1. Consider the following ‘Blue Flag Certified beaches’:
| Name of the Beach | State in India | |
| 1 | Kappad | Gujarat |
| 2 | Shivrajpur | Kerala |
| 3 | Kovalam | Tamil Nadu |
| 4 | Padubidri | Karnataka |
How many of the above pairs are correctly matched?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) Only three
(d) All the four
Answer: (b) Only two
Explanation:
In NEWS: Five Maharashtra Beaches Receive Prestigious International Blue Flag Certification. The list includes Shrivardhan and Nagaon beaches in Raigad district, Parnaka in Palghar, and Guhagar and Ladghar beaches in Ratnagiri district.
Blue Flag Certification:
- Blue Flag is an international eco-label awarded by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) based in Denmark.
- It recognises beaches and marinas that meet 33 stringent criteria. These criteria focus on environmental education, water quality, safety, environmental management, and public amenities.
- The certification promotes sustainable tourism and environmental conservation.
Criteria for Blue Flag Beaches
- The 33 criteria include maintaining high water quality free from pollution.
- Safety measures such as lifeguards and rescue equipment are mandatory.
- Environmental education programmes must be available for visitors.
- Cleanliness is ensured through waste management and no plastic usage.
- Public facilities like clean toilets and drinking water are essential.
- The beach must also protect natural habitats and biodiversity.
List of Blue Flag Beaches in India (as of October 12, 2025)
1. Shivrajpur Beach – Gujarat. Hence pair 2 is incorrect.
2. Ghoghla Beach – Diu
3. Kasarkod Beach – Karnataka.
4. Padubidri Beach – Karnataka. Hence pair 4 is correct.
5. Kappad Beach – Kerala. Hence pair 1 is incorrect.
6. Rushikonda Beach – Andhra Pradesh
7. Golden Beach (Puri Beach) – Odisha
8. Radhanagar Beach – Andaman and Nicobar Islands
9. Kovalam Beach – Tamil Nadu. Hence pair 3 is correct.
10. Eden Beach – Puducherry
11. Minicoy Thundi Beach – Lakshadweep
12. Kadmat Beach – Lakshadweep
13. Shrivardhan Beach – Raigad District, Maharashtra
14. Nagaon Beach – Raigad District, Maharashtra
15. Parnaka Beach – Palghar District, Maharashtra
16. Guhagar Beach – Ratnagiri District, Maharashtra
17. Ladghar Beach – Ratnagiri District, Maharashtra
| PYQ REFERENCE: (2014) Q. Consider the following pairs Wetlands – Confluence of rivers 1. Harike Wetlands – Confluence of Beas and Satluj/Sutlej 2. Keoladeo Ghana National Park – Confluence of Banas and Chambal 3. Kolleru Lake – Confluence of Musi and Krishna Which of the above pairs is/are correctly matched? (a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 |
2. Who of the following is the author of the books “War & War” and “The Melancholy of Resistance”?
(a) László Krasznahorkai
(b) Imre Kertész
(c) Péter Nádas
(d) György Konrád
Answer: (a) László Krasznahorkai
Explanation:
In NEWS: Nobel Prize in Literature 2025
- The 2025 Nobel Prize in Literature was awarded to the Hungarian novelist László Krasznahorkai (born 1954) “for his compelling and visionary oeuvre that, in the midst of apocalyptic terror, reaffirms the power of art.”
- He is the second Hungarian Nobel laureate in Literature after Imre Kertész in 2002.
His notable works:
- Satantango
- The Melancholy of Resistance
- War & War
- A Mountain to the North, a Lake to the South, Paths to the West, a River to the East
- Seiobo There Below
- Spadework for a Palace
- Baron Wenckheim’s Homecoming
- Herscht 07769
Hence option (a) is correct.
| PYQ REFERENCE: (2024) Q. Who of the following is the author of the books “The India Way” and “Why Bharat Matters”? (a) Bhupender Yadav (b) Nalin Mehta (c) Shashi Tharoor (d) Subrahmanyam Jaishankar |
3. Consider the following statements
1. Tele MANAS aims to provide comprehensive mental health services through a digital platform 24/7.
2. It also extends support for caretakers and parents of children and adolescents suffering from developmental disorders.
3. The apex nodal institute for mentoring and monitoring Tele MANAS is NIMHANS.
How many of the above statements is/are correct?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) Only three
(d) None
Answer: (c) Only three
Explanation:
In NEWS: On the occasion of World Mental Health Day 2025, new Initiatives for the Tele MANAS App launched
Tele MANAS:
- Tele MANAS aims to provide comprehensive mental health services through a digital platform namely telephone-based counselling services, psychotherapy, psychiatric consultations and referral services including emergency. Hence statement 1 is correct.
- In addition to the steering committees, the Apex Nodal Institute for mentoring and monitoring of Tele MANAS will be NIMHANS. Hence statement 3 is correct.
- Video consultations are expected to be initiated soon with an e-prescription facility.
- Tele MANAS is a 24/7 on-demand service available free of cost with ease of access via phone calls, bridging the gap in seeking appropriate mental health assistance.
- In addition, the service provision also includes support for parents and caretakers of children and adolescents suffering from developmental disorders like intellectual disabilities, autism spectrum disorders, ADHD, and various behavioural and emotional problems. Hence statement 2 is correct.
- It is available in 20 Indian languages to cover the diverse needs surpassing cultural and regional differences of the country.
Objectives of Tele MANAS:
- To exponentially scale up the reach of mental health services to anybody who reaches out, across India.
- To implement a full-fledged mental health-service network.
- To extend services to vulnerable groups of the population and difficult to reach populations
Source: https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2177389
4. Consider the following statements:
I. The World Heritage Outlook is a global assessment system that evaluates the conservation status of all natural World Heritage sites.
II. It is published by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)
III. The Sundarbans National Park (India) is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its unique biodiversity and ecosystem services.
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
(a) I and II only
(b) III only
(c) I, and III only
(d) I, II and III
Answer: (c) I, and III only
Explanation:
In NEWS: Climate change, diseases threaten Sundarbans National Park, latest IUCN World Heritage Outlook reveals
World Heritage Outlook:
- The IUCN World Heritage Outlook is a global assessment system that evaluates the conservation status of all natural World Heritage sites. Hence statement I is correct.
- It is published by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) every few years. Hence statement II is incorrect.
- The assessment categories are – “Good,” “Good with some concerns,” “Significant concern,” and “Critical.”
- The Outlook assesses sites based on current state, threats, and management effectiveness.
- It helps track progress toward achieving the UNESCO World Heritage Convention’s goal of preserving sites with Outstanding Universal Value (OUV).
- The 2025 Outlook warns that one-third of natural heritage sites face significant or critical threats.
- The report also notes a rise in threats from diseases, invasive species, and extreme weather events.
- The Sundarbans National Park (India) is part of the largest mangrove forest ecosystem in the world, shared with Bangladesh. Hence statement III is correct.
- It is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its unique biodiversity and ecosystem services.
| PYQ REFERENCE: (2014) Q. Consider the following international agreements 1. The International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture 2. The United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification 3. The World Heritage Convention Which of the above has/have a bearing on the biodiversity? (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 |
5. Regarding Araneus nox (Leathery Garden Orb-weaver), consider the following statements:
I. It spins a large, vertical orb-shaped web to catch flying insects.
II. It is primarily a ground-dwelling spider found in deserts.
III. It was first recorded in India from the Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) I only
(b) I and III
(c) II only
(d) II and III
Answer: (b) I and III
Explanation:
In NEWS: Survey in Idukki sanctuary reports first record of spider species Araneus nox in India
Araneus nox:
- Araneus nox, commonly known as the Leathery Garden Orb‑weaver, belongs to the family Araneidae (orb‑weaving spiders) .
- It is commonly known as the Leathery Garden Orb-weaver, due to the leathery texture of its abdomen.
- Like other orb-weavers, it spins a large, vertical orb-shaped web to catch flying insects. Hence statement I is correct.
- Araneus nox has a known distribution across Southeast Asia, including countries such as the Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia (Sumatra, Riau), Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand.
- Before 2025, it had not been recorded from India. The recent survey in Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary (Kerala) is the first confirmed record in India. Hence statement III is correct.
- Habitat: It is found in primary and secondary forests.
- It is an arboreal species, constructing webs between trees and shrubs, typically above ground level. Hence statement II is incorrect.
- The egg sac is quite interesting: it’s dome‑shaped, uses fine yellow silk, overlaid with a coarse (wider spaced), wavy mesh of golden silk.
- As of now, Araneus nox has not been assessed by the IUCN Red List.
| PYQ REFERENCE: (2025) Q. Regarding Peacock tarantula (Gooty tarantula), consider the following statements: I. It is an omnivorous crustacean. II. Its natural habitat in India is only limited to some forest areas. III. In its natural habitat, it is an arboreal species. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) I only (b) I and III (c) II only (d) II and III |
6. The term “Hothouse Earth” sometimes seen in the news, is used to describe which among the following?
(a) A planet with rising agricultural productivity
(b) A self-sustaining cycle of global warming due to multiple tipping points
(c) An increase in ozone depletion events
(d) A temporary climatic fluctuation
Answer: (b) A self-sustaining cycle of global warming due to multiple tipping points
Explanation:
In NEWS: Earth’s ‘New Reality’ as first climate tipping point is crossed
Global Tipping Points:
- Tipping Point refers to a critical threshold where a small change can lead to large, often irreversible shifts in the Earth’s climate or ecosystems.
- Once crossed, these changes self-perpetuate and are difficult or impossible to reverse, even if human pressures (like greenhouse gas emissions) are reduced.
- Crossing one tipping point can trigger others, creating a cascade effect.
- Scientists warn that multiple tipping points are interconnected, increasing the risk of a “Hothouse Earth” scenario — a self-reinforcing cycle of global warming. Hence option (b) is correct.
- Urgent mitigation efforts (like limiting warming to 1.5°C) are crucial to avoid crossing dangerous thresholds.
Types of Tipping Points
A. Climate System Tipping Points: Related to Earth’s physical climate systems.
Examples:
- Greenland Ice Sheet melt – could raise global sea levels by 7m.
- West Antarctic Ice Sheet collapse – adds ~3m sea level rise.
- Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) slowdown – affects monsoons and temperature regulation.
- Arctic Sea Ice loss – amplifies global warming due to albedo effect.
- Amazon Rainforest dieback – shifts to savannah, releases huge carbon stocks.
- Permafrost thawing – releases methane, a potent greenhouse gas.
B. Biosphere Tipping Points: Related to ecosystem collapse or transformation due to climate and human pressures.
Examples:
- Coral reef bleaching
- Boreal forest dieback
- Freshwater system collapse
- Ocean acidification
| PYQ REFERENCE: (2016) Q. The term ‘Intended Nationally Determined Contributions’ is sometimes seen in the news in the context of (a) pledges made by the European countries to rehabilitate refugees from the war-affected Middle East (b) plan of action outlined by the countries of the world to combat climate change (c) capital contributed by the member countries in the establishment of Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (d) plan of action outlined by the countries of the world regarding Sustainable Development Goals |
7. Which of the following are Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs)?
1. Diabetes
2. Tuberculosis
3. Stroke
4. Heart disease
5. Malaria
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1, 2 and 3
(b) 1, 3 and 4
(c) 2, 4 and 5
(d) 1, 2, 4 and 5
Answer: (b) 1, 3 and 4
Explanation:
In NEWS: Non-communicable diseases surge: Heart disease, diabetes cause two-thirds of global deaths in 2023, surpassing infections.
Global Health Shift: NCDs Overtake Infections
- Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs), including heart disease, stroke, and diabetes, now account for nearly two-thirds of global deaths, surpassing infections for the first time.
- Mental health disorders have surged, with anxiety increasing by 63% and depression by 26%.
- Global life expectancy has rebounded post-COVID to 76.3 years for women and 71.5 years for men, returning to pre-pandemic levels.
India’s Health Landscape
- India recorded 9.85 million deaths in 2023, ranking second globally after China.
- Life expectancy in India stands at 73 years for women and 70.2 years for men, with women experiencing the world’s largest increase in life expectancy since 1950.
- Despite progress, under-five mortality remains high, with an estimated 692,000 deaths in 2023.
Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs)
- NCDs are diseases that are not transmissible from person to person.
- They are chronic in nature, often long-lasting, and progress slowly.
Major Types
1. Cardiovascular Diseases (CVDs) – heart attack, stroke, hypertension
2. Diabetes – Type 1 and Type 2
3. Cancer – lung, breast, cervical, etc.
4. Chronic Respiratory Diseases – COPD, asthma
5. Mental Health Disorders – depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder
Hence option (b) 1, 3 and 4 are correct.
Risk Factors
- Lifestyle: Tobacco, alcohol, unhealthy diet, physical inactivity
- Environmental: Pollution, climate change, occupational hazards
- Genetic: Family history of NCDs
- Socioeconomic: Urbanization, stress, inequities in healthcare access
Government Initiatives in India
- National Programme for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, CVD & Stroke (NPCDCS)
- Ayushman Bharat – Health and Wellness Centres focusing on NCD prevention
- Tobacco control measures: COTPA Act, anti-smoking campaigns
- Promotion of healthy lifestyle: “Fit India Movement”, diet and exercise awareness
| PYQ REFERENCE: (2013) Q. Which of the following diseases can be transmitted from one person to another through tattooing? 1. Chikungunya 2. Hepatitis B 3. HIV-AIDS Select the correct answer using the codes given below: (a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 |
8. Consider the following pairs:
| S.No | Military Exercises in News | Participating Countries |
| 1 | ZAPAD | Russia and the United Kingdom |
| 2 | KONKAN | India and Egypt |
| 3 | AUSTRAHIND | India and Australia |
How many of the pairs given above are correctly matched?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None
Answer: (a) Only one
Explanation:
In NEWS: Military exercises held recently
ZAPAD 2025:
- Zapad 2025 is a joint strategic military exercise conducted between Russia and Belarus. Hence pair 1 is incorrect.
- The exercise focused on defensive operations, including scenarios involving restoring territorial integrity in case of external aggression.
- The drills featured modern warfare systems, including drones, electronic warfare, and missile systems, with some involving nuclear-capable platforms.
- The exercise was closely monitored by other countries due to its geopolitical significance near NATO borders.
- India sent 65 personnel drawn from all three services (Army, Air Force, Navy) to take part in the exercise.
KONKAN 2025:
- Konkan 2025 is a bilateral naval exercise between the Indian Navy and the Royal Navy of the United Kingdom. Hence pair 2 is incorrect.
- For the first time, both countries deployed their carrier strike groups together – India’s INS Vikrant and the UK’s HMS Prince of Wales.
- The exercise included sea-based operations such as anti-submarine warfare, maritime air operations, and air defence drills.
- It also featured tactical air warfare exercises, including Beyond Visual Range (BVR) air combat drills and coordinated air operations.
- Harbour phase activities involved professional exchanges, cross-deck visits, and joint briefings.
- The objective was to enhance interoperability, demonstrate naval reach, and strengthen maritime security cooperation.
AUSTRAHIND 2025:
- Austrahind 2025 is a bilateral joint military exercise between India and Australia. Hence pair 3 is correct.
- The exercise involves company-level operations, primarily focused on urban and semi-urban combat scenarios.
- It is conducted under the framework of a United Nations mandate, simulating peacekeeping or multinational missions.
- The aim is to strengthen joint operational capabilities and improve coordination in complex terrain.
- The exercise reflects the growing strategic partnership between India and Australia and their shared commitment to regional security and global peace.
9. Recently, Scientists have captured the ‘quasar OJ 287’, the first-ever radio image of two black holes orbiting each other. What is the significance of this observation?
(a) It provides the first direct image of a binary supermassive black hole system, helping test General Relativity and understand gravitational waves.
(b) It confirms the exact distance of Sagittarius A* from Earth and its role in the Milky Way’s evolution.
(c) It represents the first-ever detection of a black hole outside the Milky Way.
(d) It demonstrates that M87’s black hole periodically emits flares observable from Earth.
Answer: (a) It provides the first direct image of a binary supermassive black hole system, helping test General Relativity and understand gravitational waves.
Explanation:
In NEWS: Two black holes spotted in orbit circling around each other
Two Black Holes Spotted in Orbit:
- Scientists have captured the first-ever radio image of two black holes orbiting each other, confirming a long-standing astronomical prediction.
- The observation was made using the RadioAstron Space Telescope and a global network of radio telescopes.
- The system is identified as the quasar OJ 287, located about 5 billion light-years away from Earth.
- OJ 287 is known for its periodic bursts of light every 12 years, which were linked to the orbital motion of two black holes.
- Historical light variations in OJ 287 were traced back to 19th-century photographic records, confirming its long-term periodic behavior.
- The larger black hole in the system has a mass of around 18 billion times that of the Sun, while the smaller one is about 100 million solar masses.
- The smaller black hole emits a jet of high-energy particles, which appears to wobble or “wag” as it orbits the larger black hole.
- This image achieved unprecedented angular resolution, higher than that used for imaging Sagittarius A* and M87 black holes.
Significance:
- The discovery provides the clearest evidence yet of a binary supermassive black hole system.
- The finding is significant for the study of gravitational waves, since merging black holes are primary sources of such waves.
- It opens new avenues for understanding galaxy evolution, relativistic jet formation, and Einstein’s theory of General Relativity. Hence option (a) is correct.
| PYQ REFERENCE: (2019) Q. Recently, Scientists observed the merger of giant blackholes’ billions of light-years away from the Earth. What is the significance of this observation? (a) ‘Higgs boson particles’ were detected. (b) ‘Gravitational waves’ were detected. (c) Possibility of inter-galactic space travel through ‘wormhole’ was confirmed. (d) It enabled the scientists to understand ‘singularity’. |
10. Which of the following have species that can establish a symbiotic relationship with other organisms?
1. Cnidarians
2. Fungi
3. Protozoa
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
Answer: (d) 1, 2 and 3
Explanation:
1. Cnidarians: Many cnidarians (e.g., corals) establish symbiotic relationships with zooxanthellae (photosynthetic algae).
2. Fungi: Fungi form symbiosis with plants (mycorrhizae) and algae/cyanobacteria (lichens).
3. Protozoa: Protozoa can form symbiotic relationships, e.g., Trichonympha in termite guts helps digest cellulose, or some protozoa live in mutualism with other aquatic organisms.
Thus, all three groups are capable of symbiotic relationships.