Daily Current Affairs MCQ: 21st August 2025 - UPSC MCQ

- Statement 1 is correct. The deletion of 3.5 million voters in Bihar was justified by claims that these individuals had "permanently migrated." However, this reasoning fails to consider the transient lifestyle of many migrant workers, who often move temporarily for work and do not settle permanently in a new location. This systemic oversight highlights significant flaws in the electoral process concerning migrant workers.

- Statement 2 is incorrect. The current voter registration system in India is inadequate for handling the realities of circular migration. Migrant workers, due to their transient nature and the lack of a permanent residence in one location, face numerous challenges in registering to vote, both in their home states and in the states where they temporarily reside. This inadequacy is a central issue in the disenfranchisement of migrant voters.

- Statement 3 is correct. One of the proposed reforms to address the disenfranchisement of migrant workers is the development of a portable voter identity system. This system would allow migrant workers to vote without being tied to a fixed location, thus accommodating their mobility and ensuring their participation in the electoral process.

Thus, the correct answer is Option C.

The primary objective of the Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS) Programme is to preserve traditional agricultural systems. These systems are recognized for their unique contributions to biodiversity, sustainable farming practices, and cultural heritage. By safeguarding these traditional methods, the program aims to ensure the continuity of sustainable agriculture while supporting local communities and ecosystems.

1. Pseudomonas aeruginosa - Opportunistic pathogen affecting immunocompromised individuals: This pair is correctly matched. Pseudomonas aeruginosa is indeed an opportunistic pathogen known for primarily affecting individuals with weakened immune systems.

2. glpD Gene - Responsible for antibiotic resistance: This pair is incorrectly matched. The glpD gene is not directly responsible for antibiotic resistance; rather, it is involved in epigenetic bistability, allowing the bacterium to thrive in hostile environments. The resistance mechanism is more associated with biofilm formation and other factors.

3. African Union - Established in 1963: This pair is incorrectly matched. The African Union was established in 2002, replacing the Organisation of African Unity, which was established in 1963.

4. Mercator Map - Accurately represents the size of continents: This pair is incorrectly matched. The Mercator map is known for its distortion, particularly enlarging high-latitude regions, while underrepresenting the size of continents like Africa and South America.

Therefore, only the first pair is correctly matched.

Statement-I correctly discusses the bistability of Pseudomonas aeruginosa through activating or deactivating the glpD gene, aiding in its survival, as mentioned in recent research findings. Statement-II accurately describes the issues with the Mercator projection, which distorts the sizes of continents, especially Africa, without directly relating to the bacteria's genetic behavior. Both statements are factually correct but do not have a direct explanatory relationship, making option (b) the correct choice.

1. E-Sports: Recognized as a gambling activity and banned under the Bill.
- Incorrect. The Bill recognizes E-Sports as a creative industry with significant growth potential and supports its development as a mainstream sector, not as a gambling activity.

2. Online Social Games: Promoted as entertainment options without financial risks.
- Correct. The Bill promotes online social games as safe entertainment options that do not involve financial risks or addictive gambling mechanisms.

3. Online Money Games: Completely banned, including fantasy sports and poker.
- Correct. The Bill imposes a complete ban on online money games, covering activities like fantasy sports, poker, and rummy.

4. Penalties for Violations: First-time offenders face fines of up to Rs. 10 lakh.
- Incorrect. First-time offenders under the Bill can face fines of up to Rs. 1 crore, not Rs. 10 lakh, along with up to three years of imprisonment.

Therefore, only two pairs are correctly matched: Pair 2 and Pair 3.

The Correct the Map campaign endorsed by the African Union aims to replace the outdated Mercator projection with more precise mapping alternatives. This initiative seeks to rectify historical biases in cartography by promoting maps that provide a more accurate representation of Africa and its proportions on the global stage.

Let's analyze each statement:

Statement 1: "The bill completely bans all forms of online gaming, including e-sports."
- This statement is incorrect. The Online Gaming Bill 2025 does not ban all forms of online gaming. It specifically bans real money gaming due to its associated harms but supports and promotes e-sports and online social games, recognizing the growth potential and safe entertainment they offer.

Statement 2: "The establishment of an Online Gaming Authority is a key provision of the bill to regulate gaming platforms."
- This statement is correct. The bill indeed establishes an Online Gaming Authority tasked with overseeing the sector, ensuring safe practices, and regulating gaming platforms effectively.

Statement 3: "The bill includes penalties for first-time offenders, which can include imprisonment and fines."
- This statement is correct. The bill stipulates penalties for violations, including up to three years of imprisonment and fines up to Rs. 1 crore for first-time offenders, with harsher penalties for repeat offenses.

Therefore, statements 2 and 3 are correct, making Option D the right answer. This option accurately reflects the provisions and intent of the Online Gaming Bill 2025, aligning with the legislative framework established to regulate and promote safe gaming practices while protecting vulnerable groups from the risks associated with real money gaming.

1. Koraput Region - Known for saffron cultivation and organic farming practices.

- Incorrect. The Koraput Region in Odisha is known for its subsistence paddy cultivation on highland slopes and rich genetic resources of medicinal plants. Saffron cultivation is not associated with this region.

2. Kuttanad System - Below-sea-level farming system in Kerala.

- Correct. The Kuttanad System is indeed a distinctive below-sea-level farming landscape in Kerala, featuring wetlands for paddy cultivation and other agricultural activities.

3. Saffron Park of Kashmir - Features subsistence paddy cultivation on highland slopes.

- Incorrect. Saffron Park of Kashmir is known for traditional saffron cultivation, intercropping, and organic farming practices. Paddy cultivation on highland slopes is not a feature of this region.

4. INS Aridhaman - Equipped with USHUS and Panchendriya sonar systems.

- Correct. INS Aridhaman is equipped with the USHUS and Panchendriya sonar systems, enhancing its tactical capabilities.

Thus, only pairs 2 and 4 are correctly matched.

Statement-I discusses the disenfranchisement of migrant voters in India, particularly in Bihar, highlighting a crisis in the electoral system. This statement is factually correct based on the information provided. However, Statement-II talks about the induction of the INS Aridhaman, India's third nuclear-powered Ballistic Missile Submarine, by the end of 2025. This statement is also accurate according to the details provided. Therefore, Statement-I is correct, but Statement-II is also correct. The correct answer is Option D, as per the format specified.

1. Statement 1 is correct. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has indeed faced severe criticism for its perceived lack of independence and efficacy, especially in matters involving political corruption. This perception arises from instances where its investigations have been alleged to be influenced by political considerations.

2. Statement 2 is incorrect. The Indian government's proposals under Articles 75(5A) and 164(4A) are designed to enable the removal of Union and State Ministers following their arrest, not after their conviction. This proposal has been part of the ongoing discussions concerning political accountability and reform, reflecting concerns about the misuse of investigative powers.

3. Statement 3 is correct. A significant portion of India's prison population consists of under-trials. This situation underscores potential issues with the misuse of arrest powers and highlights systemic challenges within the criminal justice system.

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