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.
Answer: C
Soln:
GOLDENE:
● Researchers have for the first time created Goldene - a free-standing sheet of gold - that
is only one atom thick. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
● This makes gold the first metal to be formulated into freestanding 2D sheets.
● Goldene possibly has some special properties, like other previously developed 2D materials.
● This is due to the fact that each gold atom, in the case of goldene, has only six neighbouring
atoms, compared to 12 in a three dimensional crystal.
● Due to metals’ tendency to cluster together and make nanoparticles, creating atom-thin
metallic sheets has been a challenge.
● Gold sheets sandwiched between other materials were produced earlier but goldene is the
first free-standing 2D metal.
Size of Goldene:
● The sheets of goldene are roughly 100 nanometres thick, approximately 400 times thinner
than the thinnest commercially available gold leaf.
Applications of Goldene
● Goldene holds promise of being a good catalyst because it’s much more economically
viable than thicker, three-dimensional gold.
● It is extremely strong and conducts heat and electricity far more effectively than copper. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
● The electronics industry which uses gold due to its electrical conductivity, can potentially use lesser amounts for the same purpose.
● Future applications could include carbon dioxide conversion, hydrogen-generating catalysis, selective production of value-added chemicals, hydrogen production, water
purification, etc.
Soln:
GOLDENE:
● Researchers have for the first time created Goldene - a free-standing sheet of gold - that
is only one atom thick. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
● This makes gold the first metal to be formulated into freestanding 2D sheets.
● Goldene possibly has some special properties, like other previously developed 2D materials.
● This is due to the fact that each gold atom, in the case of goldene, has only six neighbouring
atoms, compared to 12 in a three dimensional crystal.
● Due to metals’ tendency to cluster together and make nanoparticles, creating atom-thin
metallic sheets has been a challenge.
● Gold sheets sandwiched between other materials were produced earlier but goldene is the
first free-standing 2D metal.
Size of Goldene:
● The sheets of goldene are roughly 100 nanometres thick, approximately 400 times thinner
than the thinnest commercially available gold leaf.
Applications of Goldene
● Goldene holds promise of being a good catalyst because it’s much more economically
viable than thicker, three-dimensional gold.
● It is extremely strong and conducts heat and electricity far more effectively than copper. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
● The electronics industry which uses gold due to its electrical conductivity, can potentially use lesser amounts for the same purpose.
● Future applications could include carbon dioxide conversion, hydrogen-generating catalysis, selective production of value-added chemicals, hydrogen production, water
purification, etc.
5. Consider the following statements.
1. In nuclear fusion, atoms of lesser mass combine together to form a new atom of higher mass.
2. The International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) is aimed at demonstrating the feasibility of nuclear fusion as a source of energy.
3. Sun and the other Stars gain their energy from the nuclear fission process.
1. In nuclear fusion, atoms of lesser mass combine together to form a new atom of higher mass.
2. The International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) is aimed at demonstrating the feasibility of nuclear fusion as a source of energy.
3. Sun and the other Stars gain their energy from the nuclear fission process.
How many of the above statements is/are correct?
Anonymous Quiz
3%
A. Only one
65%
B. Only two
31%
C. All the three
1%
D. None of the above
Answer: B
Soln:
International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor:
● The International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) is a major international
nuclear fusion research and engineering project aimed at demonstrating the
feasibility of nuclear fusion as a source of energy. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
● ITER aims to replicate the fusion processes of the sun to create energy.
● The project, involving collaboration among 33 countries, including the European Union,
India, Japan, China, Russia, South Korea, and the United States, is being built in
southern France.
● Thousands of engineers and scientists have contributed to the design of ITER since the idea
for an international joint experiment in fusion was first launched in 1985.
Soln:
International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor:
● The International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) is a major international
nuclear fusion research and engineering project aimed at demonstrating the
feasibility of nuclear fusion as a source of energy. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
● ITER aims to replicate the fusion processes of the sun to create energy.
● The project, involving collaboration among 33 countries, including the European Union,
India, Japan, China, Russia, South Korea, and the United States, is being built in
southern France.
● Thousands of engineers and scientists have contributed to the design of ITER since the idea
for an international joint experiment in fusion was first launched in 1985.
1. Hul Diwas, recently seen in news, is related to which of the following tribal uprisings?
Answer: A
Soln:
● The Santhal rebellion, also known as the Hul revolution, was a tribal uprising in 1855-1856
in present-day Jharkhand and parts of Bengal, led by Sidhu and Kanhu Murmu.
● It was a response to the oppressive policies of the British colonial administration and
their collaborators, including zamindars and moneylenders, who were exploiting the
Santhal people.
● Bhognadih in Jharkhand is the birthplace of tribal icons Sido and Kanhu Murmu, who led
the Santhal rebellion against British rule.
● ‘Hul Diwas’ marks the 1855 Santhal rebellion against the British. Hence, option A is
correct.
● The rebellion, marked by fierce resistance and guerrilla warfare, highlighted the deep-
seated grievances of the Santhals against land alienation, forced labor, and economic
exploitation.
Soln:
● The Santhal rebellion, also known as the Hul revolution, was a tribal uprising in 1855-1856
in present-day Jharkhand and parts of Bengal, led by Sidhu and Kanhu Murmu.
● It was a response to the oppressive policies of the British colonial administration and
their collaborators, including zamindars and moneylenders, who were exploiting the
Santhal people.
● Bhognadih in Jharkhand is the birthplace of tribal icons Sido and Kanhu Murmu, who led
the Santhal rebellion against British rule.
● ‘Hul Diwas’ marks the 1855 Santhal rebellion against the British. Hence, option A is
correct.
● The rebellion, marked by fierce resistance and guerrilla warfare, highlighted the deep-
seated grievances of the Santhals against land alienation, forced labor, and economic
exploitation.
2. Consider the following statements about the Council of Ministers.
1. The original constitution did not stipulate a minimum number of Ministers at the Union
level.
2. The 91st constitutional amendment act restricted the total number of Ministers to 10% of
the total membership of the Lok Sabha.
3. A Minister can belong to any house of the Parliament.
4. A Minister is entitled to speak and vote in both the houses of the Parliament.
1. The original constitution did not stipulate a minimum number of Ministers at the Union
level.
2. The 91st constitutional amendment act restricted the total number of Ministers to 10% of
the total membership of the Lok Sabha.
3. A Minister can belong to any house of the Parliament.
4. A Minister is entitled to speak and vote in both the houses of the Parliament.
How many of the above statements is/are correct?
Anonymous Quiz
59%
A. Only two
31%
B. Only three
8%
C. All four
2%
D. None
Answer: A
Soln:
● The Original Constitution does not stipulate a minimum number of ministers with respect to the Union Council of Ministers. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
● However, there was a provision added by the 91st Constitutional Amendment Act in
2003 that restricts the total number of ministers including the Prime Minister to 15% of the total membership of the Lok Sabha. Hence, statement 2 is incorrect.
● Hence, at present since the total membership of the Lok Sabha is 543, the maximum number of ministers in the Union Council of Ministers, including the Prime Minister, cannot exceed 81.
● Further, the same amendment has also provided that a member of either house of the Parliament who has been disqualified under the Tenth Schedule for defection, shall not be appointed as a Minister for the remainder of the term unless he/she is re-elected (Art 75 (1A) (1B)].
● A Minister can belong to any house of the Parliament. A Minister is entitled to speak in both the Houses of Parliament but can vote only in the House of which he/she is a member [Art 88]. Hence, statement 3 is correct and statement 4 is incorrect.
Soln:
● The Original Constitution does not stipulate a minimum number of ministers with respect to the Union Council of Ministers. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
● However, there was a provision added by the 91st Constitutional Amendment Act in
2003 that restricts the total number of ministers including the Prime Minister to 15% of the total membership of the Lok Sabha. Hence, statement 2 is incorrect.
● Hence, at present since the total membership of the Lok Sabha is 543, the maximum number of ministers in the Union Council of Ministers, including the Prime Minister, cannot exceed 81.
● Further, the same amendment has also provided that a member of either house of the Parliament who has been disqualified under the Tenth Schedule for defection, shall not be appointed as a Minister for the remainder of the term unless he/she is re-elected (Art 75 (1A) (1B)].
● A Minister can belong to any house of the Parliament. A Minister is entitled to speak in both the Houses of Parliament but can vote only in the House of which he/she is a member [Art 88]. Hence, statement 3 is correct and statement 4 is incorrect.
3. Consider the following statements about the BharatNet initiative.
1. It was launched to provide affordable high-speed internet access to every Gram Panchayat (GPs) in the country.
2. The scheme is to be executed through the local bodies in the selected areas.
3. It is funded through Digital Bharat Nidhi (DBN).
1. It was launched to provide affordable high-speed internet access to every Gram Panchayat (GPs) in the country.
2. The scheme is to be executed through the local bodies in the selected areas.
3. It is funded through Digital Bharat Nidhi (DBN).
How many of the above statements is/are correct?
Anonymous Quiz
3%
A. Only one
46%
B. Only two
51%
C. All the three
0%
D. None of the above
Answer: B
Soln:
BharatNet:
● BharatNet initiative was launched in 2011 to provide affordable high-speed internet
access to every Gram Panchayat (GPs) in the country. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
● This initiative, under the Ministry of Communications, seeks to empower rural India,
fostering inclusive growth and bridging the gap between urban and rural communities.
● BharatNet is funded by Digital Bharat Nidhi (DBN), a fund that aims to improve the quality and accessibility of telecommunications services in India. Hence, statement 3 is correct.
● The project is being executed by a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) namely Bharat Broadband Network Limited (BBNL). Hence, statement 2 is incorrect.
Amended BharatNet 2023
● In 2023, the government approved the Amended BharatNet Program (ABP).
● The program provides for internet access by Optical Fibre (OF) connectivity to 2.64 lakh GPs and also to provide OF connectivity to the remaining non-GP villages (approx. 3.8 lakhs) on demand basis.
Soln:
BharatNet:
● BharatNet initiative was launched in 2011 to provide affordable high-speed internet
access to every Gram Panchayat (GPs) in the country. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
● This initiative, under the Ministry of Communications, seeks to empower rural India,
fostering inclusive growth and bridging the gap between urban and rural communities.
● BharatNet is funded by Digital Bharat Nidhi (DBN), a fund that aims to improve the quality and accessibility of telecommunications services in India. Hence, statement 3 is correct.
● The project is being executed by a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) namely Bharat Broadband Network Limited (BBNL). Hence, statement 2 is incorrect.
Amended BharatNet 2023
● In 2023, the government approved the Amended BharatNet Program (ABP).
● The program provides for internet access by Optical Fibre (OF) connectivity to 2.64 lakh GPs and also to provide OF connectivity to the remaining non-GP villages (approx. 3.8 lakhs) on demand basis.
How many of the above statements is/are incorrect?
Anonymous Quiz
46%
A. Only one
39%
B. Only two
14%
C. All the three
2%
D. None of the above
5. Consider the following statements about Inland Water Transport in India.
1. It is highly utilised with a major share in India’s logistics modal mix.
2. All waterways declared as National Waterways come under the control of the Central Government.
3. Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) is a statutory body set for development and regulation of inland waterways for shipping and navigation.
1. It is highly utilised with a major share in India’s logistics modal mix.
2. All waterways declared as National Waterways come under the control of the Central Government.
3. Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) is a statutory body set for development and regulation of inland waterways for shipping and navigation.
Answer: A
Soln:
Inland Water Transport in India:
● India has about 14,500 km of navigable waterways which comprise of rivers, canals, backwaters, creeks, etc.
● Inland Water Transport (IWT) is the most economical mode of transportation, especially
for bulk cargo like coal, iron ore, cement, food grains and fertilizer.
● Presently, it remains underutilized at a share of 2% in India’s modal mix. Hence,
statement 1 is incorrect.
● Government intends to increase the share of IWT to 5% as per Maritime India Vision (MIV)-2030.
● For development of IWT in the country, 111 waterways (including 5 existing National Waterways and 106 new) spread over 24 States have been declared as National
Waterways under the National Waterways Act, 2016.
● As per constitutional provisions, only those waterways which are declared as National Waterways come under the purview of the Central Government while the rest of
waterways remain in the purview of respective State Governments. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
Inland Waterways Authority of India:
● The Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) was established in 1986 for development and regulation of inland waterways for shipping and navigation.
● It is a Statutory Body under the Ministry of Shipping. Hence, statement 3 is correct.
● The Authority primarily undertakes projects for development and maintenance of Inland
Water Transport (IWT) infrastructure on national waterways through grants received from the Ministry of Shipping.
● The head office of the Authority is at Noida.
Soln:
Inland Water Transport in India:
● India has about 14,500 km of navigable waterways which comprise of rivers, canals, backwaters, creeks, etc.
● Inland Water Transport (IWT) is the most economical mode of transportation, especially
for bulk cargo like coal, iron ore, cement, food grains and fertilizer.
● Presently, it remains underutilized at a share of 2% in India’s modal mix. Hence,
statement 1 is incorrect.
● Government intends to increase the share of IWT to 5% as per Maritime India Vision (MIV)-2030.
● For development of IWT in the country, 111 waterways (including 5 existing National Waterways and 106 new) spread over 24 States have been declared as National
Waterways under the National Waterways Act, 2016.
● As per constitutional provisions, only those waterways which are declared as National Waterways come under the purview of the Central Government while the rest of
waterways remain in the purview of respective State Governments. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
Inland Waterways Authority of India:
● The Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) was established in 1986 for development and regulation of inland waterways for shipping and navigation.
● It is a Statutory Body under the Ministry of Shipping. Hence, statement 3 is correct.
● The Authority primarily undertakes projects for development and maintenance of Inland
Water Transport (IWT) infrastructure on national waterways through grants received from the Ministry of Shipping.
● The head office of the Authority is at Noida.
A to Z of UPSC Preparation- For Aspirants aiming for UPSC CSE 2026/27 Examination.
Join Mr. R.A. Israel Jebasingh, Ex-IAS (AIR 59) and Director of Officers IAS Academy, for an eye-opening workshop on A to Z of UPSC preparation... Learn how to approach UPSC CSE in the right way and achieve your dreams!
Date: Saturday, 05th July 2025
Time: 10:00 AM
Venue: Officers IAS Academy, Chennai
Mode: Offline
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Register Now: https://forms.gle/pN5CRW4FhvGjTgzg6
Join Mr. R.A. Israel Jebasingh, Ex-IAS (AIR 59) and Director of Officers IAS Academy, for an eye-opening workshop on A to Z of UPSC preparation... Learn how to approach UPSC CSE in the right way and achieve your dreams!
Date: Saturday, 05th July 2025
Time: 10:00 AM
Venue: Officers IAS Academy, Chennai
Mode: Offline
Get practical tips, insights, and the confidence to crack UPSC Civil services exam.
Register Now: https://forms.gle/pN5CRW4FhvGjTgzg6