Daily Prelims MCQs - Sci-Tech, Environment and Geography - 23rd September 2025
- TPP
- Sep 23
- 10 min read
Welcome to your Daily UPSC Prelims Current Affairs MCQs – 23rd September 2025. This is part of our subject-wise daily series where Tuesday is dedicated to Science & Technology, Environment, and Geography—consolidating both static fundamentals and dynamic updates through exam-oriented practice.
Key topics include Chabahar Port, jellyfish blooms, Galathea Bay in Great Nicobar, India’s power sector emissions, Western Ghats geography, Pralay missile, Goldilocks zone, Yudh Abhyas 2025, sodium-ion batteries, and ISRO’s ISTRAC.
Staying consistent with these daily quizzes will sharpen your ability to tackle UPSC’s tricky elimination traps while steadily reinforcing static–dynamic integration across Sci-Tech, Environment, and Geography.
Click Here to read the Monthly Current Affairs Pointers (CAP).
QUESTION 1
With reference to the Chabahar port, consider the following statements:
It is located on the south-eastern coast of Iran.
The development of Chabahar port is important as it provides direct land route access for transit and trade between India and Afghanistan.
In India, it is nearest to Mumbai Port.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None
Answer (b)
Explanation:
The US administration led by President Donald Trump has said it is withdrawing the sanctions waiver granted to the Chabahar port in Iran, which is being developed by India, thereby ending the waiver from 2018 during Trump 1.0. The sanctions regime on the strategically-located port will come into effect from September 29.
The construction of Chabahar port is particularly significant due to the lack of direct land connectivity for transport and trade between India and Afghanistan. In fact, the first shipment of wheat assistance to Afghanistan was delivered through Chabahar port in November 2017. This has proved that the Chabahar port is a feasible and secure option for increasing regional connectivity between India, Iran, and Afghanistan. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
Chabahar port’s location on Iran’s south-eastern coast is intended to increase chances for trade and commerce promotion, particularly from India’s western coast ports to Iran, Afghanistan, Central Asia, and beyond. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
Chabahar is nearest to the Indian coast through Kandla port in Gujarat, not Mumbai. Hence, statement 3 is not correct.
QUESTION 2
With reference to the jellyfish, consider the following statements:
Global warming has led to an increase in the population.
They feed on plankton.
They cannot tolerate low oxygen levels in water.
Plastic waste can serve as a breeding colony for jellyfish.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2, 3 and 4
(c) 3 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2 and 4
Answer (d)
Explanation:
Nuclear power plants require a constant flow of water to cool their reactors and turbine systems, which is why many plants are typically built near large bodies of water. The plants’ intake pipes have screening areas that have grated barrier systems to remove solid materials and aquatic life, and allow the inflow of water, sometimes millions of gallons every minute.
However, jellyfish pose a unique problem to this system. When a large volume of jellyfish — around a million individuals — gets pulled in by the intake pipes, they entirely cover and clog the screening areas within minutes. As a result, the flow of water is interrupted. This risks overheating and damage to the major plant constituents, such as the turbines, condensers, and boilers, forcing the reactors to shut down.
Such a large number of jellyfish are typically pulled in when these creatures bloom — a rapid, temporary increase in jellyfish reproduction rates — near coastal nuclear power plants. During this process, millions of separate jellyfish clump together into dense groups.
Global warming has led to higher ocean temperatures, which, in turn, has resulted in the surge of plankton — the primary food source of jellyfish. With an abundance of food available, jellyfish have been able to increase their population substantially. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
Jellyfish have proliferated because of overfishing as well. That’s because various kinds of species, such as tuna and sea turtles, that prey on them have been removed from the ecosystem. These species also feed on plankton, and with their reduced population, jellyfish have more plankton to consume and thrive unchecked. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
Jellyfish can tolerate low oxygen levels in water, which is a consequence of pollution. This has also contributed to the increase in their population in recent years. Hence, statement 3 is not correct.
Moreover, plastic waste of just a few centimetres can serve as a breeding colony for jellyfish. This brings them close to coastlines and reproduces. The process increases the risk of jellyfish getting pulled in by the plants’ intake pipes, especially during blooms. Hence, statement 4 is correct.
QUESTION 3
Galathea Bay has been in the news recently. It is located in:
(a) Cook Island
(b) Diu Island
(c) Sagar Island
(d) Great Nicobar Island
Answer (d)
Explanation:
— No-go fragile coastal areas in Galathea Bay of the Great Nicobar Island (GNI) must be excluded from the proposed mega infrastructure project as the law does not allow activities there, counsel for the appellant challenging clearances of the Rs 81,000 crore project told the National Green Tribunal (NGT) during a hearing.
— The GNI project involves construction of an international container transshipment terminal, a township and area development, a 450 MVA gas and solar-based power plant, and a dual use civilian and military airport. The project will be spread over 166 sq km.
QUESTION 4
Consider the following statements:
Carbon dioxide emissions from India’s electricity sector in the first half of this year have shown a hike as compared to the same period last year.
The electricity sector is the largest contributor to India’s greenhouse gas emissions.
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 (b)
Explanation:
Breaking a long-term trend, carbon dioxide emissions from India’s electricity sector in the first half of this year have shown a marginal decline compared to the same period last year, a new analysis has revealed. Hence, statement 1 is not correct.
This is the first time that emissions from any sector in India over a half-a-year period have dropped, outside of the Covid years. The relatively milder summer temperatures and good monsoon rainfall were an important contributory factor.
This is significant because the electricity sector is the largest contributor to India’s greenhouse gas emissions, accounting for almost 40 per cent of the country’s annual emissions. India’s emissions, the third largest in the world, have been rising steadily over the years, in sync with its expanding economy, and this is the first time that a drop has been witnessed even at the sectoral level. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
The analysis suggests that emissions from India’s electricity sector may peak by 2030, much earlier than previously expected. New capacity additions in non-fossil fuel based electricity, like renewables, nuclear and hydro, are likely to outpace the growth in power demand by that time. This means that India may not need to deploy additional coal-based electricity to meet the increase in electricity demand.
The growing ability of solar and wind to meet the peak demands in electricity with the help of storage could result in flat-lining coal-powered electricity generation, and the emissions associated with it, the analysis said.
QUESTION 5
With reference to the Western Ghats, consider the following statements:
These Ghats act as a key barrier, intercepting the rain-laden monsoon winds that sweep in from the south-west during late summer.
The Ghats traverse through only five Indian states.
These mountains are interrupted by the Palghat Gap.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None
Answer (b)
Explanation:
The Western Ghats are internationally recognized as a region of immense global importance for the conservation of biological diversity, besides containing areas of high geological, cultural and aesthetic values.
A chain of mountains running parallel to India’s western coast, approximately 30-50 km inland, the Ghats traverse the States of Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Goa, Maharashtra and Gujarat. Hence, statement 2 is not correct.
These mountains cover an area of around 140,000 km² in a 1,600 km long stretch that is interrupted only by the 30 km Palghat Gap at around 11°N. Hence, statement 3 is correct.
The mountains of the Western Ghats and their characteristic montane forest ecosystems influence the Indian monsoon weather patterns that mediate the warm tropical climate of the region, presenting one of the best examples of the tropical monsoon system on the planet. The Ghats act as a key barrier, intercepting the rain-laden monsoon winds that sweep in from the south-west during late summer. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
QUESTION 6
With reference to the Pralay Missile, consider the following statements:
It is an indigenously developed liquid propellant quasi-ballistic missile.
It is capable of carrying multiple types of warheads against various targets.
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 (b)
Explanation:
Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) conducted two consecutive successful flight tests of the Pralay missile from Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Island.
Pralay is an indigenously developed solid propellant quasiballistic missile employing state-of-the-art guidance and navigation to ensure high precision. Hence, statement 1 is not correct.
The missile is capable of carrying multiple types of warheads against various targets. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
The missile equipped with modern technologies will give a further technological boost to the Armed Forces against threats.
QUESTION 7
The Goldilocks zone refers to:
(a) habitable zone around the star.
(b) the boundary between Earth’s crust and mantle.
(c) the outermost layer of a planet’s atmosphere.
(d) the region where asteroids are found between Mars and Jupiter.
Answer (a)
Explanation:
Scientists have discovered a new planet that may have all the right conditions to sustain life spotted by NASA’s James Webb Telescope, researchers at Cornell University have said that the planet may have an atmosphere similar to our own, meaning it could potentially have liquid water on its surface, either in the form of an ocean or ice.
The planet is part of the TRAPPIST-1, a small red dwarf star system that features at least seven planets and is 40 light-years away. First discovered in 2016, the star system has been studied by astronomers for years, as it lies in the Goldilocks zone, which is essentially a habitable zone around the star. However, the excitement faded away after two of the three planets in the Goldilocks zone were found to have no atmosphere.
QUESTION 8
With reference to Exercise Yudh Abhyas 2025, consider the following statements:
It is the biannual bilateral exercise between India and the US.
The first edition of the joint India-US Exercise Yudh Abhyas was held in 2010.
This year, the exercise was held in Alaska.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None
Answer (a)
Explanation:
The 21st edition of Exercise Yudh Abhyas 2025, the annual bilateral exercise between India and the US, has ended after two weeks of intense engagement, signalling steady military ties between the two countries despite the strain in relations between Delhi and Washington. Hence, statement 1 is not correct.
The exercise, held from September 1 to 14 at Fort Wainwright and the Yukon Training Area in Alaska, brought together approximately 450 Indian Army forces, headed by a battalion of the Madras Regiment, and soldiers from the US Army’s 11th Airborne Division. Hence, statement 3 is correct.
The exercise was underway when the first visible signs of a thaw in the India-US bilateral chill came earlier this month, with US President Donald Trump saying the two countries have a “special relationship” and “there is nothing to worry about”. In his response, PM Narendra Modi had said he “deeply appreciated” and “fully” reciprocated Trump’s sentiments and positive assessment of bilateral ties.
The first edition of the India-US joint military exercise Yudh Abhyas was conducted in 2002. Hence, statement 2 is not correct.
QUESTION 9
Which of the following statements are correct about sodium-ion batteries?
It can be extracted from seawater at lower costs.
It is environmentally friendly.
It can be transported at zero volts.
It has a very low operating temperature range.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2, 3 and 4
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer (d)
Explanation:
A fast-charging sodium-ion (Na-ion) battery that can charge up to 80% in six minutes and claims to survive over 3,000 charge cycles, making it virtually similar to more common lithium-ion batteries.
Sodium-ion (Na-ion) batteries
It is way more abundant than lithium and can be extracted from seawater at relatively lower costs. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
It is more environmentally friendly. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
It can be transported at zero volt, making it safer, unlike lithium, which is less environmentally friendly and must be always stored with a minimum charge, increasing fire risks. Hence, statement 3 is correct.
It uses aluminum, which is cheaper than copper used in the lithium-ion battery tech.
Sodium-ion batteries also have a higher operating temperature range and are hence safer, given that these can be used in more extreme temperatures without the risk of thermal runaway. Hence, statement 4 is not correct.
QUESTION 10
With reference to the ISRO Telemetry, Tracking and Command Network (ISTRAC), consider the following statements:
It is responsible for providing a ground segment network for Earth Observation.
It does not provide support to other agencies’ launch vehicle missions.
It is headquartered in Ahmedabad.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 3 only
(b) 1 only
(c) 1, 2 and 3
(d) 1 and 2 only
Answer (b)
Explanation:
The ISRO Telemetry, Tracking and Command Network (ISTRAC), one of the ground segment arms of Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) was established on September 06, 1976. The yearlong Golden Jubilee Celebrations commenced on September 10, 2025 in Bengaluru.
ISTRAC headquartered in Bengaluru is responsible for providing ground segment network for Earth Observation, Space Science & Interplanetary Satellites and all launch vehicle Missions of ISRO and also providing support to other agencies launch vehicle missions. Hence, statement 1 is correct and statements 2 and 3 are not correct.
ISTRAC manages deep space tracking and space situational awareness from stations around India and abroad, playing a critical role in India’s space efforts. Since 1976, ISTRAC has played an important role in supporting ISRO’s operations, ranging from early satellite launches to modern interplanetary exploratory missions and human spaceflight missions in the near future.
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