Daily Current Affairs MCQ: 3rd August 2025 - UPSC MCQ

The recent study conducted in the Thar Desert wind farms revealed an alarming bird mortality rate of 4,464 birds per 1,000 sq. km. This high mortality rate raises concerns about the impact of wind farms on bird populations in the region. The findings emphasize the need for effective mitigation measures to address this environmental issue.

1. Correct: The statement is accurate. The Thar Desert wind farms have indeed recorded the world's highest bird mortality rate, with an estimated 4,464 birds per 1,000 sq. km. This alarming statistic highlights the significant environmental impact of the wind farms on avian populations.

2. Incorrect: This statement is false. Control sites away from the wind turbines registered zero bird deaths, which confirms the turbines' significant role in bird fatalities. Therefore, the mortality rate is not similar at control sites, indicating the impact of the turbines.

3. Incorrect: Current regulations in India do not mandate environmental impact assessments (EIAs) for onshore wind energy projects. This is a critical gap in regulatory oversight, as highlighted in the context of the study.

The correct answer is Option A: 1 Only, as only the first statement is accurate.

1. Thar Desert Wind Farms - Highest bird mortality rate in the world: This pair is correctly matched. The Thar Desert wind farms have indeed recorded the world’s highest bird mortality rate, as per the study mentioned. This highlights significant environmental concerns related to wind energy projects in the area.

2. Great Indian Bustard - Not affected by wind farms: This pair is incorrectly matched. The Great Indian Bustard is critically endangered and particularly at risk from wind farms in the Thar Desert. The turbines pose a threat to these birds, contributing to their mortality.

3. Central Asian Flyway - Important for migratory birds: This pair is correctly matched. The Central Asian Flyway is a crucial route for migratory birds. The Thar Desert, which is part of this flyway, is an important area for these birds during their migration.

4. Jaisalmer Study - Conducted by the Avian Sensitivity Tool for Energy Planning (AVISTEP): This pair is incorrectly matched. The study in Jaisalmer was conducted by the Wildlife Institute of India (WII), not by AVISTEP. AVISTEP is recommended for use in site assessments to mitigate bird mortality, but it was not the conducting body of the study.

Two pairs are correctly matched: pairs 1 and 3. Therefore, the correct answer is Option B: Only two pairs.

Trump's tariffs have led to a reduction in India's GDP growth by an estimated 0.2%, affecting key sectors like garments and electronics. This impact is significant as it indicates a negative effect on India's economic growth trajectory.

1. Garments Sector - Expected to benefit from the tariffs: Incorrect. The garments sector in India is expected to struggle as a result of the tariffs, not benefit. The increased tariffs make Indian garments less competitive compared to those from countries like Vietnam and South Korea.

2. Auto Parts - Faces competition from Vietnam and South Korea: Correct. India's auto parts sector will face increased competition from countries like Vietnam and South Korea due to the higher tariffs making Indian exports less competitive.

3. GDP Growth - Reduced by 0.2% due to tariffs: Correct. The tariffs imposed by the U.S. are estimated to reduce India's GDP growth by 0.2%, from 6.6% to 6.4%.

4. Agricultural Sector - Open and competitive with U.S. imports: Incorrect. India's agricultural sector is not open and competitive with U.S. imports; rather, there is reluctance from India to open its agricultural sector, complicating trade negotiations.

Pairs 2 and 3 are correctly matched.

The Assam government's intensified eviction drives primarily aim to protect the interests of the local community. These actions are rooted in a commitment to safeguarding land and heritage for the benefit of the local population. By initiating these drives, the government seeks to address concerns related to encroachments on forest and government lands, particularly affecting specific communities while upholding the rights and interests of the local populace.

1. Statement 1: Correct. The eviction drives in Assam trace back to a Gauhati High Court order in 2016, which sought the reclamation of forestlands. This aligns with the historical background provided, indicating that the first eviction drive was indeed initiated in September 2016 following the court's directive.

2. Statement 2: Incorrect. While inter-State border disputes are exacerbated by the eviction drives, the primary aim of the Assam eviction policy is rooted in an anti-infiltration narrative targeting specific communities, such as Bengali-speaking Muslims. It is not primarily focused on addressing border disputes, though these disputes are a consequence of the evictions.

3. Statement 3: Correct. The 2021 eviction incident in Darrang district did result in fatalities and raised significant concerns regarding human rights violations and political motivations. This incident amplified the controversy surrounding the eviction drives and highlighted the potential underlying political motivations and human rights issues involved.

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

The Balfour Declaration, issued in 1917, was a pivotal event that significantly impacted the geopolitical landscape of the region by expressing Britain's support for a Jewish homeland in Palestine. This declaration played a crucial role in shaping the dynamics and conflicts in the Middle East, particularly in relation to Israel and Palestine.

1. Statement 1 is correct. The UK's potential recognition of the State of Palestine is indeed contingent upon Israel agreeing to a Gaza ceasefire, facilitating more humanitarian aid, and committing to a two-state peace process. This reflects the conditions set by the British Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, for the recognition of Palestine at the upcoming UN General Assembly.

2. Statement 2 is correct. The Balfour Declaration, issued in 1917, expressed Britain's support for the establishment of a Jewish homeland in Palestine. This declaration has had a significant and lasting impact on the geopolitical dynamics of the region.

3. Statement 3 is incorrect. Historically, major Western nations have resisted recognizing Palestine as a state, linking recognition to the achievement of a conclusive peace settlement between Israel and Palestine. The current shift, as indicated by the UK's potential recognition, marks a significant change in policy, not a continuation of historical recognition.

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

1. Sundarbans: This is incorrectly matched. The Sundarbans is a delta formed primarily by the Ganges, Brahmaputra, and Meghna rivers, not just the Brahmaputra River alone. The Brahmaputra contributes, but it's not the sole river responsible for forming the delta.

2. Western Ghats: This is correctly matched. The Western Ghats is a mountain range that runs parallel to the western coast of India, stretching from Gujarat in the north to Tamil Nadu in the south.

3. Thar Desert: This is correctly matched. The Thar Desert, also known as the Great Indian Desert, is located primarily in the Indian state of Rajasthan.

4. Chilika Lake: This is correctly matched. Chilika Lake is a brackish water lagoon located in the state of Odisha, on the east coast of India, and is one of the largest lagoons in the world.

Thus, pairs 2, 3, and 4 are correctly matched.