Q1. Which of the following is/are direct macroeconomic impacts of rising global oil prices?
- Increase in Current Account Deficit (CAD)
- Reduction in inflationary pressures
- Increase in fiscal burden due to subsidies
- Improvement in manufacturing competitiveness
Select the correct answer:
(a) 1 and 3 only
(b) 1, 2 and 4 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 3 and 4 only
Answer: (a) 1 and 3 only
Explanation:
- Statement 1 – Correct: Higher oil prices increase import bill → widens CAD (India imports ~85% crude).
- Statement 2 – Incorrect: Oil price rise leads to cost-push inflation, not reduction.
- Statement 3 – Correct: Government may increase fuel subsidies → fiscal pressure.
- Statement 4 – Incorrect: Higher input costs reduce industrial competitiveness and margins.
Q2. Which of the following correctly explains “Low Earth Orbit (LEO)” in the context of Gaganyaan?
(a) An orbit extending from Earth’s surface up to geostationary altitude (~36,000 km), used for communication satellites
(b) An orbit ranging approximately up to 2,000 km above Earth’s surface, where objects remain in stable circular or elliptical paths under Earth’s gravity
(c) A transitional orbit beyond Earth’s gravitational influence where spacecraft achieve escape velocity before entering deep space
(d) An orbit synchronised with Earth’s rotation, ensuring a fixed position over a particular longitude on the equator
Answer: (b)
Explanation:
- (b) Correct: LEO extends up to ~2,000 km, Gaganyaan operates at ~400 km.
- (a) Incorrect: Describes GEO (~36,000 km).
- (c) Incorrect: Refers to escape trajectory, not an orbit.
- (d) Incorrect: Defines geostationary orbit.
Q3. Consider the following statements:
- Climate change is expanding the geographical spread of vector-borne diseases in India.
- Heat exposure has no link with cardiovascular diseases.
- Air pollution (PM2.5) is associated with respiratory and pregnancy-related complications.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) Only One
(b) Only Two
(c) All Three
(d) None
Answer: (b) Only Two
Explanation:
- Statement 1 – Correct: Dengue/malaria expanding to Himalayan & temperate regions.
- Statement 2 – Incorrect: Heat increases cardiovascular mortality + heat stress.
- Statement 3 – Correct: PM2.5 linked to asthma, low birth weight, pre-eclampsia.
Q4.
Assertion (A): The re-entry phase of the Artemis II is one of the most critical stages.
Reason (R): During re-entry, spacecraft experiences extreme heating due to atmospheric friction at very high speeds (~38,000 mph).
(a) Both A and R are correct and R is the correct explanation of A
(b) Both A and R are correct but R is not the correct explanation of A
(c) A is correct but R is incorrect
(d) A is incorrect but R is correct
Answer: (a)
Explanation:
- Assertion – Correct: Re-entry is highest-risk phase for crew survival.
- Reason – Correct: Friction + compression heating creates extreme thermal stress.
- Link: High-speed entry → heat shield critical → explains risk.
Q5. Consider the following statements regarding recent IUCN Red List updates:
- The Emperor Penguin has been uplisted from Near Threatened to Endangered.
- The Antarctic Fur Seal has shown population stability despite climate change.
- Southern elephant seals have been classified as Vulnerable due to disease outbreaks.
- Climate change is identified as the primary driver behind these changes.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) 1, 3 and 4 only
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 2, 3 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Answer: (a) 1, 3 and 4 only
Explanation:
- Statement 1 – Correct: Status upgraded to Endangered.
- Statement 2 – Incorrect: Population declined >50% (not stable).
- Statement 3 – Correct: Elephant seals impacted by H5N1 (bird flu).
- Statement 4 – Correct: Climate change = primary driver (sea ice loss, krill decline).
