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.
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.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
Anonymous Quiz
26%
A. 1 only
16%
B. 2 only
41%
C. Both 1 and 2
17%
D. Neither 1 nor 2
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.
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).
1. It is an Intercontinental Ballistic Missile indigenously developed in India.
2. It was developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
Anonymous Quiz
11%
A. 1 only
32%
B. 2 only
48%
C. Both 1 and 2
10%
D. Neither 1 nor 2
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.
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.
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’.
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’.
How many of the above statements is/are correct?
Anonymous Quiz
7%
A. Only one
65%
B. Only two
24%
C. All three
3%
D. None
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.
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.
5. Cloud seeding is a kind of a weather modification technology to create artificial rainfall. In this
context, how many of the following can be used to induce cloud seeding?
1. Iodide of Silver
2. Liquid Propane
3. Iodide of Potassium
4. Solid Carbon-di-oxide
context, how many of the following can be used to induce cloud seeding?
1. Iodide of Silver
2. Liquid Propane
3. Iodide of Potassium
4. Solid Carbon-di-oxide
Choose the correct answer from the codes given below
Anonymous Quiz
36%
A. Only two
25%
B. Only three
38%
C. All four
1%
D. None
Answer: C
Soln:
● Cloud seeding is a kind of a weather modification technology to create artificial rainfall.
It works only when there are enough pre-existing clouds in the atmosphere.
● Rain happens when moisture in the air reaches levels at which it can no longer be held, and
cloud seeding aims to facilitate and accelerate that process by making available chemical
‘nuclei’ around which condensation can take place.
● These ‘seeds’ of rain can be the iodides of silver or potassium, dry ice (solid carbon
dioxide), or liquid propane. Hence, all options are correct.
● The seeds can be delivered by plane or simply by spraying from the ground.
Soln:
● Cloud seeding is a kind of a weather modification technology to create artificial rainfall.
It works only when there are enough pre-existing clouds in the atmosphere.
● Rain happens when moisture in the air reaches levels at which it can no longer be held, and
cloud seeding aims to facilitate and accelerate that process by making available chemical
‘nuclei’ around which condensation can take place.
● These ‘seeds’ of rain can be the iodides of silver or potassium, dry ice (solid carbon
dioxide), or liquid propane. Hence, all options are correct.
● The seeds can be delivered by plane or simply by spraying from the ground.
1. Consider the following statements about the Sariska Tiger Reserve.
1. It is located in the state of Madhya Pradesh.
2. It is a part of Aravalli hills.
1. It is located in the state of Madhya Pradesh.
2. It is a part of Aravalli hills.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
Anonymous Quiz
17%
A. 1 only
48%
B. 2 only
27%
C. Both 1 and 2
8%
D. Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: B
Soln:
● Sariska Tiger Reserve is a tiger reserve in Alwar district, Rajasthan. Hence, statement 1
is incorrect.
● It comprises scrub-thorn arid forests, dry deciduous forests, grasslands, and rocky hills.
● Sariska represents a tiger habitat spread over the world's oldest mountain range- the
Aravallis. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
● It is a resilient ecosystem with a high prey density, and has the unique distinction of
successfully reintroducing the tiger after its local extinction.
Soln:
● Sariska Tiger Reserve is a tiger reserve in Alwar district, Rajasthan. Hence, statement 1
is incorrect.
● It comprises scrub-thorn arid forests, dry deciduous forests, grasslands, and rocky hills.
● Sariska represents a tiger habitat spread over the world's oldest mountain range- the
Aravallis. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
● It is a resilient ecosystem with a high prey density, and has the unique distinction of
successfully reintroducing the tiger after its local extinction.
2. Hong Kong convention, recently seen in the news, is most related to which of the following
aspects?
aspects?
choose the best answer
Anonymous Quiz
12%
A. Persistent organic pollutants
40%
B. Transboundary movement of hazardous wastes
39%
C. Recycling of ships
9%
D. Women safety
3. Consider the following statements about ‘Goldene’.
1. It is a free standing sheet of gold that is only one atom thick.
2. It conducts heat and electricity far more effectively than copper.
1. It is a free standing sheet of gold that is only one atom thick.
2. It conducts heat and electricity far more effectively than copper.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
Anonymous Quiz
9%
A. 1 only
19%
B. 2 only
72%
C. Both 1 and 2
0%
D. Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: C
Soln:
● June 26, 2025 marked an important day for the global ship recycling industry, as the Hong
Kong International Convention for the safe and environmentally sound recycling of
ships (HKC) came into force. Hence, option C is correct.
● Adopted nearly 16 years ago at a diplomatic conference in Hong Kong, the HKC was
developed with inputs from International Maritime Organisation (IMO) member states
and non-governmental organisations, and in cooperation with the International Labour
Organization and the parties to the Basel Convention on the control of trans-boundary
movements of hazardous wastes and their disposal.
Soln:
● June 26, 2025 marked an important day for the global ship recycling industry, as the Hong
Kong International Convention for the safe and environmentally sound recycling of
ships (HKC) came into force. Hence, option C is correct.
● Adopted nearly 16 years ago at a diplomatic conference in Hong Kong, the HKC was
developed with inputs from International Maritime Organisation (IMO) member states
and non-governmental organisations, and in cooperation with the International Labour
Organization and the parties to the Basel Convention on the control of trans-boundary
movements of hazardous wastes and their disposal.