Daily Current Affairs MCQ: 9th October 2025 - UPSC MCQ

Statement-I correctly highlights the objective of the draft National Labour & Employment Policy, Shram Shakti Niti 2025, as described in the news. It aims to create a fair, inclusive, and technology-driven labour ecosystem in India. Statement-II accurately summarizes the significance of the 2025 Chemistry Nobel Prize awarded for advancements in metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) that have diverse applications in various scientific fields, as mentioned in the provided content. The advancements in MOFs have indeed revolutionized chemistry by introducing versatile frameworks with applications in catalysis, gas storage, and material science, aligning with the information provided. Therefore, both statements are correct, and Statement-II explains the importance and impact of Statement-I in their respective contexts.

1. CETA (Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement): This pair is correctly matched. CETA is indeed an agreement between India and the U.K. that aims to double bilateral trade by 2030.

2. Double Contributions Convention (DCC): This pair is incorrectly matched. The DCC is not about trade in textiles and agriculture but addresses the issue of dual social security contributions for Indian professionals working in the U.K.

3. Vision 2035 Road Map: This pair is correctly matched. The Vision 2035 Road Map outlines long-term cooperative goals between India and the U.K. in areas such as defense, technology, and climate action.

4. Technology Security Initiative (TSI): This pair is incorrectly matched. The TSI is focused on cooperation in sensitive technologies like artificial intelligence and quantum computing, not on reducing dual social security contributions.

The correctly matched pairs are 1 and 3. Hence, only two pairs are correctly matched, making Option B the correct answer.

Statement-I correctly highlights that preventive detention in India indeed poses a significant risk to civil liberties and is a persistent threat to fundamental rights. Statement-II accurately reflects recent Supreme Court rulings emphasizing that preventive detention should be exceptional and subject to strict scrutiny. The Supreme Court's stance aligns with the concerns raised regarding the misuse of preventive detention laws and the need for stringent safeguards to protect individual rights. Therefore, both statements are correct, and Statement-II logically supports and explains Statement-I.

1. Statement 1: Correct. The CETA aims to double bilateral trade between India and the U.K. by 2030. This is a key objective of the agreement, highlighting the commitment to significantly enhance economic ties between both nations.

2. Statement 2: Correct. The agreement includes tariff reductions on various products, including Scotch whisky and automobiles from the U.K., which are expected to benefit from reduced duties, thereby promoting increased trade in these sectors.

3. Statement 3: Incorrect. While the CETA does involve strategic collaborations beyond economic ties, the Technology Security Initiative (TSI) specifically focuses on cooperation in sensitive technologies, including artificial intelligence and quantum computing, but it is not mentioned as being directly under CETA or specifically focusing on defense technologies.

Therefore, statements 1 and 2 are correct, while statement 3 is not. The correct answer is Option B.

- Statement 1: This statement is correct. Preventive detention is indeed a legal mechanism that allows the state to detain individuals without trial. This measure is often justified by the need to maintain public order and prevent potential threats to state security.

- Statement 2: This statement is correct. The Supreme Court of India has emphasized that preventive detention should be an exception and is subject to strict scrutiny. It has reiterated the need for rigorous checks and balances to ensure that such detention does not infringe upon individual liberties unnecessarily.

- Statement 3: This statement is incorrect. The concept of preventive detention in India indeed has historical roots in colonial regulations. These laws were originally designed during the colonial period to suppress dissent and maintain order, which raises questions about their appropriateness in a modern democratic framework.

Thus, the correct answer is Option B: 1 and 2 Only, as both statements 1 and 2 are correct, while statement 3 is not.

- Statement 1 is correct. The draft National Labour & Employment Policy indeed proposes the integration of key national databases such as EPFO, ESIC, e-Shram, and NCS to create a cohesive labour ecosystem. This integration is aimed at enhancing real-time insights and facilitating better policy coordination, which is a significant aspect of the policy's approach to transforming the labour ecosystem.

- Statement 2 is correct. The policy emphasizes collaboration among various stakeholders, including the empowerment of women and youth. It focuses on universal social security, occupational safety, and the empowerment of women and youth, which is part of its strategic objectives to ensure a resilient and skilled workforce ready for future challenges.

- Statement 3 is incorrect. While the National Career Service (NCS) platform is envisioned as India's Digital Public Infrastructure for Employment, providing services like AI-enabled job matching, credential verification, and skill mapping, it is not limited to public sector employment opportunities. The NCS aims to cater to a broad spectrum of employment opportunities across various sectors, not exclusively focusing on the public sector.

Thus, the correct answer is Option B: 1 and 2 Only, as only statements 1 and 2 accurately reflect the content and objectives of the draft policy.

The PM-KUSUM scheme, initiated in 2019, primarily aims to promote solar energy in agriculture to enhance energy and water security for farmers. This scheme focuses on adding solar capacity to benefit farmers and contribute to environmental sustainability through the use of renewable energy sources.

The Mera Hou Chongba festival in Manipur holds historical significance as it symbolizes unity between the hills and valleys, fostering communal harmony among diverse tribal groups. This festival, with its traditional rituals and celebrations, serves as a testament to the cultural heritage and unity among the indigenous communities of Manipur.

- Statement 1 is incorrect. Component A of the PM-KUSUM scheme involves the establishment of decentralized grid-connected renewable energy power plants on barren land, not fertile agricultural land. This is to avoid conflicts with agricultural productivity and ensure the optimal use of unproductive land for energy generation.

- Statement 2 is correct. Component B of the PM-KUSUM scheme focuses on installing standalone solar-powered agriculture pumps. This component is designed to replace diesel pumps, particularly in off-grid areas, enabling farmers to utilize solar energy for their irrigation needs, thus promoting energy independence and sustainability.

- Statement 3 is correct. In Component C of the PM-KUSUM scheme, the solarisation of grid-connected agriculture pumps allows farmers to utilize solar power for their irrigation needs and sell any excess power back to DISCOMs at a pre-fixed tariff. This not only supports agricultural activities but also provides an additional income stream for farmers, enhancing their economic resilience.

Thus, only statements 2 and 3 are correct, making Option C the right choice.

The draft National Labour & Employment Policy, Shram Shakti Niti 2025, emphasizes a transition from regulation to facilitation, aiming to reestablish the ministry's role as an "employment facilitator" to foster a fair, inclusive, and technology-driven labour ecosystem. This shift signifies a move towards a more collaborative approach among workers, employers, and training institutions through data-driven systems, focusing on aspects like universal social security, occupational safety, and empowerment of women and youth.