1. With reference to the applications of Metal – Organic Frameworks (MOFs), consider the following:
1. Carbon dioxide capture and storage
2. Water harvesting from air
3. Removal of chemical pollutants from water
4. Conversion of nitrogen to ammonia
How many of the above are potential uses of MOFs?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) Only three
(d) All four
Answer: (c) Only three
Explanation:
In NEWS: Trio wins Chemistry Nobel for bridging metals and organics
The Nobel Award:
The 2025 Nobel Prize in Chemistry was awarded “for the development of a new type of molecular architecture,” specifically MOFs. The laureates are:
Because of their work, chemists have now created tens of thousands of different MOFs, each tailored for specific purposes.
Metal – Organic Frameworks (MOFs):
- Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are hybrid crystalline materials composed of metal ions or clusters (the “nodes”) connected by organic molecules (the “linkers”).
- They form porous, three-dimensional networks with internal cavities or channels in which other molecules (gases, solvents, reagents) can enter, move, or be stored.
- A key advantage is that many MOFs maintain their pore structure even after evacuation of guest molecules, and can then be re-filled.
Applications and significance:
The work was honored because MOFs open up “entirely new rooms for chemistry” — new possibilities for designing materials with functionalities previously out of reach.
1. Extremely large internal surface areas
A small amount of a MOF can have a huge internal surface area (comparable to a football field), because of the many pores and channels.
2. Selective adsorption, separation, and storage
MOFs can be tailored to capture or separate specific gases (e.g. CO₂, H₂) or molecules. This makes them promising for gas capture, storage, purification, and separation technologies.
3. Environmental & sustainability uses
- Carbon capture: MOFs can help remove CO₂ from industrial emissions or even from ambient air.
- Water harvesting: Some MOFs can trap water vapor from arid air at night and release it during the day, enabling water production in deserts.
- Pollutant removal / remediation: They have been proposed or tested to remove “forever chemicals” (PFAS), residual pharmaceuticals, or other contaminants from water.
NOTE: Nitrogen fixation is not yet a primary application. Hence 1, 2, and 3 are correct.
1. Functional customization
Because MOFs are modular (you can choose different metal nodes and organic linkers), you can design their structure and properties for desired behaviors (flexibility, pore size, chemical reactivity, stability).
2. Bridging fundamental chemistry & real-world impact
MOFs have gone beyond academic curiosity and have begun to see early-stage commercialization, e.g. for gas separation.
2. Which among the following is/are the constitutional mandate under Article 22 of the Indian constitution?
1. Grounds of detention must be communicated, though some facts may be withheld if disclosure is against public interest.
2. There must be an Advisory Board review if detention exceeds 3 months.
3. The detainee has a right to make a representation against the detention.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (d) 1, 2 and 3
Explanation:
In NEWS: The preventive detention regime needs reform; it should not be used as a routine administrative tool
Preventive Detention
- Preventive detention = detaining a person without trial or conviction, based on suspicion that they may commit a future offence or disturb public order.
- It is preventive, not punitive: the intent is to stop harm before it happens, not punish an action already done.
Constitutional & Legal Basis in India
- Article 22(3)–(7) of the Indian Constitution allows laws authorizing preventive detention.
- Under Article 22, ordinary safeguards (like being informed of grounds of arrest, consulting a lawyer, being produced before a magistrate in 24 hours) do not fully apply to preventive detention.
But the Constitution mandates that:
1. Grounds of detention must be communicated, though some facts may be withheld if disclosure is against public interest.
2. There must be an Advisory Board review if detention exceeds 3 months.
3. The detainee has a right to make a representation against the detention.
Hence all the statements are correct.
Historical & Judicial Evolution
- In A. K. Gopalan v. State of Madras (1950), preventive detention was upheld; limitation was considered only procedural (not substantive).
- Over time, the Supreme Court has placed restrictions and safeguards to prevent arbitrary use.
- Recent judgments emphasize that preventive detention must not bypass normal criminal justice, must satisfy due process, and cannot be used as a substitute to cancel bail.
- The Court has also stressed that the detaining authority must provide all materials relied upon so that the detainee can make an effective representation.
Issues & Risks
- Violation of liberty: It allows deprivation of liberty without conviction.
- Presumption inverted: The detainee may be treated as guilty in effect.
- Misuse & abuse: Broad, vague laws can lead to political or arbitrary detention.
- Lack of full judicial oversight: Courts usually review only procedural compliance, not the necessity of detention.
- Colonial legacy: Many preventive detention laws date from colonial times and may not suit a rights-sensitive democracy.
| PYQ REFERENCE: (2023) Q. Consider the following statements: 1. According to the Constitution of India, the Central Government has a duty to protect States from internal disturbances. 2. The Constitution of India exempts the States from providing legal counsel to a person being held for preventive detention. 3. According to the Prevention of Terrorism Act, 2002, confession of the accused before the police cannot be used as evidence. How many of the above statements are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three (d) None |
3. The Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) is a free trade agreement between:
(a) India and Canada
(b) Canada and the European Union
(c) India and the European Union
(d) India and ASEAN
Answer: (b) Canada and the European Union
Explanation:
In NEWS: Relations between India and the United Kingdom witnessed a major step-up with the signing of the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) in July 2025.
Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA)
- CETA is a free trade agreement (FTA) between Canada and the European Union (EU). Hence option (b) is correct.
- It aims to remove tariffs, reduce trade barriers, and promote investment and economic cooperation.
- Signed in 2016 and provisionally applied from September 2017.
- It covers goods, services, investments, intellectual property, government procurement, and sustainable development.
Key Features
1. Tariff Elimination:
- Almost 98% of tariffs on goods traded between Canada and the EU were removed upon provisional application.
2. Market Access:
- Provides Canadian exporters access to the EU market (500+ million consumers).
- EU firms gain access to Canadian public procurement, a first for Canada in an FTA.
3. Investment Protection:
- Establishes a new Investment Court System (ICS) to resolve disputes between investors and states, replacing the older ISDS (Investor–State Dispute Settlement) model.
4. Sustainability Provisions:
- Includes commitments to labor rights, environmental protection, and sustainable development.
5. Services Liberalization:
- Covers financial services, maritime transport, telecom, and professional services.
6. Geographical Indications (GIs):
- Protects certain EU food and drink names (like Parma ham, Roquefort cheese) in the Canadian market.
Note:
- The Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) is only between Canada and the European Union (EU).
- India is not a party to that agreement.
- India has signed or is negotiating similar comprehensive trade agreements, but under different names, such as:
| Type of Agreement | Partner Country/Region | Name / Status |
| Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA) | Singapore, Malaysia | Signed and in force |
| Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) | Japan, South Korea, UAE | Signed and in force |
| Early Progress Trade Agreement (EPTA) → precursor to CEPA | Canada | Under negotiation |
| India–EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA) | European Union | Under negotiation (resumed in 2022) |
| PYQ REFERENCE: Q. With reference to the international trade of India at present, which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. India’s merchandise exports are less than its merchandise imports. 2. India’s imports of iron and steel, chemicals, fertilisers and machinery have decreased in recent years. 3. India’s exports of services are more than its imports of services. 4. India suffers from an overall trade/current account deficit. Select the correct answer using the code given below: (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 4 only (c) 3 only (d) 1, 3 and 4 only |
4. With reference to the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan (PM-KUSUM), consider the following statements:
1. It aims to provide energy security to farmers, increase income, and promote solar energy in the agriculture sector.
2. The scheme is implemented by the Ministry of Power.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (a) 1 only
Explanation:
In NEWS: ISA plans to replicate India’s PM-KUSUM to power farms and rural homes in members countries
Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan (PM-KUSUM)
- Launched in 2019 by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE). Hence statement 2 is incorrect.
- Objective: To provide energy security to farmers, increase income, and promote solar energy in the agriculture sector. Hence statement 1 is correct.
Objectives
1. To install solar power plants in rural areas.
2. To solarize agricultural pumps to reduce dependence on diesel and grid electricity.
3. To enable farmers to sell surplus power to the grid and earn additional income.
4. To de-dieselize agriculture and reduce carbon emissions.
Components of PM-KUSUM
| Component | Description | Target |
| Component-A | Installation of decentralized grid-connected renewable power plants (up to 2 MW each) on barren/fallow land. | 10,000 MW |
| Component-B | Installation of standalone solar pumps for irrigation. | 20 lakh pumps |
| Component-C | Solarization of existing grid-connected pumps, allowing farmers to feed surplus power to the grid. | 15 lakh pumps |
Financial Pattern
Subsidy structure:
- 60% of the cost: Central and State Government (shared 30:30).
- 30%: Bank loan.
- 10%: Farmer’s contribution.
Benefits
1. Reduces electricity subsidy burden on states.
2. Cuts diesel consumption in irrigation.
3. Generates extra income for farmers by selling surplus power.
4. Encourages use of barren land for solar generation.
5. Contributes to India’s renewable energy target (500 GW non-fossil capacity by 2030).
| PYQ REFERENCE: (2020) Q. With reference to solar water pumps, consider the following statements: 1. Solar power can be used for running surface pumps and not for submersible pumps. 2. Solar power can be used for running centrifugal pumps and not the ones with piston. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 |
5. Consider the following statements regarding Wombats:
1. They are burrowing marsupials native to South America.
2. They have a backward-facing pouch, which prevents soil from entering while digging.
3. They use their whiskers as sensitive tools to navigate dark, narrow burrows, detect food, and communicate with other wombats through touch and smell.
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: Whiskers for warrens: why wombats have such whiskery snouts
Wombats:
- Wombats are burrowing marsupials native to Australia, known for their stout bodies, short legs, and strong claws adapted for digging. Hence statement 1 is incorrect.
- They are herbivores, feeding mostly on grasses, roots, and bark, and have a slow metabolism that helps them conserve energy.
- Wombats are mostly nocturnal and solitary, spending much of the day in their burrows to avoid heat and predators.
- They have a backward-facing pouch, which prevents soil from entering while digging. Hence statement 2 is correct.
- Wombats play an important ecological role as “ecosystem engineers,” creating burrows that provide shelter for other species.
- Wombats use their whiskers (a long projecting hair or bristle growing from the face or snout of many mammals.) as sensitive tools to navigate dark, narrow burrows, detect food, and communicate with other wombats through touch and smell. Hence statement 3 is correct.
- Hairy-nosed wombats have longer, thicker, and more whiskers than bare-nosed wombats, likely because they live in more complex underground burrow systems (warrens).
- Wombats rely heavily on smell, with a well-developed olfactory system and vomeronasal organ, helping them forage, detect predators, and sense social cues.
| PYQ REFERENCE: (2023) Q. Consider the following statements regarding the Indian squirrels: 1. They build nests by making burrows in the ground. 2. They store their food materials like nuts and seeds in the ground. 3. They are omnivorous. How many of the above statements are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three (d) None |
6. Which one of the following is the purpose of ‘PM VIKAS’, a scheme of the Government?
(a) Providing technical and financial assistance to start-up entrepreneurs in the field of renewable sources of energy
(b) Replacing traditional crafts with modern manufacturing industries
(c) Providing financial support for construction of urban infrastructure
(d) Enhancing employability and skill development of youth from minority communities
Answer: (d) Enhancing employability and skill development of youth from minority communities
Explanation:
In NEWS: MoU signed for Skilling Project under PM VIKAS Scheme between Ministry of Minority Affairs and IIT Palakkad, Kerala
PM VIKAS Scheme:
- Full Form & Launch: PM VIKAS stands for Pradhan Mantri Vikas Scheme, launched by the Ministry of Minority Affairs.
- Objective: The scheme aims to enhance employability and technical skills of youth from minority communities. Hence option (d) is correct.
- Collaboration with Institutes: Training programs under PM VIKAS are implemented in partnership with reputed institutes like IIT Palakkad.
- Skill Development Focus: Candidates are trained in emerging technology areas, such as Drone R&D, Embedded Software, and Junior Chip Design, rather than only traditional crafts.
- Capacity Building: Each training initiative targets hundreds of candidates from minority communities per project cycle.
- Employment & Entrepreneurship: The scheme prepares youth for high-demand jobs, promotes research and innovation, and encourages entrepreneurial ventures.
- Inclusivity & Equity: Focuses on minority communities, contributing to inclusive growth and skill empowerment.
- Alignment with National Goals: Supports technical education, innovation, and skill-based employment, aligning with India’s broader digital and high-tech workforce development initiatives.
| PYQ REFERENCE: (2016) Q. Which one of the following is a purpose of ‘UDAY’, a scheme of the Government? (a) Providing technical and financial assistance to start-up entre-preneurs in the field of renewable sources of energy (b) Providing electricity to every household in the country by 2018 (c) Replacing the coal-based power plants with natural gas, nuclear, solar, wind and tidal power plants over a period of time. (d) Providing for financial turnaround and revival of power distribution companies |
Source: https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2176389
7. Which of the following statements best describes the term ‘Climate Models’?
(a) Computer simulations that use mathematical equations to represent interactions within Earth’s climate system.
(b) Instruments that record real-time weather data such as temperature and rainfall.
(c) Statistical methods focused on analyzing historical climate trends without predicting future changes.
(d) Simple graphical tools used to monitor daily weather variations in local areas.
Answer: (a) Computer simulations that use mathematical equations to represent interactions within Earth’s climate system.
Explanation:
In NEWS: How do climate models work, how accurate are they?
Climate models:
Climate models are complex computer simulations that use mathematical equations to represent the interactions of major components of the Earth’s climate system:
- Atmosphere
- Oceans
- Land surface
- Ice and snow
- Living organisms (in advanced models) Hence option (a) is correct.
These models are used to simulate past, present, and future climate conditions based on physical laws like thermodynamics, fluid dynamics, and radiation balance.
Types & Scales of Climate Models
- Energy Balance Models (EBMs): The simplest models that balance incoming solar energy with outgoing heat from the Earth.
- Radiative-Convective Models (RCMs): These add the vertical transfer of energy within the atmosphere, improving on EBMs by simulating temperature changes with altitude.
- General Circulation Models (GCMs) / Global Climate Models: Complex models that simulate global climate systems, including interactions between the oceans, atmosphere, ice, and land.
- Regional Climate Models (RCMs): Higher resolution models that focus on specific geographic regions to capture local climate details more accurately.
Accuracy & Limitations
- Climate models are effective at capturing large-scale, long-term trends such as global temperature rise and sea level increase by comparing model outputs with historical climate data.
- However, models face limitations due to:
- Lack of sufficient observational data in many parts of the world, especially in developing regions.
- Difficulty in accurately representing complex processes like cloud formation, land-atmosphere interactions, and extreme weather events.
- Coarse spatial resolution (typically grid sizes of 100 to 250 km), which limits their ability to simulate fine-scale phenomena such as local rainfall patterns or urban microclimates.
| PYQ REFERENCE: (2020) Q. Which of the following statements best describes the term ‘Social Cost of Carbon’? It is a measure, in monetary value, of the (a) long-term damage done by a tonne of CO2 emissions in a given year. (b) requirement of fossil fuels for a country to provide goods and services to its citizens, based on the burning of those fuels. (c) efforts put in by a climate refugee to adapt to live in a new place. (d) contribution of an individual person to the carbon footprint on the planet Earth. |
8. Regarding the “Plutonium Management and Disposition Agreement (PMDA)”, which one of the following statements is not correct?
(a) It is an agreement between the United States and Russia to reduce risks from surplus weapons-grade plutonium.
(b) The agreement aims to dispose of at least 34 tonnes of weapons-grade plutonium from each country.
(c) Plutonium disposal methods under the agreement include converting it into mixed oxide (MOX) fuel and irradiating it in fast-neutron reactors.
(d) The PMDA was signed and came into force in 2011.
Answer: (d) The PMDA was signed and came into force in 2011.
Explanation:
In NEWS: Russia moves to withdraw from plutonium agreement with the U.S.
The Plutonium Management and Disposition Agreement (PMDA):
- An agreement signed in 2000 between the United States and Russia to reduce the risks associated with surplus weapons-grade plutonium from dismantled nuclear warheads.
- PMDA was a landmark arms control treaty aimed at nuclear disarmament and reducing the threat posed by leftover Cold War nuclear materials.
- The agreement came into force in 2011 after ratification by both countries.
- It aims to dispose of at least 34 tonnes of weapons-grade plutonium each by converting it into safer, non-weapons forms.
- This process aimed to reduce nuclear proliferation risks and manage nuclear materials responsibly.
Methods of Disposal:
- Converting plutonium into mixed oxide (MOX) fuel, usable in nuclear reactors for electricity generation.
- Irradiating plutonium in fast-neutron reactors to render it unsuitable for weapons.
Challenges:
- Russia suspended implementation in 2016, citing U.S. sanctions and changes in U.S. plutonium disposal methods.
- Russia also criticized what it saw as threats to strategic stability and non-compliance by the U.S.
| PYQ REFERENCE: (2018) Q. What is/are the consequence/consequences of a country becoming the member of the ‘Nuclear Suppliers Group’? 1. It will have access to the latest and most efficient nuclear technologies. 2. It automatically becomes a member of “The Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT)”. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 |
9. Which of the following are the likely benefits of implementing the Foreign Currency Settlement System (FCSS) at the International Financial Services Centre (IFSC) in GIFT City?
I. Reduction in transaction costs and settlement timelines for banks
II. Mitigation of foreign exchange risks through local currency settlements
III. Improved liquidity management for banks engaged in foreign currency operations
Select the correct answer using the code below:
(a) I and II only
(b) III only
(c) I, II and III
(d) II and III
Answer: (c) I, II and III
Explanation:
In NEWS: Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Tuesday (October 7) launched a Foreign Currency Settlement System (FCSS) at the International Financial Services Centre (IFSC) in Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT City).
Foreign Currency Settlement System (FCSS):
- Foreign Currency Settlement System (FCSS) at the International Financial Services Centre (IFSC) in Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT City).
- It means that transactions in foreign currency by entities within GIFT IFSC can now be settled in real time or near real time, instead of the current delays of 36-48 hours under traditional correspondent banking.
- This positions GIFT City among the select group of global financial centres (such as Hong Kong, Tokyo, Manila) that have local infrastructure to settle foreign currency transactions.
- FCSS is a payment and settlement system introduced by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to facilitate the settlement of foreign currency transactions between banks within India without routing through overseas correspondent banks.
How it Works:
- Participating banks in India settle their foreign currency transactions among themselves on a net basis.
- RBI acts as the clearinghouse, calculating net positions and facilitating settlement in foreign currencies like USD, Euro, JPY, and GBP.
- This minimizes foreign exchange risk and improves liquidity.
Benefits:
- Reduces transaction costs and settlement time for banks.
- Minimizes foreign exchange risk by allowing settlement in foreign currency locally.
- Enhances liquidity management for banks dealing in foreign currencies.
Hence option (d) is correct.
| PYQ REFERENCE: (2017) Q. What is/are the most likely advantages of implementing ‘Goods and Services Tax (GST)’? 1. It will replace multiple taxes collected by multiple authorities and will thus create a single market in India. 2. It will drastically reduce the ‘Current Account Deficit’ of India and will enable it to increase its foreign exchange reserves. 3. It will enormously increase the growth and size of economy of India and will enable it to overtake China in the near future. 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 |
10. Which one of the following is a filter feeder?
(a) Catfish
(b) Octopus
(c) Oyster
(d) Pelican
Answer: (c) Oyster
Explanation:
- Filter feeders are organisms that obtain food by filtering suspended matter and food particles from water.
- Oysters feed by drawing in water and filtering out plankton and other nutrients using their gills. Hence option (c) is correct.
Why not the others?
- Catfish – Bottom feeder, uses barbels to find food in mud, not a filter feeder.
- Octopus – Active predator, catches prey like crabs and small fish.
- Pelican – Catches fish using its beak and pouch, not by filtering water.