Daily Current Affairs MCQ Dt.23.06.2025 for UPSC ,SSC, State PCS and competitive exam

1. Consider the following statements about groundwater extraction in Punjab:

1. The extraction rate is nearly double the sustainable limit of about 70–80%.
2. Over‑exploited blocks are being regulated through a Punjab Groundwater Management Act.
3. Uranium, fluoride, and arsenic contamination have been reported in some districts.

Which of the above statements are correct?
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 1 and 3 only
C. 2 and 3 only
D. All of the above

Answer: B. 1 and 3 only

Explanation:
Punjab’s groundwater extraction is at 156.9%, way above the sustainable limit (~70–100%).
Contamination with arsenic, uranium, and fluoride has been scientifically recorded in several regions like Bathinda, Mansa, and Faridkot.
However, no specific Punjab Groundwater Management Act has been passed yet—proposals are under discussion.

2. In a recent ecological ranking, no Indian state scored above 70/100; which state topped the rankings?

A. Goa
B. Gujarat
C. Telangana
D. Andhra Pradesh

Answer: D. Andhra Pradesh

Explanation:
A recent state-wise environmental performance ranking showed that Andhra Pradesh topped with a score of 68.38, but no state crossed 70/100, revealing poor ecological performance nationally.

3. The NGT’s notices regarding palm tree felling in one state raised concerns due to an observed increase in:

A. Soil erosion
B. Flooding
C. Lightning-related deaths
D. Wildlife-human conflict

Answer: C. Lightning-related deaths

Explanation:
In Bihar, mass palm tree felling—especially after prohibition policies affecting toddy extraction—has coincided with a surge in lightning fatalities. Palm trees act as natural lightning conductors.

4. The National Green Tribunal intervened concerning a Himalayan river tributary due to excessive water extraction for:

A. Hydropower projects
B. Drinking water supply schemes
C. Commercial bottling units
D. Irrigation canals

Answer: B. Drinking water supply schemes

Explanation:
The NGT acted on the depletion of the Nayar River, a Ganga tributary, due to multiple drinking water projects, especially under the Jal Jeevan Mission. It threatened aquatic life like the Golden Mahseer.

5. India’s best-ever haul of 27 medals in a recent Asian Para‑Badminton Championship included gold in which of the following categories?

A. Men’s Singles SU5
B. Women’s Singles SL3
C. Mixed Doubles SL3–SU5
D. Women’s Doubles SL4–SL5

Answer: C. Mixed Doubles SL3–SU5

Explanation:
India won 27 medals (including 9 golds) at the Asian Para‑Badminton Championships in Thailand. One highlight was in Mixed Doubles (SL3–SU5) category where India clinched gold.

6. The recent reshuffle in the Sensex included the addition of Trent and BEL. This reshuffle is expected to:

A. Improve overall export performance
B. Attract substantial fund inflows into the index
C. Boost monetary policy transmission
D. Reduce volatility in commodity prices

Answer: B. Attract substantial fund inflows into the index

Explanation:
Trent and BEL were added to the BSE Sensex, replacing other stocks. Inclusion leads to automatic fund inflows from ETFs and index funds tracking the Sensex, boosting liquidity and valuation.

7. Which of the following best describes the environmental performance across Indian states as per the latest ranking?

A. Majority scored above 80/100
B. Only union territories scored above 70/100
C. No state scored above 70/100, with Andhra Pradesh leading at ~68
D. Several northeastern states led the list with scores above 75

Answer: C. No state scored above 70/100, with Andhra Pradesh leading at ~68

Explanation:
The performance ranking highlighted poor state-wise environmental governance. Andhra Pradesh topped but no state scored above 70, showing a national ecological governance gap.

8. The pollution contamination in Punjab’s groundwater includes uranium. What is the primary cause of the uranium presence?

A. Industrial effluent discharge
B. Geogenic origins exacerbated by over-extraction
C. Agricultural fertiliser leaching
D. Urban sewage leakage

Answer: B. Geogenic origins exacerbated by over-extraction

Explanation:
Uranium occurs naturally in Punjab’s rocks (geogenic). But intense over-extraction of groundwater brings it to the surface. Studies have confirmed this in districts like Bathinda and Mansa.

9. Which policy intervention is part of addressing Punjab’s groundwater crisis?

1. Crop diversification with less water-intensive crops
2. Restoration of canal network
3. Mandatory groundwater metering in all rural areas

Select the correct answer:
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1 and 3 only
D. All of the above

Answer: A. 1 and 2 only

Explanation:
Punjab promotes crop diversification (like shifting from paddy to pulses/cotton) and restoration of canals to reduce borewell dependence. Metering is not yet mandatory statewide, though pilot programs exist.

10. Regarding the Gharial Conservation Drive at Katarniaghat:

Which combination of statements is correct?

1. The sanctuary forms part of the Terai Arc and houses other endangered species like Gangetic dolphin and swamp deer.
2. Seven juvenile gharials were released into river habitat under the drive.
3. Gharial hatchling success rate there reached around 50%.

A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1 and 3 only
D. All of the above

Answer: A. 1 and 2 only

Explanation:
The hatchling success rate is much higher—around 93% in 2022. Statements 1 and 2 are correct. Katarniaghat is part of Dudhwa Tiger Reserve and hosts endangered aquatic and terrestrial species.