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

Statement-I correctly identifies the Paika Rebellion as a significant event in Odisha's history, showcasing resistance against British colonial rule. Statement-II accurately provides additional details about the rebellion, mentioning its initiation in 1817 under the leadership of Bakshi Jagabandhu Bidyadhar and the involvement of the traditional foot soldiers known as the Paikas. Therefore, both statements are factually correct, and Statement-II effectively elaborates on the context presented in Statement-I, making option (a) the correct choice.

1. The first statement is correct. The hydropower project on the Yarlung Tsangpo river, located in southeastern Tibet, is indeed expected to generate approximately 300 billion kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity annually. This project is part of China's strategy to support its carbon neutrality goals and meet local power demands in Tibet.

2. The second statement is also correct. Lantana camara is an invasive species that originates from Central and South America. It is known for producing allelochemicals, which are chemicals that can inhibit the growth of other plant species, thereby reducing biodiversity by outcompeting native flora.

3. The third statement is incorrect. The Three Gorges Dam is not located on the Brahmaputra River; it is located on the Yangtze River in Hubei province, China. It is recognized as the world's largest power station by installed capacity, but this detail is unrelated to the Brahmaputra River.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option B: 1 and 2 Only.

- Statement 1: This statement is incorrect. Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD) is indeed caused by a virus from the Capripoxvirus genus; however, it is not zoonotic. This means that it cannot be transmitted to humans. The virus is part of the Poxviridae family, which includes non-zoonotic viruses affecting cattle and similar species, unlike smallpox and monkeypox, which are zoonotic.
- Statement 2: This statement is correct. The primary mode of transmission of LSD is through blood-feeding insects such as mosquitoes, flies, and ticks. Additionally, contaminated feeding and watering sources can spread the virus among cattle populations.
- Statement 3: This statement is correct. LSD is endemic to Africa and the Middle East. In recent years, it has spread to parts of Europe and Southeast Asia, where cases have increasingly been reported. Its spread is facilitated by the movement of animals and changing environmental conditions.
Thus, only statements 2 and 3 are correct, making Option D the correct choice.

1. Chola Gangam Lake - Located near Gangaikonda Cholapuram: This pair is correctly matched. Chola Gangam Lake, also known as Ponneri Lake, is indeed located near Gangaikonda Cholapuram in the Ariyalur District of Tamil Nadu, India.

2. Ponneri Lake - Constructed during Rajaraja Chola I's reign: This pair is incorrectly matched. Ponneri Lake, or Chola Gangam Lake, was constructed during the reign of Rajendra Chola I, not his father Rajaraja Chola I.

3. Rajendra Chola I - Known for his title "Gangaikonda Cholan": This pair is correctly matched. Rajendra Chola I is known by the title "Gangaikonda Cholan," meaning "Bringer of the Ganges River," due to his victorious campaigns extending up to the Ganges River.

4. Tiruvalangadu Copper Plates - Reference to Rajendra Chola I's northern campaign: This pair is correctly matched. The Tiruvalangadu Copper Plates do reference Rajendra Chola I's northern campaign, highlighting his military accomplishments.

Three pairs are correctly matched: 1, 3, and 4.

The Chola Gangam Lake holds significant historical importance as it was excavated by King Rajendra Chola I during his northern campaign. This strategic initiative aimed to expand the Chola Empire's influence and facilitate irrigation and trade. The lake served multiple purposes, including:

• Enhancing agricultural productivity by providing a reliable water source.
• Supporting military operations by ensuring water supply for troops.
• Demonstrating the engineering prowess of the Chola dynasty.

Thus, the lake is a testament to the Chola's administrative and military strategies during their rule.

The United States' decision to withdraw from UNESCO was primarily fueled by perceived bias against Israel. This marks the third instance of the US exiting the organization, underscoring ongoing tensions in international relations. UNESCO plays a crucial role in promoting peace, sustainable development, and cultural diversity worldwide.

Statement 1: This statement is incorrect. Chola Gangam Lake was constructed by King Rajendra Chola I as part of his northern campaign, not the southern campaign. This is evidenced by historical records, such as the Tiruvalangadu Copper Plates, which indicate the lake's association with Rajendra Chola I's northern conquests.

Statement 2: This statement is correct. The Chola Gangam Lake is connected to the Kollidam River through a carefully planned canal. This connection was crucial for ensuring a reliable water supply to the lake, facilitating its role in supporting the surrounding region.

Statement 3: This statement is correct. The lake primarily served as an irrigation source for Gangaikonda Cholapuram and also provided drinking water. Historically, it irrigated 1,564 acres of land, playing a vital role in the agricultural prosperity of the area.

Therefore, only statements 2 and 3 are correct, making Option D the right choice.

• Statement-I is incorrect:
  India has not withdrawn from UNESCO. In fact, India remains an active member of UNESCO and continues to engage in its cultural, educational, and scientific initiatives. There has been no official announcement or indication of disengagement.

• Statement-II is correct:
  UNESCO plays a crucial role in supporting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly:

  • Goal 4: Quality Education

  • Goal 5: Gender Equality

  • Goal 13 & 15: Environmental Sustainability

  • Goal 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions

  It promotes global cooperation in education, science, culture, and communication to achieve a more peaceful and sustainable world.

1. Yarlung Tsangpo - Flows through Myanmar: Incorrect. The Yarlung Tsangpo flows through Tibet and enters India, where it is known as the Brahmaputra, and does not flow through Myanmar.

2. Nyingchi - Location of a major hydropower project in Tibet: Correct. Nyingchi is indeed the location where China has commenced the construction of a significant hydropower project on the Yarlung Tsangpo River.

3. Lantana camara - Native to Central and South America: Correct. Lantana camara is native to Central and South America, and it is considered an invasive species in many parts of the world, including India.

4. Three Gorges Dam - Located on the Yellow River in China: Incorrect. The Three Gorges Dam is located on the Yangtze River, not the Yellow River.

Thus, pairs 2 and 3 are correctly matched.

1. UNESCO - Established in 1948: Incorrect. UNESCO was established in 1945, not 1948. It was part of the efforts to promote international collaboration in education, science, and culture after World War II. Therefore, Pair 1 is incorrectly matched.

2. Karenia mikimotoi - Causes direct human health impacts: Incorrect. While Karenia mikimotoi is known for releasing toxins harmful to marine life and can disrupt marine ecosystems, there are no confirmed reports of direct impacts on human health. It is primarily a concern for its effects on marine fauna and the fishing industry. Therefore, Pair 2 is incorrectly matched.

3. India-Pakistan conflict of May 2025 - Highlighted gaps in India's military preparedness: Correct. The conflict in May 2025 underscored significant gaps in India's defense infrastructure and the need for modernization amid emerging threats from neighboring countries. Therefore, Pair 3 is correctly matched.

4. China's Defence Budget in 2024 - Over three times larger than India's: Correct. China's defense spending is significantly larger than India's, with the 2024 budget being more than three times India's defense budget. This disparity has implications for military capabilities and modernization efforts. Therefore, Pair 4 is correctly matched.

Pairs 3 and 4 are correctly matched, making Option C the correct answer, as only three pairs are correctly matched.