Daily Current Affairs MCQ: 3rd July 2025 - UPSC MCQ

1. Statement 1 is correct. Prime Minister Modi's visit to Ghana is indeed the first bilateral trip by an Indian Prime Minister in 30 years. The discussions included a proposal for a vaccine manufacturing hub, underscoring India's continued goodwill and support in health-related initiatives, especially highlighted during the COVID-19 pandemic.

2. Statement 2 is incorrect. While the Indian diaspora plays a significant role in Trinidad & Tobago, they do not constitute a majority of the population. Instead, the diaspora comprises about 40-45% of the population, which is a substantial minority, not a majority.

3. Statement 3 is correct. The visit to Argentina focused on enhancing economic ties, with particular emphasis on the sectors of lithium and agriculture. These areas are crucial for both nations, with Argentina being a significant source of lithium, an essential component for various technological applications, and agriculture being a key sector for bilateral cooperation.

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

The spiritual leader of the Gelug school, the most prominent tradition in Tibetan Buddhism, is the Dalai Lama. The Dalai Lama holds a significant position in Tibetan Buddhism, considered the reincarnation of Avalokiteshvara, the Bodhisattva of Compassion. The title "Dalai Lama," which means "Ocean of Wisdom," was first bestowed in the 16th century. The 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, is a renowned figure known for his global peace advocacy, commitment to non-violence, and spiritual leadership in the face of political transitions.

Statement-I correctly highlights Prime Minister Modi's efforts to strengthen India's engagement with countries in the Global South through his recent five-nation tour. This is evident from the key takeaways and objectives of the visit mentioned in the initial content.

Statement-II accurately points out the pressing need for enhanced regulatory measures and worker protections in Tamil Nadu's firecracker industry due to recurring tragedies, as detailed in the provided information.

While both statements are factually correct based on the content provided, they address distinct topics - one focusing on diplomatic engagement and the other on regulatory challenges in a specific industry. Therefore, although both statements are correct, they do not explain or relate to each other. Thus, option (b) is the correct choice.

1. Ghana - Focus on vaccine manufacturing hub: Correctly matched. PM Modi's visit to Ghana discussed proposals for a vaccine manufacturing hub, emphasizing India’s role in global health initiatives.

2. Trinidad & Tobago - Strengthening ties with a 25% Indian diaspora: Incorrectly matched. The Indian diaspora in Trinidad & Tobago comprises 40-45% of the population, not 25%, and plays a significant role in bilateral relations.

3. Argentina - Economic focus on lithium and agriculture: Correctly matched. The visit to Argentina focused on economic ties, particularly in sectors like lithium and agriculture, amidst concerns about political stability.

4. Brazil - India-Brazil Strategic Partnership post BRICS Summit: Correctly matched. PM Modi's visit aimed to strengthen the India-Brazil Strategic Partnership, following the BRICS Leaders' Summit, with Brazil being a key trade partner in South America.

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

The migration of young male tigers from central India to eastern states like Jharkhand, Odisha, and West Bengal is primarily driven by the need to establish new territories. This behavior is crucial for the species as it helps in maintaining genetic diversity and reducing inbreeding, ultimately contributing to the long-term conservation of the tiger population. Additionally, establishing new territories allows these tigers to find mates and resources, ensuring the survival and expansion of the species in different habitats.

Statement-I correctly highlights the increase in India's development outflows from $3 billion to $7 billion between 2010-11 and 2023-24, indicating a significant rise in financial contributions over the years.
Statement-II accurately points out that Lines of Credit (LoCs) have been crucial to India's development assistance but are facing challenges in the current fiscal environment, aligning with the complexities mentioned in the financial landscape.
Moreover, Statement-II explains why India's development outflows increased as LoCs, a major component, face challenges, thereby justifying the correlation between the two statements.

India's development outflows increased from $3 billion to $7 billion between the years 2010-2011. This significant rise in financial contributions over this period reflects India's evolving role in global development finance. It signifies a strategic shift in India's approach towards development cooperation in the international arena, showcasing its increasing engagement and commitment to global development efforts.

1. PUCL Case (1997) - This case did not recognize the right to privacy as a fundamental right; instead, it limited phone tapping under stringent conditions. Hence, this pair is incorrectly matched.

2. K.S. Puttaswamy Case (2017) - This case recognized the right to privacy as a fundamental right. Hence, this pair is incorrectly matched.

3. Section 5(2) of Indian Telegraph Act - This section allows interception in cases of public emergency or safety. Hence, this pair is correctly matched.

4. Rule 419-A - This rule requires oversight by a Review Committee for phone tapping. Hence, this pair is correctly matched.

Pairs 3 and 4 are correctly matched. Therefore, Option C: Only three pairs is the correct answer.

Statement-I is correct as monazite is indeed a source of rare earths, including thorium. Statement-II is also correct because monazite, a phosphate mineral, naturally contains varying amounts of thorium. Thorium is a radioactive metal that is often found in monazite sands, making both statements accurate. Therefore, option (a) is the correct choice as both statements are correct, and Statement-II explains the content of Statement-I.

Statement 1 is correct. India has indeed increased its development outflows from $3 billion to $7 billion between 2010-11 and 2023-24, reflecting an enhanced role in global development finance.

Statement 2 is correct. Triangular Cooperation is a significant aspect of India's development strategy, which involves collaboration between a traditional donor from the Global North, a pivotal partner like India from the Global South, and a recipient developing country. This framework aims to generate context-specific and cost-effective development solutions.

Statement 3 is incorrect. The Global Development Compact proposed by India aims to create a balanced framework for development cooperation but does not specifically mention decreasing reliance on Lines of Credit (LoCs). Instead, it seeks to address the shifting financial landscape and provide a more resilient and equitable development architecture, leveraging diplomatic and technical resources.

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