Daily Prelims MCQs — Current Affairs — 16th June 2025
- TPP
- Jun 16
- 14 min read
Updated: Jun 17
Welcome to last week’s (8 June – 14 June) 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: Eurasian otter, IUCN, V1 speed, Vr speed, and V2 speeds, Axiom 4, CROPIC, Indian pulses and oilseeds, swarm drones, Strait of Hormuz, Aurora Borealis, Bairabi-Sairang project, BBNJ or high seas treaty, Operation Rising Lion, Natanz, Fordo, Isfahan and Arak, Global Gender Gap 2025, and more…
Use this as your daily revision boost to sharpen your understanding, stay exam-ready, and master how UPSC turns news into questions.
Click Here to read the Current Affairs Pointers (CAP) for January 2025- April 2025.
QUESTION 1
Consider the following statements about the Eurasian otter:
It has been globally classified as ‘near threatened’ by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.
Recently, it was spotted in the Lidder River in Srigufwara, south Kashmir.
It is a semi-aquatic mammal.
It is a herbivorous mammal that feeds on fruits and aquatic plants.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) Only three
(d) All four
Answer (c)
Explanation:
For three decades, the Eurasian otter, formerly a vital component of Kashmir’s aquatic ecosystem, was assumed to be extinct in the valley. A rare sighting of the semi-aquatic mammal has just been recorded in south Kashmir. Hence, statement 3 is correct.
The otter, which has been categorised as ‘near threatened’ by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), was discovered in the Lidder River in Srigufwara, South Kashmir. Hence, statements 1 and 2 are correct.
The Eurasian otter, also known as Vuder, was an important part of Kashmir’s aquatic environment and was plentiful in the water bodies. Its presence was utilised to scare children away from bodies of water.
Otters, a carnivorous mammal that feeds on fish and other aquatic species, have suffered a dramatic fall due to rising water pollution and hunting for their fur. Hence, statement 4 is not correct.
QUESTION 2
With reference to the critical speeds of an aircraft during the take-off phase, consider the following pairs:
Vr – It is known as take-off decision speed.
V1 – It is the rotation speed or lift-off speed.
V2 – It is the take-off safety speed.
How many of the pairs given above are correctly matched?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None
Answer (a)
Explanation:
During the takeoff phase, three critical speeds must be met. V1, Vr, and V2 speeds change with each flight, depending on the aircraft weight, runway length, weather, and other factors.
V1 speed
Rolling down the runway for take-off but not yet airborne, as an aircraft reaches V1 speed, the Captain must decide whether to proceed or abort. If the Captain believes something is wrong, this is her only chance to halt the takeoff. V1 is also known as the takeoff decision speed. Hence, pair 2 is not correct.
Once an aircraft has crossed the V1 point, it is risky to reject takeoff since the available runway length may be insufficient to stop the aircraft.
Vr speed
Vr is the rotation or lift-off speed. At this time, the monitoring pilot commands ‘rotation’, and the flying pilot softly elevates the nose. The wings provide enough lift, and the aircraft takes off. Hence, pair 1 is not correct.
V2 speed
V2, or take-off safety speed, is the lowest speed at which an aeroplane may safely climb with one engine. Hence, pair 3 is correct.
Related Post: Air India Crash in Ahmedabad: Black Box Recovered
QUESTION 3
With reference to the liquid oxygen, consider the following statements:
It is a critical component in rocket propulsion which allows the combustion of the main fuel.
Oxygen attains a liquid state at very high temperatures well above 180 degree Celsius.
Recently, the launch of PSLV-C61 was delayed due to a leak of liquid oxygen.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None
Answer (a)
Explanation:
The Axiom 4 mission, which is scheduled to transport India’s Shubhanshu Shukla and three others to the International Space Station, is facing an unclear delay due to a leak of liquid oxygen (LOx) from the Falcon 9 rocket. Hence, statement 3 is not correct.
Liquid oxygen is an important component in rocket propulsion since it enables the combustion of the main fuel, in this case highly refined kerosene. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
At temperatures far lower than -180 degrees Celsius, oxygen becomes liquid. Hence, statement 2 is not correct.
The leak could occur in the rocket’s storage chamber or in the conduits that supply LOx to the engine. In the best-case scenario, a leak reduces the amount of LOx available for combustion of the primary fuel. In the worst-case scenario, it could result in a fire or explosion.
Related news: Shubhanshu Shukla Selected for Gaganyaan mission
QUESTION 4
Consider the following statements about the Collection of Real Time Observations & Photo of Crops (CROPIC):
It will assist in creating a rich directory of crop signatures and lead to the automation of loss assessment.
All crops notified under PMFBY will be covered under CROPIC.
It is a pilot study for the research and development of suitable photo-analytic models.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer (d)
Explanation:
“CROPIC is a PMFBY initiative that uses computer vision technology and photo-analytic models to monitor crop health and stress, as well as automate crop loss assessment and claim payment to affected farmers.” This program is part of a series of digital agricultural advances aimed at increasing financial resilience, according to the source.
CROPIC is now doing pilot studies to explore and create acceptable photoanalytic models. The pilot trials will continue for the next two seasons, and they are intended to be implemented nationwide for all main crops beginning in 2026. Hence, statement 3 is correct.
It will assist in creating a rich directory of crop signatures, and will also lead to automation of loss assessment and compensation to eligible farmers under PMFBY. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
All crops notified under PMFBY will eventually fall under CROPIC. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
The CROPIC model will analyse photos and extract information using an AI-powered cloud platform, with visualisation provided by a web-based interface.
The study proposes employing a mobile application to capture field images during the crop season. The CROPIC smartphone app was created by the Union Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare.
QUESTION 5
Consider the following statements:
If a spacecraft travels in a curved trajectory upon reaching a certain altitude and velocity, it requires more fuel and energy to expend to counteract the force of gravity.
If a spacecraft travels to its destination in a straight trajectory, it would require less fuel.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer (d)
Explanation:
Before launching any mission into orbit, scientists must first determine a launch window, or a time interval within which the spacecraft must be launched in order to reach its planned destination, whether that destination is a space station like the ISS or a celestial body like the Moon or Mars.
Because everything in space, including the ISS, is constantly in motion, launching a mission at any time is impractical. Celestial alignment is required for any mission to be successful. Scientists perform complicated calculations to guarantee that the spacecraft’s trajectory matches that of its intended destination.
In the case of ISS missions, spacecraft orbit Earth numerous times to coordinate with the station’s orbit. Such a trajectory also makes any mission viable in terms of fuel requirements.
If a spacecraft followed a straight path to its destination, it would have to constantly accelerate to fight gravity pulls, which would be inefficient in terms of fuel use. Hence, statement 2 is not correct.
Spacecraft often fly in a curved trajectory once they reach a particular height and velocity, reducing the amount of energy required to overcome the force of gravity. Hence, statement 1 is not correct.
QUESTION 6
Consider the following statements:
Statement I: Indian pulses and oilseeds growers faced all-time-high imports during 2024-25 (April-March).
Statement II: In the case of pulses, the imports are highest in the last decade.
Statement III: In terms of value, the vegetable oil imports almost tripled from 2013-14 to 2022-23.
Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?
(a) Both Statement II and Statement III are correct and both of them explain Statement I
(b) Both Statement II and Statement III are correct but only one of them explains Statement I
(c) Only one of the Statements II and III is correct and that explains Statement I
(d) Neither Statement II nor Statement III is correct
Answer (a)
Explanation:
The problems for Indian pulses and oilseeds growers arise amid all-time high imports in 2024-25 (April-March).
Pulses reached 7.3 million tonnes (mt) and were valued at $5.5 billion, breaking the previous record of 6.6 million tonnes and $4.2 billion set in 2016-17.
1a – Import of pulses (lakh tonnes) 1b – Import of pulses (billion dollars)
Pulses imports fell sharply after 2017-18, to an average of 2.6 million tonnes worth $1.7 billion during the next five years (Charts 1a and 1b). This followed improved domestic production. India’s pulse output increased to 27.3 mt in 2021-22 and 26.1 mt in 2022-23, up from 19.3 mt in 2013-14, 17.2 mt in 2014-15, and 16.3 mt in 2015-16 (all drought years).
In vegetable oils, the story has been more consistent: increased import dependence. Imports have more than doubled in the last 11 years, rising from 7.9 million tonnes to 16.4 million tonnes, a trend that the Narendra Modi government may wish to halt, if not reverse.
2a – Import of vegetable oils (lakh tonnes) 2b – Import of vegetable oils (billion dollars)
In value terms, imports nearly tripled from $7.2 billion in 2013-14 to $20.8 billion in 2022-23, at the time when international prices rose due to supply interruptions caused by the Russia-Ukraine war. While worldwide prices have fallen from their heights, imports have continued to rise (Charts 2a and 2b).
Both Statement II and Statement III are correct and both of them explain Statement I
QUESTION 7
With reference to the swarm drones, consider the following statements:
They are autonomous or semi-autonomous UAVs that operate in coordinated groups.
They communicate via wireless networks and adjust in real time to achieve shared objectives.
They are more resilient than traditional drones due to in-built redundancy — even if one drone is intercepted, others can continue on the mission.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None
Answer (c)
Explanation:
Swarm drones are autonomous or semi-autonomous unmanned aerial vehicles that operate in coordinated groups, similar to swarms of birds or fish. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
They communicate over wireless networks and modify in real time to achieve common goals. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
Swarms are more resilient than typical drones because of their built-in redundancy; even if one drone is intercepted, the others can continue on their task. Drone swarms are thus employed to overwhelm air defences (a few payloads can pass past even the most robust defences), gather intelligence, and strike high-value targets. Hence, statement 3 is correct.
Countries are already creating even more dangerous AI-powered swarm drones that can make real-time judgements, change tactics mid-mission, and coordinate more sophisticated manoeuvres. These are planned to be integrated into combined arms warfare, working alongside infantry, armour, and cyber forces.
QUESTION 8
Which of the following is a key passage through which 20–25 per cent of global oil supply transits, as well as a critical corridor for LNG shipments from Qatar and the UAE?
(a) Strait of Hormuz
(b) Bab-el-Mandeb
(c) Strait of Gallipoli
(d) Bosphorus Strait
Answer (a)
Explanation:
Just as global shipping lines and traders were beginning to breathe a sigh of relief from high freight rates, with vessels returning to the critical Red Sea route from the longer Cape of Good Hope passage, a conflict between two major West Asian powers — Iran and Israel — reignited fears of rising oil prices and further trade disruptions.
Experts worry that Iran may respond by blocking the vital Strait of Hormuz, which transports 20-25 percent of global oil supply and serves as a critical conduit for LNG imports from Qatar and the UAE. Qatar is one of India’s major LNG suppliers.
The renewed instability might offer greater macroeconomic issues for India, going beyond trade, especially as the country’s reliance on oil imports grows. While India was forced to cease oil imports from Iran following US sanctions in 2019, Goldman Sachs predicts that Iranian supplies will decline by 1.75 million barrels per day (b/d) for six months before gradually recovering.
QUESTION 9
Despite the government’s efforts to diversify the state’s crop mix, which of the following states has once again recorded high area under paddy cultivation?
(a) Kerala
(b) Haryana
(c) Punjab
(d) Madhya Pradesh
Answer (c)
Explanation:
Despite the Punjab government’s efforts to diversify the province’s crop mix, the state is once again facing a near-record level of paddy production.
Last year, Punjab recorded an all-time high of 32.44 lakh hectares under paddy. Current trends indicate that the acreage this year will remain in the same ballpark.
During the kharif season, the principal crops include rice (basmati and non-basmati), cotton, maize, some pulses (such as moong, urad, and arhar), oilseeds (such as groundnut and sesame), and sugarcane (which is grown all year).
However, paddy accounts for the vast majority of the kharif acreage—more than 92% last year. All other crops are considered “alternatives” to paddy.
The issue is that planting the same crops year after year in the same area makes you more vulnerable to pest and disease attacks. Paddy production notably depletes soil nutrients, increasing reliance on artificial fertilisers and pesticides, and consumes more water than any other crop. Punjab’s groundwater table has been decreasing by an average of 0.5 meters per year, owing primarily to paddy cultivation.
QUESTION 10
Consider the following statements:
The phenomenon, Aurora Borealis, usually occurs when charged particles, mainly electrons and protons, from the sun interact with gases in Earth’s upper atmosphere.
The planet’s magnetic field redirects these particles towards the magnetic north pole.
Geomagnetic storms can redirect the Aurora Borealis beyond its usual range.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer (d)
Explanation:
The northern lights, commonly known as the Aurora Borealis, are one of the most breathtaking spectacles in the night sky. The phenomena normally happens when charged particles from the sun, primarily electrons and protons, collide with gases in the Earth’s upper atmosphere at speeds of up to 72 million kilometres per hour. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
However, the planet’s magnetic field drives these particles towards the magnetic north pole, where they are typically seen near the Arctic Circle. However, on June 12 and 13, Earth experienced a solar storm, which may have caused the Aurora Borealis to extend beyond its normal range. Hence, statements 2 and 3 are correct.
Geomagnetic storms are primarily induced by changes in the Earth’s magnetic field, which are frequently caused by solar winds or storms. These storms are classified on a G-scale ranging from G1 to G5. For those who are wondering, the G2 storm that is now affecting Earth is pushing the aurora oval to the planet’s south.
QUESTION 11
Consider the following statements:
Bairabi-Sairang rail project connects three states of North-East India.
It will connect Mizoram’s capital for the first time with Indian Railways network.
Which of the above given statements is/are true?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer (b)
Explanation:
The Commission of Railway Safety (CRS) has authorised operations on the railway line from Hortoki to Sairang in Mizoram, the final clearance for a key stretch that will connect state capital Aizawl by rail for the first time.
The Hortoki-Sairang line is the last leg of the larger 51.38-km Bairabi-Sairang rail project.
The Bairabi-Sairang project is part of a broader push by the Ministry of Railways to connect all northeast state capitals by rail. This involves numerous new line and doubling projects across Assam, Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Manipur and Tripura. Rail work is yet to take off in Meghalaya over years of opposition by local groups.
QUESTION 12
India recently said that it is currently in the process of ratifying the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) agreement. This agreement is also known as:
(a) Rotterdam Convention Treaty
(b) Antarctic Treaty System
(c) Global Environment Facility
(d) None of the above
Answer (d)
Explanation:
India said that it is currently in the process of ratifying the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) agreement, also known as the high seas treaty and reaffirmed its commitment to conserve and use oceans sustainably, as laid down in Sustainable Development Goal-14 at the United Nations Oceans Conference (UNOC) at Nice, France.
QUESTION 13
Operation Rising Lion is recently seen in news with relation to:
(a) Iran-Israel Conflict
(b) Baloch insurgency
(c) Bangladesh political turmoil
(d) Syrian Civil War
Answer (a)
Explanation:
Air raid sirens blared across Tel Aviv and Jerusalem — Israel’s two largest cities — as Iran launched retaliatory airstrikes on the intervening night of Friday and Saturday, leading to several waves of attacks against the two countries caught in a longstanding conflict. The ongoing series of offensives marks a sharp escalation in the spiralling tensions in West Asia.
“In the last hour, dozens of missiles have been launched at the state of Israel from Iran, some of which were intercepted,” the Israeli military said early Saturday, adding that rescue teams were responding at various impact sites.
Iran, in its first response, fired more than 100 drones in response to Israel’s early Friday morning attack on Iran’s top military officers as well as its key nuclear and missile sites — the biggest-ever barrage as part of an operation ‘Rising Lion’ to prevent Tehran from building an atomic weapon. Later, the retaliatory strikes were carried out in at least three waves overnight.
QUESTION 14
Natanz, Fordo, Isfahan and Arak are:
(a) Important mountain peaks in the Middle East
(b) Most popular cities of Israel’s tech hub
(c) UNESCO’s World Heritage sites in Central Asia
(d) Iran’s key nuclear facility
Answer (d)
Explanation:
A series of Israeli strikes on Iranian nuclear and military facilities on Friday marked a significant escalation in long-simmering tensions over Tehran’s nuclear ambitions. Israeli officials described the attack as a pre-emptive move to stop what they allege is Iran’s accelerating pursuit of nuclear weapons. Iran, for its part, has consistently maintained that its programme is for peaceful purposes.
In its attack on Friday, Israel said that it had hit the Natanz nuclear facility, among the 100 targets it struck across Iran. In a video announcing the military operation, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the strikes hit Iran’s main enrichment site, the Natanz atomic facility, and targeted the country’s leading nuclear scientists. He said that Israel had also targeted Iran’s ballistic missile arsenal.
The mentioned names in the question are some of the key nuclear facilities in Iran.
QUESTION 15
With reference to The Global Gender Gap 2025, consider the following statements:
It assesses gender equality across four dimensions – Economic Participation and Opportunity, Educational Attainment, Health and Survival, and Political Empowerment.
India’s position in the Global Gender Gap Report 2025 has deteriorated from 2024.
Which of the statements given above is/are true?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer (b)
Explanation:
The Global Gender Gap Index is released annually by the WEF. It was first introduced in 2006 to benchmark the current state and evolution of gender parity across four key dimensions: Economic Participation and Opportunity, Educational Attainment, Health and Survival, and Political Empowerment. The index lies between 0 and 1, with 1 denoting complete parity. The gender gap is the distance from full parity.
India has ranked 131 out of 148 countries, slipping two places from its position last year. The Indian economy’s overall performance improved in absolute terms by +0.3 points. With a parity score of just 64.1 per cent, India is among the lowest-ranked countries in South Asia. In 2024, India ranked 129.
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