Q1. Kharg Island, recently seen in news, is located in which of the following countries?
A. Iraq
B. Iran
C. Qatar
D. United Arab Emirates
Q1. (B) Iran
Explanation:
- Kharg Island is located in the Persian Gulf, about 25 km off the southern coast of Iran in Bushehr Province.
- It hosts Iran’s largest crude oil export terminal, through which a major share of the country’s oil exports are shipped.
- Due to its proximity to the Strait of Hormuz, it is strategically significant in global energy geopolitics.
Q2. With reference to the Navigation with Indian Constellation (NavIC), consider the following statements:
- NavIC was earlier known as the Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS).
- NavIC provides global navigation coverage similar to the U.S. GPS.
- NavIC provides navigation services over India and up to about 1,500 km beyond its borders.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 1 and 3 only
C. 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3
Q2. (B) 1 and 3 only
Explanation:
- Statement 1 – Correct: NavIC was originally called the Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS).
- Statement 2 – Incorrect: NavIC is a regional navigation system, whereas GPS provides global coverage.
- Statement 3 – Correct: NavIC provides services over India and about 1,500 km beyond its borders.
Q3. According to data reported by the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), which State recorded the highest number of tiger deaths in India in 2025?
A. Madhya Pradesh
B. Maharashtra
C. Karnataka
D. Uttarakhand
Q3. (B) Maharashtra
Explanation:
- In 2025, India recorded 166 tiger deaths.
- Maharashtra reported 41 deaths, the highest among all States.
- Several incidents were reported from reserves such as Pench Tiger Reserve, highlighting concerns related to poaching, habitat pressure and human–wildlife conflict.
Q4. With reference to the Earth’s magnetic field, consider the following statements:
- Earth’s magnetic field is generated by convection of molten iron and nickel in the outer core.
- The process responsible for generating the magnetic field is known as the geodynamo.
- The magnetosphere protects Earth by deflecting charged particles from the solar wind.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3
Q4. (D) 1, 2 and 3
Explanation:
- Statement 1 – Correct: Convection of molten iron and nickel in the outer core generates Earth’s magnetic field.
- Statement 2 – Correct: This mechanism is called the geodynamo.
- Statement 3 – Correct: The resulting magnetosphere shields Earth from solar wind and cosmic radiation, protecting the atmosphere and life.
Q5. Consider the following statements regarding Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974 (United States):
- It empowers the United States to investigate foreign trade practices that may be unfair or discriminatory to U.S. commerce.
- It allows the United States Trade Representative (USTR) to impose retaliatory tariffs or trade restrictions against such practices.
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. (C) Both 1 and 2
Explanation:
- Statement 1 – Correct: Section 301 authorizes the U.S. government to investigate foreign trade policies that burden or restrict U.S. commerce.
- Statement 2 – Correct: If unfair practices are found, the USTR can impose retaliatory measures such as tariffs or trade restrictions.
- The provision was notably used during the U.S.–China trade conflict beginning in 2018.
