Brazil Geography: Borders, Amazon Basin, Pantanal Wetlands

Brazil Geography: Borders, Amazon Basin, Pantanal Wetlands

With reference to the geography of Brazil, consider the following statements: It borders all South American nations except Chile and Ecuador. It encompasses most of the Amazon Basin, the world’s largest tropical rainforest. The Pantanal, the world’s largest tropical wetland, is located within its territory. Select the correct answer using the code given below:

State Mining Readiness Index (SMRI) Evaluation Criteria

State Mining Readiness Index (SMRI) Evaluation Criteria

The State Mining Readiness Index (SMRI), released by the Ministry of Mines, evaluates states on which of the following criteria? Auction performance and early mine operationalization. Exploration thrust and sustainable mining practices. Performance related to both coal and non-coal minerals. Select the correct answer using the code given below:

Dopamine’s Role in Brain: Motivation, Reward, Addiction

Dopamine’s Role in Brain: Motivation, Reward, Addiction

The neurotransmitter Dopamine is associated with which of the following functions in the brain? It is central to the brain’s motivation and reward system. It drives reward-based learning. Addictive substances can cause massive surges in dopamine, leading to desensitization and addiction. Select the correct answer using the code given below:

UN-GGIM: Geospatial Information, India’s Role & ECOSOC

UN-GGIM: Geospatial Information, India’s Role & ECOSOC

Consider the following statements about the United Nations Committee of Experts on Global Geospatial Information Management (UN-GGIM): It is an intergovernmental body established under the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). It serves as the apex global mechanism for decision-making on geospatial information policy. India was recently elected as Co-Chair of its regional committee for … Read more

SITAA Scheme: Aadhaar, Digital Identity, Deepfakes & Security

SITAA Scheme: Aadhaar, Digital Identity, Deepfakes & Security

The Scheme for Innovation and Technology Association with Aadhaar (SITAA) has been launched to address which of the following challenges? To strengthen India’s digital identity ecosystem. To combat emerging security threats like deepfakes and spoofing. To develop solutions for contactless fingerprint authentication. Select the correct answer using the code given below:

Indian States Fiscal Health & Autonomy Challenges

Indian States Fiscal Health & Autonomy Challenges

With reference to the fiscal health of states in India, consider the following statements: The abolition of the GST Compensation Cess has raised concerns about the fiscal autonomy of states. Increasing cesses and surcharges by the Centre has led to a decline in the actual tax devolution share to states. Some states have suggested adopting … Read more

IUCN Congress 2025: Key Conservation Resolutions

IUCN Congress 2025: Key Conservation Resolutions

The IUCN World Conservation Congress 2025 concluded with several key resolutions. Consider the following: It adopted the first-ever policy on Synthetic Biology and Nature Conservation. A motion was passed recognizing the production of fossil fuels as a direct threat and urging a global phase-out. A resolution was passed to recognize ‘ecocide’ as an international crime … Read more

SAIME Initiative: Mangrove Aquaculture & Conservation

SAIME Initiative: Mangrove Aquaculture & Conservation

The Sustainable Aquaculture in Mangrove Ecosystems (SAIME) initiative, recently in the news, is associated with which of the following? It promotes an ecosystem-based, climate-adaptive approach to brackish water aquaculture in the Sundarbans. It integrates mangrove conservation with the culture of native species like the black tiger shrimp. The initiative has received Global Technical Recognition from … Read more

UPOV Convention & Plant Variety Protection

UPOV Convention & Plant Variety Protection

With reference to the International Union for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants (UPOV) Convention, consider the following statements: Its primary mission is to promote an effective system of Plant Variety Protection (PVP) by granting Breeder’s Rights. The 1991 version of the UPOV Convention makes the farmer’s privilege to save seeds optional for member … Read more

Mercosur: South American Trade Bloc & Customs Union

Mercosur: South American Trade Bloc & Customs Union

Mercosur, a trade bloc often in the news, can be correctly described by which of the following statements? It is a South American trade bloc that functions as a customs union with a common external tariff. Its full members include Brazil, Argentina, and Uruguay. Venezuela’s membership in the bloc is currently active. Select the correct … Read more