01. Consider the following statements with respect to INS Arighaat:
- It is India’s first indigenously built nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine (SSBN)
- It represents a critical component of India’s nuclear triad, enabling the nation to launch nuclear missiles from land, air, and sea
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- 1 only
- 2 only
- Both 1 and 2
- Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (d)Neither 1 nor 2
In News: Second Arihant-Class submarine ‘INS Arighaat’ commissioned into Indian Navy.
Explanation:
- The second Arihant-Class submarine ‘INS Arighaat’ was commissioned into the Indian Navy on August 29, 2024 at Visakhapatnam.
- ‘Arighaat’ will further strengthen India’s nuclear triad, enhance nuclear deterrence, help in establishing strategic balance & peace in the region, and play a decisive role in the security of the country.
- It is India’s second indigenously built nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine (SSBN),following India’s first nuclear submarine, INS Arihant, commissioned in 2018.Hence statement 1 is incorrect.
- It was constructed at the Indian Navy’s Ship Building Centre (SBC) in Visakhapatnam.
- It represents a critical component of India’s nuclear triad, enabling the nation to launch nuclear missiles from land, air, and sea. Hence statement 2 is correct.
- Features
- It can achieve a maximum speed of 12–15 knots (22–28 km/h) when on surface and 24 knots (44 km/h) when submerged.
- It can carry up to four nuclear-capable K-4 SLBMs (Submarine Launched ballistic Missile) with a range of over 3500 kilometers or twelve conventional warhead K-15 SLBMs with a range of about 750 kilometers.
- The K-15can also carry a strategic nuclear warhead.
- It also carries torpedoes and mines.
Source:
https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=2049870
02. With reference to RESET Programme,consider the following statements:
- The programme will support retired athletes on their career development and making them more employable
- The programme will be offered in hybrid mode consisting of self-paced learning through a dedicated portal, along with on-ground training and internship.
- 20-50 years aged athletes in international events are eligible to apply for courses under this program.
How many of the above statements is/are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Answer: (c) All three
In News:Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya Launches Retired Sportsperson Empowerment Training (RESET) Programme
Explanation:
- Union Minister of Youth Affairs & Sports and Labour & Employment, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya launched “Retired Sportsperson Empowerment Training” (RESET) Programme on the occasion of National Sports Day in New Delhi
- RESET Programme is aimed at empowering our retired sports persons who have played for the country and brought immense laurels to the nation.
- The programme will support retired athletes on their career development journey by empowering them with the necessary knowledge and skills and making them more employable.Hence statement 1 is correct.
- The RESET programme will bridge the gap between generations, allowing the unique skills of our retired athletes to benefit the new generation of aspiring athletes.
- Their rich experience will serve as a foundation for nurturing future champions, contributing to the growth of sports in India and fostering nation-building, he added.
- The Union Minister urged all retired sports persons to apply for this initiative and actively contribute to the country’s sports ecosystem.
- RESET Programme represents a significant step towards recognizing and utilizing the invaluable experience and expertise of our retired athletes.
- The athletes, who have retired from an active sports career and are aged between 20-50 years and who have been winners of an International Medal/participants in international events or have been National medallists/State medallists/participants in competitions recognized by National Sports Federations/Indian Olympic Association/Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports are eligible to apply for courses under RESET Programme.Hence statement 2 is correct.
- Initially, the programmes will be of two levels based on educational qualifications viz., Class 12th and above and Class 11th and below.
- For this pilot phase of the RESET Programme, Lakshmibai National Institute of Physical Education (LNIPE) will be the lead institute to implement the Programme.
- The programme will be offered in hybrid mode consisting of self-paced learning through a dedicated portal, along with on-ground training and internship.Hence statement 3 is correct.
Source:
https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2049867
03. Consider the following statements with respect to Samudra Pratap recently seen in news:
- It is the first indigenously developed Pollution control vessel of India.
- It is built by Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL) for the Indian Navy in combating the oil spill in the Indian coastal regions.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- 1 only
- 2 only
- Both 1 and 2
- Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (a) 1 only
In News: First indigenously developed Pollution Control Vessel of ICG, ‘Samudra Pratap’
Explanation:
- It is the first indigenously built Pollution Control Vessel (Samudra Pratap). Hence statement 1 is correct
- The Ship has been built by Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL) for the Indian Coast Guard (ICG). Hence statement 2 is incorrect.
- The vessel will help to check the oil spillage in the country’s sea coast.
- It is an indigenous developed vessel with engagement
- ‘Samudra Pratap’ is an exemplary testimony of the nation’s ship building capabilities and propels Goa Shipyard Limited into the league of Indian Shipyards capable of producing state-of-art Pollution Control Vessels.
Source:
https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=2049860
04. Lake Kariba recently seen in news is situated between
- Zambia and Zimbabwe
- Zambia and Namibia
- Kenya and Tanzania
- Uganda and Tanzania
Answer: (a) Zambia and Zimbabwe
In News:Climate change: Zambia to shut down hydropower plant as Kariba dries up
Explanation:
- Climate change-related droughts have resulted in a significant drop in water levels on Lake Kariba to the point where there is no longer enough water for hydropower generation.
- The lake, which is shared by Zambia and Zimbabwe, is on the Zambezi river, one of Africa’s main rivers whose catchment areas have suffered from climate change-related droughts over the past few years.Hence option(a) is correct.
- The southern African region is currently reeling from the effects of a severe El Nino-induced drought.
- These droughts and heightened evaporation from increased heat have caused the lake’s water levels to drop to record lows.
Source:
05.With reference to the National Green Tribunal, Consider the following statements:
Statement -I:It has been established under the Environment protection act 1986
for effective and expeditious disposal of cases relating to environmental protection
Statement -II: The Tribunal is mandated to make and endeavour for disposal of applications or appeals finally within 6 months of filing of the same.
Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?
- Both Statement – I and Statement – II are correct and Statement – II is the correct explanation for Statement – I
- Both Statement – I and Statement – II are correct and Statement – II is not the correct explanation for Statement – I
- Statement – I is correct but Statement – II is incorrect
- Statement – I is incorrect but Statement – II is correct
Answer: (d) Statement – I is incorrect but Statement – II is correct
In News: NGT slaps Rs 1,000 crore fine on Punjab government for faltering on waste disposal
Explanation:
- The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has imposed a penalty of Rs 1,000 crore on the Punjab government for failing to manage the state’s solid and liquid waste despite repeated reminders.
- The National Green Tribunal has been established on 18.10.2010 under the National Green Tribunal Act 2010 for effective and expeditious disposal of cases relating to environmental protection and conservation of forests and other natural resources including enforcement of any legal right relating to environment and giving relief and compensation for damages to persons and property and for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto.Hence statement 1 is incorrect
- It is a specialized body equipped with the necessary expertise to handle environmental disputes involving multi-disciplinary issues.
- The Tribunal shall not be bound by the procedure laid down under the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908, but shall be guided by principles of natural justice.
- The Tribunal’s dedicated jurisdiction in environmental matters shall provide speedy environmental justice and help reduce the burden of litigation in the higher courts.
- The Tribunal is mandated to make and endeavour for disposal of applications or appeals finally within 6 months of filing of the same.Hence statement 2 is correct
- Initially, the NGT is proposed to be set up at five places of sittings and will follow circuit procedure for making itself more accessible.
- New Delhi is the Principal Place of Sitting of the Tribunal and Bhopal, Pune, Kolkata and Chennai shall be the other four places of sitting of the Tribunal.
Source:
06. With reference to National Minority Commission,consider the following statements:
- The Commission consists of a Chairperson and five Members
- Each Member holds office for a period of three years from the date of assumption of office.
- The Chairperson, Vice Chairperson and Members of this commission nominated by Central Government
How many of the above statements are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Answer: (c) All three
In News: National Minority Commission organized ‘Sarv Dharma Samvad’ on the occasion of Janmashtami
Explanation:
National Minority Commission:
- As per Section 3(2) of the NCM Act 1992, the Commission consists of: -a Chairperson -a Vice- Chairperson -Five Members i.e. total of 7 persons to be nominated by the Central Government from amongst persons of eminence, ability and integrity.
- Each Member holds office for a period of three years from the date of assumption of office.
- The Chairperson, Vice Chairperson and Members nominated by the Central Government .Hence option(c) is correct.
Source:
https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2049830
https://www.ncm.nic.in/home/pdf/about%20ncm/composition.pdf
07.Anak Krakatau Island recently seen in news situated in
- Chile
- Indonesia
- Italy
- Philippines
Answer: (b) Indonesia
In News:Krakatoa heralded atmospheric sciences & era of global disaster; today, it would cool world climate but not mitigate it
Explanation:
- Krakatoa is a group of four islands — Sertung (Verlaten), Panjang (Lang), Rakata, and Anak Krakatau — located in the Sunda Strait that separates Indonesia’s two main islands of Sumatra and Java. Hence option(b) is correct.
- Administratively, it is part of Lampung province on Sumatra and faces the Banten and Jakarta provinces on Java, just across the sea.
- It is Krakatoa’s location that is especially important. That is where the Indo-Australian tectonic plate subducts or goes under the Eurasian plate — leading to the formation of several faults and fractures.
Source:
08. Consider the following statements with respect to Northern Bald Ibis:
- It is a social bird living in huge colonies.
- It is endemic to South Asia.
How many of the above statements are correct?
- 1 only
- 2 only
- Both 1 and 2
- Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (a) 1 only
In News: This bird species was extinct in Europe. Now it’s back, and humans must help it migrate for winter
Explanation:
- The Northern Bald Ibis is a rare and endangered species of bird belonging to the ibis family with Distinctive black-and-iridescent green plumage, bald red head and long curved red beak.
- Historically, the bird was found across a broad range in Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa. Currently, it is primarily found in a few locations in Morocco, with reintroduction efforts in Turkey and Europe. Hence statement 2 is incorrect
- Northern Bald Ibises are social birds, historically forming large colonies with thousands of individuals. They engage in a ritual greeting involving crest-spreading and bowing, which often triggers a similar response throughout the colony.Hence statement 1 is correct
- These ibises prefer open areas with short grass, such as meadows, pastures, or even sports fields like golf courses.
Source:
09. Consider the following statements with respect to Quasar:
- Quasar are extremely active and luminous type of active galactic nucleus (AGN).
- Quasars are intense sources of X-rays as well as visible light.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- 1 only
- 2 only
- Both 1 and 2
- Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (c) Both 1 and 2
In News: Astronomers recently identified a quasar described as the “brightest of its kind” and the “most luminous object ever observed.
Explanation:
- A quasar is an extremely active and luminous type of active galactic nucleus (AGN). Hence statement 1 is correct
- An AGN is nothing more than a supermassive black hole that is active and feeding at the center of a galaxy.
- All quasars are AGNs, but not all AGNs are quasars.
- Quasars are intense sources of X-rays as well as visible light. They are the most powerful type of X-ray source yet discovered. Hence statement 2 is correct
- They are among the most luminous, powerful, and vibrant objects known in the universe than the Sun.
- Quasars are thought to form in regions of the universe where the large-scale density of matter is much higher than average.
- An active galaxy is one in which the central supermassive black hole is consuming large amounts of matter.
- The fall of matter into the black hole is so great that all the material can’t enter the black hole at the same time, so it forms a queueas a spiralling accretion disk.
- This friction from fast-moving gas clouds generates heat, and the disk becomes so hot—millions of degrees—that it shines brightly.
Source:
10. Consider the following statements: (UPSC- 2021)
- The Governor of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is appointed by the Central Government.
- Certain provisions in the Constitution of India give the Central Government the right to issue directions to the RBI in public interest.
- The Governor of the RBI draws his power from the RBI Act.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- 1 and 2 only
- 2 only
- 3 only
- 1 and 3 only
Answer: (d) 1 and 3 only
Explanation:
- The RBI’s affairs are governed by a central board of directors. The board is appointed by the Government of India in line with the Reserve Bank of India Act. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
- The Central Government may from time to time give such directions to the Bank as it may, after consultation with the Governor of the Bank, consider it necessary in the public interest. Hence, statement 2 is not correct.
- The Governor of RBI draws his powers from Section 7(3) of the RBI Act. He can exercise all powers and do all things that may be exercised and done by the RBI. Hence, statement 3 is correct.