Consider the following statements:
Statement-I: El Niño events are generally associated with a weakening of the Indian
Summer Monsoon.
Statement-II: The warming of the central and eastern tropical Pacific Ocean during El
Niño disrupts the Walker Circulation, leading to suppressed rainfall over the Indian
subcontinent.

Answer: (A)
Statement-I: Correct
El Niño events are generally associated with a weakening of the Indian Summer
Monsoon, often leading to below-normal rainfall over India.
Statement-II: Correct
During El Niño, abnormal warming of the central and eastern tropical Pacific Ocean
weakens or shifts the Walker Circulation. This reduces convection (rising air and rainfall)
over the Indian region, resulting in suppressed monsoon rainfall.
Link between the statements:
The disruption of the Walker Circulation is the primary mechanism through which El Niño
weakens the Indian monsoon.
Therefore, Statement-II correctly explains Statement-I.

Assertion (A): Induction cooktops are generally safer and more energy-efficient than
traditional gas stoves.
Reason (R): In induction cooking, heat is generated directly inside the cookware through
eddy currents, leaving the cooktop surface relatively cool.

Answer: (A)
Assertion (A): True
Induction cooktops are generally safer (reduced risk of burns, no open flame) and more
energy-efficient (minimal heat loss) compared to traditional gas stoves.
Reason (R): True
Induction cooking works on the principle of electromagnetic induction, where eddy
currents are generated directly in the cookware, producing heat within the vessel itself. The
cooktop surface remains relatively cool.
Link between A and R:
Since heat is produced directly in the cookware, there is:
○ Higher efficiency (less heat wasted to surroundings)
○ Greater safety (cooler surface, no flame)
Thus, R correctly explains A.

Consider the following statements about the World Trade Organization:
1. The Ministerial Conference is the highest decision-making body and is required to
meet at least once every year.
2. India was a founding member of both GATT and WTO.

Answer: (B)
● The World Trade Organization was established in 1995 via the Marrakesh Agreement, the
WTO is the only global international organization dealing with the rules of trade between
nations.
● While the Ministerial Conference is indeed the highest decision-making body of the
WTO, it is mandated to meet at least once every two years, not every year. In the intervals
between these conferences, the General Council handles the organization's day-to-day
business. Hence statement 1 is incorrect.
● India was one of the original 23 signatories to the General Agreement on Tariffs and
Trade (GATT) in 1947 and subsequently became a founding member of the WTO upon
its establishment on 1 January 1995. Hence statement 2 is correct.
● Therefore option B is the correct answer.

Consider the following statements about the Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR):
1. It uses Uranium–Plutonium Mixed Oxide (MOX) fuel and liquid sodium as a coolant.
2. It converts Uranium-238 into Plutonium-239 through neutron capture and is part of
India’s three-stage nuclear programme.

Answer: (C)
● The Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) is a 500 MWe (megawatt electric) nuclear
reactor located at Kalpakkam, Tamil Nadu, that generates more fuel than it consumes
while producing electricity.
● The PFBR uses Uranium–Plutonium Mixed Oxide (MOX) as its primary fuel and
employs liquid sodium as a coolant. Liquid sodium is preferred over water in fast reactors
because it does not slow down neutrons, which is necessary for the "fast" neutron spectrum.
Hence statement 1 is correct.
● The reactor is designed to convert fertile Uranium-238 (in a "blanket" surrounding the
core) into fissile Plutonium-239 through neutron capture. This process is what makes it a
"breeder" reactor, and it is the cornerstone of Stage II of India’s three-stage nuclear power
programme. Hence statement 2 is correct.
● Therefore option C is the correct answer.

Which of the following gases are considered greenhouse gases
1. Carbon dioxide
2. Water vapor
3. Nitrous oxide
4. Nitrogen
5. Halons
6. Argon

Answer: (D)
● Carbon dioxide:The primary greenhouse gas emitted through human activities.
● Water vapor: The most abundant greenhouse gas; it increases as the atmosphere warms,
creating a feedback loop.
● Nitrous oxide: A powerful greenhouse gas largely emitted from agricultural and industrial
activities.
● Nitrogen: It makes up about 78% of our atmosphere but is not a greenhouse gas because its
molecules (two identical atoms) do not absorb infrared radiation.
● Halons:Ozone-depleting substances that are also potent greenhouse gases. However, in most
standard multiple-choice questions for competitive exams, they are categorized primarily as
ozone-depleters unless "all of the above" or a more inclusive option is provided.
● Argon: Like Nitrogen, Argon is an inert noble gas and does not trap heat.
● Therefore , D is the correct answer.

4) With reference to the President of India, consider the following statements:
1. Unlike the President of the United States, the Indian President can be re-elected any
number of times.
2. To be eligible for election as President of India, a person must be qualified for election
as a member of the Rajya Sabha.

Answer: (A)
The President of India is the constitutional head of the State and part of Parliament.
Elected indirectly by an Electoral College using proportional representation and single
transferable vote.
● The President of India can be re-elected any number of times, as the Constitution
of India does not prescribe any limit on the number of terms.
● For example, Rajendra Prasad served two terms, making him the only President to do
so.
● In contrast, the President of the United States is restricted to a maximum of two
terms under the 22nd Amendment to the US Constitution.
● Hence, statement 1 is correct.
● According to the Constitution of India, a person contesting for the office of President
must be qualified for election as a member of the Lok Sabha, not the Rajya Sabha.
Hence, statement 2 is incorrect.
● Therefore, option A is the correct answer.

Consider the following:
1. Cholera
2. Typhoid
3. Malaria
4. Hepatitis A
5. Giardiasis

Answer: (D)
Cholera: Caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae, cholera spreads through the ingestion of
contaminated water or food. It is a classic water-borne disease that leads to severe diarrhea
and dehydration.
Typhoid: Caused by Salmonella Typhi, typhoid is transmitted via the feco-oral route, often
through contaminated water. It is a significant water-borne illness, characterized by prolonged
fever and gastrointestinal symptoms.
Malaria: Caused by the protozoan Plasmodium, malaria is not water-borne. It spreads
through the bite of an infected female Anopheles mosquito, leading to recurrent fevers, chills,
and anemia.
Hepatitis A: Caused by the Hepatitis A virus (HAV), it spreads through ingestion of
contaminated water or food. Hepatitis A is a water-borne viral disease affecting the liver and
causing jaundice and fatigue.
Giardiasis: Caused by the protozoan Giardia lamblia, giardiasis spreads via ingestion of
water containing cysts. It is a water-borne parasitic infection resulting in diarrhea, abdominal
cramps, and nausea.
Therefore , option D is the correct answer