2. Which of the following services are provided by the International Financial Services Centre (IFSC)?
1. Fund-raising services for governments
2. Wealth management
3. Merger and acquisition activities among trans-national corporations
1. Fund-raising services for governments
2. Wealth management
3. Merger and acquisition activities among trans-national corporations
Select the correct answer using the codes given below
Anonymous Quiz
13%
A. 1 and 2 only
22%
B. 2 and 3 only
20%
C. 1 and 3 only
45%
D. 1, 2 and 3
3. Consider the following statements about Warli Painting
1. It is a tribal mural art belonging to the state of West Bengal.
2. It is based on the concept of Mother Nature and the elements of nature are often kept in focus.
3. Warli paintings are devoid of people and animals.
1. It is a tribal mural art belonging to the state of West Bengal.
2. It is based on the concept of Mother Nature and the elements of nature are often kept in focus.
3. Warli paintings are devoid of people and animals.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
Anonymous Quiz
27%
A. Only one
46%
B. Only two
21%
C. All three
7%
D. None
Answer: D
Explanation:
● An International Financial Services Centre (IFSC) is a jurisdiction that provides world class
financial services to non-residents and residents, to the extent permissible under the
current regulations, in a currency other than the domestic currency (Indian Rupee) of the
location where the IFSC is located.
● Services provided by an IFSC:
○ Fund-raising services for individuals, corporations and governments
○ Asset management and global portfolio diversification undertaken by pension funds,
insurance companies and mutual funds
○ Wealth management
○ Merger and acquisition activities among trans-national corporations, etc. Hence all the options are correct.
Explanation:
● An International Financial Services Centre (IFSC) is a jurisdiction that provides world class
financial services to non-residents and residents, to the extent permissible under the
current regulations, in a currency other than the domestic currency (Indian Rupee) of the
location where the IFSC is located.
● Services provided by an IFSC:
○ Fund-raising services for individuals, corporations and governments
○ Asset management and global portfolio diversification undertaken by pension funds,
insurance companies and mutual funds
○ Wealth management
○ Merger and acquisition activities among trans-national corporations, etc. Hence all the options are correct.
Answer: A
Soln
● Statement 1 is correct: Warli painting is a form of tribal mural art created by the tribal
people from the North Sahyadri Range in Maharashtra.
● Statement 2 is correct: It is based on the concept of Mother Nature and the elements of
nature are often kept in focus.
● Warli artists are known to use their clay huts as backdrops for creating these warli paintings,
similar to the way prehistoric paintings were made.
● These rudimentary paintings are made using a set of geometric shapes - a circle, a
triangle, and a square.
● Statement 3 is incorrect: People and animals represented in Warli paintings are depicted
by two inverse triangles joined at their tips.
● In Warli paintings, male gods are uncommon to find and are usually related to spirits which
have taken human form.
● The central motif in every ritual painting is a square known as the “chauk” or “chaukat”. It
is depicted by scenes that portray hunting, fishing and farming. Festivals and folk
dances are also common scenes depicted through Warli art.
● Apart from ritualistic paintings, Warli paintings also represent various day-to-day activities
performed by village members.
● Jivya Soman Mashe is known as the Father of Warli art because he pulled it out of the traditional domain and popularized it beyond the Sahyadri mountains.
Soln
● Statement 1 is correct: Warli painting is a form of tribal mural art created by the tribal
people from the North Sahyadri Range in Maharashtra.
● Statement 2 is correct: It is based on the concept of Mother Nature and the elements of
nature are often kept in focus.
● Warli artists are known to use their clay huts as backdrops for creating these warli paintings,
similar to the way prehistoric paintings were made.
● These rudimentary paintings are made using a set of geometric shapes - a circle, a
triangle, and a square.
● Statement 3 is incorrect: People and animals represented in Warli paintings are depicted
by two inverse triangles joined at their tips.
● In Warli paintings, male gods are uncommon to find and are usually related to spirits which
have taken human form.
● The central motif in every ritual painting is a square known as the “chauk” or “chaukat”. It
is depicted by scenes that portray hunting, fishing and farming. Festivals and folk
dances are also common scenes depicted through Warli art.
● Apart from ritualistic paintings, Warli paintings also represent various day-to-day activities
performed by village members.
● Jivya Soman Mashe is known as the Father of Warli art because he pulled it out of the traditional domain and popularized it beyond the Sahyadri mountains.
4. Consider the following statements about the Trade Watch Quarterly Report.
1. It is published by the NITI Aayog.
2. It offers a snapshot of India's trade performance, trade direction and composition.
3. The recent report highlighted that North America and the European Union are key import sources for India.
1. It is published by the NITI Aayog.
2. It offers a snapshot of India's trade performance, trade direction and composition.
3. The recent report highlighted that North America and the European Union are key import sources for India.
How many of the above statements is/are correct?
Anonymous Quiz
10%
A. Only one
71%
B. Only two
16%
C. All three
3%
D. None
Answer: B
Soln:
Trade Watch Quarterly
About the Report
● The Trade Watch Quarterly Report is published by the NITI Aayog. Hence, statement 1 is
correct.
● The Report serves as a quarterly assessment, offering a snapshot of India's trade
performance, highlighting trade direction and composition along with a thematic analysis.
Hence, statement 2 is correct.
Why in News?
● NITI Aayog has published the second edition of the "Trade Watch Quarterly" for the Quarter
II of the FY 2025 (July to September).
Highlights of the Report
● India’s total trade grew by 5.67 percent in April-September 2024 compared to the same
period in 2023.
● The country’s merchandise exports have remained stable, averaging 35.4 billion dollars
per month over the past six months, while imports averaged 57.8 billion dollars.
● Regionally, North America and the European Union continue to dominate India’s
exports, accounting for approximately 40%, while Northeast Asia and West Asia remain
key import sources. Hence, statement 3 is incorrect.
● In addition to offering a comprehensive analysis of India’s trade position, this edition
examines the textile sector, a key contributor to economic growth.
● India is the 6th largest textile exporter globally, with a strong presence in natural
fibre-based products like cotton.
○ However, with the global trade landscape shifting towards manmade and technical textiles, India has huge untapped potential in high value segments.
Soln:
Trade Watch Quarterly
About the Report
● The Trade Watch Quarterly Report is published by the NITI Aayog. Hence, statement 1 is
correct.
● The Report serves as a quarterly assessment, offering a snapshot of India's trade
performance, highlighting trade direction and composition along with a thematic analysis.
Hence, statement 2 is correct.
Why in News?
● NITI Aayog has published the second edition of the "Trade Watch Quarterly" for the Quarter
II of the FY 2025 (July to September).
Highlights of the Report
● India’s total trade grew by 5.67 percent in April-September 2024 compared to the same
period in 2023.
● The country’s merchandise exports have remained stable, averaging 35.4 billion dollars
per month over the past six months, while imports averaged 57.8 billion dollars.
● Regionally, North America and the European Union continue to dominate India’s
exports, accounting for approximately 40%, while Northeast Asia and West Asia remain
key import sources. Hence, statement 3 is incorrect.
● In addition to offering a comprehensive analysis of India’s trade position, this edition
examines the textile sector, a key contributor to economic growth.
● India is the 6th largest textile exporter globally, with a strong presence in natural
fibre-based products like cotton.
○ However, with the global trade landscape shifting towards manmade and technical textiles, India has huge untapped potential in high value segments.
5. Consider the following statements.
1. Proteins are made up of amino acids, which are linked together in long chains.
2. Some amino acids are termed essential because the human body cannot produce them.
3. Plant proteins are known as complete proteins, meaning they contain all nine essential amino acids.
4. The human body can store proteins like fat or carbohydrates.
1. Proteins are made up of amino acids, which are linked together in long chains.
2. Some amino acids are termed essential because the human body cannot produce them.
3. Plant proteins are known as complete proteins, meaning they contain all nine essential amino acids.
4. The human body can store proteins like fat or carbohydrates.
How many of the above statements is/are correct?
Anonymous Quiz
36%
A. Only two
45%
B. Only three
18%
C. All four
1%
D. None
Answer: A
Soln:
Proteins
● Proteins are large, complex molecules that are essential to the structure, function, and
regulation of the body’s cells, tissues, and organs. They are often called the "building
blocks of life."
● Proteins are made up of amino acids, which are linked together in long chains. Hence,
statement 1 is correct.
○ There are 20 different amino acids, and the specific sequence of these determines
a protein’s structure and function.
○ Some amino acids are essential (nine of twenty), meaning the body cannot
produce them and must obtain them from food. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
● Animal proteins (sourced from eggs, meat, poultry, fish, milk, cheese, yogurt) are known as
complete proteins, meaning they contain all nine essential amino acids. Hence,
statement 3 is incorrect.
● While some plant proteins (sourced from lentils, beans, chickpeas, tofu, soy, quinoa, nuts,
seeds, and whole grains) are incomplete but can be combined to form a complete profile.
Did you know?
● The Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for protein is 0.8 grams of protein per
kilogram of body weight.
● Our body cannot store proteins the way it stores carbohydrates or fat — so we need a
regular intake. Hence, statement 4 is incorrect.
● Protein is crucial for growth and development, muscle maintenance, tissue repair and
immune function.
● Lack of protein can lead to muscle loss, fatigue, poor immunity, and in extreme cases, it
can result in protein deficiency diseases like Kwashirokar and Marasmus.
Protein Deficiency in India
● India faces widespread protein deficiency, especially among children and women.
Traditional diets often lack adequate and quality protein sources.
● Traditional protein sources (like meat and dairy) consume large amounts of land, water, and energy.
● Traditional livestock and agriculture contribute significantly to greenhouse gas emissions.
● As the population grows, the demand for protein-rich food increases, however
traditional food systems are unsustainable at scale.
● Animal-based food systems also increase risks of zoonoses (diseases jumping from animals to humans).
Soln:
Proteins
● Proteins are large, complex molecules that are essential to the structure, function, and
regulation of the body’s cells, tissues, and organs. They are often called the "building
blocks of life."
● Proteins are made up of amino acids, which are linked together in long chains. Hence,
statement 1 is correct.
○ There are 20 different amino acids, and the specific sequence of these determines
a protein’s structure and function.
○ Some amino acids are essential (nine of twenty), meaning the body cannot
produce them and must obtain them from food. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
● Animal proteins (sourced from eggs, meat, poultry, fish, milk, cheese, yogurt) are known as
complete proteins, meaning they contain all nine essential amino acids. Hence,
statement 3 is incorrect.
● While some plant proteins (sourced from lentils, beans, chickpeas, tofu, soy, quinoa, nuts,
seeds, and whole grains) are incomplete but can be combined to form a complete profile.
Did you know?
● The Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for protein is 0.8 grams of protein per
kilogram of body weight.
● Our body cannot store proteins the way it stores carbohydrates or fat — so we need a
regular intake. Hence, statement 4 is incorrect.
● Protein is crucial for growth and development, muscle maintenance, tissue repair and
immune function.
● Lack of protein can lead to muscle loss, fatigue, poor immunity, and in extreme cases, it
can result in protein deficiency diseases like Kwashirokar and Marasmus.
Protein Deficiency in India
● India faces widespread protein deficiency, especially among children and women.
Traditional diets often lack adequate and quality protein sources.
● Traditional protein sources (like meat and dairy) consume large amounts of land, water, and energy.
● Traditional livestock and agriculture contribute significantly to greenhouse gas emissions.
● As the population grows, the demand for protein-rich food increases, however
traditional food systems are unsustainable at scale.
● Animal-based food systems also increase risks of zoonoses (diseases jumping from animals to humans).
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Join us and take the first step towards your dream career in civil services!
Attend an inspiring seminar by Dr. C. Sylendra Babu, IPS (Retd.), former DGP of Tamil Nadu and Director - Academics, Officers IAS Academy. Discover how to prepare effectively for the Civil Services Examination with proven strategies, learn about the exam structure, understand the nuances and get a glimpse into the life and responsibilities of a civil servant.
📅 Date: July 27, 2025
🕥 Time: 10:00 AM
📍 Venue: Officers IAS Academy, Chennai
We also invite parents to be a part of this session and understand the roadmap and commitment required for UPSC success. Don't miss this chance to receive valuable guidance from one of the best mentors in the field!
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1. Consider the following statements about the Akash missile system.
1. It is a medium range air defence system.
2. It includes a platform of surface to air missiles (SAM).
3. It can be deployed even at altitudes higher than 3000 metres from the sea level.
1. It is a medium range air defence system.
2. It includes a platform of surface to air missiles (SAM).
3. It can be deployed even at altitudes higher than 3000 metres from the sea level.
How many of the above statements is/are correct?
Anonymous Quiz
7%
A. Only one
39%
B. Only two
52%
C. All three
2%
D. None
Answer: C
Soln:
● The Akash air defence system is a medium-range, surface-to-air missile platform
designed to protect mobile, semi-mobile and static military installations from a range of
aerial threats. Hence, statements 1 and 2 are correct.
● It can be deployed at heights up to 4,500 metres and can take down targets at a
distance of around 25-30 k.m. Hence, statement 3 is correct.
● Akash Prime is an upgraded version of the Akash system, equipped with an indigenous
active Radio Frequency (RF) seeker for enhanced precision irrespective of weather and
terrain.
● The Indian Army has carried out successful trials of the indigenously developed Air Defence
System “Akash Prime” in Ladakh, in July 2025.
Soln:
● The Akash air defence system is a medium-range, surface-to-air missile platform
designed to protect mobile, semi-mobile and static military installations from a range of
aerial threats. Hence, statements 1 and 2 are correct.
● It can be deployed at heights up to 4,500 metres and can take down targets at a
distance of around 25-30 k.m. Hence, statement 3 is correct.
● Akash Prime is an upgraded version of the Akash system, equipped with an indigenous
active Radio Frequency (RF) seeker for enhanced precision irrespective of weather and
terrain.
● The Indian Army has carried out successful trials of the indigenously developed Air Defence
System “Akash Prime” in Ladakh, in July 2025.
2. Consider the following statements about Carbon Farming.
1. It is a set of agricultural methods that aim to store carbon in the soil, crop roots, wood and leaves.
2. The overall goal of carbon farming is to reduce carbon emissions.
3. Zero tillage, crop rotation, composting are techniques to practice carbon farming.
1. It is a set of agricultural methods that aim to store carbon in the soil, crop roots, wood and leaves.
2. The overall goal of carbon farming is to reduce carbon emissions.
3. Zero tillage, crop rotation, composting are techniques to practice carbon farming.
How many of the above statements is/are correct?
Anonymous Quiz
2%
A. Only one
30%
B. Only two
68%
C. All three
0%
D. None
Answer: C
Soln:
● Carbon farming is a set of agricultural methods that aim to store carbon in the soil,
crop roots, wood and leaves. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
● The overall goal of carbon farming is to reduce carbon emissions from the atmosphere by
increasing the rate at which carbon is sequestered into soil and plant material. Hence,
statement 2 is correct.
○ Carbon sequestration refers to the long-term storage of carbon in plants, soils, etc.
Methods of Carbon Farming:
● Agroforestry practices, such as silvopasture, helps in sequestering carbon in trees and
shrubs.
● Conservation agriculture techniques such as zero tillage, crop rotation, composting,
can help minimise soil disturbance and enhance organic content. Hence, statement 3 is
correct.
● Integrated Nutrient Management practices promote soil fertility and reduce emissions by
using organic fertilisers and composting.
● Livestock management strategies including rotational grazing, optimising feed quality,
and managing animal waste can reduce methane emissions and increase the amount of carbon stored away in pasture lands.
Soln:
● Carbon farming is a set of agricultural methods that aim to store carbon in the soil,
crop roots, wood and leaves. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
● The overall goal of carbon farming is to reduce carbon emissions from the atmosphere by
increasing the rate at which carbon is sequestered into soil and plant material. Hence,
statement 2 is correct.
○ Carbon sequestration refers to the long-term storage of carbon in plants, soils, etc.
Methods of Carbon Farming:
● Agroforestry practices, such as silvopasture, helps in sequestering carbon in trees and
shrubs.
● Conservation agriculture techniques such as zero tillage, crop rotation, composting,
can help minimise soil disturbance and enhance organic content. Hence, statement 3 is
correct.
● Integrated Nutrient Management practices promote soil fertility and reduce emissions by
using organic fertilisers and composting.
● Livestock management strategies including rotational grazing, optimising feed quality,
and managing animal waste can reduce methane emissions and increase the amount of carbon stored away in pasture lands.
3. Consider the following statements about the United Nations Peacekeeping Forces.
1. The United Nations Peacekeeping Forces are employed by the UN to maintain or re- establish peace in an area of armed conflict.
2. The UN Peacekeeping Forces may only be employed when both parties to a conflict accept their presence.
1. The United Nations Peacekeeping Forces are employed by the UN to maintain or re- establish peace in an area of armed conflict.
2. The UN Peacekeeping Forces may only be employed when both parties to a conflict accept their presence.
Which of the above statements is/are incorrect?
Anonymous Quiz
15%
A. 1 only
11%
B. 2 only
44%
C. Both 1 and 2
31%
D. Neither 1 nor 2