Q1. Consider the following statements regarding the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC):
- It connects India to Europe via Iran, Azerbaijan, and Russia.
- It completely bypasses Pakistan for overland connectivity.
- Azerbaijan lies on the eastern maritime route of INSTC.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (a)
Explanation:
- Statement 1: Correct — INSTC links India → Iran (Chabahar/Bandar Abbas) → Azerbaijan → Russia → Europe.
- Statement 2: Correct — It bypasses Pakistan, solving India’s transit constraints.
- Statement 3: Incorrect — Azerbaijan lies on the western land route, not maritime route.
Q2. Consider the following statements regarding India’s port sector:
- Major Ports are administered by the Union Government.
- Non-major ports are under the jurisdiction of State Governments.
- Ports handle more than 90% of India’s trade by volume.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (d)
Explanation:
- Statement 1: Correct — Major Ports are governed by Union (MoPSW).
- Statement 2: Correct — Non-major ports fall under State governments.
- Statement 3: Correct — Ports handle ~95% trade by volume and ~70% by value.
Q3. Consider the following statements:
- Yuva Sangam is implemented by the Ministry of Culture to promote cultural exchange.
- It is anchored under the Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat initiative.
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
Answer: (b)
Explanation:
- Statement 1: Incorrect — Implemented by Ministry of Education, not Culture.
- Statement 2: Correct — It is part of Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat (EBSB).
Q4. Assertion (A) / Reason (R):
Assertion (A): Hectocotylus enables octopuses to reproduce effectively in dark environments.
Reason (R): It relies on visual cues to identify female mates.
(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: (c)
Explanation:
- Assertion: Correct — Hectocotylus enables efficient reproduction even in darkness.
- Reason: Incorrect — It uses chemoreception (chemical sensing), not vision.
Q5. Consider the following statements regarding PM pollution in India:
- PM10 refers to particulate matter with diameter less than or equal to 10 microns.
- PM2.5 is generally less harmful than PM10 due to its smaller size.
- WHO standards for PM2.5 are stricter than India’s standards.
- PM pollution is linked to respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1, 3 and 4 only
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Answer: (a)
Explanation:
- Statement 1: Correct — PM10 ≤ 10 microns diameter.
- Statement 2: Incorrect — PM2.5 is more harmful as it penetrates deeper into lungs and bloodstream.
- Statement 3: Correct — WHO norms are stricter than India’s standards.
- Statement 4: Correct — Linked to respiratory, cardiovascular diseases, and premature deaths.
