UPSC Daily Current affairs Quiz: 25 June 2025

Question 1: About the 2025 Israel-U.S. strikes on Iran and the resulting geopolitical realignment in West Asia, consider the following statements:

1. The silence of Russia and China during the strikes reflects their inability to project power in the West Asian theatre despite signed strategic partnerships with Iran.
2. The U.S. ceasefire proposal following Iran’s retaliation indicates a shift from regime change doctrine to regional containment.
3. The Abraham Accords have been rendered obsolete after the latest conflict and are no longer supported by Gulf nations.
4. India’s diplomatic approach mirrors strategic ambiguity, balancing ties with both Iran and Israel without violating its stated foreign policy principles.
   

Which of the above statements are correct?

Question 2: Which of the following are essential criteria for drinking water to be classified as "safely managed drinking water" under the SDG definitions?

1. Free from contamination
2. Available on premises
3. Available when needed
4. Provided by the public authority
   

Select the correct answer using the code below:

Question 3: Consider the following statements regarding Articles 358 and 359:

1. Article 358 applies only in the case of war or external aggression.
2. Article 359 allows suspension of Articles 20 and 21 during an Emergency.

Which of the above is/are correct?

Question 4:  About the Ambubachi Mela celebrated at the Kamakhya Temple, consider the following statements:

1. The festival marks the symbolic menstruation of Goddess Kamakhya and involves idol worship in the sanctum sanctorum.
2. The Kamakhya Temple follows the Nilachala architectural style, which is a blend of Nagara and Mughal Saracenic traditions.
3. During the Mela, agricultural work is traditionally paused to honour nature's cycles.
4. The temple is located on the Nilachal Hill, on the banks of the Brahmaputra River in Assam.
   

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Question 5:  Regarding India’s 2025 ranking in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Index, consider the following statements:

1. India has shown year-on-year improvement in SDG ranking since 2021, reaching the 99th rank in 2025.
2. India's improvement in SDG ranking is solely due to better climate action and renewable energy initiatives.
3. Despite India's improvement, its SDG score remains lower than that of Bhutan and Sri Lanka.
4. As per the 2025 report, less than 25% of global SDG targets are on track.
   

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

Question 6: About gender equity in India’s urban bureaucracy, consider the following statements:

1. As per the Bureau of Police Research and Development (2023), women constitute less than 15% of India’s police force and are mostly in operational field roles.
2. Gender-responsive budgeting (GRB) in India is mandated by the Constitution and implemented uniformly across all Urban Local Bodies (ULBs).
3. Kerala’s Kudumbashree model demonstrates how women-led community networks can influence local planning and service delivery.
4. The 74th Constitutional Amendment mandates one-third reservation for women in Urban Local Governments (ULGs), which several states have voluntarily raised to 50%.
   

Which of the above statements are correct?

Question 7: Consider the following statements regarding the recent Israel–Iran ceasefire (2025):

1. The ceasefire was brokered by the United Nations after Iran’s missile attack on a U.S. base in Qatar.
2. Israel officially accepted the ceasefire, citing the achievement of its strategic objectives.
3. The U.S. President publicly warned both Iran and Israel against ceasefire violations.
4. Iran rejected the ceasefire proposal and continued missile strikes post-announcement.
   

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

Question8: With reference to an initiative called ‘The Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity (TEEB)’, which of the following statements is/are correct?

1. It is an initiative hosted by UNEP, IMF and World Economic Forum.
2. It is a global initiative that focuses on drawing attention to the economic benefits of biodiversity.
3. It presents an approach that can help decision-makers recognize, demonstrate and capture the value of ecosystems and biodiversity.

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

Question9: [UPSC 2018] Which of the following leaf modifications occur(s) in the desert areas to inhabit water loss?

1. Hard and waxy leaves
2. Tiny leaves
3. Thorns instead of leaves

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

Question 10: Which one of the following can one come across if one travels through the Strait of Malacca?