Polity

Q1. With reference to the Tenth Schedule of the Constitution, consider the following statements:

The anti-defection law applies to members of both Parliament and State Legislatures.
The Tenth Schedule provides an exception from disqualification in cases where a merger takes place subject to the conditions prescribed under it.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: (c)

Explanation:

The Lok Sabha Secretariat’s notices to 20 rebel TMC MPs have brought the anti-defection law, the Speaker’s role, and judicial oversight over disqualification proceedings into focus.
The Tenth Schedule, introduced by the 52nd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1985, contains provisions for disqualification on the ground of defection for members of Parliament and State Legislatures. Hence, Statement 1 is correct.
The Tenth Schedule provides a merger exception, under which disqualification does not arise when the prescribed conditions for a merger are satisfied, including support from at least two-thirds of the members of the legislature party. Hence, Statement 2 is correct.

Hence, option (c) is correct.

Geography

Q2. Consider the following description:

It is a sudden release of a large volume of water from a glacial lake, often caused by failure of a moraine or other natural barrier. It can produce a rapid and destructive flood downstream. Such events are particularly significant in high-mountain regions such as the Himalayas. They can trigger secondary hazards such as erosion, landslides and debris flows.

The above description refers to which one of the following?

(a) Ice and Rock Avalanche

(b) Glacial Lake Outburst Flood

(d) Debris Flow

Answer: (b)

Explanation:

The recent Nepal flash floods, linked to a glacial collapse and debris flow, highlight the vulnerability of the Himalayan region to cascading disasters, with peak monsoon conditions amplifying downstream impacts.
A Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) is the sudden release of water stored in a glacial lake, resulting in a powerful flood downstream.
An Ice and Rock Avalanche involves the rapid downslope movement of a large mass of ice, rocks and debris. It was the triggering mechanism associated with the 2021 Chamoli disaster.
A Cloudburst is an exceptionally intense rainfall event over a small area in a short period, which can cause sudden flooding and landslides.
A Debris Flow is a rapidly moving mixture of water, mud, rocks and other loose material down a slope or channel. It can occur as a secondary hazard following glacial or landslide events.

Hence, option (b) is correct.

Geography

Q3. Consider the following statements with reference to the Arctic tundra and climate change:

Statement I:

Rapid warming of the Arctic can alter the structure and functioning of its tundra ecosystems.

Statement II:

Warming conditions can promote the expansion and increased growth of shrubs in areas previously dominated by shorter vegetation.

Statement III:

The expansion of darker shrubs can reduce surface albedo and increase the absorption of solar radiation.

Which of the following relationships among the above statements is/are correct?

Statement II provides a mechanism through which the change described in Statement I can occur.
Statement III explains how vegetation change can further influence Arctic warming.
Statement I and Statement III together establish that vegetation changes in the Arctic can have climate feedback effects.

Select the answer using the code given below:

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: (d)

Explanation:

The Arctic is in focus as rapid warming is transforming tundra vegetation, with shrubification, permafrost changes and altered surface albedo offering important insights into Arctic amplification and climate change.
Rapid warming in the Arctic is altering tundra ecosystems, including changes in plant height, greenness and the expansion of shrubs. Hence, Statement I is correct.
Warming conditions allow taller shrubs that were previously unable to survive the severe Arctic cold to expand into tundra regions. Hence, Statement II is correct.
Darker shrub canopies emerging above the snow absorb more solar radiation than the highly reflective snow surface, reducing surface albedo. Hence, Statement III is correct.
Statement II provides a mechanism through which the change described in Statement I can occur. Arctic warming creates conditions favourable for the growth and expansion of taller shrubs, thereby altering tundra vegetation. Hence, Statement II explains Statement I.
Statement III explains how vegetation change can further influence Arctic warming. Reduced surface albedo due to darker shrubs increases the absorption of solar radiation and contributes to Arctic amplification. Hence, Statement III explains the climate feedback associated with Statement I.
Statement I and Statement III together establish that vegetation changes can have climate feedback effects. Vegetation responds to warming but can also influence the energy balance of the Arctic surface. Hence, Statement 3 is correct.

Hence, option (d) is correct.

Environment

Q4. With reference to the Snow Leopard (Panthera uncia), consider the following statements:

It is classified as Endangered on the IUCN Red List.
In India, its distribution is largely confined to the high-altitude regions of the Himalayas and Trans-Himalayas.
It is listed in Appendix I of CITES, which provides the highest level of protection from international commercial trade.
It is included in Schedule II of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 in India.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

(a) 1, 2 and 3 only

(b) 1 and 4 only

(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Answer: (c)

Explanation:

Snow Leopard conservation is in news as India highlighted its science-based initiatives, including population estimation, radio telemetry and genetic analysis, at the Russian-Indian Roundtable Meeting in Moscow.
The Snow Leopard (Panthera uncia) is classified as Vulnerable on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List. Hence, Statement 1 is not correct.
In India, it inhabits the high-altitude Himalayan and Trans-Himalayan landscapes, including areas of Ladakh, Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh. Hence, Statement 2 is correct.
It is included in Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), under which international commercial trade in specimens of the species is generally prohibited. Hence, Statement 3 is correct.
Under the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, following the rationalisation of schedules through the 2022 amendment, the Snow Leopard is included in Schedule I, which provides the highest level of statutory protection, and not Schedule II. Hence, Statement 4 is not correct.

Hence, option (c) is correct.

Governance

Q5. Consider the following statements with reference to the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY):

PMJDY was launched as India’s national mission for financial inclusion.
Initially, the scheme focused on providing a bank account to every household, but its focus was later expanded to every unbanked adult.
PMJDY accounts require beneficiaries to maintain a mandatory minimum balance.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: (a)

Explanation:

Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) is in news as it completes 12 years, highlighting its role in expanding access to formal banking and financial services.
PMJDY was launched in 2014 as India’s national mission for financial inclusion, providing access to banking, credit, insurance, pension and digital payment services. Hence, Statement 1 is correct.
The scheme initially focused on “every household” and, in 2018, expanded its focus to “every unbanked adult”, thereby widening financial inclusion. Hence, Statement 2 is correct.
A PMJDY account is a Basic Savings Bank Deposit Account (BSBDA) and there is no requirement to maintain any minimum balance. Hence, Statement 3 is not correct.

Hence, option (a) is correct.