1. Consider the following pairs:
| Port | Location | |
| 1. | Ras Isa | Saudi Arabia |
| 2. | Hodeida | Yemen |
| 3. | Al-Salif | Oman |
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: (a) Only one pair
Explanation:
- Israel launches strikes on two Yemen ports
- Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu promises more strikes if the group continues to launch attacks on Israel.
Israel launched a strike on Hodeida and al-Salif ports in Yemen, controlled by Houthis
- Ras Isa: Located in Yemen, Ras Isa is a critical oil export terminal situated along the Red Sea coast.Hence pair 1 is incorrect
- Hodeida : Also located in Yemen, Hodeida is a key port for importing humanitarian aid, and it’s controlled by the Houthi rebels.Hence pair 2 is correct
- Al-Salif : Located in Yemen, Al-Salif is another important port for oil exports and general cargo. Hence pair 3 is incorrect
2.Consider the following statements:
Statement-I: Yaks can survive in high-altitude regions with extremely low oxygen levels.
Statement-II: Yaks have a higher lung capacity and smaller red blood cells than lowland cattle.
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: (a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II explains Statement-I
Explanation:
- Indian scientists have achieved a breakthrough in yak genomic research by assembling the first-ever chromosome-level genome of the Indian yak (Bos grunniens).
- The initiative, led by ICAR-NRC on Yak, Dirang, will bolster breeding programs and improve conservation of this high-altitude livestock species.
About Wild yaks
- Wild yaks inhabit alpine tundra at altitudes of 5000 to 7000 meters.
- They thrive in environments such as alpine meadows, alpine steppes, and desert steppes.
- In India, yaks are reared in Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Himachal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, and the union territories of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh.
- Wild yaks are around 2 meters tall at the shoulder, while domesticated yaks are smaller.
- They have long, shaggy hair for insulation and curved horns, with larger horns in males.
- Their lung capacity is nearly three times that of cattle, with smaller red blood cells, making them highly adapted to high-altitude, low-oxygen environments. Hence statement I and statement II is correct.
- Yaks are herbivorous, feeding on grasses and alpine plants.
3.Who among the following rulers of the Lodi dynasty constructed a 16th- century stepwell, Rajon ki Baoli located at Mehrauli Archaeological Park in New Delhi?
(a) Bahlul Lodi
(b) Daulat Khan Lodi
(c) Ibrahim Lodi
(d) Sikandar Lodi
Answer: (b) Daulat Khan Lodi
Explanation:
- Conservation project was completed for Rajon ki Baoli, a 16th-century stepwell in Mehrauli Archaeological Park, New Delhi.
- This project was led by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) in partnership with the World Monuments Fund India (WMFI) and the TCS Foundation.
About Rajon ki Baoli
- Rajon ki Baoli was constructed around 1506 during the Lodi dynasty. It exemplifies the architectural and engineering prowess of the time.
- It was built in 1506 CE by Daulat Khan during the reign of Sikander Lodi, of the Lodi dynasty, which was the last pre-Mughal dynasty in India. Hence option (b) is correct.
- The stepwell served dual purposes – storing water and providing shade to travellers.
- Its intricate design features elegant arched colonnades and ornate stucco medallions, showcasing the artistic skills of the era.
- The structure spans 1,610 square metres and descends to a depth of 13.4 metres.
- The stepwell’s name, Rajon ki Baoli, translates to ‘Baoli of the Masons,’ reflecting its historical use by masons for drinking and cooking purposes.
- The stepwell is primarily subterranean, with only the topmost storey visible above ground.
- Its structure is built in four levels, each narrowing down as one approaches the well in the bottom.
Source:https://www.newsonair.gov.in/16th-century-rajon-ki-baoli-restored-in-delhis-mehrauli-park/
4.GRAIL (Gravity Recovery and Interior Laboratory) is set up under the
(a) ISRO
(b) NASA
(c) JAXA
(d) Roscosmos
Answer: (b) NASA
Explanation:
InNews; Gravity Study Shows Why The Moon’s Two Sides Look So Different
- The data from the U.S. space agency’s GRAIL, or Gravity Recovery and Interior Laboratory, mission indicates that the moon’s deep interior has an asymmetrical structure, apparently caused by intense volcanism on its nearside billions of years ago that helped shape its surface features.
About GRAIL
- GRAIL (Gravity Recovery and Interior Laboratory) was a NASA lunar science mission aimed at mapping the Moon’s gravitational field in high resolution.
- GRAIL used two identical spacecraft, Ebb and Flow, flying in tandem to detect small changes in the Moon’s gravity.
- Conducted by NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in collaboration with MIT for scientific oversight.
Key Features:
- Consisted of two spacecraft, named Ebb and Flow, flying in tandem around the Moon.
- Measured minute variations in gravitational pull to reveal the Moon’s internal composition.
- Ended with a controlled impact on the lunar surface after successful mission completion.
Source: https://ddnews.gov.in/en/gravity-study-shows-why-the-moons-two-sides-look-so-different/
5.Which of the following are potential uses of geotubes (geobags)?
1. Dewatering of industrial and municipal sludge
2. Coastal and riverbank erosion control
3. Construction of temporary flood barriers
Select the correct answer using the code 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: Study finds geotubing at Poonthura effective in controlling coastal erosion
- One of the major outcomes was the effective prevention of wave overtopping beyond the seawall, extending roughly twice the length of the offshore breakwater on the shore side
About Geotubes
- Geotubes, also referred to as geobags, are large permeable containers used extensively for sludge dewatering due to their cost-effectiveness and operational simplicity.
- These containers are hydraulically filled with a slurry mixture of sand and water, where the water drains through the engineered fabric, and the sand or solids settle inside through gravity.
- The system operates without belts, gears, or complex mechanical parts, making it easy to use and maintain in a variety of settings.
Key Applications
- Geotube systems are ideal for shoreline protection, island and wetland creation, construction platforms, and offshore structures.
- They are widely used in the pulp and paper industry, mining operations, coal sludge removal, and municipal wastewater treatment.
- The technology is also beneficial in the agriculture sector, especially in dairy farms, piggeries, abattoirs, and aquaculture. Hence option (d) is correct.
6.Which of the following constitutional provisions deals with the transfer of judges from one High Court to another?
(a) Article 217
(b) Article 222
(c) Article 124
(d) Article 226
Answer: (b) Article 222
Explanation:
In News: Judicial transfers: Help or hindrance?
- Last month, two bar associations protested two separate transfer recommendations of the Supreme Court’s collegium.
- Justice Yashwant Varma’s transfer to the Allahabad High Court was vehemently opposed due to a then ongoing investigation against him.
About Article 222
- Article 222(1) of the Constitution empowers the President to transfer a judge in consultation with the Chief Justice of India (CJI).
Constitutional Provision:
- Empowers the President of India to transfer a judge (including the Chief Justice) from one High Court to another.
- Consent of the judge is not required, irrespective of whether it’s the first or a subsequent transfer.
Role of the Chief Justice of India (CJI) and the Collegium
1. Transfer of a High Court Judge (not Chief Justice):
- Initiated by the CJI; his opinion is determinative.
- The CJI consults:
- The Chief Justice of the transferring High Court,
- The Chief Justice of the receiving High Court,
- One or more Supreme Court judges familiar with the concerned judge’s performance and conduct.
2. Transfer of a Chief Justice of a High Court:
- Reviewed by the Collegium, which includes:
- The CJI and the four senior-most judges of the Supreme Court.
- The Collegium collectively evaluates the proposal before making a recommendation.
Source:https://www.deccanherald.com/opinion/judicial-transfers-help-or-hindrance-3541044
7.With reference to the Economic Capital Framework (ECF) of the Reserve Bank of India, consider the following statements:
- The ECF provides a methodology for determining the risk provisions and surplus distribution under Section 47 of the RBI Act, 1934.
- The RBI is required to transfer all of its annual profits to the Consolidated Fund of India under the ECF.
- The Bimal Jalan Committee was constituted to review the ECF and recommend a suitable framework for risk provisioning and surplus distribution.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1 and 3 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (b) Article 222
Explanation:
In News: Why and how does the RBI transfer ‘surplus’ to the government?
The RBI may transfer a record ₹2.5–₹3 lakh crore surplus for 2024–25 after its recent review of its Economic Capital Framework (ECF).
Economic Capital Framework (ECF) – RBI
Purpose:
The ECF provides a structured methodology to determine the appropriate level of risk provisions and profit distribution under Section 47 of the RBI Act, 1934. Hence statement 1 is correct
Under this section, the RBI must transfer its net profits to the central government, after setting aside funds for:
- Bad and doubtful debts
- Depreciation in assets
- Staff contributions. Hence statement 2 is incorrect
Timeline & Development
- Developed: 2014–15
- Operationalised: 2015–16
Review & Expert Committee:
- On December 26, 2018, the Central Board of the RBI, in consultation with the Government of India, constituted an Expert Committee chaired by Dr. Bimal Jalan.
Mandate: - Review the RBI’s existing Economic Capital Framework
- Recommend an appropriate level of risk provisioning
- Propose a surplus distribution policy that is resilient across a range of economic scenarios
Outcome:
The Central Board of the RBI accepted all recommendations of the Bimal Jalan Committee in its meeting on August 26, 2019. Hence statement 3 is correct
8.With reference to the advisory jurisdiction of the Supreme Court of India, consider the following statements:
- The advisory opinion of the Supreme Court under Article 143 is binding on the President.
- The President can refer any question of law or fact of public importance to the Supreme Court.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (b) Article 222
Explanation:
In News: After President Murmu seeks advisory opinion from SC, can court overturn its R N Ravi decision?
- President Droupadi Murmu has invoked the Supreme Court’s advisory jurisdiction under Article 143(1) of the Constitution to determine whether timelines can be set for the President and Governors to act on Bills sent by state Assemblies
What is Advisory Jurisdiction?
- Advisory jurisdiction refers to the power of the Supreme Court to give its opinion on questions of law or fact when referred by the President of India. It is a consultative process and does not involve actual litigation.
Constitutional Basis: Article 143 of the Indian Constitution
Article 143(1):
- The President may refer to the Supreme Court any question of law or fact of public importance for its opinion. Example: Berubari Union case (1960)
Article 143(2):
- The President can refer disputes related to pre-constitutional treaties or agreements, particularly with former princely states.
Key Features:
| Feature | Description |
| Discretionary Nature | The Supreme Court may choose to answer or decline the reference. |
| Non-binding Opinion | The opinion given is advisory in nature and not legally binding. |
| No Legal Dispute Needed | Can be invoked even without an actual case or conflict in court. |
| Bench Strength | As per Article 145(3), such references are heard by a Constitution Bench (minimum 5 judges). |
| Aid to President | Offers the President independent legal advice, separate from Cabinet counsel. |
9. Consider the following statements regarding the legal status of AI-generated content under Indian law
1. Indian Copyright Act, 1957 and The Patents Act, 1970 provides specific provisions for fair dealing and enumerated exceptions to copyright infringement.
2. Under current Indian copyright law, authorship requires human creativity and intervention.
3. Judicial decisions from foreign courts can have persuasive value in shaping Indian copyright law interpretation.
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 (d) 1, 2 and 3
Explanation:
Fair dealing is a well-defined concept in Indian copyright law under Sections 52(1) of the Copyright Act, 1957, which lists out specific uses that do not constitute infringement, such as:
- Private or personal use, including research
- Criticism or review
- Reporting of current events
The Patents Act, 1970 also contains limited exceptions to patent infringement, including use for research or educational purposes
The Copyright Act, 1957 defines an “author” under Section 2(d) as a natural person—a human being. Indian copyright law does not recognize AI as a legal author. Therefore, for a work to be copyrightable, it must involve human creativity and originality.
Although foreign judgments are not binding on Indian courts, they do carry persuasive value, especially from jurisdictions with similar legal traditions like the UK, USA, and Australia.
Indian courts have historically referred to foreign decisions in areas of intellectual property and technology law, especially where Indian precedents are lacking.
10. With reference to the provisions contained in Part IV of the Constitution of India, which of the following statements is/are correct? (2020 -PYQ)
- They shall be enforceable by courts.
- They shall not be enforceable by any court.
- The principles laid down in this part are to influence the making of laws by the State.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 2 and 3 only
Answer (d) 2 and 3 only