Consider the following statements regarding the Saltwater Crocodile:
1. It is the second largest living reptile in the world after the Nile Crocodile.
2. It possesses specialised salt glands that help regulate salt concentration in its body.
3. It is classified as Least Concern in the IUCN Red List.
4. In India, it is found in the Bhitarkanika mangroves of Odisha.
1. It is the second largest living reptile in the world after the Nile Crocodile.
2. It possesses specialised salt glands that help regulate salt concentration in its body.
3. It is classified as Least Concern in the IUCN Red List.
4. In India, it is found in the Bhitarkanika mangroves of Odisha.
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Answer: (A)
Statement 1 is incorrect: The Saltwater Crocodile is actually the largest living reptile in the world, not the second largest. The Nile Crocodile is the second-largest crocodilian species.
Statement 2 is correct: They possess specialized lingual salt glands on their tongues, which actively excrete excess sodium and chloride, allowing them to tolerate and thrive in hyper-saline coastal and marine environments.
Statement 3 is correct: On a global scale, the Saltwater Crocodile is classified as Least Concern (LC) on the IUCN Red List because of its wide geographic distribution across the Indo-Pacific and stable populations in regions like Northern Australia.
Statement 4 is correct: In India, the Bhitarkanika mangroves in Odisha serve as the primary natural stronghold and key breeding ground for the species (along with the Sundarbans and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands).
Therefore, option A is the correct answer
Statement 1 is incorrect: The Saltwater Crocodile is actually the largest living reptile in the world, not the second largest. The Nile Crocodile is the second-largest crocodilian species.
Statement 2 is correct: They possess specialized lingual salt glands on their tongues, which actively excrete excess sodium and chloride, allowing them to tolerate and thrive in hyper-saline coastal and marine environments.
Statement 3 is correct: On a global scale, the Saltwater Crocodile is classified as Least Concern (LC) on the IUCN Red List because of its wide geographic distribution across the Indo-Pacific and stable populations in regions like Northern Australia.
Statement 4 is correct: In India, the Bhitarkanika mangroves in Odisha serve as the primary natural stronghold and key breeding ground for the species (along with the Sundarbans and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands).
Therefore, option A is the correct answer
With reference to Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), consider the following statements:
1. It consists of specially processed aviation-grade hydrocarbons that are chemically similar to conventional Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF).
2. It alters the fundamental chemical nature, safety and performance characteristics of conventional aviation fuel.
3. It can be produced from sustainable feedstocks such as waste oils, fats, municipal waste and non-food crops.
4. It can be produced synthetically through processes that capture carbon directly from the atmosphere.
1. It consists of specially processed aviation-grade hydrocarbons that are chemically similar to conventional Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF).
2. It alters the fundamental chemical nature, safety and performance characteristics of conventional aviation fuel.
3. It can be produced from sustainable feedstocks such as waste oils, fats, municipal waste and non-food crops.
4. It can be produced synthetically through processes that capture carbon directly from the atmosphere.
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Answer: (B)
● Statement 1 is correct: Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) consists of hydrocarbons
processed to meet strict aviation standards and is chemically very similar (or virtually
indistinguishable) to conventional fossil-derived Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF). Because of
this, it is classified as a "drop-in" fuel.
Statement 2 is incorrect: SAF does not alter the fundamental chemical nature, safety, or performance characteristics of conventional aviation fuel. It can be blended seamlessly with conventional jet fuel and used safely in existing aircraft engines and airport fueling infrastructure without requiring any modifications.
Statement 3 is correct: SAF can be derived from various sustainable and renewable feedstocks, including used cooking oils, animal fats (lipids), municipal solid waste, agricultural residues, and non-food energy crops.
Statement 4 is correct: SAF can also be produced synthetically (known as e-fuels or Power-to-Liquids / PtL) through processes that utilize renewable electricity to combine green hydrogen with carbon dioxide captured directly from the atmosphere or industrial exhaust.
Therefore, option B is the correct answer.
● Statement 1 is correct: Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) consists of hydrocarbons
processed to meet strict aviation standards and is chemically very similar (or virtually
indistinguishable) to conventional fossil-derived Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF). Because of
this, it is classified as a "drop-in" fuel.
Statement 2 is incorrect: SAF does not alter the fundamental chemical nature, safety, or performance characteristics of conventional aviation fuel. It can be blended seamlessly with conventional jet fuel and used safely in existing aircraft engines and airport fueling infrastructure without requiring any modifications.
Statement 3 is correct: SAF can be derived from various sustainable and renewable feedstocks, including used cooking oils, animal fats (lipids), municipal solid waste, agricultural residues, and non-food energy crops.
Statement 4 is correct: SAF can also be produced synthetically (known as e-fuels or Power-to-Liquids / PtL) through processes that utilize renewable electricity to combine green hydrogen with carbon dioxide captured directly from the atmosphere or industrial exhaust.
Therefore, option B is the correct answer.
Assertion (A): Iron deficiency is the most common cause of anaemia worldwide, characterized by a significant reduction in blood haemoglobin concentrations.
Reason (R): Iron is essential for building haemoglobin, so an iron shortage directly stops red blood cells from carrying enough oxygen.
Reason (R): Iron is essential for building haemoglobin, so an iron shortage directly stops red blood cells from carrying enough oxygen.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
Anonymous Poll
58%
Both Assertion (A) & Reason (R) are true, and Reason (R) is the correct explanation of Assertion (A)
23%
Both Assertion (A) & Reason (R) are true, but Reason (R) is not correct explanation of Assertion.
16%
Assertion (A) is true, but Reason (R) is false.
6%
Assertion (A) is false, but Reason (R) is true.
Answer: (A)
Assertion (A) is correct: Anaemia occurs when the blood lacks enough healthy red blood cells or haemoglobin to carry adequate oxygen to tissues. Globally, iron deficiency is the leading cause of this condition.
Reason (R) is correct: Iron is the core building block required to synthesize haemoglobin. When dietary or stored iron runs low, haemoglobin production drops, which directly causes the symptoms and low blood counts associated with anaemia.
Why (R) explains (A): Reason (R) gives the direct biochemical reason why iron deficiency leads to anaemia described in Assertion (A)—without iron, haemoglobin cannot be built properly.
Therefore, option A is the correct answer.
Assertion (A) is correct: Anaemia occurs when the blood lacks enough healthy red blood cells or haemoglobin to carry adequate oxygen to tissues. Globally, iron deficiency is the leading cause of this condition.
Reason (R) is correct: Iron is the core building block required to synthesize haemoglobin. When dietary or stored iron runs low, haemoglobin production drops, which directly causes the symptoms and low blood counts associated with anaemia.
Why (R) explains (A): Reason (R) gives the direct biochemical reason why iron deficiency leads to anaemia described in Assertion (A)—without iron, haemoglobin cannot be built properly.
Therefore, option A is the correct answer.
With the UPSC Mains results out, it’s time to gear up for the Personality Test
Designed and guided by officers who know exactly what the Interview Board expects.
Strategy Session by Dr. C. Sylendra Babu IPS (Retd. DGP, TN)
📅Date: 11th November, 2026
🕰Time: 05.00 PM
📍Venue: Officers IAS Academy, Chennai
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For More Info: +91 73977 67226
Master the UPSC Personality Test with a time-tested roadmap designed by those who’ve been there and succeeded.
Designed and guided by officers who know exactly what the Interview Board expects.
Strategy Session by Dr. C. Sylendra Babu IPS (Retd. DGP, TN)
📅Date: 11th November, 2026
🕰Time: 05.00 PM
📍Venue: Officers IAS Academy, Chennai
Register Now: https://forms.gle/6Aa5XrvexAaR4moz6
For More Info: +91 73977 67226
Master the UPSC Personality Test with a time-tested roadmap designed by those who’ve been there and succeeded.
Consider the following statements regarding the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of the Indian Parliament:
1. The term of office of the members elected to the Committee is not exceeding one year at a time.
2. The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) acts as a guide, friend, and philosopher of the Committee during its examination of public expenditure.
3. The recommendations of the Committee are binding upon the government, and any non-acceptance requires a formal resolution passed in Parliament.
1. The term of office of the members elected to the Committee is not exceeding one year at a time.
2. The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) acts as a guide, friend, and philosopher of the Committee during its examination of public expenditure.
3. The recommendations of the Committee are binding upon the government, and any non-acceptance requires a formal resolution passed in Parliament.
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Answer: (B)
Statement 1 is correct: The members of the Public Accounts Committee are elected by Parliament from amongst its members for a term of not exceeding one year.
Statement 2 is correct: The CAG assists the PAC in its examination of accounts. By attending its meetings and scrutinizing the reports, the CAG acts as a guide, friend, and philosopher to the Committee.
Statement 3 is incorrect: The recommendations of the PAC are advisory, not binding, in nature. It highlights financial irregularities and lapses, and the government is expected to submit an Action Taken Report (ATR) explaining the steps taken or proposed, but the committee's findings do not carry statutory or binding executive force.
Therefore, option B is the correct answer.
Statement 1 is correct: The members of the Public Accounts Committee are elected by Parliament from amongst its members for a term of not exceeding one year.
Statement 2 is correct: The CAG assists the PAC in its examination of accounts. By attending its meetings and scrutinizing the reports, the CAG acts as a guide, friend, and philosopher to the Committee.
Statement 3 is incorrect: The recommendations of the PAC are advisory, not binding, in nature. It highlights financial irregularities and lapses, and the government is expected to submit an Action Taken Report (ATR) explaining the steps taken or proposed, but the committee's findings do not carry statutory or binding executive force.
Therefore, option B is the correct answer.
With reference to the Fast Track Special Courts (FTSCs) in India, consider the following statements:
1. The scheme was launched by the Ministry of Law and Justice following the directions of the Supreme Court of India.
2. The scheme aims to ensure the time-bound trial and disposal of pending cases relating to offences under the POCSO Act, 2012.
3. The Central share of financial assistance for the scheme is drawn from the dedicated, non-lapsable Nirbhaya Fund.
1. The scheme was launched by the Ministry of Law and Justice following the directions of the Supreme Court of India.
2. The scheme aims to ensure the time-bound trial and disposal of pending cases relating to offences under the POCSO Act, 2012.
3. The Central share of financial assistance for the scheme is drawn from the dedicated, non-lapsable Nirbhaya Fund.
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Answer: (D)
Statement 1 is correct: The Centrally Sponsored Scheme for establishing Fast Track Special Courts (FTSCs) was launched in October 2019 by the Department of Justice, Ministry of Law and Justice, following the directions of the Supreme Court of India in Suo Motu Writ (Criminal) No. 1/2019.
Statement 2 is correct: FTSCs aim to ensure the time-bound trial and disposal of pending cases relating to rape and offences under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012. The scheme also provides for exclusive POCSO Courts (ePOCSO Courts).
Statement 3 is correct: The Central Government's share of financial assistance is drawn from the dedicated, non-lapsable Nirbhaya Fund, which was established to support initiatives aimed at enhancing the safety and security of women.
Hence, all three statements are correct.
Therefore, option D is the correct answer.
Statement 1 is correct: The Centrally Sponsored Scheme for establishing Fast Track Special Courts (FTSCs) was launched in October 2019 by the Department of Justice, Ministry of Law and Justice, following the directions of the Supreme Court of India in Suo Motu Writ (Criminal) No. 1/2019.
Statement 2 is correct: FTSCs aim to ensure the time-bound trial and disposal of pending cases relating to rape and offences under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012. The scheme also provides for exclusive POCSO Courts (ePOCSO Courts).
Statement 3 is correct: The Central Government's share of financial assistance is drawn from the dedicated, non-lapsable Nirbhaya Fund, which was established to support initiatives aimed at enhancing the safety and security of women.
Hence, all three statements are correct.
Therefore, option D is the correct answer.
With reference to the Malabar Tree Toad (Pedostibes tuberculosus), consider the following statements:
1. It is an endangered amphibian species endemic exclusively to the wet evergreen forests of the Western Ghats.
2. Unlike most toads, it is arboreal in nature and is commonly found on trees and in tree cavities.
3. It is primarily a ground-dwelling species found in fast-flowing rivers throughout the year.
1. It is an endangered amphibian species endemic exclusively to the wet evergreen forests of the Western Ghats.
2. Unlike most toads, it is arboreal in nature and is commonly found on trees and in tree cavities.
3. It is primarily a ground-dwelling species found in fast-flowing rivers throughout the year.
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Answer: (A)
Statement 1 is incorrect: The Malabar Tree Toad (Pedostibes tuberculosus) is endemic to the Western Ghats of India. However, its latest IUCN Red List assessment (2020 assessment, published in 2023) classifies it as Least Concern (LC), not Endangered. Further, it occurs in evergreen to moist deciduous forests and is not restricted exclusively to wet evergreen forests.
Statement 2 is correct: The Malabar Tree Toad has an arboreal habit, unlike most ground-dwelling toads. It is commonly found on trees and in tree cavities, particularly along forest streams.
Statement 3 is incorrect: The species is not primarily ground-dwelling. It is largely arboreal and uses streamside habitats for reproduction. Its breeding activity is associated with the monsoon, rather than remaining in fast-flowing rivers throughout the year.
Hence, statements 1 and 3 only are incorrect.
Therefore, option A is the correct answer
Statement 1 is incorrect: The Malabar Tree Toad (Pedostibes tuberculosus) is endemic to the Western Ghats of India. However, its latest IUCN Red List assessment (2020 assessment, published in 2023) classifies it as Least Concern (LC), not Endangered. Further, it occurs in evergreen to moist deciduous forests and is not restricted exclusively to wet evergreen forests.
Statement 2 is correct: The Malabar Tree Toad has an arboreal habit, unlike most ground-dwelling toads. It is commonly found on trees and in tree cavities, particularly along forest streams.
Statement 3 is incorrect: The species is not primarily ground-dwelling. It is largely arboreal and uses streamside habitats for reproduction. Its breeding activity is associated with the monsoon, rather than remaining in fast-flowing rivers throughout the year.
Hence, statements 1 and 3 only are incorrect.
Therefore, option A is the correct answer
With reference to the Pralay missile, consider the following statements:
1. It is an indigenously developed surface-to-surface missile.
2. It follows a quasi-ballistic trajectory.
3. It is powered by a liquid-fuel propulsion system.
4. It is capable of carrying multiple types of warheads.
1. It is an indigenously developed surface-to-surface missile.
2. It follows a quasi-ballistic trajectory.
3. It is powered by a liquid-fuel propulsion system.
4. It is capable of carrying multiple types of warheads.