Daily Current Affairs MCQs: 26th July 2025 - UPSC MCQ

Statement-I correctly describes the origin and popularization of the image of Bharat Mata, tracing it back to literary works and paintings. Statement-II accurately characterizes Iliamna Volcano as a stratovolcano and mentions its dormant status and last eruption in 1876. However, these statements are independent of each other and do not have a direct explanatory relationship. Statement-I focuses on the cultural and historical aspect of Bharat Mata, while Statement-II provides geological information about Iliamna Volcano. Hence, both statements are correct, but they address different topics, making option (b) the correct choice.

Leptospirosis, a potentially fatal zoonotic bacterial disease, is caused by the bacterium Leptospira interrogans. This bacterium is primarily transmitted through the urine of infected animals. It is essential to understand the transmission and causative agent of diseases like leptospirosis to implement effective preventive measures and treatments.

One of the proposed strategies in the article to empower inter-State migrants to exercise their voting rights effectively is the implementation of Remote Electronic Voting Machines (RVMs). These machines are suggested as a specific solution for inter-State migrants to enable them to vote, which requires logistical planning and pre-registration. RVMs can potentially address the unique challenges that inter-State migrants face in participating in elections, thereby enhancing their electoral engagement.

Statement 1 is correct. Leptospirosis is indeed a zoonotic bacterial disease caused by the bacterium Leptospira interrogans. This is a well-established fact in medical literature.

Statement 2 is incorrect. While leptospirosis is transmitted to humans through contact with contaminated environments, particularly through cuts or abrasions on the skin, it is not primarily through direct contact with the skin of infected animals. Instead, the bacteria are often found in water or soil contaminated by the urine of infected animals.

Statement 3 is incorrect. Leptospirosis is more common in warm, humid climates rather than cold, dry ones. The bacteria thrive in such environments, which are conducive to the survival and spread of Leptospira.

Thus, only statement 1 is correct, making Option A the correct choice.

1. Leptospirosis Cause: Bacterium Leptospira interrogans - This pair is correctly matched. Leptospirosis is indeed caused by the bacterium Leptospira interrogans, a spirochete bacterium that affects humans and animals.

2. Transmission: Through respiratory droplets from infected individuals - This pair is incorrectly matched. Leptospirosis is primarily transmitted through contact with water contaminated by the urine of infected animals, not through respiratory droplets.

3. Symptoms: Initial symptoms include fever, chills, and muscle aches - This pair is correctly matched. The initial phase of leptospirosis is characterized by symptoms such as fever, chills, and muscle aches, which are common in many infectious diseases.

4. Treatment: Primarily involves antiviral medications - This pair is incorrectly matched. The treatment for leptospirosis primarily involves antibiotics, not antiviral medications, since it is a bacterial infection.

Thus, only two pairs (1 and 3) are correctly matched.

The primary aim of the Black Mass Recovery Technology is to extract battery-grade metals such as lithium, cobalt, nickel, and manganese from end-of-life lithium-ion batteries. This technology is crucial for enhancing sustainability and resource recovery in the battery manufacturing sector, reducing dependence on foreign recycling equipment and promoting environmental sustainability.

1. Remote Electronic Voting Machines (RVMs) - Primarily benefits intra-State migrants: This pair is incorrectly matched. RVMs are primarily proposed for inter-State migrants who are unable to return to their home State to vote.

2. Postal Ballots - Requires pre-registration and logistical planning: This pair is correctly matched. Postal ballots indeed require logistical planning and pre-registration to ensure that eligible voters can cast their votes remotely.

3. Statutory Holidays on Polling Days - Facilitates voting for inter-State migrants: This pair is incorrectly matched. Statutory holidays on polling days are more beneficial for intra-State migrants, as they allow these individuals to vote within their own State without work-related hindrances.

4. Targeted Registration Drives for Women - Focuses on women who migrate after marriage: This pair is correctly matched. Targeted registration drives aim to ensure that women who migrate after marriage are enrolled in the electoral rolls at their new residences.

Pairs 2 and 4 are correctly matched, thus the correct answer is Option B: Only two pairs.

1. Statement 1 is correct. The concept of Bharat Mata indeed has its origins in Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay's novel "Anandamath," which introduced the idea of Banga Mata (Mother Bengal). This concept was later popularized and evolved into Bharat Mata.

2. Statement 2 is incorrect. The image of Bharat Mata is not officially recognized as a national symbol in the Indian Constitution. While it holds significant cultural and historical importance, it lacks formal constitutional recognition similar to the national flag or anthem.

3. Statement 3 is correct. According to Article 163 of the Indian Constitution, the Governor acts as the nominal head of the state and is expected to follow the advice of the Council of Ministers. The Governor's role is not independent in routine matters and must align with the democratic protocols of the state government.

Thus, only statements 1 and 3 are correct, making Option C the correct choice.

1. U.S.-Israel Actions against Iran: Highlights the strengths of modern alliances.

- Incorrect. The U.S.-Israel actions against Iran actually highlight the weaknesses, not the strengths, of modern alliances as compared to Cold War-era blocs. Recent events have demonstrated the fragility of current geopolitical partnerships.

2. Iran's Relationship with Russia and China: Includes formal military support.

- Incorrect. Iran's relationships with Russia and China lack formal military support. These alliances are largely economic and diplomatic, lacking collective defense obligations similar to NATO.

3. Tawi River: Significant left-bank tributary of the Chenab River.

- Correct. The Tawi River is indeed a significant left-bank tributary of the Chenab River, primarily located in the Jammu region of India.

4. Black Mass Recovery Technology: Aims to recycle end-of-life lithium-ion batteries.

- Correct. The Black Mass Recovery Technology is designed to extract valuable materials like lithium, cobalt, nickel, and manganese from end-of-life lithium-ion batteries through an indigenously developed process.

Only pairs 3 and 4 are correctly matched.

Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct. High out-migration in Bihar indeed leads to low voter turnout, as mentioned in the article. Enabling voting mechanisms for both inter- and intra-State migrants is crucial to tackle the issue of low voter participation, especially given the unique challenges faced by migrant populations. Statement-II logically explains how addressing the voting needs of migrants can help improve voter turnout rates in regions with high migration rates like Bihar.