Current Affairs MCQs – June 26-27

 Consider the following statements with reference to the Global Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance (GAP-AMR) 2026–2036 adopted during the 79th World Health Assembly (WHA79):

1. It follows the One Health approach by integrating human, animal and environmental health dimensions.
2. One of its targets is to achieve a 30% reduction in bacterial AMR-associated deaths globally by 2030.
3. Improving Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) infrastructure has been recognised as part of infection prevention measures under the plan.

How many of the statements given above are correct?

1. Only one
2. Only two
3. All three
4. None

Explanation

• The 79^th World Health Assembly (WHA79) concluded in Geneva, Switzerland, under the theme, “Reshaping global health: a shared responsibility.”

• The Assembly adopted 13 resolutions, most notably the Global Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance (GAP-AMR) for 2026–2036.

Statement 1 is correct and statement 2 is incorrect

• The 10-year framework builds on the first 2015 GAP-AMR and utilises the One Health approach to curb antimicrobial drug resistance.
• Key Target: A 10% reduction in bacterial AMR-associated deaths globally by 2030, aligned with the 2024 UNGA commitments.

Statement 3 is correct

• 6 Objectives:
  1. Awareness & Behaviour Change: Increase awareness to reduce irresponsible antimicrobial demand.
  2. Surveillance & Diagnostics: Expand multisectoral tracking and diagnostic networks.
  3. Infection Prevention through vaccination, improved Water, Sanitation & Hygiene (WASH) infrastructure.
  4. Access & Stewardship: Ensure fair access, proper use, and safe disposal of antimicrobials globally.
  5. Research & Innovation: Secure investments for new medicines, and alternative treatments against AMR.
  6. Governance & Financing: Strengthen multisectoral accountability frameworks across all levels.
• Implementation: Support and Coordination will be provided with WHO and Quadripartite partners, i.e., FAO, UNEP, and the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH).

Answer: (b) Only two; Difficulty Level: Medium

Consider the following statements with reference to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR):

1. ICMR is the apex body in India for the formulation, coordination and promotion of biomedical research.
2. ICMR was established after Independence as an autonomous body under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
3. The “Medical Innovations Patent Mitra: Innovators-to-Industry (I2I) Connect” is a structured platform aimed at accelerating the commercialization of indigenous healthcare technologies.

How many of the statements given above are not correct?

5. Only one
6. Only two
7. All three
8. None

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct and statement 2 is incorrect

• Located in New Delhi, ICMR is the apex body in India for the formulation, coordination and promotion of biomedical research.
• Established in 1911, it is one of the oldest medical research bodies in the world. It conducts, coordinate and implement medical research for the benefit of the Society.

Statement 3 is correct

• Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) organised “Medical Innovations Patent Mitra: Innovators-to-Industry (I2I) Connect” in New Delhi.

• It is India’s 1^st structured platforms dedicated to biomedical innovation showcasing and technology transfer under the ICMR Medical Innovation Patent Mitra initiative. It aims to accelerate commercialisation of indigenous healthcare technologies.
• ICMR also transferred 41 public health technologies to industry partners for further development, manufacturing and commercialization.

Answer: (a) Only one; Difficulty Level: Medium

 Consider the following statements regarding the Malabar Tree Toad:

1. It is India’s only truly arboreal toad species and is endemic to the Western Ghats.
2. The species is classified as Endangered on the IUCN Red List.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1. 1 only
2. 2 only
3. Both 1 and 2
4. Neither 1 nor 2

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct

• Also called the warty Asian tree toad, it is a nocturnal amphibian endemic to the Western Ghats. It is India’s only truly arboreal toad species.
• Climbing Adaptation: The toad’s fingertips and toe pads are uniquely dilated to function as suction cups for clinging to wet branches and leaves.

Statement 2 is incorrect

• They emerge from tree canopies only in the first 2-3 weeks of the south-west monsoon for breeding.
• IUCN: Least Concern; WPA: Schedule II

Answer: (a) 1 only; Difficulty Level: Medium

 Consider the following statements regarding the Global EV Outlook:

1. The Global EV Outlook is an annual report published by the World Economic Forum that tracks trends in electric mobility, including EV sales, battery demand and charging infrastructure.
2. According to the latest report, China accounted for nearly 60% of global EV car sales and remained the leading manufacturer and exporter of EVs.
3. In India, electric vehicles accounted for more than 10% of total car sales in 2025.

How many of the statements given above are not correct?

9. Only one
10. Only two
11. All three
12. None

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect

• Global EV Outlook is an annual report published by the International Energy Agency (IEA) that analyses global trends in electric mobility.
• The report provides data and projections on EV sales, battery demand, charging infrastructure, government policies and market trends across countries and regions.
• 2026 Sales: Global electric vehicle (EV) sales are projected to reach 23 million units in 2026, accounting for 28% of global car sales.

Statement 2 is correct

• China supplied nearly 60% of EV cars sold globally, maintaining its lead in EV manufacturing and exports.

Statement 3 is incorrect

• India’s EV Progress: India witnessed a 75% rise in EV sales in 2025, reaching around 165,000 units, though EVs still account for only about 4% of total car sales.
• Drivers of EV Adoption: Falling battery prices, better charging infrastructure, supportive government policies and high fuel prices are accelerating the global shift towards electric mobility.

Answer: (b) Only two; Difficulty Level: Medium

 Consider the following statements regarding the Barabar Caves:

1. The Barabar Caves are the oldest surviving rock-cut caves in India and were excavated during the Mauryan period.
2. They were originally dedicated to Ajivika ascetics by Emperor Ashoka and his grandson Dasharatha.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1. 1 only
2. 2 only
3. Both 1 and 2
4. Neither 1 nor 2

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct

• Despite serving as the foundational blueprint for India’s rock-cut architecture, the Barabar caves remain largely unknown to the general public.
• Barabar Caves in Bihar are India’s oldest surviving rock-cut structures, carved from granite during the Mauryan Empire in the 3^rd century BCE.
• Composition: The site comprises four Barabar caves (Lomas Rishi, Sudama, Viswamitra, Karna Chopar) and three Nagarjuni caves (Vahiyaka, Gopika, Vadathika), collectively known as Satghar (Seven Houses).

Statement 2 is correct

• Royal Patrons: Emperor Ashoka and his grandson Dasharatha built them for Ajivika ascetics, but Buddhist, Jain, and Hindu worshippers later used them.
• Architecture: The granite walls have a mirror-smooth finish that remains reflective even after millennia. Polished surfaces and vaulted ceilings create a resonant echo effect, amplifying chants for resident ascetics.
  • The entrance features the earliest stone rendering of an ogee-shaped arch, which imitates wooden, thatched huts.

Answer: (c) Both 1 and 2; Difficulty Level: Easy

Consider the following statements regarding the National Sports Board (NSB) and the National Sports Tribunal (NST):

1. The National Sports Board is empowered to grant, suspend or cancel the recognition of National Sports Bodies and Regional Sports Federations.
2. The National Sports Tribunal can adjudicate disputes relating to doping violations and matters arising during the Olympic Games.
3. Appeals against the orders of the National Sports Tribunal lie directly with the Supreme Court.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

1. 1 and 3 only
2. 2 and 3 only
3. 1 and 2 only
4. 1, 2 and 3

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct

• Union Government notified the National Sports Governance (National Sports Board) Rules, 2026 under the National Sports Governance Act, 2025.
• The rules establish the National Sports Board as India’s apex sports regulatory authority, empowered to grant, suspend, or cancel recognition of National Sports Bodies and Regional Sports Federations.

Statement 2 is incorrect

• National Sports Tribunal Rules, 2026 were also notified, establishing the National Sports Tribunal (NST) as a quasi-judicial body for Indian sports. NST handles conflicts within or between National Sports Bodies, preventing sportspersons from losing competitive years to slow legal processes.
• Jurisdiction: NST has civil court powers but cannot hear disputes involving major sporting events (Olympics, Paralympic Games, Commonwealth Games, Asian Games, etc.), doping, or matters under the exclusive jurisdiction of sports bodies.

Statement 3 is correct

• Appeals against NST orders lie with the Supreme Court if filed within 30 days.

Answer: (a) 1 and 3 only; Difficulty Level: Medium

Consider the following statements regarding the Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2017:

The Rules include human-made water bodies, including those created for irrigation, aquaculture and salt production, within the definition of wetlands.

1. The Rules abolished the Central Wetland Regulatory Authority and devolved primary responsibility for wetland regulation to State-level authorities.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1. 1 only
2. 2 only
3. Both 1 and 2
4. Neither 1 nor 2

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect

• The Rules were notified under Environment Protection Act, 1986 & replaced the earlier Wetlands Rules, 2010.
• Objective: To conserve, manage & maintain ecological character of wetlands while ensuring their “wise use”.
• Definition of Wetlands: Wetlands include marshes, fens, peatlands, natural or artificial water bodies, fresh, brackish or saline waters and marine waters up to 6 metres depth at low tide.
  • Rules have excluded several categories of human-made water bodies, such as those constructed for irrigation, drinking water, aquaculture, salt production, recreation, and allied purposes.

Statement 2 is correct

• The Wetlands Rules, 2017, removed the Central Wetland Regulatory Authority and shifted wetland regulation mainly to State authorities, while also weakening restrictions on reclamation, construction and encroachments in wetlands.

Answer: (b) 2 only; Difficulty Level: Easy