1.

Consider the following statements w.r.t. HD 110067 seen in news recently.

I. It is a star with six known sub-Neptune exoplanets.

II. It is visible from the Northern Hemisphere.

Which of the above statements is/are true?

(a) Only I

(b) Only II

(c) Both I & II

(d) Neither I nor II

2.

I. The Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant is the largest nuclear power plant in India.

II. It works using TVS-2 M fuel.

Which of the above statements is/are true?

(a) Only I

(b) Only II

(c) Both I & II

(d) Neither I nor II

3.

Which of the following is/are the characteristic/characteristics of Indian coal?.

1. High ash content

2. Low sulphur content

3. Low ash fusion temperature

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 only

(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

4.

During a thunderstorm, the thunder in the skies is produced by the

1. meeting of cumulonimbus clouds in the sky

2. lightning that separates the nimbus clouds

3. violent upward movement of air and water particles

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 and 3

(c) 1 and 3

(d) None of the above produces the thunder

5.

Consider the following statements:
 1. Earth is approximately 3% closer to the Sun than usual on 3rd    January, at a distance of 147 million kilometres.

2. Earth is farthest from the Sun than usual on 3rd July, at a distance of 152.6 million kilometres.

3. Hammerfest situated at 70''N latitude has continuous day light from May 13 - July 29.

4. On an average Synodic month is 29.53 days.

Which of these is/ are true?
(a) Only 1 & 2

(b) Only 3

(c) All are true

(d) 1,2 & 4 are true

6.

What is the correct order of the four main islands of Japan from South to North?.

(a) Kyushu, Shikoku, Honshu, Hokkaido  

(b) Hokkaido, Honshu, Shikoku, Kyushu

(c) Honshu, Hokkaido, Kyushu, Shikoku  

(d) Hokkaido, Kyushu, Honshu, Shikoku

7.

Hypophthalmichthys nobilis, Pterygoplichthys pardalis, Poecilia reticulata in news refer to

(a) Invasive Fishes

(b) Mutated Viruses

(c) Flightless Birds

(d) Oil eating Bacteria

8.

1. Its slowdown intensifies global warming.

2. It carries carbon dioxide and heat to the deep ocean.

3. It results in a decline in oxygen supply to the deep ocean.

How many of the above statements is/are correct w.r.t. “overturning circulation”?.

(a) Only two

(b) Only one

(c) All the three

(d) None of these

9.

A Ship sailing from the eastern extremity of the Aleutian Islands to Dutch crosses 180 meridian at 23.30 hrs on January 1, 1999. The captain of the ship in his diary will record what time and date after one-hour journey from the point of crossing of the meridian?

(a) January 1, 0030 hrs

(b) January 2, 0030 hrs

(c) January 3, 0030 hrs

(d) January 4, 0030 hrs

10.

“Glutamine repeats” was seen in news in recent times in connection with the disease named

(a) Parkinsons Disease

(b) Alzheimers Disease

(c) Phenylketonuria

(d) Huntington’s disease

11.

Consider the following statements w.r.t. Suez Canal.

1. It was opened in 1869 by Egypt for navigation. 

2. Its northern terminus is Port Said.

3. It links the Mediterranean Sea to the Gulf of Suez on the Red Sea. 

4. Ben Gurion Canal Project, bypasses the Suez Canal.

Which of the following is / are true?

(a) Only 1

(b) Both 1 and 2

(c) Only 1,2 and 4

(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

12.

I. In 1973, the Dhebar Commission established Primitive Tribal Groups (PTGs) as a distinct category.

II. Odisha has the highest number of PVTGs, followed by Andhra Pradesh.

Which of the above statements is/are true in the context of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs).?

(a) Only I

(b) Only II

(c) Both I & II

(d) Neither I nor II

13.

1. Arctic amplification is the faster cooling of the Arctic compared to the rest of the globe.

2. Arctic amplification weakens the polar vortex, making it more susceptible to disruptions.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct w.r.t. Arctic amplification?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

14.

1. A thawing permafrost releases methane.

2. A thawing permafrost would unleash viruses and bacteria.

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

15.

1.  Copernicus proved that Earth and the other planets in our solar system orbit our Sun.

2.  NASA''s Magellan mission is related to Mercury.

3.  Mars has the largest volcanic mountain called Olympus Mons in the solar system.

4.  Neptune was the first planet located through mathematical predictions rather than through regular observations of the sky.

Which of the above statements is correct?

(a) 2 and 4

(b) 1 and 3

(c)1, 3 and 4

(d) 1, 2 and 3 

16.

1. It is arboreal and nocturnal.

2. It is endemic to Arunachal Pradesh.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct w.r.t. “Biswamoyopterus biswasi” in news?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

17.

A person stood alone in a desert on a dark night and wanted to reach his village which was situated 5 km East of the point where he was standing. He had no instrument to find the direction but he located the pole star. The most convenient way now to reach his village is to walk in the

(a) Direction facing the pole star

(b) Direction opposite to the pole star

(c) Direction keeping the pole star to his right

(d) Direction keeping the pole star to his left

18.

Tofua Arc is well known for

(a) Galciers

(b) Volcanoes

(c) Inland Fishing

(d) Gamma biodiversity

19.

Match the following.

Codes

20.

The Karman line demarcates

(a) Earth’s Atmosphere and outer space  

(b) Troposphere and Startosphere

(c) Two Continental plates                       

(d) Asthenosphere and Lithosphere

21.

1. There is a connection between volcanic eruptions and the weakening of the Walker Circulation.

2. A stronger version of it is associated with El Nino.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct w.r.t. the Walker Circulation?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

22.

Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) is a process defined by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) as a tool to identify the environmental, social, and economic impacts of a project before it is implemented.

1. In India, a precursor to the EIA began in 1976-77.

2. On January 27, 1987, the Union Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change under the Environment (Protection) Act 1986 (EPA), promulgated the first EIA notification.

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

23.

Consider the following ecosystems:

1. Taiga

2. Tropical evergreen

3. Tropical deciduous

4. Tundra.

The correct sequence in decreasing order of the albedo values of these ecosystems is

(a) 1, 4, 3, 2                

(b) 4, 1, 2, 3         

(c) 4, 1, 3, 2              

(d) 1, 4, 2, 3

24.

International Migration Outlook 2023, a report on international migration patterns was released by

(a) OECD

(b) UNPFA

(c) WEF

(d) IMF

25.

Consider the following w.r.t. Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty.

1. Sweden became the first country to publicly call for the negotiation of a Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty on the floor of the UN General Assembly.

2. It aims to complement the Paris Agreement by halting fossil fuel expansion.

3. It is a binding on all the members of UNFCC.

How many of the above is/are correct?

(a) Only one

(b) Only two

(c) All three

(d) None

EXPLANATIONS

1.

https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/six-exoplanets-found-orbiting-a-nearby-bright-star/article67594607.ece

C

2.

https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/india-russia-ink-pacts-on-construction-of-future-power-units-of-kudankulam-nuclear-plant/article67677964.ece

https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/russia-delivers-more-efficient-nuclear-fuel-for-kudankulam-reactors/article65514664.ece

• The TVS-2M FAs contain gadolinium-oxide which is mixed with U-235 enrichments.
• TVS-2M fuel assemblies are more reliable and cost-efficient.
• One TVS-2M assembly contains 7.6 percent more fuel material as compared to UTVS.

Operation in longer fuel cycles also enhances economic efficiency of a plant, as reactors have to undergo stoppage and refuelling less frequently.

C

3.

https://www.newindianexpress.com/business/2024/Jan/25/centre-approves-incentive-of-rs-8500-crore-for-coal-gasification-projects

https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/energy-and-environment/coal-role-india-sustainable-development-explained/article67557406.ece#:~:text=Coal%20deposits%20in%20India%20generally,affecting%20the%20plant''s%20availability%2C%20efficiency 

A

4.

https://www.loc.gov/everyday-mysteries/meteorology-climatology/item/what-causes-the-sound-of-thunder/#:~:text=Thunder%20is%20caused%20by%20the,path%20of%20a%20lightning%20bolt.

D

5.

https://www.business-standard.com/world-news/perihelion-day-2024-all-you-need-to-know-about-the-astronomical-event-124010300620_1.html

https://www.indiatoday.in/science/story/earth-aphelion-perihelion-orbit-solar-system-sun-distance-1969914-2022-07-04

https://www.dnaindia.com/world/report-the-sun-sets-for-only-40-minutes-in-this-town-details-here-2869038

It takes 27 days, 7 hours, and 43 minutes for our Moon to complete one full orbit around Earth. This is called the sidereal month, and is measured by our Moon''s position relative to distant “fixed” stars. However, it takes our Moon about 29.5 days to complete one cycle of phases (from new Moon to new Moon). This is called the synodic month. The difference between the sidereal and synodic months occurs because as our Moon moves around Earth, the Earth also moves around our Sun. Our Moon must travel a little farther in its path to make up for the added distance and complete the phase cycle.

C

6.

https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-global/could-china-take-kuril-islands-claimed-by-japan-and-russia-8869904/

• Hokkaido, Honshu, Shikoku, Kyushu
• The five main islands, from north to south, are Hokkaido, Honshu, Shikoku, Ky  ushu, and Okinawa.
• Honshu is the largest and referred to as the Japanese mainland.
• Kyushu, the southwesternmost of Japan’s main islands, has a mostly subtropical climate. It’s known for its active volcanoes.
• Shikoku is the smallest of Japan’s major islands.
• It''s encircled by an 88-temple Buddhist pilgrimage route (henro) honoring the 9th-century monk Kukai. 
• Hokkaido, the northernmost of Japan’s main islands, is known for its volcanoes, natural hot springs (onsen), and ski areas.
• Rugged Daisetsuzan National Park is home to steaming, volcanic Mount Asahi. Shikotsu-Tōya National Park contains caldera lakes

A

7.

https://scroll.in/article/1061466/indias-ambitious-river-linking-plan-could-flood-water-bodies-with-invasive-species

A

8.

https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/energy-and-environment/antarctica-overturning-circulation-slowdown-alarm-bells/article66903987.ece

B

9.

The Earth takes 24 hours to complete one rotation or to cover 360°of longitudes. This means that the Earth covers 15° of longitudes every hour. Thus, one degree of longitude takes 4 minutes (1 hour = 60 minutes, divided by 15° per hour = 4 minutes per longitude).

Time will be recorded by captain = 23:30 hrs+1 hr=00:30hrs

Time and date will be recorded by the captain of the ship in his diary after one-hour journey from the point of crossing of the meridian will be January 3, 00:30hrs.

C  

10.

https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/science/huntingtons-disease-polyglutamine-tracts-yod1-gene-explained/article67673806.ece

11.

https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/suez-canal-linking-the-east-with-the-west/article34178351.ece#:~:text=In%20the%20mid%2D19th%20century,work%20began%20a%20year%20later.

https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/a-revival-of-the-imec-idea-amid-choppy-geopolitics/article67762825.ece

https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-global/ben-gurion-canal-suez-israel-9021520/

D

12.

Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs)?

In 1973, the Dhebar Commission established Primitive Tribal Groups (PTGs) as a distinct category, encompassing tribal communities characterized by a declining or stagnant population, the use of pre-agrarian technology, economic backwardness, and low literacy.

These groups are identified as less developed among the tribal communities.

In 2006, the Government of India renamed the PTGs as PVTGs. They reside in remote and inaccessible areas, facing challenges due to poor infrastructure and administrative support.

There are 75 PVTG communities spread across 18 States and Union Territories in India.

Odisha has the highest number of PVTGs (15), followed by Andhra Pradesh (12), Bihar and Jharkhand (9), Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh (7), Tamil Nadu (6), and Kerala and Gujarat (5 each).

The rest of the communities are spread across Maharashtra, West Bengal, Karnataka, Uttarakhand, Rajasthan, Tripura, and Manipur.

All four tribal groups in the Andaman and one in the Nicobar Islands are recognized as PVTGs.

https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/opinion/a-leg-up-for-tribal-welfare/article67753362.ece

C

13.

https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/majority-of-us-states-remain-frozen-as-arctic-weather-extreme-leaves-its-mark/article67767796.ece

https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/energy-and-environment/explained-what-is-causing-arctic-warming-should-india-be-worried/article65778586.ece

https://www.climatesignals.org/climate-signals/arctic-amplification#more

B

14.

https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-climate/thawing-permafrost-cause-industrial-pollution-arctic-new-study-says-8610772/#:~:text=Thawing%20permafrost%20in%20the%20Arctic,Explained%20News%20%2D%20The%20Indian%20Express

C

15.

C

16.

https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/missing-for-42-years-flying-squirrel-resurfaces-in-arunachal/article67661778.ece

Namdapha Flying Squirrel

§  It is a rare nocturnal flying squirrel species found in the Namdapha Tiger Reserve in Arunachal Pradesh, India.

§  It is distinct from the red giant flying squirrel (Petaurista petaurista), another species in the same ecosystem, primarily due to the prominent tuft of hair on its ears.

§  The difficulty in locating this species led to concerns that it might have been mistaken for the red giant flying squirrel or, worse, faced extinction.

§  Threats:

§  The Namdapha flying squirrel is presently threatened by habitat loss and degradation, caused by clear-felling for human settlements, shifting agriculture, and the extraction of non-timber forest products, particularly the leaves of a rattan palm, Zalacca secunda, for use as a roofing material.

§  Protection Status:

o    IUCN Red List: Critically Endangered

o    Wildlife (Protection) Amendment Act, 2022: Schedule I

Namdapha Tiger Reserve

§  Namdapha Tiger Reserve was declared in 1983 as the 15th Tiger Project of the country.

§  It was declared a Wildlife Sanctuary in 1972, then a National Park in 1983 and became a Tiger Reserve under the Project Tiger scheme in the same year.

§  Namdapha is in fact the name of a river which originates from Daphabum (Dapha is the name of hill, Bum means peak of hill) and meets Noa-Dehing river. This river flows right across in a North-South direction of the National Park and hence the name Namdapha has been given.

§  It is located in Arunachal Pradesh. The park is located between the Dapha bum range of the Mishmi Hills and the Patkai range.

§  Climate:

§  Enjoys the sub-tropical climate. The mountainous part has a mountain type of climate while the low-lying plains and valleys experience tropical climate.

C

17.

In ancient times, people used to determine directions during the night with the help of stars. The North star indicates the north direction. It is also called the Pole Star. It always remains in the same position in the sky. The pole star, which is situated in the direction of the earth’s axis. It is not visible from the southern hemisphere. The convenient way now to reach his village is to walk in the direction keeping the polestar to his left.

D

18.

https://www.indiatoday.in/science/story/hunga-tonga-eruption-happened-in-2022-earth-is-still-feeling-its-impact-in-2023-2457632-2023-11-03

B

19.

According to their altitude, stretch, density, and transparency or opaqueness clouds are classified into four types which are given below.

1. Cirrus
2. Cumulus
3. Stratus
4. Nimbus

Cirrus Clouds

1. Cirrus clouds are formed at high altitudes of 8,000 – 12,000m.
2. They are detached thin clouds.
3. They have a feathery appearance.
4. They are always white.

Cumulus Clouds

1. Cumulus clouds are generally formed at a height of 4,000 m – 7,000 m.
2. They look like cotton wool.
3. They exist in patches and can be seen dispersed here and there.
4. They have a flat base.

Stratus Clouds

1. Stratus clouds are horizontal.
2. Stratus clouds are stratified or layered clouds covering big portions of the sky.
3. These clouds are usually formed due to the mixing of air masses with various temperatures or due to loss of heat.
4. The presence of stratus clouds means chilly, overcast day.

Nimbus Clouds

1. Nimbus clouds are usually formed at lower altitudes.
2. The colour of Nimbus clouds is usually black or dark grey.
3. Nimbus clouds block the sunlight
4. These types of clouds usually cause heavy rainfall and thunderstorms.

Clouds with the prefix “nimbo” or the suffix “nimbus” bring rainfall and snowfall. Nimbostratus clouds bring continuous rainfall or snowfall that may continue for a very long duration.

Cumulonimbus clouds are also called thunderheads. Thunderheads produce rain, thunder, and lightning.

Classification based on the altitude of Clouds formation

Clouds are classified based on their formation at different heights. The altitude at which certain categories of clouds form varies based on the polar region, tropical region, etc.

Below table gives the classification of clouds and the associated types of clouds

High-Level Clouds

1. Polar Regions – they form at altitudes of 3000 m (10,000 ft) to 7600 m (25,000 ft).
2. Temperate Regions – they form at altitudes of 5000 m (16,500 ft) to 12,200 m (40,000 ft).
3. Tropical Regions – they form at altitudes of 6,100 m (20,000 ft) to 18,300 m (60,000 ft).

Mid-Level Clouds

1. Non-vertical clouds in the middle level are prefixed by the alto.
2. At any latitude, these clouds are formed as low as 2000 m (6500 ft) above the surface.
3. These clouds can be formed as high as 4,000 m (13,000 ft) near the poles
4. These clouds are formed at an altitude of 7,600 m (25,000 ft) in the tropical region.

Low-level Clouds

1. These clouds are formed near the surface up to 2000 m (6500 ft).
2. These types of clouds have no prefix.

D

20.

https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/science/karman-line-where-space-begins/article67368859.ece#:~:text=One%20such%20boundary%20is%20the,boundary%20between%20earthsky%20and%20space.

A

21.

https://www.downtoearth.org.in/news/climate-change/pacific-ocean-weather-patterns-are-changing-and-multi-year-el-nino-and-la-nina-may-become-more-common-91343

Walker Circulation:

The Walker Circulation is a large-scale atmospheric circulation pattern in the tropical Pacific region of the Earth.

It is a system of winds that plays a crucial role in shaping climate and weather patterns in the tropics and beyond.

The Walker Circulation is primarily associated with the Pacific Ocean but has global impacts.

A weaker Walker Circulation is associated with El Nino, while a stronger circulation signals La Nina.

A

22.

https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/lead/the-indian-himalayan-region-needs-its-own-eia/article67427658.ece

A

23.

The correct sequence in decreasing order of the albedo values of these ecosystems are Tundra, Taiga, Tropical deciduous and Tropical evergreen.

Taiga, generally referred to in North America as boreal forest or snow forest, is a biome characterized by coniferous forests consisting mostly of pines, spruces, and larches. The taiga or boreal forest is the world''s largest land biome.

The tropical evergreen forests usually occur in areas receiving more than 200 cm of rainfall and having a temperature of 15 to 30 degrees Celsius. They occupy about seven per cent of the earth''s land surface and habours more than half of the world''s plants and animals.

Tropical deciduous forests occur in regions with heavy rainfall for part of the year followed by a marked dry season. These forest formations are dense and lush during the wet summers, but become a dry landscape during the dry winters when most trees shed their leaves.

Tundra is a type of biome where the tree growth is hindered by low temperatures and short growing seasons. The term tundra comes through Russian from the Kildin.

C

24.

https://www.downtoearth.org.in/news/governance/nearly-half-a-million-indians-migrated-to-oecd-countries-in-2021-report-92454#:~:text=India%20replaced%20China%20as%20the,as%20well%2C%20said%20the%20report.

A

25.

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/idea-of-fossil-fuel-non-proliferation-treaty-gets-traction-at-cop28/articleshow/105919971.cms?from=mdr

Vantanu became the first country to publicly call for the negotiation of a Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty on the floor of the UN General Assembly.

https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/energy-and-environment/pledges-made-at-the-cop28-climate-talks/article67634805.ece

A