Please open Telegram to view this post
VIEW IN TELEGRAM
Answer: (A)
Statement 1 is correct: Kazakhstan is universally classified as a landlocked country (in fact, it is the world's largest landlocked country) because it does not have direct access to the world ocean.
Statement 2 is correct: Kazakhstan is bounded by the Caspian Sea to its west.
Statement 3 is incorrect: Kazakhstan does not share a border with Mongolia. Although they are geographically very close, they are separated by a narrow stretch of land where the borders of Russia and China meet in the Altai region.
Therefore, option A is the correct answer.
Statement 1 is correct: Kazakhstan is universally classified as a landlocked country (in fact, it is the world's largest landlocked country) because it does not have direct access to the world ocean.
Statement 2 is correct: Kazakhstan is bounded by the Caspian Sea to its west.
Statement 3 is incorrect: Kazakhstan does not share a border with Mongolia. Although they are geographically very close, they are separated by a narrow stretch of land where the borders of Russia and China meet in the Altai region.
Therefore, option A is the correct answer.
Consider the following statements regarding the Pradhan Mantri Skilling and Employability Transformation through Upgraded ITIs (PM-SETU Scheme):
1. It is a Central Sector Scheme aimed at strengthening India’s vocational training ecosystem.
2. It seeks to introduce industry-aligned long-term and short-term courses, particularly in new and emerging sectors.
3. It is jointly implemented by the Ministry of Commerce and the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship is the nodal ministry for the scheme.
1. It is a Central Sector Scheme aimed at strengthening India’s vocational training ecosystem.
2. It seeks to introduce industry-aligned long-term and short-term courses, particularly in new and emerging sectors.
3. It is jointly implemented by the Ministry of Commerce and the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship is the nodal ministry for the scheme.
Please open Telegram to view this post
VIEW IN TELEGRAM
Answer: (C)
Statement 1 is Incorrect: The PM-SETU Scheme is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme (not a Central Sector Scheme). The total financial outlay of ₹60,000 crore over 5 years is shared between the Central Government (₹30,000 crore / 50%), State Governments (₹20,000
crore / 33.3%), and Industry partners (₹10,000 crore / 16.7%).
Statement 2 is Correct: The scheme aims to introduce industry-aligned long-term and short-term courses, new-age trades, modular curricula, and training in emerging sectors such as AI, Cyber Security, Robotics, Green Hydrogen, EV technology, and Semiconductors.
Statement 3 is Incorrect: The scheme is implemented under the aegis of the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) as the sole nodal ministry. It is not jointly implemented with the Ministry of Commerce.
Therefore, Option C is the correct answer.
Statement 1 is Incorrect: The PM-SETU Scheme is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme (not a Central Sector Scheme). The total financial outlay of ₹60,000 crore over 5 years is shared between the Central Government (₹30,000 crore / 50%), State Governments (₹20,000
crore / 33.3%), and Industry partners (₹10,000 crore / 16.7%).
Statement 2 is Correct: The scheme aims to introduce industry-aligned long-term and short-term courses, new-age trades, modular curricula, and training in emerging sectors such as AI, Cyber Security, Robotics, Green Hydrogen, EV technology, and Semiconductors.
Statement 3 is Incorrect: The scheme is implemented under the aegis of the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) as the sole nodal ministry. It is not jointly implemented with the Ministry of Commerce.
Therefore, Option C is the correct answer.
Consider the following statements regarding the Kamchatka Peninsula:
1. It forms a part of the Pacific Ring of Fire.
2. It is bounded by the Bering Sea and the Sea of Okhotsk.
3. The “Volcanoes of Kamchatka” is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
1. It forms a part of the Pacific Ring of Fire.
2. It is bounded by the Bering Sea and the Sea of Okhotsk.
3. The “Volcanoes of Kamchatka” is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Please open Telegram to view this post
VIEW IN TELEGRAM
Answer: (D)
Statement 1 is correct: The Kamchatka Peninsula is located in the Russian Far East and is one of the most intensely active volcanic regions in the world, forming a key segment of the Pacific "Ring of Fire" due to the subduction of the Pacific Plate.
Statement 2 is correct: Geographically, the peninsula is bounded by the Sea of Okhotsk to the west, and the Pacific Ocean and the Bering Sea to the east.
Statement 3 is correct: The "Volcanoes of Kamchatka" is inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognized for its exceptional concentration of active volcanoes, diverse volcanic types, and associated hydrothermal features.
Therefore, Option D is the correct answer.
Statement 1 is correct: The Kamchatka Peninsula is located in the Russian Far East and is one of the most intensely active volcanic regions in the world, forming a key segment of the Pacific "Ring of Fire" due to the subduction of the Pacific Plate.
Statement 2 is correct: Geographically, the peninsula is bounded by the Sea of Okhotsk to the west, and the Pacific Ocean and the Bering Sea to the east.
Statement 3 is correct: The "Volcanoes of Kamchatka" is inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognized for its exceptional concentration of active volcanoes, diverse volcanic types, and associated hydrothermal features.
Therefore, Option D is the correct answer.
Assertion (A): The PUFFINS mission can contribute to understanding the role of interstellar dust in the formation and evolution of stars and planets.
Reason (R): The mission investigates the composition, structure and magnetic alignment of interstellar dust grains using ultraviolet starlight polarisation.
Reason (R): The mission investigates the composition, structure and magnetic alignment of interstellar dust grains using ultraviolet starlight polarisation.
Please open Telegram to view this post
VIEW IN TELEGRAM
Answer: (A)
Interstellar dust plays an important role in processes associated with star and planet formation. Studying its properties helps scientists understand the physical conditions within the interstellar medium. Hence, Assertion (A) is correct.
PUFFINS uses ultraviolet spectropolarimetry to investigate the composition, structure and magnetic alignment of interstellar dust grains. These observations help scientists understand dust properties and their influence on the interstellar environment. Hence, Reason (R) is correct.
Reason (R) correctly explains Assertion (A) because investigating interstellar dust properties helps scientists understand its role in the formation and evolution of stars and planets.
Therefore, option (a) is the correct answer.
Interstellar dust plays an important role in processes associated with star and planet formation. Studying its properties helps scientists understand the physical conditions within the interstellar medium. Hence, Assertion (A) is correct.
PUFFINS uses ultraviolet spectropolarimetry to investigate the composition, structure and magnetic alignment of interstellar dust grains. These observations help scientists understand dust properties and their influence on the interstellar environment. Hence, Reason (R) is correct.
Reason (R) correctly explains Assertion (A) because investigating interstellar dust properties helps scientists understand its role in the formation and evolution of stars and planets.
Therefore, option (a) is the correct answer.
Ms. X is an Indian-origin individual residing abroad who holds foreign citizenship, while Mr. Y is an Indian citizen residing outside India. Both wish to invest in India, acquire immovable property and understand their respective rights under Indian law.
In this context, consider the following statements:
1. Ms. X is not permitted to acquire agricultural land, a farmhouse or plantation property in India under the OCI framework, whereas Mr. Y may acquire immovable property in India subject to the applicable laws and regulations.
2. Ms. X requires a special permit from the government to undertake research, missionary, mountaineering, or journalistic activities in India, whereas Mr. Y requires no such prior permit.
3. Both Ms. X and Mr. Y are granted lifelong multiple-entry visas for visiting India without needing to register with the Foreigners Regional Registration Officer (FRRO) for any duration of stay.
In this context, consider the following statements:
1. Ms. X is not permitted to acquire agricultural land, a farmhouse or plantation property in India under the OCI framework, whereas Mr. Y may acquire immovable property in India subject to the applicable laws and regulations.
2. Ms. X requires a special permit from the government to undertake research, missionary, mountaineering, or journalistic activities in India, whereas Mr. Y requires no such prior permit.
3. Both Ms. X and Mr. Y are granted lifelong multiple-entry visas for visiting India without needing to register with the Foreigners Regional Registration Officer (FRRO) for any duration of stay.
Please open Telegram to view this post
VIEW IN TELEGRAM
Answer: (A)
Statement 1 is CORRECT: OCI cardholders are generally prohibited from acquiring agricultural land, farmhouses and plantation properties in India. NRIs may acquire residential and commercial immovable property, subject to applicable laws; agricultural
land, farmhouses and plantation properties are generally excluded from the general permission.
Statement 2 is CORRECT: Under the Ministry of Home Affairs notification dated 4 March 2021, OCI cardholders require a special permit for specified activities, including research, missionary work, mountaineering and journalism. NRIs are Indian citizens and do not require such permission merely on account of their NRI status.
Statement 3 is INCORRECT: OCI cardholders receive a lifelong, multiple-entry visa to visit India and are generally exempt from FRRO registration regardless of the duration of their stay. However, NRIs are Indian citizens and do not require a visa to enter India. Therefore, the statement that both are granted lifelong multiple-entry visas is incorrect.
Therefore, option A is the correct answer.
Statement 1 is CORRECT: OCI cardholders are generally prohibited from acquiring agricultural land, farmhouses and plantation properties in India. NRIs may acquire residential and commercial immovable property, subject to applicable laws; agricultural
land, farmhouses and plantation properties are generally excluded from the general permission.
Statement 2 is CORRECT: Under the Ministry of Home Affairs notification dated 4 March 2021, OCI cardholders require a special permit for specified activities, including research, missionary work, mountaineering and journalism. NRIs are Indian citizens and do not require such permission merely on account of their NRI status.
Statement 3 is INCORRECT: OCI cardholders receive a lifelong, multiple-entry visa to visit India and are generally exempt from FRRO registration regardless of the duration of their stay. However, NRIs are Indian citizens and do not require a visa to enter India. Therefore, the statement that both are granted lifelong multiple-entry visas is incorrect.
Therefore, option A is the correct answer.
Consider the following regarding INS Samarthak:
1. It is the first indigenous Multi-Purpose Vessel (MPV).
2. It is intended for conventional surface warfare.
3. It acts as a weapon/sensor testbed, a mothership for autonomous systems like UAVs and AUVs.
4. It is a part of project 75I.
1. It is the first indigenous Multi-Purpose Vessel (MPV).
2. It is intended for conventional surface warfare.
3. It acts as a weapon/sensor testbed, a mothership for autonomous systems like UAVs and AUVs.
4. It is a part of project 75I.
Please open Telegram to view this post
VIEW IN TELEGRAM
Answer: (C)
Statement 1 is correct: INS Samarthak is the Indian Navy's first indigenous MPV, built by Larsen & Toubro (L&T) at Kattupalli, Tamil Nadu. It has over 75% indigenous content.
Statement 2 is incorrect: Its primary role is maritime surveillance, patrolling, trials and support operations—not conventional surface warfare as a frontline combatant. Although it has an integrated combat suite and can support weapons testing, its principal purpose is to enable naval operations and evaluate new technologies
Statement 3 is correct: The vessel is designed to test indigenous weapons, radars and sensors. It can also launch, recover and support unmanned systems. UAVs are unmanned aerial vehicles, while AUVs are autonomous underwater vehicles. These systems extend surveillance and underwater operational capabilities.
Statement 4 is incorrect: Project 75(I) is a separate programme for constructing six advanced conventional submarines in India. INS Samarthak belongs to the Indian Navy's Multi-Purpose Vessel programme, built by L&T.
Therefore, option C is the correct answer.
Statement 1 is correct: INS Samarthak is the Indian Navy's first indigenous MPV, built by Larsen & Toubro (L&T) at Kattupalli, Tamil Nadu. It has over 75% indigenous content.
Statement 2 is incorrect: Its primary role is maritime surveillance, patrolling, trials and support operations—not conventional surface warfare as a frontline combatant. Although it has an integrated combat suite and can support weapons testing, its principal purpose is to enable naval operations and evaluate new technologies
Statement 3 is correct: The vessel is designed to test indigenous weapons, radars and sensors. It can also launch, recover and support unmanned systems. UAVs are unmanned aerial vehicles, while AUVs are autonomous underwater vehicles. These systems extend surveillance and underwater operational capabilities.
Statement 4 is incorrect: Project 75(I) is a separate programme for constructing six advanced conventional submarines in India. INS Samarthak belongs to the Indian Navy's Multi-Purpose Vessel programme, built by L&T.
Therefore, option C is the correct answer.
The Indian Navy commissioned INS Mangrol (P82) on 12 October 2026 at the Naval Dockyard, Mumbai. It is the third Mahe-class Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC) built by Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL), Kochi.
Important for UPSC: Defence → Indian Navy → Mahe-Class Vessels → Anti-Submarine Warfare → Coastal Security → Cochin Shipyard Limited → Aatmanirbhar Bharat.
Important for UPSC: Defence → Indian Navy → Mahe-Class Vessels → Anti-Submarine Warfare → Coastal Security → Cochin Shipyard Limited → Aatmanirbhar Bharat.