Daily Current Affairs MCQ: 23rd July 2025 - UPSC MCQ

1. Statement 1 is correct. Ambrosia beetles are indeed native to Central and South America, and their presence in India was first reported in 2012. This statement accurately reflects the introduction timeline of these beetles into the Indian ecosystem.

2. Statement 2 is correct. The relationship between ambrosia beetles and the fungi Fusarium ambrosia and Fusarium solani is mutualistic. The beetles cultivate these fungi, which, in turn, assist in weakening the wood of the host tree, allowing the beetles to thrive.

3. Statement 3 is incorrect. The primary effect of ambrosia beetles on rubber trees is not the enhancement of latex production. Rather, the introduction of fungi by these beetles leads to severe structural damage, leaf fall, trunk drying, and potentially tree death, which negatively impacts latex production.

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

Universities are currently confronting challenges related to threats on their academic freedom and autonomy. This includes political and economic pressures that undermine their independence and ability to facilitate open debate. Recent incidents, such as the attack on Harvard University's federal funding, exemplify a broader trend where right-wing governments globally are trying to exert ideological control over higher education institutions. This trend poses a significant risk to the foundational principles of academic freedom and independence.

The primary reason rubber plantations in Kerala face a significant challenge due to ambrosia beetles is the introduction of fungi by the beetles, which weakens the wood of the trees. This weakening effect is a result of the beetles' mutualistic relationship with ambrosia fungi, leading to severe structural damage, leaf fall, and potential tree death, all of which significantly impact latex production.

1. China employs Buddhism as a tool of statecraft - Marginalizes independent lamas and asserts authority over reincarnation processes: Correct. China has indeed used Buddhism strategically to control Tibetan religious life since the 1950s, requiring state approval for reincarnations to ensure political control.

2. India’s Buddhist Diplomacy - Actively promotes its Buddhist heritage by investing in pilgrimage circuits: Correct. India has been promoting its Buddhist heritage, though it has been less coordinated compared to China, by investing in Buddhist pilgrimage circuits and other initiatives.

3. Dalai Lama Succession Crisis - Current Dalai Lama plans to reincarnate under Chinese control: Incorrect. The current Dalai Lama has expressed intentions to reincarnate outside Chinese control, likely in India, which could lead to two competing figures and a schism in Tibetan Buddhism.

4. Cultural Influence of China - China expands influence by asserting spiritual legitimacy in Arunachal Pradesh: Correct. China has been expanding its influence by asserting territorial claims based on historical and spiritual legitimacy, including in regions like Arunachal Pradesh.

Thus, pairs 1, 2, and 4 are correctly matched, making the total number of correctly matched pairs three.

1. Harvard University - Accused of promoting anti-American sentiment in the USA: Correct. Harvard University, along with other elite institutions, has been accused by right-wing elements in the USA of promoting anti-American sentiments. This reflects the broader trend where universities are under pressure from political forces.

2. Australian Government - Vetoed climate change research projects: Incorrect. The Australian government is noted for vetoing humanities research that it deemed contrary to national interests, not specifically climate change research.

3. MiG-21 - Known as "flying coffin" due to safety concerns: Correct. The MiG-21 has been nicknamed the "flying coffin" due to its high accident rate and safety concerns, leading to numerous pilot fatalities.

4. Ahmedabad - Developed a Heat Action Plan to tackle urban heat: Correct. Ahmedabad is known for having developed a comprehensive Heat Action Plan to combat the urban heat island effect and enhance resilience against extreme heat.

Thus, three of the pairs are correctly matched, making Option C the correct choice.

1. Ambrosia Beetles - Native Region: Central and South America
This pair is correctly matched. Ambrosia beetles are indeed native to Central and South America and were first reported in India in 2012.

2. Fusarium solani - Associated with: Ambrosia Beetles
This pair is correctly matched. Fusarium solani is one of the fungi that has a mutualistic relationship with ambrosia beetles.

3. PRATIBHA Setu Initiative - Launched Year: 2023
This pair is correctly matched. The PRATIBHA Setu initiative was launched with the results of the Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2023.

4. National Defence Academy Candidates - Eligibility for PRATIBHA Setu: Eligible
This pair is incorrectly matched. National Defence Academy candidates are excluded from eligibility for the PRATIBHA Setu initiative.

Pairs 1, 2, and 3 are correctly matched, while Pair 4 is incorrectly matched.

Statement-I highlights a serious issue in Kerala's rubber plantations caused by the ambrosia beetles. These pests work together with fungi, which results in severe leaf fall and quick drying of the trees.

Statement-II describes the PRATIBHA Setu initiative, designed to link candidates who successfully passed the UPSC interview but were not selected, with verified job opportunities.

Both statements are accurate. However, Statement-II does not provide an explanation for Statement-I. Thus, the correct interpretation is that both statements are true, but they address different issues.

1. Statement 1: This statement is correct. China has indeed made state approval mandatory for the reincarnation of all Living Buddhas since 2007. This move places spiritual legitimacy under political control, reflecting China's strategy to exert influence over Tibetan Buddhism.

2. Statement 2: This statement is incorrect. While India has hosted the Dalai Lama since 1959 and has been involved in promoting its Buddhist heritage, its efforts have been described as slower and more fragmented compared to China's well-coordinated strategies. China employs Buddhism as a tool of statecraft more aggressively.

3. Statement 3: This statement is incorrect. The current Dalai Lama has expressed intentions to reincarnate outside Chinese control, likely in India, to avoid Chinese influence over Tibetan Buddhism. This could lead to two competing figures recognized by different communities, potentially dividing Tibetan Buddhism.

Thus, only the first statement is correct, making Option A: 1 Only the right answer.

- Statement 1 is correct. The Trump administration indeed implemented visa restrictions for international students, which was part of broader policies that underscored the vulnerability of academic freedom in the United States. These measures were seen as part of efforts to exert ideological control over higher education institutions.

- Statement 2 is correct. There has been a trend of transforming universities into corporate-like entities, where market metrics are prioritized over critical inquiry. This transformation has indeed affected the relevance of the humanities and social sciences, as universities focus more on profit-driven subjects.

- Statement 3 is incorrect. The MiG-21 Bison squadrons of the Indian Air Force are set to be replaced by the Tejas Mark-1A aircraft, not the Rafale. The Tejas Mark-1A is an indigenous multirole light fighter aircraft developed under the Light Combat Aircraft program.

Thus, the correct answer is Option B: 1 and 2 Only, as only statements 1 and 2 are correct.

Employers often express reluctance towards implementing remote work due to concerns about team dynamics and productivity. They believe that physical presence in the workplace fosters collaboration, innovation, and team bonding. This aspect is particularly crucial in sectors where teamwork and coordination are vital for success. Employers fear that remote work might hinder these essential elements of a productive work environment, influencing their decision-making regarding remote work policies.