UPSC Current Affairs Quiz: April 25, 2025
April 25, 2025 April 25, 2025
1. With reference to the IISR Surya turmeric variety developed by the Indian Institute of Spices Research (IISR), consider the following statements:
- IISR Surya is a high-yielding variety with a yield increase of 20% to 30% compared to existing turmeric varieties
- The new turmeric variety is specifically designed to meet the needs of the masala industry by having a light-coloured rhizome
- IISR Surya has a curcumin content higher than most existing turmeric varieties in the market
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
[A] 1 and 2 only
[B] 2 and 3 only
[C] 1 and 3 only
[D] 1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [1 and 2 only]
Notes:- Statement 1 is correct: The yield of IISR Surya is 20% to 30% higher than existing varieties
- Statement 2 is correct: The variety is developed specifically for the masala industry, featuring a light-coloured rhizome
- Statement 3 is incorrect: The curcumin content of IISR Surya is between 2% to 3%, which is comparable to other light-coloured varieties but not higher than most
2. Consider the following countries:
- Kosovo
- Bangladesh
- Syria
- India
- Tunisia
Which of these were designated as “safe countries of origin” by the European Union on April 16, 2025?
[A] 1, 2, 4 and 5 only
[B] 1, 2, 3 and 4 only
[C] 2, 4 and 5 only
[D] 1, 2, 4 and 5 only
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [1, 2, 4 and 5 only]
Notes:
The European Union published a list of seven “safe” countries on April 16, 2025. This list included Kosovo (1), Bangladesh (2), India (4), and Tunisia (5). However, Syria (3) was not included in this list, making option 1 the correct answer.
3. With reference to Bengaluru, consider the following consequences of the Urban Heat Island (UHI) effect:
- Increased electricity consumption due to glass-façade buildings
- Elevated temperatures leading to heat strokes and respiratory issues
- Higher groundwater recharge in the city
- Reduced temperature in the city’s core areas
Which of the above statements is / are correct?
[A] Only 1 and 2
[B] 1 and 3 only
[C] 2 and 3 only
[D] 1, 2 and 4 only
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Only 1 and 2]
Notes:
The Urban Heat Island (UHI) effect in Bengaluru leads to increased electricity consumption due to glass-façade buildings, and it contributes to elevated temperatures which can cause heat strokes and respiratory issues. It does not, however, promote higher groundwater recharge in the city or reduce temperatures in the core areas. Instead, these areas often tend to be warmer due to increased built-up spaces and lesser green cover.
4. Consider the following primary drivers of heatwaves identified in the 2022 study on South Asia:
- Short-lived atmospheric Rossby waves
- Moisture-rich soil conditions
- Advection of heat from north-western regions of Pakistan and Afghanistan
- Sudden warming of the ocean currents
Select the correct answer using the code below:
[A] 1 and 3 only
[B] 2 and 4 only
[C] 1, 3 and 4 only
[D] 2 and 3 only
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [1 and 3 only]
Notes:
The 2022 study on heatwaves in South Asia identified short-lived atmospheric Rossby waves and the advection of heat from north-western regions of Pakistan and Afghanistan as the primary drivers. It noted that moisture-rich soil conditions and sudden warming of the ocean currents don’t significantly influence the occurrence of heatwaves.
5. Consider the following:
- The United States remained India’s largest trading partner for the fourth consecutive year.
- India’s trade deficit with China widened to $99.2 billion, a 17% increase from 2023-24.
- The UAE became India’s largest trading partner in 2024-25 with bilateral trade valued at $131.84 billion.
Which of the above statements are correct regarding India’s trade relations in the 2024-25 fiscal year?
[A] Only 1 and 2
[B] Only 2 and 3
[C] Only 1 and 3
[D] 1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Only 1 and 2]
Notes:
Statements 1 and 2 are correct regarding India’s trade relations in the 2024-25 fiscal year. The United States remained India’s largest trading partner for the fourth consecutive year, and India’s trade deficit with China did widen. However, statement 3 is incorrect because the UAE was the third-largest trading partner, not the largest.
The above questions are part of Daily UPSC 20 Current Affairs MCQs Series in GKToday Android Application. This series can be subscribed in the app only for user friendly test with detailed answers and explanations.
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