UPSC Quiz – 2025 : IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs Quiz 12th July 2025

Solution (b)

Explanation:

• The Axiom-4 mission is a collaboration involving Axiom Space (private company), the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO), and European Space Agency (ESA). It is the fourth all private astronaut mission to the International Space Station by NASA. The crew includes members from the USA, India, Poland, and Hungary. The mission is special for India as Shubhanshu Shukla will be India’s second national astronaut to go to space since 1984 (after Rakesh Sharma). Hence, option b is the correct answer.

Solution (c)

Explanation:

• The TFR is the average number of children a group of women would have by the end of their reproductive years (ages 15 to 49) if they followed the current fertility rates throughout their lives, assuming no mortality. It is expressed as children per woman. Hence, statement 1 is correct.

• A TFR of 2.1 is considered the replacement level, where each generation replaces itself without significant population growth or decline. By 2100, the TFR in India is projected to fall to 1.04 (barely one child per woman). Hence, statement 2 is correct.

Solution (a)

Explanation:

• Bharat Ratna is India’s highest civilian award, granted by President to individuals for outstanding service across any field, irrespective of race, occupation, position, or gender. It was instituted by former President Dr. Rajendra Prasad on January 2, 1954. Hence, statement 1 is correct.

• Article 18(1) of the Indian Constitution prohibits awardees from using ‘Bharat Ratna’ as a title, prefix or suffix to their name. However, they are allowed to include ‘Awarded Bharat Ratna by the President’ or ‘Recipient of Bharat Ratna Award’ in their biodata, visiting cards, letterheads, etc. Hence, statement 2 is not correct.

The award is also open to non-Indians, as demonstrated by the likes of Mother Teresa, Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan, and Nelson Mandela. A maximum of three awards can be given each year, with an exception occurring this year 2024 and in 1999 when five and four individuals received the honour respectively. Hence, statement 3 is not correct.

Solution (d)

Explanation:

The Ten Degree Channel is a narrow strait that separates the Andaman Islands from the Nicobar Islands. It is located approximately at the 10-degree latitude mark. Indira Point is the southernmost tip of the Nicobar Islands. It is situated on Great Nicobar Island and marks the southernmost point of India. The Andaman and Nicobar Islands is home to 5 Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups: Great Andamanese, Jarawas, Onges, Shompens and North Sentinelese. Hence, option d is the correct answer.

Solution (a)

Explanation:

• A Special Intensive Revision involves door-to-door verification of electoral rolls through house-to-house enumeration. Conducted under Section 21(3) of the Representation of the People Act, 1950, and Article 324 of the Constitution, empowering ECI for electoral roll supervision. It ensures that the voter list is accurate, inclusive, and free from discrepancies by allowing new registrations, deletions, and modifications. Hence, statements 1 and 2 are correct.

• Under the process, voters, especially those enrolled after 2003, must now submit documents like birth certificates or parents’ proof. And, Electoral Registration Officers will decide on inclusion/deletion, with powers to refer doubtful cases under Citizenship Act, 1955. Aadhaar is not a proof of citizenship under this process. Hence, statement 3 is INCORRECT.