Daily Current Affairs MCQ: 5th May 2025 - UPSC MCQ

Statement 1 is correct. 'Kamala', also known as DRR Dhan 100, is indeed developed by ICAR-IIRR Hyderabad and is noted for offering a 19% yield increase over Samba Mahsuri. This variety is also recognized for its early maturity and drought tolerance.

Statement 2 is correct. 'Pusa DST Rice 1', developed by ICAR-IARI Delhi, is designed to enhance drought and salinity tolerance. It shows a significant yield boost of up to 30.4% under stress conditions when compared to the variety MTU1010, making it highly resilient to adverse environmental conditions.

Statement 3 is incorrect. Both 'Kamala' and 'Pusa DST Rice 1' utilize CRISPR-Cas9 genome-editing technology, which involves making precise changes to their DNA without incorporating any foreign DNA. This method allows for the enhancement of genetic traits while adhering to regulatory standards that exempt these varieties from stringent biosafety regulations.

Therefore, the correct statements are 1 and 2, making Option B the correct answer.

1. Kamala (DRR Dhan 100) - Developed by ICAR-IARI Delhi: Incorrect. Kamala (DRR Dhan 100) is developed by ICAR-IIRR Hyderabad, not by ICAR-IARI Delhi.

2. Pusa DST Rice 1 - Developed by ICAR-IIRR Hyderabad: Incorrect. Pusa DST Rice 1 is developed by ICAR-IARI Delhi, not by ICAR-IIRR Hyderabad.

3. Kamala (DRR Dhan 100) - Enhances drought and salinity tolerance: Correct. Kamala improves yield, early maturity, and drought tolerance, although it does not specifically state salinity tolerance; it is primarily noted for its drought tolerance.

4. Pusa DST Rice 1 - Utilizes CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing technology: Correct. Both Kamala and Pusa DST Rice 1 utilize CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing technology without any foreign DNA insertion.

Thus, only pairs 3 and 4 are correctly matched.

Statement 1: Correct. The demand for maize for ethanol production has indeed led to a significant increase in maize prices in India. The text mentions an increase in prices from Rs 14,000–15,000 to Rs 24,000–25,000 per tonne over four years, primarily due to its diversion under the blending program.

Statement 2: Incorrect. The current maize import policy in India prohibits the use of genetically modified (GM) maize for food or feed use, although there are proposals to allow GM maize imports strictly for ethanol production. The statement incorrectly suggests that GM maize is allowed for food and feed use, which is not the case.

Statement 3: Correct. Distiller’s Dried Grains with Solubles (DDGS), which is a by-product of the ethanol production process, is gaining traction as a protein-rich feed component. It contains 28–30% protein, making it an attractive alternative to more expensive traditional protein sources like soybean DOC.

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

Statement-I correctly highlights the increasing strategic importance of the Arctic due to climate change and the opening up of the Northern Sea Route (NSR), making it a region of interest for global powers. Statement-II accurately points out that India's current Arctic Policy primarily focuses on environmental and scientific aspects, potentially overlooking the geopolitical shifts occurring in the region. Therefore, both statements are correct, and Statement-II explains why Statement-I alone might not be sufficient to address India's Arctic strategy comprehensively.

Statement-I correctly highlights the impact of the increasing use of maize for ethanol production on maize prices. The diversion of maize towards fuel production has indeed led to a surge in prices, affecting traditional sectors that rely on maize. Statement-II correctly describes the Repairability Index (RI) framework, which assesses six key parameters to determine repairability for products like smartphones and tablets. Therefore, both statements are accurate, and Statement-II provides additional information that elaborates on Statement-I.

Statement-I correctly states that Vizhinjam Port is India's first deep-water, semi-automated container transhipment port, as mentioned in the provided text.
Statement-II is also correct as the Vizhinjam International Seaport aims to increase its capacity to 4.87 million TEUs by 2028, as per the information given.
Both statements are correct, but Statement-II does not explain or provide additional information about Statement-I; hence the correct answer is option (b).

The "China Plus One" strategy aims to diversify supply chains and reduce dependency on China by incorporating an alternative country into the manufacturing or sourcing process. This strategy has gained traction due to geopolitical risks, trade tensions, and regulatory unpredictability in China, prompting international businesses to explore other options for their operations.

The primary reason for the increasing strategic importance of the Arctic region, as highlighted in the text, is the accessibility of the Northern Sea Route (NSR). This route is becoming more viable due to climate change, leading to increased interest and competition among various nations for access and control over this strategic passage.

(Note: The NSR's significance lies in its potential to significantly reduce shipping distances between Europe and Asia, which could have major economic and geopolitical implications in the future.)

- Statement 1 is incorrect. While Vizhinjam is India’s first deep-water, semi-automated container transhipment port, it is not fully automated. The port employs semi-automation techniques, including trained women crane operators, but not full automation.

- Statement 2 is correct. The port is strategically located 10 nautical miles from global shipping routes, which enhances its significance in international maritime trade.

- Statement 3 is correct. The Kerala Government, in collaboration with Adani Ports, plans to complete further construction phases by 2028 to increase the port's capacity from 1 million TEUs to 4.87 million TEUs.

Thus, statements 2 and 3 are correct, making Option C the correct answer.

1. Northern Sea Route (NSR) - A maritime route connecting the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean, passing primarily through the Arctic waters.
- Correct. The Northern Sea Route is indeed a shipping route that runs along the Russian Arctic coast from the Kara Sea to the Bering Strait, connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. It has become more navigable due to melting ice.

2. India's 2022 Arctic Policy - Focuses solely on military and strategic interests in the Arctic region.
- Incorrect. India's 2022 Arctic Policy emphasizes climate science and environmental protection. It does not focus solely on military and strategic interests; rather, it lacks adequate emphasis on these aspects.

3. Biological Diversity Regulation, 2025 - Includes provisions for digital sequence information (DSI) in benefit sharing.
- Correct. The regulation does include provisions for digital sequence information (DSI) as part of benefit sharing, marking a significant inclusion in the scope of the regulation.

4. Cultivated Medicinal Plants - Exempt from the Biological Diversity (Access and Benefit Sharing) Regulation, 2025.
- Correct. Cultivated medicinal plants are exempt from these regulations, aligning with the provisions of the Biodiversity (Amendment) Act, 2023.

Thus, three pairs are correctly matched.