Current Affairs MCQs – July 30, 2026

Consider the following statements regarding “Virtual Magnets” technology:

Virtual Magnets generate electric fields within a motor through wireless power transfer and software-based control systems, enabling them to mimic the function of permanent magnets.
Motors based on Virtual Magnets can be manufactured using only copper and steel, thereby eliminating the requirement for rare-earth materials.
Rare-earth permanent magnets used in most Electric Vehicle (EV) motors are predominantly processed and controlled by China.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

1 and 2 only
2 and 3 only
1 and 3 only
1, 2 and 3

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct

Virtual Magnets are an emerging motor technology that uses wireless power transfer along with sophisticated software algorithms to generate electric fields inside the motor. These fields replicate the behaviour of conventional permanent magnets, thereby functioning as “virtual” magnets without physically embedding magnetic materials in the motor.

Statement 2 is correct

Since the technology does not require permanent magnets, motors can be manufactured primarily using copper and steel. This significantly reduces dependence on rare-earth elements such as neodymium and dysprosium, which are critical inputs for high-performance EV motors.

Statement 3 is correct

Rare-earth permanent magnets are a crucial component in most modern Electric Vehicle (EV) motors. China dominates the global rare-earth ecosystem, accounting for nearly 90–95% of rare-earth processing and magnet manufacturing capacity. This concentration creates strategic vulnerabilities in global supply chains and has prompted countries to explore alternatives such as Virtual Magnets.

Answer: (d) 1, 2 and 3; Difficulty Level: Easy

Consider the following statements regarding Pithora Painting:

It is a ritual mural art traditionally practised by tribal communities of Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh.
The paintings are created exclusively by female artists under the guidance of tribal priests known as Badwas.
Horses occupy a central place in Pithora paintings as sacred motifs representing divine vehicles.

How many of the statements given above are correct?

Only one
Only two
All three
None

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct

Pithora Painting is an ancient ritual mural art practised predominantly by the Rathwa, Bhil, Nayak, and Bhilala tribal communities of Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh. It is not merely decorative but forms an integral part of tribal religious and cultural traditions, often created to express gratitude to Baba Pithora, the deity associated with food grains and prosperity.

Statement 2 is incorrect

Pithora paintings are traditionally created exclusively by male artists known as Lakharas, not female artists. The painting process is considered a sacred ritual and is carried out under the supervision of a tribal priest called the Badwa, who performs associated ceremonies and guides the execution of the artwork.

Statement 3 is correct

Horses are the most significant motifs in Pithora paintings and symbolize the divine vehicles of Baba Pithora and other deities. The murals also depict elements of tribal life and nature, including the sun, moon, elephants, tigers, birds, and agricultural activities, reflecting the close relationship between the community and its environment.

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

Consider the following statements regarding the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA):

CORSIA is a market-based mechanism established by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) to address emissions from international aviation.
The scheme applies to both domestic and international aviation emissions of participating countries.
Least Developed Countries (LDCs), Small Island Developing States (SIDS), and Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs) are exempt from the mandatory phase irrespective of their share in global aviation activity.
India has opted out of the voluntary phases of CORSIA, citing the principle of Common but Differentiated Responsibilities (CBDR).

Which of the statements given above are correct?

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

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct

CORSIA (Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation) is a global market-based mechanism adopted by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) to stabilize carbon emissions from international aviation. Its objective is to achieve carbon-neutral growth by requiring airlines to offset emissions exceeding the prescribed baseline.

Statement 2 is incorrect

CORSIA applies exclusively to international flights between participating States. It does not cover domestic aviation emissions, which remain under the jurisdiction of individual countries. This distinction is important, as UPSC often tests the scope of international environmental mechanisms.

Statement 3 is correct

Least Developed Countries (LDCs), Small Island Developing States (SIDS), and Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs) are exempt from the mandatory phase of CORSIA, regardless of their contribution to global Revenue Tonne Kilometres (RTKs). Additionally, States accounting for less than 0.5% of global RTKs (2018 levels) are generally excluded from mandatory participation.

Statement 4 is correct

India opted out of the voluntary phases, citing “Common but Differentiated Responsibilities” (CBDR) to shield its developing aviation sector from premature penalties.

Answer: (b) 1, 3 and 4 only; Difficulty Level: Hard

Protection of migrant workers employed in hazardous industries across national boundaries.
Regulation of artificial intelligence and automation in manufacturing industries.
Setting global standards for remote work and telecommuting arrangements in the public sector.
Establishment of labour standards and social protections for digital platform and gig workers.

Explanation

Option (d) is correct

India recently abstained from voting on the ILO Convention No. 193, the first binding international treaty to establish labour standards for digital platform and gig workers.
About ILO Convention No. 193
- The convention covers all digital platform workers in formal and informal economies, including online and location-based work like delivery and taxi.
- Worker Classification & Fair Pay: Member states must base employment relationships on actual working conditions, not platform contracts. Workers must be paid timely, while employees must earn at least the minimum wage.
- Algorithmic Control: Platforms must explain automated systems that monitor performance and influence workers’ evaluation, work assignment, or employment access.
- Core Rights: Workers get protections like association, equality, social security, and workplace safety, including the right to refuse dangerous work without retaliation.
- Harassment Safeguards: Member states must protect platform workers from violence, online threats and harassment involving clients or other third parties.
- Data Protection: The Convention safeguards personal data and protects migrant and refugee workers from recruitment and employment abuses.

Answer: (d) Establishment of labour standards and social protections for digital platform and gig workers; Difficulty Level: Medium

Consider the following statements regarding the Index of Industrial Production (IIP):

It is compiled and released monthly by the National Statistical Office (NSO) under the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation.
Under the latest revision, the base year of the Index of Industrial Production has been changed from 2011–12 to 2022–23.
Under the revised methodology, the Manufacturing sector accounts for more than three-fourths of the total weight of the Index.

How many of the statements given above are not correct?

Only one
Only two
All three
None

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct

The Index of Industrial Production (IIP) is a high-frequency economic indicator that captures short-term changes in the volume of industrial production in the country. It is compiled and released every month by the National Statistical Office (NSO) under the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI), making it one of the earliest indicators of economic activity available before quarterly GDP estimates.

Statement 2 is correct

In its 10th revision, the IIP has updated its base year from 2011–12 to 2022–23. Revising the base year periodically is essential to ensure that the index accurately reflects changes in industrial structure, technological advancements, and the emergence of new products in the economy.

Statement 3 is correct

The revised IIP assigns the highest weight to the Manufacturing sector (76.1%), which is more than three-fourths of the total index weight. The remaining weight is distributed among Mining & Quarrying (11.1%), Electricity & Gas Supply (10.9%), and Water Supply, Sewerage & Waste Management (2.02%). This highlights the dominant role of manufacturing in India’s industrial output.