Q1. The remarkable ‘tamasha’ paintings belong to which school of painting?
(a) Bundi Paintings
(b) Kishangarh Paintings
(c) Mewar Paintings
(d) Shekhawati Wall Paintings
Ans: (c )
Explanation:
- The reigns of Sangram Singh II and his successor Jagat Singh II are considered the last significant phase of manuscript painting within the Mewar school. This phase was also characterised by the emergence of the genre now known as tamasha painting.
Q2. Which of the following countries is NOT a member of the Five Eyes Alliance?
(a) United Kingdom
(b) Canada
(c) Australia
(d) France
Ans: (d)
Explanation: About Five Eyes Alliance:
- Five Eyes Alliance: The Five Eyes Alliance refers to an intelligence-sharing partnership among five countries: the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand.
- These nations collaborate closely on intelligence matters, sharing information to protect their shared national interests.
- Origins of the Alliance: The alliance traces its origins back to World War II when the UK and the US decided to share intelligence after successfully breaking German and Japanese codes.
- It began as the Britain-USA (BRUSA) agreement, later evolving into the UK-USA (UKUSA) agreement, with Canada joining in 1949 and New Zealand and Australia in 1956.
Q3. What is ‘Perovskite’?
(a) A type of exotic fruit found in tropical regions.
(b) A new ransomware unleashed by dark hacker group
(c) A class of materials with a specific crystal structure.
(d) A sub system used in Chandrayaan – 3 to map the lunar surface
Ans: (c)
Explanation:
- Context: Scientists have made a significant breakthrough in solar panel technology using a nanoscale “ink” coating.
- This innovation could potentially accelerate the transition to renewable energy sources. The researchers found that this coating can enhance the stability of perovskite solar cells, making them suitable for mass production.
- About Perovskite:
- Perovskite solar cells are cheaper, lighter, and more efficient than traditional silicon-based cells.
- However, they face challenges related to a drop in efficiency and energy output during the manufacturing process. The researchers identified an aluminium oxide that minimizes this efficiency drop during the conditioning of perovskite solar cells.
- Perovskite has been recognized as a “miracle material” with the potential to revolutionize various industries, including renewable energy.
- Recent advancements have enabled the creation of self-healing solar panels and improved efficiency when combined with silicon in tandem cells.
Q4. Which of the following statements about ‘Vibrio Vulnificus’ is correct?
(a) It is a type of virus that causes respiratory infections.
(b) It is a bacterium commonly found in freshwater sources.
(c) Its infections are primarily transmitted through the consumption of contaminated seafood.
(d) Its infections can be treated with antibiotics.
Ans: (c)
Explanation:
- Context: Vibrio vulnificus, a marine bacterium, could pose a major threat to coastal populations due to ideal conditions created by climate change.
- This bacterium can cause life-threatening infections and has a high mortality rate, particularly among those with weakened immune systems or comorbidities.
- Issues:
- Underreported Cases: Researchers suggest that cases of Vibrio vulnificus infections are likely underreported in India.
- Climate Change Impact: As climate change leads to more frequent cyclones, heavy rainfall, and flooding, coastal communities may face an increased risk of exposure to Vibrio vulnificus.
- India’s sea surface temperatures are conducive to the growth of Vibrio vulnificus.
- option b: Vibrio vulnificus is commonly found in warm seawater and is not typically associated with freshwater sources.
- Mortality Rate: Vibrio vulnificus has a high mortality rate, particularly when it enters the bloodstream.
- Preventive Measures: Researchers are developing tools to predict the abundance of Vibrio vulnificus based on sea surface temperature and phytoplankton levels
Q5. Consider the following countries:
- Chile
- Bolivia
- Paraguay
- Uruguay
How many of the above nations share a land border with Argentina?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) Only three
(d) All four
Ans: (d)
Explanation:
- India is on the verge of finalizing agreements for the acquisition of five lithium blocks in Argentina through the State-owned joint venture, KABIL.
- Argentina, as part of the “Lithium Triangle” along with Chile and Bolivia, is a significant producer of lithium, holding the world’s third-largest lithium reserve.
- KABIL is a joint venture, involving NALCO, MECL, and HCL, and is focused on identifying and acquiring strategic minerals overseas for India’s use. It is also exploring opportunities for lithium partnerships and acquisitions in other Latin American nations like Chile and Brazil, as well as in Australia for lithium and cobalt exploration.
- Argentina is a country in the southern half of South America. Argentina is the second-largest country in South America after Brazil. The Andes Mountains, which run through both Argentina and Chile, are known for hosting lithium-rich brine deposits. The region’s unique geological conditions make it conducive to the formation and concentration of lithium resources.
