Magnetorheological (MR) fluid is a smart material whose thickness and resistance to flow change when exposed to a magnetic field.
Important for UPSC: Science & Technology → Smart Materials → Magnetism → Rheology → Nanotechnology → Automotive Technology → Defence Applications.
Important for UPSC: Science & Technology → Smart Materials → Magnetism → Rheology → Nanotechnology → Automotive Technology → Defence Applications.
Consider the following statements about Economic Prize
1. It has been awarded jointly to American economists Robert E. Hall and Michael Woodford.
2. It has been awarded for microeconomic foundations of macroeconomic stabilisation.
3. It was one of the five original prizes specified in Alfred Nobel's will.
1. It has been awarded jointly to American economists Robert E. Hall and Michael Woodford.
2. It has been awarded for microeconomic foundations of macroeconomic stabilisation.
3. It was one of the five original prizes specified in Alfred Nobel's will.
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Answer: (A)
Statement 1 is correct: The 2026 Sveriges Riksbank Prize in Economic Sciences in Memory of Alfred Nobel has been awarded jointly to American economists Robert E. Hall and Michael Woodford.
Statement 2 is correct: They reconstructed macroeconomic models by building them on microeconomic foundations—focusing on how individual households and forward-looking businesses make decisions regarding savings and pricing.
Statement 3 is incorrect: The Economics Prize was established later, in connection with the Swedish central bank's 300th anniversary, and is not one of the five original prizes.
Statement 1 is correct: The 2026 Sveriges Riksbank Prize in Economic Sciences in Memory of Alfred Nobel has been awarded jointly to American economists Robert E. Hall and Michael Woodford.
Statement 2 is correct: They reconstructed macroeconomic models by building them on microeconomic foundations—focusing on how individual households and forward-looking businesses make decisions regarding savings and pricing.
Statement 3 is incorrect: The Economics Prize was established later, in connection with the Swedish central bank's 300th anniversary, and is not one of the five original prizes.
Consider the following statements regarding coffee cultivation and administration in India:
1. Coffee is a tropical crop that requires a warm and humid climate with temperatures ranging between 15C and 28C, along with well-drained, humus-rich loamy soil.
2. Karnataka is the largest coffee-producing state in India, accounting for more than 70% of the country's total coffee production.
3. The Coffee Board of India is a statutory organization functioning under the administrative control of the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare.
1. Coffee is a tropical crop that requires a warm and humid climate with temperatures ranging between 15C and 28C, along with well-drained, humus-rich loamy soil.
2. Karnataka is the largest coffee-producing state in India, accounting for more than 70% of the country's total coffee production.
3. The Coffee Board of India is a statutory organization functioning under the administrative control of the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare.
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Answer: (A)
Statement 1 is correct: Coffee requires a tropical, warm, and humid climate 15c to 28c and moderate to heavy rainfall (150𝑐𝑚 to 250𝑐𝑚). Deep, fertile, well-drained loamy soils rich in organic humus (often found on hill slopes) are ideal. Direct strong sunlight can harm the plants, so shade trees are usually planted alongside them.
Statement 2 is correct: Karnataka dominates Indian coffee production, contributing around 70% to 75% of the total output (mainly Arabica and Robusta), followed by Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
Statement 3 is incorrect: The Coffee Board of India (established under the Coffee Act, 1942) functions under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (Department of Commerce), not the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare.
Therefore, option A is the correct answer.
Statement 1 is correct: Coffee requires a tropical, warm, and humid climate 15c to 28c and moderate to heavy rainfall (150𝑐𝑚 to 250𝑐𝑚). Deep, fertile, well-drained loamy soils rich in organic humus (often found on hill slopes) are ideal. Direct strong sunlight can harm the plants, so shade trees are usually planted alongside them.
Statement 2 is correct: Karnataka dominates Indian coffee production, contributing around 70% to 75% of the total output (mainly Arabica and Robusta), followed by Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
Statement 3 is incorrect: The Coffee Board of India (established under the Coffee Act, 1942) functions under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (Department of Commerce), not the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare.
Therefore, option A is the correct answer.
With reference to the 'Silver Economy' in India, consider the following statements:
1. The silver economy includes all economic activities related to meeting the needs of the elderly population.
2. Under the expanded Ayushman Bharat scheme, health coverage is provided to all senior citizens aged 70 years and above irrespective of income.
3. The Seniorcare Ageing Growth Engine (SAGE) portal aims to encourage private sector startups to provide elderly care products and services..
1. The silver economy includes all economic activities related to meeting the needs of the elderly population.
2. Under the expanded Ayushman Bharat scheme, health coverage is provided to all senior citizens aged 70 years and above irrespective of income.
3. The Seniorcare Ageing Growth Engine (SAGE) portal aims to encourage private sector startups to provide elderly care products and services..
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Answer: (D)
Statement 1 is correct: The Silver Economy refers to economic activities related to the needs and demands of the elderly population, including healthcare, elderly care, assistive technologies, housing and financial services.
Statement 2 is correct: Under the expanded Ayushman Bharat–Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY), all senior citizens aged 70 years and above are eligible for health coverage irrespective of their income or socio-economic status. Eligible beneficiaries receive health coverage of up to ₹5 lakh per year, subject to the scheme's applicable provisions.
Statement 3 is correct: The Seniorcare Ageing Growth Engine (SAGE) initiative encourages start-ups to develop innovative products and services for senior citizens. It promotes private-sector participation in areas such as elderly care, assistive devices and age-related technology.
Hence, all three statements are correct.
Therefore, option D is the correct answer
Statement 1 is correct: The Silver Economy refers to economic activities related to the needs and demands of the elderly population, including healthcare, elderly care, assistive technologies, housing and financial services.
Statement 2 is correct: Under the expanded Ayushman Bharat–Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY), all senior citizens aged 70 years and above are eligible for health coverage irrespective of their income or socio-economic status. Eligible beneficiaries receive health coverage of up to ₹5 lakh per year, subject to the scheme's applicable provisions.
Statement 3 is correct: The Seniorcare Ageing Growth Engine (SAGE) initiative encourages start-ups to develop innovative products and services for senior citizens. It promotes private-sector participation in areas such as elderly care, assistive devices and age-related technology.
Hence, all three statements are correct.
Therefore, option D is the correct answer
Which of the following are the discretionary powers given to the Governor of a State?
1. Sending a report to the President of India for imposing President's Rule.
2. Appointing the Ministers.
3. Reserving certain bills passed by the State Legislature for consideration of the President of India.
4. Making the rules to conduct the business of the State Government.
1. Sending a report to the President of India for imposing President's Rule.
2. Appointing the Ministers.
3. Reserving certain bills passed by the State Legislature for consideration of the President of India.
4. Making the rules to conduct the business of the State Government.
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Answer: (B)
Statement 1 is CORRECT: Under Article 356, the Governor has the discretionary power to send a report to the President recommending the imposition of President’s Rule if satisfied that the state government cannot be carried on in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution.
Statement 2 is INCORRECT: Under Article 164(1), the Governor appoints Ministers on the aid and advice of the Chief Minister, not at their own discretion.
Statement 3 is CORRECT: Under Article 200, the Governor can reserve certain bills passed by the State Legislature for the consideration of the President using their discretionary power.
Statement 4 is INCORRECT: Under Article 166(3), the Governor makes rules for the more convenient transaction of the business of the State Government, but this power is exercised on the aid and advice of the Council of Ministers, not independently.
Therefore, option B is the correct answer.
Statement 1 is CORRECT: Under Article 356, the Governor has the discretionary power to send a report to the President recommending the imposition of President’s Rule if satisfied that the state government cannot be carried on in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution.
Statement 2 is INCORRECT: Under Article 164(1), the Governor appoints Ministers on the aid and advice of the Chief Minister, not at their own discretion.
Statement 3 is CORRECT: Under Article 200, the Governor can reserve certain bills passed by the State Legislature for the consideration of the President using their discretionary power.
Statement 4 is INCORRECT: Under Article 166(3), the Governor makes rules for the more convenient transaction of the business of the State Government, but this power is exercised on the aid and advice of the Council of Ministers, not independently.
Therefore, option B is the correct answer.
Consider the following applications of smart biomaterials:
1. Controlled release of drugs in response to changes in pH or temperature.
2. Repair and regeneration of damaged tissues using materials that interact with living cells.
3. Development of materials that respond to external stimuli but are incapable of changing their physical or chemical properties.
1. Controlled release of drugs in response to changes in pH or temperature.
2. Repair and regeneration of damaged tissues using materials that interact with living cells.
3. Development of materials that respond to external stimuli but are incapable of changing their physical or chemical properties.
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Answer: (B)
Application 1 is Correct: Smart biomaterials can release drugs in a controlled manner in response to stimuli such as changes in pH or temperature. This helps deliver medicines at specific locations or under specific biological conditions.
Application 2 is Correct: Smart biomaterials are used in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. They can interact with living cells, provide structural support and promote the repair or regeneration of damaged tissues.
Application 3 is Incorrect: The ability to respond to stimuli by changing their physical or chemical properties is a key characteristic of smart biomaterials. The statement incorrectly claims that these materials are incapable of such changes.
Therefore, option B is correct
Application 1 is Correct: Smart biomaterials can release drugs in a controlled manner in response to stimuli such as changes in pH or temperature. This helps deliver medicines at specific locations or under specific biological conditions.
Application 2 is Correct: Smart biomaterials are used in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. They can interact with living cells, provide structural support and promote the repair or regeneration of damaged tissues.
Application 3 is Incorrect: The ability to respond to stimuli by changing their physical or chemical properties is a key characteristic of smart biomaterials. The statement incorrectly claims that these materials are incapable of such changes.
Therefore, option B is correct
Consider the following statements regarding the Reserve Bank of India's (RBI) measures to manage foreign exchange market volatility:
1. The RBI sells US dollars to curb rupee depreciation and buys dollars to moderate rupee appreciation.
2. The RBI uses forward transactions to manage future currency positions and capital-flow volatility.
3. The RBI regulates authorised dealers’ forex positions and exposure limits.
4. Forex derivatives eliminate all currency risk and guarantee profits to market participants.
5. The RBI does not require forex transactions and derivatives to be reported to the Clearing Corporation of India Ltd (CCIL) Trade Repository.
6. The RBI uses forex reserves and liquidity management to address external shocks and maintain orderly markets.
1. The RBI sells US dollars to curb rupee depreciation and buys dollars to moderate rupee appreciation.
2. The RBI uses forward transactions to manage future currency positions and capital-flow volatility.
3. The RBI regulates authorised dealers’ forex positions and exposure limits.
4. Forex derivatives eliminate all currency risk and guarantee profits to market participants.
5. The RBI does not require forex transactions and derivatives to be reported to the Clearing Corporation of India Ltd (CCIL) Trade Repository.
6. The RBI uses forex reserves and liquidity management to address external shocks and maintain orderly markets.
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Answer: (C)
Statement 1 is correct:To manage extreme volatility, the central bank intervenes in the forex market by selling dollars from its reserves to support a falling rupee, or buying dollars to prevent excessive appreciation when there are heavy capital inflows.
Statement 2 is correct: The RBI utilizes forward market interventions (such as sell-buy swaps) to manage liquidity, absorb immediate spot market pressures, and handle capital-flow dynamics over future horizons.
Statement 3 is correct: The RBI enforces strict regulatory frameworks—such as Net Open Position Limits (NOPL) and hedging thresholds—on Authorised Dealer (AD) banks to curb speculative trading and maintain institutional stability.
Statement 4 is incorrect: Derivatives are tools used to hedge or mitigate currency risk, but they do not completely eliminate market risk or guarantee profits. Improper management or unhedged exposures can actually amplify systemic vulnerabilities and trading losses.
Statement 5 is incorrect: Under regulatory mandates, the RBI requires financial institutions and Authorised Dealers to report over-the-counter (OTC) foreign exchange transactions and derivative contracts to the Clearing Corporation of India Ltd. (CCIL) Trade Repository to ensure market transparency and systemic oversight.
Statement 6 is correct: The primary goal of RBI interventions is not to fix an artificial exchange rate, but to cushion the domestic economy against global external shocks (such as rising crude oil prices or geopolitical tensions) and ensure smooth, orderly market functioning.
Therefore, option C is the correct answer.
Statement 1 is correct:To manage extreme volatility, the central bank intervenes in the forex market by selling dollars from its reserves to support a falling rupee, or buying dollars to prevent excessive appreciation when there are heavy capital inflows.
Statement 2 is correct: The RBI utilizes forward market interventions (such as sell-buy swaps) to manage liquidity, absorb immediate spot market pressures, and handle capital-flow dynamics over future horizons.
Statement 3 is correct: The RBI enforces strict regulatory frameworks—such as Net Open Position Limits (NOPL) and hedging thresholds—on Authorised Dealer (AD) banks to curb speculative trading and maintain institutional stability.
Statement 4 is incorrect: Derivatives are tools used to hedge or mitigate currency risk, but they do not completely eliminate market risk or guarantee profits. Improper management or unhedged exposures can actually amplify systemic vulnerabilities and trading losses.
Statement 5 is incorrect: Under regulatory mandates, the RBI requires financial institutions and Authorised Dealers to report over-the-counter (OTC) foreign exchange transactions and derivative contracts to the Clearing Corporation of India Ltd. (CCIL) Trade Repository to ensure market transparency and systemic oversight.
Statement 6 is correct: The primary goal of RBI interventions is not to fix an artificial exchange rate, but to cushion the domestic economy against global external shocks (such as rising crude oil prices or geopolitical tensions) and ensure smooth, orderly market functioning.
Therefore, option C is the correct answer.
Consider the following statements about the Ebola virus:
1. A person infected with Ebola can transmit the virus during the incubation period before symptoms appear.
2. Ebola virus contains a segmented RNA genome.
3. Ebola virus disease and Marburg virus disease are caused by viruses belonging to the same family.
1. A person infected with Ebola can transmit the virus during the incubation period before symptoms appear.
2. Ebola virus contains a segmented RNA genome.
3. Ebola virus disease and Marburg virus disease are caused by viruses belonging to the same family.