Daily Prelims MCQs — Current Affairs— 2nd June 2025

Welcome to this week’s 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 week’s MCQs cover a wide range of topics including: Fifth-generation aircraft, Oil spills, Indus Water Treaty, Battle of Haldighati, Pachamalai Hills and Sirumalai Hills, Barwadih Western Forest Range, Initial Public Offering (IPO), INS Vikrant third largest warship, Dark patterns, first Indian to win a Formula 2 race, bow echoes, 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

With reference to the Fifth-generation aircraft, consider the following statements:

1. They are built using composite materials.

2. These jets differentiate themselves with their beyond-visual-range (BVR) capabilities.

3. India does not have any operational fifth-generation aircraft.

How many of the statements given above are correct?

(a) Only one

(b) Only two

(c) All three

(d) None

Answer (c)

Explanation:

— Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has accepted the “execution model” of India’s proposed fifth-generation fighter jet, the advanced medium combat aircraft (AMCA).

— In aviation, “stealth” refers to an aircraft’s ability to remain undetectable by radar. Fifth-generation aircraft are constructed using composite materials, radar-absorbing coatings, and stealthy designs that do not reflect radar signals to enemy receivers. Hence, statement 1 is correct.

— Being invisible to radar only works if an aircraft can inflict harm on the opponent from a distance. Fifth-generation planes stand out for their beyond-visual-range (BVR) capabilities, which allow them to identify and shoot down enemies before their presence is even known. Hence, statement 2 is correct.

— Fifth-generation fighters use contemporary computers and onboard software that help automate or semi-automate numerous processes and handle combat data at a high level. These include network capabilities (the ability of several aircraft to operate together smoothly, almost like a hive mind) and superior integrated avionics.

— Currently, only the United States (F-22 and F-35), Russia (Sukhoi Su-57), and China (Chengdu J-20) have developed operational fifth-generation aircraft. Hence, statement 3 is correct.

— AMCA will be India’s indigenous fifth generation fighter. It is currently being developed by the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).

QUESTION 2

Oil spills can severely damage:

1. Mangroves

2. Coral reefs

3. Marine life

4. Local economy

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2, 3 and 4

(c) 3 and 4 only

(d) 1, 2 ,3 and 4

Answer (d)

Explanation:

— The possibility of an oil spill looms big in Kerala after a cargo ship carrying diesel and hazardous goods sank off the state’s coast on Sunday. The 28-year-old Liberian-flagged MSC ELSA 3 capsized while sailing from Vizhinjam port in Thiruvananthapuram to Kochi, around 25 kilometres southwest of Alappuzha.

— Oil spills can seriously harm the marine ecosystem, killing fish and other species and destroying mangroves and coral reefs. If an oil leak occurs along the coast, it can harm fishermen’s livelihoods and the local economy.

— Such accidents are dangerous because oil is lighter than water and floats on the sea’s surface, generating a thin layer known as a slick. This layer spreads swiftly across the surface, propelled by wind and ocean currents. Furthermore, the majority of the spilt oil’s components remain suspended in water, potentially causing long-term injury. That is why, following an oil spill, a prompt clean-up including human intervention is required.

— When oil coats marine animals, it may endanger marine species and have an impact on pelagic fish mating in the region.

QUESTION 3

Which of the following rivers are clearly mentioned in the Indus Water Treaty?

1. Sutlej

2. Teesta

3. Chenab

4. Shyok

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

(a) 1, 2 and 3

(b) 1 and 3 only

(c) 2, 3 and 4

(d) 1 and 4 only

Answer (b)

Explanation:

— The Indus Treaty has been in effect for nearly 65 years, sharing the waters of the Indus river system — the ‘Eastern Rivers’ (Sutlej, Beas, and Ravi) for India and the ‘Western Rivers’ (Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab) for Pakistan.

— Sections of both India and Pakistan have contended that the deal is unjust to one country while overly favourable to the other. When it was signed, Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru described it as the “price of peace for Pakistan”. There are now calls within India to completely abandon it, while Pakistan has claimed that any damage to its water supply will be seen as “an act of war”.

— The Indus Waters Treaty reflected the circumstances in which it was signed. Many things have changed since then, not only politically, but also hydrogeologically, in terms of population increase and irrigation use.

— Article IX of the treaty establishes a three-tiered procedure for resolving disputes, beginning with the Indus Commissioners of India and Pakistan and progressing to the World Bank-appointed Neutral Expert and, lastly, to the International Court of Arbitration (CoA) in The Hague.

QUESTION 4

Which of the following state governments or Union Territories signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Bartholet Maschinenbau AG, a Swiss ropeway manufacturer, to develop a ropeway?

(a) Himachal Pradesh

(b) Jammu and Kashmir

(c) Meghalaya

(d) Uttarakhand

Answer (d)

Explanation:

— The Uttarakhand government has signed an agreement with Bartholet Maschinenbau AG, a Swiss ropeway maker, to build a ropeway from Tapovan in Rishikesh to Kunjapuri Temple in Tehri’s Narendranagar.

— According to officials, the ropeway project will enable smooth, eco-friendly access from Rishikesh, decreasing journey time, improving visitor safety, and lowering environmental impact.

— It will be carried out under a PPP model that employs the design-build-finance-operate-transfer framework. Bartholet will be responsible for preparing a thorough project report at its own expense, based on rigorous techno-economic studies.

QUESTION 5

With reference to the Battle of Haldighati, consider the following statements:

1. The battle was fought in the 17th Century.

2. It was fought between the Mewar king Maharana Pratap and the Mughal forces of Akbar.

3. The battle was fought in the mountain pass in the hills of the Vindhya Range.

How many of the statements given above are correct?

(a) Only one

(b) Only two

(c) All three

(d) None

Answer (a)

Explanation:

— Rajasthan Deputy Chief Minister Diya Kumari has said that Mewar king Maharana Pratap won the 16th Century battle of Haldighati against the forces of Mughal emperor Akbar, adding that she was instrumental in the change of plaque in Haldighati to ensure that it “reflects the truth.” Hence, statement 1 is not correct.

— Haldighati is a famed mountain pass in the hills of the Aravalli Range. The pass, about 40 kilometres from Udaipur, connects the districts of Rajsamand and Pali. Hence, statement 3 is not correct.

— The Battle of Haldighati was fought in 1576 between Rana Pratap Singh of Mewar and Raja Man Singh of Amber who was the general of the Mughal emperor Akbar. Hence, statement 2 is correct.

QUESTION 6

Consider the following hill range:

1. East Jaintia Hills

2. South West Khasi Hills

3. West Garo Hills

4. Pachamalai Hills

5. Sirumalai Hills

Which of the hill ranges given above are located in the north-eastern part of India?

(a) 1, 2 and 3

(b) 2, 3 and 5

(c) 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5

(d) 1, 2, 3 and 5

Answer (a)

Explanation:

— Five people have died as a result of landslides in Assam in the last 24 hours, according to news agency PTI, with almost 2,000 others impacted as heavy rains hit the state.

— According to the IMD forecast, bordering Meghalaya will see exceptionally heavy rainfall over the next few hours. Light to moderate rainfall are expected in areas of East Jaintia Hills, South West Khasi Hills, East Khasi Hills, West Jaintia Hills, South Garo Hills, Eastern West Khasi Hills, Ri-Bhoi, South West Garo Hills, West Khasi Hills, West Garo Hills, East Garo Hills, and North Garo Hills.

— Pachamalai Hills and Sirumalai Hills are part of the Eastern Ghats.

QUESTION 7

Barwadih Western Forest Range was recently in the news. It is located in:

(a) Sikkim

(b) Telangana

(c) Jharkhand

(d) Chhattisgarh

Answer (c)

Explanation:

— The Jharkhand government intends to open the state’s first tiger safari in the Barwadih Western Forest Range in Latehar district, which is part of the Palamau Tiger Reserve (PTR).

— The government hopes that the project will enhance tourism in the state while also serving as a wildlife conservation and education hub, providing experiential learning and nature-based recreation opportunities.

— Tiger safari is not defined in the Wildlife (Protection) Act of 1972, which states that “no construction of commercial tourist lodges, hotels, zoos, and safari parks shall be undertaken inside a sanctuary except with the prior approval of the National Board” [for Wildlife] established under the Act.

QUESTION 8

With reference to the PM2.5 air pollutant, consider the following statements:

1. It can cause damage to cells, and increases sharply after concentration levels cross a certain threshold value.

2. The WHO recommends that annual mean concentrations of PM2.5 should not exceed 5 µg/m3, and 24-hour average exposures should not exceed 15 µg/m3.

3. Once the PM2.5 concentration crosses 70 µg/m³, its toxicity — or the potential to cause damage to the human body — increases sharply, and continues to rise until the concentration reaches about 130 µg/m³ after that, and further increases in concentration do not lead to an appreciable rise in damage potential.

How many of the statements given above are correct?

(a) Only one

(b) Only two

(c) All three

(d) None

Answer (c)

Explanation:

— According to new research, the propensity of PM2.5 air pollutants to cause cell damage increases dramatically once concentration levels reach a particular threshold. Hence, statement 1 is correct.

— The study conducted in Kolkata indicated that the threshold value is approximately 70 microgrammes per cubic metre (µg/m³). When PM2.5 concentrations exceed 130 µg/m³, the risk of harm to the human body increases significantly. Toxicity stabilises after that, and future increases in concentration do not result in a significant increase in damage potential. Hence, statement 3 is correct.

— The WHO air quality recommendations limit PM2.5 concentrations to 5 μg/m3 for the annual average and 15 μg/m3 for the 24-hour average. Hence, statement 2 is correct.

QUESTION 9

With reference to the Initial Public Offering (IPO), consider the following statements:

1. It refers to the process by which a privately held company, or a government-owned enterprise raises funds by offering shares to the public or to new investors.

2. It is the first step in the process of listing a company on the stock exchange.

3. The process of IPO is regulated by the Reserve Bank of India.

How many of the statements given above are correct?

(a) Only one

(b) Only two

(c) All three

(d) None

Answer (b)

Explanation:

— OpenAI suggested that it is open to a potential future IPO, depending on the company’s readiness and how the public markets react.

— IPO stands for Initial Public Offering. Simply said, it is the process of a corporation going public. It refers to the procedure by which a privately held corporation or a government-owned enterprise, such as the LIC, raises capital by offering shares to the general public or new investors. Hence, statement 1 is correct.

— The initial public offering (IPO) is the first step in the process of getting a company listed on the stock exchange. Hence, statement 2 is correct.

— In India, a firm that wants to list an IPO must first file an offer document with the market regulator, the Securities and Exchange Board of India. The offer document includes all important information about the firm, its promoters, its projects, financial details, the purpose of obtaining funds, the terms of the issue, and so on. Hence, statement 3 is not correct.

QUESTION 10

With reference to the INS Vikrant, consider the following statements:

1. It is the third largest warship to have ever been built in India.

2. It can carry up to 100 aircraft.

3. More than half of the ship comprises indigenous parts.

How many of the statements given above are correct?

(a) Only one

(b) Only two

(c) All three

(d) None

Answer (a)

Explanation:

— INS Vikrant was the Indian Navy’s first indigenously built aircraft carrier. Vikramaditya is a modernised Russian Kiev-class aircraft carrier. The Navy intends to add a third carrier to its fleet over the next decade or so.

— INS Vikrant, with a displacement of 45,000 tonnes, is the largest warship ever built in India. Hence, statement 1 is not correct.

— The Navy claims that approximately 76% of the ship is made up of indigenous materials, including 23,000 tonnes of steel, 2,500 kilometres of electric cables, 150 kilometres of pipes, 2,000 valves, and a diverse range of finished products such as rigid hull boats, galley equipment, air-conditioning and refrigeration plants, and steering gear. Hence, statement 3 is correct.

— Vikrant can carry up to 34 aircraft, with Russian-made MiG 29K fighter jets serving as its principal offensive weapon. It is operated by a crew of 1,600 and functions effectively as a tiny town on the high seas, complete with its own hospital, two operating rooms, and an intensive care unit, as well as a mechanics workshop and three galleys capable of feeding 600 people at once. Hence, statement 2 is not correct.

QUESTION 11

Often seen in news, “Dark patterns” refer to:

(a) tactics used by online platforms to mislead customers and prevent them from making right choices.

(b) a Chinese AI company based out of Hangzhou founded by entrepreneur Liang Wenfeng.

(c) a method used in the forensic field when a crime involves unidentified remains.

(d) a tool to understand deep-sea life leading to an opportunity to develop a sustainable and equitable deep-ocean blue economy.

Answer (a)

Explanation:

— The Centre has asked e-commerce platforms to conduct regular internal audits to identify and eliminate dark patterns on their platforms. Consumer Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi, after a high-level stakeholders meeting Wednesday, said, “Companies must not wait for the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) to intervene. They should proactively recognize and remove these deceptive practices before notices are issued. This is not regulatory compliance: it’s about building trust with your consumers.”

— Dark patterns are tactics used by online platforms to mislead customers and prevent them from making the right choices.

QUESTION 12

With reference to recent news from the world of sports consider the following:

1. Kush Maini became the first Indian to win a Formula 2 race at the prestigious Monaco Grand Prix.

2. Mumbai Indians Rohit Sharma became the first player and first Indian in the Indian Premier League (IPL) history to hit 300 sixes.

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 (a)

Explanation:

— Mumbai Indians Rohit Sharma became the second player and first Indian in the Indian Premier League (IPL) history to hit 300 sixes. He completed the feat when he smashed 2 sixes against the Gujarat Titans in Friday’s Eliminator match at the Mullanpur Stadium. The only player ahead of Rohit in the standings of the highest six hitters is Chris Gayle who has 357 maximums from 151 matches. Rohit is followed by Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s Virat Kohli. Hence, statement 2 is not correct.

— In a rare victory for an Indian motorsports professional at the global stage, Kush Maini became the first Indian to win the Formula 2 Sprint Race at the Monaco Grand Prix on May 24. Hence, statement 1 is correct.

QUESTION 13

Consider the following statements with reference to Stromatolites:

1. Stromatolites are biosedimentary structures produced in shallow marine seas built by blue-green algae.

2. Found across India — from the Vindhyas and Cuddapah Basin to the limestone ridges of the Himalayas — these mineralised mounds chronicle a time when oxygen did not yet exist, and continents had not yet collided.

Which of the statements given below are true?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer (c)

Explanation:

— Long before dinosaurs thundered across continents and ferns began unfurling in prehistoric forests, it was microscopic life that set the Earth on its path to habitability. Stromatolites, reef-like structures built by ancient cyanobacteria in shallow seas, document this evolution. Found across India — from the Vindhyas and Cuddapah Basin to the limestone ridges of the Himalayas — these mineralised mounds chronicle a time when oxygen did not yet exist, and continents had not yet collided. Hence, statement 2 is correct.

— Ancient microbial mats, primarily composed of blue-green algae or cyanobacteria, trapped and bound sediment over time, forming layered, reef-like mounds.

— “Stromatolites are biosedimentary structures produced in shallow marine seas built by blue-green algae. The structure has been retained, but the algae is dead,” says Dr Arun Deep Ahluwalia, former professor of geology at Panjab University. Hence, statement 1 is correct.

QUESTION 14

With reference to Reserve Bank of India’s annual report for 2024-25, consider the following statements:

1.The Indian economy is poised to sustain its position as the fastest growing major economy during 2025-26, supported by pickup in private consumption, healthy balance sheets of banks and corporates, easing financial conditions and the government’s continued thrust on capital expenditure.

2.Uncertainty about global trade post-protectionist measures, protracted geopolitical tensions and global financial market volatility pose downside risks to the growth outlook and upside risks to the inflation outlook.

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 (c)

Explanation:

— The Indian economy is poised to remain the fastest-growing major economy in 2025-26 driven by its sound macroeconomic fundamentals, robust financial sector and commitment towards sustainable growth, the Reserve Bank of India said in its annual report for 2024-25. Hence, statement 1 is correct.

— It, however, said that uncertainty about global trade post-protectionist measures, protracted geopolitical tensions and global financial market volatility pose downside risks to the growth outlook and upside risks to the inflation outlook. Hence, statement 2 is correct.

— “The Indian economy is poised to sustain its position as the fastest growing major economy during 2025-26, supported by pickup in private consumption, healthy balance sheets of banks and corporates, easing financial conditions and the government’s continued thrust on capital expenditure,” the annual report said.

— For 2025-26, the Reserve Bank of India has projected real gross domestic product (GDP) growth at 6.5 per cent and consumer price index (CPI) inflation at 4 per cent.

QUESTION 15

‘Bow echo’, recently seen in news is related to:

(a) Astronomy

(b) Medical Science

(c) Climatology

(d) Archaeology

Answer (c)

Explanation:

— The intense storm that hit Delhi on Sunday appeared in an unusual shape in the India Meteorological Department’s (IMD’s) weather radar imagery. The storm looked like a crescent or an archer’s bow. In technical terms, such presentations of storms are called “bow echoes”.

— Meteorologists track bow echoes because they are often a precursor to more destructive windstorms. For instance, during the Sunday storm, Delhi witnessed windson Sunday reaching up to 100 kmph.

What exactly is a ‘bow echo’?

— A bow echo is essentially a line of storms, also called a squall line, on the radar that looks like a bow. Note that this squall line can sometimes be embedded in a larger squall line.

Previous Daily UPSC Prelims MCQs Set

30th May 2025 - International Relations MCQs

29th May 2025 - History and Culture MCQs

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