Q1. With reference to hanging glaciers in the Himalayan region, consider the following statements:
- They are typically located on steep mountain slopes and are often disconnected from main valley glaciers.
- Their smaller size makes them relatively more stable compared to valley glaciers.
- Their collapse can trigger avalanches, which may further induce downstream flood hazards.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A) 1 and 3 only
B) 2 only
C) 1, 2 and 3
D) 1 only
Q1. (A)
Explanation:
- Statement 1 correct → Hanging glaciers cling to steep slopes and are often detached from trunk glaciers.
- Statement 2 incorrect → They are highly unstable due to gravity and lack of support, despite smaller size.
- Statement 3 correct → Avalanches can block rivers → form temporary lakes → trigger flood-like events (GLOF-type hazards).
Q2.
Assertion (A): Integration of AI tools under the PM Vishwakarma Scheme can enhance productivity, efficiency, and market access of artisans.
Reason (R): AI tools replace traditional craftsmanship by eliminating the need for manual skills.
Select the correct answer:
A) Both A and R are correct and R explains A
B) Both A and R are correct but R does not explain A
C) A is correct but R is incorrect
D) A is incorrect but R is correct
Q2. (C)
Explanation:
- Assertion correct → AI supports design, branding, digital marketing, and customer outreach, improving livelihoods.
- Reason incorrect → AI augments traditional skills rather than replacing them, preserving artisanal value.
Q3. In the context of recent behavioural studies on chimpanzees, which of the following was NOT identified as a contributing factor to group conflict and fragmentation?
A) Resource competition
B) Reproductive rivalry
C) Ideological differences
D) Leadership transition
Q3. (C)
Explanation:
- Conflict emerged due to ecological pressures, social fragmentation, and dominance shifts.
- Ideological differences are absent in animal societies, making option C incorrect.
Q4. Consider the following statements regarding the impact of climate change on sea–land breeze systems:
- Ocean warming reduces the temperature difference between land and sea.
- Reduced temperature difference weakens the pressure gradient driving local winds.
- A weaker pressure gradient leads to stronger wind speeds due to atmospheric instability.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A) 1 and 2 only
B) 2 and 3 only
C) 1 only
D) 1, 2 and 3
Q4. (A)
Explanation:
- Statement 1 correct → Ocean warming reduces thermal contrast.
- Statement 2 correct → Lower contrast → weaker pressure gradient → weaker winds.
- Statement 3 incorrect → Wind speeds decline, not increase.
Q5. Consider the following statements:
- Malaria is caused by bacteria transmitted through mosquito bites.
- Only female mosquitoes of the genus Anopheles are responsible for malaria transmission.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A) 1 only
B) 2 only
C) Both 1 and 2
D) Neither 1 nor 2
Q5. (B)
Explanation:
- Statement 1 incorrect → Malaria is caused by Plasmodium parasites, not bacteria.
- Statement 2 correct → Only female Anopheles mosquitoes transmit malaria (require blood meals for reproduction).
