Daily Prelims MCQs — Current Affairs — 14th July 2025

Welcome to last week’s (7 July – 13 July) handpicked set of 15 Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs) curated from the most relevant and high-impact current affairs. Designed especially for UPSC Prelims preparation, these questions bridge the gap between dynamic news events and static concepts — just the way UPSC frames them in the exam.

Each question is backed by clear explanations and source references, helping you not only test your knowledge but also strengthen conceptual clarity and develop contextual understanding.

This set cover a wide range of topics including: Kuno National Park, Maratha Military Landscapes, Astra BVR missile, Lerma Rojo 64A, Sonora 63, and Mayo 64, Daulat Beg Oldie (DBO), Zonal Councils in India, Kailash-Mansarovar Yatra, Lipulekh Pass, Nathu La Pass, Manasarovar, Rakshastal, TB death-free initiative, Eco-Sensitive Zones (ESZs), Gini Index 2025, The Admiralty (Jurisdiction and Settlement of Maritime Claims) Act, 2017, Han Guang , CBAM, Buck Moon, Campbell Bay and more…

Click Here to read the Monthly Current Affairs Pointers (CAP).

QUESTION 1

Regarding Kuno National Park, consider the following statements:

1. It is situated in the Satpura Hills region of Central India.

2. The park is home to over 30 species of bamboo and grasses.

3. The cheetah population in Kuno National Park has grown significantly and now exceeds 100 individuals.

How many of these statements are accurate?

(a) Only one

(b) Only two

(c) All three

(d) None

Answer (a) 

Explanation:

• Recently, an eight-year-old female cheetah from Namibia named Nabha passed away in Kuno National Park after suffering serious injuries, possibly during a hunting attempt within the soft release enclosure.

• Kuno National Park is actually located in the Vindhyan Hills of Central India, not the Satpura Hills. Therefore, statement 1 is incorrect.

• The park boasts rich biodiversity, including 123 species of trees, 71 shrubs, 32 climbers and exotic plants, and 34 species of bamboo and grasses. This makes statement 2 correct.

• Although Kuno hosts cheetahs and they have acclimatized well, the total number currently in the wild is only 16, far from the exaggerated figure mentioned in statement 3, which is thus incorrect.

• Additionally, Kuno is known for the Kardhai tree, notable for turning green with minimal moisture before monsoons arrive.

QUESTION 2

Which of the following forts are included in the ‘Maratha Military Landscapes’?

1. Salher Fort

2. Shivneri Fort

3. Chitradurga Fort

4. Bellary Fort

5. Lohgad Fort

Choose the correct option from the codes given below:

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 1, 2 and 3

(c) 2, 3, 4 and 5

(d) 1, 2 and 5

Answer (d)

Explanation:

Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauded the inscription of the ‘Maratha Military Landscapes’ on the UNESCO World Heritage List. This collection comprises 12 forts constructed under the leadership of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.

The forts forming the Maratha Military Landscapes include:

• Salher

• Shivneri

• Lohgad

• Khanderi

• Raigad

• Rajgad

• Pratapgad

• Suvarnadurg

• Panhala

• Vijay Durg

• Sindhudurg (all located in Maharashtra)

• Gingee Fort (situated in Tamil Nadu)

This prestigious recognition was granted during the 47th session of the World Heritage Committee held in Paris, marking India’s 44th property to be honored with UNESCO World Heritage status.

It is important to note that Chitradurga Fort and Bellary Fort are located in Karnataka and are not part of the Maratha Military Landscapes.

Read More | Maratha Military Landscapes of India: A UNESCO World Heritage Site

QUESTION 3

With regard to the Astra BVR missile, consider the following statements:

1. Astra is classified as a Beyond Visual Range (BVR) Air-to-Air Missile (AAM).

2. This missile is designed to operate effectively in all weather conditions, both day and night.

3. The missile has an operational range of approximately 50 km.

How many of the above statements are accurate?

(a) Only one

(b) Only two

(c) All three

(d) None

Answer (b) 

Explanation:

India recently demonstrated its indigenous defence capability by successfully test-firing the Astra beyond visual range air-to-air missile from a Su-30 Mk-I fighter aircraft off the coast of Odisha. The Astra missile boasts an advanced guidance and navigation system and has an operational range exceeding 100 km, which means the claim of a 50 km range is incorrect.

To elaborate:

• The Astra missile falls under the category of Beyond Visual Range (BVR) Air-to-Air Missiles designed to intercept and destroy fast, highly maneuverable supersonic targets. Therefore, statement 1 is correct.

• It has been engineered to function under diverse conditions, including all-weather scenarios, and can be deployed effectively during both day and night, making statement 2 true as well.

• However, the stated range of 50 km in statement 3 is inaccurate since Astra’s actual range surpasses 100 km.

Multiple variants of the Astra missile are being developed to meet specific operational needs. The Astra Mk-I system, integrated with the Su-30 Mk-I fighter jets, is already being inducted into the Indian Air Force’s arsenal.

QUESTION 4

Lerma Rojo 64A, Sonora 63, and Mayo 64 are names associated with which of the following?

(a) Asteroids

(b) Alternatives to nuclear reactor coolants

(c) Dry wind patterns in North America

(d) Varieties of wheat

Answer (d) 

Explanation:

About sixty years ago, the renowned agricultural scientist Norman Borlaug played a pivotal role in initiating India’s Green Revolution by introducing high-yielding, semi-dwarf wheat varieties such as Lerma Rojo 64A, Sonora 63, Sonora 64, and Mayo 64. These varieties significantly boosted wheat production and helped India achieve food self-sufficiency.

Currently, Borlaug’s organisation—the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT), based in Mexico—is reaching out to the Indian government and private stakeholders to secure funding for continued research and breeding programs focusing on wheat and maize. Together, these two cereals cover over a quarter of the world’s cultivated land, highlighting their global importance.

QUESTION 5

Consider the following statements about Daulat Beg Oldie (DBO):

1. It is the northernmost military outpost of India.

2. It is located close to the Line of Control (LoC).

3. There is no airstrip facility at Daulat Beg Oldie.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 1 and 2 only

(c) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer (a) 

Explanation:

The Standing Committee of the National Board for Wildlife (SC-NBWL) has recently approved key defence infrastructure projects along India’s border with China, covering strategic locations from eastern Ladakh through Sikkim to Arunachal Pradesh. These projects include building vital road links and strengthening forward bases.

One notable development is a 10.26 km road connecting Daulat Beg Oldie (DBO) to the Border Personnel Meeting (BPM) Hut, where senior Indian and Chinese army officials hold discussions on border matters.

Situated at an altitude of approximately 17,000 feet, DBO stands as India’s northernmost military post. It is also home to the country’s highest airstrip, which supports forward aviation operations, disproving the claim that there is no airstrip there (statement 3 is incorrect).

Furthermore, DBO lies near the Line of Actual Control (LAC), the de facto border between India and China, rather than the Line of Control (LoC), which demarcates the boundary between India and Pakistan. Hence, statement 2 referring to the LoC is inaccurate.

QUESTION 6

Regarding the Zonal Councils in India, consider the following statements:

1. The idea to form Zonal Councils was introduced in 1956 during discussions on the States Reorganisation Commission’s report.

2. The Central Zonal Council consists solely of the states of Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh.

3. Currently, there are six Zonal Councils functioning across India.

How many of the above statements are correct?

(a) Only one

(b) Only two

(c) All three

(d) None

Answer (a)

Explanation:

• The concept of Zonal Councils was indeed first proposed by Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, India’s first Prime Minister, in 1956 during the debate on the States Reorganisation Commission report. He advocated dividing the reorganized states into four or five zones, each with an Advisory Council, to foster cooperative relations among states. This confirms that Statement 1 is correct.

• The States Reorganisation Act of 1956 formally established five Zonal Councils, not six. Hence, Statement 3 is incorrect.

• The Central Zonal Council comprises four states: Chhattisgarh, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh. Therefore, Statement 2 is also incorrect as it lists only two states.

• The five Zonal Councils are:

  1. Northern Zonal Council – Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Punjab, Rajasthan, Delhi (NCT), and Chandigarh (UT).

  2. Central Zonal Council – Chhattisgarh, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh.

  3. Eastern Zonal Council – Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, West Bengal.

  4. Western Zonal Council – Goa, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Daman & Diu, Dadra & Nagar Haveli.

  5. Southern Zonal Council – Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry (UT).

• Apart from these, the North Eastern Council was constituted in 1972 as a statutory body, covering Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Tripura, Mizoram, Meghalaya, Nagaland, and Sikkim.

• Recently, Union Home Minister Amit Shah highlighted the growing importance of Zonal Councils as effective platforms for inter-state cooperation, noting that over 83% of issues discussed in these forums have seen resolution.

QUESTION 7

With regard to mountain passes, consider the following pairs:

1. Nathu La Pass – Arunachal Pradesh

2. Lipulekh Pass – Sikkim

Which of the above pairs are correctly matched?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer (d) 

Explanation:

The Kailash-Mansarovar Yatra is set to recommence in 2025 after a hiatus of five years caused initially by the COVID-19 pandemic and later prolonged due to heightened India-China border tensions.

This year, the Ministry of External Affairs selected 750 pilgrims for the pilgrimage. These pilgrims will traverse two distinct routes into Tibet:

• One via the Lipulekh Pass, located in the Indian state of Uttarakhand.

• The other route is via the Nathu La Pass, which lies in the state of Sikkim.

Both routes lead to Mount Kailash (also known as Gang Rinpoche in Tibetan), a sacred peak rising to 6,638 meters in the Ngari Prefecture of Tibet Autonomous Region, where India, Tibet, and Nepal meet. South of the mountain on the Tibetan plateau lie two significant lakes: Manasarovar, a freshwater lake, and Rakshastal, a saltwater lake.

Mount Kailash and these lakes are revered across several religions, including Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and the indigenous Tibetan Bon faith.

QUESTION 8

Following the launch of the TB death-free initiative in 2022, which of the following Indian states has reported a decline in tuberculosis-related deaths?

(a) Madhya Pradesh

(b) Himachal Pradesh

(c) Tamil Nadu

(d) Punjab

Answer (c) 

Explanation:

In 2022, Tamil Nadu introduced a focused initiative called the Tamil Nadu Kasanoi Erappila Thittam (TN-KET), aimed at eliminating TB-related deaths. This program, often referred to as the TB death-free project, led to a notable drop in tuberculosis mortality rates in selected districts.

As detailed in a study published by the Indian Journal of Community Medicine, the project yielded measurable results between 2022 and 2023 in three key districts:

• Dharmapuri: TB death rate dropped from 12.5% to 7.8%

• Karur: Decline from 7.1% to 5.3%

• Villupuram: Reduced from 6.1% to 5.2%

The success of TN-KET demonstrates how targeted interventions at the district level can significantly improve public health outcomes, especially in high-burden disease areas like TB.

QUESTION 9

With reference to Eco-Sensitive Zones (ESZs) in India, consider the following statements:

1. These zones are defined and governed under the Biological Diversity Act, 2002.

2. ESZs are designated areas with distinct environmental characteristics that necessitate focused conservation efforts.

3. The concept of establishing Eco-Sensitive Zones was introduced as part of the Wildlife Conservation Strategy, 2002.

How many of the above statements are correct?

(a) Only one

(b) Only two

(c) All three

(d) None

Answer (b)

Explanation:

• Statement 1 is incorrect. The definition and legal framework for Eco-Sensitive Zones (ESZs) are not provided in the Biological Diversity Act, 2002. Instead, their declaration is based on provisions under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, and further clarified in the National Environment Policy, 2006.

• Statement 2 is correct. The National Environment Policy (2006) characterizes ESZs as areas possessing exceptional environmental features—including unique ecosystems, landscapes, wildlife, biodiversity, and even cultural and scenic value—that require focused conservation strategies.

• Statement 3 is correct. The origin of the ESZ concept traces back to the Wildlife Conservation Strategy approved in 2002, during the 21st meeting of the Indian Board for Wildlife (IBWL). It recommended the creation of buffer zones around national parks and wildlife sanctuaries to ensure ecological protection.

In light of recent developments, the Standing Committee of the National Board for Wildlife (SC-NBWL) is revisiting the 2011 guidelines on ESZs to better align them with regional ecological and socio-economic conditions.

QUESTION 10

With reference to the Gini Index 2025, consider the following statements:

1. The index is published by the World Economic Forum and assesses the level of inequality in the distribution of income or consumption within a country’s population.

2. As per the latest data, India ranks fourth globally in terms of income equality, ahead of all G7 and G20 nations, many of which are high-income economies.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer (b)

Explanation:

The Gini Index is a statistical measure that evaluates income or consumption inequality within a country. A lower Gini coefficient indicates greater equality, while a higher value reflects wider disparities.

Contrary to Statement 1, this index is released by the World Bank, not the World Economic Forum. The 2025 Gini Index data ranks India in the fourth position globally, with a score of 25.5, indicating moderately low inequality. This places India just behind Slovak Republic (24.1), Slovenia (24.3), and Belarus (24.4) — nations categorized as having low inequality.

Impressively, India has outperformed all G7 and G20 countries, including China (35.7), the USA (41.8), and the UK (34.4) in terms of income equality — a notable achievement for an emerging economy.

Out of 167 countries included in the World Bank's assessment, India stands on the brink of entering the “low inequality” category, reinforcing its position as one of the world’s most economically balanced large nations.

Read More | India Ranked 4th most equal country globally: World Bank

QUESTION 11

Consider the following statements regarding The Admiralty (Jurisdiction and Settlement of Maritime Claims) Act, 2017:

1. The Act permits the filing of admiralty suits for a variety of maritime claims such as vessel damage, disputes over ownership or agreements, fatalities, wage concerns, but it specifically excludes claims related to environmental damage or harm to marine ecosystems.

2. Jurisdiction under the Act is extended to the High Courts of Bombay, Calcutta, Madras, Kerala, Karnataka, Odisha, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh in matters concerning maritime disputes.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer (b)

Explanation:

The Admiralty (Jurisdiction and Settlement of Maritime Claims) Act, 2017 serves as the modern legal framework for resolving maritime disputes in India, having replaced outdated colonial laws such as the Admiralty Court Act, 1861 and the Colonial Courts of Admiralty Act, 1890.

Contrary to what Statement 1 suggests, the law does include provisions for claims related to environmental harm, alongside other maritime claims such as damage to ships, issues of ownership, contractual disputes, loss of life, and seafarers' wages.

As per the Act, jurisdiction in admiralty cases is conferred upon eight High Courts: those of Bombay, Calcutta, Madras, Kerala, Karnataka, Odisha, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh. Earlier, such jurisdiction was limited to only three courts (Bombay, Calcutta, and Madras), owing to their historical status as major ports during colonial rule.

A recent example of the Act in action is the Kerala High Court's conditional arrest order on the Liberian container ship MSC Akiteta II, currently docked at Vizhinjam Port. The case was filed following the sinking of the MSC Elsa III, underlining the growing use of this law in contemporary maritime conflicts.

QUESTION 12

The military exercise known as ‘Han Guang’ was recently reported in international news. It is associated with which of the following countries?

(a) North Korea

(b) Mongolia

(c) Thailand

(d) None of the above

Answer (d)

Explanation:

The Han Guang exercises refer to Taiwan’s largest military drills, launched in response to growing tensions in the region. According to Taiwan's Ministry of National Defence, the latest edition of these drills included scenarios specifically designed to counter aggressive maneuvers by Chinese Coast Guard vessels and maritime militia near offshore islands that lie close to mainland China.

This year’s version of the exercise saw participation from 22,000 reservists and aimed to simulate realistic combat conditions, a shift from previous iterations which had been criticized for being overly symbolic or “performative,” as noted by the Associated Press.

In reaction, the Chinese government condemned the drills, accusing Taiwan's ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) of undermining the goal of “national reunification,” which China views as an eventual historical certainty.

Read More | Taiwan Deploys US-Supplied HIMARS in Han Kuang Drills to Counter China Threat

QUESTION 13

Regarding the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), consider the following statements:

1. It refers to a carbon-related import tax levied by the United States on foreign goods produced using more carbon-intensive methods than those permitted for domestic manufacturers.

2. BRICS countries have collectively opposed such mechanisms, asserting that they hinder efforts by developing nations to transition toward a greener economy.

Which of the statements above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer (b)

Explanation:

The Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) is a policy introduced by the European Union (EU), not the United States. It seeks to apply a carbon tax on imports from countries where production processes emit more greenhouse gases than what EU regulations allow. The goal is to prevent “carbon leakage”—a situation where industries shift production to countries with looser emissions norms, undermining global climate goals.

However, developing economies, including India and China, have criticized the mechanism, calling it discriminatory and unilateral, as it makes their exports like steel and cement less competitive in European markets. These nations argue that such measures violate international trade and climate agreements.

The BRICS group (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa) has formally denounced CBAM and similar carbon-related trade restrictions, stating that these undermine the sustainable development efforts of developing countries and restrict fair trade.

QUESTION 14

With reference to the "Buck Moon", consider the following statements:

Statement 1: This full moon is typically observed as being unusually bright and positioned lower in the night sky.

Statement 2: Its characteristics are influenced by the timing of the summer solstice, when the Earth's axial tilt causes one of the poles to face the Sun at its steepest angle.

Which of the following options is correct?

(a) Both statements 1 and 2 are correct, and statement 2 correctly explains statement 1.

(b) Both statements 1 and 2 are correct, but statement 2 is not the correct explanation of statement 1.

(c) Statement 1 is correct, but statement 2 is incorrect.

(d) Statement 1 is incorrect, but statement 2 is correct.

Answer (a)

Explanation:

The Buck Moon refers to the first full moon of July, and in 2025, it will be visible in the night sky on Thursday, July 10. This moon tends to appear brighter and lower in the sky than other full moons. This visual effect is closely linked to its proximity to the summer solstice, which is the time when Earth’s axial tilt causes one pole to be maximally inclined toward the Sun. Around this time, the Sun is positioned highest in the sky during the day, which consequently results in the Moon taking a lower trajectory across the night sky.

Additionally, the Buck Moon often coincides with Guru Purnima, a festival observed in honor of spiritual teachers and mentors.

QUESTION 15

Campbell Bay recently featured in the news. It is situated in:

(a) Tamil Nadu

(b) Andaman and Nicobar Islands

(c) Lakshadweep

(d) Gujarat

Answer (b)

Explanation:A recent incident involved the Indian Coast Guard assisting a US-based yacht that encountered total propulsion failure near the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. When rescue teams arrived, they found the vessel’s sail missing and the propeller entangled in ropes. The yacht, named Sea Angel, was successfully towed to safety at Campbell Bay. This bay is located on Great Nicobar Island, which is part of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands group.

Previous Daily UPSC Prelims MCQs Set

• 11th July 2025 - International Relations MCQs

• 10th July 2025 - Polity MCQs

• 9th July 2025 - Economy MCQs

• 8th July 2025 - Science, Technology, Environment and Geography MCQs

• 5th July 2025 - History and Culture MCQs

Previous Week Current Affairs MCQs Set

• 7^th July 2025 – Current Affairs MCQs

• 30th June 2025 - Current Affairs MCQs

• 23rd June 2025 - Current Affairs MCQs

• 16th June 2025 - Current Affairs MCQs

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