Daily Current Affairs MCQ: 12th June 2025 - UPSC MCQ

1. Statement 1 is correct. SEBI has indeed mandated that all registered intermediaries in the securities market use verified UPI handles that end with @valid. This measure is part of a broader initiative to enhance the safety and security of financial transactions and protect investors from fraud.

2. Statement 2 is incorrect. The SEBI Check mobile application is not limited to verifying UPI IDs used exclusively for stock market transactions. Instead, it is a tool designed to verify UPI IDs used by intermediaries in the securities market, ensuring the authenticity of transactions across the board.

3. Statement 3 is correct. The transition period for the adoption of verified UPI handles is set to end on December 11, 2026. This allows existing intermediaries ample time to comply with the new requirements.

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

Statement-I correctly describes TOI-6894b as a gas giant planet with a density akin to that of a beach ball, orbiting a small red dwarf star. This statement provides accurate information about the characteristics of TOI-6894b.
Statement-II accurately states that TOI-6894, the host star of TOI-6894b, is much smaller than the Sun, with only about 21% of its mass. This statement complements Statement-I by providing relevant details about the host star.
Therefore, both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct, and Statement-II provides additional context that explains Statement-I. This makes option (a) the correct choice.

Let's evaluate each statement based on the provided information:

1. India's nuclear energy strategy involves the development of Pressurized Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs) as a central component. This statement is correct. According to India's nuclear strategy, PHWRs are indeed a central component. They form the backbone of India's domestic nuclear capabilities, which are crucial for scaling up the nuclear capacity as part of the broader energy goals.

2. The Three-Stage Nuclear Programme in India is hindered by the slow progress of Thorium-based Molten Salt Reactors (MSRs). This statement is correct. The Three-Stage Nuclear Programme, which was envisioned to utilize India's abundant thorium resources, faces challenges due to the slow progress in developing Thorium-based MSRs. This is a known bottleneck in advancing to the later stages of the program.

3. India's target for achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2070 necessitates a reliance on imported uranium to meet its nuclear energy demands. This statement is incorrect. While India does require uranium for its nuclear reactors, the current focus is on reducing dependence on imported uranium by developing fuel recycling technologies and enhancing domestic capabilities. The strategy aims to achieve energy security through self-reliance rather than increased importation.

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

The main objective of the UN High Seas Treaty, also known as BBNJ, is to protect marine biodiversity in international waters. This treaty aims to create a legal framework for the conservation and sustainable use of marine resources beyond national jurisdictions, addressing existing regulatory gaps and fostering global cooperation.

Ohler’s Spiny Frog contributes to biodiversity by highlighting the unique ecological characteristics of waterfall ecosystems. These frogs play a crucial role in their habitat by indicating the health of the ecosystem near water bodies like rocky streams. By understanding their importance, conservation efforts can be better directed towards preserving these delicate environments.

Statement-I correctly mentions that SEBI has mandated the use of verified UPI handles ending in @valid for all registered intermediaries in the securities market. This measure is aimed at enhancing transaction security. Statement-II is also accurate in stating that the SEBI Check mobile application has been introduced to verify the UPI IDs used by these intermediaries. However, Statement-II does not directly explain Statement-I but rather provides additional information about the verification process. Therefore, both statements are correct, but they are not interdependent, making option (b) the correct choice.

1. UN High Seas Treaty: Focuses on terrestrial biodiversity conservation.
Incorrect. The UN High Seas Treaty is focused on the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction, not terrestrial biodiversity. It aims to protect marine ecosystems, particularly in international waters.

2. Marine Protected Areas (MPAs): Established under the UN High Seas Treaty to protect land ecosystems.
Incorrect. While MPAs are indeed a key component of the UN High Seas Treaty, they are established to protect marine ecosystems, not land ecosystems. The treaty facilitates the creation of MPAs in the high seas to safeguard marine biodiversity.

3. Khalistani Extremism: A significant concern in India-Canada relations due to historical frictions.
Correct. Khalistani extremism has been a longstanding issue affecting India-Canada relations. The presence of Khalistani elements in Canada has been a significant concern for India, contributing to diplomatic tensions between the two countries.

4. Poson Poya Festival: Celebrates the arrival of Buddhism in Sri Lanka.
Correct. The Poson Poya Festival is an important Buddhist festival in Sri Lanka, marking the arrival of Buddhism in 236 BCE with the visit of Arahat Mahinda, son of Emperor Ashoka, which led to the conversion of King Devanampiyatissa.

Thus, only the third and fourth pairs are correctly matched, making the total number of correctly matched pairs two.

1. Ohler’s Spiny Frog: Found in the Amazon Rainforest - Incorrect. Ohler’s Spiny Frog is actually found in fast-flowing streams in evergreen forests across Southeast Asia, particularly in northern Vietnam, southern China, and the Himalayan region, not in the Amazon Rainforest.

2. Sant Kabir: Associated with Nirguna Bhakti - Correct. Sant Kabir is indeed associated with Nirguna Bhakti, which emphasizes the worship of a formless God. His teachings focused on the concept that God transcends names and forms, promoting spiritual unity and social equality.

3. Drone Swarms: Used primarily in World War I - Incorrect. Drone swarms are a modern development and were not used in World War I. The concept of drone swarms involves the use of multiple drones working together to complete a mission, which is a present-day military strategy, especially highlighted in recent conflicts such as those involving Ukraine.

4. Quasipaa: Genera of Ohler's Spiny Frog - Correct. Ohler’s Spiny Frog belongs to the genera Quasipaa, characterized by its robust size and distinctive spiny features.

Thus, only two pairs are correctly matched: pair 2 and pair 4.

1. SEBI Initiative - Verified UPI handles ending in @verified: This pair is incorrectly matched. The verified UPI handles set by SEBI for intermediaries in the securities market end in @valid, not @verified.
2. Tourette Syndrome - Typically emerges between the ages of 2 and 15: This pair is correctly matched. Tourette Syndrome indeed typically emerges between these ages, with an average onset around the age of six.
3. GDP Base Year Revision - Next revision to 2022-23 with data by February 2026: This pair is correctly matched. India is set to update the base year for GDP calculation to 2022-23, with new data expected by February 2026.
4. SEBI Check Tool - Mobile application to verify IFSC codes and account names: This pair is correctly matched. The SEBI Check Tool is a mobile application designed to verify UPI IDs, including account holder names and IFSC codes, to ensure secure transactions.
Thus, three pairs are correctly matched.

SEBI's initiative to implement verified UPI handles for market-facing intermediaries aims to enhance transaction security and reduce fraud risks in the securities market. By mandating the use of verified UPI handles ending in @valid, SEBI intends to create a more secure environment for investors by ensuring that intermediaries adopt designated formats for their UPI handles. This measure is crucial in combating impersonation scams and digital fraud, ultimately fostering greater trust and safety in digital transactions for investors.