Q1. Consider the following statements regarding the “Heat-Balance Threshold”:
- It is a temperature beyond which large fish cannot dissipate metabolic heat efficiently.
- Large-bodied mesothermic fish are more vulnerable to reaching this threshold than smaller individuals.
- Crossing this threshold may force predators into deeper waters, causing ecological mismatch with prey.
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
Answer: D) 1, 2 and 3
Explanation:
- S1 – Correct:
- Heat-balance threshold = critical temperature where heat gain (metabolism) > heat loss (environment)
- Leads to thermal stress and physiological instability.
- S2 – Correct:
- Large body → low surface area-to-volume ratio
- Heat production ↑ faster than heat dissipation → large mesotherms hit threshold earlier
- S3 – Correct:
- Behavioural response → shift to deeper, cooler waters
- Prey (often surface-dwelling) may not shift → predator–prey spatial mismatch → energy deficit
Q2. Consider the following statements:
- The 84th Constitutional Amendment froze inter-state seat redistribution until the first Census after 2026.
- The 131st Amendment Bill proposed delimitation based on the 2011 Census.
- Generally, Orders of the Delimitation Commission are not subject to judicial review.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
A) 1 and 2 only
B) 3 only
C) 1, 2 and 3
D) 2 and 3 only
Answer: C) 1, 2 and 3
Explanation:
- S1 – Correct:
- 84th Amendment (2001) → freeze on inter-state seat redistribution till post-2026 Census
- Protects states that controlled population growth.
- S2 – Correct:
- 131st Bill proposed 2011 Census-based delimitation
- Criticised due to outdated data vs ongoing 2026 Census
- S3 – Correct:
- Delimitation Commission orders = force of law + non-justiciable
- Ensures finality and avoids prolonged litigation.
Q3. Consider the following statements:
- India is the world’s largest fish producer.
- Inland fisheries contribute more than 70% of total production.
- West Bengal has the highest growth rate due to intensive aquaculture.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A) 1 and 2 only
B) 2 only
C) 1 and 3 only
D) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: B) 2 only
Explanation:
- S1 – Incorrect:
- India = 2nd largest globally (China largest)
- S2 – Correct:
- Inland fisheries contribute ~70–75%
- Reflects structural shift → aquaculture dominance
- S3 – Incorrect:
- West Bengal → high production but moderate growth (~46%)
- Growth leaders = Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh (intensive aquaculture models)
Q4.With reference to India’s slip to the 6th largest economy, consider the following factors:
- Decline in real GDP growth
- Base year revision lowering nominal GDP
- Appreciation of Yen and Pound
- Depreciation of Rupee
Which of the above are correct contributors?
A) 1, 2 and 4 only
B) 2, 3 and 4 only
C) 1 and 3 only
D) 2 and 4 only
Answer: B) 2, 3 and 4 only
Explanation:
- S1 – Incorrect:
- Real GDP growth strong (~6.5%) → not a slowdown issue
- S2 – Correct:
- Base year revision (2022–23) → downward adjustment in nominal GDP
- Lower base → lower USD valuation.
- S3 – Correct:
- Yen & Pound appreciation → their GDP rises in USD terms
- S4 – Correct:
- Rupee depreciation (~10–11%) → India’s GDP falls in dollar terms
Core Concept:
- Global rankings = Nominal GDP (USD-based)
- Highly sensitive to exchange rate fluctuations
Q5. Consider the following statements:
- Women’s representation in the current Lok Sabha has crossed 15%.
- Women’s Reservation Act is independent of delimitation.
- Chhattisgarh has one of the highest shares of women MLAs among states.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A) 1, 2 and 3
B) 1 and 2 only
C) 3 only
D) 1 and 3 only
Answer: C) 3 only
Explanation:
- S1 – Incorrect:
- Lok Sabha ~13.8% → below 15% threshold
- Peak was ~14.4% (2019)
- S2 – Incorrect:
- Women’s Reservation Act linked to Census + delimitation
- Key reason for implementation delay
- S3 – Correct:
- Chhattisgarh (~21%) → among highest women MLAs, compared to national avg (~9%)
