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

Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct. Statement-I highlights the timing of heatwaves in India, which typically occur from March to June, peaking in May. Statement-II provides additional information by specifying states like Delhi, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Tamil Nadu as particularly vulnerable to heat extremes. These states are indeed known for experiencing severe heatwaves due to various geographical and climatic factors. Therefore, Statement-II complements and explains Statement-I, making option (a) the correct choice.

1. Phytoplankton - Produce around 50% of Earth's oxygen: Correct. Phytoplankton are crucial for oxygen production, contributing significantly to the global oxygen supply, accounting for approximately 50% of Earth's oxygen.

2. Dinoflagellates - Move using ocean currents due to rigid shell structure: Incorrect. Dinoflagellates move using whip-like tails called flagella, not ocean currents. Diatoms, not dinoflagellates, are characterized by a rigid shell structure and rely on ocean currents for movement.

3. Subsea cables - Carry over 95% of global internet traffic: Correct. Subsea cables are critical infrastructure for global internet connectivity, responsible for carrying the majority of the world's internet traffic, over 95%.

4. SHUKR Gene - Involved in the sporophyte phase of plant life cycle: Correct. The SHUKR gene plays a crucial role in the sporophyte phase of plant life, particularly in pollen development, which is key to plant reproduction.

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

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) primarily functions to support economic and social development in its member countries through various means such as grants, loans, technical assistance, and equity investments. This assistance is aimed at promoting social and economic progress in the Asia-Pacific region, aligning with the UN's Sustainable Development Goals.

Statement-I correctly highlights the significant role of phytoplankton in producing approximately 50% of Earth's oxygen, emphasizing their crucial contribution to the planet's oxygen supply. This statement is factually accurate based on the information provided.
Statement-II accurately points out that phytoplankton can contribute to harmful algal blooms when nutrient levels in the marine ecosystem are excessively high. This phenomenon is well-documented in scientific research and is a known ecological consequence of nutrient overload in aquatic environments.
Therefore, in this context, both statements are correct, and Statement-II logically explains the ecological significance and potential consequences associated with the crucial role of phytoplankton in marine ecosystems.

- Statement 1 is correct. The Asian Development Bank (ADB) was indeed established on 19th December 1966, and its headquarters are located in Manila, Philippines, making this statement accurate.
- Statement 2 is incorrect. ADB's membership is not limited solely to countries in the Asia-Pacific region. It is open to members and associate members of the United Nations Economic Commission for Asia and the Far East, as well as other regional and non-regional developed countries. This broad membership includes countries outside the Asia-Pacific region.
- Statement 3 is correct. ADB does prioritize areas such as education, health, transport, energy, finance, and climate change, aligning with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These focus areas are part of its broader strategy to promote sustainable and inclusive economic growth.
Thus, the correct answer is Option B: 1 and 3 Only, as only statements 1 and 3 are correct.

Heatwaves in India have a profound impact on the economy and human health, leading to a decrease in productivity and causing significant economic losses. The passage mentions that India has faced losses estimated at $100 billion due to productivity declines linked to heatwaves. Informal workers, especially vulnerable to these conditions, experience reduced earnings, and various sectors, such as agriculture and manufacturing, witness decreases in output and efficiency during extreme heat events.

- Statement-I is correct as per the information provided in the text. The study conducted by the National Centre for Disease Informatics and Research (NCDIR) revealed that Public Primary Health Centres (PHCs) are more effectively prepared to manage diabetes and hypertension compared to other healthcare facilities.
- Statement-II is also correct based on the information given. The National Centre for Disease Informatics and Research (NCDIR) collaborates with various governmental and non-governmental institutions to ensure comprehensive data collection and support for health programs. However, this statement does not directly explain why PHCs are more prepared to manage diabetes and hypertension, hence it does not explain Statement-I fully.

- Statement 1 is correct. Phytoplankton are indeed responsible for producing approximately 50% of the Earth's oxygen through photosynthesis. This is a well-documented fact and highlights their crucial role in global oxygen production.

- Statement 2 is incorrect. While dinoflagellates and diatoms are the main classes of phytoplankton, they differ in their modes of movement. Dinoflagellates use whip-like tails called flagella to move, whereas diatoms rely on ocean currents due to their rigid silica shell, not both relying on ocean currents.

- Statement 3 is incorrect. Harmful algal blooms (HABs) result from an overabundance of nutrients and can produce toxic compounds that are detrimental, rather than beneficial, to marine life, including fish, shellfish, and even humans. Therefore, they do not increase food availability in a positive manner but instead pose a threat to marine ecosystems.

Thus, only Statement 1 is correct, making Option A: 1 Only the correct answer.

1. Urban Heat Island Effect — More pronounced in rural areas: This pair is incorrectly matched. The Urban Heat Island Effect is particularly pronounced in urban areas, not rural ones. Urbanization leads to cities retaining more heat, creating warmer conditions, especially at night.

2. Temperature Increase — 5.2% decrease in wheat yield per 1°C rise: This pair is correctly matched. Studies have shown that a 1°C increase in temperature can lead to a 5.2% decrease in wheat yields, significantly impacting agricultural productivity.

3. Informal Workers — 40% decline in earnings during heatwaves: This pair is correctly matched. Informal sector workers, such as those in Delhi, experience a significant drop in earnings, with data showing a 40% decline during heatwaves.

4. Heat Insurance — Widely implemented across India: This pair is incorrectly matched. While heat insurance is being explored as a mechanism to protect informal workers from income loss during heatwaves, it is not yet widely implemented across India.

Pairs 2 and 3 are correctly matched, making Option B the correct answer.

- Statement 1 is correct. According to the findings from the National Centre for Disease Informatics and Research (ICMR-NCDIR), Public Primary Health Centres (PHCs) in India are more effectively prepared to manage chronic conditions like diabetes and hypertension compared to Sub-Centres and Community Health Centres (CHCs).

- Statement 2 is correct. The NCDIR collaborates with various governmental and non-governmental institutions to ensure comprehensive data collection and support health programs, integrating technological advancements to improve health informatics.

- Statement 3 is incorrect. The Northeast region of India is affected by both the Southwest Monsoon and the retreating Northeast Monsoon, which increases its vulnerability to monsoon-related disasters. This dual monsoon exposure contributes to extended periods of rainfall and associated challenges.

Thus, only statements 1 and 2 are correct, making Option B the right answer.