Q1. Consider the following statements regarding the Mandovi River:
- The Mandovi originates from the Western Ghats in Karnataka and flows westward into the Arabian Sea.
- It forms the famous Dudhsagar Falls before entering Goa.
- It meets the Zuari River to form a common estuarine system near Panaji.
How many of the above statements are correct?
(a) Only One
(b) Only Two
(c) All Three
(d) None
Correct Answer: (c) All Three
Explanation:
- Origin: Mandovi originates in Karnataka’s Western Ghats (Belagavi district).
- Dudhsagar Falls: Formed on Mandovi before it enters Goa.
- Estuarine system: Mandovi and Zuari form a joint estuary near Panaji, crucial for Goa’s fisheries.
Q2. Consider the following statements about Section 66D of the IT Act, 2000:
- It penalizes cheating by personation using computer resources.
- The maximum punishment includes 5 years imprisonment and a fine up to ₹5 lakh.
- It covers crimes such as fake job offers, investment scams, and social media impersonation.
How many of the above statements are correct?
(a) Only One
(b) Only Two
(c) All Three
(d) None
Correct Answer: (b) Only Two
Explanation:
- Statement 1: Correct — Section 66D targets cheating by personation via electronic means.
- Statement 2: Incorrect — Punishment is up to 3 years imprisonment and ₹1 lakh fine.
- Statement 3: Correct — Covers online impersonation, fake job offers, and digital frauds.
Q3. Which of the following best describes the type of Crew Escape System (CES) used in Gaganyaan?
(a) Pusher-type system using liquid thrusters at the base
(b) Puller-type system using rocket motors
(c) Hybrid-type system combining liquid and solid motors
(d) Pneumatic separation system using compressed gas jets
Correct Answer: (b) Puller-type system using rocket motors
Explanation:
Gaganyaan’s CES is a puller-type system, where solid-fuel escape motors mounted above the crew module pull it away from the launch vehicle during emergencies.
Q4. Consider the following statements regarding India’s wild elephant population:
- The All India Synchronised Elephant Population Estimation (AISEPE) is conducted annually by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change to monitor population trends.
- Western Ghats, though showing a recent population decline, continue to hold the largest share of India’s wild elephants.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Correct Answer: (b) 2 only
Explanation:
- Statement 1: Incorrect — AISEPE is conducted once every five years, not annually. Latest estimation (2022–23) reported 29,964 elephants.
- Statement 2: Correct — Western Ghats remain the primary habitat, hosting about 22.44% of India’s elephants.
Q5. Consider the following statements regarding twinning rates and India’s twin population:
- India is projected to remain the country with the largest number of twins globally by 2100, despite a decline in twinning rates.
- Twin pregnancies are generally considered lower-risk compared to singleton pregnancies.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Correct Answer: (a) 1 only
Explanation:
- Statement 1: Correct — India’s sheer population size (~23.4% share) ensures it will have the largest twin population, even if the twinning rate declines by ~10.5% by 2100.
- Statement 2: Incorrect — Twin pregnancies are higher-risk, requiring specialized maternal care.
