Organised by: The National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research, Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES).
India joined the Antarctic Treaty in 1983, but it first hosted the Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting (ATCM) in New Delhi in 2007, not in 1983.
Statement 2 is correct
Only Consultative Parties, which are those countries that have demonstrated a substantial research interest in Antarctica, can participate in decision-making during the ATCM.
The meetings are hosted by Consultative Parties in alphabetical order of their English names.
ATCM approval is required for new construction or initiatives in Antarctica.
Statement 3 is incorrect
The original signatories of the Antarctic Treaty, signed on December 1, 1959, and effective from 1961, are Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Chile, France, Japan, New Zealand, Norway, South Africa, the USSR, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
India joined the Antarctic Treaty in 1983 but was not among the original 12 signatories.
Statement 4 is correct
According to the ongoing plans, the Maitri II research station is indeed planned to open by 2029 and will be located a few kilometres from the current Maitri station.
This statement accurately describes India’s future plans for its research presence in Antarctica.
Organised by: The National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research, Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES).
India joined the Antarctic Treaty in 1983, but it first hosted the Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting (ATCM) in New Delhi in 2007, not in 1983.
Statement 2 is correct
Only Consultative Parties, which are those countries that have demonstrated a substantial research interest in Antarctica, can participate in decision-making during the ATCM.
The meetings are hosted by Consultative Parties in alphabetical order of their English names.
ATCM approval is required for new construction or initiatives in Antarctica.
Statement 3 is incorrect
The original signatories of the Antarctic Treaty, signed on December 1, 1959, and effective from 1961, are Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Chile, France, Japan, New Zealand, Norway, South Africa, the USSR, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
India joined the Antarctic Treaty in 1983 but was not among the original 12 signatories.
Statement 4 is correct
According to the ongoing plans, the Maitri II research station is indeed planned to open by 2029 and will be located a few kilometres from the current Maitri station.
This statement accurately describes India’s future plans for its research presence in Antarctica.
Organised by: The National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research, Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES).
India joined the Antarctic Treaty in 1983, but it first hosted the Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting (ATCM) in New Delhi in 2007, not in 1983.
Statement 2 is correct
Only Consultative Parties, which are those countries that have demonstrated a substantial research interest in Antarctica, can participate in decision-making during the ATCM.
The meetings are hosted by Consultative Parties in alphabetical order of their English names.
ATCM approval is required for new construction or initiatives in Antarctica.
Statement 3 is incorrect
The original signatories of the Antarctic Treaty, signed on December 1, 1959, and effective from 1961, are Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Chile, France, Japan, New Zealand, Norway, South Africa, the USSR, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
India joined the Antarctic Treaty in 1983 but was not among the original 12 signatories.
Statement 4 is correct
According to the ongoing plans, the Maitri II research station is indeed planned to open by 2029 and will be located a few kilometres from the current Maitri station.
This statement accurately describes India’s future plans for its research presence in Antarctica.
Answer: (b) Only two; Difficulty Level: Medium
Question 2 of 5
2. Question
Q2. {Prelims – Envi – Species} Consider the following statements:
The blue sheep, also known as bharal, are sheeps that are native to the high Himalayas.
The double-observer survey technique used for estimating the population of blue sheep and Himalayan ibex involves two observers counting animals simultaneously without cueing each other on the animals’ locations.
The blue sheep is classified as Vulnerable by the IUCN and the Himalayan ibex is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN.
How many of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
Correct
Explanation
Statement 1 is incorrect
The blue sheep (bharal) are actually more closely related to goats (genus Capra) than to sheep.
Despite their name, blue sheep (Pseudois nayaur) are neither blue nor sheep.
The bharal, also called the blue sheep, is a caprine native to the high Himalayas.
They have a short, dense coat that is slate grey in colour, sometimes with a bluish sheen.
The horns are found in both sexes and are ridged on the upper surface. Males are slightly larger than females.
Distribution: It is found in India, Bhutan, China, Myanmar, Nepal, and Pakistan.
Habitat: They live on treeless slopes, alpine meadows and shrubs. They prefer gentle hillsides rather than steep, rugged slopes. Many Buddhist monasteriesprotect the bharal found around them.
Statement 2 is correct
The double-observer survey technique indeed involves two observers searching for and counting animals simultaneously while ensuring they do not cue each other on the locations of the animals.
This methodology aims to reduce biases and improve accuracy in population estimation.
Statement 3 is incorrect
Both the blue sheep (bharal) and the Himalayan ibex are classified as ‘Least Concern‘ by the IUCN.
Additionally, both are listed under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, indicating the highest level of legal protection in India.
Answer: (a) Only one; Difficulty Level: Medium
Incorrect
Explanation
Statement 1 is incorrect
The blue sheep (bharal) are actually more closely related to goats (genus Capra) than to sheep.
Despite their name, blue sheep (Pseudois nayaur) are neither blue nor sheep.
The bharal, also called the blue sheep, is a caprine native to the high Himalayas.
They have a short, dense coat that is slate grey in colour, sometimes with a bluish sheen.
The horns are found in both sexes and are ridged on the upper surface. Males are slightly larger than females.
Distribution: It is found in India, Bhutan, China, Myanmar, Nepal, and Pakistan.
Habitat: They live on treeless slopes, alpine meadows and shrubs. They prefer gentle hillsides rather than steep, rugged slopes. Many Buddhist monasteriesprotect the bharal found around them.
Statement 2 is correct
The double-observer survey technique indeed involves two observers searching for and counting animals simultaneously while ensuring they do not cue each other on the locations of the animals.
This methodology aims to reduce biases and improve accuracy in population estimation.
Statement 3 is incorrect
Both the blue sheep (bharal) and the Himalayan ibex are classified as ‘Least Concern‘ by the IUCN.
Additionally, both are listed under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, indicating the highest level of legal protection in India.
Answer: (a) Only one; Difficulty Level: Medium
Unattempted
Explanation
Statement 1 is incorrect
The blue sheep (bharal) are actually more closely related to goats (genus Capra) than to sheep.
Despite their name, blue sheep (Pseudois nayaur) are neither blue nor sheep.
The bharal, also called the blue sheep, is a caprine native to the high Himalayas.
They have a short, dense coat that is slate grey in colour, sometimes with a bluish sheen.
The horns are found in both sexes and are ridged on the upper surface. Males are slightly larger than females.
Distribution: It is found in India, Bhutan, China, Myanmar, Nepal, and Pakistan.
Habitat: They live on treeless slopes, alpine meadows and shrubs. They prefer gentle hillsides rather than steep, rugged slopes. Many Buddhist monasteriesprotect the bharal found around them.
Statement 2 is correct
The double-observer survey technique indeed involves two observers searching for and counting animals simultaneously while ensuring they do not cue each other on the locations of the animals.
This methodology aims to reduce biases and improve accuracy in population estimation.
Statement 3 is incorrect
Both the blue sheep (bharal) and the Himalayan ibex are classified as ‘Least Concern‘ by the IUCN.
Additionally, both are listed under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, indicating the highest level of legal protection in India.
Answer: (a) Only one; Difficulty Level: Medium
Question 3 of 5
3. Question
Q3. {Prelims – Sci – Bio – Diseases} Consider the following statements regarding Primary Amoebic Meningoencephalitis (PAM):
Primary Amoebic Meningoencephalitis (PAM) is a brain infection caused by a brain-eating amoeba known as Naegleria fowleri, that is commonly found in warm freshwater environments.
PAM can be contracted by drinking water contaminated with Naegleria fowleri.
The infection is highly contagious and can spread from person to person.
How many of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
PAM is indeed a rare and fatal brain infection caused by Naegleriafowleri, which is colloquially known as the “brain-eating amoeba.”
The amoeba infects the brain by entering through the nose and subsequently destroying brain tissue, leading to severe symptoms and often resulting in death.
Naegleria fowleri is well-adapted to thrive in warm freshwater environments. It can survive and multiply at temperatures up to 115°F (46°C).
Common locations for the amoeba include warm lakes, rivers, hot springs, and poorly maintained swimming pools, as well as other recreational water venues with minimal chlorination.
Statement 2 is incorrect
PAMcannot be contracted by drinking contaminated water.
The infection occurs when Naegleria fowleri enters the body through the nose, typically during activities such as swimming, diving, or other water-related activities in warm freshwater environments.
The amoeba travels up the nose to the brain, where it causes the infection.
Statement 3 is incorrect
PAM is not contagious and cannot spread from person to person.
The infection is contracted when the amoeba directly enters the nose from contaminated water and then travels to the brain.
There is no evidence of person-to-person transmission of Naegleria fowleri.
PAM is indeed a rare and fatal brain infection caused by Naegleriafowleri, which is colloquially known as the “brain-eating amoeba.”
The amoeba infects the brain by entering through the nose and subsequently destroying brain tissue, leading to severe symptoms and often resulting in death.
Naegleria fowleri is well-adapted to thrive in warm freshwater environments. It can survive and multiply at temperatures up to 115°F (46°C).
Common locations for the amoeba include warm lakes, rivers, hot springs, and poorly maintained swimming pools, as well as other recreational water venues with minimal chlorination.
Statement 2 is incorrect
PAMcannot be contracted by drinking contaminated water.
The infection occurs when Naegleria fowleri enters the body through the nose, typically during activities such as swimming, diving, or other water-related activities in warm freshwater environments.
The amoeba travels up the nose to the brain, where it causes the infection.
Statement 3 is incorrect
PAM is not contagious and cannot spread from person to person.
The infection is contracted when the amoeba directly enters the nose from contaminated water and then travels to the brain.
There is no evidence of person-to-person transmission of Naegleria fowleri.
PAM is indeed a rare and fatal brain infection caused by Naegleriafowleri, which is colloquially known as the “brain-eating amoeba.”
The amoeba infects the brain by entering through the nose and subsequently destroying brain tissue, leading to severe symptoms and often resulting in death.
Naegleria fowleri is well-adapted to thrive in warm freshwater environments. It can survive and multiply at temperatures up to 115°F (46°C).
Common locations for the amoeba include warm lakes, rivers, hot springs, and poorly maintained swimming pools, as well as other recreational water venues with minimal chlorination.
Statement 2 is incorrect
PAMcannot be contracted by drinking contaminated water.
The infection occurs when Naegleria fowleri enters the body through the nose, typically during activities such as swimming, diving, or other water-related activities in warm freshwater environments.
The amoeba travels up the nose to the brain, where it causes the infection.
Statement 3 is incorrect
PAM is not contagious and cannot spread from person to person.
The infection is contracted when the amoeba directly enters the nose from contaminated water and then travels to the brain.
There is no evidence of person-to-person transmission of Naegleria fowleri.
Answer: (a) Only one; Difficulty Level: Medium
Question 4 of 5
4. Question
Q4. {Prelims – Sci – Chemistry} Consider the following statements:
The United Nations Convention on Psychotropic Substances, 1971, specifically lists all psychedelics under Schedule I due to their high potential for abuse.
Classical psychedelics, such as LSD, psilocybin, and DMT, work by activating the serotonin 5-HT receptor, which is widely present in the human body.
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and psychedelics both increase serotonin levels, but SSRIs typically cause emotional moderation, while psychedelics often lead to emotional release.
How many of the above statement(s) is/are not correct?
Correct
Explanation
Statement 1 is incorrect
The UN Convention on Psychotropic Substances, 1971, lists approximately 200 psychotropic substances across four schedules.
However, it does not specifically categorizeall psychedelics under Schedule I.
Schedule I substances are those with the highest potential for abuse, but the convention does not detail which psychotropics are psychedelics.
Statement 2 is correct
Classical psychedelics like LSD, psilocybin, and DMT are known to interact with the serotonin system, particularly the serotonin 5-HT2A receptor.
This receptor is present in various parts of the body, including the gastrointestinal tract, platelets, and the central nervous system.
Activation of this receptor is believed to be responsible for the hallucinogenic effects of these substances.
Statement 3 is correct
SSRIs, which are commonly used to treat depression and anxiety, function by increasing the levels of serotonin in the brain, leading to a reduction in symptoms over time. They generally work by reducing limbic responsiveness, leading to emotional moderation or blunting.
In contrast, psychedelics also increase serotonin levels but interact more strongly with serotonin receptors, especially the 5-HT2A receptor. This interaction often results in a rapid and intense emotional release, which, when combined with psychological support, can be therapeutically beneficial.
Answer: (a) Only one; Difficulty Level: Medium
Incorrect
Explanation
Statement 1 is incorrect
The UN Convention on Psychotropic Substances, 1971, lists approximately 200 psychotropic substances across four schedules.
However, it does not specifically categorizeall psychedelics under Schedule I.
Schedule I substances are those with the highest potential for abuse, but the convention does not detail which psychotropics are psychedelics.
Statement 2 is correct
Classical psychedelics like LSD, psilocybin, and DMT are known to interact with the serotonin system, particularly the serotonin 5-HT2A receptor.
This receptor is present in various parts of the body, including the gastrointestinal tract, platelets, and the central nervous system.
Activation of this receptor is believed to be responsible for the hallucinogenic effects of these substances.
Statement 3 is correct
SSRIs, which are commonly used to treat depression and anxiety, function by increasing the levels of serotonin in the brain, leading to a reduction in symptoms over time. They generally work by reducing limbic responsiveness, leading to emotional moderation or blunting.
In contrast, psychedelics also increase serotonin levels but interact more strongly with serotonin receptors, especially the 5-HT2A receptor. This interaction often results in a rapid and intense emotional release, which, when combined with psychological support, can be therapeutically beneficial.
Answer: (a) Only one; Difficulty Level: Medium
Unattempted
Explanation
Statement 1 is incorrect
The UN Convention on Psychotropic Substances, 1971, lists approximately 200 psychotropic substances across four schedules.
However, it does not specifically categorizeall psychedelics under Schedule I.
Schedule I substances are those with the highest potential for abuse, but the convention does not detail which psychotropics are psychedelics.
Statement 2 is correct
Classical psychedelics like LSD, psilocybin, and DMT are known to interact with the serotonin system, particularly the serotonin 5-HT2A receptor.
This receptor is present in various parts of the body, including the gastrointestinal tract, platelets, and the central nervous system.
Activation of this receptor is believed to be responsible for the hallucinogenic effects of these substances.
Statement 3 is correct
SSRIs, which are commonly used to treat depression and anxiety, function by increasing the levels of serotonin in the brain, leading to a reduction in symptoms over time. They generally work by reducing limbic responsiveness, leading to emotional moderation or blunting.
In contrast, psychedelics also increase serotonin levels but interact more strongly with serotonin receptors, especially the 5-HT2A receptor. This interaction often results in a rapid and intense emotional release, which, when combined with psychological support, can be therapeutically beneficial.
Answer: (a) Only one; Difficulty Level: Medium
Question 5 of 5
5. Question
Q5. {Prelims – S&T – Medicine} What is Yesafili, recently seen in the news?
Correct
Explanation
Interchangeable biosimilar: Yesafili is a biosimilar product, which means it is highly similar to an already approved biological product (in this case, Eylea by Regeneron Pharmaceuticals) with no clinically meaningful differences.
FDA Approval: It has received approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
VEGF inhibitor: It acts as a vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) inhibitor.
Treats Eye Conditions: Yesafili is used to treat various eye conditions including neovascular (wet) age-related macular degeneration, macular edema following retinal vein occlusion, diabeticmacular edema, and diabetic retinopathy.
Answer: (b) An interchangeable biosimilar approved by the FDA for the treatment of various eye conditions; Difficulty Level: Medium
Incorrect
Explanation
Interchangeable biosimilar: Yesafili is a biosimilar product, which means it is highly similar to an already approved biological product (in this case, Eylea by Regeneron Pharmaceuticals) with no clinically meaningful differences.
FDA Approval: It has received approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
VEGF inhibitor: It acts as a vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) inhibitor.
Treats Eye Conditions: Yesafili is used to treat various eye conditions including neovascular (wet) age-related macular degeneration, macular edema following retinal vein occlusion, diabeticmacular edema, and diabetic retinopathy.
Answer: (b) An interchangeable biosimilar approved by the FDA for the treatment of various eye conditions; Difficulty Level: Medium
Unattempted
Explanation
Interchangeable biosimilar: Yesafili is a biosimilar product, which means it is highly similar to an already approved biological product (in this case, Eylea by Regeneron Pharmaceuticals) with no clinically meaningful differences.
FDA Approval: It has received approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
VEGF inhibitor: It acts as a vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) inhibitor.
Treats Eye Conditions: Yesafili is used to treat various eye conditions including neovascular (wet) age-related macular degeneration, macular edema following retinal vein occlusion, diabeticmacular edema, and diabetic retinopathy.
Answer: (b) An interchangeable biosimilar approved by the FDA for the treatment of various eye conditions; Difficulty Level: Medium
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