Correct Answer: c) Only 1.

Explanation:

The Lunar Polar Exploration Mission (LUPEX) is a planned joint lunar mission by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA). The mission would send an uncrewed lunar lander and rover to explore the south pole region of the Moon no earlier than 2028. It is envisaged to explore the permanently shadowed regions and to determine the quantity and quality of water on the Moon. JAXA is likely to provide the H3 launch vehicle and the rover, while ISRO would be providing the lander.

The correct answer is c) Only 1.

Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lunar_Polar_Exploration_Mission

Correct Answer: a) Only 2

Explanation:

1. Statement 1: It was held at New Delhi

This statement is incorrect. The “Nepal – India International Sanskrit Conclave – 2024” was not held in New Delhi. It was organized in Kathmandu, Nepal. 

2. Statement 2: This three-day conclave was organised by the Niti Anusandhan Pratishthan

This statement is correct. The event was indeed organized by the Niti Anusandhan Pratishthan, which is a research institute in Nepal. The conclave aimed to promote Sanskrit language and cultural ties between India and Nepal.

Since only Statement 2 is correct, the correct answer is a) Only 2.

Correct Answer: d) (A) is true, but (R) is false.

Explanation:

1. Assertion (A) is true. India delivered the first batch of BrahMos missiles to the Philippines on April 19, 2024, as part of a defense deal signed in January 2022. This marked India’s first export of the BrahMos missile system.

2. Reason (R) is false, In 2016, after India became a member of the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR), India and Russia gradually increased the range of the missile. In 2024, Indian Navy ordered 220 BrahMos extended-range missiles with 800 km range but exported version has range around 290 KM.

The correct answer is: d) (A) is true, but (R) is false.

Source: https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-delivers-brahmos-missiles-to-philippines

Correct Answer: d) Both 1 and 2.

Explanation:

The “PraVaHa” software developed by ISRO is a significant advancement in computational fluid dynamics (CFD) specifically designed for aerospace applications.

1. It is a path-breaking feat by Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre.

This statement is correct. The PraVaHa software was developed at the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), which is part of ISRO, and is considered a major achievement in indigenous aerospace technology aimed at enhancing India’s capabilities in human spaceflight missions.

2. Initial aerodynamic design of space vehicles requires evaluation of a large number of configurations.

This statement is also correct. The initial aerodynamic design indeed necessitates the evaluation of numerous configurations to determine optimal designs that can withstand the severe aerodynamic and aerothermal loads experienced during launch and re-entry.

Given that both statements are correct, the answer is:d) Both 1 and 2.

Correct Answer: d) Both 1 and 2

Explanation:

Statement 1: It receives rainfall in the winter season.

– This statement is correct. The Mediterranean climate is known for its dry summers and wet winters. During the winter season, the westerly winds shift towards the Mediterranean region, bringing cyclonic rainfall. This is a defining feature of the Mediterranean climate.

Statement 2: Due to winter solstice, air pressure belts shift to the South.

– This statement is also correct. The Earth’s pressure belts shift with the apparent movement of the sun. During the winter solstice (around December 21), the sun is overhead in the Southern Hemisphere, causing the pressure belts to shift southward. This southward shift allows the westerlies to influence the Mediterranean region, leading to winter rainfall.

Both statements are correct. Therefore, the correct answer is d) Both 1 and 2.

Correct Answer: b) Kuwait – Kashagan

Explanation:

– a) Iran – Haft Kel: Correctly matched. Haft Kel is one of the oldest oil fields in Iran.

– b) Kuwait – Kashagan: Incorrectly matched. Kashagan is not located in Kuwait; it is an oil field in Kazakhstan, situated in the Caspian Sea.

– c) Saudi Arabia – Dhahran: Correctly matched. Dhahran is a major oil hub in Saudi Arabia and home to Saudi Aramco, the world’s largest oil company.

– d) Iraq – Zubair: Correctly matched. Zubair is a significant oil field in Iraq.

Thus, the pair “Kuwait – Kashagan” is not correctly matched.

Correct Answer: a) Only 2

Explanation:

The units of Border Security Forces and District Reserve Guards were patrolling forest near Binagunda village of Kanker district (Chattisgarh), when they came under heavy fire from the Maoists. After a heavy exchange of gunfire, security Forces recovered bodies of 29 Maoists along with, twenty-two weapons, including one AK-47 rifle, two INSAS rifles, one Self-Loading Rifle (SLR), one carbine, three .303 rifles, two .315 bore rifles, two 9MM pistols, two country-made launchers, eight muzzle loading guns, one country-made hand grenade and a huge cache of ammunitions were recovered from the encounter site. Security forces suffered with 3 injured personnel which are non-life-threatening

Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024_Kanker_clash

Correct Answer: d) Mekong river – South-West

Explanation:

a) Amur River – North-East:

The Amur River flows in a general north-east direction, forming part of the border between Russia and China. This is correctly matched.

b) Syr Darya – North-West:

The Syr Darya flows in a north-west direction through Central Asia, primarily in Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. This is also correctly matched.

c) Angara River – North:

The Angara River flows northward from Lake Baikal in Siberia, Russia. This is correctly matched.

d) Mekong River – South-West:

The Mekong River flows in a south-east direction through Southeast Asia, passing through countries like Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam before emptying into the South China Sea. The direction “South-West” is incorrect for the Mekong River.

The pair “Mekong River – South-West” is not correctly matched. Hence, the correct answer is d).

Correct Answer: d) Only 2

Explanation:

1. India has the highest geographical area under cultivation compared to the USA, China, and Japan.

This statement is incorrect. While India does have a significant amount of arable land, China has a larger total area of arable land than India. According to various sources, China maintains a larger irrigated area and higher agricultural productivity per hectare than India, indicating that it cultivates more effectively on its land.

2. India’s location in the tropical monsoon region helps diversified cropping all through the year.

This statement is correct. India’s tropical monsoon climate indeed supports a variety of crops throughout the year, allowing for diverse agricultural practices such as multiple cropping seasons.

Thus, the correct answer is Only 2.

Correct Answer: Option D (2, 4, 1, 3)

Explanation:

1. Devprayag: This is the confluence of the Alaknanda and Bhagirathi rivers. After this confluence, the river is known as the Ganga. – Match: 2

2. Rudraprayag: This is the confluence of the Alaknanda and Mandakini rivers. – Match: 4

3. Karnaprayag: This is the confluence of the Alaknanda and Pindar rivers. – Match: 1

4. Tehri: This is the confluence of the Bhagirathi and Bhilangana rivers. – Match: 3

Correct Answer: Option D (2, 4, 1, 3)