Q1. With reference to recent developments in Science & Technology in India:
- Chandrayaan-3 mission confirmed sulphur on lunar south pole.
- India’s first manned space mission (Gaganyaan) is targeted for 2025-26.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A. 1 only
B. 2 only
C. Both 1 and 2
D. Neither
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
Statement 1: Chandrayaan-3 confirmed sulphur on lunar south pole — Correct
- Instrument: Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscope (LIBS) on Pragyan rover.
- Findings:
- Confirmed presence of sulphur (S) near lunar south pole.
- Also detected Al, Ca, Fe, Cr, Ti, Mn, Si, O.
- Significance:
- Sulphur may aid future in-situ resource utilization (ISRU).
- Supports lunar geology & volcanic history studies.
Statement 2: Gaganyaan targeted for 2025–26 — Correct
- Programme: India’s first human spaceflight mission.
- Current roadmap (ISRO):
- Series of uncrewed test flights first.
- Human mission targeted mid-decade (2025–26 window).
- Strategic value:
- Indigenous life-support systems
- Crew Escape System
- Human-rating of LVM3
Q2. Which of the following geographical features is associated with the Eastern Ghats?
A. Nallamala Hills
B. Western Coastal Plains
C. Deccan Traps exclusively
D. Himalayan foothills
Correct Answer: A
Explanation:
Why Correct ?
- Nallamala Hills:
- Part of Eastern Ghats hill system.
- Run across Andhra Pradesh–Telangana.
- Major tiger habitat zone.
Why Others Incorrect ?
- Western Coastal Plains → Coastal geomorphology, not Ghats.
- Deccan Traps → Volcanic basalt plateau, not a hill range.
- Himalayan foothills → Shivaliks (young fold mountains).
Q3. Consider the following statements on India’s Renewable Energy push:
- Target of 500 GW non-fossil capacity by 2030.
- Green Hydrogen Mission aims for 5 MMT production annually.
Which is/are correct?
A. 1 only
B. 2 only
C. Both
D. Neither
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
Statement 1: 500 GW non-fossil capacity by 2030 — Correct
- Announced at COP26 (Glasgow).
- Includes:
- Solar
- Wind
- Hydro
- Nuclear
- Linked to Panchamrit commitments.
Statement 2: Green Hydrogen Mission – 5 MMT — Correct
- National Green Hydrogen Mission (2023).
- Target:
- 5 Million Metric Tonnes (MMT) annual production by 2030.
- Benefits:
- Export potential
- Reduce fossil fuel imports
- Decarbonize hard-to-abate sectors
Q4. Match List I (Geographical Feature) with List II (Location):
List I
A. Western Ghats
B. Thar Desert
C. Sunderbans Delta
List II
- Rajasthan
- West Bengal
- Maharashtra-Kerala
A. A-3, B-1, C-2
B. A-2, B-3, C-1
C. A-1, B-2, C-3
D. A-3, B-2, C-1
Correct Answer: A
Explanation :
- Western Ghats → Maharashtra–Kerala
- UNESCO World Heritage
- Biodiversity hotspot
- Thar Desert → Rajasthan
- Arid climate
- Aeolian landforms
- Sundarbans Delta → West Bengal
- Deltaic mangrove ecosystem
- Tidal creeks
Q5. Which recent initiative focuses on bio-fuel economy and farmer benefits?
A. National Green Hydrogen Mission
B. Ethanol Blending Programme
C. PM-KUSUM
D. All of the above
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: Overlapping goals in renewable/bio energy.
Practice these to build on the previous quizzes. Focus on current linkages for UPSC relevance! If you’d like more on a specific subject or adjustments, let me know.
