Question 1
Geography | Rainfall | Easy | The Hindu
SOURCE
Consider the following:
1. Heavy Downpour
2. Medium Rainfall
3. Short Period of Time
4. Intense Accumulation of Precipitation
Which of the statements above is or are the features of torrential rainfall.
A. 1 and 3 only
B. 2, 3 and 4 only
C. 1, 3 and 4 only
D. 2 and 4 only
Solution & Detailed Explanation
Answer: (C) 1, 3 and 4 only
Detailed Explanation
- Torrential rainfall is characterized by extremely heavy rainfall over a short duration, often leading to rapid accumulation of water and potential flooding. It’s a sudden, intense downpour, rather than a steady rain over a long period.
- High intensity: Torrential rain involves a large amount of precipitation in a short time, significantly more than typical rainfall.
- Short duration: This type of rain is not prolonged; it’s a heavy burst that can be over quickly.
- Rapid water accumulation: The intense downpour leads to a quick build-up of water, potentially overwhelming drainage systems and causing flash floods.
- Potential for hazards: Due to the rapid accumulation of water, torrential rain can cause flooding, landslides, and other dangerous conditions.
- Often associated with other severe weather: Torrential rain is frequently linked to thunderstorms, tropical cyclones, or other intense weather system.
Question 2
Economy | Trade | Easy | The Hindu
SOURCE
If there is no government and no foreign trade, then :
A. G = T = M = X > 1
B. G = T = M = X = 1
C. G = T = M = X = 0
D. G = T = M = X < 1
Solution & Detailed Explanation
Answer: (C) G = T = M = X = 0
Detailed Explanation
Question 3
Current Affairs | Defence | Hard | The Hindu
SOURCE
Which among the following is not a part of the defence procurement organisation?
A. Research and Development Board
B. Procurement Board
C. Acquisition Council
D. Border Management
Solution & Detailed Explanation
Answer: (D) Border Management
Detailed Explanation
- Border management is not directly a part of defence procurement, but it is closely related and often integrated with it. Defence procurement primarily focuses on acquiring military equipment and systems for the armed forces, while border management involves a broader range of activities to secure and control borders, including infrastructure development, technology deployment, and inter-agency coordination. It operates under the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Scope:
- Border management encompasses a wide range of activities aimed at securing and controlling borders, including:
- Border guarding: Physical security measures like fences, patrols, and surveillance systems.
- Border regulation: Managing the movement of people and goods across borders at designated points of entry.
- Border area development: Improving infrastructure and living conditions in border regions to enhance security and socio-economic development.
- International cooperation: Working with neighbouring countries to address border-related issues and disputes.
- Key Agencies:
- Border management involves multiple agencies, including:
- Border guarding forces: (e.g., BSF, ITBP) responsible for physical security.
- Customs and immigration authorities: Regulating the flow of goods and people.
- Intelligence agencies: Gathering and analysing information related to border security threats.
- Local authorities: Involved in border area development and community engagement.
Question 4
Polity | Article 370 | Easy | The Hindu
SOURCE
Consider the following:
1. The current Legislative Assembly of J&K has been given even more power as it had before the abrogation of Article 370.
2. The control over police and services resides with the Lieutenant Governor.
Which of the statements above is or are correct?
A. 1 only
B. 2 only
C. Both 1 and 2
D. None of the above
Solution & Detailed Explanation
Answer: (B) 2 only
Detailed Explanation
- The current Legislative Assembly of J&K has less power (equivalent to that of a normal Union Territory with Legislative Assembly) as it had before the abrogation of Article 370.
- With the abrogation of Article 370, the special status of J&K was removed, and it resulted in the creation of 2 UTs i.e., J&K and Ladakh.
- The control over police and services resides with the Lieutenant Governor.
Question 5
Governance | Schemes | Medium | The Hindu
SOURCE
Consider the following pairs? (Ayurvedic Context and meaning)
Dhatus – Tissues
Malas – Spirituality
Ritucharya – Daily regimen
How many pairs is or are correctly matched?
A. Only one
B. Only two
C. All three
D. None of the above
Solution & Detailed Explanation
Answer: (A) Only one
Detailed Explanation
Core Principles:
- Tridosha Theory: Understanding the concept of Vata, Pitta, and Kapha and their role in maintaining health and causing disease.
- Dhatus (Tissues): Familiarize yourself with the seven dhatus (Rasa, Rakta, Mamsa, Meda, Asthi, Majja, and Shukra).
- Malas (Waste Products): Know the three malas (Mala, Mutra, and Sweda) and their importance in the body.
- Holistic Approach: Understand how Ayurveda focuses on treating the root cause of disease rather than just the symptoms.
Ayurvedic Concepts:
- Dincharya (Daily Regimen): The daily routine recommended in Ayurveda for maintaining health.
- Ritucharya (Seasonal Regimen): The seasonal routines recommended for health maintenance.
- Diet (Ahar): The role of food in maintaining health and treating diseases.
- Lifestyle (Vihar): The importance of physical and mental well-being in Ayurveda.
Question 6
Environment | Plastics | Easy | The Hindu
SOURCE
Consider the following:
1. Plastics are good conductors of heat.
2. Plastics can be shock-resistant, absorbing impact and protecting items inside.
3. Plastics are generally good conductors of electricity.
How many statements above is or are correct?
A. Only one
B. Only two
C. All three
D. None of the above
Solution & Detailed Explanation
Answer: (A) Only one
Detailed Explanation
- Plastics are versatile materials known for their lightweight nature, durability, and resistance to corrosion. They can be molded into various shapes and sizes, making them ideal for a wide range of applications. However, most plastics are not biodegradable and can persist in the environment for long periods.
Physical Properties:
- Lightweight: Plastics are significantly lighter than metals, making them easier to handle and transport.
- Strength and Durability: Plastics can vary in strength, but many are durable and can withstand significant force without breaking.
- Malleability and Moldability: Plastics can be easily molded into different shapes and sizes, allowing for complex designs.
- Dimensional Stability: Plastics generally maintain their shape and dimensions well, resisting deformation.
- Thermal Conductivity: Plastics are poor conductors of heat, making them useful as insulators.
- Electrical Conductivity: Plastics are generally poor conductors of electricity, making them useful for electrical insulation.
- Transparency/Opaque: Plastics can be transparent or opaque, and can also be colored.
- Water Resistance: Many plastics are resistant to water and moisture.
- Shock Resistance: Plastics can be shock-resistant, absorbing impact and protecting items inside.
- Wear Resistance: Certain plastics exhibit good wear resistance.
- Weather Resistance: Some plastics are designed to be weather-resistant, able to withstand exposure to the elements.
Chemical Properties:
- Corrosion Resistance: Plastics generally do not corrode or rust when exposed to air and moisture.
- Chemical Resistance: Many plastics are resistant to acids, bases, and other chemicals.
Other Important Characteristics:
- Non-Biodegradable:
- Most plastics do not decompose easily in the environment, leading to pollution concerns.
- Cost-Effective:
- Plastics can be produced relatively inexpensively, making them a cost-effective material for many applications.
- Versatility:
- The wide range of properties and the ability to mold them into different shapes make plastics very versatile.
- Examples of Plastics and their Uses:
- Polyethylene (PE) for bags and bottles, Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) for pipes and window frames, Polypropylene (PP) for containers and packaging, and Polystyrene (PS) for food containers and insulation.
Question 7
Economy | Trade | Medium | The Hindu
SOURCE
Consider the following:
1. EU was the largest importer of Russian LNG between 2022-2025.
2. India is the largest importer of Russian Crude oil currently.
Which of the statements above is or are correct?
A. 1 only
B. 2 only
C. Both 1 and 2
D. None of the above
Solution & Detailed Explanation
Answer: (A) 1 only
Detailed Explanation
- The EU was the largest importer of Russian LNG between 2022-2025 which accounted for 51%followed by China (21%) and Japan (18%).
- For pipeline gas, the EU was the largest buyer of Russian gas, purchasing 37% of Russia’s exports, followed by China (30%) and Turkiye (27%).
- China bought 47% of Russia’s crude exports during this period, followed by India (38%), the EU (6%), and Turkiye (6%).