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PRELIMS
POWER BANK

MONTHLY CA TEST

DECEMBER 2023
EXPLANATION

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Ans 1) B. Only two statements will act as a multi-stakeholder advisory
body.
Explanation:
6. The Council is represented by members
Statement 1 is correct: The Samudrayaan from eminent institutions that includes
Mission is India's first manned ocean mission a) Indian Council of Forestry Research
to explore the deep ocean. and Education,
b) Forest Survey of India and Quality
Statement 2 is incorrect: The mission aims to Council of India,
send three people to a depth of 6,000 metres in c) Indian Institute of Forest
the central Indian ocean in a submersible called Management,
the MATSYA 6000. d) State Forest Departments and Forest
Statement 4 is incorrect: It is a project of the Development Corporations and
Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) under the e) Representatives from wood-based
Deep Ocean Mission. industries.
7. Indian Institute of Forest Management,
Statement 3 is correct: It is being Bhopal will act as the scheme-operating
indigenously developed by the National agency and will be responsible for
Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT) in overall management of the Indian
Chennai Forest and Wood Certification Scheme.
Ans 2) C. All three statements 8. The National Accreditation Board for
Certification Bodies under the Quality
Explanation: Recently, Indian Forest & Wood Council of India will accredit the
Certification Scheme launched by the Ministry certification bodies.
of Environment, Forests and Climate Change 9. The certification bodies will carry out
that aims to promote sustainable forest independent audits and assess
management and agroforestry. adherence of various entities on the
Indian Forest & Wood Certification Scheme standards prescribed under the scheme.
10. The Forest Management certification is
1. The scheme offers voluntary third-party based on the Indian Forest Management
certification. Standard.
2. The scheme includes forest 11. The Indian Forest Management
management certification, tree outside Standard consists of 8 criteria, 69
forest management certification and indicators and 254 verifiers, which is an
chain of custody certification. integral part of the National Working
3. It can provide market incentives to Plan Code 2023.
various entities that adhere to
responsible forest management and Ans 3) A. 1 only
agroforestry practices in their Explanation:
operations.
4. This includes state forest departments, Statement 1 is correct: Finance Minister
individual farmers, or Farmer Producer Nirmala Sitharaman in her Budget speech
Organizations engaged in agroforestry 2023, announced the ‘Hydrogen for Heritage’
and farm forestry, as well as other scheme, a plan to operate hydrogen-powered
wood-based industries in the value trains on select heritage and hilly routes that are
chain. environmentally sensitive.
5. It will be overseen by the Indian Forest
and Wood Certification Council, which

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Technology: Indian Railways is developing a 5. disputes functions from TRAI. TDSAT
prototype of a train that will be powered by was set up to adjudicate any dispute
hydrogen fuel cells–making for a more between licensor a licensee, between
environment-friendly locomotive than two or more service providers, between
traditional diesel-powered ones. India’s plan to a service provider and a group of
develop the technology involves retro-fitment consumers, and to hear and dispose of
of hydrogen fuel cells on diesel electric appeals against any direction, decision
multiple unit (DEMU) rakes. This prototype is or order of TRAI.
expected to run on the Jind-Sonipat section in 6. The Telecom Disputes Settlement and
Haryana initially. Appellate Tribunal (TDSAT) in India
has ruled that Over the Top (OTT)
Statement 2 is incorrect: Countries Having
streaming platforms, like
the Technology: Currently, only Germany
Disney+Hotstar, do not fall under the
commercially operates hydrogen- powered
jurisdiction of the Telecom Regulatory
trains, while the US, the UK, France, and Japan
Authority of India (TRAI).
are in the testing phase.
7. Instead, they are governed by the
Ans 4) B. Only two statements Information Technology Rules of 2021,
as notified by the IT Ministry.
Explanation: Statement 2 is incorrect
Ans 5) C. Only three statements
1. The Telecom Regulatory Authority of
India(TRAI) was established with Explanation: The Particularly Vulnerable
effect from 20th February 1997 by an Tribal Groups (PVTGs) is a classification used
Act of Parliament, called the Telecom in India to identify certain tribes or
Regulatory Authority of India Act, communities that are considered to be at a
1997, to regulate telecom services, particularly high risk of extinction or facing
including fixation/revision of tariffs for extreme socio- economic marginalization.
telecom services which were earlier
Criteria for the identification of the PVTGs:
vested in the Central Government.
2. TRAI's mission is to create and nurture 1. Pre-agricultural level of technology.
conditions for growth of 2. Low level of literacy.
telecommunications in the country in a 3. Economic backwardness.
manner and at a pace which will enable 4. A declining or stagnant population
India to play a leading role in emerging accordingly.
global information society.
India has a Scheduled Tribe (ST) population of
3. One of the main objectives of TRAI is
10.45 crore, as per the 2011 census, out of
to provide a fair and transparent policy
which 75 communities, located in 18 States and
environment which promotes a level
the Union Territory of the Andaman and
playing field and facilitates fair
Nicobar Islands, have been categorized as the
competition.
PVTGs.
4. The TRAI Act was amended by an
ordinance, effective from 24 January Among the 75 listed PVTGs, the highest
2000, establishing a numbers are found in Odisha (13), followed by
Telecommunications Dispute Andhra Pradesh (12).
Settlement and Appellate Tribunal
(TDSAT) to take over the adjudicatory Lodha people are one of the Schedule Tribes
and and PVTGs of India, primarily living in West
Bengal and Odisha. The Kota tribe is

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indigenous to the Nilgiri Hills in Tamil Nadu Statement 2 is correct: Pakistan saw the
and one of the PVTGs of India. largest increase, with about 2.6 million cases in
2022 compared to 500 000 in 2021. Significant
Ans 6) C. A rare atmospheric phenomenon that
increases were also observed in Ethiopia,
appears above thunder storms.
Nigeria, Papua New Guinea and Uganda.
Explanation: Recently, the European Space
Ans 8) B. Only two statements
Agency (ESA) astronaut photographed an
uncommon occurrence termed a red sprite. Explanation:
Red Sprite 1. The National Food Security Act
(NFSA) 2013 expanded the coverage of
1. Red sprites, also known as red fairies
the PDS substantially.
are a type of transient luminous event
2. Statement 1 is incorrect: The law
(TLE), primarily appearing as red
mandates that 50% of the urban and
flashes of light occurring above
75% of the rural populations must be
thunderstorms.
covered by the PDS.
2. As rain and lightning descend from
3. Statement 2 is correct: The NFSA
thunderstorms, electrical discharges can
requires that the latest completed
be unleashed into upper atmosphere.
Census be used to calculate the total
3. It results in lightning sprites or Red
PDS coverage.
Sprite, which resembles the long,
4. Statement 3 is correct: Some States use
jellyfish-like tendrils.
their own budgets to “top up” PDS
4. The red sprites form around 40 to 80 km
coverage through the Open Market Sale
above ground.
Scheme (OMSS)- for example, Tamil
5. Blue Jets and Elves are the other upper
Nadu- or local procurement- for
atmospheric phenomenon linked to
example, Odisha and Chhattisgarh.
thunderstorm activity
Ans 9) C. All three statements
Ans 7) A. Only one statement
Explanation:
Explanation: Recently, World Malaria Report
2023 published by the World Health The National Organ and Tissue Transplant
Organization (WHO). Organization (NOTTO) is a national-level
organization, set up under the Directorate
Statements 1 and 3 are incorrect: It delves
General of Health Services, the Ministry of
into the nexus between climate change and
Health and Family Welfare. It functions as an
malaria.
apex organization for the activities related to
1. In 2022, there were estimated 249 procurement, allotment and distribution of
million cases globally, exceeding the organs in the country.
pre-pandemic level of 233 million in
It has two divisions:
2019 by 16 million cases.
2. Globally there were an additional five a) The National Human Organs and Tissues
million malaria cases in 2022 over the Removal and Storage Network; and
previous year and five countries bore b) The National Biomaterial Centre.
the brunt of these increases.
Ans 10) A. It is the World’s first hydrogen
3. India saw a 30% decline in malaria
powered space rocket.
cases and 34% decline in deaths in 2022
as compared to the previous year. Explanation: Zhuque 2 Rocket

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 1. Zhuque 2 is a launch vehicle powered under the Ministry of Defence
by a mixture of methane and liquid (MoD).
oxygen. b) Salaries and infrastructure for the
2. With this, Land Space becomes the first force is provided by the MHA, but the
company in the world to launch a deployment, posting, transfers, and
methane- liquid oxygen rocket ahead of deputation of personnel is decided by
U.S. rivals including Musk's SpaceX the Army.
and Jeff Bezos' Blue Origin. 5. Role: It is tasked with the maintenance
3. Capacity: Currently, the rocket can of law and order in the North Eas talong
carry a payload of up to 1.5 metric tons with the Indian Army and also guards
into a 500- kilometre-orbit. the Indo-Myanmar border in the region.
4. Advantages: The use of methane in 6. It is also known as ‘Sentinels of the
commercial launches could help slash Northeast’.
costs and make it easier to reuse 7. HQ: Shillong, Meghalaya.
rockets. 8. Motto: Friends of the Hill People.
5. Zhuque-3: It would use stainless steel 9. Control:
propellant tanks and clusters of a) It is the only paramilitary force with a
methane-liquid oxygen propellant dual control structure.
engines. b) While the administrative control of
the force is with the Ministry of
Ans 11) B. It is primarily responsible for
Home Affairs, its operational control
guarding borders along the Indo-Bangladesh
is with the Indian Army, which is
border.
under the Ministry of Defence.
Explanation: Assam Rifles (AR)
Ans 12) B. Only two statements
1. The AR is one of the six central armed
Explanation: Statement 2 is incorrect
police forces (CAPFs).
2. The AR is tasked with maintaining law 1. On a hot day, our body uses sweat to
and order in the Northeast along with cool itself. Sweat is released via our
the Indian Army and also guards the skin to the surface. There, the liquid
Indo-Myanmar border. evaporates.
3. Assam Rifles has 46 battalions and a 2. When water changes phase from liquid
sanctioned strength of more than 65,000 to vapour, it absorbs heat from the
troops. surface on which it lies. So when sweat
a) Of these, 20 battalions are involved evaporates, it absorbs heat from the
in guarding the India-Myanmar skin, cooling it.
border and 26 battalions are 3. The higher the relative humidity of air,
involved in counter-insurgency the more it is filled with moisture. When
roles, including two in Jammu and air already contains a lot of
Kashmir. 4. moisture, it won’t easily accept more.
4. The AR is unique with respect to being This means that the sweat on your skin
the only paramilitary force with a dual can’t evaporate. At the same time,
control structure. 5. the body keeps sweating because it is
a) While the administrative control of still expecting to cool itself.
the force is with the Ministry of 6. As a result, if the relative humidity is
Home Affairs, its operational control high, you can sweat on a hot day even
is with the Indian Army, which is when you are sitting still – while your

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 body also keeps accumulating heat. Explanation: In recent times, the Koya tribe
This can quickly become dangerous. have moved on from using traditional Indian
7. A relative humidity of 30-60% is Bison horns to palm leaves as a gesture of
generally considered to be comfortable. conservation of the Indian Bison to craft their
Environments that have lower levels traditional flute, Permakore.
than this typically use humidifiers to
Permakore
increase the humidity. When the level is
higher, a fan will help move the air 1. Permakore is traditional flute that is
around you and help sweat evaporate made from the Indian Bison horn.
better. 2. It is used by the indigenous Koya tribe
8. In both cases, drinking water is inhabiting the Papikonda hill range in
important. Andhra Pradesh.
3. Another name for the Papikondalu hill
Ans 13) C. Statement-I is correct but
range is the’ Bison hill range,’ which is
Statement-II is incorrect
derived from the fact that it is home to
Explanation: the Indian Bison.
4. In the Koya language, ‘Permam’ stands
1. Mahatma Gandhi National Rural
for Indian Bison or Guar, and ‘Kore’
Employment Guarantee Act
stands for ‘horn’ and thus, the flute
(MGNREGA), 2005, provides fora
made of Bison horn is called Perma
central role to ‘Social Audits’as a means
kore.
of continuous public vigilance. The
5. Permakore is played at a designated
MGNREGA says that the Gram Sabha
time and place to give a call to the entire
“shall monitor the execution of works”.
village to go hunting in the forest.
Each State has social audit units which
6. The flute made of the leaf is sustainable
are supposed to work independent of
for a few years but the one that is made
the implementing authorities.
of Bison horn can be used for
2. Rule 4 of the Audit of Schemes Rules,
generations if preserved.
2011, also known as the Mahatma
Gandhi National Rural Employment Ans 15) B. 2 and 4 only
Guarantee Audit of Schemes Rules,
Explanation: Srinivasa Ramanujan
2011, stipulates that each State
Contribution: Infinite series for pi:
Government shall identify or establish
an independent organization, “Social 1. In 1914, Ramanujan found a formula
Audit Unit” (SAU) to facilitate conduct for infinite series for pi, which forms
of the social audit of the MGNREGS the basis of many algorithms used
works. today.
3. The Audit of Schemes Rules, 2011, 2. Finding an accurate approximation of π
stipulate that each State Government (pi) has been one of the most important
shall identify or establish an challenges in the history of
independent organization, “Social mathematics.
Audit Unit” (SAU) to facilitate the 3. Circle Method: Ramanujan, along with
conduct of the social audit of the GH Hardy, invented the circle method
MGNREGS works. which gave the first approximations of
the partition of numbers beyond 200.
Ans 14) A. A musical instrument that is made
4. This method contributed significantly
from Indian Bison.
to solving the notorious complex

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 problems of the 20th century, such as vehicles, similar to the mutual funds,
Waring's conjecture and other which were introduced to make
additional questions. investments in infrastructure assets
5. Other notable contributions by accessible to privateand retail investors.
Ramanujan include hypergeometric 2. The InvITs invest in long-term
series, the Riemann series, the elliptic infrastructure projects, such as roads,
integrals, the theory of divergent series, gas pipelines, transmission lines,
and the functional equations of the zeta renewable assets, etc.
function. 3. They are regulated by the Securities and
6. An Indian mathematician and Exchange Board of India(SEBI).
astronomer Brahmaguptais known as
Design and Features of the InvITs: The InvITs
the Father of Arithmetic.
are designed as a tiered structure with a sponsor
7. Muhammad ibn Musaal-Khwarizmi
setting up the InvIT, which, in turn, invests into
was a 9th-century Muslim
the eligible infrastructure projects, either
mathematician and astronomer. He is
directly or via special purpose vehicles (SPVs).
known as the “father of algebra”.
Who can invest in InvITs:
Ans 16) C. All three pairs
1. The minimum subscription limit for the
Explanation:
InvITs is Rs. 1 lakh. Hence, apart from
1. Humidity is the amount of moisture in the institutional investors, like the
theair around us, and there are three banks, insurance companies, pension
ways to track it. funds and sovereign wealth funds, the
2. The most common of them is absolute retail investors also can invest in the
humidity: the mass of water vapour in a InvITs. The investors receive units for
given volume of the air and water their investment, hence they are also
vapour mixture, expressed as kg/m3. referred as the ‘unit holders’.
3. The second is specific humidity, equal 2. Some part of the investment is used by
to the mass of the moisture divided by the InvITs as loan, while the other
the mass of air. It is expressed as a portion is used as capital. Hence, the
dimensionless number (but sometimes unit holders receive returns in the form
also as grams per kilogram, among 3. of ‘dividend’ and ‘interest’. Both the
other similar units.) dividend and interest are taxed.
4. The third way is relative humidity: it is 4. If the investor receives profit upon
important because it factors in the selling his units, Capital Gains Tax is
amount of vapour that air can hold at imposed on such gain.
different temperatures.
National Highways Authority of India (NHAI)
Ans 17) A. Only one statement
1. NHAI is India’s premier highway
Explanation: The Central government is infrastructure creator entrusted with
working on a proposal to launch a fresh InvIT developing, maintaining, and managing
for national highways where domestic retail National Highways.
investors can hold units of the trust. 2. It is a statutory body under the
administrative control of the Ministry of
Infrastructure Investment Trusts (InvITs):
Road Transport and Highways.
1. The Infrastructure Investment Trusts
(InvITs) are the pooled investment

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 3. It was constituted under National 6. Meftal-Spas is a commonly prescribed
Highways Authority of India Act, 1998 drug for a variety of conditions such as
and made operational in February 1995. rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis,
4. Composition: It consists of a full time dysmenorrhoea, mild to moderate pain,
Chairman, and not more than five full inflammation, fever, and dental pain.
time Members and four part time
Ans 19) A. Only one statement
Members who are appointed by the
Central Government. Explanation: Recently, Olympic medallist
5. The part time Members are the Bajrang Punia decided to return the Padma Shri
Secretary (RT&H), Secretary award in protest over the Selection of the
(Expenditure), Secretary (Planning) and president of Wrestling Federation of India
DG (RD) & SS. (WFI).
6. NHAI has technical, Finance,
Administrative and Vigilance Wings at Statement 1 is correct: The Padma Awards are
its Headquarters. one of the highest civilian honours of India
announced annually on the eve of Republic
Ans 18) A. 1 only Day.
Explanation: Recently the government issued 1. The Awards are given in three
an advisory about the side effects of Meftal, a categories:
commonly consumed painkiller as it could lead 2. Padma Vibhushan (for exceptional and
to Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and distinguished service),
Systemic Symptoms (DRESS) syndrome. 3. Padma Bhushan (distinguished service
of higher order) and
Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic
4. Padma Shri (distinguished service).
Symptoms (DRESS) Syndrome
a) The award seeks to recognize
1. DRESS Syndrome is a type of drug achievements in all fields of activities
allergy that can occur as a or disciplines where an element of
hypersensitivity reaction to a large public service is involved.
variety of medications. 5. The Padma Awards are conferred on the
2. DRESS syndrome has four types of recommendations made by the Padma
hypersensitivity reaction that includes Awards Committee, which is
various symptoms across body, fever, constituted by the Prime Minister every
abnormalities in blood and year.
inflammation of organs.
Statement 2, 3 and 4 are incorrect: The
3. Symptoms: It includes skin rash, fever,
nomination process is open to the public. Even
lymphadenopathy, haemato logical
self- nomination can be made.
abnormalities and internal organ
involvement, which shows between 2 1. All persons without distinction of race,
and 6 or 8 weeks after taking the drug. occupation, position or sex are eligible
4. Treatment: The most important step to for these awards.
treat DRESS Syndrome is to stop the 2. However, Government servants
medication involved in the reaction, and including those working with PSUs,
sometimes, no further treatment is except doctors and scientists, are not
needed eligible for these Awards.
5. The average time to recovery is 6 to 9 a) The award is normally not conferred
weeks. posthumously. However, in highly

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 deserving cases, the Government 5. The highest weightage has been
could consider giving an award assigned to Manufacturing.
posthumously. 6. Irrespective of the above classification,
b) The award does not amount to a title in India, ther eare eight core sectors,
and cannot be used as a suffix or comprising coal, crude oil, natural gas,
prefix to the awardees’ name. petroleum refinery products, fertilizers,
steel, cement and electricity.
Ans 20) A. Only one statement
7. These eight core industries constitute
Explanation: Only Statement 2 is correct 40.27% of the total Index of Industrial
Production (IIP). The highest weightage
1. Seafloor spreading occurs along mid- among these core industries is given to
ocean ridges—large mountain ranges ‘Petroleum Refinery’ production
rising from the ocean floor. 8. Base Year:
2. The Mid- Atlantic Ridge, for instance, a) The base year is always given a value
separates the North American plate of 100.
from the Eurasian plate, and the South b) The current base year for the IIP
American plate from the African plate. series in India is 2011-12.
3. The East Pacific Rise isa mid-ocean c) So, if the current IIP reads as 116, it
ridge that runs through the eastern means that there has been 16%
Pacific Ocean and separates the Pacific growth compared to the base year.
plate from the North American plate,
the Cocos plate, the Nazca plate, and the Ans 22) B. Only two statements
Antarctic plate.
Explanation: Climate Change Performance
4. The Southeast Indian Ridge marks
Index (CCPI)
where the southern Indo-Australian
plate forms a divergent boundary with 1. Climate Change Performance Index
the Antarctic plate. (CCPI) is an instrument to enable
transparency in national and
Ans 21) B. Only two statements
international climate politics.
Explanation: 2. CCPI is an independent monitoring tool
for tracking the climate protection
1. The Index of Industrial Production (IIP) performance of 59 countries and the
is an Index that measures the changes in European Union.
the volume of industrial production of a 3. Categories: The results are published in
representative basket of industrial 4 categories that includes
products during a particular period with a) GHG emissions
respect to a chosen base period. b) Renewable energy
2. The current base year for the IIP series c) Energy use
in India is 2011-12. d) Climate policy
3. It is compiled and published every 4. Rating: Each country are given a rating
month by the National Statistical in each category that includes Very
Office, under the Ministry of Statistics High, High, Medium, Low, Very Low
and Programme Implementation. and Not included.
4. The industries mentioned in the Index 5. Denmark remains the top-ranked
are classified into Mining; country but does not perform well
Manufacturing; and Electricity. enough to earn an overall very high
rating.

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 6. India: India ranks 7th in CCPI, 2024 2. The Ken-Betwa Link Project (KBLP) is
which has moved up one spot from the a river interlinking project that aims to
previous CCPI and remains among the transfer surplus water from the Ken
highest performers. River in Madhya Pradesh (MP) to
7. India receives a high ranking in the Betwa in Uttar Pradesh (UP). The
GHG Emissions and Energy Use project is the first under the National
categories, but a medium in Climate Perspective Plan for the interlinking of
Policy and Renewable Energy. rivers.
8. While India is the world’s most 3. The KBLP aims to irrigate the drought-
populous country, it has relatively low prone Bundelkhand region. The dam
per capita emissions. will be built within Panna Tiger Reserve
9. Performance of G20 nations: India and will generate 103 MW of
(7th), Germany (14th) and the EU hydroelectric power.
(16th) are only 3 G20 countries/regions
Ans 25) A. Only one statement
are among the high performers in CCPI
2024. Explanation:
10. Canada, Russia, the Republic of Korea,
and Saudi Arabia are still the G20’s 1. The Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR) is
worst performing countries. the ratio of a bank's capital to its risk. It
11. Performance of European Union: is also known as the Capital to Risk
Overall, the EU rises three spots, to (Weighted) Assets Ratio (CRAR).
16th, and now has a high overall 2. Banks’ regulatory capital is divided into
ranking. Tier 1 and Tier 2, while Tier 1 is sub-
12. 14 EU countries are among the high and divided into Common Equity Tier-1
medium performers, with Denmark (CET-1) and Additional Tier-1 (AT-1)
(4th) and Estonia (5th) leading the capital.
overall ranking. 3. CAR = (Tier-1 Capital + Tier-2
Capital)/RWAs (Risk-Weighted Assets)
Ans 23) C. Both 1 and 2 * 100.
4. The banks in India are required to
Explanation:
maintain a CAR of 9% (Tier-1 Capital:
Both the statements are correct: It is an annual 7% + Tier-2 Capital: 2%) along with a
award established by the Indira Gandhi Capital Conservation Buffer (CCB) of
Memorial Trust in India. The Indira Gandhi 2.5%. Hence, unlike the BASEL III
Prize for Peace, Disarmament and norms, which stipulate capital adequacy
Development for 2023 has been jointly of 10.5% (8%-CAR + 2.5% CCB), the
awarded to Daniel Barenboim and Ali Abu Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has
Awwad for Israel-Palestine conflict resolution mandated to maintain capital adequacy
efforts. of 11.5% (9% CAR + 2.5% CCB).
Ans 24) B. Only two statements Ans 26) D. To catalyse technical assistance in
managing the loss and damage caused by
Explanation: Statement 2 and 3 is correct:
climate change.
1. The Ken-Betwa Link Project (KBLP), a
Explanation: Recently, The Santiago Network
major irrigation project in India, has
Draft was adopted at the COP 28 to curb
secured its final forest clearance after
methane emissions.
six years.

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Santiago Network Draft Ans 28) C. 1 and 3 only
1. It aims to connect vulnerable Explanation:
developing countries with technical
1. A total lunar eclipse occurs when the
support and resources to effectively
Earth casts its shadow completely over
address and manage loss and damage
a full moon, blocking reflection of all
caused by climate change.
2. direct sunlight from the lunar orb and
2. The vision of it is to catalyse the
dimming the color of the moon to are
technical assistance of relevant
ddish hue, hence the term “blood
organizations, bodies, networks and
moon.”
experts, for the implementation of loss
3. This is only possible when the orbits of
and damage caused by climate change.
the Earth, moon and sun align so that
3. The features of the Draft
the moon is directly behind Earth
a) Identifying, prioritizing and
relative to the sun. Otherwise, the moon
communicating technical assistance
passes above or below Earth’s shadow
needs for the relevant organisations.
because its orbit around Earth is usually
b) Identifying types of relevant
tilted relative to Earth’s orbit about the
technical assistance.
sun.
c) Actively connecting those seeking
4. The reddish appearance of the lunar
technical assistance with best-suited
surface- the moon does not entirely
organizations, bodies networks and
disappear from view- is caused by rays
experts.
of sunlight around the outer edge of the
d) Accessing technical assistance
eclipse shadow, or umbra, being filtered
available including from such
and refracted as it passes
organizations, bodies, networks and
5. through Earth’s atmosphere, bathing the
experts.
moon indirectly in a dim copper glow.
Ans 27) B. Combat Cybercrime 6. The degree of redness depends on
atmospheric conditions that vary with
Explanation: The international criminal police
levels of air pollution, dust storms,
organization (Interpol), has conducted
wildfire smoke and even volcanic ash.
‘Operation Storm Makers II’, a global
7. Total lunar eclipses occur, on average,
crackdown on criminal networks exploiting
about once every year and a half,
migrants for cyber fraud.
according to NASA. But the interval
About varies.

1. Operation Storm Makers II mobilized Ans 29) D. None of the above

law enforcement in 27 countries across
Explanation:
Asia and other regions to target human
trafficking and migrant smuggling for 1. The Animal Welfare Board of India was
cyber fraud. established in 1962 under Section 4 of
2. Fraud schemes include fake the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
cryptocurrency investments, work- Act, 1960.
from-home, lottery and online 2. The Animal Welfare Board of India was
gambling scams. Victims are often started under the stewardship of Late
lured through fake job ads and forced to Smt.
commit online fraud. 3. Rukmini Devi Arundale, a well-known
humanitarian.

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 4. The Animal Welfare Board of India is Explanation: Recently, India witness an 83%
under the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal increase in investments in renewable energy
Husbandry and Dairying (Department (RE) projects to about $16.5 billion in 2024,
of Animal Husbandry and Dairying). Power Ministry estimates show.
5. The Board consists of 28 members,
Pair 3 is correctly matched: India has set a
including 6 members of the Parliament
target to reduce the carbon intensity of the
(2 members from the Rajya Sabha and
nation’s economy by less than 45% by the end
4 members from the Lok Sabha).
of the decade, achieve 50 percent cumulative
Ans 30) C. All three statements electric power installed by 2030 from
renewables, and achieve netzero carbon
Explanation: Recently 63 countries, excluding
emissions by 2070.
India signed the World’s first-ever pledge to
drastically cut cooling emissions at the ongoing Pair 2 is incorrectly matched: India aims for
COP28 climate summit. 500 GW of renewable energy installed capacity
by 2030.
Global Cooling Pledge
Pair 1 is correctly matched: India aims to
1. Cooling emissions are generated from
produce five million tonnes of green hydrogen
refrigerants, used in appliances like
by 2030. This will be supported by 125 GW of
ACs and refrigerators and the energy
renewable energy capacity.
used for cooling.
2. HFC-134a, a form of Ans 32) B. Only two statements
Hydrofluorocarbons (HFC) most
Explanation: Statement 2 is incorrect
commonly used in domestic fridges, has
a global warming potential of 3,400 1. Neo banks are financial institutions
times that of CO2. with only an online presence and
3. The Kigali Amendment to the Montreal function digitally.
Protocol, agrees to reduce HFC 2. They offer all traditional bank services
consumption by 80% by 2047. via a digital setup or mobile apps
4. Global Cooling Pledge: It commits without having any physical branches.
countries to reduce their cooling-related 3. These are 100% digital banks. They
emissions by at least 68% compared to cannot apply for a banking license. The
2022 level by 2050. The pledge is expertise of these neo banks lies in tying
signed by 63 countries including the technology and artificial intelligence
US, Canada, and Kenya. The pledge together to offer personalized financial
includes a target to establish a minimum services to customers. It is offered at a
energy performance standards by 2030. minimal cost.
5. India has not signed the pledge, India is 4. Neo banks offer limited products like
not willing to undertake targets above savings accounts, small loans, debit
those committed to in 1992 under the cards, etc. and not all services of banks.
multilateral Montreal Protocol to
regulate production and consumption of Ans 33) C. First rail link project between India
ozone depleting chemicals and and Bhutan.
hydrofluorocarbons used in cooling. Explanation: The Gelephu Project will be first
Ans 31) B. Only two pairs India- Bhutan rail link, a 57-km line connecting
Kokrajhar (Assam) and Gelephu, where Bhutan
plans to build an international airport.

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Ans 34) D. None of the above Recently, the Securities and Exchange Board of
India (SEBI) unveiled a new logo on the
Explanation: Diel Vertical Migration (DVM)
occasion of its 35th anniversary.
1. Diel vertical migration (DVM) is the
Securities and Exchange Board of India (est.
daily, synchronized movement of
1988; HQ: Mumbai) is the statutory regulatory
marine animals between the surface and
body for securities and commodity market in
deep layers of the open ocean.
India under the ownership of Minis of Finance.
2. It is also known as diurnal vertical
migration. Regulatory Authority: Primary market,
3. This type of migration is the largest Secondary Market, Mutual fund, Foreign
animal migration on the planet and is Institutional Investment.
undertaken every single day by trillions
Background: Initially a non-statutory body
of animals in every ocean.
without any statutory power. It became
4. This type of migration is followed by
autonomous and given statutory powers by
deep-sea marine animal especially tiny
SEBI Act 1992
free-floating zooplanktons.
5. It is more than a survival strategy that Aim: To protect the interests of investors in
plays a pivotal role in carbon securities and to promote the development of,
sequestration. and regulate the securities market
6. The timing of this migration is tuned to
the natural rhythms of sunrise and Powers & Functions
sunset. 1. It is a quasi-legislative and quasi-
Ans 35) A. 1 and 2 only judicial body that can draft regulations,
conduct inquiries, pass rulings, and
Explanation: Statement 3 is incorrect: impose penalties.
2. Its primary objective is to protect the
1. The BBNJ Agreement isan international
interests of Indian investors in the
agreement on the conservation and
securities market and promote its
sustainable use of marine biological
development.
diversity in areas beyond national
3. SEBI also regulates the tasks entrusted
jurisdiction, which accounts for more
to depositors, credit rating agencies,
than 60% of the world’s oceans.
custodians of securities, foreign
2. Adopted in: March 2023.
portfolio investors, and other
3. Scope: Protecting and managing marine
participants.
biodiversity in areas beyond national
4. It educates investors about securities
jurisdiction, including the high seas, the
markets and their intermediaries It
deep seabed, and the water column.
prohibits fraudulent and unfair trade
4. Excludes: Areas within national
practices within the securities market
borders, such as territorial waters and
and related to it.
exclusive economic zones.
5. This agreement was developed within Ans 37) B. Only two statements
the framework of UNCLOS.
Explanation:
Ans 36) A. Only one statement
1. In 2018, the Council of Scientific and
Explanation: Only Statement 3 is correct Industrial Research (CSIR) launched
less noxious and less noisy ‘green’

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 crackers, whose use is mandated by atmosphere. It encompasses a wide array of
various statutory bodies. approaches, including direct air capture (DAC)
2. Green crackers are defined by the coupled to durable storage, soil carbon
CSIR- NEERI (CSIR-National sequestration, biomass carbon removal and
Environmental Engineering Research storage, enhanced mineralization, ocean-based
Institute) as the firecrackers with a CDR, and afforestation/reforestation.
smaller shell, no ash and/or additives,
Statement 2 is incorrect: Carbon-dioxide
such as dust suppressants to reduce
Removal (CDR) does not refer to point source
emissions, especially the particulate
carbon capture for the fossil fuel or industrial
matter.
sector.
3. These crackers do not contain the
barium compounds that give them their Ans 40) A. Only one statement
distinctive green colour. Barium is a
metal oxide that pollutes the air and Explanation: Statement 1 is correct
causes noise. The Union Cabinet approved amendments to
4. Green crackers produce sounds the Mines and Minerals (Development and
between 110 decibels and 125 decibels, Regulation) Act, 1957, specifying royalty rates
while the conventional firecrackers for three critical and strategic minerals:
produce sounds of around 160 decibels, Lithium, Niobium, and Rare Earth Elements
making the green crackersalmost 30 per (REEs).
cent less noisy than the conventional
firecrackers. Royalty rates: Royalty rates are fees paid to the
government for the extraction of minerals or
Ans 38) C. All three statements resources from a specified area. 2nd Schedule
Explanation: Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) of MMDRA 1957 deals with the royalty rates
of minerals. These minerals were delisted from
1. Government is working on new atomic minerals and can now be auctioned to
technologies to make clean energy the private sector. Presently, India’s mineral
transition. royalty rates are among the highest in the
2. They are advanced nuclear reactors that world, thus impacting the competitiveness of
have a power capacity of up to 300 MW the sector and putting an economic burden on
(e) per unit, which is about 1/3rd of the mining companies.
generating capacity of traditional
nuclear power reactors. Ans 41) B. Only two statements
3. It can produce a large amount of low- Explanation:
carbon electricity.
4. Given their smaller footprint, SMRs can 1. The Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation
be sited on locations not suitable for Project, or KLIP, is a multi-purpose
larger nuclear power plants. irrigation project on the Godavari river
in Kaleshwaram (Telangana).
Ans 39) A. 1 only 2. Currently, it is the world’s largest multi-
Explanation: stage lift irrigation project.
3. The project aims at increasing the total
Statement 1 is correct: Carbon-dioxide culturable command by 18,25,000-acre
Removal (CDR): It refers to technologies, ft (2,251 hm3) across all 13 districts, in
practices and approaches that remove and addition to stabilizing the existing
durably store carbon dioxide (CO2) from the culturable command area.

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Ans 42) B. Only two statements urban management and improve the
urban situation.
Explanation: Recently, The India
9. National Institute of Urban Affairs
Infrastructure Report 2023 was released by
(NIUA)
former vice-president M. Venkaiah Naidu that
a) Established in 1976.
calls for radical reforms in urban planning and
b) It aims to bridge the gap between
development to address the issue of slums and
research and practice on issues
sprawl.
related to urbanization and suggest
India Infrastructure Report, 2023 ways and mechanisms to address
urban challenges in the country.
1. The report covered a wide range of c) It is a Central Autonomous Body
various complex issues related to urban under the Ministry of Housing and
planning and development. Urban Affairs.
2. The IIR 2023 contains 25 chapters by d) It is a national think-tank undertaking
prominent names in the urban multidisciplinary research,
development and policy ecosystem on knowledge exchange and capacity
the current state of urban development development, policy planning and
in India. advocacy in the domain of urban
3. This annual publication has been development.
instrumental in identifying and
analyzing legal, fiscal, regulatory, Ans 43) A. Both Statement-I and Statement-II
technological, social, and conceptual are correct and Statement-II is the correct
aspects related to contemporary themes explanation for Statement-I
relevant to infrastructure development.
Explanation: The Global River Cities Alliance
4. The report is a joint effort by:
a) Infrastructure Development Finance 1. Origins: Inspired by India's River Cities
Company (IDFC) Foundation Alliance (RCA).
b) Infrastructure Development 2. Launched: In November 2023 at
Corporation (Karnataka) Ltd COP28 in Dubai.
(iDeCK) 3. Led by: NMCG in association with
c) National Institute of Urban Affairs NIUA (National Institute of Urban
(NIUA) Affairs).
5. The purpose of the report is to provide 4. Members: Nine-India, Denmark,
better urban development in the region Cambodia, Japan, Bhutan, Australia,
as well as provide a key link with Netherlands, Egypt, and Ghana.
neighbouring states. 5. Vision and goals:
6. The report can be used for the planners a) To promote sustainable river-centric
and policy-makers as a road map on development in cities around the
how to improve the existing cities world.
through urban redevelopment. b) To create a platform for knowledge
7. It is a comprehensive report that sharing, collaboration, and peer-to-
highlights the needs and the existing peer learning among member cities.
gaps and provide solutions for moving c) To contribute to achieving the
forward on the path of accelerated Sustainable Development Goals
development. (SDGs), particularly SDG 6 (Clean
8. Smart Cities Mission (SCM) has been water and sanitation) and SDG 11
the most important initiative to reform (Sustainable cities and communities).

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 6. Objective: It will serve as a platform for grow upward out of the mud and water
collaboration, knowledge exchange, to function as the site of oxygen intake
and concerted efforts among various for the submerged primary root system.
stakeholders, including governments, 3. Buttress roots, also known as the plank
cities, financial institutions, and roots/stilt roots, are large, wide roots on
environmental organizations. all sides of as hallowly rooted tree.
Typically, they are found in the nutrient-
Ans 44) B. Only two statements
poor tropical forest soils that may not be
Explanation: very deep. They prevent the tree from
falling over (hence the name buttress),
1. CDSL, or Central Depositories Services while also gathering more nutrients.
India Ltd, is a government-registered 4. Nutrient uptake: Pneumatophores
share depository, alongside its other (aerial roots) allow mangroves to
state-owned counterpart National absorb gases directly from the
Securities Depository Ltd (NSDL). atmosphere.
2. Share depositories hold shares in an 5. Country-wise: About 40% of global
electronic or dematerialised form and mangrove cover is in just four
are an enabler for securities countries: Indonesia > Brazil > Nigeria
transactions, playing a some what > Mexico.
similar role to what banks play in 6. State/UT-wise mangrove cover in India:
handling cash and fixed deposits. While West Bengal > Gujarat > Andaman &
banks help customers keep their cash in Nicobar Islands > Andhra Pradesh >
electronic form, share depositories help Maharashtra > Odisha > Tamil Nadu >
consumers store shares in a Goa > Karnataka > Kerala > Daman &
dematerialized form. Diu & Dadra & Nagar Haveli >
3. DSL was founded in 1999. It is a Market Puducherry.
Infrastructure Institution or MII that is
deemed as a crucial part of the capital Ans 46) C. All three statements
market structure, providing services to
Explanation: India Internet Governance
all market participants, including
Forum 2023 (IIGF-2023) was recently held at
exchanges, clearing corporations,
Delhi that serves to discuss public policy issues
depository participants, issuers and
related to the Internet.
investors.
India Internet Governance Forum (IIGF)
Ans 45) B. Only two statements
1. IIGF is a multi-stakeholder platform
Explanation:
that serves to bring representatives from
1. Mangroves are salt-tolerant plant various groups to discuss public policy
communities, or halophytes, found in issues related to the Internet.
the inter-tidal zones in the tropical and 2. IIGF will provide the ability to facilitate
sub- tropical zones of the world. discussions between various
Mangroves are critical for storing blue organisations who are involved in
carbon and the protection of the coastal Internet governance-related public
ecosystems. policy issues.
2. Pneumatophores, commonly found in 3. The various organisations includes
the mangrove species that grow in intergovernmental organisations,
saline mud flats, are lateral roots that private companies, technical

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 community, academic community and information relevant to the
civil society organisations. understanding of human-induced
4. This policy dialogue is carried out on a climate change, potential impacts of
co-equal basis through open and climate change, and options for
inclusive processes. mitigation and adaptation.
5. This mode of engagement is referred to 5. The main activity of the IPCC is the
as the multi-stakeholder model of preparation of reports assessing the
Internet Governance, which has been state of knowledge of climate change.
one of the key reasons for the Internet’s These include assessment reports,
success. special reports and methodology
6. There are around 1.2 billion mobile reports.
users and 800 million Internet users in 6. The assessment reports are a key input
India. into the international negotiations to
7. IIGF was created in 2021 and is tackle climate change.
supported by a 14-member multi- 7. The IPCC does not itself engage in
stakeholder Committee(s) representing scientific research. Instead, it asks
Government, Civil Society, Industries, scientists from around the world to go
Technical community, Think Tanks, through all the relevant scientific
Industry Associations and others. literature related to climate change and
8. There are 7 committees that are draw up logical conclusions.
involved in the IIGF-2023 that includes: 8. What are the IPCC working groups? It
a. Coordination & Organizing comprises three working groups, which
Committee focus on different aspects of climate
b. Finance Committee science and climate change response.
c. Sponsorship Committee a. Working Group I: looks at the physics
d. Theme Committee of climate change;
e. Reception & Technical Committee b. Working Group II: examines climate
f. International Relations Committee change impacts and adaptation;
g. Knowledge Committee c. Working Group III: focuses on
climate change mitigation;
Ans 47) D. 1, 2 and 3
d. The three working groups release
Explanation: All Statements are correct separate reports, which are then
compiled into a synthesis report.
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change
(IPCC): Ans 48) C. Only four statements

1. The IPCC is the United Nations body Explanation: Option 4 is incorrect

for assessing the science related to
Jute
climate change.
2. It was established by the World 1. Temperature: Between 25-35°C
Meteorological Organization (WMO) 2. Rainfall: Around 150-250 cm
and the United Nations Environment 3. Soil Type: Well drained alluvial soil.
Programme (UNEP) in 1988. 4. Production:
3. Membership: It has 195 Member a. India is the largest producer of jute
countries. followed by Bangladesh and China.
4. Objective: To assess scientific, b. However, in terms of acreage and
technical, and socio-economic trade, Bangladesh takes the lead

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 accounting for three-fourth of the Ans 50) C. Both 1 and 2
global jute exports in comparison to
Explanation: R. Vaishali became India’s third
India’s 7%.
female chess Grandmaster after Koneru Humpy
c. It is mainly concentrated in eastern
and Harika Dronavalli.
India because of the rich alluvial soil
of Ganga-Brahmaputra delta. Grandmaster Title
d. Major jute producing states include
West Bengal, Bihar, Odisha, Assam, 1. Grandmaster is the highest title or
Andhra Pradesh, Meghalaya and ranking that a chess player can achieve
Tripura. that is awarded by the International
5. Uses: Chess Federation.
a. It is known as the golden fibre. It is 2. The other titles awarded by the
used in making gunny bags, mats, International Chess Federation,
ropes, yarn, carpets and other includes
artefacts. a. International Master (IM)
b. FIDE Master (FM)
Ans 49) B. Only two statements c. Candidate Master (CM)
d. Woman Grandmaster (WGM)
Explanation: ASEAN Defence Ministers’
e. Woman International Master (WIM)
Meeting- Plus (ADMM-Plus):
f. Woman FIDE Master (WFM)
1. The ADMM-Plus isa platform for g. Woman Candidate Master (WCM)
ASEAN (The Association of Southeast 3. The title is valid for lifetime unless a
Asian Nations) and its eight Dialogue player is stripped of the title for a
Partners, Australia, China, India, Japan, proven offence such as cheating.
New Zealand, the Republic of Korea, 4. Qualifications for Grandmaster –
Russia and the United States Currently, it is awarded to a player who
(collectively referred to as the “Plus is able to achieve a FIDE Classical or
Countries”), to strengthen security and Standard rating of 2,500, plus 3
defence cooperation for peace, stability Grandmaster norms.
and development in the region. 5. In chess, a grandmaster norm (GM
2. The inaugural ADMM-Plus was norm) is a high-level performance in a
convened in Ha Noi (Viet Nam), in tournament.
2010.
Ans 51) C. Both 1 and 2
3. Since 2017, the ADMM-Plus meets
annually, to allow enhanced dialogue Explanation: Both the Statements are correct.
and cooperation among ASEAN and the
Plus Countries in the midst of an Officials recently said the forest and wildlife
increasingly challenging regional department will develop a second native seeds
security environment. nursery at the Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary.
4. One of it saim is to facilitate the Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary
implementation of the Vientiane Action
Programme, which calls for ASEAN to 1. It is on the Southern Delhi Ridge of
build a peaceful, secure and prosperous Aravalli hill range on Delhi-Haryana
ASEAN, and to adopt greater outward- border .
looking external relation strategies with 2. Historical place around sanctuary are
our friends and Dialogue Partners. Surajkund and Anangpur Dam (both in
Haryana), Tughlaqabad Fort and

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 Adilabad ruins (both in Delhi), North Atlantic Treaty, more popularly
Chhatarpur Temple (in Delhi) known as the Washington Treaty.
3. It recorded 25 species of mammals 3. NATO's core tasks are:
including Leopard (Panthera pardus), a) Deterrence and defence; Crisis
Striped Hyena(Hyaena hyaena). prevention and management; and
4. This is an important habitat for the Cooperative security.
Indian leopard. Endangered species in b) Under the ‘Principle of Collective
the sanctuary include red-headed Defence’, an attack against one or
vulture and Egyptian vulture. several of NATO members is
considered as an attack against all.
Ans 52) C. All three statements
The Principle of Collective Defence
Explanation: is enshrined in Article 5 of the
Washington Treaty.
1. The Indian Territorial Army, established c) NATO invoked Article 5, for the first
in 1949, isan auxiliary military time in its history, after the 9/11
organization of the Indian Army, often terrorist attacks against the United
requested by ministries and state States.
governments for various roles, d) NATO membership is open to any
including plantation drives, petroleum other European country, which
supply, oil exploration, and protection adheres to the principles of NATO
of critical infrastructure. and to contribute to the security of the
2. The primary role of the TA is to "relieve North Atlantic area.
the regular army from static duties and e) NATO membership is not open to all
assist civil administration in dealing the members of the United Nations.
with natural calamities and
maintenance of essential services" and Ans 54) C. Both 1 and 2
to "provide units for the regular army as
Explanation: The Indian Railways has chosen
and when required".
the Northeast Frontier Railways to implement
3. The TA has participated in all of India's
the Gajraj Suraksha, an indigenous technology
wars since the country's independence.
on pilot basis to reduce the elephant–train
Ans 53) B. Only two statements collision in the forest areas.

Explanation: Gajraj Suraksha

1. The North Atlantic Treaty Organization 1. Gajraj Suraksha primarily relies on

(NATO) is a political and military Optical Fibre cables (OFCs) for quick
alliance of 28 European countries and transmission of signals.
two countries in North America (The 2. It is a kind of Intrusion Detection
United States and Canada). System that is based on an AI algorithm.
2. It was set up in 1949 by the US, Canada 3. Working mechanism: Gajraj Suraksha
and several western European nations to uses pressure-wave based technology
ensure their collective security against that detects the movement of elephants
the Soviet Union. The foundations of along the tracks.
the North Atlantic Treaty Organization 4. These vibrations trigger signals within
(NATO) were officially laid down in the optical fibre network, enabling the
April, 1949, with the signing of the system to identify the presence of

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18
 elephants up to 200 meters ahead of Ans 57) C. All three statements
their arrival on the track.
Explanation: The United Nations High
5. The OFC-based Intrusion Detection
Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR):
System works by sending alarms to
station masters whenever movement is 1. It leads international action to protect
detected along the tracks. the people forced to flee conflict and
6. The network is designed in such a way persecution, and those denied a
that it can track the movement of the nationality.
elephant with great accuracy and report 2. It was established by the UN General
it to nearby station masters. Assembly in 1950, in the aftermath of
7. This allows them to promptly inform the Second World War, to help millions
locomotive drivers in the affected areas. of people who had lost their homes.
8. This quick communication ensures that 3. It won the Nobel Peace Prize twice, in
trains can be slowed down or stopped, 1954 and 1981.
preventing potential collisions with 4. The 1951 Refugee Convention and its
elephants. 1967 Protocol are the key legal
9. Indian Railway is planning to introduce documents that form the basis of the
this system in West Bengal, Odisha, UNHCR’s work. They define the term
Jharkhand, Assam, Kerala, certain parts 'refugee' and outline their rights and the
of Chhattisgarh, and Tamil Nadu. international standards of treatment for
their protection.
Ans 55) D. Neither 1 nor 2
5. Headquarter: Geneva (Switzerland).
Explanation: Recently, Conference of Parties 6. The Global Refugee Forum provided
(COP28) President Dr. Sultan Al Jaber and the the international community with the
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia announced the opportunity to come together around the
official launch of the Oil and Gas shared objective of increasing
Decarbonization Charter (OGDC). cooperation and solidarity with the
refugees and affected host countries.
Statement 1 is incorrect: Oil and Gas
7. The 2019 Forum was co‐hosted by the
Decarbonization Charter(OGDC) urges the oil
UNHCR and Switzerland, and co-
and gas industry to attain net-zero emissions in
convened by Costa Rica, Ethiopia,
their operations by 2050.
Germany, Pakistan and Turkey.
Statement 2 is incorrect: It is launched by UAE
Ans 58) C. All three statements
and Saudi Arabia.
Explanation: Recently, Codex Alimentarius
Ans 56) B. Only two statements
Commission praised India for its standards on
Explanation: Option 1 and 4 is correct Millets.
Codex Alimentarius Commission
1. The Codex Alimentarius Commission
(CAC) is an international food safety
and quality standard-setting body
established in 1963.
2. It is created by Food and Agriculture
Organization (FAO) and the World
Health Organization (WHO).

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19
 3. The objective of it includes protecting (weatherand climate), operational
consumer’s health and ensuring fair hydrology and related geophysical
practices in food trade. sciences.
4. Presently the Commission has 189 3. The Secretariat, headquartered in
Codex Members made up of 188 Geneva, is headed by the Secretary-
Member Countries and 1 Member General.
Organization (The European Union).
Ans 60) A. Only two statements
5. Each member of the Commission is
responsible for identifying any new Explanation: Option 1 and 4 are correct
scientific and other relevant
information, which may warrant
revision of any existing Codex
standards or related text.
6. India became the member of Codex
Alimentarius in 1964.
7. The Codex Alimentarius includes
standards for all the principal foods,
whether processed, semi-processed or
raw for distribution to the consumer.
8. Codex standards and related texts are
voluntary in nature not a substitute or
alternative to national legislation.
9. Codex currently has standards for
Sorghum and Pearl Millet.
Ans 59) D. World Meteorological Organization
(WMO)
Explanation: The World Meteorological
Organization (WMO) released the Decadal Ans 61) C. Only three statements
State of the Climate (2011-2020) report on the
sidelines of the UN climate conference Explanation: The Arctic Council
(COP28). The report highlighted the 1. The Arctic Council is a leading
"accelerated" rise in the global mean sea level, intergovernmental forum, promoting
mostly due to a speeding up of ice mass loss cooperation, coordination and
from the Greenland ice sheet, and, to a lesser interaction among the Arctic States; the
extent, due to accelerated glacial melting and Arctic Indigenous People; and other
ocean warming. Arctic inhabitants on common Arctic
World Meteorological Organization (WMO): issues, in particular on the issues of
sustainable development and
1. It is an intergovernmental organization environmental protection in the Arctic.
with a membership of 193 Member 2. It was formally established in 1996
States and Territories. through the Ottawa Declaration.
2. It was established by the ratification of 3. All Arctic Council decisions and
the WMO Convention in 1950, WMO statements require consensus of the
became the specialised agency of the eight Arctic States.
United Nations for meteorology

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 4. Members: Canada, the Kingdom of spectroscopic information within the
Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, energy range of 0.8-15 keV.
the Russian Federation, Sweden and the
Ans 63) B. 2 only
United States.
5. The Chairmanship of the Arctic Council Explanation: Statements 1 and 3 are incorrect
rotates every two years among the
Arctic States. The Climate Club:
6. The Arctic Council is a forum. It has no 1. It is led by Germany and Chile, the Club
programming budget. All projects or has garnered support from 36 member
initiatives are sponsored by one or more countries including Kenya, the
Arctic States. Some projects also European Union, Switzerland and
receive support from other entities. others.
Ans 62) D. Neither 1 nor 2 a) The Club is claimed to currently
represent 55 percent of the global
Explanation: Indian Space Research economy.
Organisation (ISRO) will soon launch X-Ray b) The members are committed to
Polarimeter Satellite (XPoSat) to investigate develop strategies and standards for
the polarisation of intense X-Ray sources. decarbonisation.
2. It aims to make decarbonisation of
X-Ray Polarimeter Satellite (XPoSat)
industries successful for climate and
1. X-Ray Polarimeter Satellite (XPoSat) is businesses, through ambitious policies,
the 1st such satellite by ISRO that aims alignment of methodologies and
to investigate the polarisation of intense standards and improving finance and
X-Ray sources. assistance for emerging and developed
2. It focuses predominantly on imaging, economies.
time domain studies and spectroscopy. 3. The activities of the club are divided
3. The Mission objectives include: into three key pillars: -
a) Measurement of X-Ray polarization a) Pillar 1: Advancing ambitious and
in the energy band of 8-30 keV transparent climate change mitigation
emanated from X-Ray sources, policies.
b) Long-term spectral and temporal b) Pillar 2: Transforming industries
studies of cosmic X-Ray sources in c) Pillar 3: Boosting international
the energy band of 0.8-15 keV. cooperation and partnership
4. The XPoSat will be launched by the 4. Two co-chairs will be elected for two-
Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) year terms for the Club. Currently,
and is designated for observation from Germany and Chile serve as the co-
Low Earth Orbit (LEO). chairs.
5. The mission life is expected to be 5. A body of members will determine the
approximately 5 years. scope and approve the work
6. The payloads of the XPoSat includes: programme, budget and amendments.
7. POLIX: Polarimeter Instrument in X- 6. Furthermore, a steering group will be
rays, designed to measure polarimetry formed to support the body of members
parameters. when the Club reaches 40 members.
8. XSPECT: X-ray Spectroscopy and 7. A secretariat will be formed to
Timing, which will provide implement the work program.

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 8. Currently, Organisation for Economic 2. This region is characterized by close
Co-operation and Development and geographical proximity and shared
International Energy Agency are the historical, cultural, and economic ties. It
joint interim heads of secretariat. serves asa platform for collaboration
9. Key priorities for the Club: and partnership among the countries in
a) Standardising emission calculations areas such as trade, innovation, and
for carbon dioxide (CO2) intensities diplomatic relations.
of certain products,
Ans 65) C. Only three statements
b) Strategic discussions on definitions
for net-zero emissions for steel and Explanation:
cement, and
c) Establishment of a platform matching Evolution of BRICS
member needs with available The grouping was first informally formed
financing instruments from the public during a meeting of the leaders of BRIC
and private sector. (Brazil, Russia, India, and China) countries on
Ans 64) B. Only three statements the sidelines of the G8 Outreach Summit in
St.Petersburg, Russia, in 2006. Later that year,
Explanation: Option 1, 2 and 3 is correct it was formalised during the 1st BRIC Foreign
Ministers' Meeting in New York.
1. India’s External Affairs Minister
commended the CII for hosting the 2nd 1. 2009: The first BRIC (BRICS minus
India Nordic Baltic Business Conclave, South Africa) summit was held in
highlighting the increasing Yekaterinburg, Russia.
collaboration between India and the 2. 2010: South Africa was accepted as a
Nordic-Baltic (NB8) countries. full member, and the group became
2. The Nordic countries area geographical BRICS.
and cultural region in Northern Europe 3. 2011: South Africa attended its first
and the North Atlantic. It includes the BRICS summit in China.
sovereign states of Denmark, Finland, 4. 2014: The Fortaleza Declaration was
Iceland, Norway and Sweden; the adopted at the 6th BRICS Summit, and
autonomous territories of the Faroe it marked the establishment of the New
Islands and Greenland; and the Development Bank (NDB).
autonomous region of Åland. 5. 2015: The Ufa Declaration of BRICS
was adopted at the 7th BRICS Summit
NB8
held in Ufa, Russia. It covers a range of
1. The Nordic-Baltic (NB8) countries topics, including global governance,
refer to a group of eight nations in international security, and economic
Northern Europe, comprising the cooperation.
Nordic countries (Denmark, Finland, 6. 2021: The 13th BRICS Summit was
Iceland, Norway, and Sweden) and the held under India’s Chairship (virtual
Baltic states (states along the Baltic summit). It was the third time that India
Sea) (Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania). hosted the BRICS Summit after 2012
These countries collaborate on various and 2016.
economic, diplomatic, and strategic 7. 2022: The Beijing Declaration was
initiatives to promote regional adopted at the 14th BRICS Summit,
cooperation and address shared where it was declared that the BRICS
challenges.

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 countries support talks between Russia agreed on creating the New
and Ukraine. Development Bank.
a) Also, cooperation in the fight against 9. Note: India has hosted BRICS Summit
COVID-19, digital transformation, thrice since its inception.
resilience and stability of industrial
Ans 66) B. It is any system of two or more
and supply chains, and low-carbon
satellites orbiting the same primary and whose
development.
orbital mean motions are in a ratio of small
BRICS Overall features whole numbers.
1. BRICS is an intergovernmental Explanation: Recently the Scientists have
organization (founded in 2009), discovered rare 6-planet system that is in orbital
comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, resonance.
South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran,
Orbital Resonance
Saudi Arabia and the United Arab
Emirates. 1. Orbital Resonance is any system of two
2. Its creation was initiated by Russia. or more satellites (including planets)
3. The group is not a formal multilateral orbiting the same primary and whose
organization like the United Nations, orbital mean motions are in a ratio of
the World Bank, or the Organization of small whole numbers.
the Petroleum Exporting Countries 2. The six planets orbit a star called
(OPEC). HD110067, which is about 100 light-
4. The Heads of States and the years away from the Earth in the
governments of the member nations northern constellation of Coma
convene annually with each nation, Berenices.
taking up a one-year rotating 3. In this particular case, the planet closest
chairmanship of the group. to the star makes three orbits for every
5. The founding countries of Brazil, two of the next planet.
Russia, India and China held the first 4. This is called a 3/2 resonance and is
summit in Yekaterinburg in 2009, with repeated among the four closest planets.
South Africa joining the bloc a year 5. Multi-planet systems may be common
later. in our galaxy, but ones in a tight
6. Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia and gravitational formation known as
the United Arab Emirates joined the resonance are rarely observed.
organization on 1st January 2024, 6. Between the two outermost ones, a 4/3
(finalized during the 15th BRICS resonance pattern was identified,
Summit). meaning that one takes four orbits for
7. The BRICS CRA (Contingent Reserve every three of the outermost one.
Arrangement) proposes to provide
short- term liquidity support to the Ans 67) A. 1 only
members through currency swaps to Explanation: Statement 1 is correct and 2 is
help mitigating the BoP (Balance of incorrect
Payments) crisis situation, in case such
a situation arises. About Piezoelectricity
8. As a part of the Fortaleza Declaration 1. Piezoelectric Effect is the ability of
(during the 6th BRICS Summit, held in certain materials to generate an electric
Fortaleza, Brazil), the BRICS countries

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 charge in response to applied 3. Initially, he served as the Sultan's
mechanical stress. personal attendant, or Khasdar, and
2. History: Piezoelectricity was swiftly became one of the most
discovered in 1880 by Pierre and Paul- distinguished members of Chalisa, a
Jacques Curie, who found that when group of forty Turkic nobles in Delhi.
they compressed certain types of (Also known as Dal Chalisa or Turkan-
crystals including quartz, tourmaline, i- Chahalgani).
and Rochelle salt, along certain axes, a 4. The governance under Balban was
voltage was produced on the surface of marked by establishment of an
the crystal which shows that these unwavering ‘fear of the governing
materials show this effect. power,’ which he considered the
fundamental basis for effective rule.
Applications
5. He implemented an efficient espionage
1. Both direct and inverse piezoelectric system, modelled after Umayyad Barid.
materials are used in pressure sensors, 6. This included use of spies, or Barids, to
accelerometers, and acoustic devices – monitor his officials, who were placed
where their ability to convert under independent authority and
mechanical signals into electrical answered solely to the Sultan.
signals is crucial. 7. He imposed severe punishments for any
2. The material is also used in devices mishaps, even towards his nobles, and
such as microphones, phonograph did not spare their own slaves.
pickups, and wave filters in telephone 8. He addressed the threat of the Mongols
communications systems. by reorganizing the military and
restructuring revenues of the Iqtedar
Ans 68) D. Maha Upanishad holders, discontinuing them for older
Explanation: Muqtas, who could not serve as military
commanders.
1. The phrase Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam is 9. He referred himself as the
made up of three Sanskrit words, representative of the God on the Earth
Vasudhaa(earth/world), iva(like) and and adopted the title 'Zillullah' or ' the
kutumbakam (large/extended family). shadow of God.' His theory of kingship
2. The verse finds mention in Maha was based on the notion that a king's
Upanishad (VI.72); and is further power emanated solely from the God,
referred to in the Hitopadesha and other making his actions beyond public
literary works of India. scrutiny.
Ans 69) B. Only two statements 10. He introduced the Persian festival of
Nowruz and enforced customs like
Explanation: 'Sijda' and 'Paibos' in his court to instil
1. Ghiyas-ud-din Balban, the ninth Sultan a sense of wonder among the ordinary
of the Mamluk dynasty (Slave dynasty) people.
of Delhi and an Ilbari Turk, reigned 11. He broke up the 'Chahal gani,' a group
from 1266 AD to 1287 AD. of forty most influential nobles in the
2. He was initially sold as a slave to the court. He promoted junior Turkish
then-ruler Iltumish in 1232 CE, only to officers to positions of equality with the
be later freed by him. members of the Chalisa Dal.
Ans 70) B. 2 only

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Explanation: Recently the exit polls was 3. In Pompe disease, mutations in the
conducted in the 5 states such as Telangana, GAA gene reduce or completely
Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Mizoram, and eliminate this essential enzyme,
Chhattisgarh for the state assembly elections. resulting in the accumulation of
glycogen in cells, particularly in
Exit Poll and Opinion Poll
muscles.
1. An opinion poll is a pre-election survey 4. No Cure but there are treatments to
to gather voters’ views on a range of manage symptoms. Enzyme
election- related issues. replacement therapy can help improve
2. An exit poll is a post-election survey muscle tone and reduce glycogen
that is conducted immediately after storage in individuals with Pompe
people have voted and assesses the disease.
support for political parties and their
Ans 72) B. Only two statements
candidates.
3. It is conducted by various survey Explanation:
agencies.
CAR T-cell therapy is a cutting-edge form of
4. The first exit polls in India was
cancer treatment that uses a patient's own cells
conducted in 1957 during the second
to attack cancer. T-cells are harvested from the
Lok Sabha elections by the Indian
patient's blood and modified in a laboratory to
Institute of Public Opinion.
produce chimeric antigen receptors (CARs),
5. Exit poll results are very useful to the
which bind to the cancer cells and destroy them.
media to fill a bit of airtime before the
announcement of the results. T cells (a type of WBC) are part of the immune
6. A well-run exit poll can be extremely system and develop from stem cells in the bone
accurate. marrow. They help protect the body from
7. In February 2010, restrictions were infection and may help fight cancer.
imposed only on exit polls through the
introduction of Section 126(A) in the Benefits of CAR-T Cell therapy: Unlike
RPA. chemotherapy or immunotherapy, which
8. Election Commission has powers to require mass-produced injectable or oral
regulate Exit Polls. medication, CAR T-cell therapies use a
patient's own cells and has high efficacy rate
Ans 71) B. 2 only (90% in some cases)
Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect and Limitations
Statement 2 is correct
1. Efficacy is variable based on type of
Pompe disease cancer
2. Cost: It is high and the technical and
1. Pompe disease is arare genetic disorder
human resources required to administer
caused by mutations in a gene that
the therapy are considerable
makes an enzyme called Acid
3. Currently used for cancers that have not
alphaglucosidase (GAA).
responded to previous treatments or
2. GAA is used by the body to break down
have returned after an initial successful
glycogen, a stored form of sugar used
treatment.
for energy. The glycogen is converted
into glucose in Lysosomes. Ans 73) A. Only one statement
Explanation:

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Bhakti Movement in India: Tax Inspectors without Borders (TIWB)
Initiative
1. It originated in Tamil region during the
6th and the 7th centuries AD, and 1. Tax Inspectors without Borders (TIWB)
gained prominence through the poetic aims to transfer technical know-how
expressions of the Alvars and the and skills to developing countries’ tax
Nayanars, representing Vaishnavite and auditors and share general audit
Shaivite perspectives, respectively. practices.
2. In the 12th century, Basavanna initiated 2. It is a joint initiative of United Nations
a significant phase of the Bhakti Development Programme and
Movement in Kannada region. Organisation for Economic
a) Despite posing a threat to caste Cooperation and Development.
hierarchy and societal fabric, 3. The host administrations of developing
Basavanna (a minister of king Bijjala countries are the lead partners in TIWB
from the Kalachuri dynasty) and his programmes, clearly specifying their
disciples, including Akkamaha devi, needs and scope of work.
Allama Prabhu and Devara 4. The 7th TIWB programme is held at
Dasimayya, produced a rich literary Saint Lucia, an island country of the
tradition, known as Vachana Sahitya. West Indies with India being chosen as
b) These Vachanas conveyed profound the Partner Administration and will
observations on spiritual and social provide Tax Experts for this
aspects. programme.
3. In Maharashtra, the Bhakti Movement 5. The focus of the programme will be on
gained momentum in the late 13th effective use of automatic exchange of
century, led by the Varkaris. information under the Common
a) Influential figures, like Jnanadev, Reporting Standard (CRS) framework.
Namdev and Tukaram played a 6. The partnership by the member
pivotal role, leaving behind verses countries is voluntary in nature.
that encapsulated the essence of
Ans 75) A. Both Statement I and Statement II
Bhakti.
are correct and Statement II is the correct
b) Tukaram, a Shudra by caste, rebelled
explanation of statement I.
against the societal norms by
becoming a merchant and defying Explanation:
Brahmanical injunctions against
writing on religious matters. o Statement I is correct: The World Health
Writing in Marathi, rather than Organization (WHO) sets a permissible limit of
Sanskrit, Tukaram faced opposition 10 micrograms per liter (µg/L) for arsenic in
from the orthodoxy. drinking water.

Ans 74) D. None of the above Statement II is correct: Chronic exposure to

elevated arsenic levels poses serious health
Explanation: India has been chosen as the risks like:
Partner Administration and will provide Tax
Experts for seventh TIWB programme that is to 1. Cancer: Long-term exposure linked to
be held at Saint Lucia, an island country of the skin, lung, bladder, and other cancers.
West Indies. 2. Skin Lesions: Arsenicosis leads to skin
discoloration, lesions, and hard patches.

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26
 3. Cardiovascular Issues: Associated with Kishangarh, Bundi, Jaipur,
heart diseases, vascular problems. Mewarand Marwar.
4. Neurological Effects: Impact on the b) Retaining the traces of Mughal
nervous system, cognitive function. influence, Rajasthani miniature
5. Developmental Issues: Children are paintings carved out their own unique
more vulnerable, and exposure can identity.
affect their cognitive development and c) These artworks often depicted the
immune system. royal lifestyle, narrated tales of
bravery and wove mythological
Ans 76) B. Only two statements
stories around revered figures like
Explanation: Concept of foetal viability: It Lord Krishna and Radha.
refers to the stage of pregnancy at which a c. Kishangarh School:
foetus has developed sufficiently to potentially a) Men and women in these paintings
survive outside the womb with medical exhibit sensitive and refined features,
assistance. It varies with advancements in with pointed noses and chins, deeply
medical technology and typically falls between curved eyes and serpentine locks of
23 to 24 weeks of gestation in modern hair.
healthcare settings. This concept influences b) 'Bani Thani' is associated with the
decisions related to late-stage abortions and the distinguished Kishangarh School of
rights of the unborn child. Indian Miniature Paintings.
c) Belonging to an 18th-century
Ans 77) B. Only two statements Rajasthani style, this piece portrays
Explanation: Around 960 AD, the introduction Bani Thani, the consort of Raja
of miniature paintings to the western regions of Sawant Singh of Kishangarh in
India can be attributed to the rulers of the Rajasthan.
Chalukya dynasty. However, the true d) he painting was created by Nihal
flourishing of the miniature painting tradition Chand, a representative of the
took place during the Mughal empire in the Marwar School of Kishangarh.
early 1500s. Humayun and his descendants Ans 78) B. Only two statements
played a pivotal role in elevating court
paintings. Explanation: In recent times, there have been
growing use of sanitary pads among rural
a. Jain School (11th century AD): women beneficiaries of PMBJP scheme.
a) Portrayed religious texts, like 'Kalpa
Sutra'and 'Kalkacharya Katha', Pradhan Mantri Bharatiya Janaushadhi
through miniature paintings. Pariyojana (PMBJP)
b) Originating on palm leaves and
1. The 'Jan Aushadhi Scheme' was
transitioning to paper in the 12th
revamped as 'Pradhan Mantri Jan
century, these paintings featured
Aushadhi Yojana' (PMJAY).
vibrant colours, enlarged eyes and
2. It is launched by the Department of
intricate depictions of the Tirthankara
Pharmaceuticals, Ministry of
goddesses.
Chemicals & Fertilizers to provide
c) This School witnessed a decline in the
quality medicines at affordable prices to
late 16th century.
the masses.
b. Rajasthani School:
3. Under the scheme, dedicated outlets
a) Diverse schools of miniature
known as Janaushadhi Kendras are
paintings emerged, including

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27
 opened to provide generic medicines at financial data, such as prediction of
affordable prices. stock prices and exchange rates.
4. The Scheme is implemented by a b) Portfolio optimization: Fractal-based
society registered under the Societies approaches can be used to optimize
Registration Act, which is Pharma & investment portfolios.
Medical Bureau of India (PMBI). 4. Computer Graphics and Art:
5. Jan Aushadhi Suvidha Sanitary Napkins a) Realistic terrain generation: Fractals
program – Is a part of the Pradhan are used to create realistic-looking
Mantri Bharatiya Janaushadhi landscapes and natural features in
Pariyojana (PMBJP). video games and movies.
6. The program aims to make menstrual b) Special effects: Fractals can be used
hygiene affordable and accessible for to create visually stunning effects like
women and young girls. fire, smoke, and explosions.
Ans 79) D. All four statements Ans 80) B. Only two statements
Explanation: The applications of fractal Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect
dimensions
What are rare diseases?
1. Natural Sciences:
1. Rare diseases as the name suggests are
a) Geology: Classifying rock
conditions that affect very few people.
formations, analyzing coastlines, and
The World Health Organisation defines
studying the branching patterns of
it as any debilitating lifelong disease or
rivers and trees.
disorder with a prevalence of ten or less
b) Ex. The coastline of Britain has a
per 10,000 population;
fractal dimension of around 1.25,
2. other countries follow standards
indicating its irregularity compared to
ranging between 1 and 10 cases per
a straight line (dimension 1).
10,000 to define a condition as rare
c) Biology: Differentiating healthy cells
disease.
from cancerous ones, characterizing
3. There area bout 7,000 to 8,000
the complexity of organs and tissues,
conditions globally that have been
and understanding the structure of
defined as rare diseases. The landscape
blood vessels and neurons.
of rare diseases keeps changing, with
2. Engineering and Technology:
newer conditions being identified and
a) Space: Some have also used fractality
reported constantly.
to study patterns in galaxies and
4. With limited experience of these
planets.
diseases, they are extremely difficult to
b) Image compression: Fractals can be
diagnose and more difficult to test for.
used to compress images efficiently
by capturing their self-similar Why are drugs for rare diseases so expensive?
structure.
c) Drug delivery: Fractals can be used to 1. Even though there have been
design drug delivery systems that developments in the treatment of rare
target specific areas in the body. diseases in the recent year, almost 95
3. Finance and Economics: per cent of the conditions do not have
a) Market analysis: Fractals can be used specific treatment.
to analyze the scaling properties of 2. With a very small number of people
suffering each of the 7,000- 8,000 rare

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28
 conditions, they do not make a good International Debt Report 2023
market for drugs. This is the reason
1. The International Debt Report 2023 is
most pharmaceutical companies are
the 50th edition of the World Bank’s
reluctant to spend on research for
annual publication on external debt
treatments of the disease.
along with the International Debt
3. The most commonly reported rare
Statistics (IDS) database.
disease includes primary
2. It is the most comprehensive and
immunodeficiency disorder (a genetic
transparent source of verifiable, cross-
condition that impairs the immune
country comparable external debt data
system), lysosomal storage disorders (a
of low and middle-income countries
group of metabolic disorders that lead
(LMICs).
to a buildup of toxic materials in the
3. The report analyse 122 low and middle
cells), small molecule inborn errors of
income countries that report to the
metabolism (alarge group of genetic
World Bank Debt Reporting System
conditions where the genetic code for
(DRS) that report to the World Bank
metabolic enzymesare defective), cystic
Debt Reporting System (DRS).
fibrosis (a condition that severely
4. Developing countries: Debt-service
damages the lung leading to the need
payments, which include principal and
fora transplant), osteogenesis imperfect
interest, increased by 5% in 2022 over
(a condition where bones fracture
the previous year for all developing
easily), and certain forms of muscular
countries.
dystrophies and spinal
5. LMICs: Debt servicing costs on public
muscularatrophy.
and publicly guaranteed debt are
Ans 81) A. Only one statement projected to grow by 10% for all
developing countries over the 2023–24
Explanation:
period and by nearly 40 % for low-
1. Statement 1 is incorrect: The income countries.
Constitution of India provides foran 6. The external debt stock of low and
independent office of CAG under middle income countries (LMICs)
Article 149. decreased by 3.4%.
2. Statement 2 is correct: The CAG audits 7. Poor countries: Over the past decade,
the accounts of all bodies and interest payments by poor countries
authorities receiving grants and loans have quadrupled to an all-time high of
from the Central and State governments USD 23.6 billion in 2022.
for specific purposes. 8. 2023 projection: Global gross domestic
3. Statement 3 is incorrect: The CAG acts product (GDP) growth is set to slow in
as a friend, philosopher, and guide of 2023.
the Public Accounts Committee.
Ans 83) D. None of the pairs
Ans 82) A. Only one statement
Explanation: All the Pairs are incorrectly
Explanation: Recently, The International Debt matched.
Report 2023 was released by the World Bank
Itai-Itai disease: Itai-itai disease is a health
that analyse 122 low and middle-income
hazard induced by cadmium (Cd) poisoning. It
countries that report to the World Bank Debt
can cause softening of the bones and kidney
Reporting System (DRS).
failure.

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29
Blackfoot disease: In Taiwan, arsenic exposure mosquitoes without Wolbachia, the
has been linked to “Blackfoot disease”. It is a resulting eggs do not hatch or produce
severe disease of blood vessels leading to offspring. This is because Wolbachia
gangrene. interferes with the normal reproduction
of mosquitoes, leading to a
Minamata Disease: Minamata disease is a
phenomenon called cytoplasmic
neurological disease caused by severe mercury
incompatibility.
poisoning. Signs and symptoms include ataxia,
4. Since the method does not involve
numbness in the hands and feet, general muscle
genetic modification, it is safe for
weakness, loss of peripheral vision, and
humans, animals and the environment.
damage to hearing and speech.
Ans 86) B. Only two statements
Ans 84) C. Milk of magnesia > Egg White >
Black Coffee > Lemon juice Explanation: Tropospheric Emissions:
Monitoring of Pollution (TEMPO) Satellite
Explanation:
1. TEMPO Satellite was launched by the
Milk of magnesia is a medium basic compound
NASA to provide hourly updates on
because its pH is not so high and not so low.
atmospheric pollutants.
The pH of milk of magnesia is 10.5.
2. The Tropospheric Emissions:
Egg white is one of the few food products that Monitoring of Pollution (TEMPO)
is naturally alkaline, with an initial pH value satellite is a spectrometer that monitors
that can be as low as 7.6 at time of lay, but with air pollution over North America.
increasing alkalinity as the egg ages, and can 3. It provides hourly updates on
reach pH of 9.2. atmospheric pollutants.
4. It is an initiative of National
Black coffee typically has a pH of about 5 and Aeronautics and Space Administration
is thus slightly acidic. It is acidic, with pH (NASA).
between 4 and 5, depending on the beans, 5. It measures the major elements, directly
roasting, and brewing. or by proxy, of the diurnal tropospheric
Lemon juice has a pH between 2 and 3. ozone chemistry cycle.

Ans 85) D. Neither 1 nor 2 Ans 87) C. Both 1 and 2

Explanation: Explanation: Recently, U.S. drugmaker Pfizer

Inc said that its experimental gene therapy for
1. Wolbachiaisa naturally occurring the treatment of Haemophilia B, met its main
bacterium that infects many insect goal in a late-stage study.
species, including mosquitoes.
2. The Wolbachia method refers to a Both the statements are correct: It is a rare
biological control strategy for genetic disorder that impairs the body's ability
combating mosquito-borne diseases, to control blood clotting or coagulation. People
such as dengue fever, Zika virus, and with hemophilia experience prolonged
chikungunya. It involves the release of bleeding, even from minor injuries.
male mosquitoes infected with a Ans 88) B. Only two statements
bacterium called Wolbachia into the
wild mosquito population. Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect.
3. When male mosquitoes carrying
1. The Large Hadron Collider (LHC) is
Wolbachia mate with female
three things.

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30
 2. First, it is large: so large that it’s the Anarcho-Capitalism
world’s largest science experiment.
1. Anarcho-capitalism, political
3. Second, it’s a collider. It accelerates two
philosophy and political-economic
beams of particles in opposite directions
theory that advocates the voluntary
and smashes them head on. Third, these
exchange of goods and services in a
particles are hadrons.
society broadly regulated by the market
4. The LHC, built by the European
rather than by the state.
Organisation for Nuclear Research
2. The term anarcho-capitalism was
(CERN), is on the energy frontier of
coined by Murray Rothbard, a leading
physics research, conducting
figure in the American libertarian
experiments with highly energised
movement from the 1950s.
particles.
3. Anarcho-capitalists assert that private
5. A hadron is a subatomic particle made
companies in a free market can
up of smaller particles. The LHC
efficiently provide policing and legal
typically uses protons, which are made
services.
up of quarks and gluons.
4. The philosophy contends that similar to
Ans 89) A. 1 only private sectors offering superior
products and services, private policing
Explanation:
and legal systems can outperform state-
1. Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS cells monopolized counterparts.
or iPSCs) area type of pluripotent stem a) In an anarcho-capitalist society,
cell that can be generated directly from individuals pay private police and
a somatic cell. courts for protection and dispute
2. iPSC technology was pioneered by resolution.
Shinya Yamanakaand Kazutoshi b) Private companies, driven by
Takahashi in Kyoto, Japan, who showed customer patronage, are argued to be
in 2006 that the introduction of four more accountable, as dissatisfied
specific genes, collectively known as customers can switch to competing
3. Yamanaka factors, could convert services.
somatic cells into pluripotent stem cells. 5. Anarcho-capitalists advocate for
4. iPSCs can be differentiated into various competitive markets, asserting that they
cell types, such as neurons, heart cells, guarantee top-tier and cost-effective
and liver cells, allowing researchers to police and legal services. This contrasts
study diseases at the cellular leveland with state-funded systems, providing
develop potential treatments. customers the freedom to select services
5. Since iPSCs can be derived directly aligned with their preferences and
from a patient's own cells, it eliminates needs.
the need for embryonic cells and avoids
Ans 91) A. 1 and 2 only
issues related to immune rejection.
Explanation:
Ans 90) D. Neither 1 nor 2
Sickle Cell Anemia: It is a genetic disorder
Explanation: It has recently gained popularity
characterized by the presence of abnormal
with Javier Milei, who calls himself an
hemoglobin, known as hemoglobin S (HbS), in
anarcho-capitalist, won the race to become the
red blood cells.
President of Argentina last month.

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31
Klinefelter Syndrome: It is a genetic condition Explanation:
in which a male is born with an extra copy of
Statement 1 is incorrect: Dark matter and dark
the X chromosome.
energy together make up 95% of the universe.
Crohn's disease: It is a chronic inflammatory Around 68% of the Universe is made of dark
bowel disease (IBD) that can affect any part of energy while dark matter makes up 27%. Only
the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, from the mouth the remainder (5%) is composed of fermionic
to the anus. While genetics is believed to play a matter, i.e., things on the Earth, planets, stars,
role in the development of Crohn's disease, it is etc.
not solely a genetic disorder. Crohn's disease is
Statement 2 is correct: Dark energy has been
considered a complex, multifactorial condition
hypothesized as a repulsive force or anti-
influenced by a combination of genetic,
gravity, i.e. dark energy pulls matter apart and
environmental, and immunologic factors.
has an expansionary effect. Dark energy is not
Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome directly observed, but its presence is inferred
(AIDS): HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) from its effect on the expansion of the universe.
is a virus that attacks the body’s immune
Statement 3 is correct: Dark matter is
system. If HIV is not treated, it can lead to
completely invisible and has not yet been
AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome).
observed directly. It does not interact with
There is currently no effective cure. Once
matter, emits no light or energy and thus cannot
people get HIV, they have it for life.
be detected directly by conventional sensors
Ans 92) B. Only two statements and detectors.
Explanation: Ans 94) A. Only one statement
Statement 1 is incorrect: The World Bank and Explanation: The Ministry of Women and
Japan, have launched the Resilient and Child Development has recently initiated the
Inclusive Supply-chain Enhancement (RISE) Track Child Portal, which enables tracking of
initiative in Morocco. the missing and found children.
Statement 2 is correct: This initiative is Track-Child Portal
designed to tackle the dual challenges of job
1. Integrated Child Protection Scheme
creation and climate change by aiding emerging
(ICPS) is a Centrally Sponsored
markets and developing countries in expanding
Scheme with objectives that includes:
their clean-energy product manufacturing and
a) Contribution to the improvement in
increasing their participation in the minerals
the wellbeing of children in difficult
industry.
circumstances.
Statement 3 is correct: The initiative aims to b) Reduction of vulnerabilities to
stimulate economic growth and generate local situations and actions that lead to
employment opportunities, ultimately abuse, neglect, exploitation,
contributing to poverty reduction. abandonment and separation of
children.
This collaborative effort emphasizes the
2. It also envisages for creating a
importance of international cooperation in
mechanism for tracking 'missing' and
promoting economic growth in these countries
'found' children under ICPS and
while strengthening clean energy and critical
Juvenile Justice (Care & Protection of
minerals supply chains.
Children) Act, 2000.
Ans 93) B. Only two statements

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 3. The Ministry of Women and Child production of a faulty form of the huntingtin
Development had entrusted National protein.
Informatics Centre (NIC) to develop a
Statement 3 is incorrect: There is currently no
national portal Track-Child.
cure for HD, but there are treatments available
4. Track-Child portal has been designed
to manage symptoms and improve the quality
and developed adhering to the
of life for individuals with the disease.
guidelines provided in the following:
a) Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection Ans 96) B. Only two statements
of Children) Act, 2000,
b) Model Rules 2007 and Provisions Explanation:
laid down in the Integrated Child Statement 1 is incorrect: The Department of
Protection Scheme (ICPS). Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Government
5. It is implemented with the support from of India, introduced the ‘A-HELP’ (Accredited
various stakeholders that includes: Agent for Health and Extension of Livestock
a) Ministry of Home Affairs and Production) program.
Ministry of Railways, State
Governments or UT Administrations, 1. This program aims to empower women
Child Welfare Committees, Juvenile by engaging them as Accredited Agents
Justice Boards, National Legal who play a vital role in disease control,
Services Authority and so on. animal tagging, and livestock
6. It is an integrated virtual space for all insurance.
stakeholders & ICPS bodies which 2. The ‘A-HELP’ initiative is being
includes: implemented in various Indian states
a) Central Project Support Unit (CPSU) and union territories, including Bihar,
and Child Care Institutions (CCIs), Gujarat, Jammu and Kashmir,
b) State Child Protection Society/Units Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh,
and District Child Protection Units Uttarakhand, and Jharkhand, through an
(DCPU), MoU between the Department of
c) Police Stations, Child Welfare Animal Husbandry and Dairying and
Committees (CWCs), Juvenile the National Rural Livelihoods
Justice Boards (JJBs), etc. in the 35 Mission.
State/UTs. 3. The new scheme would enhance access
to veterinary services at the farmer's
Ans 95) B. Only two statements doorstep and empower Pashu Sakhis.
Explanation: Researchers from the University Ans 97) A. Only one statement
of Szeged, in Hungary, have taken some
important strides by studying fruit flies to Explanation:
understand more about Huntington's disease. 1. An optical fibre is a thin, flexible, and
Statement 1 is correct: Huntington's disease transparent fibre made of glass (high
(HD) is a genetic disorder that affects the brain, quality silica) or plastic. It is used to
leading to progressive motor dysfunction, transmit information, such as text,
cognitive decline, and psychiatric symptoms. images, videos, etc. encoded as digital
information or electromagnetic
Statement 2 is correct: The mutation waves/light pulses almost at the speed
responsible for Huntington's disease occurs in of light.
the huntingtin (HTT) gene, leading to the

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33
 2. Optical fibres utilise the phenomenon of identities, family tree, documents and
total internal reflection for transmission pictures proving the donor recipient
across long distances with minimal loss relationship, and documents to show the
of signal quality (low signal financial standing of the donor have to
attenuation). be submitted.
3. Optical waves have high bandwidth, 7. For donations from unrelated persons,
thus allowing a high data- transmission the following is mandatory:
rate, up to several terabits per second in a) Documents and photographic
a single fibre. evidence showing their long-term
4. Fibre cables are immune to association or friendship have to be
electromagnetic interference and less submitted along with all other
sensitive to external perturbations such documents.
as lightning and bad weather, unlike b) Such cases are examined by an
copper cables. external committee to guard against
illegal dealings.
Ans 98) B. Only two statements
Ans 99) B. Newly discovered Bacteria
Explanation: Recently, The government has
ordered a probe into the findings of an Explanation:
investigation over the allegations of kidney
In News: A group of researchers from Visva-
scams have surfaced in recent times.
Bharati University have discovered a bacteria
Organ donations and Transplants capable of boosting plant growth and named it
'Pantoea Tagorei' after Nobel laureate
1. In India, a transplant can be either from
Rabindranath Tagore.
a pool of organs of deceased persons
donated by their relatives or from a About
living person the recipient knows.
1. Pantoea Tagorei bacteria, classified
2. The Transplantation of Human Organs
within the Pantoea genus, area member
and Tissues Act (THOTA) 1994 –
of the Enterobacteriaceae family. These
Regulates the removal, storage, and
bacteria can be found in diverse settings
transplantation of human organs and
such as water, soil, humans, animals,
tissues in India.
and plants.
3. THOTA allows living donations, in
2. The bacteriais named MR1 (Mine
most cases, from close relatives such as
Rhizosphere), isa Gram-negative,
parents, siblings, children, spouse,
short-rod, non-motile, facultatively
grandparents and grandchildren.
anaerobic, potassium-solubilising
4. A living donation is when a living
species isolated from the rhizospheric
person donates an organ or part of an
soil of an open-cast coal mine in Jharia,
organ to another person.
Jharkhand.
5. Donations: Altruistic donations from
3. Pantoea Tagorei' efficiently extracts
distant relatives, in-laws, or long-time
potassium from soil which enhances
friends are allowed after additional
plant growth.
scrutiny to ensure there is no financial
exchange. Benefits
6. For living donations from close
relatives, involving Indians or 1. The bacteria has immense potential to
foreigners, documents establishing their revolutionise agricultural practices.

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 2. It is a plant growth promoting bacteria
which will prove to bea game-changer
in agriculture. It has shown immense
capability to boost the cultivation of
paddy, pea and chilli.
Ans 100) B. Only two statements
Explanation: Recently Rocket Lab, a private
firm successfully launched its first Electron
rocket.
Electron Rocket
1. Electron rocket is designed to deliver
small satellites to precise and unique
orbits, whether flying as dedicated or
rideshare.
2. Electron is the only reusable orbital-
class small rocket.
3. The rocket was launched by the rocket
lab, a private firm with a two stage
rocket.

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