CA-11/11/2025
Booker Prize
Why in news?
Hungarian-British author David Szalay won the 2025 Booker Prize for his sixth novel, "Flesh." The novel is described as a spare, hypnotically tense, and compelling portrait of a man's life.
About Booker Prize
- It is a prestigious literary award given annually for the best single work of sustained fiction written in English and published in the UK or Ireland.?
- It was established in 1968 and first awarded in 1969.
- Originally, it was limited to novels by authors from the Commonwealth, Ireland, and Zimbabwe.
- Since 2014, eligibility was extended to any novel written in English regardless of the author's nationality.
- The prize aims to promote the finest fiction of the year.
- The winning author receives £50,000.
- The prize is judged by a five-person panel appointed annually, consisting of authors, publishers, journalists, and sometimes artists or public figures.
- Judges read all submitted books, usually about 150, and select a longlist (about 12-13 titles), a shortlist (six titles), and then the winner.
Indian authors who have won the Booker Prize
- Salman Rushdie - Won in 1981 for "Midnight's Children."
- V.S. Naipaul - Won in 1971 for "In a Free State."
- Arundhati Roy - Won in 1997 for "The God of Small Things."
- Kiran Desai - Won in 2006 for "The Inheritance of Loss."
- Aravind Adiga - Won in 2008 for "The White Tiger,"
- Geetanjali Shree - Won the International Booker Prize in 2022 for "Tomb of Sand" (originally in Hindi as "Ret Samadhi"). She is the first Indian author to win this international category for a Hindi-language novel.
- Banu Mushtaq - Won the International Booker Prize in 2025 for "Heart Lamp,"
Reconciling Conservation and Community Rights
Why in news?
- The Ministry of Tribal Affairs has sent a detailed policy brief titled "Reconciling Conservation and Community Rights
- This framework mandates that any relocation of forest-dwelling communities from tiger reserves must be voluntary, based on free, prior, and informed consent, and aligned with the Forest Rights Act (FRA) of 2006 and the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
- Aims to harmonize wildlife conservation with tribal rights, ensuring relocation decisions are voluntary, transparent, and scientifically justified.
- Protection of tribal dignity and rights is paramount; no coercion or pressure should be applied.
Background and Need for Relocation Policy
- Forest-dwelling tribes live in ecologically sensitive areas such as tiger reserves, often leading to conflicts between wildlife conservation and tribal rights.
- The Forest Rights Act, 2006 (FRA) grants forest tribes rights to live within traditional forest habitats.
- Relocation has been contentious due to alleged coercion, inadequate consent, and poor implementation of laws.
- Over 1,566 villages with 55,000 families have been relocated from tiger reserves since 2007, with another 94,000 families still inside these areas.
Institutional and Procedural Mechanisms
- Establishment of a National Framework for Community-Centred Conservation and Relocation (NFCCR)
- Jointly managed by Environment and Tribal Affairs Ministries.
- Defines procedures, timelines, accountability, and safeguards.
- Creation of a National Database on Conservation-Community Interface (NDCCI)
- Tracks all relocations, compensation disbursed, and post-relocation welfare scenarios.
- Annual independent audits to ensure compliance with laws and human rights standards.
Safeguards and Monitoring
- Relocations should only occur after ecological assessments prove necessity.
- Consent processes must be conducted in local languages and culturally appropriate formats.
- Independent civil society organizations oversee the consent process to prevent inducements or coercion.
- Post-relocation rehabilitation packages typically include financial assistance (e.g., ?15 lakh per family) and livelihood support.
- Continued monitoring and support for relocated families to ensure welfare and integration.
Example of Rehabilitation Efforts
- Wildlife SOS has conducted successful rehabilitation programs among nomadic tribes like the Kalandar communities, focusing on education, sustainable livelihoods, and empowerment over two decades.
This plan sets out to balance ecological conservation aims with the rights and welfare of tribal communities residing in forest regions, emphasizing voluntary, rights-compliant, and transparent relocation processes, along with robust monitoring and rehabilitation mechanisms.
India- Bhutan relations
Why in news?
Recent visit of PM Modi to Bhutan is marked by deepening bilateral ties and cooperation in multiple fields.
Key developments of visit
- PM Modi emphasized the India-Bhutan relationship as one of trust, peace, progress, and deep cultural and spiritual ties, especially linked to Buddhism.
- The two countries jointly inaugurated the 1020 MW Punatsangchhu-II Hydroelectric Project, which significantly boosts Bhutan's hydropower capacity.
- India announced a concessional Line of Credit of Rs 4000 crore for Bhutan to fund energy projects and provided a Rs 10,000 crore contribution to Bhutan’s Five-Year Plan.
- Signed seven agreements, including cooperation in renewable energy, mental health services, healthcare, and the initiation of rail connectivity projects linking Bhutan to India’s rail network, enhancing trade and mobility.
- Cultural ties were reinforced with India's allocation of land in Varanasi for a Bhutanese temple and guest house.
- The visit involved participation in the Global Peace Prayer Festival, where prayers were offered for victims of a recent Delhi blast, showing solidarity.
Historical Context and Treaties
- The India-Bhutan relationship formally began with the Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation signed in 1949, establishing close ties and India’s role guiding Bhutan’s foreign policy initially.
- The treaty was revised in 2007 to recognize Bhutan’s full sovereignty over its foreign policy while maintaining close cooperation on security and development.
- Formal diplomatic relations were established in 1968, and India has remained supportive of Bhutan’s independence and security since then.
Strategic and Security Cooperation
- Bhutan serves as a strategic buffer between India and China, especially around the sensitive Siliguri Corridor (the “Chicken’s Neck”).
- In 2017, India intervened militarily during the Doklam standoff to protect Bhutan’s territorial integrity against Chinese road construction attempts.
Economic and Development Cooperation
- Hydropower cooperation is central, with India financing and buying power from Bhutan’s hydroelectric projects, driving Bhutan’s socio-economic development.
- India is Bhutan’s largest trading partner and contributes significantly to its foreign direct investment and development assistance including infrastructure, digital connectivity, and education.
- Developmental support aligns with Bhutan’s Five Year Plans and Economic Stimulus Programme.
Challenges and Future Directions
- Ongoing Bhutan-China border negotiations affect India’s strategic security, especially regarding the Doklam plateau and the border areas in the north.
- Bhutan’s international engagements, such as with China and stalled regional cooperation projects (e.g., BBIN Motor Vehicle Agreement), pose diplomatic challenges for India-Bhutan ties.
- Both countries aim to maintain strong cooperation in security, sustainable development, climate action, and regional connectivity moving forward.
Odd Radio Circles (ORCs)
Why in news?
Astronomers discovered the most powerful and distant “double Odd Radio Circle” (ORC), named RAD J131346.9+500320, in October 2025, featuring two intersecting radio rings spanning nearly 1 million light-years across and located 7.5 billion light-years from Earth.
About
- Odd Radio Circles (ORCs) are fascinating and mysterious astronomical objects characterized by their large, circular radio emission that is typically brighter along the edges.
- They are only visible at radio wavelengths and do not emit detectable light in visible, infrared, or X-ray spectra.
- These immense structures can span millions of light-years across.
Discovery and Characteristics
- First Detection: ORCs were first identified in 2019 using data from the Australian Square Kilometre Array Pathfinder (ASKAP) telescope.
- Visibility: They are exclusively detected in radio frequencies, exhibiting a distinct circular morphology.
- Scale: ORCs are among the largest known cosmic structures, extending millions of light-years.
- Central Galaxy: Some ORCs are observed to surround a galaxy, while others appear in isolation, adding to their mystery.
- Synchrotron Radiation: Their radio brightness is attributed to synchrotron radiation.
Double Odd Radio Circles (Double ORCs)
- A particularly intriguing variant is the "double ORC," which features two giant plasma rings expanding in opposite directions.
- The second known instance of a double ORC was recently discovered by citizen scientists from India's RAD@home astronomy group, utilizing LOFAR telescope data.
- This discovery highlights the significant role of citizen science in astronomical research.
Potential Origins and Scientific Importance
The exact formation mechanism of ORCs remains a mystery. However, current theories suggest they may originate from:
- Powerful Shockwaves: These could be triggered by extreme galactic events such as supermassive black hole mergers or massive energy outflows from galaxies.
- Intergalactic Shockwaves: Some research indicates that ORCs might be caused by spherical shock waves, possibly associated with fast radio bursts, gamma-ray bursts, or neutron star mergers from the distant past.
- Galaxy Environment: Studies suggest that the environment surrounding ORCs might play a role in their creation, potentially due to increased ambient density or magnetic fields.
ORCs offer valuable insights into galactic evolution, the activity of black holes, and the dynamics of intergalactic shockwaves, making them a significant area of study in modern astrophysics.
End of Mercury Tooth Fillings by 2034
Why in news?
The global community has agreed to phase out the use of mercury dental fillings by 2034. This significant decision was made by the parties to the Minamata Convention on Mercury at its Sixth Conference of the Parties (COP-6) held in Geneva.
Key Aspects of the Agreement:
- Global Phase-Out Date: A worldwide deadline of 2034 has been set for the phase-out of dental amalgam. After this date, the manufacture, import, and export of dental amalgam will be prohibited.
- Patient Care Exemption: The agreement includes a crucial exemption that allows dental practitioners to use amalgam when it is deemed strictly necessary based on the specific needs of the patient. This ensures that patient care is prioritized, especially in situations where alternative materials may not be readily available or suitable.
- Phasedown Measures: Leading up to the 2034 deadline, phasedown measures will be implemented to gradually reduce the use of amalgam.
- Focus on Environmental Protection: The Minamata Convention on Mercury is an international treaty designed to protect human health and the environment from the harmful effects of mercury. The phase-out of dental amalgam is a key step in reducing mercury pollution.
- Alternatives: Mercury-free alternatives to dental amalgam include composite resins, glass-ionomer cements, ceramics, and gold restorations.
- Background: The Minamata Convention is named after the Japanese city of Minamata, where severe mercury poisoning occurred due to industrial pollution in the mid-20th century. The convention entered into force in 2017.
Key points about India's stance on mercury tooth fillings ending by 2034:
- India is a party to the Minamata Convention on Mercury.
- India agreed to the global phase-out deadline of 2034, opposed a sooner 2030 cutoff.
- The phase-out aims to eliminate mercury in dental fillings worldwide.
- There is growing advocacy within India for protecting vulnerable groups from mercury exposure.
- Alternatives to mercury amalgam, such as composite fillings, are already in use in some Indian dental institutions.
Background and Context:
- The Minamata Convention on Mercury, adopted in 2013 and in force since 2017, is a legally binding treaty aimed at reducing mercury pollution from various sources.
- The convention addresses mercury throughout its life cycle, from mining and production to its use in products and eventual disposal.
- While many countries have already implemented bans or restrictions on dental amalgam, the 2034 global deadline provides a clear, unified timeline for all signatory nations.
- The World Health Organization (WHO) recognizes mercury as one of the top 10 chemicals of major public health concern due to its toxicity.
Rift Valley Fever
Why in news?
Rift Valley Fever (RVF) is a viral zoonotic disease that primarily affects animals but can also infect humans. Recent outbreaks in West Africa have brought this disease into sharp focus for public health.
About Rift Valley Fever
- Rift Valley Fever is caused by the Rift Valley fever virus, a Phlebovirus belonging to the Phenuiviridae family.
- It is endemic in parts of Africa and has also been reported in Saudi Arabia and Yemen.
- The disease is characterized by its potential for rapid spread and significant impact on both animal and human populations.
Transmission and Causes
- RVF is primarily transmitted through the bites of infected mosquitoes.
- Humans can also become infected through direct contact with the blood, body fluids, or tissues of infected animals, especially during activities like slaughtering, butchering, caring for sick animals, or assisting with veterinary procedures like birthing.
- Consumption of raw or undercooked animal products can also lead to infection.
- It is important to note that there has been no documented human-to-human transmission of RVF.
Host Animals and Symptoms
Primary Hosts:
The virus mainly infects domestic livestock such as sheep, goats, cattle, and camels.
Symptoms in Humans:
- Mild Infection (approximately 90% of cases): Symptoms typically appear 2 to 6 days after infection and resemble influenza, including high fever, muscle and joint pain, headache, weakness, and loss of appetite.
- Severe Infection (approximately 10% of cases): In a small percentage of cases, RVF can lead to severe complications affecting the eyes, liver, or brain. This can manifest as:
- Ocular disease (vision loss, blurred vision, eye pain)
- Meningoencephalitis (inflammation of the brain, leading to confusion, seizures, or coma)
- Hemorrhagic fever (jaundice, bleeding, liver failure, potentially fatal)
Global Significance
- RVF is recognized by the WHO as a notifiable animal disease due to its potential for rapid spread. It is also listed as a priority pathogen with epidemic potential in the WHO's R&D Blueprint for Action to Prevent Epidemics.
- The disease poses a significant economic threat to pastoral communities, impacting livestock and food security.
India's Perspective
India has not reported any Rift Valley Fever outbreaks to date. However, it is classified as an exotic zoonosis under India's One Health surveillance framework, highlighting the country's preparedness measures, including diagnostic and surveillance capabilities.
Treatment and Control
- There is no specific antiviral treatment for RVF. Management is supportive, focusing on hydration and symptom relief.
- Vaccination is available for animals, which can be useful between outbreaks.
- Preventive measures include vector control (mosquito management), avoiding contact with infected animals, and strengthening surveilla
Exercise MITRA SHAKTI-2025
Why in news?
The “Exercise MITRA SHAKTI-2025” is being conducted at Foreign Training Node, Belagavi, Karnataka.
About Exercise MITRA SHAKTI-2025
The 11th edition of the annual Exercise MITRA SHAKTI-2025, a joint military exercise between the armies of India and Sri Lanka, is currently underway.
Key Details
- Dates: November 10 to November 23, 2025.
- Location: Foreign Training Node, Belagavi, Karnataka, India.
- Participants: The exercise involves contingents from both the Indian Army (mainly from the Rajput Regiment) and the Sri Lankan Army (mainly from the Gajaba Regiment), along with personnel from their respective air forces.
- Aim: The exercise aims to improve operational synergy, rehearse sub-conventional operations under the UN mandate, and focus on counter-terrorist operations.
This annual exercise is intended to strengthen defence cooperation and improve bilateral ties and mutual trust between India and Sri Lanka.
Molasses
Why in news?
Recently, the Central government has decided to allow export of 1.5 million tonnes (MT) of sugar for the 2025-26 and also remove 50 per cent export duty on molasses.
About Molasses
Molassesis a thick, dark, and viscous syrup that is a byproduct of refining sugarcane or sugar beet juice into table sugar.
Types of Molasses
- Light Molasses: This is the result of the first boiling. It is the lightest in color, the sweetest, and the mildest in flavor, and is the most common type used in baking.
- Dark Molasses: Produced after the second boiling, it is darker, thicker, and less sweet than light molasses, with a more pronounced, robust flavor.
- Blackstrap Molasses: This is the product of the third and final boiling. It is the thickest and darkest, with the least sugar content and a strong, bitter flavor. It is often used for its purported health benefits or in savory dishes and animal feed.
- Sulphured vs. Unsulphured: In the past, sulfur dioxide was added as a preservative, which could leave a chemical flavor. Most commercial molasses today is unsulphured, which has a cleaner, sweeter taste.
Uses
- Culinary: It is a key ingredient in brown sugar, gingerbread, baked beans, barbecue sauces, and some stouts and porters. It is also used in marinades, glazes, and some traditional desserts.
- Industrial: It is the primary ingredient for distilling rum and producing ethanol.
- Agricultural: It is a major component in animal feed to add energy and minerals, and a soil amendment to promote healthy microbial activity in the soil.
Health Benefits and Risks
- Molasses is rich in antioxidants, which can help protect the body from oxidative damage.
- Its high iron content may help prevent anemia, and its calcium and magnesium content can support bone health.
- A potential risk associated with molasses is its very high level of acrylamide, a chemical that may be carcinogenic at high doses.
- However, studies on whether dietary acrylamide increases cancer risk in humans have had mixed results, and health authorities currently recommend limiting consumption of high-acrylamide foods rather than avoiding them entirely. Individuals with diabetes should use caution due to the sugar content.
Indian Laburnum
Why in news?
According to SeasonWatch -a citizen science project that monitors tree phenology observed that over the last few years, Indian laburnum trees flowers have been blooming earlier than usual.
About Indian Laburnum
The Indian Laburnum (Cassia fistula), also known as the Golden Shower Tree or Amaltas, is a deciduous tree originating from the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia.
Key Characteristics
- Appearance: The tree can grow 10 to 20 meters tall. It sheds its leaves before flowering, highlighting its golden blossoms.
- Flowers: Fragrant, bright yellow flowers grow in long, drooping clusters, giving it the name "golden shower". They attract bees and butterflies.
- Fruit: It produces long, dark brown pods up to 60 cm long, containing seeds within a dark, sweet pulp.
- Wood: The heartwood is hard and durable, used in construction and for various implements.
- Cultural Significance: It is significant in India as the state flower of Kerala and used in the Vishu festival. It is also the national flower and tree of Thailand.
Medicinal and Other Uses
- Laxative: The fruit pulp is a known mild laxative.
- Skin Conditions: A paste from the leaves is used for certain skin ailments and inflammation.
- Other Ailments: Extracts are used in remedies for digestive and respiratory issues, fever, and for blood purification, having anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.
- Other Uses: The bark is a source of tannins and dye, and the flowers are used in religious ceremonies or sometimes eaten.
Habitat
The tree grows well in tropical and subtropical climates with full sun and good drainage. It is used for landscaping and avenue planting due to its resilience and beautiful flowers.
Cornea
About
The cornea is the transparent, dome-shaped outer layer at the front of your eye, acting as a protective window and a primary focusing element for vision.
It covers the iris, pupil, and anterior chamber, playing a crucial role in how clearly you see.
Anatomy and Layers
The cornea is composed of five distinct layers, each with specific functions:
- Epithelium: The outermost layer, it acts as a physical barrier against germs and debris. It's highly sensitive to pain, prompting a protective blink reflex when irritated. This layer also absorbs nutrients and oxygen from tears.
- Bowman's Layer: A tough, thin layer of collagen beneath the epithelium that provides strength and shape. It does not regenerate if damaged, and injury here can lead to scarring.
- Stroma: The thickest layer, making up about 90% of the cornea's thickness. It consists of collagen fibers and keratocytes (cells for repair and maintenance), arranged in a regular pattern that maintains the cornea's spherical shape for proper light refraction.
- Descemet's Membrane: A thin but strong layer that acts as a basement membrane for the endothelium and helps protect the inner eye structures.
- Endothelium: The innermost layer, containing specialized cells that act as pumps to control fluid movement within the cornea. If these cells are damaged or stop functioning, the cornea can swell and become cloudy, leading to vision problems. These cells do not regenerate.
Unlike most tissues in the body, the cornea lacks blood vessels, which helps maintain its transparency. It receives nutrients and oxygen from tears and the aqueous humor (fluid in the anterior chamber).
Functions of the Cornea
- Refraction of Light: The cornea is responsible for about 65-75% of the eye's total focusing power. Its curved shape bends incoming light rays, initiating the process of focusing them onto the retina.
- Protection: It acts as a strong barrier against dust, germs, injury, and harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun.
- Maintaining Eye Shape: The cornea helps maintain the eye's smooth, dome shape, contributing to stable vision and comfort.
Corneal Diseases and Conditions
Various conditions can affect the cornea, leading to pain, tearing, light sensitivity, and blurred or cloudy vision.
- Keratitis: Inflammation of the cornea, which can be infectious (like a corneal ulcer caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites) or noninfectious (due to injury or dry eyes).
- Corneal Dystrophy: A group of genetic disorders where abnormal materials build up in one or more corneal layers, affecting clarity and potentially vision. Fuchs' dystrophy is a common type.
- Corneal Ectasia: Conditions that cause the cornea to thin and bulge outward, changing its shape. Keratoconus is a well-known example, leading to distorted and blurry vision.
- Bullous Keratopathy: A condition involving blister-like swelling of the cornea, often causing pain and blurred vision.
- Corneal Abrasion: A scratch on the surface epithelial layer, usually caused by trauma, leading to pain and tearing. The epithelium typically heals quickly.
Corneal Transplantation (Keratoplasty)
When corneal damage impairs vision or causes pain, a cornea transplant may be recommended. This surgery replaces damaged corneal tissue with healthy donor tissue.
There are different types of corneal transplants:
- Penetrating Keratoplasty (PK): A full-thickness transplant where the entire diseased cornea is replaced with donor tissue and secured with stitches.
- Endothelial Keratoplasty (EK): A partial-thickness transplant that replaces only the inner layers of the cornea (Descemet's membrane and endothelium). This includes procedures like Descemet's Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty (DMEK) and Descemet's Stripping Automated Endothelial Keratoplasty (DSAEK). EK often results in faster recovery and fewer stitches.
- Deep Anterior Lamellar Keratoplasty (DALK): Another partial-thickness transplant that replaces the outer and middle layers of the cornea, leaving the patient's healthy endothelium intact.
- Keratoprosthesis: The implantation of an artificial cornea, usually recommended when conventional transplants have failed.
Corneal transplantation is one of the most common transplant surgeries performed, restoring vision and improving the quality of life for many individuals.
Improvised explosive device (IED)
Why in news?
J&K Police recently arrested seven locals linked to a terror module, seizing 2900 kg of IED-making materials and arms.
About Improvised Explosive Device
An improvised explosive device (IED) is a homemade bomb constructed from non-military or military components and widely used by insurgents, guerrillas, and terrorists in unconventional warfare or terrorist attacks. They are designed to destroy, incapacitate, harass, or distract a target and their construction is limited only by the builder's knowledge, ingenuity, and available materials.
Types of IEDs
- Vehicle-Borne IEDs (VBIEDs): Car or truck bombs capable of delivering a large amount of explosives for significant structural damage or mass casualties.
- Person-Borne IEDs (PBIEDs): Devices carried by a suicide bomber, often concealed in a vest, allowing for agile and penetrative delivery to a target.
- Command-Initiated IEDs: Detonated by a person at a distance, typically via a wire circuit or a wireless signal (e.g., mobile phone, radio transmitter).
- Victim-Operated IEDs (VOIEDs): Booby traps designed to detonate upon contact by the victim, using mechanisms like pressure plates or trip wires.
- Postal/Mail Devices: Smaller devices delivered via mail.
Impact and Countermeasures
IEDs are a persistent threat globally due to their low cost, ease of construction, and high effectiveness in creating fear, mass casualties, and significant infrastructure disruption.
Counter-IED efforts focus on detection, neutralization, and disrupting the support networks (financing, construction, placement) behind them.
Question and Answer
Question 1. With reference to the Booker Prize, consider the following statements:
1. Since 2014, its eligibility was extended to any novel written in English, regardless of the author's nationality.
2. The International Booker Prize is awarded for the best single work of sustained fiction written originally in English.
3. Salman Rushdie was the first Indian-origin author to win the Booker Prize.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A) 1 only
B) 1 and 2 only
C) 2 and 3 only
D) 1, 2 and 3
Explanation:
Statement 1 is correct. The eligibility for the Booker Prize was extended in 2014 to any novel written in English and published in the UK or Ireland, irrespective of the author's nationality.
Statement 2 is incorrect. The International Booker Prize is awarded annually for the best single work of fiction translated into English and published in the UK or Ireland. The Booker Prize (the one David Szalay won) is for fiction written originally in English.
Statement 3 is incorrect. V.S. Naipaul won the Booker Prize in 1971 for "In a Free State," predating Salman Rushdie's win in 1981 for "Midnight's Children." Naipaul was of Indian origin, born in Trinidad and Tobago.
Question 2. Odd Radio Circles (ORCs), recently in news for the discovery of a 'double ORC,' are characterized by which of the following features?
1. They are exclusively detected in visible light wavelengths.
2. They are among the largest known cosmic structures, spanning millions of light-years.
3. Their discovery has been significantly aided by citizen scientists.
4. Their radio brightness is attributed to synchrotron radiation.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
A) 1, 2 and 3 only
B) 2, 3 and 4 only
C) 1 and 4 only
D) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Explanation:
Statement 1 is incorrect. ORCs are exclusively detected in radio frequencies and do not emit detectable light in visible, infrared, or X-ray spectra. Statement 2 is correct. ORCs are immense structures that can span millions of light-years across. Statement 3 is correct. The recent discovery of a double ORC was aided by citizen scientists from India's RAD@home astronomy group. Statement 4 is correct. Their radio brightness is attributed to synchrotron radiation. Therefore, options 2, 3, and 4 are correct.
Question 3. Which of the following statements correctly describes the recent global agreement regarding mercury dental fillings?
1. The Minamata Convention on Mercury has set a global deadline of 2034 for the phase-out of dental amalgam.
2. The agreement prohibits the use of dental amalgam under all circumstances after the deadline.
3. India has advocated for an earlier phase-out date than the global deadline.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
A) 1 only
B) 1 and 2 only
C) 2 and 3 only
D) 1, 2 and 3
Explanation:
Statement 1 is correct. The parties to the Minamata Convention on Mercury agreed to a global deadline of 2034 for the phase-out of dental amalgam. Statement 2 is incorrect. The agreement includes a crucial exemption allowing dental practitioners to use amalgam when strictly necessary based on specific patient needs. Statement 3 is incorrect. India, a party to the convention, agreed to the 2034 global deadline but had opposed a sooner 2030 cutoff, indicating it did not advocate for an earlier date.
Question 4. The Indian Laburnum (Cassia fistula), also known as the Golden Shower Tree or Amaltas, is characterized by which of the following?
1. It is a deciduous tree that sheds its leaves before flowering.
2. Its fruit pulp is known for its mild laxative properties.
3. It is the national flower and tree of Thailand.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A) 1 only
B) 1 and 2 only
C) 2 and 3 only
D) 1, 2 and 3
Explanation:
All three statements are correct. The Indian Laburnum is indeed a deciduous tree that sheds its leaves before showcasing its golden blossoms. Its fruit pulp is traditionally used as a mild laxative. Furthermore, it holds significant cultural importance, being the national flower and tree of Thailand, as well as the state flower of Kerala in India.
Question 5. Consider the following statements regarding the relationship between India and Bhutan:
1. The 1949 Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation initially established India’s role in guiding Bhutan’s foreign policy.
2. Hydropower cooperation has been a central pillar, with India financing and purchasing power from Bhutan’s hydroelectric projects.
3. The Doklam standoff in 2017 involved India intervening to protect Bhutan’s territorial integrity against Chinese road construction attempts.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A) 1 only
B) 2 and 3 only
C) 1 and 3 only
D) 1, 2 and 3
Explanation:
Statement 1 is correct. The 1949 Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation formally began the relationship, with India initially guiding Bhutan’s foreign policy, which was later revised in 2007 to recognize Bhutan’s full sovereignty. Statement 2 is correct. Hydropower cooperation is central to India-Bhutan ties, with India providing financing and purchasing power, which is crucial for Bhutan’s socio-economic development. Statement 3 is correct. India intervened militarily in the Doklam standoff in 2017 to protect Bhutan’s territorial integrity against Chinese road construction attempts, highlighting the strategic cooperation between the two nations.
Question 6. With reference to Rift Valley Fever (RVF), consider the following statements:
1. It is a viral zoonotic disease that primarily affects animals but can also infect humans.
2. Human-to-human transmission of RVF has been widely documented.
3. It is endemic in parts of Africa and classified as an exotic zoonosis under India's One Health surveillance framework.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A) 1 only
B) 1 and 2 only
C) 1 and 3 only
D) 1, 2 and 3
Explanation:
Statement 1 is correct. RVF is indeed a viral zoonotic disease, primarily affecting livestock but capable of infecting humans. Statement 2 is incorrect. The provided text explicitly states that there has been no documented human-to-human transmission of RVF. Statement 3 is correct. RVF is endemic in parts of Africa and has been reported in Saudi Arabia and Yemen. India classifies it as an exotic zoonosis under its One Health surveillance framework, indicating preparedness for a disease not yet reported within the country.
Question 7. Exercise MITRA SHAKTI-2025, recently in news, is a joint military exercise conducted between India and which of the following countries?
Select your answer:
A) Nepal
B) Sri Lanka
C) Bangladesh
D) Myanmar
Explanation:
Exercise MITRA SHAKTI-2025 is the 11th edition of the annual joint military exercise between the armies of India and Sri Lanka. Its aim is to improve operational synergy and rehearse sub-conventional operations, particularly counter-terrorist operations under a UN mandate.
Question 8. With reference to Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), consider the following types:
1. Vehicle-Borne IEDs (VBIEDs)
2. Person-Borne IEDs (PBIEDs)
3. Victim-Operated IEDs (VOIEDs)
Which of these types can be associated with the use of IEDs by insurgents or terrorists?
A) 1 only
B) 1 and 2 only
C) 2 and 3 only
D) 1, 2 and 3
Explanation:
All three listed types—Vehicle-Borne IEDs (VBIEDs), Person-Borne IEDs (PBIEDs), and Victim-Operated IEDs (VOIEDs)—are common classifications of IEDs used by insurgents, guerrillas, and terrorists in unconventional warfare or terrorist attacks. They are designed for various operational goals, from causing mass casualties and structural damage (VBIEDs) to targeted attacks (PBIEDs) or booby traps (VOIEDs).
Question 9. A recent policy brief 'Reconciling Conservation and Community Rights' proposes a framework for the relocation of forest-dwelling communities from tiger reserves. Which of the following principles form the core of this framework?
1. Relocation must be voluntary and based on free, prior, and informed consent.
2. Relocation decisions must align with the Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006, and the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
3. Post-relocation rehabilitation packages must include financial assistance and livelihood support.
4. Scientific ecological assessments are required to prove the necessity of relocation.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
A) 1, 2 and 3 only
B) 2, 3 and 4 only
C) 1, 3 and 4 only
D) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Explanation:
All four statements are core principles of the 'Reconciling Conservation and Community Rights' framework. The framework mandates voluntary relocation based on free, prior, and informed consent, alignment with FRA 2006 and WPA 1972, provision of rehabilitation packages, and necessity proven by ecological assessments. It emphasizes protecting tribal dignity and rights, ensuring transparency, and scientific justification for relocation decisions.
Question 10. Molasses, a byproduct of sugar refining, finds diverse applications across various sectors. Which of the following is NOT a common use for molasses?
Select your answer:
A) Primary ingredient for distilling rum
B) Major component in animal feed
C) A key ingredient in most white table sugar production
D) Used as a soil amendment to promote microbial activity
Explanation:
Molasses is a byproduct of refining sugarcane or sugar beet juice into table sugar, not an ingredient in its production itself. Options a, b, and d are all common uses of molasses. It is a primary ingredient for distilling rum (industrial), a major component in animal feed (agricultural), and used as a soil amendment (agricultural).
Question 11. Which of the following Indian authors has/have won the Booker Prize for their works written originally in English?
1. V.S. Naipaul
2. Salman Rushdie
3. Geetanjali Shree
4. Kiran Desai
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
A) 1, 2 and 4 only
B) 1, 2 and 3 only
C) 3 and 4 only
D) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Explanation:
V.S. Naipaul (1971 for 'In a Free State'), Salman Rushdie (1981 for 'Midnight's Children'), and Kiran Desai (2006 for 'The Inheritance of Loss') are all Indian-origin authors who have won the Booker Prize for works originally written in English. Geetanjali Shree won the International Booker Prize in 2022 for 'Tomb of Sand,' which was originally written in Hindi and then translated into English. The question specifically asks for authors who won the Booker Prize for works 'originally written in English'. Therefore, statements 1, 2, and 4 are correct.
Question 12. Which of the following statements about the human cornea is/are correct?
1. It is the transparent, dome-shaped outer layer at the front of the eye and lacks blood vessels.
2. It is responsible for approximately 65-75% of the eye's total focusing power.
3. The innermost layer, the endothelium, contains cells that regenerate quickly if damaged.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
A) 1 only
B) 1 and 2 only
C) 2 and 3 only
D) 1, 2 and 3
Explanation:
Statement 1 is correct. The cornea is the transparent, dome-shaped outer layer at the front of the eye and uniquely lacks blood vessels to maintain its transparency. Statement 2 is correct. Its curved shape makes it responsible for about 65-75% of the eye's total focusing power. Statement 3 is incorrect. The innermost layer, the endothelium, contains specialized cells that act as pumps to control fluid movement, and critically, these cells do NOT regenerate if damaged, which can lead to corneal swelling and cloudiness.
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