1. Consider the following statements with respect to the Blood Moon:
1. It occurs during a total solar eclipse.
2. It is caused by the refraction of sunlight through Earth’s atmosphere.
3. Blood moons are visible only from the polar regions of the earth.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 1 and 3
(d) 2 and 3
Answer: (b) 2 only
Explanation:
In NEWS: Total lunar eclipse enthrals skywatchers; clouds play spoilsport
Blood Moon:
- A Blood Moon refers to the reddish appearance of the Moon during a total lunar eclipse. Hence statement 1 is incorrect.
- It is not an astronomical term, but a popular term used to describe the color change observed during the eclipse.
- During a total lunar eclipse, the Earth comes between the Sun and the Moon.
- The Earth’s atmosphere scatters shorter wavelengths (blue) of sunlight and bends red/orange wavelengths toward the Moon.
- This refracted reddish light illuminates the Moon, giving it a copper or blood-red hue. Hence statement 2 is correct.
Scientific Explanation
- Based on Rayleigh scattering (same phenomenon responsible for red sunsets).
The degree of redness depends on:
1. Atmospheric dust
2. Pollution
3. Volcanic ash
4. Cloud cover on Earth
Visibility
- Blood moons are visible from anywhere on Earth where the eclipse is occurring during local nighttime. Hence statement 3 is incorrect.
- Typically occurs once every 2.5 years on average.
| PYQ REFERENCE: (2024) Q. On June 21 every year, which of the following latitude(s) experience(s) a sunlight of more than 12 hours? 1. Equator 2. Tropic of Cancer 3. Tropic of Capricorn 4. Arctic Circle Select the correct answer using the code given below : (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) 3 and 4 (d) 2 and 4 |
2. Consider the following statements with respect to the Ganga Waters Agreement of 1996:
1. It was signed between India and Bangladesh.
2. It is a 30-year treaty valid from 1996 to 2026.
3. It governs the sharing of Ganga River water at Farakka and Teesta including monsoon season flows.
How many of the above statements are correct?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None
Answer: (b) Only two
Explanation:
In NEWS: India and Bangladesh to hold talks on water sharing
The Ganga Waters Agreement 1996:
- The Ganga Waters Agreement was signed between India and Bangladesh on 12th December 1996. Hence statement 1 is correct.
- The agreement was signed by Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda (India) and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina (Bangladesh).
- It is a 30-year treaty (valid from 1996 to 2026) that governs the sharing of Ganga River water at Farakka. Hence statement 2 is correct.
- The treaty aims to ensure the fair and equitable distribution of Ganga waters, especially during the lean season (January 1 to May 31).
- The treaty was signed in response to Bangladesh’s concern over reduced water flow in the Padma River, particularly during dry months.
- The Farakka Barrage, constructed by India in West Bengal, plays a central role in diverting water from the Ganga to the Hooghly River to keep the Kolkata port navigable.
- Under the agreement, if water flow at Farakka falls below 70,000 cusecs, then India and Bangladesh share the available water equally.
A Joint Committee comprising representatives from both countries was established to monitor:
1. Water flow at Farakka
2. Compliance with the treaty
3. Data exchange and reporting
- The treaty includes a fixed schedule of water allocation depending on the flow levels at Farakka during the lean period.
- The agreement has played a crucial role in strengthening India–Bangladesh relations and is considered a model for bilateral river water sharing.
- The treaty does not cover monsoon season flows or other rivers like the Teesta, which remains a separate unresolved issue. Hence statement 3 is incorrect.
- The treaty is due for review or renewal in 2026, and discussions are ongoing regarding future terms in light of climate change and water scarcity.
3. Sifung, Aronai, Khardwi and Jou Gishi, seen in the news are GI tagged items from
(a) The Bodoland Territorial Region
(b) Meghalaya
(c) The Union Territory of Ladakh
(d) Manipur
Answer: (a) The Bodoland Territorial Region
Explanation:
In NEWS: The registration of 21 items so far has enthused 26 communities of the Bodoland Territorial Region to have their cultural artefacts GI-tagged
The Bodoland Territorial Region:
- The Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR) is an autonomous division in Assam, India, in Northeast India.
- It is made up of five districts on the north bank of the Brahmaputra River below the foothills of Bhutan and Arunachal Pradesh.
- It is administered by an elected body known as the Bodoland Territorial Council which came into existence under the terms of a peace agreement signed in February 2003 and its autonomy was further extended by an agreement signed in January 2020.
- The region covers an area of over nine thousand square kilometres and is predominantly inhabited by the Bodo people and other tribal communities of Assam.
GI Tagged Products from the Bodoland Territorial Region:
Traditional Attire & Textiles
1. Bodo Dokhona: The traditional one‑piece garment for Bodo women, wrapped around the body in a graceful style. GI‑tagged in 2024
2. Bodo Eri Silk: Handwoven silk made from Eri silkworms (Samia Cynthia Ricini), native to the region, valued for its softness and heritage weaving practices
3. Bodo Jwmgra: Also known as Fashra or Pali, this is a long scarf worn by Bodo women alongside the Dokhona
4. Bodo Gamsa: Traditional wear for Bodo men, tied around the waist and extending from waist to knee
5. Aronai: A handwoven textile symbolizing Bodo identity and pride.
Agricultural Products
1. Bodo Keradapini: A small, nearly stemless leafy vegetable endemic to the region
2. Bodo Khardwi: A traditional alkaline liquid derived from bamboo, banana stems, or dried plant ashes, used in local cuisine
3. Bodo Gongar Dunjia (also referred to as Gongar Dundia): A rare and regionally significant medicinal plant, valued in traditional herbal systems
Musical Instruments
1. Kham: A traditional percussion instrument intrinsic to Bodo cultural performances
2. Serja (Serza): A bowed string instrument used in Bodo folk music
3. Sifung (Siphung): A traditional bamboo flute with distinctive folk melodies
4. Thorkha: A lesser-known traditional instrument, also GI‑tagged
5. Gongona: Another traditional musical instrument used in cultural ceremonies
6. Jotha: A traditional wind instrument used by Bodo musicians
Culinary Specialties
1. Bodo Napham: A cherished fermented fish delicacy, prepared anaerobically in airtight containers over 2–3 months. A preservation method adapted to the region’s heavy rainfall and periodic fish scarcity
2. Bodo Ondla (Onla): A savory curry made from rice powder seasoned with garlic, ginger, salt, and alkali
3. Bodo Gwkha‑Gwkhwi (Bodo Gwkha, also Gwka‑Gwkhi): A festive dish with more than a hundred mixed vegetables, traditionally prepared during the Bwisagu (spring) festival
4. Bodo Narzi: A semi‑fermented jute‑leaf dish—a rich source of omega‑3s, vitamins, calcium, and minerals—reflecting local nutritional wisdom
Traditional Beverages
1. Bodo Jou Gwran: A strong rice beer with an alcohol content of approximately 16.11%, the highest among Bodo rice beers
2. Maibra Jou Bidwi (Maibra Jwu/Zwu Bidwi): A revered ferment made from half‑cooked rice with minimal water and amao (natural yeast); commonly served as a welcome drink
3. Bodo Jou Gishi: A traditional and historically significant rice‑based fermented alcoholic beverage, considered medicinal and culturally sacred
Hence option (a) is correct.
| PYQ REFERENCE: (2015) Q. Which of the following has/have been accorded ‘Geographical Indication’ status? 1. Banaras Brocades and Sarees 2. Rajasthani Daal-Bati-Churma 3. Tirupathi Laddu Select the correct answer using the code given below: (a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 |
4. Consider the following statements :
Statement-I: Tamil Nadu has India’s first port-based Green Hydrogen project
Statement-II: The facility uses electricity from both renewable and non-renewable sources to power an electrolyzer, which splits water (H₂O) into hydrogen (H₂) and oxygen (O₂).
Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?
(a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II explains Statement-I
(b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct, but Statement-II does not explain Statement-I
(c) Statement-I is correct, but Statement-II is incorrect
(d) Statement-I is incorrect, but Statement-II is correct
Answer: (c) Statement-I is correct, but Statement-II is incorrect
Explanation:
In NEWS: Shri Sarbananda Sonowal Unveils Green Hydrogen Pilot Project at VOC Port in Tamil Nadu
India’s First Port-Based Green Hydrogen Pilot Project:
- India’s First Port-Based Green Hydrogen Pilot Project was inaugurated at V.O. Chidambaranar (VOC) Port, Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu. Hence statement I is correct.
- It became the first port in India to produce green hydrogen → a milestone in India’s clean energy and green shipping transition.
- It was launched on the 154th birth anniversary of V.O. Chidambaranar, linking Swadeshi shipping legacy with modern green transition.
Project Features:
- Green Hydrogen Pilot Facility: Powering streetlights and EV charging station in the port colony.
- Green Methanol Bunkering & Refuelling Facility: Aligned with proposed Coastal Green Shipping Corridor (Kandla–Tuticorin). Positions VOC Port as a green bunkering hub in South India.
Strategic Importance:
- Boosts India’s National Green Hydrogen Mission (2023).
- Supports IMO 2050 decarbonisation goals in shipping.
- Strengthens Tamil Nadu’s role as a renewable and maritime hub.
- Fits into Sagarmala Programme → 98 projects in Tamil Nadu worth ₹93,715 crore (50 completed).
- By 2030 → India among Top 10 shipbuilding nations.
- By 2047 → Among Top 5 shipbuilding nations.
How Green Hydrogen is Produced:
- Renewable Energy Power: The process begins with renewable energy sources like solar or wind power.
- Electrolysis: This electricity powers an electrolyzer, which uses electrolysis to split water (H₂O) into hydrogen (H₂) and oxygen (O₂). Hence statement II is incorrect.
- Clean Output: The resulting hydrogen is “green” because its production process does not release greenhouse gases, making it a sustainable fuel source.
Sectors Benefiting from Green Hydrogen
- Fertilizer Industry: Green hydrogen can replace fossil fuels in fertilizer manufacturing, a significant step toward sustainable agriculture.
- Oil Refineries and Steel Production: It offers a viable path to decarbonize processes in these essential industries.
- Long-Haul Transportation: Green hydrogen can serve as a clean fuel for long-distance transport, an area where decarbonization is particularly challenging.
| PYQ REFERENCE: (2022) Q. Consider the following statements: 1. Gujarat has the largest solar park in India. 2. Kerala has a fully solar powered International Airport. 3. Goa has the largest floating solar photovoltaic project in India. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 and 2 (b) 2 only (c) 1 and 3 (d) 3 only |
Source: https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2164314
5. Which of the following countries border the Baltic Sea?
1. Belarus
2. Finland
3. Estonia
4. Ukraine
Select the correct answer using the code below:
(a) 1 and 4 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 2, 3 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3 only
Answer: (b) 2 and 3 only
Explanation:
In NEWS: ‘Sharp rise in GPS jamming in aviation over Baltic Sea’
The Baltic Sea:
- The Baltic Sea is a brackish inland sea located in Northern Europe, connected to the North Sea via the Danish Straits (Kattegat and Skagerrak).
- It is bordered by nine countries: Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Russia, and Sweden. Hence option (b) is correct.
- The salinity of the Baltic Sea is low due to the inflow of large rivers and limited exchange with saltwater from the North Sea.
- Major rivers flowing into the Baltic Sea include the Neva, Vistula, Daugava, and Oder.
- The deepest point of the Baltic Sea is the Landsort Deep, which is around 459 meters deep.
- The Kaliningrad region of Russia, located between Poland and Lithuania, is a strategic exclave on the Baltic coast.
- The Baltic Sea is of high military and strategic importance, especially in the context of NATO–Russia tensions.
- The region hosts the Nord Stream 1 and 2 pipelines, which supply natural gas from Russia to Germany via the seabed.
- The Baltic Sea is one of the most polluted seas in the world due to eutrophication, overfishing, and marine traffic.
- GPS jamming and spoofing incidents affecting aviation and maritime navigation have increased significantly in the Baltic Sea region since 2023, with Russia suspected of being behind the interference.
- In response to rising threats, Sweden and Finland formally joined NATO, increasing Western presence in the Baltic region.
- Major ports along the Baltic Sea include Gdańsk (Poland), St. Petersburg (Russia), Riga (Latvia), and Helsinki (Finland).
- The Baltic Sea is semi-enclosed, making it vulnerable to environmental degradation due to slow water exchange with the Atlantic.
- The HELCOM (Helsinki Commission) is an intergovernmental body working to protect the marine environment of the Baltic Sea.
| PYQ REFERENCE: (2017) Q. Mediterranean Sea is a border of which of the following countries? 1. Jordan 2. Iraq 3. Lebanon 4. Syria Select the correct answer using the code given below: (a) 1, 2 and 3 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 3 and 4 only (d) 1, 3 and 4 only |
6. Consider the following statements:
1. India is the world’s largest producer, consumer, and importer of pulses.
2. Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra and Rajasthan are the top pulse growing states in India
3. Nearly 80% of pulse production in India occurs through irrigated cultivation.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (a) 1 and 2 only
Explanation:
In NEWS: NITI Aayog recommends multiple strategies to enhance pulses production
Current Status and Achievements of Pulse Production In India:
- India is the world’s largest producer, consumer, and importer of pulses. Hence statement 1 is correct.
- Dependence on rain-fed areas: ~80% of pulse production. Hence statement 3 is incorrect.
- Supports over 5 crore farmers and families.
- 2015–16: Production at 16.35 million tonnes (MT); imports at 6 MT.
- 2022–23: Production rose to 26.06 MT (59.4% increase).
- Productivity increased by 38%.
- Import dependence fell from 29% to 10.4%.
- India grows 12 pulse crops across Kharif, Rabi, and Summer seasons.
- Top 3 States: Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan – 55% of output. Hence statement 2 is correct.
- Together, 10 states contribute over 91% of total pulse production.
Focus of the Report:
- Strengthening nutritional security and self-sufficiency (Atmanirbharta) in pulses.
- Advocates State-specific and district-specific agricultural strategies.
Recognizes pulses as critical for:
1. Food security
2. Nutritional well-being
3. Sustainable agriculture
4. Environmental benefits
Major Recommendations of NITI Aayog:
- Area retention and diversification: Promote crop-wise clustering for efficiency.
- Tailored technologies: Use customised tools and methods suited to agro-ecological zones.
- Seed support: Focus on high-quality seed distribution and treatment kits.
- Cluster-based hubs: Promote “One Block–One Seed Village” initiative backed by Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs).
Government Initiatives:
- Mission for Atmanirbharta in Pulses (2025): 6-year mission focusing on Arhar, Urad, and Masoor. Improve seed quality, yields, and reduce import dependency.
- National Food Security Mission (NFSM) – Pulses: Promotes area expansion and productivity. Provides seeds, technology kits, and support to farmers.
- Price Support Scheme (PSS): Ensures Minimum Support Price (MSP) procurement for pulses.
- One Block–One Seed Village (2025 NITI Aayog recommendation): Cluster approach to boost seed replacement and varietal adoption.
| PYQ REFERENCE: (2020) Q. With reference to pulse production in India, consider the following statements: 1. Black gram can be cultivated as both kharif and rabi crop. 2. Green-gram alone accounts for nearly half of pulse production. 3. In the last three decades, while the production of kharif pulses has increased, the production of rabi pulses has decreased. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 2 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 |
7. The Strait of Malacca connects which of the following?
(a) Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal
(b) South China Sea and Andaman Sea
(c) Red Sea and Mediterranean Sea
(d) East China Sea and Philippine Sea
Answer: (b) South China Sea and Andaman Sea
Explanation:
In NEWS: Singapore backs India on patrolling Malacca Straits
Strait of Malacca:
- The Strait of Malacca is a narrow waterway between the Malay Peninsula (Malaysia) and the island of Sumatra (Indonesia).
It connects the Indian Ocean (via the Andaman Sea) with the Pacific Ocean (via the South China Sea). Hence option (b) is correct. - It is approximately 890 km long and 25–150 km wide, with the narrowest point being 2.8 km near Singapore (Phillip Channel).
- The strait is a major maritime chokepoint, with over 80,000 ships passing through annually.
- It handles about 40% of global seaborne trade, making it one of the busiest and most important shipping lanes in the world.
- It is especially critical for China, Japan, and South Korea, which depend heavily on oil imports passing through this route.
- Countries bordering the strait: India (via Andaman & Nicobar monitoring), Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore (close to southern end).
- The strait is vulnerable to piracy, shipping congestion, and maritime accidents due to its narrowness and heavy traffic.
- It is strategically important for India’s maritime security — the Indian Navy monitors traffic from the Andaman & Nicobar Islands, especially Indira Point.
- China’s “Malacca Dilemma” refers to its strategic vulnerability due to heavy reliance on this single maritime route.
- India’s SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) policy and QUAD naval cooperation enhance security in this region.
- In the event of a blockade, ships would have to reroute via Sunda or Lombok Strait, increasing costs and time.
Strait of Malacca – Map:
West: Andaman Sea → Indian Ocean
East: South China Sea → Pacific Ocean
North: Peninsular Malaysia
South: Sumatra (Indonesia)
South-East end: Singapore
| PYQ REFERENCE: (2022) Q. Turkey is located between (a) Black Sea and Caspian Sea (b) Black Sea and Mediterranean Sea (c) Gulf of Suez and Mediterranean Sea (d) Gulf of Aqaba and Dead Sea |
8. Consider the following statements about Savitribai Phule:
I. She’s acclaimed as the first female teacher of modern India
II. Savitribai founded the Balhatya Pratibandhak Griha in 1863 and also co-founded the Satyashodhak Samaj in 1873
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) I only
(b) II only
(c) Both 1 and II
(d) Neither I nor II
Answer: (c) Both 1 and II
Explanation:
In NEWS: PM shares an article on the remarkable contributions of Savitribai Phule
Savitribai Phule:
- Savitribai Phule (3 January 1831 – 10 March 1897) emerged as a trailblazing educator, social reformer, and poet in 19th-century Maharashtra.
- She’s acclaimed as the first female teacher of modern India and a forerunner of the feminist movement in the country. Hence statement I is correct.
- Born in Naigaon village, Satara District, Maharashtra, she came from the Mali community and was married to Jyotirao Phule at a young age.
- Jyotirao Phule taught Savitribai to read and write. She received formal teacher training at institutions in Ahmednagar and Poona (Pune), becoming a qualified educator around 1847.
- In 1848, Savitribai and her husband founded the first indigenous school for girls in Bhide Wada, Pune.
- Together, they expanded their efforts, running up to 18 schools for girls from marginalized castes by 1851, supported with stipends to reduce dropout rates.
- Savitribai founded the Balhatya Pratibandhak Griha in 1863 to shelter widows, child brides, and destitute women, and she championed widow remarriage, inter-caste unions, and fought against child marriage, female infanticide, and sati.
- Alongside Jyotirao, she co-founded the Satyashodhak Samaj (Truth-seekers’ Society) in 1873. She led its women’s wing in promoting equality for women, peasants, and Dalits. Hence statement II is correct.
- Her education initiatives encountered strong societal resistance, including verbal abuse and threats from orthodox sections of society. Even her father-in-law expelled the couple from their home.
- Savitribai’s legacy resonates today as a beacon for women’s empowerment, gender equality, and social justice. Her pioneering work continues to inspire modern reforms and feminist discourse.
- The prestigious Savitribai Phule Pune University (formerly the University of Pune) was renamed in her honor in 2014.
- A 2025 biographical film titled “Phule”, directed by Anant Mahadevan, portrays the lives and reform efforts of Jyotirao and Savitribai.
| PYQ REFERENCE: (2025) Q. Consider the following statements about Raja Ram Mohan Roy: I. He possessed great love and respect for the traditional philosophical systems of the East. II. He desired his countrymen to accept the rational and scientific approach and the principle of human dignity and social equality of all men and women. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) I only (b) II only (c) Both 1 and II (d) Neither I nor II |
Source: https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2164214
9. Which of the following are the core objectives of the Self-Respect Movement?
1. Promotion of atheism
2. Campaign against Brahminical dominance
3. Advocacy of Sanskritization
4. Support for women’s rights
Select the correct answer using the code below:
(a) 1, 2 and 4 only
(b) 1 and 3 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Answer: (a) 1, 2 and 4 only
Explanation:
In NEWS: Looking back at 100 years of the Self-Respect Movement in Tamil Nadu
The Self-Respect Movement
The Self-Respect Movement was a powerful social reform movement launched in 1925 in Tamil Nadu (then Madras Presidency), India, by Periyar E.V. Ramasamy. It played a pivotal role in challenging caste hierarchy, patriarchy, and the dominance of Brahmins in South Indian society.
Core Objectives of the Self-Respect Movement
- Eradication of caste-based discrimination, particularly against non-Brahmins and Dalits.
- Promotion of rationalism, atheism, and self-respect among oppressed communities.
- Abolition of the concept of hereditary priesthood, and religious rituals that reinforced caste.
- Advocacy for women’s rights, including widow remarriage, right to education, and property rights.
- Opposition to child marriage, dowry, and superstitions.
- Promotion of Dravidian identity and anti-North Indian domination (especially anti-Hindi stance). Hence statements 1, 2 and 4 only are correct.
Impact and Legacy
- Foundation for the Dravidian Movement: The Self-Respect Movement laid the ideological groundwork for political parties like Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and AIADMK.
- Cultural revolution: Encouraged people to drop caste names, challenge Brahminical rituals, and organize self-respect marriages (without priests or religious rites).
- Legal changes: Influenced Tamil Nadu’s progressive laws on marriage, property rights, and reservation policies.
- Continued relevance: Its legacy continues in Tamil Nadu’s politics, social structure, and cultural identity.
| PYQ REFERENCE: (2025) Q. Who among the following was the founder of the ‘Self-Respect Movement’? (a) Periyar E. V. Ramaswamy Naicker (b) Dr. B. R. Ambedkar (c) Bhaskarrao Jadhav (d) Dinkarrao Javalkar |
10. Two important rivers- one with its sources in Jharkhand (and Know by a different name in Odisha), and another, with its source in Odisha- merge at a place only a short distance from the coast of Bay of Bengal before flowing into the sea. This is an important site of wildlife and biodiversity and a protected area. Which one of the following could be this?
(a) Bhitarkanika
(b) Chandipur-on-sea
(c) Gopalpur-on-sea
(d) Simlipal
Answer: (a) Bhitarkanika
EXPLANATION:
Two rivers:
1. One originates in Jharkhand and is known by a different name in Odisha.
2. The other originates in Odisha.
3. Both rivers merge near the Bay of Bengal.
4. The merging point is an important biodiversity site and protected area.
The Rivers:
Brahmani River:
1. Originates in Jharkhand (as South Koel River).
2. Flows into Odisha, where it is known as Brahmani.
Baitarani River:
1. Originates in the Keonjhar district of Odisha.
2. These two rivers merge near Dhamra, close to the Bay of Bengal.
Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary:
1. Located in Kendrapara district, Odisha.
2. It lies in the delta region of Brahmani and Baitarani rivers.
It is:
1. A Ramsar wetland site.
2. Famous for mangrove forests, saltwater crocodiles, olive ridley turtles, and rich biodiversity.
3. Designated as Bhitarkanika National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary.