1. SOUTH CHINA SEA
Q. Consider the following countries:
- South Korea
- Brunei
- Singapore
- Laos
- Indonesia
How many of the above-mentioned countries share a border with the South China Sea?
(a) Only two
(b) Only three
(c) Only four
(d) Only five
Answer: (b) Only three
Explanation:
In NEWS: Significance of India’s ‘Act East’ policy amid disputes around the South China Sea.
About South China Sea:
- The South China Sea extends from the Strait of Malacca in the southwest, to the Strait of Taiwan in the northeast. Over 500 million people in China, Taiwan, the Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei, Indonesia, Singapore, Cambodia, Thailand, and Vietnam live within 100 miles of its coastline.
Biodiversity and Natural Resources:
- It has a remarkable amount of biological diversity, including over 30% of the world’s coral reefs and many valuable fisheries.
- It is also thought to contain abundant oil and natural gas, a prospect of vital interest to the energy-importing countries around the region.
Sea lines of communication:
- It is one of the world’s busiest international sea-lanes with many of the world’s busiest shipping ports.
- Over half of the world’s oil tanker traffic and over half of the world’s merchant fleet (by tonnage) sail through its waters every year.
- It is a strategic maritime link between the Pacific Ocean and the Indian Ocean, and therefore of paramount importance to major naval powers.
Regional solutions for Regional problems:
- The South China Sea is an area of growing concern over conflicting territorial claims, piracy, poaching, resource depletion, pollution, drug trafficking, illegal migration, and terrorism threats.
Source:
| PYQ REFERENCE:Q. Consider the following countries:1. Bulgaria2. Czech Republic3. Hungary4. Latvia5. Lithuania6. Romania.How many of the above-mentioned countries share a land border with Ukraine?(a) Only two(b) Only three(c) Only four(d) Only five |
2. Exercise Tarang Shakti 24
Q. Which of the following statements about ‘Exercise Tarang Shakti 24,’ are correct?
- It is a joint military exercise between India and Bangladesh.
- It commenced in Jodhpur (Rajasthan).
- First time India has conducted Exercise Tarang Shakti, with 11 participating nations and 18 observer nations.
- It also conducts a number of training and engagement activities with Indian Navy P-8I Neptune surveillance aircraft.
Select the answer using the code given below:
(a) 1, 2 and 3
(b) 1, 2 and 4
(c) 1, 3 and 4
(d) 2, 3 and 4
Answer: (d) 2, 3 and 4
Explanation:
In NEWS: Tarang Shakti Phase II: Australia sends its first combat aircraft deployment to India.
About Exercise Tarang Shakti 24:
- The Royal Australian Air Force has sent combat aircraft to India in support of a multinational exercise for the first time. Hence statement 1 is incorrect.
- Exercise Tarang Shakti 24 is being held at Air Force Station Jodhpur from 30 August to 13 September 2024. Hence statement 2 is correct.
- The Royal Australian Air Force has sent three EA-18G Growler aircraft from No 6 Squadron, and up to 120 personnel.
- This is the first time India has conducted Exercise Tarang Shakti, with 11 participating nations and 18 observer nations attending. Hence statement 3 is correct.
- India is a top-tier security partner for Australia, and through the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between Australia and India, the Government is continuing to prioritise practical and tangible cooperation that directly contributes to Indo-Pacific stability.
Opportunities for India:
- “Participation in international exercises such as Tarang Shakti 24, showcases our advanced capabilities that ensure rapid response and adaptability to emerging threats and security challenges in the Indo-Pacific region.
- “Exercise Tarang Shakti 24 will provide our aviators with the opportunity to develop interoperability with foreign militaries, develop a mutual understanding of tactical operations, and foster international relations.”
- Australia and India have enjoyed increased air defence cooperation in recent years, including hosting Indian Air Force Flankers at Exercise Pitch Black in 2018, 2022, and 2024.
- Air Force also conducts a number of training and engagement activities with Indian Navy P-8I Neptune surveillance aircraft. Hence statement 4 is correct.
- Australia will continue to support India’s key role in the region by increasing the depth and complexity of our defence cooperation.
Source:
The HIndu – Picture column from Ministry of Defence
| PYQ REFERENCE:Q. Which of the following statements about ‘Exercise Mitra Shakti-2023’ are correct?1. This was a joint military exercise between India and Bangladesh2. It commenced in Aundh (Pune).3. Joint response during counter-terrorism operations was a goal of this operation.4. Indian Air Force was a part of this exercise.Select the answer using the code given below:(a) 1, 2 and 3(b) 1, 2 and 4(c) 1, 3 and 4(d) 2, 3 and 4 |
3. CHARGESHEET AND FIRST INFORMATION REPORT:
Q. “With reference to Criminal Justice System of India, consider the following statements:
- FIR is a final police report which is forwarded to the magistrate by the investigating officer once the investigation of a cognizable offence is completed.
- Charge sheet is a written document filed before a police station with all the initial information regarding the cognizable offence committed.
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: (d) Neither 1 nor 2
Explanation:
Difference between charge sheet and FIR:
The FIR and the chargesheet, though they both have a great influence on a criminal proceeding, have some major differences between them.
- Legal Provisions
- FIR is dealt with Section 154 of the Code of Criminal Procedure.
- Charge sheet is dealt with in Section 173 of the Code of Criminal Procedure.
- Definition
- FIR is a written document filed before a police station with all the initial information regarding the cognizable offence committed.
- Charge sheet is a final police report which is forwarded to the magistrate by the investigating officer once the investigation of a cognizable offence is completed. Hence both the statements are incorrect.
- Who can file
- The victim, the victim’s relatives or any person who has the knowledge of a cognizable offence committed can file an FIR.
- The investigating officer alone can prepare the charge sheet.
- Time of filing
- FIR has to be filed immediately after the occurence of a cognizable offence.
- Charge sheet has to be prepared and forwarded to the magistrate as soon as the investigation is complete.
- Admissibility
- FIR alone cannot constitute the conviction of an accused.
- Charge sheet cannot be considered as substantive evidence, and it is just the opinion of the investigating officer.
- Jurisdiction
- The concept of zero FIR allows the informant of a cognizable offence to file an FIR in any police station.
- The charge sheet should be prepared only by the investigation officer of a police station which has the jurisdiction of the crime committed.
- Multiple reports
- The filing of a second FIR is not permitted as it can violate the fundamental right of the accused and is against justice.
- An additional police report can be forwarded to the magistrate even if there is a charge sheet which has been forwarded.
Source:
4. Genome mapping of Chandipura virus
Q. Consider the following statements:
- Chandipura is a viral infection that can lead to outbreaks of Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES).
- Chandipura infection causes intestinal infections, resulting in diarrhoea, nausea, and stomach upset.
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: The Chandipura virus has not evolved much since 2003, when India saw its deadliest ever outbreak.
The Gujarat Biotechnology Research Centre (GBRC) in Gandhinagar has published the only fully mapped genome of the Chandipura Vesiculovirus (CHPV) — the viral infection that caused at least a third of the encephalitis or brain swelling cases in Gujarat during the outbreak in July-August.
About Chandipura:
- Chandipura is a viral infection that can lead to outbreaks of Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES) or brain swelling. Hence statement 1 is correct.
- It is known to cause fever, headache, and encephalitis leading to convulsions, coma, and death, usually within a few days of the symptoms showing up. Hence statement 2 is incorrect.
- The disease’s rapid progression is one of its defining features.
Genome Mapping:
- Genome mapping refers to the process of determining the location of genes on an organism’s chromosomes.
- Genome mapping provides important clues on where a virus comes from, how it is changing, and whether it has any mutations that are likely to make it more transmissible or deadly.
- Sequencing viral genomes helps researchers keep an eye on viruses that may lead to outbreaks in the future.
Source:
5. Startup Accelerators of MeitY for Product Innovation, Development and Growth (SAMRIDH)
Q.‘SAMRIDH’, an initiative of the Government of India, aims at
(a) promoting the Self Help Groups in rural areas
(b) providing financial and technical assistance for Innovative Startups.
(c) promoting the education and health of adolescent girls
(d) providing affordable and quality education to the citizens for free
Answer: (b) providing financial and technical assistance for Innovative Startups.
Explanation:
In NEWS:
The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) is working for the growth of India’s software product industry under the National Policy on Software Products (NPSP) – 2019.
Indian software product industry including startups are being supported through various programmes such as Centre of Excellences, Technological Incubation and Development of Entrepreneurs (TIDE) programme, Next Generation Incubation Scheme (NGIS), ICT Grand Challenges, Gen-Next Support for Innovative Startups (GENESIS) etc.
About SAMRIDH: Bolstering Indian Software Startups
- SAMRIDH is a flagship programme of MeitY for startups acceleration under National Policy on Software Products – 2019.
- The SAMRIDH programme, launched in August 2021 aims to support 300 software product startups with outlay of ₹99 crore over a period of 4 years.
- SAMRIDH is being implemented through potential and established accelerators across India which provide services like making products market fit, business plan, investor connect and international expansion to startups plus matching funding upto ₹40 lakh by MeitY.
- The scheme is being implemented by MeitY Start-up Hub (MSH), Digital India Corporation (DIC).
| PYQ REFERENCE:Q. ‘SWAYAM’, an initiative of the Government of India, aims at(a) promoting the Self Help Groups in rural areas(b) providing financial and technical assistance to young start-up entrepreneurs(c) promoting the education and health of adolescent girls (d) providing affordable and quality education to the citizens for free |
Source:
https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2052139
6. Food Recovery to Avoid Methane Emissions (FRAME).
Q. “With reference to FRAME, consider the following statements:
- It is a new methodology for calculating total avoided emissions by redirecting food loss and waste.
- It is developed by the Global Food Banking Network (GFN) in partnership with the Global Methane Hub and the Carbon Trust.
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: (b) Both 1 and 2
Explanation:
IN NEWS:
Food and Agriculture Organization’s estimations mention that 31 per cent of the world’s food is lost in post-harvest, retail and consumption processes
About FRAME Methodology:
- (FRAME) methodology quantifies the avoided emissions and co-benefits from redirecting food loss and waste to direct human consumption, through food recovery and redistribution operations. Hence statement 1 is correct.
- It can help countries achieve their climate goals while also reducing food insecurity.
- It provides credible evidence that food banks help reduce emissions as well as food insecurity.
- It is developed by The Global Food Banking Network (GFN) in partnership with the Global Methane Hub and the Carbon Trust. Hence statement 2 is correct.
Source:
7. SHRIMP FARMING
Q. Consider the following
- Sites with sandy or silty soil
- Optimum pH of 7.5 to 8.5
- Minimum variation in salinity
How many of the above conditions are favourable for shrimp farming?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None
Answer: (b) Only two
Explanation:
IN NEWS: Union minister Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh to chair stakeholder consultation on fisheries export promotion with focus on strengthening shrimp farming
About shrimp farming :
- Shrimp farming is a type of aquaculture that involves raising shrimp in controlled environments like ponds, tanks, or raceways for human consumption.
Suitable conditions for Shrimp farming:
- The type of soil is the most critical in site selection, since the shrimp will spend most of their time on the pond bottom during the culture period. Usually, clay or loam-based soil containing more than 90% clay is preferable.
- Sites with sandy or silty soil should be avoided due to their porous nature that may lead to erosion, seepage of water and easy infiltration of waste into the soil.Hence statement 1 is incorrect
- The pH should be in optimum level of 7.5 to 8.5 and should not vary more than 0.5 in a day. Hence statement 2 is correct
- Variations in salinity not exceeding 5 ppt in a day will help in reducing stress on the shrimp. The Less the variation, the more the stability of the farming ecosystem. Hence statement 3 is correct
SOURCE:
https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2052075
https://ciba.icar.gov.in/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Soil-and-water-quality.pdf
https://agritech.tnau.ac.in/fishery/fish_shrimps.html
8. Important regions in NEWS.
Q. Consider the following pairs:
| S.NO | Country | Reason for being in the news recently |
| 1. | Iceland | Volcanic eruption |
| 2. | Nigeria | Boko Haram attack |
| 3. | Namibia | Severe Drought |
| 4. | Sudan | Dam collapse due to flood |
How many pairs given above are correctly matched?
(a) Only one pair
(b) Only two pairs
(c) Only three pairs
(d) All four pairs
Answer: (d) All four pairs
Explanation:
- Iceland – Belgian Photographer Captures Mesmerising Volcanic Eruption In Iceland Amid Northern Lights.
- Boko Haram militants on motorcycles attacked a Nigerian village, killing over 100, residents say.
- ‘Tragic, short-sighted approach’: As Namibia plans to cull wild animals, conservationists raise alarm – The culling aims to reduce the adverse impacts of drought on wildlife conservation in national parks and protected areas.
- Floods, Dam Collapse Intensify Suffering in Sudan 500 Days into the War.
Source:
https://www.iom.int/news/floods-dam-collapse-intensify-suffering-sudan-500-days-war
9. Lithium minerals
Q. “Lithium minerals” has applications in which of the following?
- Energy storage
- Aircraft manufacturing
- Treatment of patients with bipolar disorder
- Production of ceramics and glass
- Manufacturing tyres
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1, 3 and 4 only
(b) 2, 3 and 5 only
(c) 1 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5
Answer: (d) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5
Explanation:
In NEWS: Europe to ramp up lithium mining to cut China’s market grip
About Lithium
- Lithium is a non-ferrous metal and is the lightest and the least dense of all metals.
- Being the third element in the periodic table after gases hydrogen and helium, the alkali metal lithium is highly reactive.
- It is sometimes dubbed ‘white gold’, in what has been called the “new era gold rush”.
- Lithium is used in rechargeable batteries for mobile phones, laptops, digital cameras, and electric vehicles. It’s also used in some non-rechargeable batteries for things like heart pacemakers, toys, and clocks.
- Applications of lithium
- lithium-ion batteries which power all our modern electronic gadgets to electric vehicles
- lightweight structural alloys used for aircraft
- Nuclear reactor
- lithium carbonate, and lithium citrate are used in the treatment of patients with bipolar disorder, depression, and other mental health conditions
- Lithium is used as a flux in the production of ceramics and glass, such as glass containers, fiberglass, specialty glass, and glass–ceramic stovetops.
- Alkyl lithium compounds initiate polymerization by alkyl lithium compounds and one such material, styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR) which is widely used in the production of tires
- Reserves :
- The US Geological Survey has estimated the global resources of lithium at 98 million tonnes (mt) in 2022.
- Argentina, Bolivia, and Chile, collectively referred to as the Lithium Triangle, account for roughly 53.1 percent of the global lithium resources.
- The global production of lithium in 2022 was estimated at 130 thousand tonnes with Australia being the largest producer followed by Chile, China and Argentina
Source:
10. Consider the following statements:
- According to the Constitution of India, a person who is eligible to vote can be made a minister in a State for six months even if he/she is not a member of the Legislature of that State.
- According to the Representation of People Act, 1951, a person convicted of a criminal offence and sentenced to imprisonment for five years is permanently disqualified from contesting an election even after his release from prison.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer : (d) Neither 1 nor 2