Daily Current Affairs MCQ: 12th August 2025 - UPSC MCQ

1. Section 498-A IPC - Correctly matched. Section 498-A of the Indian Penal Code penalizes cruelty against women by their husbands or relatives, including dowry harassment and acts leading to suicide or injury. It was introduced in 1983 to combat domestic violence.

2. Alaknanda River - Correctly matched. Hydrological studies identify the Alaknanda as the true source of the Ganges due to its flow and length, despite Hindu mythology regarding the Bhagirathi as the source stream.

3. National Sports Tribunal - Incorrectly matched. The National Sports Tribunal is a judicial body empowered to resolve disputes related to sports governance, not specifically doping violations. Doping issues are generally handled by anti-doping agencies and boards.

4. Tehri Dam - Correctly matched. The Tehri Dam is located on the Bhagirathi River. It is one of the major dams in the region, playing a significant role in water management and hydroelectric power generation.

Pairs 1, 2, and 4 are correctly matched, while pair 3 is not.

The National Sports Governance Bill 2025, a recent legislation passed by the Lok Sabha, aims to enhance transparency and accountability within the sports sector in India. By establishing governing bodies such as the National Olympic Committee and National Paralympic Committee, as well as introducing the National Sports Board (NSB) to monitor federations, the bill seeks to bring about structural reforms that promote good governance and compliance with established standards. This step is crucial as India prepares for future sporting events, including a bid for the 2036 Summer Olympics.

1. The 2013 Kedarnath floods were triggered by a glacial outburst due to excessive rain.
- This statement is correct. The 2013 Kedarnath floods were indeed triggered by a glacial outburst following excessive rainfall, leading to significant devastation.

2. The Muthuvan tribe practices a system of governance known as the Kani System, which involves a village headman.
- This statement is correct. The Muthuvan tribe organizes its governance under the Kani System, where a village headman plays a central role in community decisions and leadership.

3. The Competition Commission of India (CCI) imposed a fine on Google for anti-competitive practices, including the mandatory use of its Google Play Billing System.
- This statement is correct. The CCI found Google engaged in anti-competitive practices, such as the mandatory use of its Google Play Billing System, and imposed a significant fine on the company.

All three statements are accurate based on the provided information. Therefore, the correct answer is Option D.

- Statement 1 is correct. The Supreme Court's ruling indeed mandates a two-month "cool-off" period before any arrests can be made under Section 498-A IPC, even if there is substantial evidence of serious offenses. This decision has been a point of contention as it is seen to potentially undermine the immediate protection women might need in domestic violence situations.

- Statement 2 is correct. Section 498-A IPC was introduced to specifically target and penalize cruelty against women by their husbands or relatives, focusing on dowry harassment and acts that may lead to the woman's suicide or injury. This law was introduced in 1983 as a measure to combat domestic violence and ensure the safety and dignity of women.

- Statement 3 is incorrect. The Supreme Court's ruling does not emphasize immediate arrest in domestic violence cases. Instead, it introduces a "cool-off" period which delays immediate legal action, contrary to what would be expected if immediate arrest were prioritized.

Thus, statements 1 and 2 are correct, making Option B the correct answer. The ruling has sparked debate due to concerns that it might discourage reporting and reduce the efficacy of legal recourse available to victims of domestic violence.

1. Vitthal Rukhmini Temple - Built by the Shindes of Gwalior: This pair is incorrectly matched. The Vitthal Rukhmini Temple was significantly supported by contributions from the Peshwas of Pune, the Shindes of Gwalior, and the Holkars of Indore, but it was initially built by King Vishnuvardhana of the Hoysala Empire. The current structure was reconstructed in the 17th century with contributions from these families.

2. Dhirio - Bull fighting tradition in Goa: This pair is correctly matched. Dhirio is indeed a bull fighting tradition in Goa and has historical significance, being a part of local culture since the Portuguese era.

3. Khelo India ASMITA - Initiative for promoting gender equality in sports: This pair is correctly matched. The Khelo India ASMITA initiative is designed to promote gender equality in sports by encouraging women’s participation through various leagues and competitions.

4. Vitthal Rukhmini Temple - First shrine in India to welcome individuals from backward categories as priests in 2014: This pair is correctly matched. The Vitthal Rukhmini Temple became the first shrine in India to welcome individuals from backward categories as priests in 2014, marking a significant social development.

Pairs 2, 3, and 4 are correctly matched, making three correct pairs.

1. Pneumococcus - Bacterium responsible for diseases like pneumonia and meningitis: This pair is correctly matched. Pneumococcus, or Streptococcus pneumoniae, is indeed the bacterium that causes diseases such as pneumonia and meningitis, particularly affecting young children and the elderly.

2. PCV20 - Vaccine providing protection against 20 serotypes of pneumococcus: This pair is correctly matched. The PCV20 is a next-generation pneumococcal conjugate vaccine that covers 20 serotypes of the pneumococcus bacterium, aiming to provide broader protection against pneumococcal diseases.

3. Tritium - A stable isotope of hydrogen: This pair is incorrectly matched. Tritium is a radioactive isotope of hydrogen, not a stable one. It contains two neutrons, making it unstable and radioactive, with a half-life of about 12.3 years.

4. Makkalai Thedi Maruthuvam - A healthcare scheme in Karnataka: This pair is incorrectly matched. Makkalai Thedi Maruthuvam is a healthcare initiative introduced in Tamil Nadu, not Karnataka. It aims to deliver healthcare services directly to the homes of citizens.

Therefore, out of the four pairs, only the first two are correctly matched, making Option B the correct answer.

1. Statement 1 is correct: The Vitthal Rukhmini Temple is indeed classified as one of the 108 Abhimana Kshethrams of the Vaishnavate tradition. This highlights its significance in the Vaishnavite religious and cultural heritage.

2. Statement 2 is incorrect: The original temple was built by King Vishnuvardhana of the Hoysala Empire between 1108 and 1152 CE. Although the current structure, showing Deccan style architecture, was built in the 17th century, it was not originally constructed by the Peshwas. The temple was attacked and rebuilt several times, with contributions from the Peshwas, but its origins date back to the Hoysala period.

3. Statement 3 is correct: In 2014, the Vitthal Rukhmini Temple became the first shrine in India to welcome individuals from backward categories as priests. This marked a significant step towards inclusivity and social reform within religious institutions in India.

Thus, statements 1 and 3 are correct, making Option C: 1 and 3 Only the correct answer.

The Vitthal Rukhmini Temple is situated in Pandharpur, Maharashtra. This temple is dedicated to Lord Vithoba, a form of Lord Vishnu or Krishna, and his consort Rukhmini. It holds significant historical and cultural importance in the region, reflecting the rich heritage and traditions of Maharashtra.

- Statement 1 is correct. Pneumococcal disease is indeed caused by the bacterium Streptococcus pneumoniae, which is encapsulated and possesses a polysaccharide capsule crucial for its virulence. This capsule helps the bacterium evade the host's immune system, making it a significant factor in the bacterium's ability to cause disease.

- Statement 2 is correct. The recent development of Pfizer's 20-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV20) indeed aims to protect against 20 serotypes of pneumococcus. This is a significant advancement because it broadens the scope of protection compared to previous vaccines, which covered fewer serotypes.

- Statement 3 is incorrect. While pneumococcal disease can affect individuals of all ages, young children and the elderly are particularly vulnerable to pneumococcal infections. The disease can lead to severe conditions like pneumonia and meningitis, especially in these age groups. Therefore, the statement incorrectly minimizes the impact on young children.

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

The vulnerability of the Himalayan region to severe weather events is influenced by both natural factors like seismic activity and anthropogenic factors such as unplanned construction and poor land use. Understanding this combination of influences is crucial for addressing the risks associated with disasters in the region effectively.