1.With reference to biostimulants, consider the following statements:
1. Biostimulants are chemical fertilizers that supply essential nutrients directly to plants.
2. They enhance nutrient efficiency and abiotic stress tolerance in plants.
3. In India, biostimulants are regulated under the Fertilizer (Control) Order, 1985.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (b) 2 and 3 only
Explanation:
In News: Centre’s notification of 34 biostimulants to spur manufacturing
- In what could be a boost to the agri-input segment, the Government registered 34 biostimulants this week, increasing the total to over 45.
- This could spur manufacturing and exports of these formulations. In May 2024, India had registered 11 biostimulants.
About Biostimulants
- Biostimulants are substances or microorganisms applied to plants or soil to enhance natural processes and improve plant health.
- Unlike traditional fertilizers, biostimulants do not directly provide nutrients but instead stimulate the plant’s own physiological abilities to increase growth and resilience.
Functions and Benefits
Biostimulants help by:
- Reducing the need for chemical fertilizers
- Enhancing plant growth and development
- Improving nutrient uptake and efficiency
- Promoting soil microbial activity and root development
- Enhancing overall plant productivity and quality traits
Increasing tolerance to abiotic stresses such as:
- Drought
- Salinity
- Extreme temperatures
These benefits occur regardless of the nutrient content of the biostimulant itself.
Common Types of Biostimulants
- Humic and fulvic acids
- Seaweed extracts
Beneficial microorganisms such as:
- Mycorrhizal fungi
- Rhizobacteria
Regulation in India
- In India, biostimulants are regulated under the Fertilizer (Control) Order, 1985, ensuring quality and standards for their use in agriculture.
Source:
2.With reference to National Disposable Income, consider the following statements:
1. It is calculated by adding Net National Product at market prices and other current transfers from the rest of the world.
2. National Disposable Income reflects the total income available to the nation for spending and saving.
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: (c) Both 1 and 2
Explanation:
In News: India’s monetary and financial sectors have performed well in the first nine months of Financial Year 2024-25, states the Economic Survey 2024-25, tabled by Union Minister of Finance and Corporate Affairs, Smt. Nirmala Sitaraman in the Parliament today.
- Net household savings rose to 5.1% of gross national disposable income in FY24.
About National Disposable Income
- National Disposable Income = Net National Product at market prices (Gross National Product-Depreciation) + Other current transfers from the rest of the world
- National Disposable Income refers to the total income available to the residents of a nation for consumption and saving after accounting for depreciation and net current transfers from the rest of the world.
- Calculated by the Central Statistical Office (CSO) in India as part of National Income Accounting.
Components:
Net National Product at Market Prices (NNPmp)
- Measures the net value of goods and services produced by residents of a country (including income from abroad) after adjusting for depreciation.
Net Current Transfers from the Rest of the World
- Unilateral transfers, such as foreign remittances, gifts, and aid received minus paid.
Significance:
- Indicates the total income a country can actually spend or save in a given year.
- Helps assess economic welfare and planning for consumption and investment.
Source:
https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2097888
3.With reference to Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), consider the following statements:
1. CNG consists primarily of methane, while LPG is a mixture of propane and butane.
2. LPG has higher energy content than CNG.
3. CNG emits more greenhouse gases than LPG during combustion.
Which of the statements given above is/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: PM launches Rs 1,010-cr city gas project in Alipurduar
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi initiated a Rs 1,010 crore city gas distribution project in West Bengal’s Alipurduar, aiming to supply piped natural gas to over 2.5 lakh households and establish 19 CNG stations.
Comparison: CNG vs LPG
| Feature | CNG (Compressed Natural Gas) | LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas) |
| Composition | Mainly methane (CH₄) | Mixture of propane (C₃H₈) and butane (C₄H₁₀) |
| Form | Compressed gas | Liquid at normal temperature and pressure |
| Energy Content | Lower than gasoline or diesel | Higher than CNG |
| Emissions | Lower emissions than gasoline or diesel. | Lower emissions than gasoline/diesel, but higher than CNG |
| Cost | Cheaper than gasoline or diesel | Usually cheaper than gasoline/diesel, but costlier than CNG |
| Storage | Stored in high-pressure tanks | Stored in specially designed containers due to flammability |
| Availability | Depends on production and distribution infrastructure | Depends on infrastructure and local regulations |
- Statement 3 is incorrect: CNG has lower emissions and is generally cleaner than LPG in terms of greenhouse gas emissions.
Source:
4.Which of the following entities are part of the institutional framework established under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016?
1. Insolvency Professionals (IPs)
2. Information Utilities (IUs)
3. Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (IBBI)
4. Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI)
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1, 2 and 3 only
(c) 2, 3 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Answer: (b) 1,2 and 3 only
Explanation:
In News: Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India amends the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (Insolvency Resolution Process for Corporate Persons) Regulations, 2016
- It aims to improve stakeholder representation, simplify compliance, and enhance transparency in the resolution process.
Amendments by Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (IBBI)
Revised forms for Corporate Insolvency Resolution Process (CIRP):
- Reducing compliance burden IPs; introduced a standardised monthly reporting cycle.
Flexibility in Resolution Plans:
- Allowed Resolution Professionals (RPs) to invite resolution plans not only for the company as a whole but also for the sale of one or more of its assets.
Guidelines for IPs:
- A common zone-wise Panel (valid from July 1 to December 31, 2025) to be created for appointment of IPs aimed at reducing delays in NCLT and DRT appointments.
Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC), 2016
The Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC), 2016 serves as a comprehensive legislation for the insolvency resolution of individuals and corporate entities in India.
Key Pillars of IBC:
- Insolvency Professionals (IPs) and Insolvency Professional Agencies (IPAs):
They manage the processes related to insolvency, liquidation, and bankruptcy. - Information Utilities (IUs):
These entities are responsible for collecting, storing, and authenticating financial information such as details of lenders and credit terms. - Adjudicating Authorities (AAs):
1. For corporate insolvency: National Company Law Tribunals (NCLTs). For individual insolvency: Debt Recovery Tribunals (DRTs)
Appellate Authorities:
1. The National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT)
2. The Supreme Court of India
Regulatory Authority:
- The Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (IBBI) acts as the regulator, tasked with laying down rules and overseeing the functioning of insolvency professionals, agencies, and other processes under the Code. Hence option (b) is correct
Source:
https://www.ibbi.gov.in/uploads/press/7f04a7be2872335e4740f5d8738cee96.pdf
5.With reference to the IndiaAI Mission, consider the following statements
1. It aims to develop indigenous AI foundation and language models.
2. The initiative is being implemented by the NITI Aayog.
3. It promotes the development of AI under a public-private partnership model.
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: (b) 1 and 3 only
Explanation:
In News: AI mission crosses 34K GPU capacity, 3 new startups to help develop models
- Union Minister announced a major expansion of India’s national AI infrastructure, adding 15,916 new GPUs, while the Cabinet approved ₹10,300+ crore for the IndiaAI Mission to boost AI startups.
IndiaAI – National Artificial Intelligence Programme
- IndiaAI is a flagship programme launched by the Government of India to advance indigenous capabilities in Artificial Intelligence (AI). hence statement 1 is correct
- The initiative aims to build AI infrastructure, datasets, and support startups through a structured public-private partnership (PPP) framework. Hence statement 3 is correct
- Implementing Ministry: Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY). Hence statement 2 is incorrect
- Cabinet Approval: March 2024
Objectives:
- Promote the vision of “Make AI in India” and “Make AI Work for India”
- Democratize AI for inclusive access across governance, startups, and citizens
- Develop indigenous foundational and language AI models
- Ensure the adoption of ethical, secure, and responsible AI practices
- Build a self-reliant AI innovation ecosystem in the country
Source:
6. Consider the following pairs:
Places in news Region involved
1. Zangezur Corridor Azerbaijan-Armenia
2. Philadelphi corridor Gaza and Egypt
3. Lachin Corridor India and Pakistan
How many of the above pair(s) is/are correctly matched?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None
Answer: (b) Only two
Explanation:
News: Turkey, Azerbaijan, and Zangezur Corridor: What’s at stake for India?
Zangezur Corridor: This corridor is designed to connect mainland Azerbaijan to its Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, bypassing Armenia’s Syunik Province.
- Historical & Geopolitical Background: Zangezur (currently part of southern Armenia) has been disputed since the collapse of the Russian Empire and during/after World War I.
- It has long been a point of contention between Armenia and Azerbaijan, especially heightened after the 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh war.
- It would create a direct land corridor from Azerbaijan to Turkey via Nakhchivan, enhancing access to Europe and Central Asia.
- Bypasses Armenia, potentially weakening Armenian territorial continuity and influence.
- Offers Russia, Turkey, and Iran opportunities for deeper regional integration and influence.
- Economically, itfacilitates faster and more cost-effective movement of goods between Asia and Europe.
- Enhances Baku’s position as a logistics hub and could stimulate economic development in surrounding regions. It supports broader Eurasian connectivity initiatives (e.g., China’s Belt and Road).
The Philadelphi Corridor is a narrow strip of land along the border between the Gaza Strip and Egypt, specifically adjacent to the city of Rafah.
- It is considered strategically significant for security control over Gaza and to curb Hamas’ military capabilities.
Lachin Corridor: The Lachin Corridor was the only land route connecting Armenia to the Nagorno-Karabakh region.
- It runs through the Lachin District of Azerbaijan and was used to maintain a physical and humanitarian lifeline between Nagorno-Karabakh’s ethnic Armenian population and Armenia.
Source:
7. Which of the following statements regarding the Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) is/are correct?
1. RRTS is designed for a maximum speed of 180 km/h.
2. It uses broad gauge tracks similar to Indian Railways.
3. It is being implemented by the National Capital Region Transport Corporation.
Select the correct answer using code given below:
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (c) 1 and 3 Only
Explanation:
News: Regional rapid transit system: Connecting beyond metros
- RRTS is a brand-new mode of public transportation designed specifically for the NCR.
- The Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) is designed for a maximum speed of 180 km/h and an operational speed of 160 km/h. It is a high-speed regional rail system aimed at reducing travel time between key urban centers.
- RRTS uses standard gauge tracks (1,435 mm), not broad gauge (1,676 mm), which is typical for most Indian Railways. Standard gauge allows for better speed and international compatibility.
- The NCRTC is the government body responsible for implementing the RRTS in India, particularly in the National Capital Region (NCR).
Source:
8. Consider the following statements:
1. Kanchengzonga is the highest peak of India which is located in Garhwal Himalayas.
2. Nanda devi is the second highest peak of India located in eastern Himalayas.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (d) Nethier 1 nor 2
Explanation:
News: Valley of Flowers in Uttarkhand’s Chamoli opens for this season
- Khangchendzonga is part of the Great Himalaya Range (also called the Greater Himalayas), which is the highest and northernmost of the three main Himalayan ranges (the others being the Lesser Himalayas and the Shivaliks).
- It is located on the border between Sikkim (India) and eastern Nepal.
- The eastern slopes of the mountain fall within the Khangchendzonga National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage classified as mixed heritage site in Sikkim, India.
- Nanda Devi: Second highest Peak of India; Lies entirely within Indian territory.
- Protected under UNESCO World Heritage (Natural) category (along with Valley of Flowers).
- It is located in Garhwal Himalayas.
Top 5 Highest Peaks in India
| Rank | Peak | Elevation (m) | Location | Notes |
| 1 | Kangchenjunga | 8,586 m | Sikkim (India–Nepal border) | 3rd highest in the world |
| 2 | Nanda Devi | 7,816 m | Uttarakhand | Highest peak entirely in India |
| 3 | Kamet | 7,756 m | Uttarakhand | Part of the Garhwal Himalayas |
| 4 | Saltoro Kangri | 7,742 m | Ladakh (in Siachen region) | Located near the India–Pakistan border |
| 5 | Saser Kangri | 7,672 m | Ladakh | Eastern Karakoram range |
Source:
https://theprint.in/india/valley-of-flowers-in-ukhands-chamoli-opens-for-this-season/2644058/ https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/sikkim/mt-khangchendzonga-ascent-hurtful-to-indigenous-communities-sikkim-cm-to-amit-shah/article69625474.ece
9. The term ‘Lumma Stealer’ often seen in news related to
(a) Interceptor missile
(b) Cyber attacks
(c) Mini satellites
(d) Cryptocurrency
Answer: (b) Cyber attacks
Explanation:
News: What is Lumma Stealer? The malware that infected over 394,000 Windows PCs worldwide
- Microsoft has announced a major takedown operation targeting Lumma Stealer, a powerful piece of malware that infected over 394,000 Windows computers globally.
- Lumma Stealer is an information-stealing malware used by cybercriminals to harvest sensitive data such as passwords, credit card details, bank account information, and cryptocurrency wallet credentials.
- It has also been linked to ransomware attacks, school system breaches, and theft from financial institutions.
Source:
10. Consider the following pairs: (UPSC PYQ-2023)
Regions often mentioned in news – Reason for being in news
1. North Kivu and Ituri – War between Armenia and Azerbaijan
2. Nagorno-Karabakh – Insurgency in Mozambique
3. Kherson and Zaporizhzhia – Dispute between Israel and Lebanon
How many of the above pairs are correctly matched?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None