1. With reference to the Raika tribe, consider the following statements:
- They are traditionally camel herders predominantly found in the arid regions of Rajasthan.
- They are classified under Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) by the Government of India.
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
Explanation: Option (c) Both 1 and 2
News: Raika tribe and the vanishing craft of camel herding
- The Raika, also known as Rabaris, are an indigenous pastoralist community inhabiting the arid and semi-arid regions of Rajasthan, especially around Kumbhalgarh in Rajsamand district. Renowned for their traditional camel herding, they have a deep cultural and spiritual connection with the animals they raise.
- Revered for their unique bond with camels, the Raikas are not just herders; they are custodians of an ancient pastoral knowledge system shaped by the rhythms of the desert and the resilience of its people.
- For generations, the Raikas have been the primary breeders and caretakers of Rajasthan’s indigenous camel breeds, especially the hardy Marwari camel, known for its strength, endurance, and adaptability to desert climates.
- The decline in the utility of camels — as transport animals, agricultural aids or status symbols — has deeply impacted the economic viability of camel husbandry.
- The modernisation of transport, shrinking grazing lands due to development and agriculture, and a lack of institutional support have all contributed to a dramatic reduction in camel populations across Rajasthan.
2. With reference to the recent research by the Centre for Nano and Soft Matter Sciences (CeNS) on oxygen electrocatalysis, consider the following statements:
- The newly developed catalyst is based on nickel selenide doped with iron to enhance catalytic performance.
- The catalyst demonstrated higher efficiency than traditional platinum-based catalysts in the Hydrogen Evolution Reaction (HER).
- Pyrolysis was used to convert metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) into carbon-rich materials to improve electrical conductivity.
- The catalyst showed significant improvement in both the Oxygen Evolution Reaction (OER) and the Oxygen Reduction Reaction (ORR).
Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) 1, 3 and 4 only
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 2, 3 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Explanation: Option (a) 1, 3 and 4 only
News: Researchers from Centre for Nano and Soft Matter Sciences, (CeNS), have created a groundbreaking new catalyst designed to make crucial oxygen-related catalytic reactions faster, more affordable, and efficient.
- Electrocatalysis involving oxygen underpins numerous clean energy technologies, such as splitting water to produce hydrogen, creating clean fuels, and manufacturing chemicals like hydrogen peroxide.
- However, these technologies typically face challenges like slow reaction speeds, high energy demands, and high costs due to the limited availability and expense of the precious metals involved. Traditionally, catalysts used in these processes rely on expensive precious metals like platinum or ruthenium making the processes costly.
- The team of scientists from CeNS began with a special material known as a metal-organic framework (MOF). MOFs are porous, crystalline structures useful for chemical reactions but have limited electrical conductivity.
- The electronic structure of the MOF has been modulated by Fe doping to improve catalytic active sites. To improve conductivity, researchers converted MOFs into carbon-rich materials through a heating process known as pyrolysis, enhancing their ability to conduct electricity effectively.
- After pyrolysis, researchers introduced selenium, creating two highly effective catalysts known as NixFe1−xSe₂–NC and Ni₃−xFexSe₄–NC.
- The iron doping significantly improved the catalyst’s electronic interactions, creating more active sites for reactions and optimizing how reaction intermediates bind to the catalyst surface.
- These enhancements made the catalyst exceptionally efficient for two key processes: the Oxygen Evolution Reaction (OER), which produces oxygen, and the Oxygen Reduction Reaction (ORR), which converts oxygen into valuable chemicals.
- Statement 1 is correct: The catalyst is indeed based on nickel selenide doped with iron (Fe).
- Statement 2 is incorrect: The research highlights OER and ORR, not the Hydrogen Evolution Reaction (HER).
- Statement 3 is correct: Pyrolysis was used to convert MOFs into carbon-rich materials for better conductivity.
- Statement 4 is correct: The catalyst was effective in both OER and ORR, outperforming traditional catalysts.T
- he Centre for Nano and Soft Matter Sciences (CeNS) is an autonomous research institute under the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India.
- DST provides core support to the Centre in the form of a grant-in-aid for conducting basic and applied research in nano and soft matter sciences.
Source:
https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2128622
3. Nongkhyllem Wildlife Sanctuary with flora such as sal, Teak and fauna such as Clouded Leopard,Asian Elephant which is proposed for ecotourism recently is located in which of the following states?
(a) Meghalaya
(b) Arunachal Pradesh
(c) Assam
(d) Nagaland
Explanation: Option (a) Meghalaya
News: Meghalaya group opposes ecotourism project in wildlife sanctuary
- Located in the Ri-Bhoi district, Meghalaya, Nongkhyllem lies within the Eastern Himalayan Global Biodiversity Hotspot, a region known for its rich and unique biodiversity.
- Topography: The sanctuary features undulating plains, low hills, and rugged terrain, sculpted by the Umtrew River and its tributaries – Umran, Umling, and Umtasor.
- Umtrew River forms the western boundary of the sanctuary.
- Over 400 bird species, including the endangered Rufous-necked Hornbill. Notable mammals: Clouded Leopard, Asian Elephant, Himalayan Black Bear.
- Declared a Wildlife Sanctuary in 1981 under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
- Recognized as the best-managed protected area in Northeast India in the 2021 Management Effectiveness Evaluation (MEE) Report.
4. Consider the following statements regarding Article 51 of the UN Charter:
- It allows the use of force in self-defence only after obtaining prior approval of the UN Security Council.
- It permits individual or collective self-defence if an armed attack occurs.
- The right to self-defence under Article 51 is unlimited in duration and scope.
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
Explanation: Option (b) 2 Only
- “Nothing in the present Charter shall impair the inherent right of individual or collective self-defence if an armed attack occurs against a Member of the United Nations, until the Security Council has taken measures necessary to maintain international peace and security.
- Measures taken by Members in the exercise of this right of self-defence shall be immediately reported to the Security Council and shall not in any way affect the authority and responsibility of the Security Council under the present Charter to take at any time such action as it deems necessary in order to maintain or restore international peace and security.”
- Article 51 does not require prior approval from the Security Council.
- It allows a state to act immediately in self-defence if an armed attack occurs.
- The state must, however, inform the Security Council immediately after taking such measures.
- “It permits individual or collective self-defence if an armed attack occurs.” This is the core provision of Article 51.
- It allows a state or group of states to act in self-defence in response to an armed attack.
- “The right to self-defence under Article 51 is not unlimited”.
- It lasts only until the Security Council has taken measures necessary to maintain international peace and security.
- Additionally, the use of force must adhere to the principles of necessity and proportionality under customary international law.
5. Consider the following statements regarding Western Disturbances
- Western Disturbances are east-moving rain-bearing wind systems that originate beyond Afghanistan and Iran.
- Western Disturbances are embedded within the subtropical westerly jet stream.
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
In News: Storm in Delhi, floods in hill states: Impact of climate change-induced changing patterns of Western Disturbances
Explanation:
- Western Disturbances are east-moving rain-bearing wind systems that originate beyond Afghanistan and Iran, and pick up moisture from the Mediterranean Sea, Black Sea, Caspian Sea and the Arabian Sea. Hence statement 1 is correct.
- These are examples of extra-tropical cyclones that are a result of low-pressure areas formed due to the interactions between polar and tropical winds.
- Western Disturbances are embedded within the subtropical westerly jet stream – a high-altitude, fast-moving air current that flows from west to east in the Earth’s atmosphere- that lies over the Himalayan and Tibetan highlands. Hence statement 2 is correct.
- They are most common during the boreal winter months (December to March) and influence weather over India, particularly the northwestern regions, Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Tajikistan.
- Experts believe that rising global temperatures are affecting the traditional behaviour of Western Disturbances.
- For instance, Western Disturbances that occur in winter have increased significantly over the western and central Himalayas and the Hindu Kush in the last 70 years, according to a 2024 study, published by the journal Weather and Climate Dynamics.
Source:
What caused heavy rains in Delhi in May?
6. Consider the following statements:
Statement -I:HFCVs are classified as Electric Vehicles (EVs)
Statement -II:Since they use electric motors, they produce much smaller quantities of greenhouse gases and none of the air pollutants that cause health problems.
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 is the correct explanation for Statement – I
(b) Both Statement – I and Statement – II are correct and Statement – II is not the correct explanation for Statement – I
(c) Statement – I is correct but Statement – II is incorrect
(d) Statement – I is incorrect but Statement – II is correct
Answer: (a) Both Statement – I and Statement – II are correct and Statement – II is the correct explanation for Statement – I
In News: Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles for greener tomorrow
Explanation:
- Hydrogen Fuel Cells (HFCs) generate high-quality electric power that is clean, quiet, and consistently reliable by converting the chemical energy stored in Hydrogen into electrical energy. The primary components of an HFC are the Membrane Electrode Assembly (MEA) and the bipolar plates.
- The MEA is where the electrochemical reaction takes place. It consists of a Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) placed between two catalyst layers – anode (where hydrogen gas enters the fuel cell) and cathode (where oxygen from the air enters). Surrounding them are Gas Diffusion Layers that help distribute reactant gases (hydrogen and oxygen) and remove byproducts (water and heat).
- These technological advantages of HFCs form the backbone of Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicles (HFCVs), which represent a significant innovation in clean transportation.
- They run on electric motors powered by fuel cells, which generate electricity through the electrochemical reaction of compressed hydrogen with atmospheric oxygen — emitting only water vapour as a byproduct. Hence statement 2 is correct.
- Since they use electric motors, HFCVs are classified as Electric Vehicles (EVs). They produce much smaller quantities of greenhouse gases and none of the air pollutants that cause health problems. Hence statement 1 is correct.
- Given that hydrogen is one of the most abundant elements on Earth, it holds strong potential as a viable alternative to conventional Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) vehicles.
Source:
Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles for greener tomorrow | UPSC Current Affairs News – The Indian Express
7. “Long Period Average” recently seen in news wrt Indian Monsoons refers to ?
(a) Average of 30 years of rainfall throughout the year in India.
(b) Average rainfall recorded from June to September, calculated during the 50-year period.
(c) Average rainfall recorded from October to November, calculated during the 50-year period.
(d) Average rainfall recorded over the Western Ghats in a year.
Answer: (b) Average rainfall recorded from June to September, calculated during the 50-year period.
Explanation:
In News: ‘Long period average‘ (LPA) is the average rainfall recorded from June to September, calculated during the 50-year period. It is the benchmark while forecasting the quantitative rainfall for the monsoon season every year. Hence option b is correct.
- If ‘m’ is the mean and ‘d’ is the standard deviation of any climate variable like rainfall. Assuming the time series is normally distributed, 68 per cent of the observations fall within +/- standard deviation (d) from the mean.
- If the realised value of the variable falls between.
- m-d to m+d (Normal rainfall)
- less than m-d (Below normal rainfall)
- more than m+d (Above normal rainfall)
Source:
Knowledge Nugget | Monsoon in India: What you must know for UPSC exam
8. Consider the following:
- Turkey
- Iraq
- Jordan
- Lebanon
- Israel
How many of the above countries share borders with Syria?
(a) Only two
(b) Only three
(c) Only four
(d) All five
Answer: (d) All five
In News: Trump says U.S. to lift Syria sanctions, secures $600 billion Saudi deal
Explanation:
Source:
Trump says U.S. to lift Syria sanctions, secures $600 billion Saudi deal – The Hindu
9. Consider the following statements regarding BrahMos missile
- BrahMos is a three-stage missile with a Cryogenic propellant booster engine.
- BrahMos is a fire and forget missile with extremely low Radar Crooss Section (RCS)
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) 2 only
In News: Story of BrahMos: the ‘fire and forget’, stealthy cruise missile.
Explanation:
- BrahMos is a two-stage missile with a solid propellant booster engine. Hence statement 1 is incorrect.
- Its first stage brings the missile to a supersonic speed, greater than the speed of sound, and it then gets separated. The second stage of the liquid ramjet then fires and thrusts the missile to three times the speed of sound in its cruise phase. A liquid ramjet is an air-breathing jet engine that uses liquid fuel, which is injected into the high-speed airstream and ignited to produce thrust.
- In general, ‘fire and forget’ missiles are guided weapons that require no further input or control after being launched. What brings the added element of stealth to BrahMos is its extremely low radar cross-section (RCS) because of its compact design and use of special materials.Hence statement 2 is correct
- It can achieve a cruising altitude of 15 kilometres and a terminal altitude as low as 10 metres to hit any target.
- Cruise missiles, like the BrahMos, come under the category known as the “stand-off range weapons”, which are fired from a range sufficient to allow the attacker to evade defensive fire from the adversary. These weapons are in the arsenal of most major militaries in the world.
Source:
10. Consider the following statements : (PYQ-2022)
- High clouds primarily reflect solar radiation and cool the surface of the Earth.
- Low clouds have a high absorption of infrared radiation emanating from the Earth’s surface and thus cause a warming effect.
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
Explanation: Option (d)