Most Important Current Affairs MCQs (January - August 2023) Volume 7 Defense Ustaad

2
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1. Consider the following pairs:
Military Exercise India and Associated Nations
1.TARKASH : United States of America
2. Exercise Desert Flag : Iran
3. Exercise Cyclone-I : Egypt
How many of the above pairs are correctly matched?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None
2. Consider the following activities:
1. Rainwater harvesting
2. Organic farming
3. Sawmills
4. Commercial use of wood
How many of the above-mentioned activities are permitted in the eco-sensitive zones
(ESZ)??
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) Only three
(d) Only four

3. Consider the following statements:
1. Millet International Initiative for Research and Awareness (MIIRA) is an initiative of

the United Nations launched on the sidelines of declaring 2023 as the International
Year of Millets.
2. MIIRA secretariat will be in Delhi.
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
4. Recently, India’s payment system Unified Payments Interface (UPI) and its
equivalent network PayNow, were integrated to enable faster remittances between
the two countries at a competitive rate. PayNow is a payment system of which of the
following nations?
(a) Nepal
(b) Singapore
(c) Bhutan
(d) U.A.E
5. With reference to Channapatna toys, consider the following statements:
1. They are a particular form of toys that are manufactured in Karnataka.
2. The artisans use ivory wood for making toys.
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
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(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
6. Gross Domestic Climate Risk Report, which is released by Cross Dependency

Initiative (XDI) measures
(a) The effect on the Gross Domestic Product of a country due to climate change.
(b) The risk posed to built environment across the world due to extreme weather
events.
(c) The percentage of Budget allocation to its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by
countries in mitigation and adaptation to climate change.
(d) The risk posed by built environment across the world to natural environment.
Statement-I: Additional Surveillance Mechanism (ASM) on securities is levied jointly

by SEBI and Exchanges with the ntention to protect investors from market volatility
and unusual changes in share price.
Statement-II: The shortlisting of securities under ASM is regarded as an adverse

action against the concerned company/entity.
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.
8. Virovory Halteria, which is recently seen in news is a/an
(a) Cryptocurrency
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(b) Virus eating organism
(c) Antivirus Software
(d) Non-Fungible Token
9. Shumang Leela is a festival associated with which of the following states?
(a) Manipur
(b) Assam
(c) Odisha
(d) West Bengal
10. UPNEXT India 2023 Event, which is recently seen in news is an initiative of
(a) Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority

(APEDA)
(b) Apparel Export Promotion Council (AEPC)
(c) Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA)
(d) Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC)
11. With reference to Basavanna, consider the following statements:
1. He was a social reformer during the reign of the Kalachuri-dynasty king Bijjala I.
2. He presided over the Sharana movement which attracted people from all castes.
3. He introduced a new public institution Anubhava Mantapa to discuss spiritual

questions of life.
How many of the above statements are correct?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
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(c) All three
(d) None
12. Which of the following is/are the applications of "Quasicrystals", which is often
seen in the news?
1. Non-stick frying pans
2. Needles for acupuncture
3. Razor blades
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None
13. Consider the following statements regarding Atmanirbhar Clean Plant

Programme, which is recently launched in 2023 Budget :
1. It is a programme to establish wastewater treatment plants to check river pollution.
2. The programme will be anchored by the National Horticulture Board which in turn
will set up Clean Plant Centres across the country.
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
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14. Consider the following statements regarding the 'Schengen Zone', which is often
seen in the news:
1. The area is named after a small village in Luxembourg.
2. Both European Union (EU) and non-EU members can be part of 'Schengen Zone'.
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Wildlife Sanctuary State
1. Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary : Kerala
2. Bankapura Wolf Wildlife Sanctuary : Karnataka
3. Kaimur Wildlife Sanctuary : Tamil Nadu
(a) Only one pair
(b) Only two pairs
(c) All three pairs
(d) None of the pairs
16. Consider the following statements regarding the Global Partnership for Financial
Inclusion (GPFI):
1. It is the main implementing organization for the International Monetary Fund's

Financial Inclusion Action Plan.
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2. India and Italy will be the new co-chairs of the GPFI for three years from 2024.
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
17. Ultraviolet Transient Astronomy Satellite (ULTRASAT), a space telescope

mission that is an ultraviolet observatory with a large field of view is developed by
(a) National Aeronautics and Space dministration (NASA)
(b) Israeil Space Agency (ISA)
(c) Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)
(d) The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA)
Statement-I: W20 (Women 20) is an official engagement group under the G20 which
was an initiative of India established during its presidency.
Statement-II: Its primary objective is to ensure that gender considerations are

mainstreamed into G20 discussions.
explanation for Statement-I
explanation for statement-I
(c) Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect
(d) Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct

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19. Consider the following statements regarding Munich Security Conference :
1. It was an initiative of Germany in 2022 in reaction to Russian Invasion of
Ukraine.
2. The conference is only focused on military issues.
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
1. Charaideo Moidams are known as the ‘Pyramids of Assam' because it contains

sacred burial grounds of Ahom kings and queens.
2. Charaideo city was the original capital of the Ahom Kings.
3. Charaideo city was built by Chaolung Sukhapa who was the founder of the Ahom
dynasty.
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None
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Statement-I: Norovirus is a viral infection that affects mainly the Central Nervous
system in children below 6 years.
Statement-II: The virus is capable of surviving low temperatures and is highly

contagious.
(c) Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect
(d) Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct
22. Which of the following best describes the term "Communication Hotline" in
International relations?
(a) Restriction or blockade of Internet data flow between two countries.
(b) The communication channel was opened by United Nations in disputed or

wartorn regions.
(c) Open and Interoperable communication Network access agreement between two
countries.
(d) A special and direct phone line between the heads of government in different
countries.
23. Jaipur Declaration, which is recently seen in news is associated with which of the
following objectives?
(a) To achieve responsible use of artificial intelligence in the military
(b) To end AIDS in children by 2030
(c) To achieve long-term goal of safety and security of Railway organizations
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(d) To achieve the conservation and restoration of one trillion trees within this
decade
84. Amrit Dharohar Scheme which is announced in the 2023 Union Budget aims to
(a) Facilitate the transition towards a low Carbon Economy.
(b) Promote alternative fertilizers and balanced use of chemical fertilizers.
(c) Establish 500 new 'Waste to Wealth' Plants
(d) Promote values of local communities in conserving Wetland Ecosystem.
25. Consider the following statements regarding Agriculture and Processed Food
Products Export Development Authority (APEDA):
1. It is an apex organization under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
2. Most agricultural products along with marine products are covered under APEDA.
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
26. Project 39A, recently seen in the news, is associated with:
(a) Indian Navy’s 30 years plan for indigenous nuclear submarine construction.
(b) criminal reforms advocacy group.
(c) a target of doubling India’s nuclear capacity by 2039.
(d) an aim to eliminate lymphatic filariasis by 2039
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27. Consider the following statements regarding Depleted Uranium:
1. It is a by-product of the process of creating enriched uranium.
2. It is highly radioactive and is capable of generating a sustained nuclear reaction.
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Volcano in News Country
1. Mount Merapi : Kenya
2. Tanaga : Indonesia
3. Shiveluch : Colombia
How many of the above given pairs are correctly matched?
(a) Only one pair
(b) Only two pairs
(c) All three pairs
(d) None of the pairs
29. Consider the following statements regarding trade of biofuels in India:
1. Export of biofuels is banned from Special Economic Zones (SEZs).
2. Both import and export of biofuels requires a license.
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(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
30. In the context of defence sector in India, the PALM 400 recently seen in news is
a/an:
(a) attack drone
(b) military exercise between India and Five Central Asian countries
(c) border security system to prevent illegal migration
(d) prototype humanoid soldier
Product with GI Tag : Associated State
1. Sundarja mango : Madhya Pradesh
2. Basohli painting : Uttarakhand
3. Nagri Dubraj rice : Assam
How many of the pairs given above are correctly matched?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None
32. Operation Interflex recently seen in the news aims to:

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(a) provide military aid and support to Ukraine.
(b) prevent illegal trade of endangered urtles.
(c) prevent volatility in the supply of semiconductor chips.
(d) prevent illegal migration across the Mediterranean sea.
33. Consider the following statements regarding the Comprehensive and

Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP):
1. USA is not a member of this trade agreement.
2. Its combined GDP is more than that of the Regional Comprehensive Economic
Partnership (RCEP).
3. It entered into force in 2023.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None
34. Consider the following statements regarding National Generic Document

Registration System:
1. It was initiated by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology.
2. It enables the citizens to buy land online.
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
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(d) Neither 1 nor 2
35. LIQUID Tree or LIQUID 3, recently seen in the news, is used to:
(a) reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve air quality
(b) trap solar energy more efficiently than the conventional photovoltaic technology
(c) prevent forest fires
(d) purify metallic pollutants from drinking water
36. Consider the following:
1. Bengaluru
2. Delhi
3. Hyderabad
How many of the places given above experience Zero Shadow Day every year?
(a) One only
(b) Two only
(c) All three
(d) None
37. With regards to the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, consider the
following statements:
1. Under the Information Technology Rules 2021, the ministry has extended its
regulatory powers over internet content as well.
2. Prasar Bharati is the statutory and autonomous body under this ministry.
(a) 1 only
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(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
38. Consider the following statements regarding the International Criminal Court:
1. It has no power to arrest sitting heads of state or bring them to trial.
2. It is established under the United Nations Charter.
3. Its headquarters is located in Geneva, Switzerland.
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None
39. In the context of space, which of the following statements best describes the
"Overview Effect"?
(a) It is the physical strain experienced by astronauts during spacewalks.
(b) It is the cognitive shift experienced by astronauts when viewing Earth from space
(c) It is the rapid increase in technological advancements in space exploration
(d) It is the apparent disappearance of moon as observed the astronauts from space
40. Consider the following statements regarding online gaming regulations in India:
1. The term "Online games" has not been defined in any rules.
2. Online games that involve any kind of gambling are prohibited.

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(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
41. Consider the following statements regarding the Multi-Party Interim Appeal
Arbitration Arrangement (MPIA) often seen in the news:
1. It is an alternative system for resolvin WTO disputes.
2. India is a member of this arrangement.
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
42. Consider the following statements regarding the International Fund for
Agricultural Development (IFAD):
1. It is a specialized agency of the United Nations.
2. India is not a member of IFAD.
3. IFAD was an outcome of the first World Food Conference in 1974.
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None
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43. In the context of climate change, the "Esbjerg Declaration" is related to
(a) Renewable energy projects in North Sea
(b) preventing access to Russian merchant vessels through Kiel canal.
(c) European Union's energy self sufficiency by 2030
(d) tax evasion by Multi National Companies
44. Which of the following organizations has recently launched Tropospheric

Emissions: Monitoring of Pollution (TEMPO)?
(a) National Aeronautics and Space Administration
(b) European Space Agency
(c) World Meteorological Organization
(d) International Civil Aviation Organization
45. Consider the following statements regarding gravity batteries often seen in the
news:
1. They can harness and store energy from gravitational waves.
2. Abandoned and decommissioned mines could be turned into gravity batteries.
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
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46. In the context of medical science, which of the following statements about Proton
Beam Therapy is correct?
(a) It uses X-Rays to target cancer cells.
(b) It is a type of chemotherapy.
(c) It has a higher risk of side effects compared to traditional radiation therapy.
(d) It delivers a more precise dose of radiation compared to conventional radiation

therapy.
47. In the context of genetics, chimera is a/an:
(a) genetic disorder resulting in the abnormal development of limbs in an organism.
(b) organism whose cells are derived from two or more zygotes.
(c) type of genetic engineering technique used to create hybrid organisms.
(d) genetic mutation that causes an organism to have an unusually long lifespan.
48. Consider the following statements regarding Commission for Conservation of

Antarctic Marine Living Resources:
1. Global Environment Facility acts as the principal financial arm of the commission.
2. India is not a member of this commission.
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
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49. In the context of Space voyages, consider the following statements regarding
JUICE mission:
1. It aims to study Mars and its two moons Phobos and Deimos.
2. It has been launched by NASA.
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
50. Mahajan Commission, which is recently seen in the news is related to
(a) Resolve the border dispute in Maharashtra, Karnataka and Kerala.
(b) Resolve bifurcation issues between Telangana and Andhra Pradesh
(c) Recommend Krishna and Godavari water sharing agreement between

Maharashtra, Karnataka, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.
(d) Recommend and resolve issues arising from the Ken-Betwa Link Project (KBLP).
51. Which of the following statements accurately describes the Arm's Length
Principle (ALP) in international taxation?
(a) It ensures that transactions between related parties are priced based on their
actual costs.
(b) It aims to maximize tax revenue for the host country.
(c) It requires transactions between related parties to be priced as if they were

conducted by independent and unrelated entities
(d) It allows taxpayers to deduct a portion of their income for various business
expenses
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52. In the context of climate change, the Global Greenhouse Gas Monitoring
Infrastructure (GGMI) was launched by:
(a) United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change
(b) World Meteorological Organization
(c) United Nations Environment Programme
(d) Climate Action Network
53. Which of the following countries are the members of Colombo Security
Conclave?
1. Sri Lanka
2. India
3. Seychelles
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
54. Doha Programme of Action recently seen in the news aims to:
(a) help Least Developed Countries in achieving UN mandated Sustainable

Development Goals (SDGs).
(b) reverse the desertification in West Asia by 30 percent by 2030.
(c) increase mangrove cover by 50 percent by 2030 in Tropical countries.
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(d) balance the use of fossil fuels and renewable energy to achieve a just energy
transition in West Asia.
55. The term "Candida auris" was recently seen in the news. It is a:
(a) Frog
(b) Fungus
(c) Bird
(d) Virus
56. Consider the following statements regarding the Stand Up India scheme:
1. It seeks to promote entrepreneurship among Scheduled Castes (SCs)/Schedule

Tribes and Other Backward Classes.
2. Loans under the scheme are available for only green field projects.
3. It has an overdraft facility for working capital up to 1 lakh.
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None
57. Shugoshin, recently seen in the news, is a/an:
(a) protein that locks the X chromosome into an X shape.
(b) chromosomes that have centromeres present at the end of the chromosome.
(c) chromosomes whose centromere separates the chromosome into two equally
sized arms.
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(d) unique structure allows our genetic data to be discreetly kept inside our nuclei.
58. The "Paris Principles" were adopted by the UN in 1993. They primarily deal with:
(a) Human Rights
(b) Climate Change
(c) Pandemics
(d) Gender Equality
Islands in news Country
1. Macquarie : Brazil
2. Munroe Thuruthu : India
3. Siniyah : Japan
(a) Only one pair
(b) Only two pairs
(c) All three pairs
(d) None
60. Consider the following millets:
1. Kodo
2. Poroso
3. Ragi
4. Barnyard
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How many of the above-mentioned millets are examples of minor millets?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) Only three
(d) All four
61. In the context of Indian geography, Parkachik, Pindari, Machoi are:
(a) Mountains
(b) Glaciers
(c) Rivers
(d) Salt water lakes
62. With reference to Rang Ghar, consider the following statements:
1. It is a two-storey amphitheatre located in Assam's Sivasagar district.
2. It was built during the reign of Lachit Barphukan.
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
63. With reference to the recently organized Global Buddhist Summit, consider the
following statements:
1. It was the first-ever Global Buddhist Summit organized by the Ministry of Culture.
2. It was organized in collaboration with the International Buddhist Confederation.

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(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
64. Consider the following different types of water bodies:
1. A structure where water from ice melt, streams, springs, rain is accumulated
2. Water stored by diversion from a stream, nala or river
3. Oceans and lagoons
4. Swimming pools
5. Pucca open water tanks created only for cattle to drink water.
How many of the above-mentioned are included under the definition of ‘Water
bodies’ under the First Water Census of India?
(a) Only two
(b) Only three
(c) Only four
(d) Only five
65. With reference to Gongadi Shawls, consider the following statements:
1. These are woven by the indigenous Kuruma and Kuruba pastoralist communities.
2. These are made using the coarse wool of Nalla gorrae sheep.
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
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(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Tribes State
1. Tiwa : Assam
2. Kattunayakan : Tamil Nadu
3. Soliga : Madhya Pradesh
How many of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None
67. Consider the following statements regarding the Santosh Trophy:
1. It is Asia’s oldest football tournament in which clubs from across the country
participate.
2. This year Mohun Bagan won this trophy.
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
68. With reference to Viscose fiber, consider the following statements:

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1. Viscose is a type of rayon.
2. It is a biodegradable fiber and is made from tree wood pulp.
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
69. Consider the following statements regarding Project Taara:
1. It aims to offer internet connectivity via light beams.
2. It is an initiative of the International Telecommunication Union.
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
70. Consider the following statements regarding XPoSat Satellite (X-ray Polarimeter
Satellite):
1. It is aimed at studying various dynamics of astronomical sources in extreme

conditions.
2. It is the world’s first polarimetry mission using X-Ray.
3. It is a collaboration between the ISRO and the Raman Research Institute.
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
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(c) All three
(d) None
71. Consider the following National Parks:
1. Mollem National Park
2. Periyar National Park
3. Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary
Malabar Tree Toad is found in which of the above-mentioned National Parks?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None
72. Consider the following pairs :
Protected Area State
1. Mukurthi National Park : Karnataka
2. Sahyadri Tiger Reserve : Maharashtra
3. Bura chapori Wildlife Sanctuary : Assam
How many of the pairs given above are correct?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None
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73. Consider the following statements regarding Leadership in Energy and
Environmental Design Zero Certification (LEED):
1. It is an initiative of the International Energy Agency.
2. India ranks first globally in LEED Zero certified green building projects.
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
74. In the context of volcanism, fumarole is a:
(a) snow capped volcano.
(b) opening in the earth’s surface that emit steam and volcanic gases.
(c) coarse grained plutonic rock.
(d) mantle plume.
75. Consider the following statements regarding stablecoins:
1. Their value is pegged or tied to that of another currency, commodity, or financial

instrument.
2. They can use cryptocurrencies as the underlying collateral.
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
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76. Consider the following minerals:
1. Antimony
2. Beryllium
3. Zinc
4. Cobalt
5. Chromium
How many of the above-mentioned minerals are examples of critical minerals

according to the Government of India?
(a) Only two
(b) Only three
(c) Only four
(d) All five
77. Consider the following statements regarding Spheroidal Carbonaceous Particles

(SCP):
1. It is a component of flyash.
2. It has no other anthropogenic or natural source other than fossil fuel combustion.
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
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Place in news Country
1. Mahdia : Guyana
2. Belgorod : Ukraine
3. Dnipro : Russia
How many of the pairs given above are correctly matched?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None
79. Consider the following statements regarding the Hallmark Unique Identification
(HUID) number:
1. A hallmark is a mark on gold jewellery which is affixed by an entity recognised by

the Bureau of Indian Standards.
2. HUID number is a unique six-digit alphanumeric code given to every piece of

jewellery.
3. 22K916 means that it is 22-carat gold and the piece of jewellery has 91.6 percent
gold.
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None
80. Consider the following statements regarding African Union:
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1. Only the countries of the African continent are the members of African Union.
2. Its headquarters is located in Cape Town, South Africa.
3. The combined population of the member states exceeds 2 billion.
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None
81. With reference to the Cabinet Committee on Parliamentary Affairs, recently seen
in the news, consider the following statements:
1. It determines the date and duration of parliamentary sessions in India.
2. At present, the Prime Minister of India acts as an ex-officio chairperson of the

committee.
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
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Q 1.B
● TARKASH, a joint exercise by the National Security Guard (NSG) and US

Special Operations Forces, included a drill for tackling chemical and biological
attacks by terrorists. Hence pair 1 is correctly matched.
● The exercise for the first time included “Chemical, Biological, Radiological and
Nuclear (CBRN) terror response” in its drill. CBRN weapons have the
capability of creating mass casualties and are classified as weapons of mass
destruction.
This year it is being held in Chennai, Tamil Nadu.
Exercise Desert Flag:

● Exercise Desert Flag is a multilateral air exercise in which Air Forces from
UAE, France, Kuwait, Australia, UK, Bahrain, Morocco, Spain, Republic of
Korea, and USA would also be participating. Hence pair 2 is not correctly
matched.
● The aim of the exercise is to participate in diverse fighter engagements and
learn from the best practices of various Air Forces.
Exercise Cyclone-I:
● The first-ever joint exercise between the special forces of the Indian Army and
the Egyptian Army named “Exercise Cyclone-I” is conducted at Jaisalmer in
Rajasthan in January 2023.
● The exercise aims to bolster defense cooperation between the two nations
and focus on sharing professional skills and interoperability of Special Forces
in desert terrain while undertaking counterterrorism, reconnaissance, raids,
and other special operations.
● Exercise “Cyclone - I” is the first exercise of its kind bringing the special forces
of both nations on a common platform. Hence pair 3 is correctly matched.
Q 2.B
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● The apex court directed all states to have a mandatory 1 km ESZ from the
demarcated boundaries of every protected forest land, national park, and
wildlife sanctuary. It also stated that no new permanent structure or mining will
be permitted within the ESZ.
What are Eco-sensitive zones (ESZs):
● As per the National Wildlife Action Plan (2002-2016), issued by the Union
Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, land within 10 km of the
boundaries of national parks and wildlife sanctuaries is to be notified as eco-
fragile zones or Eco-Sensitive Zones (ESZ).
● Areas beyond 10 km can also be notified by the Union government as ESZs if
they hold larger ecologically important “sensitive corridors.”
● They are created as “shock absorbers” for the protected areas, to minimize
the negative impact on the “fragile ecosystems” by certain human activities
taking place nearby.
● Furthermore, these areas are meant to act as a transition zone from areas
requiring higher protection to those requiring lesser protection.
● ESZs are not meant to hamper the daily activities of people living in the
vicinity, but are meant to guard the protected areas and “refine the
environment around them”.
● Activities prohibited are commercial mining, sawmills, commercial use of
wood, etc., apart from regulated activities like felling of trees. Hence options
3 and 4 are not correct.
● Permitted activities include ongoing agricultural or horticultural practices,
rainwater harvesting, organic farming, the use of renewable energy sources,
and the adoption of green technology for all activities. Hence options 1 and 2
are correct.
Q 3.B
● India has introduced a draft to launch a global initiative to encourage the

consumption and production of millet. The draft of the proposed initiative —
MIIRA — was placed during the first Agriculture Deputies Meeting under the
Agriculture Working Group (AWG), G20. Hence statement 1 is not correct.
Objective:
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● MIIRA will aim to connect millet research organisations across the world while
also supporting research on these crops.
● This is significant as issues like food security and nutrition are among the key
priority areas in the agriculture sector during India’s G20 Presidency.
● Besides setting up a web platform to connect researchers and holding
international research conferences, the plan is also to raise awareness for
promoting the consumption of millet.
Funding Mechanism:
● For MIIRA to take off, India will contribute the “seed money”, while each G20
member will later have to contribute to its budget in the form of a membership
fee.
● The MIIRA secretariat will be in Delhi, adding that with India being a major
producer of millets, this will ensure a flow of investment from the country’s
industry and research bodies. Hence statement 2 is correct.
Q 4.B
● India’s real-time retail payment system Unified Payments Interface (UPI),

which has allowed for quick digital payments through apps like BharatPe and
Paytm, and its equivalent network in Singapore called PayNow, were
integrated recently to enable faster remittances between the two countries at
a competitive rate. Hence option b is correct.
Unified Payments Interface (UPI):

● Unified Payments Interface (UPI) is India’s mobile-based fast payment
system, which facilitates customers to make round-the-clock payments
instantly, using a Virtual Payment Address (VPA) created by the customer.
● It eliminates the risk of sharing bank account details by the remitter. UPI
supports both Person-to-Person (P2P) and Person-to-Merchant (P2M)
payments and it also enables a user to send or receive money.
PayNow
● PayNow is a fast payment system in Singapore.
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● It enables peer-to-peer funds transfer service, available to retail customers
through participating banks and Non-Bank Financial Institutions (NFIs) in
Singapore.
● It allows users to send and receive instant funds from one bank or e-wallet
account to another in Singapore by using just their mobile number, Singapore
National Registration Identity Card (NRIC)/Foreign Identification Number
(FIN), or VPA.
Q 5.C
● The Prime Minister unveils the Mascot of the International Museum Expo
2023 - the Chennapatnam-style dancing girl.
● Channapatna toys are a particular form of wooden toys (and dolls) that are
manufactured in the town of Channapatna in the Ramanagara district of
Karnataka. Hence statement 1 is correct.
● As a result of the popularity of these toys, Channapatna is known as
Gombegala Ooru (toy-town) of Karnataka.
● The artisans still follow the traditional method of making the toys, using mainly
ivory wood for making the toys. Very rarely rosewood and sandalwood are
used. The toys are laced with vegetable dyes and colors devoid of chemicals
and hence they are safe for children. Hence statement 2 is correct.
● Channapattana toys hold a GI tag under the Handicrafts category.
Q 6.B
● The report is released by Australia-based Cross Dependency Initiative or XDI,

which is a part of the climate risk group of companies quantifying the costs of
climate change.
● The Gross Domestic Climate Risk analysis focuses on the extent of capital
value at risk from extreme weather and climate change in states, provinces
and other territories, represented by vulnerability and exposure of the built
environment. Hence option (b) is the correct answer.
Q 7.C
● The National Stock Exchange (NSE) in February placed Adani Enterprises,

Adani Ports, and Ambuja Cements under the Additional Surveillance
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Mechanism (ASM). This means trading in their shares will require a 100%
margin, which is aimed at curbing speculation and short selling.
● The move comes as shares of Adani group companies continue to fall in the
wake of accusations of stock manipulation and fraud leveled against the
group by New York-based short seller Hindenburg Research.
What is an additional surveillance mechanism (ASM)?

● An ASM shortlisting signals to investors that the stocks have seen unusual
activity.
● The “shortlisting of securities under ASM is purely on account of market
surveillance and it should not be construed as an adverse action against the
concerned company/entity. Hence Statement- II is not correct.
● The shortlisting of securities for placing in ASM is based on criteria that are
jointly decided by the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) and
exchanges covering the parameters of “high low variation, client
concentration, PE, close to close price variation, market capitalisation, volume
variation, delivery percentage, and number of unique PANs.
● The ASM was introduced on March 26, 2018, with the intention to protect
investors from market volatility and unusual changes in share price. Hence
Statement-I is correct.
Q 8.B
● Researchers have found the first known "virovore," or organism that eats
viruses. Hence option (b) is the correct answer.
● The organism belongs to a species of Plankton, named Halteria.
● The Researchers have also reported that Halteria, can grow and divide only
when given a virus to eat (virovory).
● They're made up of nucleic acids, a lot of nitrogen, and phosphorous.
Q 9.A
● The 50th All Manipur Shumang Leela Festival 2021-2022 kicked off in Imphal.
Hence option (a) is the correct answer.
● Shumang means 'open courtyard and "Leela' means play and the literal
meaning of Shumang Leela is "play of the open courtyard".
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● Shumang Leela is a traditional form of theatre in Manipur where the roles of
women are all played by men, called Nupi Shabis.
● In the case of women's theatre groups, the roles of men are played by
women.
● Origin: It started as a comic generally presented before the kings and
noblemen, which ultimately developed into the present form of courtyard-
enacted play.
● It is believed to be descended from Lai Haraoba, a ritual of the Meiti
Community.
Q 10.B
● Apparel Export Promotion Council (AEPC) along with the other Export Council
(EC) members inaugurated the first edition of UPNEXT India 2023 in the
presence of international buyers and exhibitors supported by the Ministry of
Commerce and Industry under the Market Access Initiative (MAI) Scheme.
Hence option (b) is the correct answer.
● Market Access Initiative (MAI) Scheme is an Export Promotion Scheme
envisaged to act as a catalyst to promote India's exports on a sustained basis.
The scheme is formulated on a focus product-focus country approach to
evolve specific markets and specific products through market studies/surveys
● The MAI scheme is administered by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry,
Government of India, through the Directorate General of Foreign Trade
(DGFT). The meet is to be held in Gurugram, NCR the millennium city of India
which is also a large apparel manufacturing hub.
Q 11.C
● Recently, for the first time, a mega event celebrating the region the Kalyana
Kamataka Utsav, is being organized by the Government of Karnataka
● About Monuments at Kalaburagi: The region was home to the 12th-century
social reformer Basavanna, the 14th-century Sufi Khwaja Bandanawaz
Gesudaraz, and the 18th-century saint Sharana Basaveshwara. The region,
which was ruled by the Mauryas, Rashtrakutas, Chalukyas, Balımanis, and
Nizams, still holds much rich cultural heritage and wonders like Bahmani Fort,
Haft Gumbaz, the tomb of Firoz Shah Bahmani.
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Basavanna
● He was a 12th-century philosopher, statesman, Kannada poet, and social
reformer during the reign of the Kalachuri-dynasty king Bijjala I in Karnataka,
India. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
● He spread social awareness through his poetry, popularly known as
Vachanaas. Basavanna rejected gender or social discrimination,
superstitions, and rituals. He presided over the Sharana movement which
attracted people from all castes. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
● He is the first Kannadiga in whose honor a commemorative coin has been
minted in recognition of his social reforms. He introduced new public
instituhons such as the Anubhava Mantapa, that welcomed men and women
from all socio-economic backgrounds to discuss spiritual and mundane
questions of life, in the open. Hence, statement 3 is correct.
Q 12.C
● Quasicrystal is essentially a crystal-like substance. However, unlike a crystal,

in which atoms are arranged in a repeating pattern, a quasicrystal consists of
atoms that are arranged in a pattern that doesn’t repeat itself regularly.
● Since their discovery, quasicrystals have been widely created in labs and
known to “possess novel electrical, photonic, and mechanical properties that
aren’t found in other materials, making them an attractive prospect for
materials scientists.
● They are used in manufacturing non-stick frying pans, needles for
acupuncture and surgery, dental instruments and razor blades. Hence all
options are correct,
What are the findings of the new study?

● Although quasicrystals can be easily produced, they are rarely found outside
of the laboratory. The first one was identified in a meteorite, found in 2009
near the Khatyrka River in Chukhotka, Russia.
● The second one was discovered in 2021 during the study of debris from the
site of the world’s first nuclear explosion, which took place in 1945 in New
Mexico.
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● Scientists suggest that in both instances, for the formations of quasicrystals,
materials were subjected to extremely high-pressure and high-temperature
shock events.
● The latest discovery is only the third time that scientists have come across a
quasicrystal in nature. As per the study, the quasicrystal was created by a
lightning strike or a downed power line in a wind created dune in the Sand
Hills of Nebraska.
● Notably, scientists have been producing them in laboratories for years now,
but it’s quite rare to discover naturally occurring quasicrystals.
Q 13.B
● India is a top producer of many fruits like banana, mango, pomegranate and
papaya, yet its contribution in exports is not up to the mark, sometimes owing
to poor quality of the produce.
● Now, in order to produce high-quality and disease-free material for horticulture
crops, Finance Minister has announced Atmanirbhar Clean Plant Program in
2023 budget. Hence statement 1 is not correct.
● The outlay of the new programme will be Rs. 2,200 crore. The programme will
be anchored by the national horticulture board which in turn will set up Clean
Plant Centres across the country. Hence statement 2 is correct.
Q 46.C
● Recently, Croatia has become the member of schengen area in February,

2023.
What is the Schengen Area?

● The Schengen Area is an area of Europe with no internal border controls.
Countries in the Schengen Area have agreed to abolish controls at their
shared borders, allowing people to travel freely between member countries.
● About 3.5 million people a day cross internal Schengen borders to work, study
or visit family and friends.
● Non-European Union (EU) nationals living in or visiting the EU can also travel
check-free through the zone.
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● Schengen Place: The area is named after a small village in Luxembourg.
Hence statement 1 is correct.
● This is where five EU countries – France, Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands
and Luxembourg – signed an agreement in 1985 to create the Schengen Area
as an intergovernmental project.
Members of Schengen Area

● European Union Members: These are Austria, Belgium, Croatia, the Czech
Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary,
Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Poland,
Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain and Sweden.
● Non- European Union Members but part of Schengen area: Iceland,
Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland are also Schengen Area members
even though they aren’t in the EU, as they are part of the European Free
Trade Association. Hence statement 2 is correct.
● European Union members but not part of Schengen area: EU countries not in
the Schengen Area are Bulgaria, Cyprus, Romania and Ireland.
Q 15.B
● Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected area in the Western Ghats,

India, located in Kollam district of Kerala and comes under the control of the
Agasthyamalai Biosphere Reserve. Hence pair 1 is correctly matched.
● The first eco-tourism project in India, Thenmala Eco- tourism Project has been
formulated in and around Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary.
● This Sanctuary derives its name from Chenkurinji (Gluta travancorica), a
species endemic to this region.
● Tropical evergreen and semi-evergreen forests cover a major area of the
sanctuary.
● Recently, nearly 450 species of birds, odonates, butterflies, arachnids and
mammals were documented during the annual faunal survey held recently in
Shendurney wildlife sanctuary.
Bankapura wolf wildlife sanctuary:
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● Recently, the Karnataka government have notified 3 new sanctuaries and one
conservation reserve. One among them was Bankapura Wolf Wildlifw
sanctuary located at Bankapura in Koppal district. Hence pair 2 is correctly
matched.
● It will be a dedicated wolf sanctuary spread across 332.68 hectares of reserve
forest.
● The government noted that the undulating terrains, rocky outcrops, scrub-like
forests, natural dens, and agglomerations of boulders and stones provide an
ideal habitat for the first-of-its-kind sanctuary for Indian grey wolves in
Karnataka.
● The sanctuary will also help the conservation of striped hyenas, jackals, foxes
and other smaller mammals.
Kaimur Wildlife Sanctuary (KWLS):

● This Sanctuary is located in the famous Kaimur hills range in the state of
Bihar. Hence pair 3 is not correctly matched.
● It is the largest sanctuary in the state and occupies an area of about 1342
km2.
● This sanctuary has ancient cave paintings and the oldest Fossil Park to its
acclaim.
Recent Context
● Recently In an attempt to make Kaimur Wildlife Sanctuary (KWLS) tiger-
friendly, the Bihar government has decided to conduct animal census there.
● Tigers had been found in KWLS, the state’s largest sanctuary, some three
decades ago but they are not there now.
● The big cats from adjoining forests in other states sometimes visit KWLS and
the state government wants that they stay there permanently.
Q 16.D
• Recent Context: India and Italy will be the new co-chairs of the Global
Partnership for Financial Inclusion (GPFI) for three years from 2024 for the
next 3 years. Hence statement 2 is not correct.
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• Their selection was announced at the second meeting of the GPFI, which
concluded in Hyderabad, with support from the whole membership. The
meeting is conducted as part of India’s G20 presidency.
• Italy and Russia, are current GPFI co-chairs from the years 2021-2023.
• The Global Partnership for Financial Inclusion (GPFI) is an inclusive platform
for all G20 countries, interested non-G20 countries, and relevant stakeholders
to carry forward work on financial inclusion, including implementation of the
G20 Financial Inclusion Action Plan, endorsed at the G20 Summit in Seoul.
• Financial inclusion was not only prominently included in the Leaders'
Declaration, but was also highlighted as an important component under the
Seoul Development Consensus.
• It contributes to strengthening coordination and collaboration between various
national, regional and international stakeholders and the main implementing
organization of the G20 Financial Inclusion Action Plan. Hence statement 1
is not correct.
Q 17.B
● NASA is gearing up to launch Israel's very first telescope mission. The

Ultraviolet Transient Astronomy Satellite or the ULTRASAT will be launched
into a geostationary orbit in early 2026.
Ultraviolet Transient Astronomy Satellite (ULTRASAT)

● ULTRASAT, an ultraviolet observatory with a large field of view, will
investigate the secrets of short-duration events in the universe, such as
supernova explosions and mergers of neutron stars.
● It is Israel’s first space telescope mission and launch service is provided by
NASA. Hence option (b) is correct.
Q 18.D
● W20 (Women 20) is an official engagement group under the G20 which was
established during the Turkish presidency in 2015. Hence Statement-I is not
correct.
● Its primary objective is to ensure that gender considerations are
mainstreamed into G20 discussions and translated into the G20 Leaders’
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Declaration as policies and commitments that foster gender equality and
women’s economic empowerment. Hence Statement-II is correct.
Q 19.D
● Recently the annual Munich Security conference was held at Munich,

Germany. For the first time in 20 years, Russia hasn’t been invited to the
event, a response to its ongoing invasion of Ukraine.
What is the Munich Security Conference?

● The Munich Security Conference is an annual conference on global security
issues, which was founded in 1963. Hence statement 1 is not correct.
● It was founded by a German official and publisher Ewald-Heinrich von Kleist
at the peak of the Cold War (1947-1991).
● Starting in 1963, the conference initially only focused on military issues and
was mainly attended by western countries and their high-profile officials, who
“came together to display a united front in their struggle with Soviet
communism.
● After the end of the Cold War, the conference expanded its agenda that went
beyond defence and security matters to include issues such as climate
change and migration. It also started to invite leaders from eastern nations,
including Russia, India and China. Hence statement 2 is not correct.
Q 20.C
● Central government has decided to put forth the name of Assam’s Charaideo
moidams burial sites in addition to United Nations Educational, Scientific and
Cultural Organization’s (UNESCO) World Heritage Sites list for 2023-24. If
selected it will be the only cultural heritage site in the North East to get the
coveted status
What is Charaideo Moidams?
● It is also known as the ‘Pyramids of Assam’ and was the original capital of the
Ahom Kings. It contains sacred burial grounds of Ahom kings and queens and
is also the place of the ancestral Gods of the Ahoms. Hence, both
statements 1 and 2 are correct.
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● Che-Rai-Doi: “Che” means city or town, “Rai” means “to shine” and “Doi”
means hill. In short, Charaideo means, “a shining town situated on a hilltop.”
● A moidam is a tumulus – a mound of earth raised over a grave
● Charaideo city was built by the Chaolung Sukhapa in about 1253 CE. Hence,
the statement 3 is correct.
● Located at around 30 Km from the historical Sivasagar town in Assam at the
foothills of Nagaland
● Features: It comprises a massive underground vault with one or more
chambers having domical superstructure and covered by a heap of earthen
mounds and externally it appears a hemispherical mound.
About Ahom Kingdom:

● It was established in 1228 in the Brahmaputra valley of Assam, the Ahom
kingdom retained its sovereignty for 600 years. The Ahoms ruled the land till
the province was annexed to British India in 1826 with the signing of the
Treaty of Yandaboo.
● Chaolung Sukapha, the first King of the Ahom Kingdom, crossed the Patkai
mountainous region to reach the Brahmaputra valley and laid the foundations
of the Ahom Dynasty.
● The Ahom state depended upon forced labor (Called Paiks).
Q 21.D
● Norovirus is not new; it has been circulating among humans for over 50 years
and is thought to be one of the primary causes of gastroenteritis. In simple
words, it is a highly contagious virus that causes diarrhea and vomiting. The
norovirus can infect and sicken anyone, according to the World Health
Organization (WHO). Hence Statement-I is not correct.
● The virus is estimated to kill 200,000 persons globally every year, with most
deaths occurring among those below the age of five years and those over the
age of 65 years.
● Recently in January, the Kerala Health Department confirmed two cases of
the gastrointestinal infection Norovirus in class 1 students in Ernakulam
district.
● Norovirus causes
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● Direct contact with an infected person, drinking contaminated food or water, or
touching contaminated surfaces and then putting your unwashed hands in
your mouth are all ways to contract Norovirus.
● The virus is capable of surviving low temperatures, and outbreaks tend to be
more common during the winter and in colder countries — that is why it is
sometimes referred to as “winter vomiting disease”. Hence Statement-II is
correct.
Q 22.D
● Recently, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin reached out to his Chinese

counterpart via a special crisis line (Hotline), aiming for a quick general-to-
general talk. This happened when America shot down a giant Chinese balloon
that had crossed the United States.
Communication Hotline:
● Hotline is a direct telephone line in constant operational readiness so as to
facilitate immediate communication. Hence option (d) is the correct answer.
● It provides quick communication link between heads of states, which is
designed to reduce the danger of an accident, miscalculation, or surprise
attack, and especially an incident that might trigger a nuclear war.
Q 23.C
● The 18th UIC World Security Congress, jointly organized by the Railway
Protection Force (RPF) and the International Union of Railways (UIC), has
adopted the "Jaipur Declaration".
Jaipur Declaration
● Jaipur declaration is outlining an actionable agenda for UIC to explore
innovative approaches that can help global Railway organizations achieve
their long-term goal of safety and security. Hence option c is correct.
● The declaration highlighted the commitment of UIC to work towards providing
a more safe and more secure rail network across the globe, by also fully
activating the Asia-Pacific, Latin America and African regional assemblies by
2025.
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About UIC
● The UIC (Union International Des Chemins) or International Union of Railways
established in 1922 is headquartered in Paris.
● It is the worldwide professional association representing the railway sector for
research, development & promotion of rail transport.
● The Security Platform of UIC is empowered to develop and formulate analysis
and policy positions on behalf of the global rail sector in matters relating to
security of persons, property and installations.
About Railway Protection Force (RPF)

● Railway Protection Force (RPF) is the prime security and law- enforcement
organization in the field of Railway Security in India.
● Constituted as a federal Force in the year 1957, RPF is responsible for
security of railway property, passenger and passenger zones.
● RPF has the distinction of being the federal force of India with the largest
share of women in its ranks.
Q 24.D
• Amrit Dharohar Scheme was recently announced in the Budget 2023.

• This scheme will be implemented over the next three years to encourage
optimal use of wetlands, and enhance bio-diversity, carbon stock, eco-tourism
opportunities and income generation for local communities. Hence option (d)
is the correct answer.
Q 25.A
● As a part of its series of sensitization programs that are aimed at promoting

the export of millets and its value-added products, APEDA organized a
Virtual-Buyer Seller Meet to harness export opportunities in the United Arab
Emirates (UAE).
● It also launched e-Catalogue for the UAE which contains information on
various Indian Millets and the range of their value-added products available
for export, list of active exporters, start-ups and importer/retail
chain/hypermarkets, etc.
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Agriculture and Processed Food Products Export Development
Authority (APEDA): APEDA was established under the Agricultural and
Processed Food Products Export Development Authority Act passed by the
Parliament in 1985.
● It is Headquartered in New Delhi and functions under the Ministry of
Commerce and Industry. Hence statement 1 is correct.
Functions
● Promotion of export-oriented production and development of the Scheduled
products; These products include Fruits, vegetables, Meat products, Honey,
chocolate pickles, Guar gum etc except, marine products. Marine products
are dealt with by a separate statutory body under Commerce Ministry which is
the Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA). Hence
statement 2 is not correct.
Q 26.B
● Even as the Supreme Court has called for reforming death penalty
sentencing, trial courts awarded 165 death sentences in 2022, the highest in
over two decades, according to the Annual Death Penalty Report, 2022. The
report will be released on Monday by Project 39A.
Project 39A
● It is a criminal reforms advocacy group with the National Law University,
Delhi. Hence option(b) is the correct answer.
● It is inspired by Article 39-A of the Indian Constitution, a provision that furthers
the intertwined values of equal justice and equal opportunity by removing
economic and social barriers
● Project 39A aims to trigger new conversations on legal aid, torture, forensics,
mental health in prisons, and the death penalty, using empirical research to
re-examine practices and policies in the criminal justice system.
Q 27.A
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● Recent context: Recently, the British government said that it would provide
Ukraine with armor piercing rounds containing depleted uranium.
● In order to produce fuel for certain types of nuclear reactors and nuclear
weapons, uranium has to be "enriched" in the U-235 isotope, which is
responsible for nuclear fission.
● During the enrichment process, the fraction of U-235 is increased from its
natural level (0.72% by mass) to between 2% and 94% by mass.
● The by-product uranium mixture (after the enriched uranium is removed) has
reduced concentrations of U-235 and U-234. This by-product of the
enrichment process is known as depleted uranium (DU). Hence statement 1
is correct.
● In comparison to enriched uranium, depleted uranium is much less radioactive
and is incapable of generating a nuclear reaction. Hence statement 2 is not
correct.
Q 28.D
● Indonesia’s Mount Merapi, one of the world’s most active volcanoes, erupted
late on March 17, 2023 and continued to spew hot ash and other volcanic
material.
● It was Merapi’s most powerful eruption since 1930 when about 1,300 people
were killed.
● Scientists at the Alaska Volcano Observatory recently warned that it's
possible there could be an eruption at Tanaga Volcano after earthquakes
were recorded beneath the volcano's summit.
● Tanaga volcano is the second largest volcano of the central Aleutians in
Alaska, USA. It is the central and highest of 3 young stratovolcanoes oriented
along a roughly E-W line at the NW tip of Tanaga Island.
● One of Russia’s most active volcanoes erupted recently shooting a vast cloud
of ash far up into the sky and smothering villages in drifts of grey volcanic
dust, triggering an aviation warning around Russia’s far eastern Kamchatka
Peninsula.
● Shiveluch is one of the largest and most active volcanoes in the Kamchatka
peninsula of Russia having erupted at least 60 times in the past 10,000 years.
● Hence option (d) is the correct answer.
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Q 29.B
● Recently, the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) amended

Biofuels’ Export Policy.
● DGFT has modified the 2018 notification, allowing export of biofuel from
Special Economic Zones (SEZs) and Export-Oriented Units (EOUs) for both
fuel and non-fuel purposes without any restrictions if biofuel is produced using
imported feed stock. Hence statement 1 is not correct.
● Biofuel imports and exports both require a license. Hence statement 2 is
correct.
● Biofuel, renewable form of energy, is any hydrocarbon fuel that is produced
from organic matter in a short period of time. This is in contrast with fossil
fuels.
● Types of Biofuel: Bio ethanol, Biodiesel, Compressed Bio-Gas (CBG), Bio-
hydrogen etc.
Q 30.A
● Indian Army is going to conduct PALM 400 attack drone tests in Pokhran. The
PALM 400 - acronym for 'Precision Attack Loitering Munition' is a long-range,
high-precision loitering munition system.
● PALM 400 is an armed Remotely Piloted Vehicle (RPV) built by AVision
Systems.
● It is a joint venture between Israeli firm UVision Air Ltd and Hyderabad-based
Aditya Precitech Private Ltd.
● It is a high precision loitering system launched from a canister which can loiter
for up to 120 minutes.
● Speed: 50-140 knots (90-260 km per hour), Height: 3,000-4,000 feet above
ground.
● It picks out its target and fires an armorpenetrating projectile from top - where
its armor protection is the least.
● It uses complex navigational techniques that enable it to function even in
environments where the GPS has been disabled.
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● It can loiter above a target in stealth mode, collect information, and
immediately strike at time sensitive threats.
● It uses electro-optical/infrared stabilized cameras to detect and engage
targets both during the day and at night.
● Hence option (a) is the correct answer.
Q 31.A
● Recently, Sundarja mango, Manamadurai pottery, Nagri Dubraj rice have

received GI tags.
● Geographical Indications (GIs) are one of the forms of intellectual property
that authenticate the origins, quality, distinct characteristics, and reputation of
a product attributable to a particular geographical region.
● The Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act,
1999 (GI Act) is an Act of the Parliament of India for the protection of
geographical indications in India. India, as a member of the World Trade
Organization (WTO), enacted the Act to comply with the Agreement on Trade-
Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights.
Sundarja mango
● The Sundarja mango is found in abundance in Govindgarh town of Rewa
district, Madhya Pradesh. The Sundarja mango has a wide popularity and
even a stamp has been issued in the name of it. This mango is called pride of
the Vindya and it is fibre free fruit. Hence pair 1 is correctly matched.
● Basohli Painting' - popular for its miniature art style from Kathua district of
Jammu has obtained the Geographical Indication (GI) Tag.
● Basohli, a simple town in the Jammu region, was the cradle of Pahari
paintings. It gave birth to a unique style of miniature paintings that witnessed
a fusion of mythology and traditional folk art.
● It was under Sangram Pal (1635-1673) and later Kirpal Pal (1678-1693) that
Basohli paintings flourished.
● Vaishnavism was adopted under Sangram Pal and hence the early paintings,
specifically the Rasmanjari series, depict Krishna as the protagonist.
Arun Singh Tomar

● The characteristic features of these paintings were the use of bright and bold
colours like red, yellow, and blue in the borders, as well as for the generally
flat background.
● The other distinguishing part was the facial features- a prominent nose
and lotus-shaped eyes.
● Depiction of flora was not unusual in Basohli paintings. The artists’ favourite
was the bright red flowers of rhododendron. Hence pair 2 is not correctly
matched.
● Chhattisgarh's Nagri Dubraj rice variety got a geographical indication tag.
● After Jeeraphool rice in 2019, Dubraj is the second rice brand from
Chattisgarh to get the GI tag.
● The women's self-help group “Maa Durga Swasahayata Samuh” of Nagri in
Dhamtari district has been harvesting Dubraj and has applied for the GI tag.
Hence pair 3 is not correctly matched.
Q 32.A
● Operation Interflex is a part of the United Kingdom’s (UK) commitment of £2.3

billion for military aid and support to Ukraine.
● Operation Interflex aims to teach weapon handling, range activity,
marksmanship, fieldcraft basics, field tactics, battle casualty drills, counter
explosives, the laws of armed conflict, first aid, and cyber security awareness.
● Under it, the UK and other countries including Canada, New Zealand,
Australia, Norway, Denmark, Finland, Sweden, Lithuania, and Netherlands
are training Ukraine’s military.
Q 33.A
● Recently, the United Kingdom agreed to join CPTPP. It will become the first
new member and the first country in Europe to join the CPTPP.
● It was signed in March 2018 and came into force in December 2018. Hence
● It succeeded the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) after the United States
withdrew from the TPP in 2017.
● It is a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) signed between 11 nations.
Arun Singh Tomar

● Member countries: Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Japan, Malaysia,
Singapore, Vietnam, Peru, Mexico, and New Zealand.
● USA is thus not a member of CPTPP. Hence statement 1 is correct.
● Hence statement 2 is not correct.
Q 34.B
● 28 States/UTs have adopted the National Generic Document Registration

System (NGDRS) for Land Records and 26 States/UTs have adopted the
Unique Land Parcel Identification Number (ULPIN) or Bhu-Aadhar.
About National Generic Document Registration System (NGDRS)

● Application: NGDRS is a common, generic, and configurable application
developed for document registration departments across the country.
● Initiated by: Department of Land Resources (DoLR), Ministry of Rural
Development. Hence statement 1 is not correct.
● State-specific: NGDRS facilitates states to create state-specific instances and
configure the software as per requirements.
● Citizen services: Offering a complete user interface for property and
document registration, the application enables citizens to proceed with land
buying online. Hence statement 2 is correct.
Q 35.A
● Recently, Belgrade (Serbia) has introduced liquid tree, an urban photo-

bioreactor, to combat air pollution.
● LIQUID 3 contains water and uses microalgae to reduce greenhouse gas
emissions and improve air quality by binding carbon dioxide and producing
pure oxygen through photosynthesis.
● LIQUID 3 is more efficient than trees, replacing two 10- year-old trees or 200
square meters of lawn.
● A photobioreactor (PBR) can be defined as an enclosed, illuminated culture
vessel designed to control biomass production through adjustment of the
operating parameters.
Q 36.B
Arun Singh Tomar

● Bengaluru sees Zero Shadow Day.
● A Zero Shadow Day is a specific day when the Sun is positioned in such a
way that an upright object, such as a vertical pole or a person standing, does
not cast a visible shadow. This phenomenon occurs in certain geographic
locations.
● For every point on Earth between the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of
Capricorn, there are two Zero Shadow Days a year because of the tilt of the
Earth's axis and its revolution around the Sun.
● The Earth's axis is tilted at an angle of approximately 23.5 degrees with
respect to its orbital plane. This tilt causes the angle of the Sun's rays to
change throughout the year as the Earth revolves around the Sun.
● ZSD occurs when the sun’s declination (earth’s axis results in a daily variation
of the angle between the earth–sun line and the earth’s equatorial plane)
becomes equal to the latitude of the location and the sun’s rays will fall exactly
vertical relative to an object on the ground leading to no shadow of that object.
● Delhi is located beyond the Tropic of Cancer at 28 degrees latitude and hence
does not experience zero shadow day.
● The latitude of Hyderabad is 17.3850° N and it was seen on May 9 at 12.12
p.m. and on August 3, when the shadow of any vertical object will disappear.
● Hence option (b) is the correct answer.
Q 37.C
● Prasar Bharati is a statutory autonomous body established under the Prasar

Bharati Act and came into existence on 23.11. 1997. It is the Public Service
Broadcaster of the country. The Ministry is responsible for the administration
of Prasar Bharati, the broadcasting arm of the Indian Government. Hence,
statement 2 is correct.
● The Central Board of Film Certification is the other important statutory body
under this ministry being responsible for the regulation of motion pictures
broadcast in India.
● Until the Information Technology Rules 2021, the Ministry of Information and
Broadcasting had the power to regulate content in all sectors — TV channels,
magazines, newspapers and movies in theatres and on TV, and radio — with
the exception of the internet.
Arun Singh Tomar
● The Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media
Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, were promulgated in February 2021, and they
extended their regulatory powers over internet content, particularly on digital
news platforms and Over the Top ("OTT") platforms. Hence, statement 1 is
correct.
Q 38.A
● International Criminal Court (ICC) issued arrest warrant for Vladimir Putin for
war crimes in Ukraine.
● ICC stated that Putin bears individual criminal responsibility for the abduction
and deportation of Ukrainian children since Russia’s full-scale invasion began
in February last year.
● However, ICC has no power to arrest sitting heads of state or bring them to
trial. Hence statement 1 is correct.
● War crimes are serious violations of humanitarian laws during a conflict
(derived from 1949 Geneva Conventions).
● War crimes include torture, mutilation, corporal punishment, hostage taking
and acts of terrorism.
● Hence statement 2 is not correct.
● Its Headquarters is located at The Hague in the Netherlands. Hence
Q 39.B
● Christina Koch, the American astronaut who spent 328 days aloft on her first
trip to International Space Station, spoke about the overview effect.
● The "Overview Effect" is a term used to describe the cognitive shift
experienced by astronauts when viewing the Earth from space. This
transformative experience often leads to a profound change in perspective,
values, and attitudes towards the planet and its inhabitants.
● It highlights the interconnectedness of humanity and the fragility of the Earth's
ecosystem.
● The Overview Effect has been reported by numerous astronauts and is
considered an essential aspect of human space exploration.
Arun Singh Tomar

Q 40.B
● The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeiTY) has amended

the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics
Code) Rules (IT Rules) 2021.
● The aim of these amendments is to enforce greater due diligence by online
gaming and social media intermediaries in respect of online games & fake or
false misleading information related to Government business.
Key Features of the Rules on Online Gaming

● Clear definitions:
● “Online games” mean a game that is offered on the Internet and is accessible
by a user through a computer resource or an intermediary. Hence statement
1 is not correct
● “Online gaming intermediary (OGI)” means any intermediary that enables the
users of its computer resource to access one or more online games.
● Role of Intermediaries: To make a reasonable effort to not host, publish or
share any online game that can cause the user harm, or that has not been
verified as a permissible online game by an online gaming Self-Regulatory
Body/Bodies (SRBs) designated by the Central Government.
● The intermediary will also have to ensure that no advertisement or surrogate
advertisement or promotion of an online game that is not a permissible online
game, is hosted on its platform.
● Prohibition: Online games that involve any kind of gambling (including ads)
will be prohibited. Hence statement 2 is correct.
Q 41.A
● Japan became the latest country to join Multi-Party Interim Appeal Arbitration
Arrangement (MPIA).
● MPIA (formed in 2020) is an alternative system for resolving WTO disputes
that are appealed by a Member in the absence of a functioning WTO
Appellate Body. Hence statement 1 is correct.
Arun Singh Tomar

● WTO members can resort to MPIA under Article 25 of WTO Dispute
Settlement Understanding.
● Any member can join MPIA by notifying the Dispute Settlement Body
(composed of representatives of all WTO Members).
● India not a member yet. Hence statement 2 is not correct.
Q 42.B
• IFAD and Japan announced the launch of the Enhanced Linkages between
Private Sector and Small-scale Producers initiative (ELPS).
• Its aim is to make small-scale producers and local food systems around the
world more resilient and sustainable together with the enhanced engagement
of private sector companies.
• The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), a specialized
agency of the United Nations, was one of the major outcomes of the 1974
World Food Conference. Hence statements 1 and 3 are correct.
• The conference was organized by the United Nations in response to the food
crises of the early 1970s, when global food shortages were causing
widespread famine and malnutrition, primarily in the Sahelian countries of
Africa.
• Its aim is to transform rural economies and food systems by making them
more inclusive, productive, resilient and sustainable.
• Its membership is open to any State that is a member of the United Nations,
any of its specialized agencies or the International Atomic Energy Agency.
• India is a member. Hence statement 2 is not correct.
Q 43.A
● European nations participated in Second North Sea Summit in Ostend,

Belgium. North Sea Summit aims at making the North Sea the largest
powerhouse of Europe by 2050 by taking its offshore wind capacity to 120
GW by 2030 and 300 GW by 2050.
Arun Singh Tomar

● 7 European Union (EU) countries (Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany,
Ireland, Luxembourg, Netherlands), and 2 Non-EU countries Norway and
United Kingdom participated in this second summit.
● At the end of first summit in Denmark in 2022, Belgium, Denmark, Germany
and Netherlands signed the Esbjerg Declaration.
● Esbjerg Declaration aimed at making the North Sea into the “Green Power
Plant of Europe”, an offshore renewable energy system.
● Declaration set the targets for offshore wind energy capacity of 150 GW by
2030 and 20 GW green hydrogen production capacity by 2030.
Wind energy in India

● India stands 4th globally in wind power capacity as per REN21 Renewables
2022 Global Status Report.
● As of February 2023, India’s total installed wind power capacity is
approximately 42 GW.
● Hence option (a) is the correct answer
Q 44.A
● Recently, NASA launched device called Tropospheric Emissions: Monitoring

of Pollution (TEMPO) to monitor air pollution from space.
● TEMPO will allow scientists to monitor air pollutants and their emission
sources and air quality across greater North America on an hourly basis
during daytime.
● The TEMPO instrument is a UV-visible spectrometer, and will be the first ever
space-based instrument to monitor air pollutants hourly across the North
American continent during daytime. It will collect high-resolution
measurements of ozone, nitrogen dioxide and other pollutants.
● Situated in geostationary orbit 35,786 kilometers above the equator.
● Among the pollutants tracked by TEMPO will be nitrogen dioxide, produced
from the combustion of fossil fuels, formaldehyde and ozone.
● It will be able to measure atmospheric pollution down to a spatial resolution of
10 square kilometers or neighborhood level.
Arun Singh Tomar

Q 45.B
● Two massive gravity batteries are nearing completion in the US and China.
● Gravity batteries are an emerging concept in energy storage technology.
● Gravity batteries, also known as gravitational energy storage systems, are a
type of potential energy storage system that store energy in the form of
gravitational potential energy.
● These systems work by raising heavy objects to a higher elevation when
excess energy is available (during periods of low demand or high renewable
energy generation).
● Then, when electricity demand increases or renewable energy supply
decreases, the stored potential energy can be released by lowering the heavy
objects, converting the potential energy back into electrical energy using
generators.
● Thus they do not harness energy from gravitational waves. Hence statement
1 is not correct.
● There are different designs for gravity batteries, but one common approach
involves lifting heavy masses, such as large blocks or containers of materials,
using electrical energy when it is abundant. Then, when energy is needed,
these heavy masses are lowered, driving generators to produce electricity.
● According to scientists at the International Institute for Applied Systems
Analysis (IIASA), abandoned mines could provide us a way to store
renewable energy by dropping containers of sand or heavy weights down
mine shafts. Thus they can be turned into giant gravity batteries. Hence
Q 46.D
● Proton therapy is a type of radiation therapy that uses protons rather than x-
rays. It painlessly delivers radiation to treat some types of cancer.
● In general, proton therapy has fewer side effects than other types of radiation
therapy. This is because it can be targeted more directly at the tumor and
does less damage to other tissue.
Arun Singh Tomar

● A proton is a positively charged particle. At high energy, protons can destroy
cancer cells.
● Proton beam therapy allows doctors to deliver a higher dose of radiation
directly to the tumor while sparing surrounding healthy tissues and organs
from unnecessary radiation exposure.
● This precision helps reduce the risk of damage to nearby healthy tissues and
can be particularly beneficial for treating certain types of tumors located near
sensitive organs or critical structures.
Q 47.B
● Researchers just discovered a method of animal reproduction previously

unknown to science, reporting that a biological law is being “broken” by a
species of ant.
● The acid-spraying ant has a bizarre form of reproduction unseen until now in
the animal kingdom, one that may have allowed it to become one of the
world’s worst invasive species, devastating many of the delicate ecosystems it
encounters
● A male yellow crazy ant represents what scientists call a chimera, or a single
animal with two sets of genetically distinct cells.
● Thus a chimera is an organism whose cells are derived from two or more
zygotes
● Scientists have found a handful of chimeras in nature, both in humans and
other species, sometimes resulting in people or creatures with two different
colored eyes.
● But most chimerism usually stems from rare developmental incidents, such as
when one embryo absorbs another in the womb.
Q 48.D
● Kochi was the host of international working group meetings of the

Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources.
Arun Singh Tomar

● The Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources
(CCAMLR) was established by international convention in 1982 with the
objective of conserving Antarctic marine life.
● This was in response to increasing commercial interest in Antarctic krill
resources, a keystone component of the Antarctic ecosystem and a history of
over-exploitation of several other marine resources in the Southern Ocean.
● Being responsible for the conservation of Antarctic marine ecosystems,
CCAMLR practises an ecosystem-based management approach.
● This does not exclude harvesting as long as such harvesting is carried out in
a sustainable manner and takes account of the effects of fishing on other
components of the ecosystem.
● CCAMLR is an international commission with 27 Members, and a further 10
countries have acceded to the Convention. Based on the best available
scientific information, the Commission agrees a set of conservation measures
that determine the use of marine living resources in the Antarctic.
● India is a member of the commission.
● There is no such arrangement for the Global Environment Facility as the
principal financial arm of the commission.
Q 49.D
● Recently, European Space Agency (ESA) has launched JUICE from Europe's
spaceport French Guiana on an eight-year-long voyage to Jupiter and its
moons through Ariane-5.
● Spacecraft will complete fly-bys of Venus, Earth, and the Earth-Moon system
to arrive at its destination in 2031.
● It is the first large-class mission in ESA's Cosmic Vision 2015-2025
programme.
● For the first time that the ESA has sent a spacecraft beyond the asteroid belt.
● It is a product of "global" cooperation between 23 countries, academic
institutions, and private companies.
About JUICE Mission
Arun Singh Tomar

● Objectives: It will make detailed observations about Jupiter and its three
large ocean-bearing moons – Ganymede, Callisto and Europa. o It will inspect
and analyse the moons' weather, magnetic field, gravitational pull and other
elements.
● Time Period: It will spend at least three years studying the gas giant and its
moons.
● Spacecraft: It has a record 85 square metres of solar panels, which stretch
out to the size of basketball court.
● It will collect as much energy as possible near Jupiter, where sunlight is 25
times weaker than on Earth.
● Payload: It includes GALA (GAnymede Laser Altimeter), MAJIS (Moons and
Jupiter Imaging Spectrometer), UVS (UV imaging Spectrograph) etc.
Q 50.A
● Supreme Court has taken up Maharashtra’s plea for a hearing on the border
row with Karnataka, the issue that has been simmering since the States
Reorganisation Act of 1956.
Genesis of the dispute

● The erstwhile Bombay Presidency, a multilingual province, included the
present-day Karnataka districts of Vijayapura, Belagavi, Dharwad and Uttara-
Kannada.
● In 1948, the Belgaum municipality requested that the district, having a
predominantly Marathi speaking population, be incorporated into the proposed
Maharashtra state.
● However, the States Reorganisation Act of 1956, which divided states on
linguistic and administrative lines, made Belgaum and 10 talukas of Bombay
State a part of the then Mysore State (which was renamed Karnataka in
1973).
Mahajan Commission
Arun Singh Tomar

● In 1966, the Centre set up the Mahajan Commission to resolve the border
dispute in Maharashtra, Karnataka and Kerala. Hence option (a) is the
correct answer.
● The Commission recommended that 264 villages be transferred to
Maharashtra and that Belagavi (Belgaum) and 247 villages remain with
Karnataka.
● Maharashtra rejected the report, and in 2004, moved the Supreme Court.
● In 2022, the supreme court has started hearing the issue.
● Belagavi is currently part of Karnataka.
Q 51.C
● Supreme court altered the approach to resolving transfer pricing disputes in

India.
● Transfer pricing is an accounting practice that allows for the establishment of
prices for the goods and services exchanged between, divisions, subsidiaries
or affiliates that are part of the larger enterprise.
● Usually, companies use transfer pricing to reduce the overall tax burden of the
parent company.
● This is done by charging a higher price to subsidiaries in high-tax countries
(reducing profit) while charging a lower price (increasing profits) for
subsidiaries in low-tax countries.
About Arm’s Length Principle (ALP)

● ALP was agreed upon by all OECD member countries and adopted as an
objective guideline for use by multinational companies and tax administrations
in international taxation.
● It means that the price a company pays to purchase goods or services from a
related company entity should be the same as if the two entities were
unrelated (known as arm’s length price).
● There should be no price adjustment or special conditions for the transaction
simply because the parties are related legal entities.
● Its objective is to avoid the erosion of the tax base or the transfer of profits to
low tax jurisdictions.
Arun Singh Tomar

● In India, Transfer Pricing and ALP provisions are contained in Chapter X of
Income-tax Act, 1961 and arm's length price is determined by the Assessing
Officer.
● Hence option (c) is the correct answer.
Q 52.B
● Recently, the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) launched the Global

Greenhouse Gas Monitoring Infrastructure (GGMI).
About GGMI
● It aims to provide better ways of measuring planet-warming pollution and help
inform policy choices.
Q 53.B
● Indian Coast Guard Region (North East) is conducting fourth edition of Table
top exercise (simulated emergency) under Colombo Security Conclave
(CSC).
● CSC was formed in 2011 as a trilateral maritime security grouping of India, Sri
Lanka and Maldives.
● Later Mauritius joined as fourth member and Bangladesh & Seychelles
participate as observer countries.
● Conclave underlines regional cooperation and shared security objectives
concerning all littoral nations in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
● It aims to make maritime security, marine pollution response and maritime
search & rescue priorities for the region.
Q 54.A
Arun Singh Tomar

● Recently, The Fifth United Nations Conference on the Least Developed
Countries (LDC5) concluded with adoption of the ‘Doha Political Declaration’
by the world leaders.
● Political Declaration welcomed Doha Programme of Action (DPoA) for Least
Developed Countries (LDCs) that was adopted at first part of Conference,
held in 2022 in New York.
About Doha Programme of Action (DPoA)

● DPoA manifests a new generation of renewed commitments between the
LDCs and their development partners, including the private sector, civil
society, and governments at all levels.
● It is a 10-year plan (2022-2031) to put world’s 46 most vulnerable countries
back on track to achieving the UNmandated Sustainable Development Goals
(SDGs).
● There are currently 46 countries (Africa 33, Asia 9, Caribbean 1 and Pacific 3)
on the list of LDCs which is reviewed every three years by the Committee for
Development (CDP), a subsidiary body of the United Nations Economic and
Social Council.
Q 55.B
● A drug-resistant and potentially deadly fungus has been spreading rapidly

through U.S. healthcare facilities.
● The fungus, a type of yeast called Candida auris, or C. auris, can cause
severe illness in people with weakened immune systems. The number of
people diagnosed with infections.
● It has been causing severe illness in hospitalized patients and in some
patients, this yeast can enter the bloodstream and spread throughout the
body, causing serious invasive infections. This yeast often does not respond
to commonly used antifungal drugs, making infections difficult to treat.
Patients who have been hospitalized in a healthcare facility a long time, have
a central venous catheter, or other lines or tubes entering their body, or have
previously received antibiotics or antifungal medications, appear to be at
highest risk of infection with this yeast.
Arun Singh Tomar
● It was first identified in Japan in 2009.
● Symptoms: Fever and chills that don’t go away after treatment with antibiotics.
● Mortality rate: Estimated to be between 30-60%.
Q 56.A
● Recently, the Prime Minister acknowledged Stand-Up India’s role in

empowering the SC/ST communities, women, and job creation at the
completion of 7 years of the Scheme.
● It was launched in 2016 under the Ministry of Finance, Government of India.
● This scheme has been extended up to 2025.
● It seeks to promote entrepreneurship among Scheduled Castes
(SCs)/Schedule Tribes (STs) and Women. (Not OBCs). Hence statement 1
is not correct.
● It covers all branches of Scheduled Commercial Banks (bank loans of ₹10-
100 lakh to at least one SC/ST and one-woman borrower per branch).
● Applicants can draw up to ₹10 lakhs as working capital by an Overdraft.
Hence statement 3 is not correct.
● The government does not allocate funds for loans under the Stand-Up India
Scheme. It can be accessed in three potential ways:
● Directly at the branch
● Through Stand-Up India Portal
● Through the Lead District Manager (LDM)
● Loans under the scheme is available for only green field project. Green field
signifies, in this context, the first time venture of the beneficiary in the
manufacturing or services or trading sector. Hence statement 2 is correct.
● In case of non-individual enterprises, 51% of the shareholding and controlling
stake should be held by either SC/ST and/or Women Entrepreneur.
Q 57.A
● Researchers have recently identified Shugoshin, a protein that plays a crucial

role in the formation of the iconic X-shape of chromosomes.
Role of Shugoshin
Arun Singh Tomar

● Recently, scientists have identified the protein Shugoshin as the key protein
that “locks” the X chromosome into its famous X shape. Shugoshin is also
known as SGO1 and is responsible for holding together two identical long
DNA threads, which make up a chromosome. Hence option (a) is the
correct answer.
Q 58.A
● For the second time in a decade, the U.N.-recognised Global Alliance of

National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI) deferred the accreditation of
National Human Rights Commission, India (NHRC-India) citing objections like
political interference in appointments, involving the police in probes into
human rights violations, and poor cooperation with civil society.
● National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs) have been recognized at the
international level as actors for the promotion and protection of human rights
since 1946.
● Throughout the next three decades the United Nations and some of its
affiliated organizations prepared a series of reports on the feasibility of
national institutions as instruments for protection and promotion of human
rights.
● These reports culminated in the UN International Workshop on National
Institutions for the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights, held in Paris in
1991.
● The workshop led to the drafting of guiding principles – popularly known as
the “Paris Principles” – that were adopted by the United Nations General
Assembly in 1993.
● When NHRIs met in Tunis for their second international workshop, they
decided to establish the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions
(GANHRI), previously known as the International Coordinating Committee of
institutions for the promotion and protection of human rights (ICC).
● Since then, the UN General Assembly has adopted numerous resolutions
calling for the strengthening of NHRIs.
Q 59.A
Arun Singh Tomar

● Macquarie Island is the only piece of land on the planet formed completely
from the ocean floor.
● Macquarie Island is an island in the southwestern Pacific Ocean, about
halfway between New Zealand and Antarctica.
● Regionally part of Oceania and politically a part of Tasmania, Australia, since
1900, it became a Tasmanian State Reserve in 1978 and was inscribed as a
UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997. Hence pair 1 is not correctly
matched.
● The island is home to the entire royal penguin population during their annual
nesting season. Ecologically, the island is part of the Antipodes Subantarctic
Islands tundra ecoregion.
Munroe Thuruthu Islands

● Context: A study conducted by the National Centre for Earth Science Studies
(NCESS) has revealed anthropogenic interventions as the main reason for the
plight of Munroe Thuruthu residents, Kerala’s first set of climate refugees.
● The islanders are facing steady land subsidence, tidal flooding, and lower
agricultural productivity, all of which have triggered a mass exodus from the
region.
● Munroe Thuruthu is an inland island group located at the confluence of
Ashtamudi Lake and the Kallada River, in the Kollam district of Kerala. Hence
pair 2 is correctly matched:
● The place is named in honour of Resident Colonel John Munro of the former
Princely State of Travancore.
● It is a group of eight small islets comprising a total area of about 13.4 km 2.
This island is also known as the “Sinking Island of Kerala”.
Siniyah Island
● Context: Archaeologists have found the oldest pearling town in the Persian
Gulf on an island off one of the northern sheikhdoms of the UAE. Hence pair
3 is not correctly matched.
Arun Singh Tomar
● The pearling town sits on Siniyah Island, whose name means ‘flashing lights’.
● Siniyah Island shields the Khor al-Beida marshlands and is located north of
Umm al-Quwain. Umm al-Quwain is the least-populated emirate in the UAE.
Q 60.C
● Considering the increase in the cultivation of millets, the Centre may soon
announce a benchmark price for minor millets produced in various States.
The Centre said it would help States to procure and distribute millet through
the public distribution system.
● Millets are classified into Major Millets and Minor Millets based on their grain
size. Pseudo millets are so called because they are not part of the Poaceae
botanical family, to which ‘true’ grains belong, however they are nutritionally
similar and used in similar ways to ‘true’ grains.
● At present, millets such as jowar, bajra and ragi are procured by nine States
with the minimum support price announced by the Centre.
● Minor millets are not procured at the moment.
● The minor millets comprise of proso millet, foxtail millet, little millet, barnyard
millet and odo millet. Hence option (c) is the correct answer.
Q 61.B
● Three new lakes may form in Parkachik Glacier in Ladakh due to glacial
retreat. Himalayan glaciers could lose 80% of their volume if global warming
isn’t controlled, study finds.
● The Parkachik Glacier in Ladakh is likely to have three lakes of different
dimensions due to subglacial over-deepening -- a characteristic of basins and
valleys eroded by glaciers, shows a new study.
● Scientists from Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology, an autonomous
institute under the Department of Science & Technology (DST), GoI carried
out a study that describes the morphological and dynamic changes of
Parkachik Glacier, Suru River Valley, Ladakh Himalaya, India.
● Pindari glacier is a ~9 km long south-facing glacier located in the Central
Himalayas.
● The Machoi glacier is in the Drass region of Ladakh and has a distinct climate
due to high altitude, and it is covered all sides by mountain ranges.
Arun Singh Tomar

Other important glaciers
● Gangotri glacier--Uttarkashi District, Uttarakhand
● Zemu Glacier is the largest glacier in the Eastern Himalaya.
● It is about 26 kilometres in length and is located at the base of
Kangchenjunga in the Himalayan region of Sikkim.
● Bara Shigri is a glacier located in Lahaul and Spiti district of Himachal
Pradesh.
● Shafat glacier
● Chhota Shigri Glacier
● Biafo Gyang Glacier
Q 62.A
● The Rang Ghar amphitheatre (large open area surrounded by rows of seats
sloping upwards) in Assam’s Sivasagar district has drawn criticism after a
laser show projecting “religious symbols” as part of PM’s 100th Man Ki Baat
episode celebration. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
About Rang Ghar:

● Rang Ghar is a historical two-story amphitheatre, built during the reign of
Swargadeo Pramatta Singha in the mid-18th century and served as a royal
pavilion and amphitheatre during the Ahom dynasty. Hence, statement 2 is
not correct.
● It is considered Asia’s first amphitheatre and is known for its unique octagonal
shape and architectural features, including an inverted boat-shaped roof
topped with stone crocodiles.
Q 63.C
● Recently, the Ministry of Culture in partnership with the International Buddhist

Confederation (IBC) has organized the 1st Global Buddhist Summit 2023,
which aims to enhance cultural and diplomatic relations with other countries.
● About the Global Buddhist Summit
Arun Singh Tomar

● It was the first-ever Global Buddhist Summit organized by the Ministry of
Culture in collaboration with the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC).
Hence, statement 1 and statement 2 are correct.
Q 64.A
● The Ministry of Jal Shakti has launched the 1st Census of Water Bodies in
convergence with the 6th Minor Irrigation (MI) Census under the Centrally
Sponsored Scheme “Irrigation Census”.
● The First Census of Water Bodies
● Objective: To develop a national database for all water bodies by collecting
information on their size, condition, status of encroachments, use, storage
capacity, filling up of storage, etc.
What is unique about the census?

● Until the 5th minor irrigation census, water body data was only available at the
village level.
● The first water body census included data on all types of water bodies in both
rural and urban areas.
● For the first time, data on the encroachment of water bodies was also
gathered during the census.
How is a ‘water body’ defined?

● The census defines a water body as all-natural or man-made units bounded
on all sides with some or no masonry work used for storing water for Irrigation
or
● Other purposes (for example industrial, pisciculture, domestic/drinking,
recreation, religious, groundwater recharge, etc.).
● Water bodies are usually of various types known by different names like
tanks, reservoirs, ponds, etc.
● A structure where water from ice melt, streams, springs, rain, or water
drainage from residential or other areas is accumulated will also be treated as
a waterbody.
● Water stored by diversion from a stream, nala, or river will also be treated as
a water body.
Arun Singh Tomar

Did the census cover all water bodies that fit this definition?
● Seven specific types of water bodies were excluded from the count:
● Oceans and lagoons;
● Rivers, streams, springs, waterfalls, canals, etc. which are free-flowing,
without any bounded storage of water;
● Swimming pools;
● Covered water tanks created for a specific purpose by a family or household
for their own consumption;
● A water tank constructed by a factory owner for the consumption of water as
raw material or consumable;
● Temporary water bodies created by digging for mining, brick kilns, and
construction activities, which may get filled during the rainy season; and
● Pucca open water tanks were created only for cattle to drink water. Hence
option (a) is the correct answer.
Q 65.C
● A group of alumni from the National Institute of Design has repurposed

Telangana’s woollen gongadi shawls into all-weather shoes for farmers.
About Gongadi Shawls:

● Gongadi is a traditional woollen blanket woven by the indigenous Kuruma and
Kuruba pastoralist communities. Hence statement 1 is correct.
● Material: It is made using the coarse wool of the Deccani sheep, known
locally as Nalla gorrae. It is produced organically without using any dyes.
Hence statement 2 is correct.
● Durability: Gongadi shawls are famous for their durability and versatility.
They are known for their ability to withstand all weather conditions and remain
intact for a long time. The shawls do not fade but grow darker in colour over
time.
Q 66.B
● The RSS-affiliate group in Assam demands the removal of converted tribals

from Scheduled Tribe list.
Arun Singh Tomar

● The tribe Tiwas (Lalungs) lives both in the hills and plains of Assam and
Meghalaya state. Tiwa means people who were lifted from below. Hence pair
1 is correctly matched.
● They are recognized as a Scheduled tribe within the State of Assam.
● Wanchuwa festival is celebrated by the Tiwa tribe to mark their good harvest.
● The hill Tiwa villagers are habitual to the Jhum cultivation, horticulture,
vegetables and the crops which are cultivable in the area.
● They speak the Tibeto Burman language.
Kattunayakan tribe
● Context: The Elephant Whisperers won an Oscar in a short documentary film
that was shot in Tamil Nadu's Mudumalai- Theppakadu Elephant Camp and
It's based on the Kattunayakan tribe.
● Kattunayakan community is a tribal group that, for generations, has devoted
itself to caring for elephants.
● They are mainly found in parts of Tamil Nadu and Kerala (Nilgiris and
surrounding region). Hence pair 2 is correctly matched.
● They are one of the earliest known inhabitants of the Western Ghats, who are
engaged in the collection and gathering of forest produce, mainly wild honey
and wax.
● Also called as Kattunayakar or Jennu Kurumbas. This community is one of
the 75 Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) in India.
● Designated as a scheduled tribe in the states of Tamil Nadu, Kerala,
Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh. Monogamy is generally practiced among the
Kattunayakans.
Soliga ecarinata: New Wasp named after Soliga Community

● Context: A group of researchers found a new wasp species in the region. The
new wasp species has been named after the Soliga community of the region.
● Soliga is an ethnic tribal community living in the region. They are also called
Sholaga, Solega, and Sholaga. They dwell in the southern Karnataka region.
The language of the community of Sholga. The language is Dravidian. Indian
Arun Singh Tomar
law categorizes them as Scheduled Tribes. Hence pair 3 is not correctly
matched.
● Soliga plays a vital role in conserving the Biligiri Ranganatha Swamy Temple
Wildlife Sanctuary. This wildlife corridor connects the eastern and western
Ghats. The site is known for Elephant bathing, bird watching, and forest
safari. It is home to tigers, bovines, etc.
Q 67.D
● Karnataka ended their 54-year wait to win the Santosh Trophy national
football championship, beating Meghalaya 3-2 in a pulsating final at the King
Fahd International Stadium in the Saudi Arabia capital. Hence statement 2 is
not correct.
About the Santosh Trophy

● The National Football Championship for Hero Santosh Trophy, due to
sponsorship ties with Hero MotoCorp also known as the Hero National
Football Championship, or simply Santosh Trophy, is a state-level national
football competition contested by the state associations and government
institutions under the All India Football Federation (AIFF), the sport’s
governing body in India.
● The tournament is held every year with eligible teams who are divided into
zones, must play in the qualifying round, and can progress into the
tournament proper.
● The tournament was started in 1941 by the Indian Football Association (IFA),
which was the then de facto governing body of football in India. It was named
after the former president of the IFA, Sir Manmatha Nath Roy Chowdhury, the
Maharaja of Santosh. The IFA later donated the Santosh Trophy to the AIFF,
soon after its formation as the sport’s official governing body in India, and
since then AIFF has been organizing the tournament.
Durand Cup:
Arun Singh Tomar

● It is Asia’s oldest and the world’s third-oldest football tournament, in which top
Indian football clubs from across the country participate. Hence statement 1
is not correct.
● The inaugural edition took place in Shimla in 1888, when it started off as an
Army Cup, open only to the British Indian Army troops in India. The
tournament is named after its founder Sir Henry Mortimer Durand.
Q 68.C
● The Association of Man-made Fibre Industry of India (AMFII) has appealed to

the Unio Finance Ministry to accept the recommendations of the Directorate
General of Trade Remedies (DGTR) on the levy of anti-dumping duty (ADD)
on imports of Viscose Staple Fibre from Indonesia.
● Viscose is a type of rayon. Originally known as artificial silk, in the late 19th
century, the term “rayon” came into effect in 1924. Hence statement 1 is
correct.
● Viscose Staple Fiber (VSF), is a natural and biodegradable fiber that has
characteristics that are similar to cotton.
● The name “viscose” is derived from the way this fiber is manufactured; a
viscous organic liquid used to make both rayon and cellophane.
● Viscose is made from tree wood pulp, like beech, pine, and eucalyptus, but
can also be made from bamboo. Hence statement 2 is correct.
Q 69.A
● Google parent company Alphabet and Bharti Airtel are linking up to provide
highspeed internet to remote villages in India by using beams of light through
a project called Taara.
● The project is part of Alphabet's innovation lab called X. Taara project started
in 2016 after Google's attempt to provide internet via balloons, under project
Loon, ran into problems due to high costs. Hence statement 1 is correct and
Q 70.B
Arun Singh Tomar

● Recently, the chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), S
Somanath, addressed students and scientists during the 'User Meet of
XPoSat' at the ISRO headquarters in Bengaluru.
● He emphasized the importance of effectively utilizing data from science-based
space missions and encouraged Indian scientific institutions to identify
talented students and motivate them to work with emerging data technologies
like XPoSat.
What is XPoSat?
● XPoSat stands for X-ray Polarimeter Satellite.
● It is India's pioneering polarimetry mission aimed at studying various
dynamics of astronomical sources in extreme conditions. Hence statement 1
is correct.
● It is only the world’s second polarimetry mission using X-ray after NASA's
Imaging X-ray Polarimetry Explorer (IXPE) that was launched in 2021. Hence
● XPoSat is a collaboration between the ISRO and the Raman Research
Institute (RRI), Bengaluru, Karnataka. Hence statement 3 is correct.
Q 71.B
● The updated ‘Checklist of Indian Amphibians (2023)’ released by the

Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) includes the critically endangered Malabar
Tree Toad.
About Malabar Tree Toad

● Found in Mollem National Park and the Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary. Hence,
only two options are correct.
● Threats: Habitat loss, climate change, and Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis, a
deadly fungus that has been decimating entire amphibian populations
worldwide.
● IUCN Conservation status: Critically Endangered
● Mollem National Park:
● It is located in Sanguem taluk in Goa close to the border with Karnataka.
Arun Singh Tomar

● It was declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1969 and renamed Bhagwan Mahaveer
Sanctuary.
● Since then, the national park has been called Bhagwan Mahaveer Sanctuary
and Mollem National Park.
Q 72.B
● Forest Department steps up vigil around Mukurthi National Park in Nilgiris to

curb poaching.
● Spread across an area of 78.46 sq.kms., the Mukurthi National Park is a
UNESCO World Heritage Site and is a part of the Western Ghats in Tamil
Nadu. Hence pair 1 is not correctly matched.
● The park was created with an intent to protect the Nilgiri Tahr, one of the
keystone species found commonly in the Nilgiris and was previously known as
the Nilgiri Tahr National Park.
● A part of the Nilgiri Biosphere, the Mukurthi National Park preserves species
such as the Royal Bengal Tiger and the Asian Elephant, apart from the Nilgiri
Tahr
● The Report of the Sahyadri Tiger Reserve (STR) Water Hole Census has
been released and a total of 374 animals from 18 wild species of animals and
birds were recorded.
● The Sahyadri Tiger Reserve is located in the Sahyadri Ranges of Western
Ghats in Maharashtra. These ranges form a common boundary between
Maharashtra, Karnataka and Goa, and comprise of rich evergreen, semi-
evergreen and moist deciduous forests. Hence pair 2 is correctly matched.
● It is the first Tiger Reserve of Western Maharashtra and the fourth Tiger
Reserve of the State spreading over two Protected Areas of Koyana
Sanctuary (KWLS) and Chandoli National Park (CNP).
● Eviction drives of illegal encroachments were carried out near the Bura
Chapori Wildlife Sanctuary by Assam government.
● Bura Chapori Wildlife Sanctuary is geographically located on the south bank
of the Brahmaputra but under the Sonitpur district in Assam. It is a part of the
Laokhowa-Burachapori eco-system and comprises of a mosaic of wet alluvial
grassland, riparian and semi-evergreen forests dotted by wetland and river
systems. Hence pair 3 is correctly matched.
Arun Singh Tomar
● This sanctuary covers an area of 44.06 sq. km. and is home to the Great
Indian one-horned rhinoceros, tiger, leopard, wild buffalo, hog deer, wild pig,
and elephants.
Q 73.B
● India tops globally in LEED Zero certifications of green building projects.

● US Green Building Council (USGBC) launched LEED Zero to address net-
zero resources (energy, water, and waste) and net-zero carbon operation in
the LEED green building projects. Just like the other LEED rating systems,
LEED Zero also has set standards and integral goals. Hence statement 1 is
not correct.
● The primary concern of LEED Zero is to maintain a balanced energy system.
It doesn’t only involve itigating the impact of building on the environment, but it
also focuses on taking it to the next level. This path will help buildings to
standout by maintaining a net-zero impact of carbon and basic resources
such as water, waste, and energy
● India ranks first globally in LEED Zero certified green building projects
surpassing the US and China, according to USGBC and GBCI. Hence
Q 74.B
● Fumarole is an opening or fissure in the Earth's crust through which steam,

gases, and volcanic fluids, including hot water and mineral-laden steam, are
released into the atmosphere.
● Fumaroles are typically associated with volcanic activity and are often located
on or near the slopes of active or dormant volcanoes.
● The heat is derived from the geothermal activity deep within the Earth.
● As the hot volcanic gases cool upon reaching the surface, they often carry
dissolved minerals and trace elements. When these minerals precipitate out
of the gas and steam, they can create colorful deposits and mineral
formations around the fumarole. These deposits are often referred to as
"fumarolic frostwork.
Arun Singh Tomar
● Fumaroles can create acidic conditions in their immediate vicinity due to the
release of sulfur dioxide and other acidic gases. This can lead to the alteration
of nearby rocks and the formation of acid-sulfate minerals.
● Despite their harsh and extreme conditions, fumaroles can support unique
ecosystems of heat tolerant microorganisms, including thermophilic bacteria
and archaea. These extremophiles can thrive in the high-temperature, acidic,
and mineral-rich environments near fumaroles.
● Fumaroles are often monitored by volcanologists as they can provide valuable
insights into the state of a volcano. Changes in gas emissions, temperatures,
or the chemistry of fumarolic deposits can be indicators of volcanic activity.
Q 75.C
● Elon Musk-owned PayPal launches dollar, treasuries-backed stablecoin

PYUSD for its customers.
● A stablecoin is a cryptocurrency whose value is pegged to the price of another
asset, hence the term “stable.” For example, if functioning correctly a
stablecoin pegged to the U.S. dollar should always be valued at $1. Hence
● They aim to offer all the benefits of crypto while attempting to avoid rampant
volatility.
● Fiat currencies, such as the U.S. dollar or the British pound, don’t see this
level of price volatility. So another way to think about stablecoins is as a
tokenized version of a fiat currency. In theory, a U.S. dollarbased stablecoin is
a token that will reside on a blockchain and always trade for one dollar.
● Stablecoins are typically pegged to a currency or a commodity like gold, and
they use different mechanisms to maintain their price peg. The two most
common methods are to maintain a pool of reserve assets as collateral or use
an algorithmic formula to control the supply of a coin.
● Collateralized stablecoins maintain a pool of collateral to support the coin’s
value. Whenever the holder of a stablecoin wishes to cash out their tokens, an
equal amount of the collateralizing assets is taken from the reserves.
● USD Coin (USDC) is a prime example of a collateralized stablecoin.
Arun Singh Tomar

● Stablecoins can also be collateralized by other cryptocurrencies. The biggest
example in this category is the DAI (DAI) algorithmic stablecoin, which is
pegged to the U.S. dollar but is backed by Ethereum and other
cryptocurrencies. Hence statement 2 is correct.
Q 76.B
● The government has approved amendments to the Mines and Minerals

(Development and Regulation) Act allowing commercial mining of lithium and
a few other minerals.
● What are critical minerals? Critical minerals are those minerals that are at risk
of supply shortage, which may have a larger impact on the economy
compared to that of other raw materials.
Proposed Amendments:
● Lifting ban: The amendment will lift the ban on commercial mining of six
critical minerals which are Lithium, beryllium, titanium, niobium, tantalum, and
zirconium.
● Critical minerals: The government declared 30 minerals as critical which are:
● Antimony, Beryllium, Bismuth, Cobalt, Copper, Gallium, Germanium,
Graphite, Hafnium, Indium, Lithium, Molybdenum, Niobium, Nickel, PGE,
Phosphorous, Potash, REE, Rhenium, Silicon, Strontium, Tantalum,
Tellurium, Tin, Titanium, Tungsten, Vanadium, Zirconium, Selenium and
Cadmium.
Q 77.C
● Spheroidal carbonaceous particle (SCP): It is a component of fly ash and is a

by-product of industrial high-temperature combustion of coal and fuel oil.
Recently, researchers for the first time identified SCP in an Antarctic ice core.
The sample dated back to 1936, indicating physical markers of fossil fuel
combustion have been trapped in ice layers for decades. Hence, statement 1
is correct.
Arun Singh Tomar

● SCPs have no other anthropogenic or natural sources other than fossil fuel
combustion. Thus, they are an unambiguous environmental indicator of
industrialisation. Hence statement 2 is correct.
What is fly ash?

● Fly ash is a residue generated in combustion and comprises the fine particles
that rise with the flue gases.
● Fly ash is a heterogeneous material.
● The main chemical components present in fly ash are: Silicon dioxide,
Aluminum oxide, Ferric oxide & Calcium oxide (occasionally)
● Coal-fired power plants are the biggest sources of fly ash, which contains
toxic chemicals such as arsenic, barium, cadmium, nickel, and lead, among
others.
Q 78.A
● At least 19 children have died in a fire in the central Guyanese mining town of
Mahdia. Hence pair 1 is correctly matched.
● The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) expressed its
solidarity to the victims of the fire.
● Guyana is a country on South America’s North Atlantic coast, is defined by its
dense rainforest.
● At least eight people were wounded and scores of buildings were damaged in
an overnight Russian air strike on the Dnipropetrovsk region in southeastern
Ukraine. Hence pair 3 is not correctly matched.
● Dnipro, formerly Dnipropetrovsk (1926–2016), is Ukraine's fourth-largest city,
with about one million inhabitants.
● A drone attack on Russia's Belgorod region has killed three people.
● Belgorod is a city that is the administrative center of Belgorod Oblast, Russia,
located on the Seversky Donets River, approximately 40 kilometers north of
the border with Ukraiine. Hence pair 2 is not correctly matched.
Q 79.C
● From April 1, 2023, the sale of gold jewellery will not be allowed without a
Hallmark Unique Identification (HUID) number.
Arun Singh Tomar

About HUID Number:
● HUID is a unique six-digit alphanumeric code given to every piece of jewellery
and artefact at the time of hallmarking. Hence statement 2 is correct.
● The jewellery is stamped with the unique number manually at the Assaying &
Hallmarking centre.
Why is the hallmarking of gold jewellery important?

● Assurance of Purity: A Hallmark is a mark on gold jewellery which is affixed by
an entity recognised by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) to assure its
fineness and purity. Hence statement 1 is correct.
● High Resale Value: Since the quality of the jewellery is guaranteed, that piece
will fetch a higher price when re-sold.
● Easy Loan: Banks are likely to give loans on better terms if the mortgaged
jewellery is hallmarked.
● The three categories of hallmarked jewellery are: 22K916 means that it is 22-
carat gold and the piece of jewellery has 91.6 percent gold. Hence statement
3 is correct.
Q 80.A
● The African Union suspends Niger until 'the effective restoration of

constitutional order. African Union is also now a member of G20.
● The AU is made up of 55 Member States which represent all the countries on
the African continent. AU Member States are divided into five geographic
regions. which were defined by the OAU in 1976. Hence statement 1 is
correct.
● The decision to re-launch Africa’s pan-African organisation was the outcome
of a consensus by African leaders that in order to realise Africa’s potential,
there was a need to refocus attention from the fight for decolonisation and
ridding the continent of apartheid, which had been the focus of the OAU,
towards increased cooperation and integration of African states to drive
Africa’s growth and economic development.
● Its headquarters is located in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Hence statement 2 is
not correct.
Arun Singh Tomar

● The work of the AU is implemented through several principal decision making
organs:- The Assembly of Heads of State and Government, the Executive
Council, the Permanent Representatives Committee (PRC), Specialised
Technical Committees (STCs), the Peace and Security Council and The
African Union Commission.
● The AU structure promotes participation of African citizens and civil society
through the Pan-African Parliament and the Economic, Social & Cultural
Council (ECOSOCC).
● As of 2023 Africa has a population of around 1.4 billion. Hence statement 3
is not correct.
Q 81.A
● The Cabinet Committee on Parliamentary Affairs is chaired by the Union

Minister of Defence. It currently has ten Ministers, including those for
Defence, Home, Finance, Agriculture, Tribal Affairs, Parliamentary Affairs,
and Information and Broadcasting. Hence, statement 2 is not correct.
● As per the First Schedule to the Government of India (Transaction of
Business) Rules, 1961, the following functions have been assigned to the
Cabinet Committee on Parliamentary Affairs:
● To watch the progress of Government Business in Parliament and to give
such directions as may be necessary from time to time, in order to secure
smooth and efficient conduct of such business; to scrutinize, and to consider
the attitude of the Government on non-official bills and resolutions to be
presented to Parliament; to maintain a review from an all-India point of view of
legislations undertaken by State legislatures; and to consider proposals to
summon or prorogue the Houses of Parliament.
● The government determines the date and duration of parliamentary sessions.
The Cabinet Committee on Parliamentary Affairs takes this decision. Hence,
Arun Singh Tomar

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2

Arun Singh Tomar

Military Exercise India and Associated Nations

1.TARKASH : United States of America

2. Exercise Desert Flag : Iran

3. Exercise Cyclone-I : Egypt

How many of the above pairs are correctly matched?

(a) Only one

(b) Only two

(c) All three

2. Consider the following activities:

4. Commercial use of wood

(a) Only one

(b) Only two

(c) Only three

(d) Only four

1. Millet International Initiative for Research and Awareness (MIIRA) is an initiative of

2. MIIRA secretariat will be in Delhi.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

5. With reference to Channapatna toys, consider the following statements:

1. They are a particular form of toys that are manufactured in Karnataka.

2. The artisans use ivory wood for making toys.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

6. Gross Domestic Climate Risk Report, which is released by Cross Dependency

7. Consider the following statements:

Statement-I: Additional Surveillance Mechanism (ASM) on securities is levied jointly

Statement-II: The shortlisting of securities under ASM is regarded as an adverse

Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

(c) Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect.

(d) Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct.

8. Virovory Halteria, which is recently seen in news is a/an

(c) Antivirus Software

(d) Non-Fungible Token

9. Shumang Leela is a festival associated with which of the following states?

(d) West Bengal

(a) Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority

(b) Apparel Export Promotion Council (AEPC)

(c) Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA)

(d) Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC)

11. With reference to Basavanna, consider the following statements:

3. He introduced a new public institution Anubhava Mantapa to discuss spiritual

How many of the above statements are correct?

(a) Only one

(b) Only two

Arun Singh Tomar

1. Non-stick frying pans

2. Needles for acupuncture

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

(a) Only one

(b) Only two

(c) All three

13. Consider the following statements regarding Atmanirbhar Clean Plant

1. It is a programme to establish wastewater treatment plants to check river pollution.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2