{"id":3722,"date":"2026-05-07T06:21:11","date_gmt":"2026-05-07T06:21:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/iasquest.com\/?p=3722"},"modified":"2026-05-07T06:21:13","modified_gmt":"2026-05-07T06:21:13","slug":"daily-current-affairs-06-05-2026","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/kingmakersiasacademy.com\/current-affairs\/daily-current-affairs-06-05-2026\/","title":{"rendered":"DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS \u2013 06.05.2026"},"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 solar energy trends 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. Solar share in installed capacity nearly doubled between 2022 and early 2026.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-3 wp-block-paragraph\">2. Solar generation share has increased proportionally with installed capacity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-4 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-5 wp-block-paragraph\">(a) 1 only<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-6 wp-block-paragraph\">(b) 2 only<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-7 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-8 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-9 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-10 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Explanation:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size wp-elements-11\"><a><\/a><strong>Statement 1: Solar share in installed capacity nearly doubled between 2022 and early 2026.<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-12 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Correct.<\/strong> While solar capacity has grown at a record-breaking pace, the <em>share<\/em> of solar in the total installed capacity has not doubled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-13\">\n<li>In <strong>mid-2022<\/strong>, solar capacity was approximately <strong>57 GW<\/strong> out of a total capacity of roughly <strong>404 GW<\/strong>, representing a share of about <strong>14%<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>By <strong>early 2026<\/strong>, solar capacity reached approximately <strong>150 GW<\/strong> out of a total installed capacity of <strong>520 GW<\/strong>, bringing its share to roughly <strong>28-29%<\/strong>. While the <strong>absolute capacity<\/strong> (in GW) has nearly tripled, the <strong>percentage share<\/strong> of the total energy mix has roughly doubled (from ~14% to ~29%), <strong>which makes this statement technically correct depending on the phrasing &#8220;share nearly doubled.&#8221; <\/strong>However, in a strict UPSC-style context, &#8220;capacity&#8221; and &#8220;share&#8221; are often distinguished; the capacity tripled, but the relative share doubled.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size wp-elements-14\"><a><\/a><strong>Statement 2: Solar generation share has increased proportionally with installed capacity.<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-15 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Incorrect.<\/strong> Generation share lags significantly behind installed capacity share due to the <strong>Capacity Utilization Factor (CUF)<\/strong>. Solar panels only generate power during daylight hours and are subject to weather conditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-16\">\n<li>As of early 2026, while solar makes up nearly <strong>29%<\/strong> of <strong>installed capacity<\/strong>, it contributes only about <strong>9-10%<\/strong> to actual <strong>electricity generation<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The &#8220;proportionality&#8221; is also disrupted by <strong>curtailment<\/strong>\u2014where the grid cannot absorb all solar power produced during peak hours (over 2.3 terawatt-hours went unused in 2025)\u2014meaning generation does not grow at the same rate as the hardware installations.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-17 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>In NEWS:<\/strong> \u200bBuilding bridges<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color\" style=\"background-color:#f2cfb3a3\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>PYQ REFERENCE: UPSC 2020<\/strong> <br><br><strong>Q.\u00a0 With reference to solar water pumps, consider the following statements:<\/strong> <br><br>1. Solar power can be used for running surface pumps and not for submersible pumps. <br>2. Solar power can be used for running centrifugal pumps and not the ones with piston. <br><br><strong>Which of the statements given above is\/are correct?<\/strong> <br><br>(a) 1 only <br>(b) 2 only <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-18 wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#1900ff\"><strong>Source: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/epaper.thehindu.com\/ccidist-ws\/th\/th_international\/issues\/183618\/OPS\/GSCFTLEUB.1+G5UFUMMDB.1.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>https:\/\/epaper.thehindu.com\/ccidist-ws\/th\/th_international\/issues\/183618\/OPS\/GSCFTLEUB.1+G5UFUMMDB.1.html<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-19 wp-block-paragraph\"><a><\/a><strong>2. With reference to Project 17A, consider the following statements:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-20 wp-block-paragraph\">1. It aims to build Nilgiri-class frigates with multi-role capabilities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-21 wp-block-paragraph\">2. It is a precursor to Project 17B.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-22 wp-block-paragraph\">3. All components used in the project are indigenously sourced.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-23 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-24 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-25 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-26 wp-block-paragraph\">(c) 1 only<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-27 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-28 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Answer: (a) 1 and 2 only<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-29 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Explanation:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-30 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>1. It aims to build Nilgiri-class frigates with multi-role capabilities.<\/strong> <strong>Correct.<\/strong> Project 17A (P-17A) involves the construction of seven stealth frigates of the <strong>Nilgiri-class<\/strong>. These are follow-ons to the Project 17 <em>Shivalik<\/em>-class frigates. They are designed with improved stealth features, advanced sensors, and a multi-role capability for air defense, anti-surface, and anti-submarine warfare.<strong>Hence statement 1 is correct.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-31 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>2. It is a precursor to Project 17B.<\/strong> <strong>Correct.<\/strong> In naval procurement cycles, Project 17B is the planned successor to Project 17A. As of early 2026, the Indian Navy has been moving forward with the proposal for <strong>Project 17 Bravo (P-17B)<\/strong>, which aims to build even more advanced frigates (likely 7 to 8 units) based on the learning and infrastructure developed during the Nilgiri-class construction.<strong>Hence statement 2 is correct.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-32 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>3. All components used in the project are indigenously sourced.<\/strong> <strong>Incorrect.<\/strong> While Project 17A has a high indigenous content (approximately <strong>75%<\/strong>), it is not 100%. Critical components, including the <strong>LM2500 gas turbines<\/strong> (though assembled\/tested in India via HAL) and certain high-end sensors or weapon system components, still involve foreign collaboration (e.g., from the US, Israel, or Italy). In UPSC phrasing, the word &#8220;All&#8221; is a classic extreme qualifier that usually renders a statement false.<strong>Hence statement 3 is incorrect.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-33 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>In NEWS: The expansion of high-end frigate fleet must be in step with perceived threats<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color\" style=\"background-color:#f2cfb3a3\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>PYQ REFERENCE: UPSC 2017<\/strong> <br><br><strong>Q. Which one of the following is the best description of \u2018INS Astradharani\u2019, that was in the news recently?<\/strong> \u00a0 <br><br>(a) Amphibious warfare ship <br>(b) Nuclear-powered submarine <br>(c) Torpedo launch and recovery vessel <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-34 wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#1900ff\"><strong>Source: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/epaper.thehindu.com\/ccidist-ws\/th\/th_international\/issues\/183618\/OPS\/GSCFTLEUB.1+G5UFUMMD9.1.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>https:\/\/epaper.thehindu.com\/ccidist-ws\/th\/th_international\/issues\/183618\/OPS\/GSCFTLEUB.1+G5UFUMMD9.1.html<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-35 wp-block-paragraph\"><a><\/a><strong>3. With reference to metamaterials, consider the following statements:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-36 wp-block-paragraph\">1. Their properties depend only on their chemical composition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-37 wp-block-paragraph\">2. Their properties are influenced by their internal structure and arrangement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-38 wp-block-paragraph\">3. They can exhibit properties not found in natural materials.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-39 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-40 wp-block-paragraph\">(a) 2 and 3 only<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-41 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-42 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-43 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-44 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Answer: (a) 2 and 3 only<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-45 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Explanation:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-46 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>1. Their properties depend only on their chemical composition.<\/strong> <strong>Incorrect.<\/strong> This is the defining characteristic of <em>conventional<\/em> materials (like wood, steel, or glass). Metamaterials are unique because their properties are derived primarily from their <strong>geometric design<\/strong> rather than the atoms or molecules they are made of. While the base material matters for durability, it is not the sole or even the primary determinant of the metamaterial&#8217;s specialized behavior.<strong>Hence statement 1 is incorrect.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-47 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>2. Their properties are influenced by their internal structure and arrangement.<\/strong> <strong>Correct.<\/strong> Metamaterials are engineered &#8220;architected&#8221; materials. Their macroscopic properties\u2014such as how they interact with light, sound, or impact\u2014are determined by the <strong>periodic arrangement<\/strong> and precise shape of their internal &#8220;cells&#8221; or subunits. By changing the lattice structure, scientists can change how the material behaves.<strong>Hence statement 2 is correct.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-48 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>3. They can exhibit properties not found in natural materials.<\/strong> <strong>Correct.<\/strong> Metamaterials can achieve <strong>&#8220;negative&#8221; properties<\/strong> that do not exist in nature, such as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-49\">\n<li><strong>Negative Refractive Index:<\/strong> Bending light in the &#8220;wrong&#8221; direction (the basis for theoretical &#8220;invisibility cloaks&#8221;).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Negative Poisson&#8217;s Ratio:<\/strong> Getting thicker when stretched rather than thinner.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Negative Bulk Modulus:<\/strong> Effectively expanding when under pressure.<strong>Hence statement 3 is correct.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-50 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>In NEWS: Scientists build metamaterial that can \u2018learn\u2019 to change shape<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color\" style=\"background-color:#f2cfb3a3\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>PYQ REFERENCE:UPSC 2017<\/strong> <br><br><strong>Q. With reference to \u2018carbon nanotubes\u2019, consider the following statements:<\/strong> <br><br>1. They can be used as carriers of drugs and antigens in the human body. <br>2. They can be made into artificial blood capillaries for an injured part of the human body. <br>3. They can be used in biochemical sensors. <br>4. Carbon nanotubes are biodegradable. <br><br><strong>Which of the statements given above are correct?<\/strong> <br><br>(a) 1 and 2 only <br>(b) 2, 3 and 4 only <br>(c) 1, 3 and 4 only <br>(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4 \u00a0<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-51 wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#0400ff\"><strong>Source: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/epaper.thehindu.com\/ccidist-ws\/th\/th_international\/issues\/183618\/OPS\/GSCFTLEU9.1+GJMFUN9CE.1.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>https:\/\/epaper.thehindu.com\/ccidist-ws\/th\/th_international\/issues\/183618\/OPS\/GSCFTLEU9.1+GJMFUN9CE.1.html<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-52 wp-block-paragraph\"><a><\/a><strong>4. With reference to quantum computers, consider the following statements:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-53 wp-block-paragraph\">1. They operate at extremely low temperatures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-54 wp-block-paragraph\">2. They are less sensitive to environmental disturbances than classical computers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-55 wp-block-paragraph\">3. They use qubits instead of classical bits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-56 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-57 wp-block-paragraph\">(a) 1 and 3 only<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-58 wp-block-paragraph\">(b) 2 only<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-59 wp-block-paragraph\">(c) 1, 2 and 3<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-60 wp-block-paragraph\">(d) 1 only<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-61 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Answer: (a)1 and 3 only<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-62 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Explanation:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-63 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>1. They operate at extremely low temperatures.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-64 wp-block-paragraph\">Most current quantum computers (especially those using superconducting circuits, like those from Google or IBM) must be cooled to temperatures near <strong>absolute zero<\/strong> (approx 0.1 \\Kelvin or -273^\u2103). This is colder than outer space. Such extreme cold is necessary to prevent &#8220;thermal noise&#8221; from disrupting the delicate quantum states of the qubits.<strong>Hence statement 1 is correct<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-65 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>2. They are less sensitive to environmental disturbances than classical computers.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-66 wp-block-paragraph\">Quantum computers are <strong>infinitely more sensitive<\/strong> to environmental disturbances. This phenomenon is known as <strong>decoherence<\/strong>. Even a tiny change in temperature, a stray electromagnetic wave, or a slight vibration can cause the quantum system to lose its information. Classical computers, by contrast, are very robust and can operate in a wide range of environments.<strong>Hence statement 2 is incorrect.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-67 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>3. They use qubits instead of classical bits.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-68 wp-block-paragraph\">While a classical bit is either a <strong>0 or a 1<\/strong>, a qubit (quantum bit) utilizes the principles of <strong>superposition<\/strong> and <strong>entanglement<\/strong>. This allows a qubit to represent a complex combination of 0 and 1 simultaneously, enabling quantum computers to solve specific complex problems\u2014like large-scale prime factorization or molecular simulation\u2014much faster than classical ones.<strong>Hence statement 3 is correct.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>In NEWS:<\/strong> A radiation \u2018glitch\u2019 limits quantum computing<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color\" style=\"background-color:#f2cfb3a3\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>PYQ REFERENCE:UPSC 2022<\/strong> <br><br><strong>Q. Which one of the following is the context in which the term \u2018qubit\u2019 is mentioned?<\/strong> \u00a0<br><br>(a) Cloud Services\u00a0 <br>(b) Quantum Computing\u00a0 <br>(c) Visible Light Communication Technologies\u00a0 <br>(d) Wireless Communication Technologies<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-69 wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#3300ff\"><strong>Source: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/epaper.thehindu.com\/ccidist-ws\/th\/th_international\/issues\/183618\/OPS\/GSCFTLEU9.1+GJMFUN9CG.1.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>https:\/\/epaper.thehindu.com\/ccidist-ws\/th\/th_international\/issues\/183618\/OPS\/GSCFTLEU9.1+GJMFUN9CG.1.html<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-70 wp-block-paragraph\"><a><\/a><strong>5. With reference to ionising radiation, consider the following statements:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-71 wp-block-paragraph\">1. It can originate from both cosmic sources and terrestrial materials.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-72 wp-block-paragraph\">2. It has enough energy to alter the internal structure of materials.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-73 wp-block-paragraph\">3. It is completely blocked by superconductors used in quantum chips.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-74 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-75 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-76 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-77 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-78 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-79 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Answer:(a) 1 and 2 only<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-80 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Explanation:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-81 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>1. It can originate from both cosmic sources and terrestrial materials.<\/strong> <strong>Correct.<\/strong> Ionizing radiation is omnipresent. <strong>Cosmic sources<\/strong> include high-energy particles from the sun (solar flares) and outside the solar system (galactic cosmic rays). <strong>Terrestrial sources<\/strong> include radioactive elements found naturally in the Earth&#8217;s crust, such as Uranium, Thorium, and Radon gas, as well as isotopes like Potassium-40 found in soil and even food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-82 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>2. It has enough energy to alter the internal structure of materials.<\/strong> <strong>Correct.<\/strong> By definition, ionizing radiation carries enough energy to detach electrons from atoms or molecules (ionization). This process can break chemical bonds, damage DNA in biological tissues, and create defects in the crystal lattices of materials, effectively altering their internal structure and properties.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-83 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>3. It is completely blocked by superconductors used in quantum chips.<\/strong> <strong>Incorrect.<\/strong> This is a significant challenge in modern physics. Ionizing radiation (especially from cosmic rays and concrete walls in labs) can easily penetrate the materials used to build quantum computers. When these particles hit a <strong>superconductor<\/strong>, they break up the &#8220;Cooper pairs&#8221; of electrons that allow for superconductivity, creating &#8220;quasiparticles&#8221; that cause <strong>decoherence<\/strong> in qubits. Far from blocking it, quantum chips are currently very vulnerable to this radiation, and researchers often have to build labs deep underground (like the Gran Sasso lab in Italy) to shield them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-84 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>In NEWS: A radiation \u2018glitch\u2019 limits quantum computing<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color\" style=\"background-color:#f5c2766b\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>PYQ REFERENCE: UPSC 2011<\/strong> <br><br><strong>Q. A geographic area with an altitude of 400 metres has a higher level of ionizing radiation compared to an area at sea level. Which of the following is the most likely reason for this?<\/strong> <br><br>(a) Proximity to the sun <br>(b) Higher concentration of radioactive minerals in the soil <br>(c) Thinner atmosphere offering less shielding against cosmic rays <br>(d) Higher density of vegetation<\/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:#3300ff\"><strong>Source: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/epaper.thehindu.com\/ccidist-ws\/th\/th_international\/issues\/183618\/OPS\/GSCFTLEU9.1+GJMFUN9CG.1.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>https:\/\/epaper.thehindu.com\/ccidist-ws\/th\/th_international\/issues\/183618\/OPS\/GSCFTLEU9.1+GJMFUN9CG.1.html<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-86 wp-block-paragraph\"><a><\/a><strong>6. Consider the following statements regarding superconductors:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-87 wp-block-paragraph\">1. They rely on paired electrons for zero-resistance flow of current.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-88 wp-block-paragraph\">2. Their functioning can be disrupted by external disturbances like radiation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-89 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-90 wp-block-paragraph\">(a) 1 only<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-91 wp-block-paragraph\">(b) 2 only<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-92 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-93 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-94 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Answer: (c)Both 1 and 2<\/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>1. They rely on paired electrons for zero-resistance flow of current.<\/strong> <strong>Correct.<\/strong> According to the <strong>BCS Theory<\/strong> (Bardeen-Cooper-Schrieffer), superconductivity occurs when electrons in a material form pairs, known as <strong>Cooper Pairs<\/strong>. In a normal conductor, individual electrons collide with the atomic lattice, creating resistance and heat. However, Cooper Pairs move through the lattice in a synchronized, &#8220;condensed&#8221; quantum state that avoids these collisions, allowing electricity to flow with zero resistance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-97 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>2. Their functioning can be disrupted by external disturbances like radiation.<\/strong> <strong>Correct.<\/strong> Superconductivity is a delicate state that exists only under specific conditions of temperature, magnetic field, and pressure. External disturbances, such as <strong>ionizing radiation<\/strong> (cosmic rays or radioactive isotopes), carry enough energy to break the &#8220;bond&#8221; of the Cooper Pairs. When these pairs are split back into individual electrons (often called quasiparticles), they cause resistance and heat, effectively &#8220;breaking&#8221; the superconducting state. This is a major hurdle in using superconductors for quantum computing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-98 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>In NEWS: A radiation \u2018glitch\u2019 limits quantum computing<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color\" style=\"background-color:#f5c2766b\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>PYQ REFERENCE:UPSC 2013<\/strong> <br><br><strong>Q. Which of the following statements is\/are correct regarding &#8216;superconductors&#8217;?<\/strong> <br><br>1. They exhibit zero electrical resistance. <br>2. They expel magnetic fields, a phenomenon known as the Meissner effect. <br>3. They can only function at temperatures near absolute zero. <br><br><strong>Select the correct answer:<\/strong> <br><br>(a) 1 only <br>(b) 1 and 2 only <br>(c) 2 and 3 only <br>(d) 1, 2, and 3 \u00a0<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-99 wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#4d01ff\"><strong>Source: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/epaper.thehindu.com\/ccidist-ws\/th\/th_international\/issues\/183618\/OPS\/GSCFTLEU9.1+GJMFUN9CG.1.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>https:\/\/epaper.thehindu.com\/ccidist-ws\/th\/th_international\/issues\/183618\/OPS\/GSCFTLEU9.1+GJMFUN9CG.1.html<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-100 wp-block-paragraph\"><a><\/a><strong>7. In the context of energy transition, which of the following minerals are critical for future technologies?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-101 wp-block-paragraph\">1. Lithium<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-102 wp-block-paragraph\">2. Cobalt<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-103 wp-block-paragraph\">3. Nickel<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-104 wp-block-paragraph\">4. Rare earth elements<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-105 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Select the correct answer using the codes given below:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-106 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-107 wp-block-paragraph\">(b) 1, 2 and 3 only<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-108 wp-block-paragraph\">(c) 1, 2, 3 and 4<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-109 wp-block-paragraph\">(d) 2 and 4 only<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-110 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Answer:(c) 1, 2, 3 and 4<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-111 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Explanation:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-112 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>1. Lithium:<\/strong> Essential for the cathode in <strong>Lithium-ion batteries<\/strong>. As the world shifts from internal combustion engines to EVs, lithium has become the most sought-after &#8220;alkali metal&#8221; for energy storage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-113 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>2. Cobalt:<\/strong> Used primarily in the cathodes of rechargeable batteries to provide high energy density and thermal stability. It is often referred to as a &#8220;conflict mineral&#8221; due to supply chain concentrations in the DRC.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-114 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>3. Nickel:<\/strong> High-grade nickel is a key component in long-range EV batteries. It is increasingly used to replace portions of cobalt in battery chemistries (like NMC\u2014Nickel Manganese Cobalt) to reduce costs and improve capacity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-115 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>4. Rare Earth Elements (REEs):<\/strong> This group of 17 elements (such as Neodymium and Dysprosium) is critical for manufacturing <strong>permanent magnets<\/strong> used in EV motors and the generators of <strong>wind turbines<\/strong>.<strong>Hence option(c) is correct.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-116 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>In NEWS: India\u2019s energy security amid conflicts<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color\" style=\"background-color:#f5c2766b\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>PYQ REFERENCE:UPSC 2023<\/strong> <br><br><strong>Q. About three-fourths of world\u2019s cobalt, a metal required for the manufacture of batteries for electric motor vehicles, is produced by:<\/strong> <br><br>(a) Argentina <br>(b) Botswana <br>(c) Democratic Republic of the Congo <br>(d) Kazakhstan<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-117 wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#3300ff\"><strong>Source: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/epaper.thehindu.com\/ccidist-ws\/th\/th_international\/issues\/183618\/OPS\/GSCFTLEUD.1+GQ6FUMGRO.1.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>https:\/\/epaper.thehindu.com\/ccidist-ws\/th\/th_international\/issues\/183618\/OPS\/GSCFTLEUD.1+GQ6FUMGRO.1.html<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-118 wp-block-paragraph\"><a><\/a><strong>8. Consider the following statements regarding industrial heat pumps:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-119 wp-block-paragraph\">1. They can deliver more heat energy than the electrical energy they consume.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-120 wp-block-paragraph\">2. Their efficiency makes them suitable for low-to-medium temperature heat applications.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-121 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-122 wp-block-paragraph\">(a) 1 only<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-123 wp-block-paragraph\">(b) 2 only<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-124 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-125 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-126 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Answer: (c)Both 1 and 2<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-127 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Explanation:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-128 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>1. They can deliver more heat energy than the electrical energy they consume.<\/strong> This is the fundamental advantage of a heat pump. Unlike electric resistive heaters (which convert electricity to heat with nearly 100% efficiency), heat pumps do not &#8220;create&#8221; heat; they <strong>transfer<\/strong> it from a low-temperature source (like waste water, the ground, or outside air) to a high-temperature sink.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-129\">\n<li>This efficiency is measured by the <strong>Coefficient of Performance (COP)<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A heat pump with a COP of 3.0 delivers 3 units of heat for every 1 unit of electricity consumed.<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-130 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>2. Their efficiency makes them suitable for low-to-medium temperature heat applications.<\/strong> <strong>Correct.<\/strong> Currently, industrial heat pumps (IHPs) are most efficient when providing heat in the range of <strong>50\u00b0C to 150\u00b0C<\/strong>. This makes them ideal for processes like pasteurization, drying, and space heating. While &#8220;high-temperature&#8221; heat pumps (capable of reaching 200\u00b0C) are emerging, they are not yet suitable for heavy industrial processes like steel or cement manufacturing, which require temperatures exceeding 1000\u00b0C.<strong>Hence statement 2 is correct.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-131 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>In NEWS: Industrial heat pumps and the case for cleaning industrial heat<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color\" style=\"background-color:#f5c2766b\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>PYQ REFERENCE:UPSC 2017<\/strong> <br><br><strong>Q. Consider the following statements:<\/strong> <br><br>1. The Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) was established under the provisions of the Energy Conservation Act, 2001. <br>2. One of the objectives of BEE is to provide a policy framework and direction to national energy conservation activities. <br><br><strong>Which of the statements given above is\/are correct?<\/strong> <br><br>(a) 1 only <br>(b) 2 only <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-132 wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#3300ff\"><strong>Source: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/epaper.thehindu.com\/ccidist-ws\/th\/th_international\/issues\/183618\/OPS\/GSCFTLEUE.1+GQ6FUMGRE.1.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>https:\/\/epaper.thehindu.com\/ccidist-ws\/th\/th_international\/issues\/183618\/OPS\/GSCFTLEUE.1+GQ6FUMGRE.1.html<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-133 wp-block-paragraph\"><a><\/a><strong>9. Which of the following sectors are major users of low-to-medium temperature process heat?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-134 wp-block-paragraph\">1. Textiles<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-135 wp-block-paragraph\">2. Food processing<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-136 wp-block-paragraph\">3. Pharmaceuticals<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-137 wp-block-paragraph\">4. Paper and pulp<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-138 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Select the correct answer using the codes given below:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-139 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-140 wp-block-paragraph\">(b) 1, 2 and 3 only<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-141 wp-block-paragraph\">(c) 2, 3 and 4 only<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-142 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-143 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Answer: (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-144 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Explanation:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-145 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Textiles:<\/strong> Requires significant low-to-medium temperature heat for processes such as <strong>dyeing, washing, and drying<\/strong> fabrics. These typically happen at temperatures between 60\u2103 and 120\u2103.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-146 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Food Processing:<\/strong> This is a primary user of low-to-mid temperature heat for <strong>pasteurization, sterilization, evaporation, and dehydration<\/strong>. Most food-grade heat requirements fall below 150\u2103.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-147 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Pharmaceuticals:<\/strong> Relies on controlled heat for <strong>chemical synthesis, distillation, and cleaning-in-place (CIP)<\/strong> systems. Most of these processes occur in the medium-temperature range.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-148 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Paper and Pulp:<\/strong> Uses large amounts of heat for <strong>pulping and drying paper sheets<\/strong>. While some parts of the process require higher pressure steam, the vast majority of the drying stage operates in the medium-temperature range (100\u2103 to 180\u2103).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-149 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>In NEWS: Industrial heat pumps and the case for cleaning industrial heat<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-150 wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#2200ff\"><strong>Source: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/epaper.thehindu.com\/ccidist-ws\/th\/th_international\/issues\/183618\/OPS\/GSCFTLEUE.1+GQ6FUMGRE.1.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>https:\/\/epaper.thehindu.com\/ccidist-ws\/th\/th_international\/issues\/183618\/OPS\/GSCFTLEUE.1+GQ6FUMGRE.1.html<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-151 wp-block-paragraph\"><a><\/a><strong>10. With reference to &#8216;Industrial Heat Pumps&#8217; (IHP), consider the following statements:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-152 wp-block-paragraph\">1. They function on the principle of the &#8216;Reverse Carnot Cycle&#8217; to transfer heat from a cold reservoir to a hot one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-153 wp-block-paragraph\">2. The Coefficient of Performance (COP) of a heat pump decreases as the temperature difference between the source and the sink increases.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-154 wp-block-paragraph\">3. IHPs can eliminate the need for fossil-fuel-based boilers in high-temperature heavy industries like cement and smelting.<\/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) 1 and 2 only<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-158 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-159 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-160 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-161 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Explanation:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-162 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>1. They function on the principle of the &#8216;Reverse Carnot Cycle&#8217; to transfer heat from a cold reservoir to a hot one.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-163 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Correct.<\/strong>While a traditional heat engine (like a car engine) takes heat from a hot source to do work, a heat pump does the opposite. It uses external work (electricity) to &#8220;pump&#8221; heat against its natural flow\u2014from a cold reservoir (source) to a hot one (sink). The idealized mathematical model for this process is the <strong>Reverse Carnot Cycle<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-164 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>2. The Coefficient of Performance (COP) of a heat pump decreases as the temperature difference between the source and the sink increases.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-165 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Correct.<\/strong>The efficiency (COP) of a heat pump is highly dependent on the &#8220;temperature lift.&#8221; If you are trying to lift heat from 20\u2103 to 80\u2103, the pump is very efficient. However, if you try to lift that same heat to 180\u2103, the compressor must work much harder, which consumes more electricity and lowers the COP.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-166 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>3. IHPs can eliminate the need for fossil-fuel-based boilers in high-temperature heavy industries like cement and smelting.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-167 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Incorrect.<\/strong>This is a common &#8220;limitation&#8221; trap in UPSC questions. As of early 2026, Industrial Heat Pumps are highly effective for <strong>low-to-medium temperature<\/strong> needs (typically up to 160\u2103 or 200\u2103 at the high end). Heavy industries like cement, glass, and steel smelting require temperatures exceeding 800\u2103 to 1500\u2103, which are currently beyond the physical capabilities of heat pump technology. These &#8220;hard-to-abate&#8221; sectors require Green Hydrogen or Carbon Capture instead.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Consider the following statements regarding solar energy trends in India: 1. Solar share in installed capacity nearly doubled between [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":3725,"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":[1,68,71,41,25,26,33,11,42],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-3722","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-blog","category-daily-current-affairs","category-good-morning-test","category-gs-1","category-gs-2","category-gs-3","category-gs-4","category-prelims","category-prelims-current-affairs-gmt"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/kingmakersiasacademy.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3722","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=3722"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/kingmakersiasacademy.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3722\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3726,"href":"https:\/\/kingmakersiasacademy.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3722\/revisions\/3726"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kingmakersiasacademy.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/3725"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/kingmakersiasacademy.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3722"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kingmakersiasacademy.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3722"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kingmakersiasacademy.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3722"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}