1. Cryobanking, recently in the news, refers to:
(a) The preservation of biological materials at ultra-low temperatures to halt metabolic activity.
(b) The cultivation of marine organisms in cryogenic chambers for research purposes.
(c) A method of desalinating seawater through freezing and thawing cycles.
(d) The extraction of minerals from permafrost deposits using low-temperature techniques.
Answer: (a) The preservation of biological materials at ultra-low temperatures to halt metabolic activity.
Explanation:
In NEWS: Philippines pioneers coral larvae cryobank to protect threatened reefs
- The Philippines has established the world’s first Coral Larvae Cryobank — a facility to freeze and preserve coral larvae to protect marine biodiversity and aid reef restoration.
- Set up by the University of the Philippines’ Marine Science Institute (UP MSI) at the Bolinao Marine Laboratory.
- Part of a regional collaboration within the Coral Triangle Initiative, covering six nations: Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, and Timor-Leste.
Cryobanking:
- Cryobanking : Preservation of living cells or tissues at ultra-low temperatures (–196°C) using liquid nitrogen, halting all biological activity. Hence option (a) is correct.
- Used widely in conserving seeds, animal gametes, and genetic material.
- In this context, it involves freezing coral larvae or gametes to preserve genetic diversity for future reef restoration.
Coral Larvae:
- Coral larvae are early life stages that can settle and grow into coral colonies.
- Storing larvae ensures genetic diversity and provides a backup population against coral reef loss.
- Focus on Pocilloporid corals (fast-growing “weedy” species) — ideal for restoration due to quick recovery and reproduction rates.
Significance
1. Biodiversity Conservation
- Coral reefs support 25% of all marine species despite covering <1% of ocean floor.
- Acts as a “genetic insurance policy” for reefs threatened by bleaching, ocean acidification, and pollution.
2. Climate Change Mitigation
- Helps restore carbon-sequestering ecosystems.
- Maintains coastal protection, reducing erosion and storm damage.
3. Scientific Innovation
- Pioneers marine cryopreservation technology.
- Builds regional research collaboration and skill-sharing in the Coral Triangle.
4. Supports SDGs
- Aligns with SDG 13 (Climate Action), SDG 14 (Life Below Water), and SDG 15 (Life on Land) indirectly.
| PYQ REFERENCE: (2020) Q. Which of the following statements best describes the term ‘Social Cost of Carbon’? It is a measure, in monetary value, of the (a) long-term damage done by a tonne of CO2 emissions in a given year. (b) requirement of fossil fuels for a country to provide goods and services to its citizens, based on the burning of those fuels. (c) efforts put in by a climate refugee to adapt to live in a new place. (d) contribution of an individual person to the carbon footprint on the planet Earth. |
2. With reference to stablecoins, consider the following statements:
1. They are cryptocurrencies pegged to stable assets like fiat currencies or commodities.
2. They are issued only by central banks.
3. India has recognized stablecoins as legal tender.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 2 only
(d) 1 and 3 only
Answer: (a) 1 only
Explanation:
In NEWS: Nations must prepare to deal with stablecoins: Sitharaman
Cryptocurrency Policy & Stablecoins:
- At the Kautilya Economic Conclave (Oct 2025), Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman stated that nations must “prepare to engage” with stablecoins, signalling a possible policy shift in India’s stance toward cryptocurrencies.
- Comes amid RBI’s opposition to private cryptocurrencies and India’s cautious approach—taxing crypto transactions but not legalising them.
Cryptocurrency / Virtual Digital Asset (VDA)
Definition:
A digital asset using cryptography and a decentralised blockchain network for transactions.
Status in India:
- Not legal tender, but taxed at 30% on gains (as per Union Budget 2022).
- 1% TDS applicable on transactions.
- No regulatory framework yet — neither banned nor recognised.
Stablecoins
Definition: Cryptocurrencies pegged to a stable asset (like the US dollar, Euro, gold, or a currency basket) to minimise volatility. Hence statement 1 is correct.
Examples: USDT (Tether), USDC, DAI.
They can be issued by private entities, not only central banks. Hence statement 2 is incorrect.
Purpose:
Provide the advantages of crypto (fast, borderless transactions) without large price fluctuations.
Concern:
Even if stable, they can challenge monetary sovereignty, capital controls, and financial stability.
Legal Tender:
India has not recognized stablecoins as legal tender. Hence statement 3 is incorrect.
CBDC (Central Bank Digital Currency)
- Issued by: Central Bank (in India — the RBI).
- Legal Tender: Yes, equivalent to physical cash.
Objective:
To offer a sovereign digital alternative to private cryptocurrencies.
RBI’s Pilot Projects: e₹-Retail and e₹-Wholesale launched in 2022.
| PYQ REFERENCE: (2023) Q. With reference to Central Bank digital currencies, consider the following statements: 1. It is possible to make payments in a digital currency without using the US dollar or SWIFT system. 2. A digital currency can be distributed with conditions programmed into it such as a time-frame for spending it. 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 |
3. With reference to Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY), which of the following statements is/are correct?
1. It is an extended component of Soil Health Management (SHM) under the Central Sector Scheme (CSS) of National Mission on Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA)
2. PKVY aims at supporting and promoting organic farming, in turn resulting in improvement of soil health.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (b) 2 only
Explanation:
In NEWS:
- As on 30.01.2025, ₹2,265.86 crore released under PKVY (2015–25).
- ₹205.46 crore released for PKVY under RKVY in FY 2024–25.
- Around 15 lakh hectares under organic farming; 52,289 clusters formed; 25.30 lakh farmers benefitted (as of Feb 2025).
- By Dec 2024, 6.23 lakh farmers, 19,016 local groups, 89 input suppliers, and 8,676 buyers registered on Jaivik Kheti portal.
Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY):
- The Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY), launched in 2015, is an extended component of Soil Health Management (SHM) under the Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS), National Mission on Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA). Hence pair 1 is incorrect.
- PKVY aims at supporting and promoting organic farming, in turn resulting in improvement of soil health. Hence pair 2 is correct.
- Includes Cluster-Based Organic Farming:
- Farmers organized into 20-hectare clusters
- Encourages collective training, resource sharing, and uniform organic standards
- Promotes low-cost, chemical-free farming methods
Objectives
- Improve soil health and natural resource conservation
- Reduce use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides
- Provide safe food, increase farmer income
- Support certification, branding, marketing, and entrepreneurship
Implementation Structure
- Farmers apply through Regional Councils
- Councils prepare Annual Action Plans (AAPs)
- Funds flow from Centre → State → Councils → Farmers (via DBT)
- Ensures transparency and farmer empowerment
Organic Certification Systems
- Third-Party Certification (NPOP) – For international markets, by accredited agencies
- Participatory Guarantee System (PGS-India) – Community-based, for domestic market
- Large Area Certification (LAC) – For chemical-free regions, speeds up certification
| PYQ REFERENCE: (2018) Q. With reference to Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana, consider the following statements: 1. It is the flagship scheme of the Ministry of Labour and Employment. 2. It, among other things will also impart training in soft skills, entrepreneurship, financial and digital literacy. 3. It aims to align the competencies of the unregulated workforce of the country to the National Skill Qualification Framework. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 and 3 only (b) 2 only (c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2, and 3 |
Source: https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2175205
4. Which one of the following is the best description of ‘INS Androth’, that was in the news recently?
(a) A nuclear-powered submarine designed for long-range strategic deterrence.
(b) An indigenously built Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft of the Indian Navy.
(c) A guided-missile destroyer equipped with advanced radar systems.
(d) A new offshore patrol vessel for the Indian Coast Guard.
Answer: (b) An indigenously built Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft of the Indian Navy.
Explanation:
In NEWS: Indian Navy to commission INS Androth on October 6
INS Androth:
- INS Androth is the second ship of the Arnala-class Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC) being built for the Indian Navy. Hence option (b) is correct.
- It has been constructed by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata under the “Make in India” initiative.
- The ship is named after Androth Island, one of the islands in the Lakshadweep archipelago.
- INS Androth is designed for anti-submarine operations in shallow waters, coastal surveillance, and mine-laying.
- It is equipped with indigenous rocket launchers, torpedoes, and advanced sonar systems for submarine detection and engagement.
- The vessel features diesel engines with water-jet propulsion, providing a maximum speed of around 25 knots.
- It has a length of about 77.6 metres and a displacement of nearly 900 tonnes.
- More than 80% of the ship’s components are indigenously manufactured, highlighting India’s defence self-reliance.
- The ship was delivered to the Indian Navy in September 2025 and commissioned at Visakhapatnam in October 2025.
- The Arnala-class ships replace the older Abhay-class ASW corvettes, enhancing India’s littoral and coastal defence capabilities.
- These ships contribute to strengthening India’s Underwater Domain Awareness (UDA) and anti-submarine warfare network in the Indian Ocean Region.
| PYQ REFERENCE: (2016) Q. Which one of the following is the best description of ‘INS Astradharini’, that was in the news recently? (a) Amphibious warfare ship (b) Nuclear-powered submarine (c) Torpedo launch and recovery vessel (d) Nuclear-powered aircraft carrier |
5. With reference to Indian polity, consider the following Articles of the Indian constitution:
1. Article 39A
2. Article 14
3. Article 21
How many of the above articles give constitutional basis to Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) in India?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None
Answer: (c) All three
Explanation:
In NEWS: India’s justice system faces significant challenges, including access, delays, and accountability, with over 4.57 crore pending cases, and High Courts and district courts experiencing heavy vacancy rates and workloads.
Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR):
- Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) refers to methods of resolving disputes outside the traditional court litigation process.
- Common forms include arbitration, mediation, conciliation, negotiation, Lok Adalats, etc.
- ADR aims to provide faster, less expensive, informal, and flexible dispute resolution routes compared to protracted litigation.
Constitutional & Legal Basis in India:
- The constitutional basis of ADR in India is derived from Article 39A (access to justice) and the principles of equality (Article 14) and right to life and liberty (Article 21). Hence all the statements are correct.
- The Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSPs) encourage the State to ensure justice and reduce court burdens through alternative means.
- Section 89 of the Code of Civil Procedure (CPC), 1908, empowers courts to refer disputes to ADR mechanisms if settlement appears possible.
- The Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996 (as amended) provides the statutory framework for arbitration and conciliation in India.
- The Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987 institutionalised Lok Adalats as part of the legal aid system.
Importance & Benefits of ADR for Indian Judiciary:
- ADR ensures speedy, cost-effective, and informal resolution of disputes, reducing judicial pendency.
- ADR processes promote confidentiality, flexibility, and voluntary participation by disputing parties.
- ADR is particularly effective in commercial, family, and community disputes where maintaining relationships is crucial.
- Awards passed by Lok Adalats are binding and final, having the same effect as a civil court decree.
Challenges & Criticisms:
- Court-annexed mediation centres have been established in many High Courts and district courts to encourage early settlements.
- The Supreme Court of India and various High Courts have repeatedly emphasised the need to expand ADR to address the huge backlog of cases.
- ADR aligns with India’s vision of “access to justice for all”, especially for marginalised and economically weaker sections.
- Major challenges to ADR include low awareness, lack of trained mediators/arbitrators, and power imbalance between parties.
- ADR cannot replace courts entirely; public law and criminal cases generally fall outside its scope.
| PYQ REFERENCE: (2024) Q. As per Article 368 of the Constitution of India, the Parliament may amend any provision of the Constitution by way of: 1. Addition 2. Variation 3. Repeal Select the correct answer using the code given below: (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 |
6. Consider the following statements with respect to India – Singapore relations:
1. India and Singapore are members in the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA)
2. Singapore has been a part of India’s Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA) since 2005.
3. A Joint Air Force Training between the two countries is held at at Kalaikunda air base, India
4. The Amaravati Capital City project in Andhra Pradesh had Singapore’s involvement in early planning phases.
How many of the above statements are correct?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) Only three
(d) All Four
Answer: (d) All Four
Explanation:
In NEWS: India-Singapore @ 60: Partnership for Growth & Engagement
India–Singapore Relations:
Historical & Cultural Ties:
- Deep-rooted connections date back to ancient maritime trade and cultural exchanges.
- Large Indian diaspora in Singapore (~9% of population), helping build people-to-people links.
- Shared colonial history under the British Empire.
Geopolitical Importance
- Singapore plays a key role in India’s Act East Policy and Indo-Pacific vision.
- Both countries are part of forums like:
- ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF)
- East Asia Summit (EAS)
- Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) Hence statement 1 is correct.
- Singapore supports a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific, aligning with India’s maritime strategy.
- Education, Tech, and People-to-People
- MoUs between universities and training institutes.
- Joint skilling programs.
- Singapore is a popular education destination for Indian students.
Strategic & Defence Cooperation
- Singapore is the only country with which all three Indian armed services (Army, Navy, Air Force) have bilateral exercises:
- SIMBEX (Naval)
- Bold Kurukshetra (Army)
- Joint Air Force Training at Kalaikunda air base, India Hence statement 3 is correct.
- Defence Cooperation Agreement (DCA) signed in 2003, renewed and enhanced over time.
- Access to each other’s military facilities, including air and maritime bases.
Economic & Trade Relations
- Singapore is one of India’s largest FDI sources and a major destination for Indian investments.
- Part of the Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA) since 2005. Hence statement 2 is correct.
- Singapore acts as a financial and trade gateway for India into Southeast Asia.
Areas of collaboration:
- Unified Payments Interface (UPI)–PayNow linkage for real-time cross-border transactions (launched in 2023).
- Regulatory and technological cooperation between RBI and Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS).g., Smart Cities Mission)
- Tech collaboration in AI, blockchain, healthtech, and green technologies.
- Startup exchanges and investor meets.
- India’s Smart Cities Mission has benefitted from Singapore’s input in:
- Urban design and digital governance.
- Sustainable development models and urban transport.
- Capacity building for Indian city planners.
- Example: Amaravati Capital City project in Andhra Pradesh had Singapore’s involvement in early planning phases. Hence statement 4 is correct.
Recent Developments (2025)
- India–Singapore Ministerial Roundtable (ISMR) held in August 2025:
- Ministers from both sides discussed cooperation in digitalisation, sustainability, connectivity, and manufacturing.
- Proposal for an undersea cable: to transmit solar power from India to Singapore—also usable for data transfer.
- Collaboration on semiconductors and India’s growing tech ecosystem.
| PYQ REFERENCE: (2022) Q. Consider the following statements: 1. Vietnam has been one of the fastest growing economies in the world in the recent years. 2. Vietnam is led by a multi-party political system. 3. Vietnam’s economic growth is linked to its integration with global supply chains and focus on exports. 4. For a long time Vietnam’s low labour costs and stable exchange rates have attracted global manufacturers. 5. Vietnam has the most productive e-service sector in the Indo-Pacific region. Which of the statements given above are correct? (a) 2 and 4 (b) 3 and 5 (c) 1, 3 and 4 (d) 1 and 2 |
Source: https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2174834
7. Which of the following mechanisms primarily helps Amazon trees contribute to the flying rivers?
(a) Photosynthesis
(b) Transpiration
(c) Evaporation from rivers
(d) Condensation
Answer: (b) Transpiration
Explanation:
In NEWS: As Amazon’s ‘flying rivers’ weaken with tree loss, scientists warn of worsening droughts
Amazon’s ‘Flying Rivers’:
- Flying rivers are airborne “rivers” of water vapor that carry moisture from the Atlantic Ocean across the Amazon rainforest, supporting regional rainfall.
- Concept coined by Brazilian climate scientist Carlos Nobre in 2006.
- Early studies quantified how water vapor moves through and out of the Amazon basin, influencing rainfall patterns
Mechanism
- Trade winds blow westward along the equator, carrying moist air from the Atlantic.
- Trees in the Amazon absorb water from soil and release it into the atmosphere via transpiration, amplifying moisture transport. Hence option (b) is correct.
- Moisture is relayed thousands of miles inland, effectively acting as a “natural pump”.
Ecological and Climatic Importance
- Ensures sufficient rainfall for rivers, agriculture, and forest health.
- Maintains the Amazon as a carbon sink, storing 150–200 billion tonnes of CO2.
- Supports biodiversity, Indigenous communities, and regional climate stability.
- Flying rivers illustrate the link between forests and atmospheric water cycles.
Threats
- Deforestation weakens transpiration, reducing moisture flow.
- Climate change alters trade wind patterns, leading to drought.
- Persistent forest loss could push regions beyond a tipping point, transforming rainforest into savanna.
| PYQ REFERENCE: (2020) Q. Consider the following statements: 1. Jet streams occur in the Northern Hemisphere only. 2. Only some cyclones develop an eye. 3. The temperature inside the eye of a cyclone is nearly 10ºC lesser than that of the surroundings. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 2 only (d) 1 and 3 only |
8. Exercise KONKAN 2025 was held between
(a) India and UK
(b) India and US
(c) India and France
(d) India and Japan
Answer: (a) India and UK
Explanation:
In NEWS: EXERCISE KONKAN – 2025 COMMENCES ON THE WESTERN SEABOARD
Exercise KONKAN – 2025:
- Location: Off the western coast of India
- Participants: Indian Navy & Royal Navy (UK). Hence option (a) is correct.
Format: Two-phase bilateral maritime exercise
Harbour Phase:
- Professional interactions
- Cross-deck visits
- Sports & cultural events
- Subject matter expert exchanges & working group meetings
Sea Phase:
- Complex operational drills:
- Anti-air, anti-surface, anti-submarine warfare
- Flying operations
- Seamanship evolutions
Major Participants:
India:
- INS Vikrant (indigenous aircraft carrier)
- Surface ships, submarines, air assets
UK & Allies:
- UK Carrier Strike Group 25 (UK CSG 25) led by HMS Prince of Wales
- Support from Norway and Japan
Significance:
- Strengthens India-UK maritime cooperation
- Reinforces India-UK Vision 2035 and the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership
- Aims to ensure secure, open, and free seas
- Enhances interoperability and regional maritime stability
Source: https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2175054
9. Consider the following pairs:
1. Tiruppur Kumaran – Founder of the Indian Sociologist journal
2. Subramaniya Siva – Detained under sedition charges
3. Shyamji Krishna Varma – Founded the Desabandu Youth Association
Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 1 and 3
(d) 2 and 3
Answer: (b) 2 only
Explanation:
In NEWS: PM Pays Tribute to Tiruppur Kumaran and Subramaniya Siva on their Remembrance Day. PM Pays Tribute to Shyamji Krishna Varma on His Birth Anniversary.
Tiruppur Kumaran (1904–1932)
- A passionate freedom fighter from Tamil Nadu.
- Founder of the Desabandu Youth Association, which mobilized youth for the nationalist cause. Hence pair 1 is incorrect.
- Died while carrying the Indian national flag during a protest march against British rule — despite being beaten by police, he refused to let the flag touch the ground.
- Remembered as “Kodi Kaatha Kumaran” (Kumaran who protected the flag).
Subramaniya Siva (1884–1925)
- Tamil revolutionary and close associate of V.O. Chidambaram Pillai.
- Actively spread nationalist ideas through public speeches and writings in Tamil.
- Arrested for sedition and imprisoned; contracted leprosy due to harsh prison conditions but continued his work. Hence pair 2 is correct.
- His efforts inspired nationalist awakening in southern India.
Shyamji Krishna Varma (1857–1930)
- Revolutionary and nationalist leader based in London.
- Founded the India House and The Indian Sociologist journal to promote Indian independence abroad. Hence pair 3 is incorrect.
- Provided support and inspiration to young revolutionaries like Veer Savarkar and Madam Cama.
- Advocated for Indian self-rule and exposed British colonial injustices internationally.
| PYQ REFERENCE: (2019) Q. Consider the following pairs: Movement/Organization Leader 1. All India Anti-Untouchability League – Mahatma Gandhi 2.All India Kisan Sabha – Swami Sahajanand Saraswati 3.Self-Respect Movement Naicker – E.V. Ramaswami Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched? (a) 1 only (b) 1 and 2 only (c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 |
Source: https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2174803
https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2174693
10. Which of the following is not a bird?
(a) Golden Mahseer
(b) Indian Nightjar
(c) Spoonbill
(d) White Ibis
Answer: (a) Golden Mahseer
Explanation:
Golden Mahseer – A freshwater fish, found in rivers of India and Southeast Asia.
Indian Nightjar – A bird known for its nocturnal habits.
Spoonbill – A wading bird with a distinctive spoon-shaped bill.White Ibis – A bird found in wetlands, recognizable by its long curved bill.