Daily Current Affairs MCQ: 22nd July 2025 - UPSC MCQ

- Statement 1: This statement is incorrect. The right to vote is not considered a Fundamental Right under Part III of the Indian Constitution. Instead, it is recognized as a statutory right, as it is governed by laws enacted by the Parliament, such as the Representation of the People Act, 1951. Fundamental Rights are those specifically enumerated in Part III of the Constitution, and voting is not among them.

- Statement 2: This statement is correct. Article 326 of the Indian Constitution indeed guarantees universal adult franchise, providing that every citizen aged 18 and above has the right to vote, subject to certain qualifications laid down by law. This reflects the principle of universal suffrage.

- Statement 3: This statement is incorrect. Judicial interpretations have varied over time regarding the classification of the right to vote. While some judgments have debated its status, the prevailing view is that the right to vote is a statutory right, not a constitutional one. The Supreme Court of India has emphasized that voting rights are created by statute and not by the Constitution.

Thus, only Statement 2 is correct, making Option D the correct answer.

1. Guryul Ravine fossil site - Located in Vihi district of Kashmir: This pair is correctly matched. The Guryul Ravine fossil site is indeed located in the Vihi district of Kashmir, near Srinagar. It is a site of significant paleontological interest due to its fossils linked to the Permian–Triassic extinction event.

2. Permian–Triassic extinction event - Occurred approximately 251.9 million years ago: This pair is correctly matched. The Permian–Triassic extinction event, also known as the 'Great Dying,' occurred around 251.9 million years ago and marked a significant loss of biodiversity.

3. Global Capability Centres (GCCs) - Serve primarily as back offices for multinational corporations: This pair is incorrectly matched. While GCCs may have initially been set up as cost-effective back offices, they have evolved into innovation hubs focusing on research and development, analytics, and cybersecurity.

4. U.K.-India Free Trade Agreement (FTA) - Aims to enhance cross-border collaboration and address double taxation: This pair is correctly matched. The FTA between the U.K. and India seeks to enhance collaboration and address issues such as double taxation, aiming to strengthen bilateral trade ties.

Pairs 1, 2, and 4 are correctly matched, while pair 3 is incorrect. Thus, only two pairs (Pairs 2 and 4) are correctly matched regarding their specific descriptions.

Statement-I correctly identifies the geographical region where the Hatti tribe primarily resides, which is the border area of Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand. Statement-II accurately states that the Hatti community was recognized as a Scheduled Tribe in 2023. However, Statement-II does not provide any direct explanation or additional information related to Statement-I. Hence, both statements are correct individually, but Statement-II does not offer an explanatory link to Statement-I.

1. Natural Rights: Right to Property - Incorrect. The right to property in India is not considered a natural right. It was a fundamental right but was reclassified as a constitutional/legal right after the 44th Amendment Act of 1978, thus being enforceable through Article 300A, which makes it a constitutional right.

2. Fundamental Rights: Freedom of Speech - Correct. Freedom of speech is a fundamental right enshrined in Article 19(1)(a) of the Indian Constitution and is enforceable through Article 32.

3. Constitutional Rights: Right to Vote - Incorrect. The right to vote is classified as a statutory right in India, not a constitutional right. It is governed by the Representation of the People Act, 1950 and 1951, and not part of the fundamental rights in Part III. It is derived from Article 326, which provides for elections to the House of the People and to the Legislative Assemblies of States.

4. Statutory Rights: Rights under MGNREGA - Correct. Rights under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) are statutory rights, as they are derived from legislation passed by Parliament.

Thus, pairs 2 and 4 are correctly matched.

1. Statement 1: The Hatti tribe is indeed primarily located in the basin of the Giri and Tons rivers at the Himachal-Uttarakhand border. This statement is correct. The tribe is known for its residence in the Trans-Giri area of the Sirmaur district in Himachal Pradesh and Jaunsar Bawar in Uttarakhand.

2. Statement 2: The statement that the Hatti community received Scheduled Tribe status in 1967 is incorrect. While the Jaunsar-Bawar region received tribal status in 1967, the Hatti community in Himachal Pradesh was recognized as a Scheduled Tribe in 2023. Therefore, this statement is incorrect for the Hatti community's recognition.

3. Statement 3: Polyandry is indeed a traditional practice observed among the Hatti tribe. This cultural practice is highlighted by events such as the recent marriage of two brothers to the same woman within the community, emphasizing the tribe's adherence to its customs.

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

The Hatti tribe in Himachal Pradesh is known for the cultural practice of polyandry, where a woman is married to multiple brothers. This traditional practice is unique to their community and holds significant cultural importance.

- Statement 1 is correct. The Bima Sakhi Yojana provides a monthly stipend of ₹7,000 to participants in the first year. This is a part of the stipend structure designed to support women as they develop into LIC agents.

- Statement 2 is incorrect. Women related to existing LIC agents or employees, such as spouses, children, and siblings, are not eligible to apply for the Bima Sakhi Yojana. This exclusion is meant to ensure unbiased opportunities for new participants who are not connected to the existing workforce.

- Statement 3 is correct. The programme does indeed aim to appoint two lakh Bima Sakhis within three years, which is part of its goal to empower women in rural areas through training and financial incentives.

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

The Geological Survey of India issued a warning about the Guryul Ravine fossil site due to human activities like quarrying and construction that are posing a threat to the site's unique scientific value. This fossil site, which contains evidence of the Permian-Triassic extinction event, is of immense scientific importance. Preserving it is crucial for understanding Earth's geological history accurately.

The National Sports Policy 2025 emphasizes the integration of sports science, medicine, and technology as foundational elements of athlete development. This approach highlights the importance of a comprehensive system to support athlete performance, focusing on various disciplines to enhance sustained elite performance on the global sports stage.

1. Statement 1: The Guryul Ravine fossil site is indeed located in the Khonmoh Conservation Reserve, which is part of the Kashmir Valley. This statement is correct.

2. Statement 2: The site provides crucial evidence of the Permian–Triassic extinction event, often referred to as the 'Great Dying'. Additionally, the Guryul Ravine site is notable for preserving imprints of what is believed to be the world's first recorded tsunami event. Thus, this statement is also correct.

3. Statement 3: This statement is incorrect. Human activities such as construction and quarrying are actually damaging the site, not contributing to its preservation. These activities pose a significant threat to the site's integrity and scientific value.

Therefore, only statements 1 and 2 are correct, which makes Option B: 1 and 2 Only the correct answer.