1. With reference to the Indian navigation system NavIC, consider the following statements:
1. It provides both Standard Positioning Service (SPS) for civilian users and Restricted Service (RS) for strategic users.
2. It operates only in the L5 frequency band.
3. It provides Position, Velocity, and Timing (PVT) services up to a range of 1500 km beyond the Indian landmass.
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: India’s NavIC: The Precision Backbone Behind Operation Sindoor
- During Operation, India used NavIC (Navigation with Indian Constellation) across several layers of combat operations such as Missile guidance, Drone navigation, Battle Damage Assessment, etc.
About Navigation with Indian Constellation (NavIC)
- Developed by: Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)
- Former Name: Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS)
Purpose and Coverage:
- A regional navigation satellite system designed to provide accurate Position, Velocity, and Timing (PVT) information.
- Coverage extends over India and up to 1500 km beyond its geographical boundaries.
Satellite Constellation:
Total of 7 satellites in orbit:
- 3 satellites in Geostationary Orbit (GEO)
- 4 satellites in Inclined Geosynchronous Orbit (IGSO)
- Supported by a network of ground stations operating 24×7.
Signal and Frequency:
Operates in dual frequency bands:
- L5-band
- S-band
- The L5 signal is encrypted and reserved for military and strategic users.
Key Services:
Standard Positioning Service (SPS):
- Open to all civilian users.
- Provides accurate location-based services.
Restricted Service (RS):
- Encrypted signal for authorized users, primarily military and security agencies.
- Ensures secure and interference-resistant communication.
Significance:
- Enhances India’s strategic autonomy in navigation and positioning.
- Reduces dependence on foreign GNSS systems (like GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou).
- Critical for military operations, disaster management, marine navigation, and civil aviation.
Source:
https://ddnews.gov.in/en/indias-navic-the-precision-backbone-behind-operation-sindoor/
2.Consider the following technologies:
1. Artificial Intelligence
2. Machine Learning
3. Edge Computing
Which of the above are essential enablers for the development of autonomous satellite systems?
(a) 2 and 3 only
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 1 only
(d) 1,2 and 3
Answer: (d) 1,2 and 3
Explanation:
In NEWS: The dawn of autonomous satellites and the legal vacuum above us
- AI’s ability to confer autonomy to satellites exposes gaps in the Outer Space Treaty 1967 and the Liability Convention of 1972
- AI is transforming satellites from passive observers into active, thinking machines
About Autonomous Satellites
- These are satellites designed to perform their functions with minimal to no human intervention by utilizing a suite of advanced technologies and algorithms like Artificial Intelligence (AI).
- These technologies are transforming satellites from passive observers into active, thinking machines.
- The onboard intelligence is referred to as satellite edge computing and allows satellites to analyse their environment and make decisions.
- AI, ML, and Edge Computing are central to autonomy—especially for real-time data analysis and action onboard the satellite. Hence option (d) is correct.
Features of AI-Powered Satellites
- Satellite edge computing enables onboard processing and decision-making.
Key capabilities:
- Automated space operations (docking, refuelling, debris removal).
- Self-diagnosis and repair of faults.
- Route planning for orbital optimization.
- Real-time geospatial intelligence and disaster detection.
- Combat support, including threat identification and engagement.
Source:
3.Consider the following countries:
1. Iran
2. Oman
3. UAE
4. Qatar
5. Bahrain
6. Yemen
How many of the above-mentioned countries share borders with the Persian Gulf?
(a) Only two
(b) Only three
(c) Only four
(d) Only five
Answer: (d) Only five
Explanation:
In NEWS: Iran Slams Trump’s Plan to Rename Persian Gulf as Cultural Attack
- US President Donald Trump’s now-aborted move to rename the Persian Gulf as the ‘Arabian Gulf’ or ‘Gulf of Arabia’ stirred sharp condemnation from Iranian officials
About Persian Gulf
- It is a shallow marginal sea of the Indian Ocean that lies between the Arabian Peninsula and southwestern Iran.
- It is bordered by Iran, Oman, UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Iraq. Hence option (d) is correct.
- The small freshwater inflow into the gulf is mostly from the Tigris, Euphrates, and Karun rivers.
Source:
4.With respect to Honey Production In India, consider the following statements
1. India is the largest producer and exporter of honey in the world.
2. Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Punjab, Bihar, Rajasthan are major honey producing States in India.
3. India is home to five species of honeybees that are commercially important for apiculture
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: (c) 2 and 3 only
Explanation:
In NEWS: PM Modi says India among world’s leading honey-producing countries
- Mr Modi noted a remarkable 60 per cent increase in honey production in the country.
- He also spoke about World Bee Day and the Honey Mission, citing the example of Korea district in Chhattisgarh as a success story in beekeeping.
About Honey Production In India
- In the last 11 years honey production in India increased from 70,000–75,000 metric tonnes per year, to around 1.25 lakh metric tonnes (60% increase).
- India is the 7th largest honey producer globally. China remains the top global producer and exporter, dominating both production volume and international trade. Hence statement 1 is incorrect
- Areas of Production: Uttar Pradesh (17%), West Bengal (16%), Punjab (14%), Bihar (12%) and Rajasthan (9%). Hence statement 2 is correct
- Major Export Destinations (2023-24) : U.S.A, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Libya.
- Five species of honeybees of commercial significance are found in India, contributing to apiculture, pollination, and honey production. Hence statement 3 is correct
Source:
5.With reference to braking systems used in electric trains, consider the following statements:
1. In dynamic braking, the kinetic energy of the train is converted into electrical energy which is stored in onboard batteries for later use.
2. Regenerative braking allows the electric motor to function as a generator, feeding electricity back into the power grid or distribution system.
3. Regenerative braking contributes to overall energy efficiency and is considered an environmentally friendly technology.
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: Siemens delivers India’s first 9000 HP electric locomotive for long-haul freight trains
- D9 – 9000 HP electric locomotive, one of the most powerful freight locomotives in the world, from Indian Railways’ advanced Dahod factory in Gujarat.
- Approximately 90% of the technologies deployed in the locomotives are made in India and this would lead to 800 million tonne of CO2 emissions being saved over lifecycle
About Braking systems used in electric trains
Dynamic Braking (Conventional System):
- The train’s electric motors act as generators, converting kinetic energy into electrical energy.
- This electrical energy is not reused; instead, it is converted into heat and dissipated through resistor banks. Hence statement 1 is incorrect.
- Energy is wasted, leading to lower overall efficiency.
- Increases brake wear and thermal load.
Regenerative Braking:
- The electric motors reverse current flow, functioning as generators.
- The generated electricity is fed back into the power grid or stored in batteries/supercapacitors. Hence statement 2 is correct.
- Results in energy recovery and improved efficiency. Hence statement 3 is correct.
- Reduces carbon footprint and energy consumption.
Source:
6. Consider the following statements:
1. Point Nemo is the Oceanic Pole of Inaccessibility, the most remote location on Earth.
2. It is located in the north pacific gyre often called the desert of the ocean.
Select the correct answer using code given below:
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (a) 1 only
Explanation:
News: INDIAN NAVY TO WELCOME NAVIKA SAGAR PARIKRAMA II CREW AFTER HISTORIC CIRCUMNAVIGATION
- The Indian Navy is all set to welcome the triumphant crew of Navika Sagar Parikrama II on successful completion of circumnavigation of the Globe onboard Indian Naval Sailing Vessel Tarini (INS Tarini).
- As the proud flag bearers of resurgent India, the crew members commenced their circumnavigation with port calls at Fremantle (Australia), Lyttleton (New Zealand), Port Stanley (Falkland Islands) and Cape Town (South Africa).
- Point Nemo coordinates of 48°52.6′S, 123°23.6′W in the South Pacific Ocean.
- Nearest landmasses of this point are Pitcairn Islands (N), Easter Island (E), Antarctic Polar Front (S) — each ~2,688 km away.
- It is known as the “Oceanic Pole of Inaccessibility” due to its extreme remoteness and since it is the farthest point in the ocean from any land. Hence statement (1) is correct.
- Located in the South Pacific Gyre, an area with minimal human activity, often called the “desert of the ocean.” Hence statement (2) is incorrect.
- Link of this point with the International Space Station (ISS): The ISS frequently passes over Point Nemo.
- Point Nemo is popularly called as “Spacecraft Graveyard” and it is a key site for safe re-entry of space debris. Examples: Mir Space Station (Russia, 2001); Parts of Space Shuttle Columbia (USA). Used as a designated area for re-entering decommissioned satellites and space debris safely.Helps reduce risks from space debris to populated areas and active satellites.
- Named “Point Nemo” in the 1990s by Croatian geographer Hrvoje Jurić. “Nemo” is a nod to Captain Nemo from Jules Verne’s novel.
Source:
https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2131664
7. Consider the following pairs:
| Red Notice | To seek the location and arrest of persons wanted for prosecution or to serve a sentence. |
| Black Notice | To seek information on unidentified bodies. |
| Orange Notice | To warn of an event, a person, an object or a process representing a serious and imminent threat to public safety. |
How many of the above pair(s) is/are correct?
(a) Only One
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None
Answer: (c) All three
Explanation:
News: Interpol issues 2 silver notices to trace assets of criminals on India’s request
- INTERPOL (International Criminal Police Organization) Notices are international requests for cooperation or alerts allowing police in member countries to share critical crime-related information.
- Notices are issued by the General Secretariat at the request of a member country’s INTERPOL National Central Bureau and are made available for all our member countries to consult in our Notices database.
- Notices can also be issued at the request of International Criminal Tribunals and the International Criminal Court to seek persons wanted for committing crimes within their jurisdiction, notably genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity.
- They can also be issued at the request of the United Nations in relation to the implementation of sanctions imposed by the Security Council.
- Most Notices are for police use only and are not available to the public. However, an extract of the Notice can be published on this site if the requesting country wishes to alert the public or seek their help.
- Red Notice: To seek the location and arrest of persons wanted for prosecution or to serve a sentence.
- Yellow Notice: To help locate missing persons, often minors, or to help identify persons who are unable to identify themselves.
- Blue Notice: To collect additional information about a person’s identity, location or activities in relation to a criminal investigation.
- Black Notice: To seek information on unidentified bodies.
- Green Notice: To provide warning about a person’s criminal activities, where the person is considered to be a possible threat to public safety.
- Orange Notice: To warn of an event, a person, an object or a process representing a serious and imminent threat to public safety.
- Purple Notice: To seek or provide information on modus operandi, objects, devices and concealment methods used by criminals.
- Silver Notice (pilot phase): To identify and trace criminal assets (The silver notices enable member countries to request information on assets linked to a person’s criminal activities such as fraud, corruption, drug trafficking, environmental crime and other serious offences).
- INTERPOL–United Nations Security Council Special Notice: Issued for entities and individuals who are the targets of UN Security Council Sanctions Committees.
Source:
https://www.interpol.int/en/How-we-work/Notices/About-Notices https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/cbi-gets-published-interpol-silver-notices-against-two-fugitives/article69626324.ece
8. With respect to dugongs, consider the following statements:
1. Dugongs are the only herbivorous mammals found in India’s marine ecosystems.
2. Dugongs are generally solitary animals and are long-lived species, able to live up to 70 years.
3. Unlike manatees, their close relatives, dugongs are more strictly marine, preferring waters a few metres deep.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are not correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 Only
(d) None
Answer: (d) None
Explanation:
News: Farmers of the sea: India’s dugongs must stay a conservation priority
- May 28 is celebrated every year as World Dugong Day. Dugongs are the only herbivorous mammals found in India’s marine ecosystems. Hence statement (1) is correct.
- Dugongs are marine mammals that feed extensively on low-nutrient seagrass, consuming 20–30 tonnes daily. Their unique feeding method allows them to digest cellulose but wears down their teeth, which they regrow throughout life. Dugongs can live up to 70 years.
- Dugongs are also generally solitary or found in small mother-calf pairs. Researchers have occasionally observed small groups, but large herds— as are common in Australian waters — are rare in India. Hence statement (2) is correct.
- Unlike manatees, their close relatives, dugongs are more strictly marine, preferring waters a few metres deep. Dugongs primarily inhabit warm waters around the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, the Gulf of Mannar, Palk Bay, and the Gulf of Kutch. Hence statement (3) is correct.
- Dugongs inhabit shallow tropical coastal waters and are more strictly marine than are manatees
- Dugongs are listed as being ‘vulnerable’ on the IUCN Red List for Threatened Species. The threats they face worldwide include rapidly declining populations and the ongoing degradation of their seagrass habitats. In India, they are classified as “regionally endangered.”
- Pollution can also affect them directly, with studies showing the accumulation of mercury and organochlorine compounds in their muscle tissues.
- Because dugongs reproduce slowly and require vast, undisturbed seagrass meadows to thrive, their populations are highly vulnerable to human disturbances. Seagrass meadows, their primary habitats, are being lost at an alarming rate.
- Increased human movement and activity in dugong habitats and more boat traffic in the Gulf of Mannar, Palk Bay, and the Gulf of Kachchh — all directly threaten the species.
- Dugongs also often rest near the surface, making them vulnerable to collisions with fast-moving boats, leading to injuries or fatalities.
- Dugongs are gentle giants and act as gardeners of the sea, quietly shaping our oceans by nurturing seagrass meadows.
- The Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve has taken conservation efforts for sea cow/dugong.
About Sea grass:
- Seagrass is an underwater flowering plant, not to be confused with seaweed. Classified as wetland ecosystems, seagrass meadows stabilize the seafloor, support fisheries, capture carbon, and shelter marine life. Healthy seagrass is essential for dugongs and marine life such as turtles and fish.
- A 2022 study by the National Centre for Sustainable Coastal Management documented 516.59 sq. km of seagrass habitat in India. This translates to a carbon dioxide sequestration potential of up to 434.9 tonnes per sq. km each year.
- India’s most extensive seagrass meadows occur along the Gulf of Mannar and Palk Bay, off the coast of Tamil Nadu, and together support more than 13 species of seagrass — the highest diversity in the Indian Ocean.
Source:
9. LGM-30G Minuteman III, RS-28 Sarmat, DF-41 recently seen in news which are related to
(a) Aircraft Carrier
(b) Inter-continental missile
(c) Anti-Submarine Warfare
(d) Launch vehicle
Answer: (b) Inter-continental missile
Explanation:
News: Minuteman III test launch showcases readiness of US nuclear force’s safe, effective deterrent
- The United States Air Force conducted a successful test launch of the LGM-30G Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM).
- ICBM is a long-range missile capable of delivering nuclear warheads across continents.
- The Minuteman is a 1970-era program which the Air Force plans to replace with the LGM-35A Sentinel system. Minuteman III is to be used as a “viable deterrent” until LGM achieves full capability.
- LGM stands for silo-launched (L), surface attack (G) and guided missile (M). Originally built by Douglas Aircraft; later managed by McDonnell Douglas and now Boeing.
- RS-28 Sarmat: It is a liquid-fueled intercontinental ballistic missile developed by Russia.
- It is named after the Sarmatian people of the fourth and fifth century BC. It has also been referred to in the West as the “Satan II”.
- The Dongfeng-41 or DF-41 is a fourth-generation Chinese solid-fuelled road-mobile intercontinental ballistic missile.
Source:
10. The seasonal reversal of winds is the typical characteristic of (UPSC PYQ)
(a) Equatorial climate
(b) Mediterranean climate
(c) Monsoon climate
(d) All of the above climates
Answer: (c) Monsoon climate