Daily Current Affairs MCQ: 28th August 2025 - UPSC MCQ

1. Statement 1 is correct. The Export Promotion Mission is indeed a collaborative initiative involving the Ministries of Commerce and Industry, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, and Finance. This joint effort is aimed at fostering a broad-based, inclusive, and sustainable growth in exports.

2. Statement 2 is incorrect. Niryat Protsahan, as part of the Export Promotion Mission, is not solely focused on export quality compliance. Instead, it encompasses multiple facets including interest equalisation support, support for alternative trade finance instruments, and the introduction of a credit card specifically for e-commerce exporters. Export quality compliance is primarily addressed under the Niryat Disha sub-scheme.

3. Statement 3 is correct. One of the main objectives of the Export Promotion Mission is to enhance export competitiveness by providing improved access to export credit and assisting Indian exporters in overcoming non-tariff barriers in the global markets. This aligns with the overarching goal of facilitating sustainable export growth.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option C: 1 and 3 Only.

The recent concerns surrounding the Pong Dam primarily stem from the rising water levels due to heavy rainfall. This situation poses a risk of potential flooding in the surrounding areas. It's crucial to monitor and manage the dam's water levels to ensure the safety of the region and its inhabitants.

The Bhakra Dam in Punjab holds significance as one of India's highest gravity dams. Gravity dams are massive structures that rely on their weight and the force of gravity to resist the horizontal pressure of water behind the dam. The Bhakra Dam plays a crucial role in water management, irrigation, and hydropower generation in the region, showcasing its importance in supporting agricultural activities and generating electricity for the area.

- Statement 1: This statement is correct. The 50% tariffs imposed by the United States have indeed significantly affected India's exports, particularly in sectors like textiles and gems. The production in key hubs such as Tirupur and Surat has been impacted due to these tariffs, making Indian goods less competitive in the US market.

- Statement 2: This statement is incorrect. As per the provided information, the United States accounted for 18% of India's exports as of 2024, not 25%. This shows a significant increase from 11% in 2010, highlighting growing reliance but not to the extent mentioned in the statement.

- Statement 3: This statement is correct. The tariffs have led Indian policymakers to consider diversification strategies to reduce reliance on the US market. This includes exploring trade opportunities with regions such as Africa, Latin America, and Southeast Asia.

Thus, the correct answer is Option C: 1 and 3 Only, as statements 1 and 3 are accurate based on the given data.

1. Statement 1: This statement is incorrect. The Pong Dam is not the tallest concrete gravity dam in India; it is the tallest earth-fill embankment dam at the time of its completion. Therefore, statement 1 is incorrect.

2. Statement 2: This statement is correct. Maharana Pratap Sagar, the reservoir created by the Pong Dam, was indeed designated as a Ramsar Wetland Site in 2002 due to its ecological importance, particularly as a habitat for migratory birds and various species of avifauna.

3. Statement 3: This statement is incorrect. While the Pong Dam supports biodiversity conservation and is a designated bird sanctuary, its primary purposes include irrigation and hydroelectric power generation, rather than solely serving as a bird sanctuary.

Thus, the correct answer is Option B: 2 Only, as only the second statement is correct.

Statement-I correctly highlights the impact of the 50% tariffs on Indian exports to the US, emphasizing the challenges faced by sectors like textiles and gems due to the tariffs. Statement-II accurately describes Project Aarohan by NHAI, which aims to support the education of children from economically weaker backgrounds whose parents are employed at toll plazas. The two statements are independent but both present accurate information relevant to their respective topics.

1. Export Promotion Mission - Lead Department: Ministry of Finance: Incorrect. The lead department for the Export Promotion Mission is the Department of Commerce, not the Ministry of Finance.

2. Gorumara National Park - Location: Terai region of Dooars: Correct. Gorumara National Park is indeed located in the Terai region of Dooars at the foothills of the Eastern Himalayas in West Bengal.

3. Punatsangchhu-II Hydroelectric Project - River: Wangchhu River: Incorrect. The Punatsangchhu-II Hydroelectric Project is located on the Punatsangchhu River, not the Wangchhu River.

4. Niryat Protsahan - Allocated Amount: Rs 14,500 crore: Incorrect. Niryat Protsahan has been allocated over Rs 10,000 crore. It is Niryat Disha that is allocated over Rs 14,500 crore.

Thus, the correctly matched pairs are 2 and none others.

Project Aarohan, initiated by the NHAI, aims to support the educational aspirations of children whose parents work at toll plazas by providing mentorship, financial aid, skill-building workshops, and career guidance. This initiative targets children from economically weaker sections and aims to bridge socio-economic divides by offering equal access to quality education.

Both Statement-I and Statement-II are factually correct. Statement-I highlights the significance of Punjab's rivers in irrigation and hydropower, specifically mentioning the Sutlej, Beas, and Ravi. Statement-II complements this by emphasizing the crucial role of major dams like Bhakra, Pong, and Ranjit Sagar in water management within the region. The dams mentioned help regulate water flow, facilitate irrigation, and support hydropower generation, showcasing their integral contribution to managing water resources in Punjab. Hence, both statements are accurate, and Statement-II logically explains the importance of the dams in conjunction with the rivers for water management in Punjab.

1. Pong Dam - Located in Kangra district, Himachal Pradesh: This pair is correctly matched. The Pong Dam, also known as the Beas Dam, is indeed located in the Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh.

2. Maharana Pratap Sagar - Created by Bhakra Dam: This pair is incorrectly matched. Maharana Pratap Sagar is the reservoir created by the Pong Dam, not the Bhakra Dam.

3. Ramsar Site Designation - Year 2002: This pair is correctly matched. The Pong Dam reservoir was designated as a Ramsar Wetland Site in the year 2002 due to its ecological importance, especially for migratory birds.

4. Bar-headed Geese - Found at Pong Dam: This pair is correctly matched. The Pong Dam is a habitat for various avifauna, including the Bar-headed Geese.

Thus, three pairs are correctly matched: 1, 3, and 4.