Daily Current Affairs MCQs: 23rd July 2025 - Humanities/Arts MCQ

The MiG-21 has been referred to as a "flying coffin" due to its high accident rate, particularly in recent decades, which has resulted in significant pilot fatalities. While the aircraft has played a crucial role in various conflicts, safety concerns have overshadowed its operational capabilities, highlighting the need for more reliable aircraft in the Indian Air Force. An interesting fact is that the MiG-21 has been in service since 1963 and has undergone numerous upgrades to enhance its performance.

The World Bank report estimates that approximately $2.4 trillion will be required by 2050 to develop resilient urban infrastructure and services in India. This substantial investment is critical for addressing the challenges posed by rapid urbanization and climate change. Notably, urban areas are projected to generate 70% of new employment by 2030, making this investment essential for economic growth and sustainability.

The MiG-21 is scheduled to be replaced by the Tejas Mark-1A, which is an indigenous single-engine multirole fighter aircraft. The Tejas program aims to enhance India's aerial combat capabilities with a modern design that incorporates a significant amount of indigenous content. This transition signifies a move towards self-reliance in defense manufacturing, a pivotal aspect of India's defense strategy.

Pluvial flooding, resulting from inadequate drainage systems and excessive concretization, is a significant risk faced by India's urban areas due to climate change. This type of flooding can lead to substantial economic losses, with estimates suggesting annual flood-related losses could reach $5 billion by 2030. Addressing these issues requires comprehensive urban planning and investment in resilient infrastructure.

The PRATIBHA Setu initiative aims to connect candidates who have cleared the UPSC interview stage but were not selected with verified employers. This program helps leverage the skills of high-performing candidates and provides them with alternative career pathways. It facilitates the hiring processes for employers while ensuring talented individuals have opportunities that match their capabilities.

Stablecoins are cryptocurrencies specifically designed to maintain a stable value by being pegged to other assets such as fiat currencies or commodities. This characteristic aims to reduce the volatility typically associated with cryptocurrencies, making them more suitable for everyday transactions. This concept has gained traction as digital currencies become increasingly integrated into the financial system.

Hungary is among the countries noted for suppressing academic freedom through punitive actions against universities and scholars who challenge government narratives. This trend reflects a broader global pattern where political populism seeks to control educational institutions, undermining their independence and ability to foster open debate. Such actions can have long-term implications for the integrity of academic research and discourse.

The Tayfun Block-4 missile has an operational range of up to 800 kilometers, with future enhancements planned to extend this range to 1,000 kilometers. This missile represents a significant advancement in Turkey's defense capabilities, showcasing the country's investment in developing indigenous military technology. The ability to strike targets at such ranges enhances Turkey's strategic deterrence.

Empowering Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) in climate governance is crucial as it enhances their decision-making power, allowing for better resource mobilization, accountability, and revenue generation. Evidence suggests that cities with greater autonomy are more successful in adapting to climate challenges. This approach is essential for improving urban climate resilience and ensuring that local needs are adequately addressed.

Ambrosia beetles form a mutualistic relationship with ambrosia fungi, which they cultivate within the tunnels they create in the bark of trees. This relationship enables the fungi to weaken the wood, leading to severe structural damage, leaf fall, and ultimately tree death, which significantly impacts latex production in rubber plantations. This interaction highlights the importance of pest management in agriculture to protect crops from invasive species.