Daily Current Affairs MCQ: 7th May 2025 - UPSC MCQ

- Statement 1: This statement is correct. The Indian Civil Services originated in 1858, established to manage administrative functions through a merit-based system. This was a significant development aimed at ensuring efficient governance in India during British rule.

- Statement 2: This statement is also correct. Political interference is a recognized challenge within the Indian Civil Services. It often results in frequent and arbitrary transfers of officers, which can undermine their ability to function independently and effectively.

- Statement 3: This statement is incorrect. While outcome-based monitoring is indeed a reform measure suggested to enhance the effectiveness of public service delivery, it is not specifically aimed at reducing political interference. Instead, its focus is on evaluating the societal impact of policies and initiatives. The goal is to improve accountability and service delivery, rather than directly addressing political interference.

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

1. Erosion of Neutrality - Bureaucrats aligning with political interests: Correctly matched. Erosion of neutrality refers to the perception that bureaucrats are aligning with political interests, which undermines their impartiality.

2. Political Interference - Lateral entry of domain experts: Incorrectly matched. Political interference refers to the frequent and arbitrary transfers of officers that hinder their independent functioning, not the lateral entry of domain experts. Lateral entry is a reform measure aimed at bringing in external expertise, not a form of political interference.

3. Lack of Domain Expertise - Generalist model limits specialization: Correctly matched. The generalist model of the civil services indeed limits the ability of civil servants to address specialized challenges effectively, contributing to a lack of domain expertise.

4. Endemic Corruption - Strengthening accountability measures: Correctly matched. One of the proposed reforms to combat endemic corruption is to strengthen accountability through measures like internal audits and independent vigilance systems.

Thus, three pairs are correctly matched.

Both statements are accurate. Statement-I correctly highlights the origin of the civil services in India in 1858 with the establishment of the Indian Civil Service to manage administrative functions based on merit. Statement-II is also correct as it mentions that post-independence, the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) took over this role, ensuring merit-based recruitment for administrative positions. Statement-II explains how the UPSC continued the system of merit-based recruitment initiated by the Indian Civil Service. Thus, both statements are correct, and Statement-II logically follows and explains Statement-I.

The theme of the Global Space Exploration Conference (GLEX) 2025 is "Reaching New Worlds: A Space Exploration Renaissance". This theme emphasizes innovation, inclusivity, and international collaboration in the field of space science. It signifies a new era of exploration and discovery, highlighting the importance of pushing boundaries and exploring new frontiers in space exploration.

Statement-I correctly mentions that India is ranked 130th on the Human Development Index (HDI) out of 193 countries. Statement-II correctly explains that the HDI measures countries based on health, education, and income, providing a more holistic view of development beyond just economic growth. Therefore, both statements are correct, and Statement-II explains the basis of the Human Development Index as mentioned in Statement-I.

The primary objective of the UK-India Free Trade Agreement (FTA) is to enhance trade, investment, job creation, and innovation between the two countries. This agreement aims at reducing tariffs on 90% of goods, thereby boosting bilateral trade and strengthening economic ties. The FTA not only facilitates trade but also sets the stage for deeper cooperation in various sectors, indicating a crucial economic partnership between the UK and India.

1. Statement 1 is correct. The UK indeed became the first Western nation to secure a Free Trade Agreement with India, which provides a strategic advantage in global trade discussions. This positions the UK uniquely among Western countries in its trade relations with India.

2. Statement 2 is incorrect. While the FTA does provide significant tariff reductions, it is 99% of Indian exports to the UK that will gain zero-duty access, particularly benefiting sectors like textiles, marine products, and auto parts. The statement erroneously mentions UK exports receiving zero-duty access, which is not the case according to the agreement details.

3. Statement 3 is correct. The agreement includes provisions for increased quotas for Indian workers in specific sectors in the UK, facilitating enhanced workforce mobility. This aspect of the FTA is aimed at increasing cooperation in the services sector and supporting job creation.

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

Statement-I is correct as the IXPE mission indeed focuses on measuring the polarization of X-ray light, especially from black hole jets. Statement-II is also correct as BL Lacertae (BL Lac) is a well-known blazar studied by the IXPE mission due to its unique characteristics of high variability and intense electromagnetic emissions. However, Statement-II does not explain Statement-I; instead, it provides additional context about a specific object of study within the mission, making option (b) the correct answer.

The main aim of the Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project (KLIP) is to cater to the irrigation and drinking water requirements for around 45 lakh acres across 20 of Telangana's districts. This project is a crucial multi-purpose irrigation initiative on the Godavari River, playing a significant role in meeting the water needs of the region.

1. Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project (KLIP) - Located on the Krishna River: Incorrect. The KLIP is actually located on the Godavari River, not the Krishna River. It is a multi-purpose irrigation project that aims to serve irrigation and drinking water needs in Telangana.

2. Palaeofires - Evidence found in the Godavari Basin: Correct. Recent studies have indeed uncovered evidence of palaeofires, or ancient wildfires, within the geological formations of the Godavari Basin. These findings date back to the Permian Period.

3. KLIP Project Scope - Influences the confluence of the Pranhita and Godavari rivers: Correct. The KLIP does influence areas as far upstream as the confluence of the Pranhita and Godavari rivers, highlighting its extensive scope.

4. Research Techniques for Palaeofires - Includes Palynofacies analysis and Raman Spectroscopy: Correct. Advanced methods such as Palynofacies analysis and Raman Spectroscopy were used to study palaeofires, confirming their presence in ancient sedimentary rocks.

Thus, pairs 2, 3, and 4 are correctly matched, leading to three pairs being correct.