1. Consider the following statements:
Statement I: Samudrayaan project will be deployed India’s first manned submersible by 2026.
Statement II: The project aims to explore ocean depths up to 60,000 meters and is seen as a major leap in India’s scientific capability.
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 explains Statement-I
(b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct, but Statement-II does not explain Statement I
(c) Statement-I is correct, but Statement-II is incorrect
(d) Statement-I is incorrect, but Statement-II is correct
Answer:(c) Statement-I is correct, but Statement-II is incorrect
Explanation:
News: United Nations Ocean Conference (Nice, France, 9-13 June)
- India participated with the contribution of Deep Ocean Mission’s upcoming manned submersible, a nationwide single-use plastic ban, and over $80 billion worth of Blue Economy projects.
- India also backed the swift ratification of the BBNJ Agreement, advocated for a legally binding Global Plastics Treaty, and launched the ‘SAHAV’ digital ocean data portal, underscoring its growing leadership in global marine governance.
- Mission SAMUDRAYAAN: India plans to send a manned-submersible up to a depth of 500 metres in the ocean later this year, and gradually explore the seabed at the depth of 6,000 metres next year.
- It is a project of the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) under the Deep Ocean Mission and is being developed by the National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT) in Chennai. The mission aims to send three people to a depth of 6,000 meters in a submersible called the MATSYA 6000.
- The submersible is made of 80mm-thick titanium alloy and has a diameter sphere of 2.1 meters to withstand 600 bar pressure at 6,000 metres depth under water which will be 600 times more than the pressure at sea level.
- The submersible has an endurance of up to 12 hours and an emergency endurance of 96 hours.
- Samudrayaan involves sending a manned submersible to deep-sea areas to explore resources and conduct scientific research.
The mission covers six focus areas:
- Technologies for deep-sea mining and underwater robotics
- Ocean climate change advisory services
- Deep-sea biodiversity exploration and conservation
- Ocean survey and exploration
- Energy and freshwater from the ocean
- Advanced marine research stations
Source:
https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2135434
2. Which of the following statements about ‘Exercise Khan Quest-2024’ are correct?
1. This was a joint military exercise between India and Mongolia.
2. It commenced in Ulaanbaatar.
3. Joint military readiness in peace support operations was a goal of this operation
4. Indian Armed Force was a part of this exercise.
Select the answer using the code given below:
(a) 1, 2 and 3
(b) 1, 2 and 4
(c) 1, 3 and 4
(d) 2, 3 and 4
Answer: (d) 2, 3 and 4
Explanation:
News: The Indian Army contingent has arrived in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, to participate in the 22nd edition of Exercise Khaan Quest, scheduled from June 14 to 28, 2025.
- The exercise first started as a bilateral event between USA and Mongolian Armed Forces in the year 2003.
- Subsequently, from the year 2006 onwards the exercise graduated to a Multinational Peacekeeping Exercise with the current year being the 22nd iteration.
- The aim of Exercise KHAAN QUEST is to prepare Indian Armed Forces for peacekeeping missions while operating in a multinational environment, thereby increasing interoperability and military readiness in peace support operations under Chapter VII of United Nations Charter.
- The exercise will focus on a high degree of physical fitness, joint planning and joint tactical drills.
Source:
https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2135590
3. Consider the following statements:
- India is the largest producer and exporter of Heeng/Asafoetida.
- Indian grown Asafoetida contributes 15.6% of total spice exports by value.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (d) Neither 1 nor 2
Explanation:
News: The story of how heeng came to be successfully cultivated in India
- The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research – Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology (CSIR-IHBT) has successfully reported the first flowering and seed setting of Heeng in Palampur, Himachal Pradesh.
- This marks a major milestone showing that Heeng can be cultivated domestically, rather than being wholly imported.
- India is the largest consumer, importer, and re-exporter of Heeng.
- Import Origins: Primarily Afghanistan, Iran, Uzbekistan; In 2022–23, Heeng accounted for 15.6% of total spice imports by value.
- Council of Scientific and Industrial Research – (Institute of Himalayan Bio-Technology) [CSIR-IHBT] are involved in developing technologies and providing training for farmers.
- Heeng (Asafoetida) is native to Central Asia, particularly Iran and Afghanistan, and has recently been introduced to parts of India like Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand for cultivation.
- Heeng is a perennial plant that typically takes 5 years to mature and start flowering. It’s extracted from the resin of the Ferula plant.
- Heeng prefers low rainfall (≤200 mm, tolerates up to 300 mm).
- Suitable Temperature: 10-20° C and it can tolerate highs of up to 40° C and withstands winter lows down to –4° C.
- In extremely dry and cold weather, heeng plants typically become dormant to survive.
- There are mentions of heeng in ancient Indian texts including the Mahabharata and texts of Ayurveda. The latter recommends using heeng to refresh one’s senses, including consciousness. The Charaka Sanhita Sutrasthana says heeng can help relieve abdominal pain, digest undigested food, and enhance taste.
- The Pippalada Samhita and the works of Panini also include heeng.
Source:
4. Consider the following statements with reference to the recent fertility trends in India:
1. The total fertility rate in India has uniformly fallen below replacement level across all states.
2. States like Bihar and Uttar Pradesh continue to have fertility rates above the replacement level.
3. Kerala and Tamil Nadu exhibit below-replacement fertility rates.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (b) 2 and 3 only
Explanation:
News: UNFPA State of World Population Report 2025 reveals that millions unable to realise fertility goals
- While India’s national Total Fertility Rate (TFR) has declined to 1.9, below the replacement level of 2.1, some states still have TFRs above this threshold.
- Specifically, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, Meghalaya, and Manipur report TFRs higher than 2.1, indicating that not all states have reached below-replacement fertility levels.
- As per the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5), Bihar and Uttar Pradesh have TFRs of 3.0 and 2.35, respectively, both above the replacement level of 2.1.
- Other states with higher-than-replacement fertility rates include Jharkhand, Meghalaya, and Manipur.
- Kerala’s TFR stands at 1.8, and Tamil Nadu’s at 1.8, both below the replacement level of 2.1. These states, along with others in South India, have experienced significant declines in fertility rates over recent decades.
Source:
5. Consider the following statements with respect to Tardigrades:
1. It can be found only in deep oceans in the moniker of moss piglets.
2. Anhydrobiosis and cryptobiosis are the processes that help them to withstand extreme conditions.
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
Answer: (b) 2 only
In News: Why scientists study tardigrades, tiny eight-legged ‘water bears’, in space.
Explanation:
- Tardigrades, also known as “water bears”, are robust aquatic animals that have been around for roughly 600 million years, 400 million years before dinosaurs walked the planet.
- Typically about 0.5 mm long when fully grown, tardigrades have four pairs of legs, with 4-6 claws on each foot. They also have a specialised mouth which helps them suck nutrients from plant cells, algae, and other small invertebrates.
- Tardigrades can be found almost everywhere — from the highest mountains to the deepest oceans. Their most common habitat, however, is the thin film of water found on mosses and lichens, which bestows upon these animals the moniker of “moss piglets”. Hence statement 1 is incorrect.
- Both anhydrobiosis and cryptobiosis result in the emergence of a durable shrunken state, called tun, in which tardigrades are able to withstand extreme conditions. Hence statement 2 is correct
- Also, these animals produce unique proteins such as cytoplasmic-abundant heat soluble (CAHS) proteins which are key to their resilience.
- “These [proteins] form a gel-like matrix within their cells, vitrifying and protecting essential cellular components from destruction. This allows them to withstand extreme temperatures, radiation, and the vacuum of space,”
Source:
Explained: Why scientists study tardigrades, tiny eight-legged ‘water bears’, in space
6. With reference to Artemis Accord, consider the following statements:
1. One of the key principles of the Artemis Accords is to affirm the importance of countries complying with 1967’s Outer Space Treaty.
2. The accords relate to activities in orbit, on the surface, and in the subsurface of the moon in particular.
3. China became the 56th party to the Artemis accord.
How many of the above statements are incorrect?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None
Answer: (b) Only two
In News: ‘Realising the return’— how an Indian became part of Axiom-4
Explanation:
- The Artemis Accords are a set of statements that set out common principles, guidelines, and best practices that apply to the safe exploration of the moon and eventually beyond as humanity extends the duration of space missions and its reach to Mars.
- While NASA is leading the Artemis program, which aims to kick start a new era of space exploration and put the first woman and person of color on the moon in 2024, international partnerships with numerous countries and private companies are vital to its success.
- One of the key principles of the Artemis Accords is to affirm the importance of countries complying with 1967’s Outer Space Treaty (or the Treaty on Principles Governing the Activities of States in the Exploration and Use of Outer Space, Including the moon and Other Celestial Bodies to give it its full title).
- In terms of scope, the accords relate to activities in orbit, on the surface, and in the subsurface of the moon, Mars, comets, and asteroids. It also covers the stable orbital points known as the Lagrangian points for the Earth-moon system and is applied to objects in transit between these celestial bodies and locations.
- With Norway joining the accord the total members are 55 as on date. Hence option b is correct.
Source:
Explained: ‘Realising the return’— how an Indian became part of Axiom-4
7. Bijak, Sakhi Granth, Kabir Granthavali, and Anurag Sagar are the works of which of the following?
(a) Guru Arjun Dev
(b) Sant Kabir Das
(c) Shankara
(d) Gyaneshwar
Answer: (b) Sant Kabir Das
In News: Sant Kabirdas Jayanti 2025
Explanation:
- Kabir Jayanti, also known as Kabir Prakat Diwas, commemorates the birth anniversary of Sant Kabir Das, an influential 15th-century Indian mystic poet, saint, and social reformer, and was known for his proclivity for spirituality and critical thinking about religion.
- Kabirdas’ writings, known as ‘bhajans’ and ‘dohas’, advocated for social equality, religious harmony, and spirituality and were known to have influenced the Bhakti movement in India.
- His work includes Bijak, Sakhi Granth, Kabir Granthavali, and Anurag Sagar; a large amount of Kabir’s works were compiled by the fifth Sikh Guru, Guru Arjan Dev, and placed in the Sikh scripture, Guru Granth Sahib. Hence option b is correct.
- He was born in the city of Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, with some stories suggesting he was born to a Brahmin mother but raised by a Muslim weaver, a beautiful illustration of the merging of religious influences in his life.
Source:
Sant Kabirdas Jayanti 2025: Date, history, significance, his sayings—all you need to know
8. Consider the following statements with reference to Climate change Performance Index (CCPI)
1. It is an independent monitoring tool that tracks the climate mitigation performance of all the parties of the UNFCCC.
2. CCPI also answers the question of the extent to which each country is taking appropriate action in the areas of Emissions, Renewable energy and Energy use in order to achieve the climate goals set in Paris.
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
Answer: (b) 2 only
In News: Climate Change Performance Index 2025
Explanation:
- Despite being the central topic of debate for decades, climate change continues to accelerate, global temperature continues to inch towards ‘tipping points’, and greenhouse gas concentrations rise at unprecedented levels.
- In this context, knowing the findings of the Climate Change Performance Index 2025 becomes important, as it provides the picture of the efforts of various countries in addressing the challenge of climate change.
- The Climate Change Performance Index (CCPI) is an independent monitoring tool that tracks the climate mitigation performance of 63 countries and the EU. It aims to enhance transparency in international climate politics and enables comparison of climate mitigation efforts and progress made by individual countries. It is published annually since 2005. Hence statement 1 is incorrect.
- The CCPI is published by Germanwatch, CAN International, and the NewClimate Institute. According to the official website of Germanwatch, the CCPI assesses each country’s performance in four categories:
(i) GHG Emissions (40% of the overall ranking),
(ii) Renewable Energy (20%),
(iii) Energy Use (20%) and
(iv) Climate Policy (20%).
- CCPI also answers the question of the extent to which each country is taking appropriate action in the areas of Emissions, Renewable energy and Energy use in order to achieve the climate goals set in Paris.Hence statement 2 is correct.
Source:
Knowledge Nugget: Climate Change Performance Index- A must know for UPSC Exam
9. Which of the following statements about Tourette Syndrome (TS) is/are correct?
1. It is a contagious neurological disorder affecting both motor and vocal functions.
2. It usually occurs in childhood, with symptoms typically starting before the age of 15.
3. It affects more girls than boys globally.
4. While there is no cure, behavioral therapies and certain medications are used to manage symptoms.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 4 only
(c) 2, 3 and 4 only
(d) 1, 3 and 4 only
Answer: (b) 2 and 4 only
Explanation:
News: Understanding Tourette syndrome and its management
- Tourette Syndrome is not contagious. It is a neurological disorder that involves motor and vocal tics.
- Tics are the major characteristics of Tourette syndrome. Here, sounds or movements unpredictably. It is not a thick mouth where people face difficulties in pronouncing certain sounds. Rather, it is a movement disorder.
- Tourette Syndrome typically emerges between ages 2 and 15, with the average onset around six. It affects an estimated 0.3% to 1% of the global population, with a higher prevalence among boys than girls.
- Most cases of TS involve the interaction of multiple gene variations and environmental factors.
Source:
10. Which of the following statements are correct in respect of a Money Bill in the Parliament?
1. Article 109 mentions special procedure in respect of Money Bills.
2. A Money Bill shall not be introduced in the Council of States.
3. The Rajya Sabha can either approve the Bill or suggest changes but cannot reject it.
4. Amendment to a Money Bill suggested by the Rajya Sabha have to be accepted by the Lok Sabha.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1, 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 3 and 4 only
Answer: (c) 1, 2 and 3