Ans: A

Exp:

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) “Arctic Report Card,” the Arctic tundra, once a carbon sink, is now releasing greenhouse gases due to rising temperatures and increased wildfires, contributing to global warming.

Key Findings of the Report:

• Statement 1 is correct: The Arctic tundra, which was previously a carbon sink, is now emitting more greenhouse gases such as CO2 and methane due to thawing permafrost.
  • Permafrost is defined as ground (soil or rock and included ice or organic material) that remains at or below 0°C for at least two consecutive years.
• Statement 2 is correct: Rising temperatures in the Arctic are causing the thawing of permafrost, releasing carbon that was trapped for thousands of years.
  • The frequency and intensity of wildfires in the Arctic have been increasing, contributing to the release of greenhouse gases. Wildfire smoke adds GHG emissions to the atmosphere while also speeding up the thawing of permafrost.
• The Arctic is warming at a rate four times faster than the global average.
• Wildfires and rising temperatures together, between 2001 and 2020, caused the Arctic tundra to release more carbon than its plants removed from the air, probably for the first time in many millennia. Hence, Option A is correct.

Ans: D

Exp:

Statement 1 is correct: To support the agricultural sector and address rising input costs, the Reserve Bank of India has announced an increase in the limit for collateral-free agricultural loans, including loans for allied activities. The existing loan limit of ₹1.6 lakh per borrower has been raised to ₹2 lakh.

• This decision acknowledges the impact of inflation and the increasing cost of agricultural inputs on farmers. 
• It aims to provide enhanced financial access to farmers, ensuring they have sufficient resources to meet their operational and developmental needs without the burden of providing collateral.
• This move enhances credit accessibility, particularly for small and marginal farmers (over 86% of the sector), who benefit from reduced borrowing costs and the removal of collateral requirements. 
• Statement 3 is correct: : By streamlining loan disbursement, the initiative is expected to increase the uptake of Kisan Credit Card (KCC) loans, allowing farmers to invest in agricultural operations and improve their livelihoods. 
  • Under, Kisan Credit Card scheme,  short-term credit support is given to farmers  for maintenance of farm assets.
• Statement 2 is correct: Modified Interest Subvention Scheme provides short-term loans at a concessional interest rate to farmers for agriculture and allied activities.

• This policy strengthens financial inclusion, supports the agricultural sector, and fosters credit-driven economic growth, aligning with the government’s long-term vision for sustainable agriculture.

Ans: A

Exp:

A recent study by French firm Greenly highlights the carbon footprint and Negative impacts of TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram.

About Doomscrolling: 

• This refers to the habit of endlessly scrolling through negative, distressing, or anxiety-inducing content, particularly on social media or news platforms.
• It is driven by the need to stay informed but often results in excessive exposure to upsetting information. Hence Option a is correct. 

Doomscrolling’s Environmental Impact: 

• A 2019 Shift Project report previously noted a 450-million-ton increase in global CO₂ emissions from digital technology since 2013.
• While users scroll through content bemoaning climate change, the platforms’ energy use paradoxically worsens the crisis.
• TikTok remains the worst offender among social media platforms, per multiple studies.
• TikTok’s emissions in 2024 reportedly exceeded the annual energy demands of Greece despite having fewer users than other platforms.
• TikTok’s high energy consumption stems from its addictive design, which encourages longer user engagement through its scroll-heavy user interface.

“Touching grass” is a popular internet slang term that refers to taking a break from excessive screen time, particularly online activities, and reconnecting with the real world. 

Ans: C

Exp:

The UK has recently become the first European country to join the Indo-Pacific trade bloc Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). 

• Previously, in 2023, CPTPP parties and the UK signed the accession protocol to enable the UK to join the CPTPP

• • Statement 1 is incorrect:The CPTPP is a Free trade agreement (FTA) between Australia, Brunei Darussalam, Canada, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, Peru, New Zealand, Singapore, Vietnam and the UK.
    • The CPTPP was signed by the 11 countries on 8 March 2018 in Santiago, Chile.
    • Background → In 2005 → A trade agreement between a small group of Pacific Rim countries comprising Brunei, Chile, New Zealand, and Singapore led to the formation of Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP) consisting of 12 nation-states.
    • US withdrew from the original Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) in 2017
  • Statement 2 is incorrect: The Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) is a free trade agreement (FTA) that removes 99% of tariffs on goods and services. 
    • All the member countries have agreed to cut down on wildlife trafficking. It prevents environmental abuses, such as unsustainable logging and fishing.
  • Statement 3 is incorrect: Membership → Comprises 12 member nations, including → UK, with other members being Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, Brunei, Chile, Malaysia, Mexico, Peru, Singapore, and Vietnam
    • The UK, not Netherlands, became the first European country to join the CPTPP.

• Except the UK →  All 11 countries of CPTPP are members of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC). 

Ans: A

Exp:

Statement 1 is correct: India’s nuclear power generation capacity has nearly doubled over the past decade, increasing from 4,780 MW in 2014 to 8,180 MW in 2024, as stated by Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh in the Lok Sabha.

Status of Nuclear Energy in India:

• • Statement 2 is not  correct: Nuclear energy accounts for about 3% of India’s total electricity generation in 2022-23, making nuclear energy the fifth-largest source of electricity in the country.
  • Nuclear Power Corporation India Limited (NPCIL) currently operates 24 reactors across 7 power plants with a total capacity of 8180 MW.

• World’s first thorium based nuclear plant “Bhavni” using Uranium-233 is being set up at Kalpakkam in Tamilnadu.

• “Apsara”, the first research reactor in Asia became operational in Trombay campus of Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai in August 1956.

• India’s first nuclear power station is Tarapur Atomic Power Station located at Tarapur, near Mumbai, Maharashtra.