Test explained

Solution (b)

Explanation: 

Solution (c)

Explanation: 

Reefs created by the Coral Polyp along the shallow shores of some tropical areas are known as Coral reefs. Coral polyps and Zooxanthellae have a symbiotic relationship. Zooxanthellae provide food to the polyps hiding in the pores of the reef while polyps provide a surface to zooxanthellae. Polyps also secrete mucus which covers the algae. It protects algae from harmful radiation. The marine life that forms a reef can flourish only under strict conditions of temperature, salinity, and water depth. (Hence option c is correct)

Solution (a)

Explanation: 

Solution (b)

Explanation: 

Solution (b)

Explanation: 

Warmer water temperatures can result in coral bleaching. When water is too warm, corals will expel the algae (zooxanthellae) living in their tissues causing the coral to turn completely white. This is called coral bleaching. When a coral bleaches, it is not dead. Corals can survive a bleaching event, but they are under more stress and are subject to mortality. When algae are lost, polyps start dying as less food is available to them. As more polyps start dying, the protective mucus released by them gets depleted and exposed to more algae, making them vulnerable to the sun. This triggers a chain reaction that can lead to the death of the entire reef. (Hence option b is correct)

Solution (b)

Explanation: 

When carbon dioxide dissolves in seawater, the water becomes more acidic and the ocean’s pH (a measure of how acidic or basic the ocean is) drops. Carbon dioxide dissolves especially well in cold water. That is why ocean acidification is progressing primarily in the polar regions. Acidification of the Arctic Ocean could result in less availability of aragonite, an important building block for calcareous shells, as early as in the middle of this century. (Hence option b is correct)

Solution (d)

Explanation: 

Solution (d)

Explanation: 

The Tropic of Cancer passes through the central part of India in east-west direction. Thus, northern part of the India lies in sub-tropical and temperate zone and the part lying south of the Tropic of Cancer falls in the tropical zone. The tropical zone being nearer to the equator, experiences high temperatures throughout the year with small daily and annual range. Area north of the Tropic of Cancer being away from the equator, experiences extreme climate with high daily and annual range of temperature. (Hence option d is correct)

Solution (a)

Explanation: 

The Inter Tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) is a low pressure zone located at the equator where trade winds converge, and so, it is a zone where air tends to ascend. In July, the ITCZ is located around 20°°N-25°°N latitudes (over the Gangetic plain), sometimes called the monsoon trough. This monsoon trough encourages the development of thermal low over north and northwest India. Due to the shift of ITCZ, the trade winds of the southern hemisphere cross the equator between 40°° and 60°°E longitudes and start blowing from southwest to northeast due to the Coriolis force. It becomes southwest monsoon. In winter, the ITCZ moves southward, and so the reversal of winds from northeast to south and southwest, takes place. They are called northeast monsoons. (Hence option a is correct)

Solution (c)

Explanation: 

Solution (b)

Explanation: 

Solution (d)

Explanation: 

There are three main reasons for the excessive cold in north India during this season : (i) States like Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan being far away from the moderating influence of sea experience continental climate. (ii) The snowfall in the nearby Himalayan ranges creates cold wave situation; and (iii) Around February, the cold winds coming from the Caspian Sea and Turkmenistanbring cold wave along with frost and fog over the northwestern parts of India. (Hence option 1,2 and 3 are correct)

The monsoon winds are a seasonal phenomenon that occurs during the summer months, not the winter. (Hence option d is incorrect)

Solution (c)

Explanation: 

Winter monsoons do not cause rainfall as they move from land to the sea. It is because firstly, they have little humidity; and secondly, due to anti cyclonic circulation on land, the possibility of rainfall from them reduces. So, most parts of India do not have rainfall in the winter season. (Hence option c is correct). 

Solution (c)

Explanation: 

Solution (b)

Explanation: 

Nor Westers are dreaded evening thunderstorms in Bengal and Assam. Their notorious nature can be understood from the local nomenclature of ‘Kalbaisakhi’, a calamity of the month of Baisakh. These showers are useful for tea, jute and rice cultivation. In Assam, these storms are known as “Bardoisila”. (Hence option b is correct)

Solution (d)

Explanation: 

A tropical marine climate is usually experienced by islands and coastal areas 10° to 20° north or south of the equator. They receive rainfall all the time because of trade winds. (Hence statement 1 is correct)

In tropical marine climate the trade winds blow all year round and are moist, as they have passed over warm seas. Due to the steady influence of the trades, the tropical marine climate is more favourable for habitation, but it is prone to severe tropical cyclones and hurricanes. (Hence statement 2 and 3 are correct)

Solution (c)

Explanation: 

EI-Nino is a complex weather system that appears once every three to seven years, bringing drought, floods and other weather extremes to different parts of the world. The system involves oceanic and atmospheric phenomena with the appearance of warm currents off the coast of Peru in the Eastern Pacific and affects weather in many places including India. EI-Nino is merely an extension of the warm equatorial current which gets replaced temporarily by cold Peruvian current or Humbolt current (locate these currents in your atlas). This current increases the temperature of water on the Peruvian coast by 10°°C. (Hence option c is correct)

Solution (b)

Explanation: 

Solution (c)

Explanation: 

Solution (b)

Context:

• New observations of the Great Red Spot on Jupiter have revealed that the planet’s atmosphere above and around the infamous storm is surprisingly interesting and active. In this context, UPSC can ask a question about the spot.

Explanation:

• Great Red Spot is an anticyclone, a long-lasting area of high pressure on Jupiter creating a persistent storm. Located in Jupiter’s Southern Hemisphere, it appears as a giant red spot on Jupiter’s surface. The source of the red coloration is unknown. It extends well above Jupiter’s main cloud layers. It is the largest known storm in the Solar System. With a diameter of 15,400 miles, it is almost twice the size of the entire Earth and one-sixth the diameter of Jupiter itself. Hence, option b is the correct answer.

Solution (c)

Context:

• The prestigious Abel Prize for mathematics was recently awarded to Japanese mathematician Masaki Kashiwara, a specialist in algebraic analysis, representation theory, and sheaf theory. In this context, a question can be asked by UPSC about the Abel Prize.

Explanation:

• The Abel Prize recognises pioneering scientific achievements in mathematics. It is named after Norwegian mathematician Niels Henrik Abel (1802-29), who in his short life made pioneering contributions to multiple fields. The prize was established by the Norwegian Parliament in 2002, on Abel’s 200th anniversary. First awarded in 2003, the Abel Prize is often considered to be an equivalent of the Nobel Prize, which does not have a category for mathematics. Hence, option c is the correct answer.

Solution (d)

Context:

• The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) report on ‘Prevention and Mitigation of Vehicular Air Pollution in Delhi’ highlights serious concerns regarding Air Quality Monitoring, Vehicular Pollution, and Government Accountability. In this context, a question can be asked by UPSC about CAG.

Explanation:

• The CAG of India is the head of the Indian Audit and Accounts Department (IA-AD) and is responsible for auditing government expenditures to ensure financial accountability. As per Article 148 of the Indian Constitution, the CAG safeguards the public purse and monitors financial transactions at the central and state levels. He is appointed by the President of India through a warrant under his hand and seal. He holds office for six years or until reaching the age of 65, whichever comes first. Hence, statements 1 and 2 are correct.
• The CAG is one of the key pillars of Indian democracy, alongside the Supreme Court, Election Commission, and Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). He audits the expenditure from the Consolidated Fund of India and state funds. He can be removed by the President in the same manner as a Supreme Court judge, which requires a special majority resolution in both Houses of Parliament. Hence, statements 3 and 4 are correct.

Test explained

Solution (d)

Context:

• The Indian Naval Sailing Vessel (INSV) Tarini has reached Cape Town, South Africa, marking the fourth and final international stop in its global circumnavigation expedition, Navika Sagar Parikrama II. So, UPSC can ask a question about the vessel.

Explanation:

• INSV Tarini is an indigenously built, 56-foot sailing vessel commissioned into the Indian Navy in February 2017. It was built by Aquarius Shipyard Ltd., Goa, under the Make in India initiative. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
• The vessel is named after the Tara-Tarini hill shrine in Odisha, which was historically revered by sailors for safe voyages. In Sanskrit, ‘Tarini’ means both boat and saviour. It is equipped with a Raymarine navigation suite, satellite communication systems, and emergency steering mechanisms, allowing it to operate under extreme conditions. Hence, statements 2 and 3 are correct.

Solution (b)

Context:

• India and Chile have initiated discussions on a comprehensive trade agreement that aims to enhance economic cooperation. In this context, UPSC can ask a question about Chile and the geographical features present here.

Explanation:

• Located in South America, Chile is a long, narrow country with an average width of 110 miles (~178 km). It is the largest producer of copper globally. Copper is a key component in electronic devices, renewable energy systems, and electric vehicles. It is also a part of the “Lithium Triangle” along with Argentina and Bolivia, a crucial region for battery production. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
• Chile is regarded as the “Gateway to Antarctica” due to its geographical proximity. India and Chile have signed a Letter of Intent to enhance collaboration on Antarctic exploration and research. This aligns with India’s polar research ambitions, complementing its Antarctic and Arctic missions. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
• The country is dominated by the Andes Mountains (the most extended mountain range in the world). The Andes are the highest mountain range outside of Asia. The range’s highest peak, Argentina’s Aconcagua, rises to an elevation of about 6,961 m. Hence, statement 3 is not correct.

Solution (a)

Context:

• A set of rare copper plates dating back to the early 15th century, from the reign of Devaraya I of the Sangama Dynasty, has been unveiled in Bengaluru by Falcon Coins Gallery in collaboration with the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). In this context, a question about the dynasty can be asked by UPSC.

Explanation:

• The Sangama Dynasty was the founding dynasty of the Vijayanagara Empire, ruling from 1336 to 1485 AD. Established by Harihara I and Bukka Raya I, this dynasty laid the foundation for one of the most powerful empires in South India. The rulers of this dynasty significantly strengthened administration, military power, and territorial expansion, making Vijayanagara a dominant political and cultural centre. Hence, statement 1 is correct and statement 2 is not correct.

Solution (b)

Context:

• A U.S. national was recently arrested in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands for allegedly entering the prohibited tribal reserve area of North Sentinel Island. In this context, a question can be asked by UPSC about the island.

Explanation:

• North Sentinel Island is one of the Andaman Islands – an archipelago in the Bay of Bengal – and part of the Indian Union Territory of Andaman and Nicobar Islands. It is located west of the central cluster of the Andaman Islands. The island measures approximately 8 kilometers (5.0 mi) in length and 7 kilometers (4.3 mi) in width, covering an area of about 60 square kilometers (23 sq mi). The island is densely covered in tropical rainforest. Hence, statement 1 is not correct.
• It harbours one of the world’s last secluded tribes — the Sentinelese. They are believed to be direct descendants of the first humans who migrated out of Africa around 60,000 years ago. The tribe has lived in voluntary isolation for thousands of years, fiercely resisting contact with the outside world. Hence, statement 2 is correct.

Solution (b)

Context:

• The Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly has once again unanimously adopted a resolution urging the Union government to retrieve Katchatheevu from Sri Lanka. In this context, a question can be asked by UPSC about the island.

Explanation:

• Katchatheevu is a 285-acre uninhabited island situated in the Palk Strait between India and Sri Lanka. It is 33 km northeast of Rameswaram (India) and 62 km southwest of Jaffna (Sri Lanka). It was formed due to a volcanic eruption in the 14th century. Hence, statements 1 and 2 are correct.
• Initially ruled by the Jaffna kingdom (Sri Lanka), later controlled by the Ramnad Zamindari under the Nayak dynasty (Madurai). British India and Sri Lanka both claimed the island until the 1974 agreement settled sovereignty in Sri Lanka’s favour. Hence, statement 3 is not correct.

Solution (a)

Context:

• A rare Binturong was recently captured on a camera trap set up by the Wildlife Trust of India’s Garo Green Spine project team in the Narang Wari Village Reserve Forest (VRF), located in the buffer zone of Balpakram National Park. In this context, a question can be asked by UPSC about Binturong.

Explanation:

• Binturong is a catlike omnivore of the civet family. It is the largest civet in India, colloquially known as the bearcat. It has long, shaggy hair, tufted ears, and a long, bushy, prehensile tail. The colour generally is black with a sprinkling of whitish hairs. It is principally nocturnal and crepuscular (that is, active during twilight). Hence, statement 1 is correct.
• It is found in dense forests of Southeast Asia. Its range extends from Nepal, India, and Bhutan southward to the Indonesian islands of Sumatra and Java and eastward to Borneo. And it is listed as Vulnerable in the IUCN Red List. Hence, statements 2 and 3 are not correct.

Solution (b) 

Explanation

Inference 1 is incorrect: Refer to the line: “Parents navigate a dynamic journey …communication, setting boundaries, and providing a supportive environment contribute to a child’s emotional well-being.” This line does underline the role of parents in emotional development of their children. However, it does not mean that others (like friends and teachers) do not contribute to emotional well-being of children. So, this inference is not correct. 

Inference 2 is correct: The given inference is correct as it is based on the lines “Effective communication, setting boundaries, and providing a supportive environment contribute to a child’s emotional well-being.”  

Solution (d) 

Explanation

Option (a) is incorrect: This option captures only the positive aspect of child-rearing which is a small part of the passage. Other aspects like the challenges of child-rearing are not captured in this option.  Also, the passage does not mention that the end goal is for them to become “responsible and compassionate model citizens.” Therefore, this answer option is incorrect. 

Option (b) is incorrect: The passage is about the complexity and good things of child-rearing. Child rearing, as done by parents, includes the transfer of values, skills, and knowledge. However, whether such rearing depends on societal values or not is not covered in the passage. So, this is not the best-implied meaning of the passage. 

Option (c) is incorrect: The context of child rearing and success is not covered in the passage. The passage does not link good child rearing with a successful life or vice-a-versa. Hence, this is not the best-implied meaning of the passage. 

Option (d) is correct: The given option is based on the lines “Balancing discipline with love and fostering independence while ensuring safety present intricate challenges. Parents often find joy in the process of imparting values, skills, and knowledge.” These lines validate that child rearing is a complex process, but parents do enjoy it.  

Solution (c) 

Explanation

Given matrix: 

Let’s consider R1C1, 

In the term ‘LX’, the product of the alphabetical position of L (12) and reverse alphabetical position of X (3) = 12 × 3 = 36 = (6)2.  

Applying a similar pattern in the whole matrix, we get: 

R1C2 = GT = alphabetical value of G × reverse alphabetical value of T = 7×7 = 72 

R1C3 = DK = alphabetical value of D × reverse alphabetical value of K = 4×16 = 82 R2C1 = IR = alphabetical value of I × reverse alphabetical value of R = 9×9 = 92 

R2C2 = TV = alphabetical value of T × reverse alphabetical value of V = 20×5 = 102 

R2C3 = KP = alphabetical value of K × reverse alphabetical value of P = 11×11 = 112 

R3C1 = XU = alphabetical value of X × reverse alphabetical value of U = 24×6 = 122 

R3C2 = 169 = 13×13 = alphabetical position of M × reverse alphabetical position of N = MN  R3C3 = NM = alphabetical value of N × reverse alphabetical value of M = 14×14 = 142 

Hence, required term is ‘MN’. 

So, option (c) is the correct answer. 

Solution (a) 

Explanation

According to the question,  

Thus, there are 6 people in between Kamal and Vimal. 

Vimal is third to the right of Manoj.  So, there are two people in between Manoj and Vimal. Hence, there are a total of (6 + 2 + 1) i.e. 9 persons in between Manoj and Kamal. 

Hence, option (a) is the right answer. 

Solution (b) 

Explanation

As per the given information, we can draw the following sitting arrangement: 

Hence, it is clear that Vishal is on the left of Kishan. 

So, option (b) is the right answer.