Daily Current Affairs MCQ: 28th May 2025 - UPSC MCQ

Thunder during a thunderstorm is primarily caused by the rapid expansion of air surrounding a lightning bolt. When lightning strikes, it heats the air around it very quickly, causing the air to expand rapidly. This rapid expansion creates a shock wave that we hear as thunder. Thus, the violent upward movement of air and water particles during a thunderstorm leads to the production of thunder.

Statement-I is correct as it highlights the impact of the UJALA scheme on energy efficiency and peak power demand reduction in India. The UJALA scheme has indeed led to significant energy savings and reduced peak power demand.
Statement-II is also correct as it mentions the awarding of the Geographical Indication (GI) tag to the Kumbakonam Vetrilai betel leaf, recognizing its unique qualities and cultural significance. However, Statement-II does not directly explain Statement-I but provides additional information on a different topic related to a GI tag for a specific product. Therefore, the correct answer is that both statements are correct, but Statement-II does not explain Statement-I.

To determine which statements are correct, let's analyze each one based on the information about bow echo storms:

1. Statement 1: This statement correctly describes the formation of a bow echo. A bow echo forms within a mesoscale convective system (MCS), which involves a large group of organized thunderstorms. The distinct curved pattern on weather radar is created by the interaction of warm, moist air and descending cool air, which generates a gust front, pushing the warm air upward and forming the characteristic bow shape. Therefore, statement 1 is correct.

2. Statement 2: This statement is incorrect. Bow echoes typically span a larger distance, between 20 to 200 km, and can last anywhere from 3 to 6 hours, not just one hour. The described dimensions and duration in the statement are significantly understated.

3. Statement 3: This statement is true. In certain circumstances, bow echoes can evolve into derechos, which are extensive and long-lasting windstorms. Derechos can cause widespread and severe damage due to their powerful and persistent winds.

Thus, the correct statements are 1 and 3, making Option B: 1 and 3 Only the correct answer.

1. Statement 1: This statement is correct. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between World Liberty Financial Inc (WLFI) and the Pakistan Crypto Council does indeed aim to position Pakistan as a regional crypto hub. The MoU's objectives include enhancing financial inclusion and monetizing untapped national assets, which aligns with efforts to establish Pakistan's prominence in the crypto sector.

2. Statement 2: This statement is correct. The Trump administration, following its pro-crypto stance, has initiated policies such as banning Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC). This move is part of a broader strategy to promote cryptocurrency and consolidate digital assets, reflecting a significant shift in U.S. policy towards cryptocurrencies.

3. Statement 3: This statement is correct. India's crypto landscape is notable for its large user base, with over 100 million crypto users. However, it is also marked by the absence of a clear regulatory framework, which has been highlighted by recent Supreme Court interventions regarding inconsistencies in taxing cryptocurrencies without proper regulations.

Thus, all three statements accurately capture the strategic developments and challenges facing India in light of Pakistan's digital pivot and Trump's crypto diplomacy. Therefore, the correct answer is Option D.

Statement-I correctly mentions that the AMCA project aims to develop a fifth-generation stealth fighter jet. Statement-II accurately describes the AMCA as a twin-engine, 25-tonne aircraft with advanced stealth characteristics. Statement-II provides additional information that explains the context of Statement-I, making it a comprehensive and accurate description of the AMCA project. Hence, option (a) is the correct choice.

The MoU signed between World Liberty Financial Inc (WLFI) and Pakistan Crypto Council primarily aims to position Pakistan as a regional crypto hub. This strategic move is intended to enhance financial inclusion through blockchain technology, monetize untapped national assets, introduce stablecoins for trade and remittances, and further establish Pakistan as a key player in the cryptocurrency sector. This development raises concerns about the economic implications and potential misuse of cryptocurrencies in Pakistan, while also signaling a shift in Trump's administration towards a pro-crypto stance.

1. Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) Objectives - Enhance financial inclusion through blockchain technology: This pair is correctly matched. The MoU between WLFI and the Pakistan Crypto Council explicitly aims to enhance financial inclusion through blockchain technology.

2. Madden-Julian Oscillation (MJO) - Identified in the 1980s by Roland Madden and Paul Julian: This pair is incorrectly matched. The MJO was identified in the 1970s by Roland Madden and Paul Julian.

3. Dugong - Exclusively found in freshwater environments: This pair is incorrectly matched. Dugongs are marine mammals that inhabit saltwater environments, particularly shallow coastal waters, not freshwater bodies.

4. Trump's Crypto Agenda - Banned Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC): This pair is correctly matched. Following his re-election, Trump's administration did indeed ban Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) as part of a pro-crypto stance.

Thus, two pairs are correctly matched.

1. Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) account for 74% of global deaths as of 2019.
This statement is correct. According to global health data, NCDs, such as cardiovascular diseases, cancer, respiratory diseases, and diabetes, are responsible for a significant proportion of deaths worldwide, accounting for approximately 74% of all deaths as of 2019.

2. Only 16% of hypertensive individuals in India have controlled blood pressure.
This statement is also correct. Despite improvements in healthcare access, effective management of hypertension remains a challenge in India, and reports suggest that only a small percentage of those diagnosed with hypertension achieve controlled blood pressure levels.

3. The Eat Right India initiative has been highly effective in reducing obesity rates in urban areas.
This statement is incorrect. While the Eat Right India initiative aims to promote healthy eating habits, it faces challenges such as lack of effective enforcement and opposition from the food industry, which have limited its impact on reducing obesity rates in urban areas.

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

The main aim of India's UJALA scheme, as emphasized in the text, is to promote energy-efficient lighting solutions. By distributing LED bulbs and tube lights at affordable prices, the scheme aims to enhance lighting efficiency, reduce peak power demand, and contribute to significant cost and emission reductions. Energy efficiency initiatives like UJALA play a crucial role in bridging the demand-supply gap, supporting sustainability goals, and minimizing the necessity for new fossil fuel-based power plants.

1. UJALA Scheme - Distribution of LED bulbs: Correct. The UJALA scheme was launched to distribute LED bulbs and promote energy efficiency, significantly reducing power consumption in India.

2. Kumbakonam Vetrilai - GI tag for betel leaf: Correct. The Kumbakonam Vetrilai, a type of betel leaf, has received a Geographical Indication (GI) tag, recognizing its unique qualities and cultural significance from the Kumbakonam region.

3. DPIIT - Nodal agency for GI registration: Correct. The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry is responsible for GI registration in India.

4. Geographical Indications Act - Enacted in 2005: Incorrect. The Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act was enacted in 1999 and came into effect in September 2003, not 2005.

Pairs 1, 2, and 3 are correctly matched, while pair 4 is incorrectly matched. Hence, the correct answer is Option C: Only three pairs.