S&T

Q1. Helium is preferred over many other gases in applications such as MRI machines, semiconductor manufacturing, rocket propulsion systems and leak detection primarily because it:

(a) readily forms stable compounds under high temperatures.

(b) has an extremely low boiling point, is chemically inert, and has very small atomic size.

(c) possesses the highest density among all noble gases.

(d) is radioactive and can emit alpha particles during industrial applications.

Answer: (b)

Exp:

  1. Recently, China has temporarily banned helium exports with immediate effect (July 2026). China imports over 80% of its helium requirements. The move comes amid:
  2. Russia's export restrictions on helium (shipments require approval through 2027).
  3. Supply risks from West Asia, particularly tensions around the Strait of Hormuz.
  4. Global Helium Production:
  5. United States – ~43% (largest producer), Qatar – ~33% (major supplier to Asia) followed by Russia, Canada, and Algeria
  6. India's Position:
  7. India is 100% import-dependent for helium.
  8. Major Uses:
  9. MRI scanners (cooling superconducting magnets), Semiconductor manufacturing, Quantum computing, Leak detection, Optical fibre production, Rocket fuel tank pressurisation, Scientific research and balloons/airships
  10. Helium combines several unique physical properties that very few gases possess simultaneously:
  11. Extremely low boiling point (~−269°C): Enables cryogenic cooling of superconducting magnets used in MRI machines and advanced scientific equipment.
  12. Chemical inertness: Being a noble gas, helium does not react with materials even at high temperatures, making it suitable for semiconductor manufacturing and controlled industrial atmospheres.
  13. Very small atomic size: Helium escapes through microscopic leaks, making it the preferred gas for precision leak detection.
  14. Low density and non-flammability: These properties make helium suitable for rocket fuel tank pressurisation and safer than hydrogen in many aerospace applications.
  15. Hence, option (b) is correct. 



#Gov

Q2. Consider the following statements regarding the regulation of films and OTT platforms in India:

  1. Films intended for theatrical exhibition require prior certification by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) under the Cinematograph Act, 1952.
  2. Content released directly on OTT platforms requires prior certification by the CBFC before publication.
  3. The Central Government may direct blocking of online content under Section 69A of the Information Technology Act, 2000, subject to the prescribed procedure and safeguards.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 1 and 3 only

(c) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: (b)

  1. Recently, The film Satluj has come into the spotlight after it was removed from ZEE5's India catalogue shortly after its OTT release, amid reports of a review under Section 69A of the Information Technology Act, 2000.
  2. Under the Cinematograph Act, 1952, public exhibition of films in theatres requires prior certification from the CBFC. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
  3. Content released exclusively on OTT platforms does not require prior CBFC certification. It is governed primarily by the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021. Hence, statement 2 is incorrect. 
  4. Section 69A of the IT Act, 2000 empowers the Central Government to block online content on specified grounds such as sovereignty, security of the State, public order, etc., following the prescribed procedure and safeguards. Hence, statement 3 is correct. 
  5. Hence, option (b) is correct. 



S&T

Q3. Consider the following statements:

I. Classical computers can accurately determine many static properties of quantum systems but often struggle to simulate their real-time evolution.

II. Quantum computers simulate quantum systems by directly exploiting quantum-mechanical behaviour.

Which one of the following inferences can be drawn from the above statements?

  1. Quantum computers are particularly promising for advancing research in high-energy physics and material science.
  2. Classical computers have become obsolete for scientific simulations.
  3. Quantum computers are likely to complement rather than completely replace classical computers.

Select the answer using the code given below:

(a) 1 only

(b) 1 and 2 only

(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: (c) 

Exp:

  1. Scientists from BITS Pilani (Goa Campus), in collaboration with IBM Quantum, have demonstrated quantum advantage by designing a quantum algorithm to simulate the behaviour of subatomic particles.
  2. Quantum advantage refers to the ability of a quantum computer to solve a practical problem faster or more efficiently than the best known classical computer.
  3. Quantum computers are well suited to simulating complex quantum systems, including the behaviour of quarks, gluons, molecules, and advanced materials. This makes them particularly promising for high-energy physics and material science. Hence, Inference 1 is correct. 
  4. Classical computers remain more efficient for routine tasks such as arithmetic, data processing, and many scientific computations. Hence, they have not become obsolete. Hence, Inference 2 is incorrect.
  5. Quantum computers are expected to solve specialised problems where they offer a quantum advantage, while classical computers will continue to handle general-purpose computing. Thus, the two technologies are likely to complement each other. Hence, Inference 3 is correct.
  6. Hence, option (c) is correct. 



#Geo

Q4. With reference to mid-oceanic ridges, consider the following statements:

  1. They are associated with divergent plate boundaries.
  2. Earthquakes and volcanic activity commonly occur along these ridges.
  3. They are regions where the oceanic lithosphere is consumed by subduction.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: (a)

Exp: 

  1. Scientists have observed the ocean floor spreading apart in real time for the first time at a mid-ocean ridge in the Indian Ocean, capturing a tectonic event that released massive lava flows and formed new oceanic crust. 
  2. Mid-oceanic ridges occur at divergent (constructive) plate boundaries, where tectonic plates move away from each other. Hence, Statement 1 is correct. 
  3. As the plates diverge, magma rises from the mantle, solidifies to form new oceanic crust, and is often accompanied by volcanic eruptions and shallow-focus earthquakes. Hence, Statement 2 is correct.
  4. Mid-oceanic ridges are zones of crustal creation, not destruction. Oceanic lithosphere is consumed at convergent plate boundaries, where one plate subducts beneath another, forming features such as deep-sea trenches and volcanic arcs. Hence, Statement 3 is incorrect. 
  5. Hence, option (a) is correct.



#S&T

Q5. Consider the following statements regarding satellites in non-geostationary orbit:

  1. Satellites in non-geostationary orbit move relative to the Earth's surface and do not remain fixed over a single location.
  2. A satellite in a highly inclined non-geostationary orbit can provide coverage over high-latitude regions.
  3. All non-geostationary satellites complete one revolution around the Earth in exactly 24 hours.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: (a)

Exp:

  1. Recently, the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has approved Reflect Orbital's test satellite Eärendil-1, which is designed to use a deployable mirror in orbit to reflect sunlight onto selected areas of the Earth at night.
  2. The Eärendil-1 satellite will operate in a non-geostationary orbit (NGSO), bringing NGSO satellites into focus.
  3. Unlike geostationary satellites, NGSO satellites continuously move with respect to the Earth's surface. Hence, Statement 1 is correct. 
  4. High-inclination orbits pass over higher latitudes, making them suitable for coverage of polar and near-polar regions. Hence, Statement 2 is correct. 
  5. Only geostationary satellites have an orbital period of about 24 hours. NGSO satellites may complete an orbit in significantly less time, depending on their altitude. Hence, Statement 3 is incorrect.