UPSC Current Affairs Quiz : 8 December 2025

Solution: B

Statement 1 is correct because auroras are primarily visible near the poles where Earth’s magnetic field directs charged particles.

Statement 2 is also correct as strong solar activity, such as solar flares and CMEs, can expand auroras to mid-latitudes.

Statement 3 is incorrect because solar flares and CMEs actually increase the likelihood of auroras being visible, not reduce it.

Solution: A

Statements 1 and 3 are correct. The IPU Assembly is the main body that brings together parliamentarians to discuss global issues and make recommendations. Statement 2 is incorrect because budget and administration matters are the responsibility of the Governing Council, not the Assembly.

The Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Assembly is the main political body of the Inter-Parliamentary Union, the global organization of national parliaments. It convenes twice a year, bringing together parliamentarians from around the world to:

• Adopt parliamentary resolutions on global issues: These resolutions aim to address challenges to peace, democracy, and sustainable development.
• Facilitate parliamentary diplomacy: The Assembly provides a platform for dialogue, exchange of experiences, and building bridges between parliaments on critical global matters.
• Bring a parliamentary dimension to global governance: This includes engaging with the work of the United Nations and the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
• Discuss and make recommendations for international parliamentary action.

Solution: D

All the statements are correct. The Nile forms a delta in the Mediterranean, has two principal tributaries (Blue Nile and White Nile), and its basin includes Kenya, Ethiopia, and Egypt.

Solution: D

The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) is the United Nations specialized agency for information and communication technologies (ICTs). Founded in 1865 as the International Telegraph Union, it is one of the oldest international organizations. India has been a member since 1869. Headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, the ITU has a global membership of 194 Member States and over 1000 Sector Members, including companies, academic institutions, and international and regional organizations.

Key Functions of the ITU:

• Spectrum Management: The ITU manages the shared global use of the radio-frequency spectrum and facilitates international cooperation in assigning satellite orbits, ensuring the efficient and equitable use of these resources and preventing harmful interference.
• Standardization: It develops and coordinates worldwide technical standards for telecommunications and ICTs, known as ITU-T Recommendations. These standards are crucial for the interoperability of ICT networks and devices, enabling seamless global communication.
• Development: The ITU works to improve telecommunication infrastructure and access to ICTs in developing countries. This includes providing technical assistance, training, and helping to finance telecommunication projects to bridge the digital divide.
• Policy and Regulation: The ITU assists member states in formulating national policies and regulations related to ICTs, addressing issues like cybersecurity, privacy, and broadband connectivity.
• Global Cooperation: It serves as a platform for international cooperation and dialogue among governments and the private sector to address global ICT challenges and promote the development of new technologies.
• Addressing Emerging Technologies: The ITU plays an increasingly important role in dealing with new and emerging technologies such as 5G, the Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI), and cybersecurity, setting rules and guidelines for their effective and secure use.

Solution: A

Stratovolcanoes, also known as composite volcanoes, are characterized by their tall, steep, cone-shaped structure. They are primarily composed of layers of hardened lava, volcanic ash, and other debris. Stratovolcanoes are known for their explosive eruptions due to the high viscosity of their magma, which traps gases and builds pressure.

Statement 1 and Statement 2 are correct as they describe the structure and composition of stratovolcanoes. Statement 3 is incorrect because stratovolcanoes are not known for calm eruptions; they typically exhibit violent, explosive activity.

Solution: A

The Haber-Bosch process is a chemical reaction used to synthesize ammonia from nitrogen and hydrogen under high pressure and temperature. This process is critical for large-scale fertilizer production due to the role ammonia plays in producing fertilizers. The reaction does not use platinum-based catalysts, but instead typically employs iron-based catalysts. Therefore, Statement 2 is incorrect.

Solution: B

Ossification tests are used to estimate an individual’s age by analyzing the development and fusion of bones, especially the epiphyseal growth plates. The tests generally provide an estimate with a margin of error of up to two years, depending on the individual. However, ossification rates can be influenced by external factors such as climate, diet, and heredity, which can affect the precision of the estimation. Thus, Statement 3 is incorrect.

Solution: B

Statements 2 and 4 are correct.

The Battle of Walong occurred during the 1962 Sino-Indian War, not the Indo-Pak war.

Indian troops held off a significantly larger Chinese force in Walong, located in Arunachal Pradesh near the McMahon Line.

This battle marked India’s only counteroffensive during the Sino-Indian War, highlighting the resilience of the Indian forces despite the Chinese invasion.

Solution: D

• Genome Editing (e.g., CRISPR-Cas9): This technology allows for precise alterations to an organism’s genetic material. It has significant applications in agriculture, including the development of crop varieties that are more resilient to climate change impacts like drought, pests, or diseases. India has recently developed genome-edited rice varieties using SDN-1 and SDN-2 methods. This pair is correctly matched.
• CAR-T Cell Therapy: Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR)-T cell therapy is a form of immunotherapy where a patient’s T cells (a type of immune cell) are genetically engineered to recognize and attack cancer cells. It has shown remarkable success in treating certain hematological malignancies (blood cancers). India has launched its first indigenous CAR-T cell therapy, NexCAR19. This pair is correctly matched.
• DNA Data Storage: DNA, with its high information density and stability, is being explored as a medium for long-term data storage. Information can be encoded into sequences of synthetic DNA. This technology holds promise for archiving vast amounts of digital data. This pair is correctly matched.

Solution: D

All three statements are incorrect.

1. The Constitution does not mandate that all members must be retired civil servants with 15 years of service. It stipulates that as nearly as may be, one-half (50%) of the members of the Commission should be persons who have held office for at least ten years either under the Government of India or under the Government of a State. There is no specific 15-year service rule for all members.
2. The Chairman of the UPSC cannot be removed by the President solely on the recommendations of the Prime Minister’s Office. The removal process for misbehaviour is stringent and governed by Article 317 of the Constitution. The President must refer the matter to the Supreme Court for an inquiry. The advice tendered by the Supreme Court after the inquiry is binding on the President. Other grounds for removal include being adjudged insolvent, engaging in paid employment outside official duties, or being unfit to continue due to infirmity of mind or body.
3. The salaries, allowances, and pensions payable to or in respect of the members of the UPSC are charged on the Consolidated Fund of India. This means they are not subject to the vote of Parliament, ensuring the financial independence of the Commission.