udeid Air Base, with over $8 billion spent on infrastructure improvements. This investment alleviates the financial burden on U.S. taxpayers, contrary to what the statement suggests.

Thus, the correct statements are 1 and 2 only, making Option B the right choice.

The primary concern of the sugar industry in India regarding the India-US trade deal is the import of genetically modified (GM) maize for fuel blending. This issue has raised alarms within the sugar industry due to fears that easing import restrictions could harm local producers. In contrast, the soybean processing industry is concerned about the import of GM soybeans for different reasons, reflecting distinct challenges faced by various agricultural sectors in India.

Rare earth elements are indispensable for several industries such as clean energy, defense, and technology due to their unique properties. These elements are crucial components in various advanced technologies like smartphones, electric vehicles, wind turbines, and military equipment. Their scarcity and importance make them a critical aspect of global supply chain security and technological advancements.

Statement-I is accurate as per the details given in the text. The ethanol blending program in India has indeed shown substantial growth from 1.5% in 2013-14 to 14.6% in 2023-24, reflecting a significant increase.
Statement-II is also correct and explains Statement-I. The concerns of sugar mills in India regarding the shift from sugarcane to grains for ethanol production have been highlighted in the text. This shift has raised worries among sugar millers about the diminishing importance of sugarcane due to the increasing use of grains, particularly maize and surplus rice, for ethanol production.
Therefore, both statements are factually correct, and Statement-II logically explains the implications of the growth in India's ethanol blending program on the sugar industry.

- Statement 1: This statement is correct. India has indeed launched a National Critical Mineral Mission aimed at enhancing self-reliance in critical minerals. This mission is part of India’s broader strategy to reduce dependency on Chinese rare earth supplies and to secure its future needs through exploration projects and boosting local processing capabilities.

- Statement 2: This statement is incorrect. While the National Critical Mineral Mission does focus on securing critical minerals like lithium and cobalt, its scope is not limited solely to these minerals or to the production of electric vehicles. The mission encompasses a broader range of critical minerals necessary for various industries, including clean energy and defense.

- Statement 3: This statement is correct. India is exploring alternative sources of rare earth elements in countries such as Brazil, Saudi Arabia, and Vietnam. This is part of a global initiative to diversify supply sources and reduce the risks associated with over-dependence on China's rare earth market.

Thus, the correct answer is Option C: 1 and 3 Only, as only statements 1 and 3 are accurate.

1. Target Age Group - 16 to 18 years: This pair is correctly matched. The NAVYA initiative specifically targets girls aged 16-18 years.

2. Certification Support - Under Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY): This pair is correctly matched. Beneficiaries of the NAVYA initiative will obtain skill certificates under initiatives like PMKVY.

3. Pilot Phase Implementation - 30 districts across 21 states: This pair is incorrectly matched. The pilot phase will be implemented in 27 districts across 19 states.

4. Focus on Non-Traditional Skills - Electronics repair and solar energy: This pair is correctly matched. The initiative focuses on training girls in non-traditional skills such as electronics repair and solar energy.

Thus, three pairs are correctly matched.

1. Statement 1 is Correct: The NAVYA initiative specifically targets adolescent girls aged 16-18 who have completed at least Class 10, focusing on those from underserved regions. This is in line with the program's objective to empower these girls through skill development.

2. Statement 2 is Incorrect: The NAVYA initiative does not focus on traditional skills such as tailoring and embroidery. Instead, it emphasizes training in emerging and non-traditional fields such as electronics repair, drone technology, and solar energy.

3. Statement 3 is Correct: Beneficiaries of the NAVYA initiative do receive skill certifications under recognized national programs such as the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) and PM Vishwakarma, which supports their employability and further educational pursuits.

Hence, the correct answer is Option C