2024

The climate described by these characteristics is most likely a Marine West Coast Climate (Cfb) according to the Köppen climate classification system.

Annual and daily range of temperatures is low: Marine west coast climates are known for their mild temperatures year-round. The influence of the nearby ocean moderates both summer highs and winter lows, resulting in a smaller range of temperatures compared to continental climates at similar latitudes.


Precipitation occurs throughout the year: These regions experience frequent precipitation due to prevailing westerly winds carrying moist air from the ocean. The cyclones associated with these winds bring rain or snowfall throughout the year.

Precipitation varies between 50 cm and 250 cm: The amount of precipitation in marine west coast climates can vary depending on factors like latitude, topography, and proximity to the ocean. The range of 50 cm to 250 cm falls within the typical range observed in these regions.

* Statement I: This statement is true. Rainfall is one of the reasons for the weathering of rocks. Rainwater can cause both physical and chemical weathering. Physical weathering occurs due to the impact of raindrops, especially during heavy downpours. Chemical weathering happens when rainwater reacts with minerals in rocks, leading to their breakdown.

* Statement-II: This statement is true. Rainwater contains carbon dioxide in solution. Rainwater absorbs carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, forming weak carbonic acid (H2CO3). This slightly acidic nature of rainwater contributes to chemical weathering.

* Statement-III: This statement is true. Rainwater contains atmospheric oxygen. Rainwater dissolves atmospheric gases, including oxygen. The dissolved oxygen in rainwater plays a role in the oxidation of certain minerals in rocks, which is a form of chemical weathering.

Therefore, both Statement II and Statement III are correct, and both explain Statement I. Rainwater's acidity (due to dissolved carbon dioxide) and dissolved oxygen content contribute to the chemical weathering of rocks.

The Assertion is Correct: The European Parliament officially approved the Net-Zero Industry Act in April 2024 to scale up the manufacturing of clean technologies within the EU.

The Reason is Incorrect: The European Union's target for achieving carbon neutrality is 2050 (as per the European Climate Law), not 2040, and the Act sets a target to meet 40% of its clean technology needs by 2030 rather than developing all of its own technology by 2040.

Statement-II is factually incorrect and therefore does not explain Statement-I.

* Agricultural residues: These include materials like crop stalks, husks, and leaves. They are a viable source of biomass that can be converted into biofuels, including Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF).

* Corn grain: Corn grain is a source of sugars that can be fermented to produce ethanol, a biofuel. While ethanol is primarily used in gasoline blends, it can also be further processed into SAF.

* Wastewater treatment sludge: This sludge is rich in organic matter. Through processes like anaerobic digestion, it can produce biogas, which can be further converted into SAF.

* Wood mill waste: This includes sawdust, wood chips, and bark. These lignocellulosic materials can be converted into biofuels through various thermochemical or biochemical processes, ultimately leading to SAF production.


Therefore, all four materials can be used as feedstock for producing Sustainable Aviation Fuel.

1. Nayaputta: This term means 'the son of Naya' and is NOT associated with Gautama Buddha rather this epithet is used for Mahavira.

2. Shakyamuni: This epithet means 'Sage of the Shakya clan'. Gautama Buddha belonged to the Shakya clan, making this a correct epithet.

3. Tathagata: This term means 'one who has thus gone' or 'one who has thus come'. It signifies enlightenment and is a common epithet for Gautama Buddha.

Therefore, statements 2 and 3 are correct.

Statement-I: Incorrect. Venezuela continues to suffer from a severe economic crisis marked by hyperinflation, shortages of basic goods, and political instability. This crisis has led to a massive exodus of Venezuelans seeking better living conditions in neighboring countries and beyond.


Statement-II: Correct. Venezuela indeed possesses the world's largest proven oil reserves, surpassing even Saudi Arabia. However, despite this vast resource wealth, economic mismanagement, corruption, and international sanctions have crippled its oil industry and hindered its ability to leverage this asset for economic recovery.

Pyroclastic debris: This is a general term for fragmental material ejected from a volcano during an eruption. It includes ash, pumice, cinders, and volcanic bombs.

Ash and dust: These are fine-grained particles of volcanic rock and glass that can be carried long distances by wind.


Nitrogen compounds: Nitrogen is a common gas released by volcanoes, and it can react with other elements in the atmosphere to form compounds such as ammonia and nitrogen oxides.

Sulphur compounds: Sulphur dioxide (SO2) is one of the main gases released by volcanoes. It can irritate the respiratory system and contribute to acid rain. Other sulphur compounds, such as hydrogen sulphide (H2S), can also be released in smaller amounts.

All of the above (1, 2, 3, and 4) are products of volcanic eruptions.

* Cicada: Known for their loud buzzing sounds, cicadas are insects.

* Froghopper: Also known as spittlebugs, they are small, jumping insects.

* Pond Skater: These insects are known for their ability to walk on the surface of water.

All three organisms are classified as insects.

Statement 1 is Correct: While the Liquidity Adjustment Facility (LAF) is primarily used by Scheduled Commercial Banks, certain Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs) that are registered as Primary Dealers (PDs) have direct access to the RBI's LAF window. Additionally, during periods of liquidity stress, the RBI has historically introduced special windows (such as the Special Liquidity Facility) that allow funds to be channeled to NBFCs, justifying the statement that they can access this facility.

Statement 2 is Correct: Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs), now categorized under the Foreign Portfolio Investor (FPI) framework, are permitted to invest in and hold Government Securities (G-Secs) and Treasury Bills. The RBI and SEBI regulate these investments through specific caps and routes like the Fully Accessible Route (FAR).

Statement 3 is Correct: Stock exchanges in India, such as the National Stock Exchange (NSE) and Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), provide dedicated trading platforms for debt instruments. These include segments like the Wholesale Debt Market (WDM) and the Retail Debt Market (RDM), which facilitate the trading of government securities and corporate bonds.

* Statement-I: This statement is correct. Syndicated lending, by definition, involves multiple lenders pooling resources to provide a loan to a single borrower. This inherently distributes the risk of default, as no single lender bears the entire burden if the borrower fails to repay.

* Statement II: This statement is incorrect. Syndicated loans can take various forms, including both fixed-amount term loans (lump sum) and revolving credit facilities (credit lines).

Therefore, the correct option is C: Statement I is correct, but Statement II is incorrect.

_Note: UPSC dropped this question from the final answer key._

* Argentina - Worst economic crisis: Correct. Argentina has been facing a severe economic crisis for a while, marked by high inflation, debt, and poverty.

* Sudan - War between the country's regular army and paramilitary forces: Correct. Sudan has been engulfed in a violent conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces.

* Turkey - Rescinded its membership of NATO: Incorrect. Turkey has not rescinded its membership of NATO. While there have been tensions between Turkey and other NATO members, it remains a member.


_Therefore, only two out of the three pairs are correctly matched._

* Cashew: Originally native to Brazil, cashew was brought to India by Portuguese traders in the 16th century.

* Papaya: Papaya also originated in the Americas, specifically in southern Mexico and Central America.

* Red Sanders: This tree, known for its valuable reddish wood, is endemic to India. It is found in the Eastern Ghats, particularly in Andhra Pradesh.

Therefore, only Red Sanders is native to India.

Fig-Wasp Mutualism: Figs and fig wasps share an obligate mutualistic relationship, meaning they are entirely dependent on each other for survival and reproduction. Fig wasps are the only insects that can pollinate fig trees, and fig trees are the sole source of food and shelter for developing fig wasps.

Highly Specialized Pollination: The fig fruit (technically a syconium) has its flowers enclosed within. Female fig wasps enter the syconium through a tiny opening called the ostiole. They lay eggs inside and pollinate the flowers in the process.


Coevolution: This intricate relationship is a classic example of coevolution, where two species have evolved together over millions of years, with each species' adaptations influencing the other's.

_The other options are incorrect:_

* Mahua (B): It is pollinated by various insects and even bats. Mahua (Madhuca indica) is found in the dry deciduous type of forests like the Forests of Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand.

* Sandalwood (C): It is primarily pollinated by bees and flies. Sandalwood is a dry deciduous forest species native to China, India, Indonesia, Australia, and the Philippines. Sandalwood is listed as Vulnerable in the IUCN Red list. Sandalwood grows as a partial or hemiparasite, relying on the presence of four or five other trees nearby. Beneath the ground, its roots develop a haustorium, an octopus-like structure that attaches to the host tree's roots, drawing water and nutrients from them.

* Silk cotton (D): It is pollinated by bats and birds. The Silk Cotton Tree is a tropical deciduous tree native to the Indian subcontinent and other parts of Southeast Asia. It produces a capsule that, when ripe, contains white fibres like cotton.

The correct answer is (C) Madhyama-vyayoga. Here's why:

* Bhasa was an ancient Indian playwright believed to have predated Kalidasa. He is known for his Sanskrit plays, often characterized by their dramatic intensity and focus on emotions.

* Madhyama-vyayoga (meaning 'The Middle One') is one of Bhasa's famous plays. It's part of a trilogy and tells a story from the Mahabharata.

_Let's look at the other options:_

* Kavyalankara is a work on Sanskrit poetics by the renowned scholar Bhamaha.

* Natyashastra is the foundational text on Indian classical dance and drama, attributed to the sage Bharata Muni.

* Mahabhashya is a comprehensive commentary on the Sanskrit grammar of Patanjali, based on Panini's Ashtadhyayi.

Statement 1 is Correct: Since April 1, 2016, the Digital India Land Records Modernisation Programme (DILRMP) has been implemented as a Central Sector Scheme. Under this revised structure, the Central Government provides 100% funding for the implementation of the programme in all States and Union Territories.

Statement 2 is Correct: A core component of the scheme is the digitization of cadastral maps, which are detailed maps showing the boundaries and ownership of individual land parcels, to ensure accurate and accessible digital land records.

Statement 3 is Correct: The Department of Land Resources has undertaken an initiative to transliterate the Records of Rights (RoR) from local languages into any of the 22 languages recognized by the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution of India to improve accessibility and transparency across states.

Operation Sadbhavana is a unique initiative undertaken by the Indian Army in Jammu & Kashmir and the North East regions. It focuses on winning the hearts and minds of the local population through various developmental activities and assistance. This includes providing education, healthcare, infrastructure development, and promoting skill development initiatives.

_Let's look at the other options:_

* Operation Sankalp was launched by the Indian Navy to ensure maritime security in the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman.

* Operation Maitri refers to the Indian Armed Forces' humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations to assist friendly countries. A notable example was the aid provided to Nepal during the 2015 earthquake.

* Operation Madad is the Indian Navy's effort to provide humanitarian assistance and disaster relief during natural calamities, both within India and to neighboring countries.

* Statement 1 is incorrect: Introduced primarily in Madras (now Tamil Nadu) and Bombay (now Mumbai) presidencies by Alexander Reed and Thomas Munro. Ryotwari System, while aiming to establish direct contact with the cultivators (ryots), did not offer blanket exemption from revenue payment during bad harvests or calamities. While some provisions for remission existed, they were not automatic or guaranteed.

* Statement 2 is correct: Introduced in Bengal, Bihar, and parts of Odisha by Lord Cornwallis in 1793. A key feature of the Permanent Settlement was the strict revenue collection timeline. Zamindars were obligated to pay a fixed amount of revenue to the British by a specific date. Failure to do so could result in the auctioning of their Zamindari to recover the dues.

_Note: UPSC dropped this question from the final answer key._

* Central Asia - Vosges - Fold Mountain: This is incorrect. The Vosges Mountains are located in Europe, not Central Asia. They are block mountains.

* Europe - Alps - Block Mountain: This is incorrect. The Alps, located in Europe, are a classic example of fold mountains, formed due to the collision of the African and Eurasian tectonic plates.

* North America - Appalachians - Fold Mountain: This is correct. The Appalachian Mountains in North America are old fold mountains.


* South America - Andes - Fold Mountain: This is correct. The Andes, running along the western edge of South America, are the longest continental mountain range in the world and are fold mountains formed due to the convergence of the Nazca and South American plates.

Therefore, only two rows have the information correctly matched.

* Krishnadeva Raya, the ruler of the Vijayanagara Empire (1509-1529), maintained friendly relations with the Portuguese. In 1510, with his permission, Alphonso de Albuquerque, the Portuguese governor, constructed a fort at Bhatkal, located in the Uttara Kannada district of Karnataka.

* Narasimha Saluva (**reigned 1491–1505) was a ruler of the Saluva dynasty, which briefly controlled the Vijayanagara Empire. The Portuguese presence in India was only beginning to take root during his reign, and their focus was primarily on establishing trade rather than fortifications.

* Muhammad Shah III (reigned 1463–1482) was a ruler of the Bahmani Sultanate, a medieval kingdom in the Deccan region. By the time of his reign, the Portuguese had not yet arrived in India (their arrival occurred in 1498).

* Yusuf Adil Shah: He was the founder of the Adil Shahi dynasty of Bijapur and ruled from 1489 to 1510. His engagements with the Portuguese were more conflictual, particularly over the control of Goa.

With reference to the Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maan-dhan (PM-SYM) Yojana, here's the breakdown of the statements:

* Statement 1: Incorrect. The eligible age group for enrolment in the scheme is 18 to 40 years, not 21 to 40 years. This allows younger workers to join early and contribute for a longer period.

* Statement 2: Correct. Beneficiaries are required to make age-specific monthly contributions, which increase with age. For instance, contributions start at ₹55 for an 18-year-old and go up to ₹200 for a 40-year-old.

* Statement 3: Correct. Subscribers will receive a minimum pension of ₹3,000 per month after attaining 60 years of age. This provides social security for workers in the unorganized sector.

* Statement 4: Incorrect. Family pension is available only to the spouse, who will receive 50% of the pension amount after the subscriber's death. Unmarried daughters are not eligible for this benefit.

Statement-I: Correct.

Chewing gums are a source of environmental pollution due to several factors:

* Non-biodegradable gum base: Traditional chewing gums often contain polymers like polyisobutylene, polyvinyl acetate, or polyethylene, which do not decompose easily in the environment.

* Littering: Discarded chewing gum remains on sidewalks, streets, and other public spaces, creating an eyesore and requiring significant resources for removal.

Statement-II: Correct and explains Statement-I

* The plastic-like polymers used as gum bases in many chewing gums are the primary reason they are difficult to biodegrade. These polymers contribute significantly to the environmental persistence of chewing gum litter.

Therefore, the correct option is (A): Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II explains Statement-I.

Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEVs) powered by hydrogen generate electricity by combining hydrogen (H₂) with oxygen (O₂) in a fuel cell. This process produces electricity, heat, and the only exhaust emission is water vapour (H₂O), making hydrogen fuel cells zero-emission.

Metaverse: This term accurately describes a network of interconnected, persistent 3D virtual spaces.

Key characteristics of the metaverse often include:

* Interoperability: Users can move between different virtual worlds seamlessly.

* User-Generated Content: Users can create, own, and trade virtual assets.

* Social Interaction: The metaverse facilitates social experiences and interactions.

_Let's look at why the other options are incorrect:_

* Big data analytics: This involves analyzing large and complex datasets to uncover patterns and insights. It's not directly related to virtual worlds.

* Cryptography: This focuses on secure communication and data protection techniques. While relevant to security within a metaverse, it doesn't define the concept itself.

* Virtual matrix: This term is not commonly used to describe the concept outlined in the question. The term 'matrix' is often associated with a grid-like structure or a virtual reality environment, but not the broader interconnected network the question describes.

* Statement-I is incorrect: Giant stars do not live much longer than dwarf stars. In fact, giant stars have shorter lifespans compared to dwarf stars because they burn through their nuclear fuel at a much faster rate.

* Statement-II is correct: Compared to dwarf stars, giant stars have a greater rate of nuclear reactions. This is correct as giant stars are more massive and have higher pressures and temperatures in their cores, leading to faster nuclear fusion rates.

Out of the four sites listed, two were included in the World Heritage List (WHS) in 2023: Shantiniketan and Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysalas. While Rani-ki-Vav was added to the WHS list in 2014 and the Mahabodhi Temple Complex at Bodhgaya in 2002.

* Shantiniketan: It was founded by Rabindranath Tagore's father, Maharshi Debendranath Tagore, in 1863 as a spiritual retreat. Shantiniketan was further expanded by Rabindranath Tagore into Visva-Bharati University in 1921, emphasizing the fusion of traditional Indian and modern Western education.

* Rani ki Vav: It was built in the 11th century CE by Queen Udayamati of the Solanki dynasty in Patan, Gujarat, as a memorial to her husband, King Bhimdev I. It is an exceptional example of stepwell design.

* Sacred Ensembles of Hoysalas: These were built during the 12th-13th centuries CE under the patronage of the Hoysala dynasty, centered in Karnataka. Hoysala temples are characterized by star-shaped platforms (jagatis). Some of the renowned temples are Chennakeshava Temple (Belur), Hoysaleswara Temple (Halebidu), and Keshava Temple (Somanathapura).

* Mahabodhi Temple Complex at Bodhgaya: It was built during the reign of Emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century BCE at the site where Gautama Buddha attained enlightenment under the Bodhi tree.

* Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs): ETFs are baskets of securities (like stocks) that are traded on stock exchanges, similar to individual stocks. They represent a financial instrument.

* Motor vehicles: Motor vehicles are tangible assets, not financial instruments. Financial instruments represent claims to assets or cash flows.

* Currency swap: A currency swap is a derivative contract where two parties exchange principal and interest payments in different currencies. It is a type of financial instrument.

Therefore, only ETFs and currency swaps are considered financial instruments.

Statement 1 is correct: Hydrogels are widely used in biomedical applications, especially in controlled drug delivery systems. Their high water content, biocompatibility, and ability to swell and release drugs in a controlled manner make them ideal for:

- Transdermal drug delivery - Oral and ocular delivery - Injectable drug systems

Statement 2 is incorrect: Hydrogels are not commonly used in mobile air-conditioning systems. These systems typically use refrigerants and mechanical components (like compressors, condensers, and evaporators) to provide cooling. While hydrogels can absorb and release moisture, they are not suitable for the cooling and dehumidification processes involved in air conditioning.

Statement 3 is incorrect: Hydrogels are not used in the formulation of industrial lubricants. Lubricants generally consist of base oils (mineral, synthetic, or vegetable) and additives for enhancing properties like viscosity, anti-wear, and corrosion resistance. Hydrogels do not possess the required lubricating properties, especially under high pressure and temperature conditions.

The correct sequence of the tributaries joining the Ganga from West to East is Gomati - Ghaghara - Gandak - Kosi.

Gomati: It is a plains-fed river that originates from Gomat Taal (Fulhaar Jheel) in the Pilibhit district of Uttar Pradesh. It joins the Ganga near Varanasi.

Ghaghara: It originates in the Mapchachungo glaciers near Mansarovar in Tibet. It flows through Nepal before joining the Ganga at Chhapra, Bihar.

Gandak: It rises in the Nepal Himalayas between the Dhaulagiri and Mount Everest. It enters the Ganga plain in Bihar and joins the Ganga at Sonpur near Patna.

Kosi: Known as the 'Sorrow of Bihar', it originates in the Himalayas (Tibet/Nepal) and joins the Ganga near Kursela in the Katihar district of Bihar.

* Statement-I: There is instability and worsening security situation in the Sahel region. This statement is correct as the Sahel region has been experiencing significant instability and security challenges, including terrorism, armed conflict, and humanitarian crises.

* Statement-II: There have been military takeovers/coups d'état in several countries of the Sahel region in the recent past. This statement is also correct. Several countries in the Sahel region, such as Mali, Burkina Faso, and Chad, have experienced military coups in recent years.


* Statement-II explains Statement-I because the military takeovers and coups contribute to the instability and worsening security situation in the Sahel region. The political instability resulting from these coups disrupts governance, exacerbates conflict, and undermines efforts to address security and development challenges in the region.

* Statement-I: Correct - The troposphere is thicker at the equator than at the poles. This is because the equator receives more direct sunlight, leading to warmer temperatures and greater air expansion. This expanded air results in a greater height of the troposphere.

* Statement-II: Correct - Convection is a significant mode of heat transfer in the atmosphere. At the equator, intense solar heating causes air to rise rapidly in strong convectional currents. This rising air carries heat to higher altitudes, contributing to the vertical distribution of heat in the troposphere.

* Statement II directly explains Statement I. The strong convectional currents mentioned in Statement II are the primary reason for the greater thickness of the troposphere at the equator, as explained in Statement I. The rising air due to convection leads to the expansion and increased height of the troposphere in equatorial regions.