Q1. With reference to India’s nuclear energy programme, consider the following statements:
- Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) are generally designed with capacities below 300 MWe.
- The Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) is associated with the second stage of India’s three-stage nuclear programme.
- The Energy and Resources Institute estimates that India will require about ₹23–25 lakh crore to achieve 100 GW of nuclear power capacity by 2047.
- Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs) use thorium as their primary fuel.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
A) Only One
B) Only Two
C) Only Three
D) All Four
Q1. (C)
Explanation:
- Statement 1 is correct: SMRs are compact reactors, typically below 300 MWe.
- Statement 2 is correct: The PFBR at Kalpakkam is central to Stage II, which uses plutonium-based fast breeder technology.
- Statement 3 is correct: TERI estimates an investment requirement of ₹23–25 lakh crore.
- Statement 4 is incorrect: PHWRs primarily use natural uranium, not thorium.
Therefore, three statements are correct.
Q2. Consider the following statements regarding the K. Radhakrishnan Committee:
- It recommended a phased transition of NEET to Computer-Based Testing (CBT).
- It identified the Pen-and-Paper Test (PPT) model as a major security risk.
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
Q2. (C)
Explanation:
- Statement 1 is correct: The committee proposed a phased shift to CBT.
- Statement 2 is correct: It concluded that large-scale transportation of printed question papers creates major security vulnerabilities.
Therefore, both statements are correct.
Q3. Consider the following statements regarding the new forecasting initiative of the India Meteorological Department:
- It provides block-level forecasts for the onset of the southwest monsoon.
- It covers all blocks in India in a single phase.
- It generates probabilistic forecasts for the next four weeks.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
A) 1 and 3 only
B) 2 and 3 only
C) 1 and 2 only
D) 1, 2 and 3
Q3. (A)
Explanation:
- Statement 1 is correct: Forecasts are now issued at the block level.
- Statement 2 is incorrect: The first phase covers 3,196 blocks, not all ~7,200 blocks.
- Statement 3 is correct: The system provides four-week probabilistic forecasts.
Therefore, only statements 1 and 3 are correct.
Q4. Assertion (A): Prosopis juliflora is considered a major ecological threat to Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary.
Reason (R): It forms dense monocultures that suppress native species such as Anogeissus pendula and alter ecosystem processes.
A) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
B) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A.
C) A is true, but R is false.
D) A is false, but R is true.
Q4. (A)
Explanation:
- The invasive species occupies 63.48% of the sanctuary.
- It suppresses native flora, reduces biodiversity, and alters soil moisture and hydrology.
Hence, the reason correctly explains the assertion.
Q5. With reference to Vehicle Location Tracking Devices (VLTDs) and panic buttons, consider the following statements:
- VLTDs are GPS-based devices that transmit the real-time location of a vehicle to authorized monitoring centres.
- Panic buttons enable passengers to send distress alerts to control rooms and law enforcement agencies.
- Rule 125H of the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989 mandates these devices only for newly manufactured public transport vehicles.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
A) Only One
B) Only Two
C) All Three
D) None
Q5. (B)
Explanation:
- Statement 1 is correct: VLTDs provide real-time tracking.
- Statement 2 is correct: Panic buttons trigger emergency alerts.
- Statement 3 is incorrect: The mandate applies to both new and existing public transport vehicles, including taxis and buses.
Therefore, only two statements are correct.
