Explanation :

Correct Answer – C

Top Cobalt Producing Countries

The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is the world’s largest producer of cobalt, accounting for about three-fourths (approximately 75%) of the global supply. Cobalt is a crucial metal used in the manufacture of batteries for electric motor vehicles, as well as other electronic devices and aerospace applications. The DRC has vast mineral resources, including significant deposits of cobalt, which is primarily extracted as a byproduct of copper and nickel mining. The country’s vast cobalt reserves and its dominant position in the global cobalt market make it a critical player in the transition to electric vehicles and clean energy technologies.

Apart from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, other countries with significant cobalt production and reserves include:

1. Russia

Russia is one of the world’s leading cobalt producers, with the metal being primarily extracted as a byproduct of nickel mining operations. The Norilsk Nickel Company is a major player in the country’s cobalt production.

2. Australia

Australia has substantial cobalt reserves and production, with the metal being extracted mainly as a byproduct of copper and nickel mining. Key cobalt-producing regions in Australia include Western Australia, Queensland, and New South Wales.

3. Canada

Canada has considerable cobalt resources, primarily located in the province of Ontario. The metal is extracted as a byproduct of copper and nickel mining operations. The Canadian company First Cobalt is focused on developing cobalt projects in the country.

4. Cuba

Cobalt production in Cuba is primarily associated with the country’s nickel mining industry. The Moa region in eastern Cuba is particularly rich in cobalt and nickel resources.

5. Zambia

Zambia is another African country with significant cobalt production, which is mainly extracted as a byproduct of copper mining. The country’s Copperbelt region hosts large cobalt reserves.

Explanation : 

d. Titanium

Ilmenite and Rutile: Rich Sources of Titanium

Ilmenite and rutile are both rich sources of titanium. Ilmenite is an iron titanium oxide (FeTiO3), and rutile is a titanium dioxide mineral (TiO2). They are abundantly available in certain coastal tracts of India, particularly in the states of Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Andhra Pradesh.

Titanium is a strong, lightweight, and corrosion-resistant metal, making it ideal for use in various industries, such as aerospace, automotive, and construction. It is also used in the production of pigments, coatings, and other applications.

Explanation : 

d. Rann of Kutch

Rann of Kutch

is an exemplary illustration of the impact of repeated falls in sea level, leading to the formation of the present-day extensive marshland. This unique geographic feature is prominently situated in the Thar Desert, spanning across the Kutch District of Gujarat, India, and extending into the Sindh province of Pakistan.

Geographical Composition

The Rann of Kutch is broadly segmented into two principal areas: the Great Rann of Kutch and the Little Rann of Kutch. This division marks not just a geographical distinction but also highlights the diverse characteristics of each section.
Throughout history, the region has witnessed multiple fluctuations in sea level. These significant changes have been instrumental in shaping the extensive marshlands that characterize the area today.

Unique Ecosystem

These marshlands boast a unique ecosystem, providing a habitat for a variety of species. The flora and fauna here have remarkably adapted to the saline and arid conditions prevalent in the region, making it a subject of interest for both ecological and geographical studies.

Explanation : 

b. Only two

Understanding Different Tree Types

• Jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus): Jackfruit is an evergreen tree, meaning it retains its leaves throughout the year and does not shed them seasonally. Therefore, it is not a deciduous tree.
• Mahua (Madhuca indica): Mahua is a deciduous tree, meaning it sheds its leaves seasonally, usually during the dry season or winter months.
• Teak (Tectona grandis): Teak is also a deciduous tree, shedding its leaves seasonally.

So, out of the three trees mentioned, two of them (Mahua and Teak) are deciduous trees.

Explanation : 

b. Only two pairs

Kamarajar Port – First Major Port in India Registered as a Company

• Kamarajar Port, formerly known as Ennore Port, is located in Tamil Nadu and is the first major port in India that was registered as a company.

Mundra Port – Largest Privately Owned Port in India

• Mundra Port, located in Gujarat, is the largest privately owned port in India. It is owned by the Adani Group.

Visakhapatnam Port – Not the Largest Container Port in India

• This pair is incorrectly matched. Visakhapatnam Port, located in Andhra Pradesh, is not the largest container port in India. The largest container port in India is Jawaharlal Nehru Port, also known as Nhava Sheva, which is located in Maharashtra.

Explanation : 

c. Both 1 and 2

G-20: An Overview

Established in 1999, the G-20 (Group of Twenty) serves as a key international platform for Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors. It focuses on critical issues surrounding global economic growth, international trade, and the regulation of financial markets. Over time, the G-20 has expanded to include heads of government and other high-ranking officials from its member countries.

India’s Priorities in the G-20

India has placed a significant emphasis on digital public infrastructure as a cornerstone of its agenda within the G-20 framework. This involves initiatives aimed at:

• Promoting digital financial inclusion to ensure broader access to financial services.
• Fostering innovation in digital technology to drive economic growth and development.
• Ensuring a safe and secure digital environment for all users.

Explanation : 

c. All three

Role of Green Hydrogen in Decarbonizing Industries

Green hydrogen, produced using renewable energy sources, is poised to significantly impact the decarbonization of heavy industries. This innovative energy solution offers a sustainable alternative to traditional energy sources.

Application in Fertilizer Plants

In fertilizer plants, green hydrogen can be a game-changer by replacing natural gas as a feedstock for ammonia production. This shift not only reduces reliance on fossil fuels but also cuts down carbon emissions significantly.

Use in Oil Refineries

Oil refineries can utilize green hydrogen in various processes, including hydrocracking and hydrotreating. These processes traditionally require hydrogen input, and using green hydrogen ensures a more sustainable operation.

Green Hydrogen in Steel Manufacturing

In steel plants, green hydrogen serves as an effective reducing agent, replacing coal or natural gas. This substitution is crucial for reducing carbon emissions in one of the most carbon-intensive industries.

Explanation : 

d. Successful coups

In recent years, Chad, Guinea, Mali, and Sudan have all experienced successful coups, which have caught international attention. These coups have led to political instability and changes in leadership in each of these countries.

Explanation : 

Correct Answer – d

1. Donbas is located in Ukraine, not Syria.
2. Kachin is located in Myanmar, not Ethiopia.
3. Tigray is located in Ethiopia, not North Yemen.

Conflict Zones Overview

Donbas

• Location: Eastern Ukraine
• Conflict: Armed conflict between Ukrainian government forces and pro-Russian separatist groups.
• Background: The conflict began in 2014, following Russia’s annexation of Crimea. Pro-Russian separatists in Donbas declared independence, leading to clashes with Ukrainian forces.

Kachin

• Location: Northern Myanmar
• Conflict: Ongoing ethnic conflict between the Myanmar government and the Kachin Independence Army (KIA), an armed ethnic group seeking autonomy for the Kachin people.
• Background: The conflict has roots in historical ethnic tensions and the desire for autonomy among various ethnic groups in Myanmar.

Tigray

• Location: Northern Ethiopia
• Conflict: Tigray War involving Ethiopian federal forces and allied Eritrean forces against the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF).
• Background: The conflict erupted in 2020, fueled by political and ethnic tensions, leading to widespread displacement and humanitarian concerns.

Explanation : 

Correct Answer – Only 2

This was the first Chess Olympiad to take place in India.
Meet Thambi, The Knight Who Is The Official Mascot Of 44th Chess Olympiad (jagran.com)

The trophy for the winning team in the open section is the Hamilton-Russell Cup
The trophy for the winning team in the women’s section is the Vera Menchik Cup.Source – 44th Chess Olympiad – Wikipedia