Daily Current Affairs MCQ: 5th August 2025 - UPSC MCQ

1. The U.S. has imposed significant tariff increases on Indian imports primarily due to India's purchases of oil from Russia.
This statement is correct. The U.S. President's announcement of tariff hikes is directly attributed to India's continued oil imports from Russia, which the U.S. perceives as problematic.

2. India's major pharmaceutical exports to the U.S. are unlikely to be affected by the new tariffs.
This statement is incorrect. Pharmaceuticals, being one of India's major export sectors to the U.S., are likely to face price increases due to the tariffs. Therefore, the sector is vulnerable to these changes.

3. Western countries have continued to trade with Russia in various sectors, as pointed out by India.
This statement is correct. India has emphasized that while it is being criticized for its dealings with Russia, many Western nations continue their trade relations with Russia in various sectors.

Therefore, statements 1 and 3 are correct. Hence, the correct answer is Option C: 1 and 3 Only.

The recent escalation of tensions in India-U.S. economic relations, resulting in significant tariff increases on Indian imports by the U.S., is primarily attributed to India's continued purchases of oil from Russia. This decision by the U.S. is seen as a response to India's oil imports from Russia, which the U.S. views as problematic due to geopolitical concerns. India, in turn, has defended its energy security needs amidst these challenges.

1. Ethanol Blending Policy - Launched in 2003 for E20 fuel: Incorrect. The Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) Programme was launched in 2003, but it initially targeted lower blends like E10, not specifically E20. The E20 rollout was completed in 2025.

2. Environmental and Economic Gains - Reduces crude oil import bill by over Rs. 50,000 crore annually: Correct. The E20 program is expected to significantly reduce India's crude oil import bill by over Rs. 50,000 crore annually.

3. Mileage Concerns - Ethanol contains about 20% less energy than petrol: Incorrect. Ethanol contains about 30% less energy than petrol, leading to concerns about increased fuel consumption and reduced mileage.

4. Corrosion and Maintenance Issues - Ethanol's hygroscopic nature can lead to corrosion of metal components: Correct. Ethanol's hygroscopic nature can indeed lead to corrosion of metal components and degradation of rubber and plastic parts in vehicles not designed for E20.

Thus, only pairs 2 and 4 are correctly matched.

The Sawalkote Hydroelectric Project is located in the Ramban and Udhampur districts of Jammu and Kashmir. It is being built on the Chenab River, classified as a western river under the Indus Waters Treaty. This project signifies a crucial step in India's energy infrastructure, showcasing strategic initiatives in water management and energy production amidst geopolitical challenges.

Russia's enhanced presence in the Sahel region, particularly through significant agreements like the nuclear deal with Niger, primarily underscores its geopolitical interests in this strategically vital area. Such moves often signify a broader agenda related to power projection, resource access, or regional influence, rather than merely focusing on economic, religious, or environmental concerns. This geopolitical maneuvering reflects Russia's intent to establish a stronger foothold in the Sahel region to safeguard its interests and potentially challenge the influence of other global players.

- Statement 1 is correct. The E20 fuel program in India, which involves blending petrol with 20% ethanol, has indeed been rolled out five years ahead of the initial target set for 2030, demonstrating a proactive approach to meeting energy security and environmental goals.

- Statement 2 is incorrect. Ethanol actually contains about 30% less energy than petrol, which can potentially reduce vehicle fuel efficiency rather than increase it. This lower energy content is a concern for vehicle owners as it might lead to increased fuel consumption.

- Statement 3 is correct. Ethanol is derived from sugarcane and other biomass sources. Its use in fuel blending helps reduce carbon emissions and decreases reliance on imported fossil fuels, aligning with environmental and economic objectives.

Hence, the correct answer is Option B. Statements 1 and 3 accurately reflect the details of the Ethanol Blending Policy, while Statement 2 incorrectly represents the energy content comparison between ethanol and petrol.

Statement-I correctly highlights the recent nuclear agreement between Russia and Niger in the Sahel region, emphasizing Russia's increased presence in that area. Statement-II accurately describes the Sahel region as a transitional zone between the arid Sahara desert in the north and the humid savannas to the south, providing essential geographical context. Therefore, both statements are factually correct, and Statement-II explains the significance of Russia's activities in the Sahel region as portrayed in Statement-I.

- Statement 1: The Sahel region is indeed a semi-arid area that acts as a transitional zone between the arid Sahara Desert to the north and the humid savannas to the south. This statement is correct as it accurately describes the geographical and ecological characteristics of the Sahel region.

- Statement 2: The Asian Giant Tortoise is classified as Critically Endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). It is native to tropical and subtropical forests, found in countries like Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, and Malaysia. This statement is correct as it accurately reflects the conservation status and natural habitat of the species.

- Statement 3: While the abrogation of Article 370 aimed to enhance economic growth and security in Jammu & Kashmir, the statement regarding significant foreign direct investment inflows is misleading. The economic growth has been marked by increased investments and revenue, but the term "significant foreign direct investment inflows" is not supported by the information provided. Therefore, this statement is incorrect.

Thus, the correct answer is Option B: 1 and 2 Only, as both statements 1 and 2 are accurate while statement 3 is not supported by the given context.

1. Section 33A of the Water Act, 1974: This is incorrectly matched. Section 33A grants authority to direct the closure or regulation of industries that violate water pollution norms, not air pollution norms.

2. Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB): This is correctly matched. The CPCB was indeed established under the Water Act of 1974 as a statutory technical body responsible for promoting clean air and water.

3. Tariff: This is incorrectly matched. A tariff is a tax imposed by a government on imported goods, not exported goods, raising costs for consumers and potentially protecting domestic industries.

4. Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT): This is correctly matched. VVPAT is indeed essential for ensuring the integrity of electronic voting machines (EVMs) by providing a paper trail that voters can verify.

Pairs 2 and 4 are correctly matched.

1. Sawalkote Hydro Project : Located on the Jhelum River - Incorrect. The Sawalkote Hydro Project is located on the Chenab River, not the Jhelum River. The Chenab River is one of the western rivers under the Indus Waters Treaty.

2. Seabuckthorn : Found in the Himalayan region of India - Correct. Seabuckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides) is indeed found in the Himalayan region, particularly in areas like Ladakh and Spiti in India. It is known for thriving in cold desert climates.

3. Mahabodhi Temple : Located in Bodh Gaya, Bihar - Correct. The Mahabodhi Temple is indeed located in Bodh Gaya, Bihar, and is a significant pilgrimage site for Buddhists, marking the location where Buddha attained enlightenment.

4. Sawalkote Hydro Project : Implemented by the National Hydroelectric Power Corporation - Correct. The National Hydroelectric Power Corporation is the implementing agency for the Sawalkote Hydro Project.

Thus, three pairs are correctly matched.