{"id":60267,"date":"2025-08-21T08:31:25","date_gmt":"2025-08-21T03:01:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/?p=60267"},"modified":"2025-08-21T08:31:25","modified_gmt":"2025-08-21T03:01:25","slug":"upsc-daily-quiz-20-august-2025","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/upsc-daily-quiz-20-august-2025\/","title":{"rendered":"UPSC Daily Quiz 20 August 2025"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Daily UPSC Quiz by Vajiram &amp; Ravi is a thoughtfully curated initiative designed to support UPSC aspirants in strengthening their current affairs knowledge and core conceptual understanding. Aligned with the UPSC Syllabus 2025, this daily quiz serves as a revision resource, helping candidates assess their preparation, revise key topics, and stay updated with relevant issues. Whether you are preparing for Prelims or sharpening your revision for Mains, consistent practice with these Daily UPSC Quiz can significantly enhance accuracy, speed, and confidence in solving exam-level questions<\/span><\/p>\n<table class=\"wp-list-table widefat fixed striped table-view-list quiz\">\n<tbody id=\"the-list\" data-wp-lists=\"list:quiz\">\n<tr>\n<td class=\"shortcode column-shortcode\" data-colname=\"Shortcode\">        <div class=\"wpProQuiz_content\" id=\"wpProQuiz_49\">\n            <h2>UPSC Daily Quiz 18 December 2025<\/h2>        <div style=\"display: none;\" class=\"wpProQuiz_time_limit\">\n            <div class=\"time\">Time limit: <span>0<\/span><\/div>\n            <div class=\"wpProQuiz_progress\"><\/div>\n        <\/div>\n                <div class=\"wpProQuiz_checkPage\" style=\"display: none;\">\n            <h4 class=\"wpProQuiz_header\">Quiz-summary<\/h4>\n\n            <p>\n                <span>0<\/span> of 10 questions completed            <\/p>\n\n            <p>Questions:<\/p>\n\n            <div style=\"margin-bottom: 20px;\" class=\"wpProQuiz_box\">\n                <ol>\n                                            <li>1<\/li>\n                                            <li>2<\/li>\n                                            <li>3<\/li>\n                                            <li>4<\/li>\n                                            <li>5<\/li>\n                                            <li>6<\/li>\n                                            <li>7<\/li>\n                                            <li>8<\/li>\n                                            <li>9<\/li>\n                                            <li>10<\/li>\n                                    <\/ol>\n                <div style=\"clear: both;\"><\/div>\n            <\/div>\n\n            \n            <input type=\"button\" name=\"endQuizSummary\" value=\"Finish quiz\"\n                   class=\"wpProQuiz_button\">\n        <\/div>\n                <div class=\"wpProQuiz_infopage\" style=\"display: none;\">\n            <h4>Information<\/h4>\n\n            \n            <input type=\"button\" name=\"endInfopage\" value=\"Finish quiz\"\n                   class=\"wpProQuiz_button\">\n        <\/div>\n                <div class=\"wpProQuiz_text\">\n            <p>\n                <p>Vajiram &amp; Ravi\u2019s Daily UPSC Quiz is designed to help aspirants strengthen their preparation by focusing on current affairs and concepts from the UPSC Syllabus 2026 for both Prelims &amp; Mains. It allows candidates to revise important topics while regularly assessing their understanding and progress. Practicing these quizzes daily can improve accuracy, speed, and problem-solving skills. This consistent practice also enhances confidence in tackling exam-level questions. Overall, it is a valuable tool for both UPSC Prelims preparation and Mains revision.<\/p>\n            <\/p>\n\n            \n            <div>\n                <input class=\"wpProQuiz_button\" type=\"button\" value=\"Start quiz\"\n                       name=\"startQuiz\">\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n                <div style=\"display: none;\" class=\"wpProQuiz_lock\">\n            <p>\n                You have already completed the quiz before. Hence you can not start it again.            <\/p>\n        <\/div>\n                <div style=\"display: none;\" class=\"wpProQuiz_loadQuiz\">\n            <p>\n                Quiz is loading...            <\/p>\n        <\/div>\n                <div style=\"display: none;\" class=\"wpProQuiz_startOnlyRegisteredUser\">\n            <p>\n                You must sign in or sign up to start the quiz.            <\/p>\n        <\/div>\n                <div style=\"display: none;\" class=\"wpProQuiz_prerequisite\">\n            <p>\n                You have to finish following quiz, to start this quiz:                <span><\/span>\n            <\/p>\n        <\/div>\n                <div style=\"display: none;\" class=\"wpProQuiz_results\">\n\t\t\t        <div class=\"wpProQuiz_addToplist\" style=\"display: none;\">\n            <span style=\"font-weight: bold;\">Your result has been entered into leaderboard<\/span>\n\n            <div style=\"margin-top: 6px;\">\n                <div class=\"wpProQuiz_addToplistMessage\" style=\"display: none;\">Loading<\/div>\n                <div class=\"wpProQuiz_addBox\">\n                    <div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<label>\n                                Name: <input type=\"text\" placeholder=\"Name\" name=\"wpProQuiz_toplistName\" maxlength=\"15\" size=\"16\"\n                                                                            style=\"width: 150px;\">\n                            <\/label>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<label>\n                                E-Mail: <input type=\"email\"\n                                                                              placeholder=\"E-Mail\"\n                                                                              name=\"wpProQuiz_toplistEmail\" size=\"20\"\n                                                                              style=\"width: 150px;\">\n                            <\/label>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\n                        <div style=\"margin-top: 5px;\">\n                            <label>\n                                Captcha: <input type=\"text\" name=\"wpProQuiz_captcha\"\n                                                                               size=\"8\" style=\"width: 50px;\">\n                            <\/label>\n                            <input type=\"hidden\" name=\"wpProQuiz_captchaPrefix\" value=\"0\">\n                            <img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"captcha\" src=\"\" class=\"wpProQuiz_captchaImg\" style=\"vertical-align: middle;\">\n                        <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <input class=\"wpProQuiz_button2\" type=\"submit\" value=\"Send\"\n                           name=\"wpProQuiz_toplistAdd\">\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"wpProQuiz_results_content\">\n                <h4 class=\"wpProQuiz_header\">Results<\/h4>\n                                    <p>\n                        <span class=\"wpProQuiz_correct_answer\">0<\/span> of <span>10<\/span> questions answered correctly                    <\/p>\n                                    <p class=\"wpProQuiz_quiz_time\">\n                        Your time: <span><\/span>                    <\/p>\n                                <p class=\"wpProQuiz_time_limit_expired\" style=\"display: none;\">\n                    Time has elapsed                <\/p>\n                                    <p class=\"wpProQuiz_points\">\n                        You have reached <span>0<\/span> of <span>0<\/span> points, (<span>0<\/span>)                    <\/p>\n                                                    <div class=\"wpProQuiz_resultTable\">\n                        <table>\n                            <tbody>\n                            <tr>\n                                <td class=\"wpProQuiz_resultName\">Average score<\/td>\n                                <td class=\"wpProQuiz_resultValue\">\n                                    <div style=\"background-color: #6CA54C;\">&nbsp;<\/div>\n                                    <span>&nbsp;<\/span>\n                                <\/td>\n                            <\/tr>\n                            <tr>\n                                <td class=\"wpProQuiz_resultName\">Your score<\/td>\n                                <td class=\"wpProQuiz_resultValue\">\n                                    <div style=\"background-color: #F79646;\">&nbsp;<\/div>\n                                    <span>&nbsp;<\/span>\n                                <\/td>\n                            <\/tr>\n                            <\/tbody>\n                        <\/table>\n                    <\/div>\n                                <div class=\"wpProQuiz_catOverview\" style=\"display:none;\">\n                    <h4>Categories<\/h4>\n\n                    <div style=\"margin-top: 10px;\">\n                        <ol>\n                                                            <li data-category_id=\"0\">\n                                    <span class=\"wpProQuiz_catName\">Not categorized<\/span>\n                                    <span class=\"wpProQuiz_catPercent\">0%<\/span>\n                                <\/li>\n                                                    <\/ol>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/div>\n                <div>\n                    <ul class=\"wpProQuiz_resultsList\">\n                                                    <li style=\"display: none;\">\n                                <div>\n                                                                    <\/div>\n                            <\/li>\n                                            <\/ul>\n                <\/div>\n                                <div style=\"margin: 10px 0px;\">\n                                            <input class=\"wpProQuiz_button\" type=\"button\" name=\"restartQuiz\"\n                               value=\"Restart quiz\">\n                                            <input class=\"wpProQuiz_button\" type=\"button\" name=\"reShowQuestion\"\n                               value=\"View questions\">\n                                                                <input class=\"wpProQuiz_button\" type=\"button\" name=\"showToplist\"\n                               value=\"Show leaderboard\">\n                                    <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n                <div class=\"wpProQuiz_toplistShowInButton\" style=\"display: none;\">\n                    <div style=\"margin-bottom: 30px; margin-top: 10px;\" class=\"wpProQuiz_toplist\"\n             data-quiz_id=\"49\">\n                        <table class=\"wpProQuiz_toplistTable\">\n                <caption>maximum of 10 points<\/caption>\n                <thead>\n                <tr>\n                    <th style=\"width: 40px;\">Pos.<\/th>\n                    <th style=\"text-align: left !important;\">Name<\/th>\n                    <th style=\"width: 140px;\">Entered on<\/th>\n                    <th style=\"width: 60px;\">Points<\/th>\n                    <th style=\"width: 75px;\">Result<\/th>\n                <\/tr>\n                <\/thead>\n                <tbody>\n                <tr>\n                    <td colspan=\"5\">Table is loading<\/td>\n                <\/tr>\n                <tr style=\"display: none;\">\n                    <td colspan=\"5\">No data available<\/td>\n                <\/tr>\n                <tr style=\"display: none;\">\n                    <td><\/td>\n                    <td style=\"text-align: left !important;\"><\/td>\n                    <td style=\" color: rgb(124, 124, 124); font-size: x-small;\"><\/td>\n                    <td><\/td>\n                    <td><\/td>\n                <\/tr>\n                <\/tbody>\n            <\/table>\n        <\/div>\n\n                <\/div>\n                <div class=\"wpProQuiz_reviewDiv\" style=\"display: none;\">\n            <div class=\"wpProQuiz_reviewQuestion\">\n                <ol>\n                                            <li>1<\/li>\n                                            <li>2<\/li>\n                                            <li>3<\/li>\n                                            <li>4<\/li>\n                                            <li>5<\/li>\n                                            <li>6<\/li>\n                                            <li>7<\/li>\n                                            <li>8<\/li>\n                                            <li>9<\/li>\n                                            <li>10<\/li>\n                                    <\/ol>\n                <div style=\"display: none;\"><\/div>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"wpProQuiz_reviewLegend\">\n                <ol>\n                    <li>\n                        <span class=\"wpProQuiz_reviewColor\" style=\"background-color: #6CA54C;\"><\/span>\n                        <span class=\"wpProQuiz_reviewText\">Answered<\/span>\n                    <\/li>\n                    <li>\n                        <span class=\"wpProQuiz_reviewColor\" style=\"background-color: #FFB800;\"><\/span>\n                        <span class=\"wpProQuiz_reviewText\">Review<\/span>\n                    <\/li>\n                <\/ol>\n                <div style=\"clear: both;\"><\/div>\n            <\/div>\n            <div>\n                            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n                <div class=\"wpProQuiz_quizAnker\" style=\"display: none;\"><\/div>\n                <div style=\"display: none;\" class=\"wpProQuiz_quiz\">\n            <ol class=\"wpProQuiz_list\">\n                                    <li class=\"wpProQuiz_listItem\" style=\"display: none;\">\n                        <div\n                            class=\"wpProQuiz_question_page\" style=\"display:none;\" >\n                            Question <span>1<\/span> of <span>10<\/span>                        <\/div>\n                        <h5 style=\"display: inline-block;\"\n                            class=\"wpProQuiz_header\">\n                            <span>1<\/span>. Question                        <\/h5>\n\n                                                    <span style=\"font-weight: bold; float: right;\">1 points<\/span>\n                            <div style=\"clear: both;\"><\/div>\n                        \n                                                <div class=\"wpProQuiz_question\" style=\"margin: 10px 0 0 0;\">\n                            <div class=\"wpProQuiz_question_text\">\n                                <p>Which one the following best describes \u2018Annatto\u2019, recently seen in the news?<\/p>\n                            <\/div>\n                                                        <ul class=\"wpProQuiz_questionList\" data-question_id=\"484\"\n                                data-type=\"single\">\n                                \n                                    <li class=\"wpProQuiz_questionListItem\" data-pos=\"0\">\n\n                                                                                                                                <span style=\"display:none;\"><\/span>\n                                            <label>\n                                                <input class=\"wpProQuiz_questionInput\"\n                                                       type=\"radio\"\n                                                       name=\"question_49_484\"\n                                                       value=\"1\"> a. A synthetic antioxidant used in edible oils                                            <\/label>\n\n                                                                            <\/li>\n                                    \n                                    <li class=\"wpProQuiz_questionListItem\" data-pos=\"1\">\n\n                                                                                                                                <span style=\"display:none;\"><\/span>\n                                            <label>\n                                                <input class=\"wpProQuiz_questionInput\"\n                                                       type=\"radio\"\n                                                       name=\"question_49_484\"\n                                                       value=\"2\"> b. A mineral-based pigment used in pharmaceuticals                                            <\/label>\n\n                                                                            <\/li>\n                                    \n                                    <li class=\"wpProQuiz_questionListItem\" data-pos=\"2\">\n\n                                                                                                                                <span style=\"display:none;\"><\/span>\n                                            <label>\n                                                <input class=\"wpProQuiz_questionInput\"\n                                                       type=\"radio\"\n                                                       name=\"question_49_484\"\n                                                       value=\"3\"> c. A natural food colouring and flavouring agent                                            <\/label>\n\n                                                                            <\/li>\n                                    \n                                    <li class=\"wpProQuiz_questionListItem\" data-pos=\"3\">\n\n                                                                                                                                <span style=\"display:none;\"><\/span>\n                                            <label>\n                                                <input class=\"wpProQuiz_questionInput\"\n                                                       type=\"radio\"\n                                                       name=\"question_49_484\"\n                                                       value=\"4\"> d. A mineral salt used to stabilize dairy products                                            <\/label>\n\n                                                                            <\/li>\n                                                                <\/ul>\n                        <\/div>\n                                                    <div class=\"wpProQuiz_response\" style=\"display: none;\">\n                                <div style=\"display: none;\" class=\"wpProQuiz_correct\">\n                                                                            <span class=\"wpProQuiz_respone_span\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tCorrect\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span><br>\n                                    <p><strong>Answer: c<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Explanation:<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>As informed by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), the CSIR\u2013Central Food Technological Research Institute (CSIR\u2013CFTRI), Mysuru had undertaken four Grant-in-Aid projects related to the study and development of annatto.<\/p>\n<p><strong>About Annatto:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>It is a <strong>natural food colouring and flavoring agent<\/strong> obtained from the <strong>seeds of the achiote tree <\/strong>(Bixa orellana), <strong>native to the tropical regions of the Americas.<\/strong><\/li>\n<li>About<strong> 70% of natural food colors come from annatto. <\/strong><\/li>\n<li>It adds a<strong> yellow-orange color to foods <\/strong>like cheese, butter, yogurt, sausage, smoked fish, ice cream, and baked goods.\n<ul>\n<li>The bold color comes from carotenoids, which are plant pigments that are found in the coating of the seed.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>It is most <strong>often ground up into a powder or paste<\/strong> form for use.<\/li>\n<li>Its <strong>color can also be extracted <\/strong>from the seed and then <strong>added to foods as a dye.<\/strong><\/li>\n<li>Some also use annatto to <strong>boost the flavor of certain dishes. <\/strong><\/li>\n<li>It has a <strong>mild, peppery flavor<\/strong> when used in large amounts as well as a <strong>nutty and floral scent.<\/strong><\/li>\n<li>It is <strong>safe for most people<\/strong> when used in normal food amounts. However, it might <strong>cause allergic reactions in some sensitive people.<\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>Benefits:<\/strong>\n<ul>\n<li>It has been linked to various benefits, including <strong>reduced inflammation, improved eye and heart health,<\/strong> and <strong>anticancer properties.<\/strong><\/li>\n<li>It is <strong>rich in<\/strong> several key<strong> antimicrobial compounds<\/strong>, which can <strong>limit the growth of bacteria, fungi,<\/strong> and parasites.<\/li>\n<li>It is<strong> rich in antioxidants<\/strong>, or compounds that help <strong>neutralize the effects of harmful free radicals that <\/strong>can build up and <strong>cause damage to cells.<\/strong><\/li>\n<li>It is <strong>high in tocotrienol,<\/strong> a <strong>form of vitamin E<\/strong> that some studies show could help with <strong>keeping bones strong<\/strong> and healthy.<\/li>\n<li>Annatto seeds are sometimes also <strong>ground up and applied topicall<\/strong>y to help <strong>enhance the health of your skin.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Hence option c is the correct answer.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>News<\/strong>:<a href=\"https:\/\/www.pib.gov.in\/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2205298&amp;reg=3&amp;lang=1\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">https:\/\/www.pib.gov.in\/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2205298&#038;reg=3&#038;lang=1<\/a><\/p>                                <\/div>\n                                <div style=\"display: none;\" class=\"wpProQuiz_incorrect\">\n                                                                            <span class=\"wpProQuiz_respone_span\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tIncorrect\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span><br>\n                                    <p><strong>Answer: c<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Explanation:<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>As informed by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), the CSIR\u2013Central Food Technological Research Institute (CSIR\u2013CFTRI), Mysuru had undertaken four Grant-in-Aid projects related to the study and development of annatto.<\/p>\n<p><strong>About Annatto:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>It is a <strong>natural food colouring and flavoring agent<\/strong> obtained from the <strong>seeds of the achiote tree <\/strong>(Bixa orellana), <strong>native to the tropical regions of the Americas.<\/strong><\/li>\n<li>About<strong> 70% of natural food colors come from annatto. <\/strong><\/li>\n<li>It adds a<strong> yellow-orange color to foods <\/strong>like cheese, butter, yogurt, sausage, smoked fish, ice cream, and baked goods.\n<ul>\n<li>The bold color comes from carotenoids, which are plant pigments that are found in the coating of the seed.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>It is most <strong>often ground up into a powder or paste<\/strong> form for use.<\/li>\n<li>Its <strong>color can also be extracted <\/strong>from the seed and then <strong>added to foods as a dye.<\/strong><\/li>\n<li>Some also use annatto to <strong>boost the flavor of certain dishes. <\/strong><\/li>\n<li>It has a <strong>mild, peppery flavor<\/strong> when used in large amounts as well as a <strong>nutty and floral scent.<\/strong><\/li>\n<li>It is <strong>safe for most people<\/strong> when used in normal food amounts. However, it might <strong>cause allergic reactions in some sensitive people.<\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>Benefits:<\/strong>\n<ul>\n<li>It has been linked to various benefits, including <strong>reduced inflammation, improved eye and heart health,<\/strong> and <strong>anticancer properties.<\/strong><\/li>\n<li>It is <strong>rich in<\/strong> several key<strong> antimicrobial compounds<\/strong>, which can <strong>limit the growth of bacteria, fungi,<\/strong> and parasites.<\/li>\n<li>It is<strong> rich in antioxidants<\/strong>, or compounds that help <strong>neutralize the effects of harmful free radicals that <\/strong>can build up and <strong>cause damage to cells.<\/strong><\/li>\n<li>It is <strong>high in tocotrienol,<\/strong> a <strong>form of vitamin E<\/strong> that some studies show could help with <strong>keeping bones strong<\/strong> and healthy.<\/li>\n<li>Annatto seeds are sometimes also <strong>ground up and applied topicall<\/strong>y to help <strong>enhance the health of your skin.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Hence option c is the correct answer.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>News<\/strong>:<a href=\"https:\/\/www.pib.gov.in\/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2205298&amp;reg=3&amp;lang=1\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">https:\/\/www.pib.gov.in\/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2205298&#038;reg=3&#038;lang=1<\/a><\/p>\n                                <\/div>\n                            <\/div>\n                        \n                        \n                                                <input type=\"button\" name=\"back\" value=\"Back\"\n                               class=\"wpProQuiz_button wpProQuiz_QuestionButton\"\n                               style=\"float: left !important; margin-right: 10px !important; display: none;\">\n                                                <input type=\"button\" name=\"check\" value=\"Check\"\n                               class=\"wpProQuiz_button wpProQuiz_QuestionButton\"\n                               style=\"float: right !important; margin-right: 10px !important; display: none;\">\n                        <input type=\"button\" name=\"next\" value=\"Next\"\n                               class=\"wpProQuiz_button wpProQuiz_QuestionButton\" style=\"float: right; display: none;\">\n\n                        <div style=\"clear: both;\"><\/div>\n\n                                                    <div style=\"margin-bottom: 20px;\"><\/div>\n                        \n                    <\/li>\n\n                                    <li class=\"wpProQuiz_listItem\" style=\"display: none;\">\n                        <div\n                            class=\"wpProQuiz_question_page\" style=\"display:none;\" >\n                            Question <span>2<\/span> of <span>10<\/span>                        <\/div>\n                        <h5 style=\"display: inline-block;\"\n                            class=\"wpProQuiz_header\">\n                            <span>2<\/span>. Question                        <\/h5>\n\n                                                    <span style=\"font-weight: bold; float: right;\">1 points<\/span>\n                            <div style=\"clear: both;\"><\/div>\n                        \n                                                <div class=\"wpProQuiz_question\" style=\"margin: 10px 0 0 0;\">\n                            <div class=\"wpProQuiz_question_text\">\n                                <p>What is \u2018ICGS Sarthak\u2019, recently seen in the news?<\/p>\n                            <\/div>\n                                                        <ul class=\"wpProQuiz_questionList\" data-question_id=\"485\"\n                                data-type=\"single\">\n                                \n                                    <li class=\"wpProQuiz_questionListItem\" data-pos=\"0\">\n\n                                                                                                                                <span style=\"display:none;\"><\/span>\n                                            <label>\n                                                <input class=\"wpProQuiz_questionInput\"\n                                                       type=\"radio\"\n                                                       name=\"question_49_485\"\n                                                       value=\"1\"> a. A coastal surveillance UAV                                            <\/label>\n\n                                                                            <\/li>\n                                    \n                                    <li class=\"wpProQuiz_questionListItem\" data-pos=\"1\">\n\n                                                                                                                                <span style=\"display:none;\"><\/span>\n                                            <label>\n                                                <input class=\"wpProQuiz_questionInput\"\n                                                       type=\"radio\"\n                                                       name=\"question_49_485\"\n                                                       value=\"2\"> b. An offshore patrol vessel                                            <\/label>\n\n                                                                            <\/li>\n                                    \n                                    <li class=\"wpProQuiz_questionListItem\" data-pos=\"2\">\n\n                                                                                                                                <span style=\"display:none;\"><\/span>\n                                            <label>\n                                                <input class=\"wpProQuiz_questionInput\"\n                                                       type=\"radio\"\n                                                       name=\"question_49_485\"\n                                                       value=\"3\"> c. A deep-sea research vessel                                            <\/label>\n\n                                                                            <\/li>\n                                    \n                                    <li class=\"wpProQuiz_questionListItem\" data-pos=\"3\">\n\n                                                                                                                                <span style=\"display:none;\"><\/span>\n                                            <label>\n                                                <input class=\"wpProQuiz_questionInput\"\n                                                       type=\"radio\"\n                                                       name=\"question_49_485\"\n                                                       value=\"4\"> d. None of the above                                            <\/label>\n\n                                                                            <\/li>\n                                                                <\/ul>\n                        <\/div>\n                                                    <div class=\"wpProQuiz_response\" style=\"display: none;\">\n                                <div style=\"display: none;\" class=\"wpProQuiz_correct\">\n                                                                            <span class=\"wpProQuiz_respone_span\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tCorrect\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span><br>\n                                    <p><strong>Answer: b<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Explanation:<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) Ship Sarthak, an Offshore Patrol Vessel, recently made a port call at Chabahar, Iran.<\/p>\n<p><strong>About ICGS Sarthak:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>It is the fourth in the series of five <strong>Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs)<\/strong> being <strong>built by Goa Shipyard for the Indian Coast Guard (ICG).<\/strong>\n<ul>\n<li>These <strong>OPVs are multi-mission platforms<\/strong> capable of undertaking <strong>concurrent operations. <\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>ICGS Sarthak was <strong>commissioned <\/strong>on October 28, <strong>2021<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<li>The 105-meter-long ship displacing 2450 tons is propelled by two 9100-kilowatt <strong>diesel engines<\/strong> designed to attain a maximum speed of 26 knots.<\/li>\n<li>The ship is fitted with state-of-the-art equipment machinery, <strong>sensors, and weapons <\/strong>and has an I<strong>ntegrated Bridge System, and Integrated Machinery Control System.<\/strong>\n<ul>\n<li>That enables it to function as a command platform and undertake mandated Coast Guard charter of duties, including <strong>search and rescue, combating maritime crimes,<\/strong> and preserving and <strong>protecting the marine environment.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>It will be <strong>based <\/strong>at <strong>Porbandar, Gujrat,<\/strong> and operate on India\u2019s western seaboard under the operational and administrative control of the commander, Coast Guard Region.<\/li>\n<li>It has a complement of 11 officers and 110 men.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Hence option b is the correct answer.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>News<\/strong>: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.newsonair.gov.in\/indian-coast-guard-ship-sarthak-makes-first-ever-port-call-at-chabahar-iran\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">https:\/\/www.newsonair.gov.in\/indian-coast-guard-ship-sarthak-makes-first-ever-port-call-at-chabahar-iran\/<\/a><\/p>                                <\/div>\n                                <div style=\"display: none;\" class=\"wpProQuiz_incorrect\">\n                                                                            <span class=\"wpProQuiz_respone_span\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tIncorrect\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span><br>\n                                    <p><strong>Answer: b<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Explanation:<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) Ship Sarthak, an Offshore Patrol Vessel, recently made a port call at Chabahar, Iran.<\/p>\n<p><strong>About ICGS Sarthak:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>It is the fourth in the series of five <strong>Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs)<\/strong> being <strong>built by Goa Shipyard for the Indian Coast Guard (ICG).<\/strong>\n<ul>\n<li>These <strong>OPVs are multi-mission platforms<\/strong> capable of undertaking <strong>concurrent operations. <\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>ICGS Sarthak was <strong>commissioned <\/strong>on October 28, <strong>2021<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<li>The 105-meter-long ship displacing 2450 tons is propelled by two 9100-kilowatt <strong>diesel engines<\/strong> designed to attain a maximum speed of 26 knots.<\/li>\n<li>The ship is fitted with state-of-the-art equipment machinery, <strong>sensors, and weapons <\/strong>and has an I<strong>ntegrated Bridge System, and Integrated Machinery Control System.<\/strong>\n<ul>\n<li>That enables it to function as a command platform and undertake mandated Coast Guard charter of duties, including <strong>search and rescue, combating maritime crimes,<\/strong> and preserving and <strong>protecting the marine environment.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>It will be <strong>based <\/strong>at <strong>Porbandar, Gujrat,<\/strong> and operate on India\u2019s western seaboard under the operational and administrative control of the commander, Coast Guard Region.<\/li>\n<li>It has a complement of 11 officers and 110 men.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Hence option b is the correct answer.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>News<\/strong>: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.newsonair.gov.in\/indian-coast-guard-ship-sarthak-makes-first-ever-port-call-at-chabahar-iran\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">https:\/\/www.newsonair.gov.in\/indian-coast-guard-ship-sarthak-makes-first-ever-port-call-at-chabahar-iran\/<\/a><\/p>\n                                <\/div>\n                            <\/div>\n                        \n                        \n                                                <input type=\"button\" name=\"back\" value=\"Back\"\n                               class=\"wpProQuiz_button wpProQuiz_QuestionButton\"\n                               style=\"float: left !important; margin-right: 10px !important; display: none;\">\n                                                <input type=\"button\" name=\"check\" value=\"Check\"\n                               class=\"wpProQuiz_button wpProQuiz_QuestionButton\"\n                               style=\"float: right !important; margin-right: 10px !important; display: none;\">\n                        <input type=\"button\" name=\"next\" value=\"Next\"\n                               class=\"wpProQuiz_button wpProQuiz_QuestionButton\" style=\"float: right; display: none;\">\n\n                        <div style=\"clear: both;\"><\/div>\n\n                                                    <div style=\"margin-bottom: 20px;\"><\/div>\n                        \n                    <\/li>\n\n                                    <li class=\"wpProQuiz_listItem\" style=\"display: none;\">\n                        <div\n                            class=\"wpProQuiz_question_page\" style=\"display:none;\" >\n                            Question <span>3<\/span> of <span>10<\/span>                        <\/div>\n                        <h5 style=\"display: inline-block;\"\n                            class=\"wpProQuiz_header\">\n                            <span>3<\/span>. Question                        <\/h5>\n\n                                                    <span style=\"font-weight: bold; float: right;\">1 points<\/span>\n                            <div style=\"clear: both;\"><\/div>\n                        \n                                                <div class=\"wpProQuiz_question\" style=\"margin: 10px 0 0 0;\">\n                            <div class=\"wpProQuiz_question_text\">\n                                <p>Which one of the following empires successfully defeated Italy at the Battle of Adwa, 1896?<\/p>\n                            <\/div>\n                                                        <ul class=\"wpProQuiz_questionList\" data-question_id=\"486\"\n                                data-type=\"single\">\n                                \n                                    <li class=\"wpProQuiz_questionListItem\" data-pos=\"0\">\n\n                                                                                                                                <span style=\"display:none;\"><\/span>\n                                            <label>\n                                                <input class=\"wpProQuiz_questionInput\"\n                                                       type=\"radio\"\n                                                       name=\"question_49_486\"\n                                                       value=\"1\"> a. Ottoman empire                                            <\/label>\n\n                                                                            <\/li>\n                                    \n                                    <li class=\"wpProQuiz_questionListItem\" data-pos=\"1\">\n\n                                                                                                                                <span style=\"display:none;\"><\/span>\n                                            <label>\n                                                <input class=\"wpProQuiz_questionInput\"\n                                                       type=\"radio\"\n                                                       name=\"question_49_486\"\n                                                       value=\"2\"> b. Zulu kingdom                                            <\/label>\n\n                                                                            <\/li>\n                                    \n                                    <li class=\"wpProQuiz_questionListItem\" data-pos=\"2\">\n\n                                                                                                                                <span style=\"display:none;\"><\/span>\n                                            <label>\n                                                <input class=\"wpProQuiz_questionInput\"\n                                                       type=\"radio\"\n                                                       name=\"question_49_486\"\n                                                       value=\"3\"> c. Austro-Hungarian empire                                            <\/label>\n\n                                                                            <\/li>\n                                    \n                                    <li class=\"wpProQuiz_questionListItem\" data-pos=\"3\">\n\n                                                                                                                                <span style=\"display:none;\"><\/span>\n                                            <label>\n                                                <input class=\"wpProQuiz_questionInput\"\n                                                       type=\"radio\"\n                                                       name=\"question_49_486\"\n                                                       value=\"4\"> d. Ethiopian empire                                            <\/label>\n\n                                                                            <\/li>\n                                                                <\/ul>\n                        <\/div>\n                                                    <div class=\"wpProQuiz_response\" style=\"display: none;\">\n                                <div style=\"display: none;\" class=\"wpProQuiz_correct\">\n                                                                            <span class=\"wpProQuiz_respone_span\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tCorrect\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span><br>\n                                    <p><strong>Answer: d<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Explanation:\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong><\/p>\n<p>The Indian Prime Minister recently laid a wreath at the Adwa Victory Monument in Addis Ababa, paying tribute to Ethiopia\u2019s historic victory in the 1896 Battle of Adwa.<\/p>\n<p><strong>About Battle of Adwa:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>It was <strong>fought by the Ethiopian Empire,<\/strong> which was <strong>then known as Abyssinia, and Italy <\/strong>on <strong>March 1, 1896, near Adwa, Ethiopia,<\/strong> as the<strong> concluding battle <\/strong>of the <strong>First Italo-Ethiopian War (1895\u20131896).<\/strong><\/li>\n<li>The conflict <strong>stemmed from Italy&#8217;s ambitions to establish an empire in Africa, <\/strong>which was part of the broader &#8220;scramble for Africa&#8221; among European powers.<\/li>\n<li>This battle saw the <strong>Ethiopian Empire, led by Emperor Menelik II, successfully defeat <\/strong>an invading <strong>Italian force. <\/strong><\/li>\n<li>The Ethiopian army, numbering around 100,000, faced off against approximately 17,000 Italian troops, resulting in a<strong> decisive victory for the Ethiopians<\/strong> and <strong>securing their sovereignty. <\/strong><\/li>\n<li>The victory had further significance for being the<strong> first crushing defeat of a European power by African forces during the colonial era.<\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>Ethiopian victory secured independence until Italian dictator Benito Mussolini<\/strong> again <strong>attempted to conquer the nation <\/strong>when he invaded it in <strong>1935<\/strong>, <strong>initiating <\/strong>what would be known as the <strong>Second Italo-Ethiopian War.<\/strong>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Ethiopia initially resisted the Italians alone <\/strong>except with the help of anti-fascist volunteers from the United States and other nations.<\/li>\n<li><strong>By 1940,<\/strong> however, <strong>when Italy declared war on Great Britain,<\/strong> <strong>its forces joined the Ethiopians in forcing them out of Ethiopia in 1941. <\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Hence option d is the correct answer.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>News:<\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/ddnews.gov.in\/en\/pm-modi-lays-wreath-at-adwa-victory-monument-in-ethiopia\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">https:\/\/ddnews.gov.in\/en\/pm-modi-lays-wreath-at-adwa-victory-monument-in-ethiopia\/<\/a><\/p>                                <\/div>\n                                <div style=\"display: none;\" class=\"wpProQuiz_incorrect\">\n                                                                            <span class=\"wpProQuiz_respone_span\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tIncorrect\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span><br>\n                                    <p><strong>Answer: d<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Explanation:\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong><\/p>\n<p>The Indian Prime Minister recently laid a wreath at the Adwa Victory Monument in Addis Ababa, paying tribute to Ethiopia\u2019s historic victory in the 1896 Battle of Adwa.<\/p>\n<p><strong>About Battle of Adwa:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>It was <strong>fought by the Ethiopian Empire,<\/strong> which was <strong>then known as Abyssinia, and Italy <\/strong>on <strong>March 1, 1896, near Adwa, Ethiopia,<\/strong> as the<strong> concluding battle <\/strong>of the <strong>First Italo-Ethiopian War (1895\u20131896).<\/strong><\/li>\n<li>The conflict <strong>stemmed from Italy&#8217;s ambitions to establish an empire in Africa, <\/strong>which was part of the broader &#8220;scramble for Africa&#8221; among European powers.<\/li>\n<li>This battle saw the <strong>Ethiopian Empire, led by Emperor Menelik II, successfully defeat <\/strong>an invading <strong>Italian force. <\/strong><\/li>\n<li>The Ethiopian army, numbering around 100,000, faced off against approximately 17,000 Italian troops, resulting in a<strong> decisive victory for the Ethiopians<\/strong> and <strong>securing their sovereignty. <\/strong><\/li>\n<li>The victory had further significance for being the<strong> first crushing defeat of a European power by African forces during the colonial era.<\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>Ethiopian victory secured independence until Italian dictator Benito Mussolini<\/strong> again <strong>attempted to conquer the nation <\/strong>when he invaded it in <strong>1935<\/strong>, <strong>initiating <\/strong>what would be known as the <strong>Second Italo-Ethiopian War.<\/strong>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Ethiopia initially resisted the Italians alone <\/strong>except with the help of anti-fascist volunteers from the United States and other nations.<\/li>\n<li><strong>By 1940,<\/strong> however, <strong>when Italy declared war on Great Britain,<\/strong> <strong>its forces joined the Ethiopians in forcing them out of Ethiopia in 1941. <\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Hence option d is the correct answer.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>News:<\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/ddnews.gov.in\/en\/pm-modi-lays-wreath-at-adwa-victory-monument-in-ethiopia\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">https:\/\/ddnews.gov.in\/en\/pm-modi-lays-wreath-at-adwa-victory-monument-in-ethiopia\/<\/a><\/p>\n                                <\/div>\n                            <\/div>\n                        \n                        \n                                                <input type=\"button\" name=\"back\" value=\"Back\"\n                               class=\"wpProQuiz_button wpProQuiz_QuestionButton\"\n                               style=\"float: left !important; margin-right: 10px !important; display: none;\">\n                                                <input type=\"button\" name=\"check\" value=\"Check\"\n                               class=\"wpProQuiz_button wpProQuiz_QuestionButton\"\n                               style=\"float: right !important; margin-right: 10px !important; display: none;\">\n                        <input type=\"button\" name=\"next\" value=\"Next\"\n                               class=\"wpProQuiz_button wpProQuiz_QuestionButton\" style=\"float: right; display: none;\">\n\n                        <div style=\"clear: both;\"><\/div>\n\n                                                    <div style=\"margin-bottom: 20px;\"><\/div>\n                        \n                    <\/li>\n\n                                    <li class=\"wpProQuiz_listItem\" style=\"display: none;\">\n                        <div\n                            class=\"wpProQuiz_question_page\" style=\"display:none;\" >\n                            Question <span>4<\/span> of <span>10<\/span>                        <\/div>\n                        <h5 style=\"display: inline-block;\"\n                            class=\"wpProQuiz_header\">\n                            <span>4<\/span>. Question                        <\/h5>\n\n                                                    <span style=\"font-weight: bold; float: right;\">1 points<\/span>\n                            <div style=\"clear: both;\"><\/div>\n                        \n                                                <div class=\"wpProQuiz_question\" style=\"margin: 10px 0 0 0;\">\n                            <div class=\"wpProQuiz_question_text\">\n                                <p>Consider the following statements regarding the BharatNet Project:<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li>It is aimed at providing broadband connectivity to all Gram Panchayats in the country.<\/li>\n<li>It is being executed by the Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL).<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>Which of the statements given above is\/are correct?<\/p>\n                            <\/div>\n                                                        <ul class=\"wpProQuiz_questionList\" data-question_id=\"487\"\n                                data-type=\"single\">\n                                \n                                    <li class=\"wpProQuiz_questionListItem\" data-pos=\"0\">\n\n                                                                                                                                <span style=\"display:none;\"><\/span>\n                                            <label>\n                                                <input class=\"wpProQuiz_questionInput\"\n                                                       type=\"radio\"\n                                                       name=\"question_49_487\"\n                                                       value=\"1\"> a. 1 only                                            <\/label>\n\n                                                                            <\/li>\n                                    \n                                    <li class=\"wpProQuiz_questionListItem\" data-pos=\"1\">\n\n                                                                                                                                <span style=\"display:none;\"><\/span>\n                                            <label>\n                                                <input class=\"wpProQuiz_questionInput\"\n                                                       type=\"radio\"\n                                                       name=\"question_49_487\"\n                                                       value=\"2\"> b. 2 only                                            <\/label>\n\n                                                                            <\/li>\n                                    \n                                    <li class=\"wpProQuiz_questionListItem\" data-pos=\"2\">\n\n                                                                                                                                <span style=\"display:none;\"><\/span>\n                                            <label>\n                                                <input class=\"wpProQuiz_questionInput\"\n                                                       type=\"radio\"\n                                                       name=\"question_49_487\"\n                                                       value=\"3\"> c. Both 1 and 2                                            <\/label>\n\n                                                                            <\/li>\n                                    \n                                    <li class=\"wpProQuiz_questionListItem\" data-pos=\"3\">\n\n                                                                                                                                <span style=\"display:none;\"><\/span>\n                                            <label>\n                                                <input class=\"wpProQuiz_questionInput\"\n                                                       type=\"radio\"\n                                                       name=\"question_49_487\"\n                                                       value=\"4\"> d. Neither 1 nor 2                                            <\/label>\n\n                                                                            <\/li>\n                                                                <\/ul>\n                        <\/div>\n                                                    <div class=\"wpProQuiz_response\" style=\"display: none;\">\n                                <div style=\"display: none;\" class=\"wpProQuiz_correct\">\n                                                                            <span class=\"wpProQuiz_respone_span\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tCorrect\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span><br>\n                                    <p><strong>Answer: a<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Explanation:<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>The Minister of State for Communications and Rural Development, in a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha recently, said that BharatNet is being implemented in a phased manner to provide broadband connectivity to all Gram Panchayats (GPs).<\/p>\n<p><strong>About BharatNet Project:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>It is an ambitious project of the Government of India aimed at<strong> providing broadband connectivity to all Gram Panchayats (GPs) in the country. <\/strong><\/li>\n<li>The project was approved in <strong>2011<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<li>It is one of the biggest rural telecom projects in the world.<\/li>\n<li>The <strong>primary objective<\/strong> is to provide <strong>unrestricted access to broadband connectivity to all the telecom service providers. <\/strong>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>This enables access providers<\/strong> <strong>like mobile operators, Internet Service Provider<\/strong>s (ISPs), Cable TV operators, and content providers to<strong> launch various services such as e-health, e-education, and e-governance in rural and remote India. <\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>The project <strong>initially aimed to connect<\/strong> approximately <strong>5 lakh Gram Panchayats<\/strong> across the country.<\/li>\n<li>The project is being <strong>executed by a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV),<\/strong> namely <strong>Bharat Broadband Network Limited (BBNL),<\/strong> which was incorporated in 2012 under Indian Companies Act 1956.<\/li>\n<li>In 2016, the Telecom Commission approved implementing the project in <strong>three phases.<\/strong>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Phase I:<\/strong>\n<ul>\n<li>Focused on l<strong>aying optical fibre cables to connect 1 lakh Gram Panchayats <\/strong>by <strong>utilising existing infrastructure.<\/strong><\/li>\n<li>This phase was completed in December 2017.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><strong>Phase II (ongoing):<\/strong>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Expanded coverage<\/strong> to an <strong>additional 1.5 lakh Gram Panchayats using optical fibre, radio, and satellite technologies<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<li>This phase incorporated <strong>collaborative efforts with state governments and private entities.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><strong>Phase III (ongoing): <\/strong>\n<ul>\n<li>Aims at <strong>future-proofing the network <\/strong>by <strong>integrating 5G technologies, increasing bandwidth<\/strong> capacity, and ensuring robust last-mile connectivity.<\/li>\n<li>The<strong> Amended BharatNet Program (ABP)<\/strong> approved in <strong>August 2023<\/strong> can be considered part of this evolution.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Hence only statement 1 is correct.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>News:<\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pib.gov.in\/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2205343&amp;reg=3&amp;lang=1\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">https:\/\/www.pib.gov.in\/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2205343&#038;reg=3&#038;lang=1<\/a><\/p>                                <\/div>\n                                <div style=\"display: none;\" class=\"wpProQuiz_incorrect\">\n                                                                            <span class=\"wpProQuiz_respone_span\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tIncorrect\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span><br>\n                                    <p><strong>Answer: a<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Explanation:<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>The Minister of State for Communications and Rural Development, in a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha recently, said that BharatNet is being implemented in a phased manner to provide broadband connectivity to all Gram Panchayats (GPs).<\/p>\n<p><strong>About BharatNet Project:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>It is an ambitious project of the Government of India aimed at<strong> providing broadband connectivity to all Gram Panchayats (GPs) in the country. <\/strong><\/li>\n<li>The project was approved in <strong>2011<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<li>It is one of the biggest rural telecom projects in the world.<\/li>\n<li>The <strong>primary objective<\/strong> is to provide <strong>unrestricted access to broadband connectivity to all the telecom service providers. <\/strong>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>This enables access providers<\/strong> <strong>like mobile operators, Internet Service Provider<\/strong>s (ISPs), Cable TV operators, and content providers to<strong> launch various services such as e-health, e-education, and e-governance in rural and remote India. <\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>The project <strong>initially aimed to connect<\/strong> approximately <strong>5 lakh Gram Panchayats<\/strong> across the country.<\/li>\n<li>The project is being <strong>executed by a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV),<\/strong> namely <strong>Bharat Broadband Network Limited (BBNL),<\/strong> which was incorporated in 2012 under Indian Companies Act 1956.<\/li>\n<li>In 2016, the Telecom Commission approved implementing the project in <strong>three phases.<\/strong>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Phase I:<\/strong>\n<ul>\n<li>Focused on l<strong>aying optical fibre cables to connect 1 lakh Gram Panchayats <\/strong>by <strong>utilising existing infrastructure.<\/strong><\/li>\n<li>This phase was completed in December 2017.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><strong>Phase II (ongoing):<\/strong>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Expanded coverage<\/strong> to an <strong>additional 1.5 lakh Gram Panchayats using optical fibre, radio, and satellite technologies<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<li>This phase incorporated <strong>collaborative efforts with state governments and private entities.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><strong>Phase III (ongoing): <\/strong>\n<ul>\n<li>Aims at <strong>future-proofing the network <\/strong>by <strong>integrating 5G technologies, increasing bandwidth<\/strong> capacity, and ensuring robust last-mile connectivity.<\/li>\n<li>The<strong> Amended BharatNet Program (ABP)<\/strong> approved in <strong>August 2023<\/strong> can be considered part of this evolution.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Hence only statement 1 is correct.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>News:<\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pib.gov.in\/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2205343&amp;reg=3&amp;lang=1\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">https:\/\/www.pib.gov.in\/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2205343&#038;reg=3&#038;lang=1<\/a><\/p>\n                                <\/div>\n                            <\/div>\n                        \n                        \n                                                <input type=\"button\" name=\"back\" value=\"Back\"\n                               class=\"wpProQuiz_button wpProQuiz_QuestionButton\"\n                               style=\"float: left !important; margin-right: 10px !important; display: none;\">\n                                                <input type=\"button\" name=\"check\" value=\"Check\"\n                               class=\"wpProQuiz_button wpProQuiz_QuestionButton\"\n                               style=\"float: right !important; margin-right: 10px !important; display: none;\">\n                        <input type=\"button\" name=\"next\" value=\"Next\"\n                               class=\"wpProQuiz_button wpProQuiz_QuestionButton\" style=\"float: right; display: none;\">\n\n                        <div style=\"clear: both;\"><\/div>\n\n                                                    <div style=\"margin-bottom: 20px;\"><\/div>\n                        \n                    <\/li>\n\n                                    <li class=\"wpProQuiz_listItem\" style=\"display: none;\">\n                        <div\n                            class=\"wpProQuiz_question_page\" style=\"display:none;\" >\n                            Question <span>5<\/span> of <span>10<\/span>                        <\/div>\n                        <h5 style=\"display: inline-block;\"\n                            class=\"wpProQuiz_header\">\n                            <span>5<\/span>. Question                        <\/h5>\n\n                                                    <span style=\"font-weight: bold; float: right;\">1 points<\/span>\n                            <div style=\"clear: both;\"><\/div>\n                        \n                                                <div class=\"wpProQuiz_question\" style=\"margin: 10px 0 0 0;\">\n                            <div class=\"wpProQuiz_question_text\">\n                                <p>With reference to the Animal Husbandry Infrastructure Development Fund (AHIDF), consider the following:<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li>Farmer Producer Organization (FPO)<\/li>\n<li>Private companies<\/li>\n<li>Individual entrepreneurs<\/li>\n<li>Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>How many of the above are eligible beneficiaries under the AHIDF?<\/p>\n                            <\/div>\n                                                        <ul class=\"wpProQuiz_questionList\" data-question_id=\"488\"\n                                data-type=\"single\">\n                                \n                                    <li class=\"wpProQuiz_questionListItem\" data-pos=\"0\">\n\n                                                                                                                                <span style=\"display:none;\"><\/span>\n                                            <label>\n                                                <input class=\"wpProQuiz_questionInput\"\n                                                       type=\"radio\"\n                                                       name=\"question_49_488\"\n                                                       value=\"1\"> a. Only one                                            <\/label>\n\n                                                                            <\/li>\n                                    \n                                    <li class=\"wpProQuiz_questionListItem\" data-pos=\"1\">\n\n                                                                                                                                <span style=\"display:none;\"><\/span>\n                                            <label>\n                                                <input class=\"wpProQuiz_questionInput\"\n                                                       type=\"radio\"\n                                                       name=\"question_49_488\"\n                                                       value=\"2\"> b. Only two                                            <\/label>\n\n                                                                            <\/li>\n                                    \n                                    <li class=\"wpProQuiz_questionListItem\" data-pos=\"2\">\n\n                                                                                                                                <span style=\"display:none;\"><\/span>\n                                            <label>\n                                                <input class=\"wpProQuiz_questionInput\"\n                                                       type=\"radio\"\n                                                       name=\"question_49_488\"\n                                                       value=\"3\"> c. Only three                                            <\/label>\n\n                                                                            <\/li>\n                                    \n                                    <li class=\"wpProQuiz_questionListItem\" data-pos=\"3\">\n\n                                                                                                                                <span style=\"display:none;\"><\/span>\n                                            <label>\n                                                <input class=\"wpProQuiz_questionInput\"\n                                                       type=\"radio\"\n                                                       name=\"question_49_488\"\n                                                       value=\"4\"> d. All four                                            <\/label>\n\n                                                                            <\/li>\n                                                                <\/ul>\n                        <\/div>\n                                                    <div class=\"wpProQuiz_response\" style=\"display: none;\">\n                                <div style=\"display: none;\" class=\"wpProQuiz_correct\">\n                                                                            <span class=\"wpProQuiz_respone_span\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tCorrect\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span><br>\n                                    <p><strong>Answer: d<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Explanation:<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>In response to a question asked in the Rajya Sabha, the Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying responded that the amount of loan sanctioned under the Animal Husbandry Infrastructure Development Fund (AHIDF) is \u20b9 10,320 Crores.<\/p>\n<p><strong>About Animal Husbandry Infrastructure Development Fund (AHIDF):<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>It is a \u20b9<strong>15,000 crores central sector scheme<\/strong> under the prime minister\u2019s <strong>\u201cAtma Nirbhar Bharat Abhiyan\u201d stimulus package.<\/strong><\/li>\n<li>It is aimed at <strong>boosting investments in animal husbandry infrastructure.<\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>Implementing Agency: Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying,<\/strong> Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Objectives: <\/strong>\n<ul>\n<li>To <strong>expand milk and meat processing capacity<\/strong> and help small rural producers connect with organised markets.<\/li>\n<li>To ensure that livestock farmers get <strong>better prices <\/strong>for their milk, meat, and other animal products.<\/li>\n<li>To make <strong>good-quality milk and meat products<\/strong> that can be easily available for people across the country.<\/li>\n<li>To <strong>meet <\/strong>the <strong>growing demand for protein-rich food <\/strong>and help <strong>reduce malnutrition<\/strong>, especially among children.<\/li>\n<li>To <strong>encourage entrepreneurship<\/strong> and create more job opportunities in the livestock sector.<\/li>\n<li>To <strong>promote exports<\/strong> and increase the export contribution in the milk and meat sector.<\/li>\n<li>To make available<strong> quality concentrated animals feed.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>The scheme will <strong>incentivize investments for <\/strong>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Dairy processing<\/strong> and <strong>value addition infrastructure.<\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>Meat processing <\/strong>and value addition <strong>infrastructure<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Animal Feed Plant.<\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>Breed multiplication farm.<\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>Animal Waste to Wealth Management<\/strong> (Agri-waste management).<\/li>\n<li><strong>Veterinary vaccine and drug production<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>The <strong>eligible beneficiaries<\/strong> under the Scheme would be:\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Farmer Producer Organization (FPO)<\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>Private companies<\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>Individual entrepreneurs<\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>Section 8 companies<\/strong><\/li>\n<li>Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises<strong> (MSMEs)<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>\u25cf\u00a0\u00a0 <strong>Benefits<\/strong>:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>The <strong>beneficiaries <\/strong>are to <strong>contribute a minimum of 10% <\/strong>margin money as investment. The<strong> balance 90%<\/strong> would be the <strong>loan component <\/strong>to be <strong>made available by scheduled banks.<\/strong><\/li>\n<li>The <strong>Government <\/strong>of India will <strong>provide 3% interest subvention<\/strong> to eligible beneficiaries.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Repayment Period: <\/strong>Maximum of <strong>8 years, including<\/strong> a <strong>moratorium period of 2 years.<\/strong><\/li>\n<li>From the Credit Guarantee Fund, <strong>Credit guarantee <\/strong>would be provided to those sanctioned projects which are covered under MSME-defined ceilings. Guarantee coverage would be <strong>up to 25% of the credit facility of the borrower. <\/strong>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Credit Guarantee Fund<\/strong>: <strong>Set up and managed by NABARD, <\/strong>the limit of the fund is Rs.750 crore.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Hence option d is the correct answer.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>News:<\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pib.gov.in\/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2205301&amp;reg=3&amp;lang=1\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">https:\/\/www.pib.gov.in\/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2205301&#038;reg=3&#038;lang=1<\/a><\/p>                                <\/div>\n                                <div style=\"display: none;\" class=\"wpProQuiz_incorrect\">\n                                                                            <span class=\"wpProQuiz_respone_span\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tIncorrect\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span><br>\n                                    <p><strong>Answer: d<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Explanation:<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>In response to a question asked in the Rajya Sabha, the Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying responded that the amount of loan sanctioned under the Animal Husbandry Infrastructure Development Fund (AHIDF) is \u20b9 10,320 Crores.<\/p>\n<p><strong>About Animal Husbandry Infrastructure Development Fund (AHIDF):<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>It is a \u20b9<strong>15,000 crores central sector scheme<\/strong> under the prime minister\u2019s <strong>\u201cAtma Nirbhar Bharat Abhiyan\u201d stimulus package.<\/strong><\/li>\n<li>It is aimed at <strong>boosting investments in animal husbandry infrastructure.<\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>Implementing Agency: Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying,<\/strong> Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Objectives: <\/strong>\n<ul>\n<li>To <strong>expand milk and meat processing capacity<\/strong> and help small rural producers connect with organised markets.<\/li>\n<li>To ensure that livestock farmers get <strong>better prices <\/strong>for their milk, meat, and other animal products.<\/li>\n<li>To make <strong>good-quality milk and meat products<\/strong> that can be easily available for people across the country.<\/li>\n<li>To <strong>meet <\/strong>the <strong>growing demand for protein-rich food <\/strong>and help <strong>reduce malnutrition<\/strong>, especially among children.<\/li>\n<li>To <strong>encourage entrepreneurship<\/strong> and create more job opportunities in the livestock sector.<\/li>\n<li>To <strong>promote exports<\/strong> and increase the export contribution in the milk and meat sector.<\/li>\n<li>To make available<strong> quality concentrated animals feed.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>The scheme will <strong>incentivize investments for <\/strong>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Dairy processing<\/strong> and <strong>value addition infrastructure.<\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>Meat processing <\/strong>and value addition <strong>infrastructure<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Animal Feed Plant.<\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>Breed multiplication farm.<\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>Animal Waste to Wealth Management<\/strong> (Agri-waste management).<\/li>\n<li><strong>Veterinary vaccine and drug production<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>The <strong>eligible beneficiaries<\/strong> under the Scheme would be:\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Farmer Producer Organization (FPO)<\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>Private companies<\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>Individual entrepreneurs<\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>Section 8 companies<\/strong><\/li>\n<li>Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises<strong> (MSMEs)<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>\u25cf\u00a0\u00a0 <strong>Benefits<\/strong>:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>The <strong>beneficiaries <\/strong>are to <strong>contribute a minimum of 10% <\/strong>margin money as investment. The<strong> balance 90%<\/strong> would be the <strong>loan component <\/strong>to be <strong>made available by scheduled banks.<\/strong><\/li>\n<li>The <strong>Government <\/strong>of India will <strong>provide 3% interest subvention<\/strong> to eligible beneficiaries.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Repayment Period: <\/strong>Maximum of <strong>8 years, including<\/strong> a <strong>moratorium period of 2 years.<\/strong><\/li>\n<li>From the Credit Guarantee Fund, <strong>Credit guarantee <\/strong>would be provided to those sanctioned projects which are covered under MSME-defined ceilings. Guarantee coverage would be <strong>up to 25% of the credit facility of the borrower. <\/strong>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Credit Guarantee Fund<\/strong>: <strong>Set up and managed by NABARD, <\/strong>the limit of the fund is Rs.750 crore.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Hence option d is the correct answer.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>News:<\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pib.gov.in\/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2205301&amp;reg=3&amp;lang=1\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">https:\/\/www.pib.gov.in\/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2205301&#038;reg=3&#038;lang=1<\/a><\/p>\n                                <\/div>\n                            <\/div>\n                        \n                        \n                                                <input type=\"button\" name=\"back\" value=\"Back\"\n                               class=\"wpProQuiz_button wpProQuiz_QuestionButton\"\n                               style=\"float: left !important; margin-right: 10px !important; display: none;\">\n                                                <input type=\"button\" name=\"check\" value=\"Check\"\n                               class=\"wpProQuiz_button wpProQuiz_QuestionButton\"\n                               style=\"float: right !important; margin-right: 10px !important; display: none;\">\n                        <input type=\"button\" name=\"next\" value=\"Next\"\n                               class=\"wpProQuiz_button wpProQuiz_QuestionButton\" style=\"float: right; display: none;\">\n\n                        <div style=\"clear: both;\"><\/div>\n\n                                                    <div style=\"margin-bottom: 20px;\"><\/div>\n                        \n                    <\/li>\n\n                                    <li class=\"wpProQuiz_listItem\" style=\"display: none;\">\n                        <div\n                            class=\"wpProQuiz_question_page\" style=\"display:none;\" >\n                            Question <span>6<\/span> of <span>10<\/span>                        <\/div>\n                        <h5 style=\"display: inline-block;\"\n                            class=\"wpProQuiz_header\">\n                            <span>6<\/span>. Question                        <\/h5>\n\n                                                    <span style=\"font-weight: bold; float: right;\">1 points<\/span>\n                            <div style=\"clear: both;\"><\/div>\n                        \n                                                <div class=\"wpProQuiz_question\" style=\"margin: 10px 0 0 0;\">\n                            <div class=\"wpProQuiz_question_text\">\n                                <p>Consider the following statements with reference to the Kavach System:<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li>It is an indigenously developed Automatic Train Protection (ATP) system designed to enhance railway operational safety.<\/li>\n<li>It uses Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) installed in locomotives.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>Which of the statements given above is\/are correct?\u00a0<\/p>\n                            <\/div>\n                                                        <ul class=\"wpProQuiz_questionList\" data-question_id=\"489\"\n                                data-type=\"single\">\n                                \n                                    <li class=\"wpProQuiz_questionListItem\" data-pos=\"0\">\n\n                                                                                                                                <span style=\"display:none;\"><\/span>\n                                            <label>\n                                                <input class=\"wpProQuiz_questionInput\"\n                                                       type=\"radio\"\n                                                       name=\"question_49_489\"\n                                                       value=\"1\"> a. 1 only                                             <\/label>\n\n                                                                            <\/li>\n                                    \n                                    <li class=\"wpProQuiz_questionListItem\" data-pos=\"1\">\n\n                                                                                                                                <span style=\"display:none;\"><\/span>\n                                            <label>\n                                                <input class=\"wpProQuiz_questionInput\"\n                                                       type=\"radio\"\n                                                       name=\"question_49_489\"\n                                                       value=\"2\"> b. 2 only                                             <\/label>\n\n                                                                            <\/li>\n                                    \n                                    <li class=\"wpProQuiz_questionListItem\" data-pos=\"2\">\n\n                                                                                                                                <span style=\"display:none;\"><\/span>\n                                            <label>\n                                                <input class=\"wpProQuiz_questionInput\"\n                                                       type=\"radio\"\n                                                       name=\"question_49_489\"\n                                                       value=\"3\"> c. Both 1 and 2                                             <\/label>\n\n                                                                            <\/li>\n                                    \n                                    <li class=\"wpProQuiz_questionListItem\" data-pos=\"3\">\n\n                                                                                                                                <span style=\"display:none;\"><\/span>\n                                            <label>\n                                                <input class=\"wpProQuiz_questionInput\"\n                                                       type=\"radio\"\n                                                       name=\"question_49_489\"\n                                                       value=\"4\"> d. Neither 1 nor 2                                             <\/label>\n\n                                                                            <\/li>\n                                                                <\/ul>\n                        <\/div>\n                                                    <div class=\"wpProQuiz_response\" style=\"display: none;\">\n                                <div style=\"display: none;\" class=\"wpProQuiz_correct\">\n                                                                            <span class=\"wpProQuiz_respone_span\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tCorrect\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span><br>\n                                    <p><strong>Answer:\u00a0c<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Explanation: <\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Recently, the Union Railway Minister, in a written reply during the Winter Session of Parliament (December 2025), informed the Lok Sabha that the indigenously developed Kavach system has been fully commissioned on over 2,000 km of the Indian Rail network, with the rollout progressing at a very fast pace.<\/p>\n<p><strong>About Kavach System<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Kavach<\/strong> is an <strong>indigenously developed Automatic Train Protection (ATP) system<\/strong> designed to enhance <strong>railway operational safety<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<li>It has been developed by the <strong>Research Design and Standards Organisation (RDSO)<\/strong> under <strong>Indian Railways (IR)<\/strong> in collaboration with <strong>Medha Servo Drives Pvt Ltd, HBL Power Systems Ltd, and Kernex Microsystems<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<li>Kavach is a <strong>highly complex digital safety ecosystem<\/strong> consisting of <strong>five major integrated components<\/strong>, including <strong>continuous Optical Fibre Cable (OFC) laid along tracks<\/strong> and <strong>telecom towers<\/strong> for uninterrupted communication.<\/li>\n<li>The system uses a <strong>combination of electronic devices and Radio Frequency Identification (RFID)<\/strong> installed in <strong>locomotives, signalling systems, and railway tracks<\/strong>, which <strong>communicate using ultra-high radio frequencies<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<li>Based on <strong>pre-programmed safety logic<\/strong>, Kavach can <strong>alert loco pilots, automatically apply brakes, and prevent unsafe train movements<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Field trials have been ongoing since 2016<\/strong> on passenger trains before large-scale deployment.<\/li>\n<li>As of <strong>December 2025<\/strong>, Indian Railways has:\n<ul>\n<li>Laid <strong>7,129 km of Optical Fibre Cable (OFC)<\/strong><\/li>\n<li>Installed <strong>860 telecom towers<\/strong><\/li>\n<li>Connected <strong>767 railway stations to data centres<br \/>\n<\/strong>Deployed <strong>trackside equipment along 3,413 km<\/strong><\/li>\n<li>Equipped <strong>4,154 locomotives<\/strong> with Kavach<\/li>\n<li>Around <strong>40,000 technicians and operators<\/strong> have been <strong>trained<\/strong>, highlighting the <strong>technological sophistication<\/strong> of the system.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Consequential railway accidents have reduced by nearly 90%<\/strong>, declining from <strong>135 incidents in 2014 to about 11 currently<\/strong>, indicating <strong>tangible safety outcomes<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Hence option c is the correct answer.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>News: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thehindu.com\/news\/national\/kavach-installed-on-2000-km-of-rail-network-rollout-moving-very-fast-vaishnaw-tells-lok-sabha\/article70407523.ece\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Kavach installed on 2,000 km of rail network; rollout moving very fast, Vaishnaw tells Lok Sabha &#8211; The Hindu<\/strong><\/a><\/p>                                <\/div>\n                                <div style=\"display: none;\" class=\"wpProQuiz_incorrect\">\n                                                                            <span class=\"wpProQuiz_respone_span\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tIncorrect\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span><br>\n                                    <p><strong>Answer:\u00a0c<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Explanation: <\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Recently, the Union Railway Minister, in a written reply during the Winter Session of Parliament (December 2025), informed the Lok Sabha that the indigenously developed Kavach system has been fully commissioned on over 2,000 km of the Indian Rail network, with the rollout progressing at a very fast pace.<\/p>\n<p><strong>About Kavach System<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Kavach<\/strong> is an <strong>indigenously developed Automatic Train Protection (ATP) system<\/strong> designed to enhance <strong>railway operational safety<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<li>It has been developed by the <strong>Research Design and Standards Organisation (RDSO)<\/strong> under <strong>Indian Railways (IR)<\/strong> in collaboration with <strong>Medha Servo Drives Pvt Ltd, HBL Power Systems Ltd, and Kernex Microsystems<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<li>Kavach is a <strong>highly complex digital safety ecosystem<\/strong> consisting of <strong>five major integrated components<\/strong>, including <strong>continuous Optical Fibre Cable (OFC) laid along tracks<\/strong> and <strong>telecom towers<\/strong> for uninterrupted communication.<\/li>\n<li>The system uses a <strong>combination of electronic devices and Radio Frequency Identification (RFID)<\/strong> installed in <strong>locomotives, signalling systems, and railway tracks<\/strong>, which <strong>communicate using ultra-high radio frequencies<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<li>Based on <strong>pre-programmed safety logic<\/strong>, Kavach can <strong>alert loco pilots, automatically apply brakes, and prevent unsafe train movements<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Field trials have been ongoing since 2016<\/strong> on passenger trains before large-scale deployment.<\/li>\n<li>As of <strong>December 2025<\/strong>, Indian Railways has:\n<ul>\n<li>Laid <strong>7,129 km of Optical Fibre Cable (OFC)<\/strong><\/li>\n<li>Installed <strong>860 telecom towers<\/strong><\/li>\n<li>Connected <strong>767 railway stations to data centres<br \/>\n<\/strong>Deployed <strong>trackside equipment along 3,413 km<\/strong><\/li>\n<li>Equipped <strong>4,154 locomotives<\/strong> with Kavach<\/li>\n<li>Around <strong>40,000 technicians and operators<\/strong> have been <strong>trained<\/strong>, highlighting the <strong>technological sophistication<\/strong> of the system.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Consequential railway accidents have reduced by nearly 90%<\/strong>, declining from <strong>135 incidents in 2014 to about 11 currently<\/strong>, indicating <strong>tangible safety outcomes<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Hence option c is the correct answer.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>News: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thehindu.com\/news\/national\/kavach-installed-on-2000-km-of-rail-network-rollout-moving-very-fast-vaishnaw-tells-lok-sabha\/article70407523.ece\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Kavach installed on 2,000 km of rail network; rollout moving very fast, Vaishnaw tells Lok Sabha &#8211; The Hindu<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n                                <\/div>\n                            <\/div>\n                        \n                        \n                                                <input type=\"button\" name=\"back\" value=\"Back\"\n                               class=\"wpProQuiz_button wpProQuiz_QuestionButton\"\n                               style=\"float: left !important; margin-right: 10px !important; display: none;\">\n                                                <input type=\"button\" name=\"check\" value=\"Check\"\n                               class=\"wpProQuiz_button wpProQuiz_QuestionButton\"\n                               style=\"float: right !important; margin-right: 10px !important; display: none;\">\n                        <input type=\"button\" name=\"next\" value=\"Next\"\n                               class=\"wpProQuiz_button wpProQuiz_QuestionButton\" style=\"float: right; display: none;\">\n\n                        <div style=\"clear: both;\"><\/div>\n\n                                                    <div style=\"margin-bottom: 20px;\"><\/div>\n                        \n                    <\/li>\n\n                                    <li class=\"wpProQuiz_listItem\" style=\"display: none;\">\n                        <div\n                            class=\"wpProQuiz_question_page\" style=\"display:none;\" >\n                            Question <span>7<\/span> of <span>10<\/span>                        <\/div>\n                        <h5 style=\"display: inline-block;\"\n                            class=\"wpProQuiz_header\">\n                            <span>7<\/span>. Question                        <\/h5>\n\n                                                    <span style=\"font-weight: bold; float: right;\">1 points<\/span>\n                            <div style=\"clear: both;\"><\/div>\n                        \n                                                <div class=\"wpProQuiz_question\" style=\"margin: 10px 0 0 0;\">\n                            <div class=\"wpProQuiz_question_text\">\n                                <p>Exercise \u201cDesert Cyclone II\u201d is a joint military exercise between:<\/p>\n                            <\/div>\n                                                        <ul class=\"wpProQuiz_questionList\" data-question_id=\"490\"\n                                data-type=\"single\">\n                                \n                                    <li class=\"wpProQuiz_questionListItem\" data-pos=\"0\">\n\n                                                                                                                                <span style=\"display:none;\"><\/span>\n                                            <label>\n                                                <input class=\"wpProQuiz_questionInput\"\n                                                       type=\"radio\"\n                                                       name=\"question_49_490\"\n                                                       value=\"1\"> a. India and Russia                                             <\/label>\n\n                                                                            <\/li>\n                                    \n                                    <li class=\"wpProQuiz_questionListItem\" data-pos=\"1\">\n\n                                                                                                                                <span style=\"display:none;\"><\/span>\n                                            <label>\n                                                <input class=\"wpProQuiz_questionInput\"\n                                                       type=\"radio\"\n                                                       name=\"question_49_490\"\n                                                       value=\"2\"> b. India and Afghanistan                                             <\/label>\n\n                                                                            <\/li>\n                                    \n                                    <li class=\"wpProQuiz_questionListItem\" data-pos=\"2\">\n\n                                                                                                                                <span style=\"display:none;\"><\/span>\n                                            <label>\n                                                <input class=\"wpProQuiz_questionInput\"\n                                                       type=\"radio\"\n                                                       name=\"question_49_490\"\n                                                       value=\"3\"> c. India and USA                                             <\/label>\n\n                                                                            <\/li>\n                                    \n                                    <li class=\"wpProQuiz_questionListItem\" data-pos=\"3\">\n\n                                                                                                                                <span style=\"display:none;\"><\/span>\n                                            <label>\n                                                <input class=\"wpProQuiz_questionInput\"\n                                                       type=\"radio\"\n                                                       name=\"question_49_490\"\n                                                       value=\"4\"> d. India and United Arab Emirates                                            <\/label>\n\n                                                                            <\/li>\n                                                                <\/ul>\n                        <\/div>\n                                                    <div class=\"wpProQuiz_response\" style=\"display: none;\">\n                                <div style=\"display: none;\" class=\"wpProQuiz_correct\">\n                                                                            <span class=\"wpProQuiz_respone_span\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tCorrect\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span><br>\n                                    <p><strong>Answer: d<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Explanation: <\/strong><\/p>\n<p>The Ministry of Defence informed that an Indian Army contingent has departed for the United Arab Emirates (U.A.E.) to participate in the second edition of the Joint Military Exercise Desert Cyclone II, scheduled to be conducted at Abu Dhabi from 18\u201330 December 2025.<\/p>\n<p><strong>About Exercise Desert Cyclone II<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Desert Cyclone II<\/strong> is the <strong>second edition<\/strong> of the <strong>India\u2013U.A.E. Joint Military Exercise<\/strong>, following the inaugural edition held in <strong>2024<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<li>The <strong>Indian contingent comprises 45 personnel<\/strong>, primarily drawn from a <strong>Mechanised Infantry Regiment battalion<\/strong> of the <strong>Indian Army<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<li>The <strong>A.E. Land Forces<\/strong> are represented by a <strong>contingent of similar strength<\/strong> from the <strong>53 Mechanised Infantry Battalion<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<li>The core objective of the exercise is to <strong>enhance interoperability<\/strong> and <strong>strengthen defence cooperation<\/strong> between the <strong>Indian Army and the U.A.E. Land Forces<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<li>The exercise focuses on <strong>sub-conventional operations in urban environments<\/strong> under a <strong>United Nations mandate<\/strong>, preparing forces for <strong>peacekeeping, counter-terrorism, and stability operations<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<li>Joint training includes <strong>fighting in built-up areas<\/strong>, <strong>heliborne operations<\/strong>, and <strong>detailed joint mission planning<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<li>A key feature is the <strong>integration of Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS)<\/strong> and <strong>counter-UAS techniques<\/strong> for conducting <strong>urban military operations<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<li>The conduct of Desert Cyclone II reflects <strong>deepening military diplomacy<\/strong>, <strong>shared strategic interests<\/strong>, and growing <strong>operational synergy<\/strong> between India and the U.A.E.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Key Facts about India\u2013U.A.E. Defence Relations<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>India and the U.A.E. established diplomatic relations in 1972<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<li>The <strong>A.E. opened its Embassy in New Delhi in 1972<\/strong>, while <strong>India opened its Embassy in Abu Dhabi in 1973<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<li>The <strong>first-ever India\u2013U.A.E. Joint Air Forces exercise<\/strong> was conducted in <strong>September 2008<\/strong> at the <strong>Al-Dhafra Air Base, Abu Dhabi<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<li>India has been a <strong>regular participant<\/strong> in the <strong>biennial International Defence Exhibition (IDEX)<\/strong> held in Abu Dhabi.<\/li>\n<li>In <strong>2025<\/strong>, Indian Navy ships <strong>INS Visakhapatnam<\/strong> and <strong>INS Trikand<\/strong> participated in the <strong>bilateral naval exercise \u201cZayed Talwar\u201d<\/strong>, aimed at enhancing <strong>naval interoperability and synergy<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Hence option d is the correct answer.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>News: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thehindu.com\/news\/national\/indian-army-contingent-leaves-for-india-uae-joint-exercise-desert-cyclone-ii\/article70408078.ece\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thehindu.com\/news\/national\/indian-army-contingent-leaves-for-india-uae-joint-exercise-desert-cyclone-ii\/article70408078.ece\" rel=\"nofollow ugc noopener\" target=\"_blank\">https:\/\/www.thehindu.com\/news\/national\/indian-army-contingent-leaves-for-india-uae-joint-exercise-desert-cyclone-ii\/article70408078.ece<\/a><\/strong><\/a><\/p>                                <\/div>\n                                <div style=\"display: none;\" class=\"wpProQuiz_incorrect\">\n                                                                            <span class=\"wpProQuiz_respone_span\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tIncorrect\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span><br>\n                                    <p><strong>Answer: d<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Explanation: <\/strong><\/p>\n<p>The Ministry of Defence informed that an Indian Army contingent has departed for the United Arab Emirates (U.A.E.) to participate in the second edition of the Joint Military Exercise Desert Cyclone II, scheduled to be conducted at Abu Dhabi from 18\u201330 December 2025.<\/p>\n<p><strong>About Exercise Desert Cyclone II<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Desert Cyclone II<\/strong> is the <strong>second edition<\/strong> of the <strong>India\u2013U.A.E. Joint Military Exercise<\/strong>, following the inaugural edition held in <strong>2024<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<li>The <strong>Indian contingent comprises 45 personnel<\/strong>, primarily drawn from a <strong>Mechanised Infantry Regiment battalion<\/strong> of the <strong>Indian Army<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<li>The <strong>A.E. Land Forces<\/strong> are represented by a <strong>contingent of similar strength<\/strong> from the <strong>53 Mechanised Infantry Battalion<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<li>The core objective of the exercise is to <strong>enhance interoperability<\/strong> and <strong>strengthen defence cooperation<\/strong> between the <strong>Indian Army and the U.A.E. Land Forces<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<li>The exercise focuses on <strong>sub-conventional operations in urban environments<\/strong> under a <strong>United Nations mandate<\/strong>, preparing forces for <strong>peacekeeping, counter-terrorism, and stability operations<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<li>Joint training includes <strong>fighting in built-up areas<\/strong>, <strong>heliborne operations<\/strong>, and <strong>detailed joint mission planning<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<li>A key feature is the <strong>integration of Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS)<\/strong> and <strong>counter-UAS techniques<\/strong> for conducting <strong>urban military operations<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<li>The conduct of Desert Cyclone II reflects <strong>deepening military diplomacy<\/strong>, <strong>shared strategic interests<\/strong>, and growing <strong>operational synergy<\/strong> between India and the U.A.E.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Key Facts about India\u2013U.A.E. Defence Relations<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>India and the U.A.E. established diplomatic relations in 1972<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<li>The <strong>A.E. opened its Embassy in New Delhi in 1972<\/strong>, while <strong>India opened its Embassy in Abu Dhabi in 1973<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<li>The <strong>first-ever India\u2013U.A.E. Joint Air Forces exercise<\/strong> was conducted in <strong>September 2008<\/strong> at the <strong>Al-Dhafra Air Base, Abu Dhabi<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<li>India has been a <strong>regular participant<\/strong> in the <strong>biennial International Defence Exhibition (IDEX)<\/strong> held in Abu Dhabi.<\/li>\n<li>In <strong>2025<\/strong>, Indian Navy ships <strong>INS Visakhapatnam<\/strong> and <strong>INS Trikand<\/strong> participated in the <strong>bilateral naval exercise \u201cZayed Talwar\u201d<\/strong>, aimed at enhancing <strong>naval interoperability and synergy<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Hence option d is the correct answer.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>News: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thehindu.com\/news\/national\/indian-army-contingent-leaves-for-india-uae-joint-exercise-desert-cyclone-ii\/article70408078.ece\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thehindu.com\/news\/national\/indian-army-contingent-leaves-for-india-uae-joint-exercise-desert-cyclone-ii\/article70408078.ece\" rel=\"nofollow ugc noopener\" target=\"_blank\">https:\/\/www.thehindu.com\/news\/national\/indian-army-contingent-leaves-for-india-uae-joint-exercise-desert-cyclone-ii\/article70408078.ece<\/a><\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n                                <\/div>\n                            <\/div>\n                        \n                        \n                                                <input type=\"button\" name=\"back\" value=\"Back\"\n                               class=\"wpProQuiz_button wpProQuiz_QuestionButton\"\n                               style=\"float: left !important; margin-right: 10px !important; display: none;\">\n                                                <input type=\"button\" name=\"check\" value=\"Check\"\n                               class=\"wpProQuiz_button wpProQuiz_QuestionButton\"\n                               style=\"float: right !important; margin-right: 10px !important; display: none;\">\n                        <input type=\"button\" name=\"next\" value=\"Next\"\n                               class=\"wpProQuiz_button wpProQuiz_QuestionButton\" style=\"float: right; display: none;\">\n\n                        <div style=\"clear: both;\"><\/div>\n\n                                                    <div style=\"margin-bottom: 20px;\"><\/div>\n                        \n                    <\/li>\n\n                                    <li class=\"wpProQuiz_listItem\" style=\"display: none;\">\n                        <div\n                            class=\"wpProQuiz_question_page\" style=\"display:none;\" >\n                            Question <span>8<\/span> of <span>10<\/span>                        <\/div>\n                        <h5 style=\"display: inline-block;\"\n                            class=\"wpProQuiz_header\">\n                            <span>8<\/span>. Question                        <\/h5>\n\n                                                    <span style=\"font-weight: bold; float: right;\">1 points<\/span>\n                            <div style=\"clear: both;\"><\/div>\n                        \n                                                <div class=\"wpProQuiz_question\" style=\"margin: 10px 0 0 0;\">\n                            <div class=\"wpProQuiz_question_text\">\n                                <p>What is a key characteristic of altermagnetism?<\/p>\n                            <\/div>\n                                                        <ul class=\"wpProQuiz_questionList\" data-question_id=\"491\"\n                                data-type=\"single\">\n                                \n                                    <li class=\"wpProQuiz_questionListItem\" data-pos=\"0\">\n\n                                                                                                                                <span style=\"display:none;\"><\/span>\n                                            <label>\n                                                <input class=\"wpProQuiz_questionInput\"\n                                                       type=\"radio\"\n                                                       name=\"question_49_491\"\n                                                       value=\"1\"> a. It generates a magnetic field like ferromagnetism                                             <\/label>\n\n                                                                            <\/li>\n                                    \n                                    <li class=\"wpProQuiz_questionListItem\" data-pos=\"1\">\n\n                                                                                                                                <span style=\"display:none;\"><\/span>\n                                            <label>\n                                                <input class=\"wpProQuiz_questionInput\"\n                                                       type=\"radio\"\n                                                       name=\"question_49_491\"\n                                                       value=\"2\"> b. It has no net magnetic moment, similar to antiferromagnetism                                             <\/label>\n\n                                                                            <\/li>\n                                    \n                                    <li class=\"wpProQuiz_questionListItem\" data-pos=\"2\">\n\n                                                                                                                                <span style=\"display:none;\"><\/span>\n                                            <label>\n                                                <input class=\"wpProQuiz_questionInput\"\n                                                       type=\"radio\"\n                                                       name=\"question_49_491\"\n                                                       value=\"3\"> c. It exhibits a unique electronic structure with potential spintronics applications                                             <\/label>\n\n                                                                            <\/li>\n                                    \n                                    <li class=\"wpProQuiz_questionListItem\" data-pos=\"3\">\n\n                                                                                                                                <span style=\"display:none;\"><\/span>\n                                            <label>\n                                                <input class=\"wpProQuiz_questionInput\"\n                                                       type=\"radio\"\n                                                       name=\"question_49_491\"\n                                                       value=\"4\"> d. It is a type of superconductivity                                            <\/label>\n\n                                                                            <\/li>\n                                                                <\/ul>\n                        <\/div>\n                                                    <div class=\"wpProQuiz_response\" style=\"display: none;\">\n                                <div style=\"display: none;\" class=\"wpProQuiz_correct\">\n                                                                            <span class=\"wpProQuiz_respone_span\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tCorrect\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span><br>\n                                    <p><strong>Answer: c<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Explanation: <\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>About Altermagnetism and RuO\u2082 Discovery<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Recently, the Japanese researchers have experimentally confirmed ruthenium dioxide as an altermagnet, a third fundamental magnetic class distinct from ferromagnets and antiferromagnets.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Altermagnetism<\/strong> is now recognised as the <strong>third fundamental class of magnetism<\/strong>, distinct from <strong>ferromagnetism<\/strong> and <strong>antiferromagnetism<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<li>In <strong>altermagnetic materials<\/strong>, <strong>magnetic moments alternate<\/strong>, but their arrangement follows <strong>complex symmetry operations<\/strong> such as <strong>rotation and reflection<\/strong>, rather than simple up\u2013down cancellation.<\/li>\n<li>This leads to a <strong>net-zero external magnetic field<\/strong>, similar to antiferromagnets, but with <strong>internal electronic spin splitting<\/strong> comparable to ferromagnets.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Ruthenium dioxide (RuO\u2082)<\/strong> thin films have been <strong>experimentally demonstrated<\/strong> to exhibit <strong>true altermagnetism<\/strong>, resolving long-standing global inconsistencies.<\/li>\n<li>The discovery was made by a <strong>joint research team<\/strong> from <strong>National Institute for Materials Science (Japan)<\/strong>, <strong>University of Tokyo<\/strong>, <strong>Kyoto Institute of Technology<\/strong>, and <strong>Tohoku University<\/strong>, and published in <strong>Nature Communications<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<li>The team fabricated <strong>single-orientation (single-variant) RuO\u2082 thin films<\/strong> on <strong>sapphire substrates<\/strong>, ensuring <strong>uniform crystallographic orientation<\/strong>, which was crucial for conclusive verification.<\/li>\n<li>Using <strong>X-ray Magnetic Linear Dichroism (XMLD)<\/strong>, researchers confirmed <strong>spin arrangements<\/strong> where <strong>net magnetisation cancels (no N\u2013S poles)<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<li>The study also observed <strong>spin-split magnetoresistance<\/strong>, electrically verifying the <strong>spin-splitting electronic structure<\/strong>, a key signature of altermagnetism.<\/li>\n<li>The experimental results were found to be consistent with <strong>first-principles calculations<\/strong> of <strong>magneto-crystalline anisotropy<\/strong>, strengthening theoretical validation.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Hence option c is the correct answer.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>News: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/phys.org\/news\/2025-12-altermagnetism-ruo-thin-magnetic-material.html\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Altermagnetism in RuO\u2082 thin films: A new magnetic material for the AI era<\/strong><\/a><\/p>                                <\/div>\n                                <div style=\"display: none;\" class=\"wpProQuiz_incorrect\">\n                                                                            <span class=\"wpProQuiz_respone_span\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tIncorrect\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span><br>\n                                    <p><strong>Answer: c<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Explanation: <\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>About Altermagnetism and RuO\u2082 Discovery<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Recently, the Japanese researchers have experimentally confirmed ruthenium dioxide as an altermagnet, a third fundamental magnetic class distinct from ferromagnets and antiferromagnets.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Altermagnetism<\/strong> is now recognised as the <strong>third fundamental class of magnetism<\/strong>, distinct from <strong>ferromagnetism<\/strong> and <strong>antiferromagnetism<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<li>In <strong>altermagnetic materials<\/strong>, <strong>magnetic moments alternate<\/strong>, but their arrangement follows <strong>complex symmetry operations<\/strong> such as <strong>rotation and reflection<\/strong>, rather than simple up\u2013down cancellation.<\/li>\n<li>This leads to a <strong>net-zero external magnetic field<\/strong>, similar to antiferromagnets, but with <strong>internal electronic spin splitting<\/strong> comparable to ferromagnets.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Ruthenium dioxide (RuO\u2082)<\/strong> thin films have been <strong>experimentally demonstrated<\/strong> to exhibit <strong>true altermagnetism<\/strong>, resolving long-standing global inconsistencies.<\/li>\n<li>The discovery was made by a <strong>joint research team<\/strong> from <strong>National Institute for Materials Science (Japan)<\/strong>, <strong>University of Tokyo<\/strong>, <strong>Kyoto Institute of Technology<\/strong>, and <strong>Tohoku University<\/strong>, and published in <strong>Nature Communications<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<li>The team fabricated <strong>single-orientation (single-variant) RuO\u2082 thin films<\/strong> on <strong>sapphire substrates<\/strong>, ensuring <strong>uniform crystallographic orientation<\/strong>, which was crucial for conclusive verification.<\/li>\n<li>Using <strong>X-ray Magnetic Linear Dichroism (XMLD)<\/strong>, researchers confirmed <strong>spin arrangements<\/strong> where <strong>net magnetisation cancels (no N\u2013S poles)<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<li>The study also observed <strong>spin-split magnetoresistance<\/strong>, electrically verifying the <strong>spin-splitting electronic structure<\/strong>, a key signature of altermagnetism.<\/li>\n<li>The experimental results were found to be consistent with <strong>first-principles calculations<\/strong> of <strong>magneto-crystalline anisotropy<\/strong>, strengthening theoretical validation.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Hence option c is the correct answer.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>News: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/phys.org\/news\/2025-12-altermagnetism-ruo-thin-magnetic-material.html\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Altermagnetism in RuO\u2082 thin films: A new magnetic material for the AI era<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n                                <\/div>\n                            <\/div>\n                        \n                        \n                                                <input type=\"button\" name=\"back\" value=\"Back\"\n                               class=\"wpProQuiz_button wpProQuiz_QuestionButton\"\n                               style=\"float: left !important; margin-right: 10px !important; display: none;\">\n                                                <input type=\"button\" name=\"check\" value=\"Check\"\n                               class=\"wpProQuiz_button wpProQuiz_QuestionButton\"\n                               style=\"float: right !important; margin-right: 10px !important; display: none;\">\n                        <input type=\"button\" name=\"next\" value=\"Next\"\n                               class=\"wpProQuiz_button wpProQuiz_QuestionButton\" style=\"float: right; display: none;\">\n\n                        <div style=\"clear: both;\"><\/div>\n\n                                                    <div style=\"margin-bottom: 20px;\"><\/div>\n                        \n                    <\/li>\n\n                                    <li class=\"wpProQuiz_listItem\" style=\"display: none;\">\n                        <div\n                            class=\"wpProQuiz_question_page\" style=\"display:none;\" >\n                            Question <span>9<\/span> of <span>10<\/span>                        <\/div>\n                        <h5 style=\"display: inline-block;\"\n                            class=\"wpProQuiz_header\">\n                            <span>9<\/span>. Question                        <\/h5>\n\n                                                    <span style=\"font-weight: bold; float: right;\">1 points<\/span>\n                            <div style=\"clear: both;\"><\/div>\n                        \n                                                <div class=\"wpProQuiz_question\" style=\"margin: 10px 0 0 0;\">\n                            <div class=\"wpProQuiz_question_text\">\n                                <p>The term \u201cForever Chemicals\u201d refers to which one of the following?<\/p>\n                            <\/div>\n                                                        <ul class=\"wpProQuiz_questionList\" data-question_id=\"492\"\n                                data-type=\"single\">\n                                \n                                    <li class=\"wpProQuiz_questionListItem\" data-pos=\"0\">\n\n                                                                                                                                <span style=\"display:none;\"><\/span>\n                                            <label>\n                                                <input class=\"wpProQuiz_questionInput\"\n                                                       type=\"radio\"\n                                                       name=\"question_49_492\"\n                                                       value=\"1\"> a. Chemicals that degrade rapidly in the environment                                             <\/label>\n\n                                                                            <\/li>\n                                    \n                                    <li class=\"wpProQuiz_questionListItem\" data-pos=\"1\">\n\n                                                                                                                                <span style=\"display:none;\"><\/span>\n                                            <label>\n                                                <input class=\"wpProQuiz_questionInput\"\n                                                       type=\"radio\"\n                                                       name=\"question_49_492\"\n                                                       value=\"2\"> b. Chemicals that remain persistent in the environment and living organisms for long periods                                             <\/label>\n\n                                                                            <\/li>\n                                    \n                                    <li class=\"wpProQuiz_questionListItem\" data-pos=\"2\">\n\n                                                                                                                                <span style=\"display:none;\"><\/span>\n                                            <label>\n                                                <input class=\"wpProQuiz_questionInput\"\n                                                       type=\"radio\"\n                                                       name=\"question_49_492\"\n                                                       value=\"3\"> c. Chemicals used exclusively in pharmaceutical manufacturing                                             <\/label>\n\n                                                                            <\/li>\n                                    \n                                    <li class=\"wpProQuiz_questionListItem\" data-pos=\"3\">\n\n                                                                                                                                <span style=\"display:none;\"><\/span>\n                                            <label>\n                                                <input class=\"wpProQuiz_questionInput\"\n                                                       type=\"radio\"\n                                                       name=\"question_49_492\"\n                                                       value=\"4\"> d. Chemicals that are radioactive in nature                                            <\/label>\n\n                                                                            <\/li>\n                                                                <\/ul>\n                        <\/div>\n                                                    <div class=\"wpProQuiz_response\" style=\"display: none;\">\n                                <div style=\"display: none;\" class=\"wpProQuiz_correct\">\n                                                                            <span class=\"wpProQuiz_respone_span\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tCorrect\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span><br>\n                                    <p><strong>Answer: b<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Explanation: <\/strong><\/p>\n<p>A recent field-based study demonstrates that a specially engineered carbon material can be injected underground to trap and remove PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances) from contaminated groundwater, offering a cost-effective, long-term remediation solution for polluted sites.<\/p>\n<p><strong>What are Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS)?<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS)<\/strong> are a <strong>large family of over 4,700 synthetic chemicals<\/strong>, widely known as <strong>\u201cForever Chemicals\u201d<\/strong> due to their <strong>extreme environmental persistence<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<li>PFAS have been <strong>mass-produced since the 1950s<\/strong> and are extensively used in <strong>non-stick cookware, water-resistant clothing, food packaging, cosmetics, firefighting foams, metal coatings, and industrial lubricants<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<li>The <strong>carbon\u2013fluorine (C\u2013F) bond<\/strong>, one of the <strong>strongest covalent bonds in chemistry<\/strong>, makes PFAS <strong>highly resistant to degradation<\/strong>, leading to <strong>widespread groundwater contamination<\/strong>, especially near <strong>military, industrial, and municipal sites<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>What is Carbon-Based PFAS Remediation?<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Carbon-based PFAS remediation<\/strong> is a <strong>novel in-situ groundwater treatment approach<\/strong> demonstrated in a <strong>2025 field study published in the Journal of Hazardous Materials<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<li>The study evaluated a <strong>specially engineered ultra-fine carbon material<\/strong>, known as <strong>Colloidal Carbon Product (CCP)<\/strong>, designed to <strong>adsorb and immobilise PFAS in groundwater<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<li>The technology uses a <strong>\u201cpush\u2013pull\u201d testing method<\/strong>, where <strong>CCP is injected underground<\/strong> to form an <strong>in-situ permeable treatment zone<\/strong>, and groundwater is later extracted to measure PFAS reduction.<\/li>\n<li>Unlike surface treatment methods, this approach is <strong>non-invasive<\/strong>, <strong>subsurface-based<\/strong>, and suitable for <strong>long-term remediation<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<li>Field trials at a <strong>S. Navy training site<\/strong> showed PFAS levels dropped by <strong>up to four orders of magnitude<\/strong>, from <strong>over 50,000 ng\/L to below detection limits within 10 months<\/strong>, including effective removal of <strong>both long-chain and short-chain PFAS.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Hence option b is the correct answer.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>News: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/phys.org\/news\/2025-12-carbon-based-filter-pfas-groundwater.html#goog_rewarded\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/phys.org\/news\/2025-12-carbon-based-filter-pfas-groundwater.html#goog_rewarded\" rel=\"nofollow ugc noopener\" target=\"_blank\">https:\/\/phys.org\/news\/2025-12-carbon-based-filter-pfas-groundwater.html#goog_rewarded<\/a><\/strong><\/a><\/p>                                <\/div>\n                                <div style=\"display: none;\" class=\"wpProQuiz_incorrect\">\n                                                                            <span class=\"wpProQuiz_respone_span\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tIncorrect\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span><br>\n                                    <p><strong>Answer: b<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Explanation: <\/strong><\/p>\n<p>A recent field-based study demonstrates that a specially engineered carbon material can be injected underground to trap and remove PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances) from contaminated groundwater, offering a cost-effective, long-term remediation solution for polluted sites.<\/p>\n<p><strong>What are Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS)?<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS)<\/strong> are a <strong>large family of over 4,700 synthetic chemicals<\/strong>, widely known as <strong>\u201cForever Chemicals\u201d<\/strong> due to their <strong>extreme environmental persistence<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<li>PFAS have been <strong>mass-produced since the 1950s<\/strong> and are extensively used in <strong>non-stick cookware, water-resistant clothing, food packaging, cosmetics, firefighting foams, metal coatings, and industrial lubricants<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<li>The <strong>carbon\u2013fluorine (C\u2013F) bond<\/strong>, one of the <strong>strongest covalent bonds in chemistry<\/strong>, makes PFAS <strong>highly resistant to degradation<\/strong>, leading to <strong>widespread groundwater contamination<\/strong>, especially near <strong>military, industrial, and municipal sites<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>What is Carbon-Based PFAS Remediation?<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Carbon-based PFAS remediation<\/strong> is a <strong>novel in-situ groundwater treatment approach<\/strong> demonstrated in a <strong>2025 field study published in the Journal of Hazardous Materials<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<li>The study evaluated a <strong>specially engineered ultra-fine carbon material<\/strong>, known as <strong>Colloidal Carbon Product (CCP)<\/strong>, designed to <strong>adsorb and immobilise PFAS in groundwater<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<li>The technology uses a <strong>\u201cpush\u2013pull\u201d testing method<\/strong>, where <strong>CCP is injected underground<\/strong> to form an <strong>in-situ permeable treatment zone<\/strong>, and groundwater is later extracted to measure PFAS reduction.<\/li>\n<li>Unlike surface treatment methods, this approach is <strong>non-invasive<\/strong>, <strong>subsurface-based<\/strong>, and suitable for <strong>long-term remediation<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<li>Field trials at a <strong>S. Navy training site<\/strong> showed PFAS levels dropped by <strong>up to four orders of magnitude<\/strong>, from <strong>over 50,000 ng\/L to below detection limits within 10 months<\/strong>, including effective removal of <strong>both long-chain and short-chain PFAS.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Hence option b is the correct answer.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>News: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/phys.org\/news\/2025-12-carbon-based-filter-pfas-groundwater.html#goog_rewarded\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/phys.org\/news\/2025-12-carbon-based-filter-pfas-groundwater.html#goog_rewarded\" rel=\"nofollow ugc noopener\" target=\"_blank\">https:\/\/phys.org\/news\/2025-12-carbon-based-filter-pfas-groundwater.html#goog_rewarded<\/a><\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n                                <\/div>\n                            <\/div>\n                        \n                        \n                                                <input type=\"button\" name=\"back\" value=\"Back\"\n                               class=\"wpProQuiz_button wpProQuiz_QuestionButton\"\n                               style=\"float: left !important; margin-right: 10px !important; display: none;\">\n                                                <input type=\"button\" name=\"check\" value=\"Check\"\n                               class=\"wpProQuiz_button wpProQuiz_QuestionButton\"\n                               style=\"float: right !important; margin-right: 10px !important; display: none;\">\n                        <input type=\"button\" name=\"next\" value=\"Next\"\n                               class=\"wpProQuiz_button wpProQuiz_QuestionButton\" style=\"float: right; display: none;\">\n\n                        <div style=\"clear: both;\"><\/div>\n\n                                                    <div style=\"margin-bottom: 20px;\"><\/div>\n                        \n                    <\/li>\n\n                                    <li class=\"wpProQuiz_listItem\" style=\"display: none;\">\n                        <div\n                            class=\"wpProQuiz_question_page\" style=\"display:none;\" >\n                            Question <span>10<\/span> of <span>10<\/span>                        <\/div>\n                        <h5 style=\"display: inline-block;\"\n                            class=\"wpProQuiz_header\">\n                            <span>10<\/span>. Question                        <\/h5>\n\n                                                    <span style=\"font-weight: bold; float: right;\">1 points<\/span>\n                            <div style=\"clear: both;\"><\/div>\n                        \n                                                <div class=\"wpProQuiz_question\" style=\"margin: 10px 0 0 0;\">\n                            <div class=\"wpProQuiz_question_text\">\n                                <p>Consider the following statements with regard to the INS Hansa:<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li>It is the largest naval airbase in India.<\/li>\n<li>It is located in Goa.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>Which of the statements given above is\/are correct?\u00a0<\/p>\n                            <\/div>\n                                                        <ul class=\"wpProQuiz_questionList\" data-question_id=\"493\"\n                                data-type=\"single\">\n                                \n                                    <li class=\"wpProQuiz_questionListItem\" data-pos=\"0\">\n\n                                                                                                                                <span style=\"display:none;\"><\/span>\n                                            <label>\n                                                <input class=\"wpProQuiz_questionInput\"\n                                                       type=\"radio\"\n                                                       name=\"question_49_493\"\n                                                       value=\"1\"> a. 1 only                                             <\/label>\n\n                                                                            <\/li>\n                                    \n                                    <li class=\"wpProQuiz_questionListItem\" data-pos=\"1\">\n\n                                                                                                                                <span style=\"display:none;\"><\/span>\n                                            <label>\n                                                <input class=\"wpProQuiz_questionInput\"\n                                                       type=\"radio\"\n                                                       name=\"question_49_493\"\n                                                       value=\"2\"> b. 2 only                                             <\/label>\n\n                                                                            <\/li>\n                                    \n                                    <li class=\"wpProQuiz_questionListItem\" data-pos=\"2\">\n\n                                                                                                                                <span style=\"display:none;\"><\/span>\n                                            <label>\n                                                <input class=\"wpProQuiz_questionInput\"\n                                                       type=\"radio\"\n                                                       name=\"question_49_493\"\n                                                       value=\"3\"> c. Both 1 and 2                                             <\/label>\n\n                                                                            <\/li>\n                                    \n                                    <li class=\"wpProQuiz_questionListItem\" data-pos=\"3\">\n\n                                                                                                                                <span style=\"display:none;\"><\/span>\n                                            <label>\n                                                <input class=\"wpProQuiz_questionInput\"\n                                                       type=\"radio\"\n                                                       name=\"question_49_493\"\n                                                       value=\"4\"> d. Neither 1 nor 2                                             <\/label>\n\n                                                                            <\/li>\n                                                                <\/ul>\n                        <\/div>\n                                                    <div class=\"wpProQuiz_response\" style=\"display: none;\">\n                                <div style=\"display: none;\" class=\"wpProQuiz_correct\">\n                                                                            <span class=\"wpProQuiz_respone_span\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tCorrect\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span><br>\n                                    <p><strong>Answer:\u00a0c<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Explanation: <\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Recently, the Indian Navy commissioned its second MH-60R helicopter squadron, INAS 335, also known as the \u2018Ospreys\u2019, at INS Hansa, Vasco da Gama, Goa.<\/p>\n<p><strong>About INS Hansa<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>INS Hansa<\/strong> is an <strong>Indian Naval Air Station<\/strong> located near <strong>Dabolim, Goa<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<li>It is the <strong>largest naval airbase in India<\/strong> and houses some of the <strong>Indian Navy\u2019s premier air squadrons<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<li>The base includes a <strong>civil enclave<\/strong>, which functions as <strong>Dabolim Airport<\/strong>, handling <strong>domestic and international flights round-the-clock<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<li>The station was originally commissioned on <strong>at Sulur near Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu<\/strong>, and was initially <strong>co-located with the Indian Air Force\u2019s Sulur Air Force Station<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<li>Following the <strong>liberation of Goa<\/strong>, the Navy took over <strong>Dabolim airfield in 1962<\/strong>, and <strong>INS Hansa was relocated to Dabolim in 1964<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<li><strong>INS Hansa<\/strong> has earlier witnessed key capability additions, including the commissioning of the <strong>second P-8I maritime patrol aircraft squadron <\/strong>in 2022, strengthening <strong>shore-based fixed-wing naval operations<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<li>The Navy is also progressing the acquisition of <strong>15 MQ-9B Sea Guardian remotely piloted aircraft<\/strong>, which will enable <strong>persistent maritime surveillance<\/strong> and enhanced <strong>Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA)<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<li>Although formally commissioned at <strong>Goa<\/strong>, the <strong>MH-60R helicopters have already demonstrated operational effectiveness<\/strong> in <strong>Operation Sindoor<\/strong>, <strong>TROPEX-25<\/strong>, and the <strong>Tri-Services Exercise 2025<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>About MH-60R Seahawk Helicopter<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>INAS 335<\/strong> is the <strong>second Indian Naval Air Squadron<\/strong> to operate the <strong>MH-60R Seahawk helicopters<\/strong>, following the commissioning of the <strong>first squadron at Kochi, Kerala, in 2024<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<li>The <strong>MH-60R<\/strong> is an <strong>all-weather, day-and-night capable, multi-role helicopter<\/strong> designed to operate from <strong>ships and shore bases<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<li>It is optimised for <strong>Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW)<\/strong>, enabling detection, tracking, and engagement of <strong>enemy submarines<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<li>The helicopter performs <strong>Anti-Surface Warfare (ASuW)<\/strong> roles against <strong>enemy surface vessels<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<li>It is equipped for <strong>Search and Rescue (SAR)<\/strong> and <strong>Medical Evacuation (MEDEVAC)<\/strong> missions during peacetime and combat operations.<\/li>\n<li>The platform supports <strong>Vertical Replenishment (VERTREP)<\/strong>, improving <strong>logistics sustainment of naval task forces at sea<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<li>The induction of <strong>INAS 335<\/strong> substantially augments <strong>integral naval aviation capability on the western seaboard<\/strong>, a region of <strong>high strategic and commercial importance<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Hence option c is the correct answer.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>News: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thehindu.com\/news\/national\/navy-commissions-mh-60r-helicopter-squadron-inas-335-ospreys-at-ins-hansa\/article70408025.ece\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Navy commissions second MH-60R copter squadron, the \u2018Ospreys\u2019, at INS Hansa &#8211; The Hindu<\/strong><\/a><\/p>                                <\/div>\n                                <div style=\"display: none;\" class=\"wpProQuiz_incorrect\">\n                                                                            <span class=\"wpProQuiz_respone_span\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tIncorrect\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span><br>\n                                    <p><strong>Answer:\u00a0c<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Explanation: <\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Recently, the Indian Navy commissioned its second MH-60R helicopter squadron, INAS 335, also known as the \u2018Ospreys\u2019, at INS Hansa, Vasco da Gama, Goa.<\/p>\n<p><strong>About INS Hansa<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>INS Hansa<\/strong> is an <strong>Indian Naval Air Station<\/strong> located near <strong>Dabolim, Goa<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<li>It is the <strong>largest naval airbase in India<\/strong> and houses some of the <strong>Indian Navy\u2019s premier air squadrons<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<li>The base includes a <strong>civil enclave<\/strong>, which functions as <strong>Dabolim Airport<\/strong>, handling <strong>domestic and international flights round-the-clock<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<li>The station was originally commissioned on <strong>at Sulur near Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu<\/strong>, and was initially <strong>co-located with the Indian Air Force\u2019s Sulur Air Force Station<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<li>Following the <strong>liberation of Goa<\/strong>, the Navy took over <strong>Dabolim airfield in 1962<\/strong>, and <strong>INS Hansa was relocated to Dabolim in 1964<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<li><strong>INS Hansa<\/strong> has earlier witnessed key capability additions, including the commissioning of the <strong>second P-8I maritime patrol aircraft squadron <\/strong>in 2022, strengthening <strong>shore-based fixed-wing naval operations<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<li>The Navy is also progressing the acquisition of <strong>15 MQ-9B Sea Guardian remotely piloted aircraft<\/strong>, which will enable <strong>persistent maritime surveillance<\/strong> and enhanced <strong>Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA)<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<li>Although formally commissioned at <strong>Goa<\/strong>, the <strong>MH-60R helicopters have already demonstrated operational effectiveness<\/strong> in <strong>Operation Sindoor<\/strong>, <strong>TROPEX-25<\/strong>, and the <strong>Tri-Services Exercise 2025<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>About MH-60R Seahawk Helicopter<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>INAS 335<\/strong> is the <strong>second Indian Naval Air Squadron<\/strong> to operate the <strong>MH-60R Seahawk helicopters<\/strong>, following the commissioning of the <strong>first squadron at Kochi, Kerala, in 2024<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<li>The <strong>MH-60R<\/strong> is an <strong>all-weather, day-and-night capable, multi-role helicopter<\/strong> designed to operate from <strong>ships and shore bases<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<li>It is optimised for <strong>Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW)<\/strong>, enabling detection, tracking, and engagement of <strong>enemy submarines<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<li>The helicopter performs <strong>Anti-Surface Warfare (ASuW)<\/strong> roles against <strong>enemy surface vessels<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<li>It is equipped for <strong>Search and Rescue (SAR)<\/strong> and <strong>Medical Evacuation (MEDEVAC)<\/strong> missions during peacetime and combat operations.<\/li>\n<li>The platform supports <strong>Vertical Replenishment (VERTREP)<\/strong>, improving <strong>logistics sustainment of naval task forces at sea<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<li>The induction of <strong>INAS 335<\/strong> substantially augments <strong>integral naval aviation capability on the western seaboard<\/strong>, a region of <strong>high strategic and commercial importance<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Hence option c is the correct answer.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>News: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thehindu.com\/news\/national\/navy-commissions-mh-60r-helicopter-squadron-inas-335-ospreys-at-ins-hansa\/article70408025.ece\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Navy commissions second MH-60R copter squadron, the \u2018Ospreys\u2019, at INS Hansa &#8211; The Hindu<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n                                <\/div>\n                            <\/div>\n                        \n                        \n                                                <input type=\"button\" name=\"back\" value=\"Back\"\n                               class=\"wpProQuiz_button wpProQuiz_QuestionButton\"\n                               style=\"float: left !important; margin-right: 10px !important; display: none;\">\n                                                <input type=\"button\" name=\"check\" value=\"Check\"\n                               class=\"wpProQuiz_button wpProQuiz_QuestionButton\"\n                               style=\"float: right !important; margin-right: 10px !important; display: none;\">\n                        <input type=\"button\" name=\"next\" value=\"Next\"\n                               class=\"wpProQuiz_button wpProQuiz_QuestionButton\" style=\"float: right; display: none;\">\n\n                        <div style=\"clear: both;\"><\/div>\n\n                                                    <div style=\"margin-bottom: 20px;\"><\/div>\n                        \n                    <\/li>\n\n                            <\/ol>\n                            <div>\n                    <input type=\"button\" name=\"wpProQuiz_pageLeft\"\n                           data-text=\"Page %d\"\n                           style=\"float: left; 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