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Daily-mcqs 20 Jun 2026

Current Affairs MCQs for UPSC & State PSC Exams 20 Jun 2026

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Current Affairs MCQs for UPSC & State PSC Exams

Q1:

Consider the following statements regarding the regulatory framework for digital platforms in India:

  1. Under Section 69A of the Information Technology (IT) Act, 2000, the Government of India can block online content in the interest of sovereignty, security, and public order.
  2. The Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, require significant messaging platforms to enable mechanisms to trace the "first originator" of information.
  3. If a social media intermediary fails to comply with lawful government takedown directives, it is stripped of its "safe harbour" protection under Section 79 of the IT Act.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A: 1 and 2 only

B: 1 and 3 only

C: 2 and 3 only

D: 1, 2, and 3

Answer: D

Explanation:

Statement 1 is correct: Section 69A of the IT Act, 2000 empowers the Central Government or its authorized officers to block public access to any information online. This is done in the interest of the sovereignty and integrity of India, defense of India, security of the State, friendly relations with foreign States, or public order.


Statement 2 is correct: Under the IT Rules, 2021, significant social media intermediaries that primarily provide messaging services must enable features to identify the first originator of a message, particularly when requested by a court or authorized government agency (usually pertaining to sovereignty, public order, or serious offenses).


Statement 3 is correct: Section 79 of the IT Act provides "safe harbour" immunity to intermediaries, meaning they cannot be held legally liable for third-party user-generated content, provided they observe due diligence and strictly comply with government takedown orders. Failure to comply results in the loss of this immunity.


                            

Q2:

With reference to the direct blocking mechanisms of digital applications in India, consider the following statements:

  1. The "direct blocking mechanism" under Section 79(3)(b) of the IT Act allows certain designated ministries to directly issue takedown orders in urgent situations without committee review.
  2. Section 69A mandates a thorough procedure that includes the identification of unlawful content by an agency, review by a designated committee, and final approval by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY).

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A: 1 only

B: 2 only

C: Both 1 and 2

D: None

Answer: C

Explanation:

Statement 1 is correct: Section 79(3)(b) of the IT Act works as a direct blocking mechanism for urgent situations. It permits specific ministries or agencies to issue direct takedown orders to intermediaries (often facilitated through platforms like the Sahyog portal) to prevent the continuation of unlawful acts.


Statement 2 is correct: The process for blocking content under Section 69A is highly structured and ensures institutional checks and balances. It begins with the identification of problematic content by authorized ministries or agencies, progresses through a comprehensive review by a designated committee of experts, and concludes with a final blocking order issued by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY).


                            

Q3:

 

Consider the following statements about the newly discovered moth species, Mimeusemia kali:

  1. It belongs to the moth family Noctuidae.
  2. It represents the first major addition to the Mimeusemia genus in India since 1995.
  3. Moths of this family serve as vital bio-indicators of ecosystem health and habitat disturbance.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A: 1 and 2 only

B: 2 only

C: 2 and 3 only

D: 1, 2, and 3

Answer: D

Explanation:

Statement 1 is correct: Mimeusemia kali belongs to the family Noctuidae (often referred to as owlet moths) and the subfamily Agaristinae.


Statement 2 is correct: The discovery by the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) marks a significant taxonomic milestone, representing the first major addition to the Mimeusemia genus in nearly 30 years.


Statement 3 is correct: Ecological studies highlight that moths generally act as highly sensitive environmental indicators. Because of their sensitivity to habitat alterations and climate change, they are widely used as bio-indicators.


                            

Q4:

With reference to the Kali Tiger Reserve, consider the following statements:

1.   It is located in the Uttara Kannada district of Karnataka.

2.   It was formerly known as the Dandeli-Anshi Tiger Reserve and was renamed after the Kali River in 2015.

3.   It was declared a Tiger Reserve under Project Tiger in 2007 after the merger of Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary and Anshi National Park.

4.   It lies in the Eastern Ghats and forms a wildlife corridor with Andhra Pradesh.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

A: 1 and 2 only

B: 1,3 and 4 only

C: 1, 2 and 3 only

D: 1, 2, 3 and 4

Answer: C

Explanation:

Statement 1 is correct: Kali Tiger Reserve is situated in the Uttara Kannada district of Karnataka.


Statement 2 is correct: The reserve was earlier known as Dandeli-Anshi Tiger Reserve and was renamed Kali Tiger Reserve in 2015, deriving its name from the Kali River.


Statement 3 is correct: It became a Project Tiger Reserve in 2007 following the merger of Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary and Anshi National Park.


Statement 4 is incorrect: The reserve is located in the Western Ghats, not the Eastern Ghats. It forms part of a larger forest landscape extending into Goa and Maharashtra, creating an important wildlife corridor.


                            

Q5:

Consider the following statements regarding the Western Ghats and the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI):

1.   The Western Ghats extend for about 1,600 km and are recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

2.   The Western Ghats occupy less than 6% of India's land area but support over 30% of its biodiversity.

3.   The Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) was established in 1916 and functions under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.

4.   The primary mandate of ZSI is the management of tiger reserves and national parks in India.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

A: 1 and 2 only

B: 1,2 and 4 only

C: 1, 2 and 3 only

D: 1, 2, 3 and 4

Answer: C

Explanation:

Statement 1 is correct: The Western Ghats (Sahyadri Hills) stretch for approximately 1,600 km across six states and are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.


Statement 2 is correct: Despite covering less than 6% of India's land area, they support more than 30% of India's biodiversity, making them one of the world's eight major biodiversity hotspots.


Statement 3 is correct: The Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) was established in 1916, is headquartered in Kolkata, and operates under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC).


Statement 4 is incorrect: ZSI is not responsible for managing tiger reserves or national parks. Its primary role is animal taxonomy, biodiversity assessment, ecological research, and providing scientific inputs for conservation.


                            
Aliganj Gomti Nagar Prayagraj