UPSC Current Affairs Quiz : 19 June 2025

Solution: d)

The Gulf of Mexico is bordered by three countries:

• United States: Along the northern coastline, with states like Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida.
• Mexico: Along its western and southern shores.
• Cuba: On the southeastern edge, near the Yucatán Channel.

Solution: b)

Statement 1 is incorrect because big data is intended to complement traditional data collection methods, offering additional insights and efficiency, rather than fully replacing them across all domains. Traditional methods remain vital, particularly where big data is unavailable or unsuitable.

Statement 2 is correct as the committee actively explores modern data science methods, such as machine learning and artificial intelligence, to improve statistical analysis and derive insights from complex datasets.

Statement 3 is incorrect because the committee addresses a broad range of statistical areas, including environmental, social, and economic indicators, ensuring comprehensive and accurate reporting for global development and policy planning.

Solution: b)

Statement 1 is incorrect because the NBS covers various fertilizers, including those containing nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), and sulfur (S), but excludes urea, which is subsidized separately.

Statement 2 is correct as the scheme aims to promote balanced nutrient application, reducing over-reliance on specific fertilizers like urea and enhancing soil health and crop productivity.

Statement 3 is incorrect because the NBS does not explicitly incentivize the use of nano fertilizers, although such fertilizers align with the goal of efficiency in nutrient application. The focus remains on optimizing subsidies for conventional fertilizers containing specific nutrients.

Solution: c)

Statement 1 is incorrect because the scheme is implemented by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, not the Ministry of Tribal Affairs.

Statement 2 is also incorrect as the SEED Scheme is not limited to housing assistance. It is a multi-faceted initiative that includes components for livelihood development, education, healthcare, and housing support to uplift the Denotified Tribes (DNT), Nomadic Tribes (NT), and Semi-Nomadic Tribes (SNT).

Statement 3 is incorrect because the scheme was launched in 2022 and it does not commemorate the 150th anniversary of the Criminal Tribes Act. Instead, it aims to address the historical injustices caused by this act.

Solution: a)

Statement 2 is correct as nitrate contamination can lead to eutrophication, where excess nutrients cause algal blooms, depleting oxygen and harming aquatic life.

Statement 1 is incorrect because nitrates predominantly originate from agricultural sources like fertilizers and manure rather than industrial wastewater.

Statement 3 is also incorrect; nitrate contamination is more prevalent in agricultural regions due to fertilizer runoff than in coastal areas.

Solution: d)

The Chagos Archipelago is strategically significant because it hosts the U.S. military base at Diego Garcia, which serves as a key hub for operations in the Indian Ocean, Middle East, and South Asia. It is not located at the confluence of oceans, nor does it have large reserves of rare earth minerals or serve as the main oil route.

Solution: c)

Rat-hole mining in Northeast India persists due to a combination of geographical, economic, and regulatory factors. Difficult terrain and lack of modern mining infrastructure (Statement 1) in states like Meghalaya make mechanized mining difficult, pushing miners to rely on traditional, labor-intensive methods.

Additionally, the region’s coal has a high sulfur content (Statement 2), which makes it valuable for specific industrial uses domestically, but it does not attract significant international demand.

The weak enforcement of the National Green Tribunal (NGT) ban (Statement 3), imposed in 2014 due to environmental degradation and safety concerns, has failed to curb the practice. Corruption, local economic dependence on coal mining, and the absence of stringent monitoring have allowed illegal operations to thrive.

Statement 4 is incorrect because the coal from this region is not in strong international demand.

Solution: c)

Ranthambore Tiger Reserve, located in Eastern Rajasthan, is one of India’s most renowned tiger reserves, known for its rich biodiversity and cultural heritage. It includes the Ranthambore Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which lies within the reserve’s boundaries. This fort is part of the “Hill Forts of Rajasthan” recognized for their architectural and historical significance. Statement 1 is correct.

Ranthambore is famous for its high tiger visibility, making it a prime destination for wildlife tourism. Tigers are often seen during the day, which is relatively rare in other reserves. Statement 3 is correct.

The reserve is home to several ancient temples and forts, adding to its cultural and historical appeal. Statement 4 is correct.

However, Ranthambore is not part of the Western Ghats biodiversity hotspot, as it is located in Rajasthan, far from the Western Ghats. Statement 2 is incorrect.

Solution: c)

Diego Garcia, located in the Indian Ocean, is a strategically significant island governed by the United Kingdom as part of the British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT). The island is leased to the United States for military purposes, making it a key base for U.S. operations in the Indian Ocean, Middle East, and South Asia. Statement 1 is incorrect, as there is no treaty involving the Maldives.

The island is not recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, despite its ecological importance and pristine marine environment. Its governance and use as a military base exclude it from such designation. Statement 2 is incorrect.

Diego Garcia’s primary function is military rather than supporting international trade. It serves as a logistics hub for naval and air operations rather than a commercial trade center. Statement 3 is incorrect.

Solution: b)

The India-Bangladesh border is one of the longest international borders shared by India, stretching approximately 4,096 km. This border spans across five Indian states: West Bengal, Assam, Tripura, Meghalaya, and Mizoram.

West Bengal has the largest share of the border, playing a significant role in trade and cultural exchange between the two countries. Assam, Tripura, Meghalaya, and Mizoram also share varying lengths of the border, with critical economic and security implications for the region.