Daily Current Affairs MCQ: 27th June 2025 - UPSC MCQ

Statement-I correctly highlights the recent discovery of bacteria capable of breaking down PFAS, while Statement-II accurately describes the composition of PFAS and why they are resistant to degradation. The ability of bacteria to break down PFAS is directly linked to the chemical structure of PFAS, which includes carbon-fluorine bonds that are challenging to break. Therefore, both statements are correct, and Statement-II provides an explanation for the significance of the bacterial discovery in relation to the chemical composition of PFAS.

The main objective of India's pilot scheme addressing tigers outside of tiger reserves is to enhance monitoring and protection measures to manage human-tiger conflicts effectively. By focusing on regions where tigers roam outside official reserves, the scheme aims to strengthen monitoring systems through technology, build the capacity of forest staff, collaborate with organizations and veterinarians, and support prey base augmentation to reduce conflicts and improve coexistence between humans and tigers.

Statement 1: This statement is correct. PFAS are characterized by their strong carbon-fluorine bonds, which make them highly resistant to degradation, earning them the nickname "Forever Chemicals."

Statement 2: This statement is incorrect. While direct contact with industrial waste may contribute to PFAS exposure, the primary exposure pathways include consumption of contaminated water or food, use of products containing PFAS, and inhalation of air polluted with PFAS.

Statement 3: This statement is correct. Certain PFAS compounds such as Perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) and Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) have been recognized as persistent organic pollutants under the Stockholm Convention due to their environmental persistence and potential health impacts.

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

- Statement 1: Shubhanshu Shukla's participation in the Axiom-4 mission is indeed a crucial step that contributes to the operational launch preparations of India's human spaceflight endeavors, including the Gaganyaan mission scheduled for 2027. Therefore, this statement is correct.

- Statement 2: While India is working towards establishing independent human spaceflight capabilities, it is not yet at the stage of having achieved this milestone independently at the time of the Axiom-4 mission. This statement is incorrect as it suggests a capability that is still under development and not yet realized.

- Statement 3: ISRO's involvement in the Axiom-4 mission provides valuable exposure to launch operations and astronautics, which helps in refining protocols, safety procedures, and training modules. This statement is correct.

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

Statement-I correctly identifies the Falkland Islands as a British overseas territory located in the South Atlantic Ocean. Statement-II accurately describes the composition of the Falkland Islands, highlighting the presence of two main islands, East Falkland and West Falkland, along with numerous smaller islands. Statement-II directly supports Statement-I by providing additional specific details about the islands, thereby explaining and expanding upon the initial statement. Hence, both statements are correct, and Statement-II effectively explains Statement-I.

Statement 1 is correct. The pilot scheme indeed includes objectives such as strengthening monitoring systems through technology and capacity building of forest staff to manage human-tiger conflicts more effectively. These measures are essential for improving the management of conflicts arising due to tigers inhabiting areas outside official reserves.

Statement 2 is correct. The scheme is backed by the National CAMPA, which provides funding by managing resources collected for non-forest land diversions. National CAMPA has previously supported various wildlife initiatives, and its involvement in this scheme aligns with its mandate to support conservation efforts.

Statement 3 is incorrect. The implementation of the scheme is not exclusively managed by civil society organizations and expert veterinarians. While collaboration with these groups is part of the strategy, the implementation is primarily managed by the Chief Wildlife Wardens in collaboration with the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA).

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

1. Shubhanshu Shukla - Participant in the Axiom-4 mission to ISS: Correctly matched. Shubhanshu Shukla's participation in the Axiom-4 mission marks a significant event in India's human spaceflight endeavors.

2. Gaganyaan Mission - Scheduled for launch in 2025: Incorrectly matched. The Gaganyaan mission is actually scheduled for 2027, not 2025. This mission is part of India's initiative to develop independent human spaceflight capabilities.

3. Seville Commitment - A roadmap for financing development over the next decade: Correctly matched. The Seville Commitment is indeed a non-binding roadmap aimed at guiding global development financing over the next decade, focusing on issues like tax reforms and sustainable development.

4. Trigeminal Neuralgia - A condition affecting the nervous system primarily in young adults: Incorrectly matched. Trigeminal neuralgia primarily affects individuals over the age of 50, making it more common in older adults rather than young adults. It is a severe facial pain condition referred to as "tic douloureux."

The correctly matched pairs are 1 and 3, hence the correct answer is "Option B: Only two pairs."

The primary objective of the UN80 Initiative is to enhance the United Nations' capacity to address pressing global challenges such as conflicts, inequalities, climate shocks, and rapid technological advancements. It aims to increase the efficiency, effectiveness, and transparency of the United Nations system by identifying efficiencies, reviewing mandates, and considering structural changes and program realignment across the UN system.

1. Chandrapur - Dudhwa Tiger Reserve, Maharashtra: Incorrect. Chandrapur is near the Tadoba Tiger Reserve in Maharashtra, not Dudhwa. Dudhwa is in Uttar Pradesh.

2. Sugarcane fields - Pilibhit, Uttar Pradesh: Correct. Sugarcane fields in and around Pilibhit, Uttar Pradesh, are known for human-tiger conflict, as tigers often inhabit these areas.

3. Forest divisions - Ranthambore, Rajasthan: Correct. The forest divisions near Ranthambore are indeed conflict hotspots in Rajasthan.

4. Wayanad - Kerala: Correct. Wayanad in Kerala is another area where human-tiger conflicts are prominent.

Thus, three out of the four pairs are correctly matched: Sugarcane fields - Pilibhit, Uttar Pradesh; Forest divisions - Ranthambore, Rajasthan; and Wayanad - Kerala.

1. Falkland Islands - Located in the North Atlantic Ocean: This pair is incorrectly matched. The Falkland Islands are located in the South Atlantic Ocean, not the North Atlantic Ocean.

2. UN80 Initiative - Focuses on increasing the efficiency of the United Nations system: This pair is correctly matched. The UN80 Initiative indeed emphasizes the need to enhance the efficiency, effectiveness, and transparency of the United Nations system to tackle global issues.

3. AI Diffusion Framework - Imposed export controls similar to nuclear technology: This pair is correctly matched. The AI Diffusion Framework treated AI similarly to nuclear technology by imposing export controls intended to centralize AI development within allied nations and limit adversaries' access.

4. Falkland Islands Economy - Driven by fishing and tourism: This pair is correctly matched. The current economy of the Falkland Islands is indeed driven by fishing and tourism, alongside a historical reliance on agriculture, particularly sheep farming.

The correctly matched pairs are 2, 3, and 4, making a total of three correctly matched pairs.