2. Consider the following statements about the Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS) UDAN scheme.
1. It aims at providing connectivity to un-served and under-served airports of the country through revival of existing air-strips and airports.
2. The scheme offers viability gap funding to companies in addition to waiver of certain
statutory charges and taxes on jet fuel.
3. The Airports Authority of India is designated as the Implementing Agency under this Scheme.

Answer: D
Explanation:
● Statement 1 is correct: In 2017, the Ministry of Civil Aviation launched the Regional
Connectivity Scheme (RCS) “UDAN” (Ude Desh Ka Aam Naagrik) which aims at providing
connectivity to un-served and under-served airports of the country through revival of
existing air-strips and airports to make flying affordable to the common man who want to
travel to and fro the Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities of the country.
● UDAN has a unique market-based model. Airline routes are allocated to operators selected
through a competitive bidding mechanism.

● Statement 2 is correct: UDAN scheme offers viability gap funding to companies in
addition to waiver of certain statutory charges and taxes on jet fuel in order to offer
affordable connectivity.
● Airlines have to set aside 50% of the total aircraft capacity for cheaper fares to be offered
at the rate of Rs 2,500 per hour of flight, in return for which airlines are given a subsidy
by the Centre and the State government concerned.
● The airport that will be renovated under this scheme will be chosen after referring to the
respective State government. Together with the State government the Central government will revive the dysfunctional and unserved airports of the country.
● Statement 3 is correct: The Airports Authority of India (AAI) is designated as the Implementing Agency under this Scheme.
● The scheme is now in its fourth phase with focus on bringing connectivity to priority areas like North East India, Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, hilly states in other parts of the country,
and islands.

3. The Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve is situated in

Answer: D
Explanation:
● Bandhavgarh Tiger reserve is located in the eastern Satpura hill range of Madhya Pradesh.
● With one of the highest densities of tigers, it is an extremely popular tiger reserve in the
country.
● It was declared a national park in 1968 and a tiger reserve in 1993 under the Project
Tiger.
● This area is unique from the point of biodiversity, as it comprises hills, valleys, rivers, marshes and meadows to give rise to diverse vegetation.
● Apart from the tiger population, the area is also rich in biodiversity. More than 30 species of mammals, 260 species of birds, 70 species of butterflies, reptiles and insects are found in the region.
● Bandhavgarh has the status of sheltering the highest density of Royal Bengal Tigers in the
world.

4. With reference to the Rashtriya Gokul Mission, consider the following statements.
1. It aims at development and conservation of indigenous bovine breeds.
2. Under the mission, Integrated cattle development centers known as ‘Gokul Grams’ are established.

Answer: C
Explanation
● Statement 1 is correct: The Rashtriya Gokul Mission (RGM) is being implemented for
development and conservation of indigenous bovine breeds since 2014.

● The scheme is important in enhancing milk production and productivity of bovines to
meet growing demand of milk and making dairying more remunerative to the rural farmers
of the country.
● The RGM will result in enhanced productivity and benefit of the programme, percolating to
all cattle and buffaloes of India especially with small and marginal farmers.
● This programme will also benefit women in particular since over 70% of the work
involved in livestock farming is undertaken by women.
● Statement 2 is correct: Under RGM, Integrated cattle development centers, known as
‘Gokul Grams’ are established with the aim of conservation and development of
indigenous bovine breeds in a scientific and holistic manner.
● It is implemented by the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying under the
Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying.
Objectives
● To enhance productivity of bovines and increase milk production in a sustainable
manner using advanced technologies.
● To propagate use of high genetic merit bulls for breeding purposes.
● To enhance Artificial insemination coverage through strengthening breeding network
and delivery of Artificial insemination services at farmers doorstep.
● To promote indigenous cattle & buffalo rearing and conservation in a scientific and
holistic manner.

5. Which of the following statements about Fly ash is incorrect?

Answer: C
Explanation
● Fly ash is a fine gray powder consisting mostly of spherical, glassy particles that are
produced as a byproduct in coal-fired power stations.
● Fly ash has pozzolanic properties, meaning that it forms cement in the presence of water.
Issues with Fly ash
● Statement C is incorrect: Fly ash is a highly toxic substance known for causing health
and environmental problems. It can contain lead, arsenic, mercury, cadmium, and
uranium.
● When fly ash is deposited in water bodies they contaminate aquaculture and may leach
into landmasses, leading to toxicity of agricultural land and drinking water.
● Fly ash cannot be disposed-off in the open field because it pollutes the air, soil and
groundwater.
● Long inhalation of fly ash causes serious respiratory problems.
● Fly ash also causes siltation problems.
Uses of Fly ash
● Fly ash composition, rich in silicon dioxide (SiO2), calcium oxide (CaO), and aluminum
oxide (Al2O3), makes it valuable for various applications, transforming potential waste
into useful material.
● Fly ash can be used as prime material in many cement-based products, such as poured
concrete, concrete block, and brick. 
● Statement A is correct: One of the most common uses of fly ash is in Portland Cement
Concrete pavement or PCC pavement. 

● Road construction projects using PCC can use a great deal of concrete, and substituting fly
ash provides significant economic benefits. 
● Statement B is correct: Fly ash can be used in reclamation of wastelands and
wastewater treatment.
● Fly ash has also been used as an embankment and mine fill.
Regulations in India
● Prohibiting dumping and disposal of fly ash discharged from coal or lignite based
thermal power plants on land or into water bodies, the Centre has made it mandatory for
such plants to ensure 100% utilization of ash in an eco-friendly manner.
● The centre has also introduced a penalty regime for non-compliance based on the polluter pays' principle.
● The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has made it mandatory for all
agencies (government, semi-government and private), engaged in construction activities
within 300 kms from the lignite or coal based thermal power plants, to utilize ash in these activities.

1. Consider the following statements about the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for
Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).
1. It is the successor to the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP).
2. India is a member of this partnership.

2. Consider the following statements about the Nag Missile System.
1. It is an Intercontinental Ballistic Missile indigenously developed in India.
2. It was developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).

Answer: D
Soln:
CPTPP:
● The Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) is a
free trade agreement (FTA) between 11 countries around the Pacific Rim: Canada,
Mexico, Peru, Chile, New Zealand, Australia, Brunei, Singapore, Malaysia, Vietnam and
Japan. Hence, statement 2 is incorrect.
● The CPTPP is the successor to the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade pact that was
negotiated by the former U.S. President Barack Obama, before his successor Donald Trump
pulled the U.S. out of the agreement in 2017. Hence, statement 1 is incorrect.
● These founding members signed the pact in 2018.
● Countries in the CPTPP agree to reduce or remove tariffs on the vast majority of goods
and cooperate on regulations and standards.
● The United Kingdom has officially become the 12th member of CPTPP to strengthen its
global trading relations after its withdrawal from the European Union.
● The UK is the first non-founding country to join, and will be the pact's second biggest
economy after Japan.

Answer: B
Soln:
Nag Missile System:
● The Nag Anti-Tank Missile System (NAMIS) is a third-generation anti-tank missile with
fire-and-forget anti-tank missile and sighting system for enhanced firepower and
lethality. Hence, statement 1 is incorrect.
● It is an all-weather system with a range of 500 metres to 4 km.
● NAMIS has been developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation
(DRDO). Hence, statement 2 is correct.

4. Consider the following statements.
1. Gangetic and Indus river dolphins are found in India.
2. Based on the recent Riverine Dolphin survey, more than 1000 Indus Dolphins are found in Indus and its tributaries.
3. River Dolphins are also referred to as ‘living fossils’.

Answer: B
Soln:
River Dolphin Survey:
What’s in the news?
● The government has released the results of first-ever comprehensive population
estimation of riverine dolphins – Gangetic and Indus dolphins – done in India.
● India is home to two species of freshwater dolphins — Gangetic (Platanista gangetica)
and Indus (Platanista minor), which serve as bio-indicators of healthy river
ecosystems. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
● Both dolphins are classified as Endangered under IUCN Red List and listed as Schedule I
species under the provisions of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 2022.

● Both are functionally blind and rely on echolocation to navigate, communicate and
hunt prey including prawns, catfish, and carp.
○ Echolocation is a technique used by bats, dolphins and other animals to determine
the location of objects using reflected sound.

About the Survey
● The river dolphin survey was conducted by the Wildlife Institute of India (WII), an
autonomous institution under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
(MoEFCC).
● The survey was conducted across the Ganga and Brahmaputra river basins between
2021 and 2023.
● Apart from visual surveys, acoustic surveys, such as underwater microphones
(hydrophones) were used to detect dolphin echolocation clicks.
Key Findings
● The survey estimated the total population of Gangetic dolphins to be 6,324.
● The survey only found three Indus River dolphins in the Indus basin, all in the Beas
River in Punjab. Hence, statement 2 is incorrect.
Did you know?
● Often called "living fossils", dolphins evolved from marine ancestors millions of years
ago. Hence, statement 3 is correct.
● The highest number of Gangetic dolphins were reported in Uttar Pradesh (2,397),
followed by Bihar (2,220) and West Bengal (815).
● The study highlighted that potential threats to river dolphin populations include
pollution, riverbed mining, low water depth, habitat damage, prey decline and
climate change.