1.Consider the following statements regarding Typhoon Dujuan (2026):
Typhoon Dujuan formed over the Northwestern Pacific Ocean and affected eastern Japan.
The term typhoon is generally used for tropical cyclones occurring in the Northwestern Pacific region.
The Coriolis force has no role in the formation and rotation of tropical cyclones.
Typhoons derive much of their energy from warm ocean waters through the release of latent heat.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
a.
b.
c.
d.
Answer : b
Statement 1 – Correct: Typhoon Dujuan developed over the Northwestern Pacific and subsequently affected eastern Japan, producing strong winds and exceptionally heavy rainfall.
Statement 2 – Correct: Tropical cyclones are regionally named. “Typhoon” is commonly used for tropical cyclones in the Northwestern Pacific, while terms such as hurricane and cyclone are used in other oceanic regions.
Statement 3 – Incorrect: The Coriolis force is important for imparting rotation to tropical cyclones. This is why tropical cyclones generally do not form very close to the Equator.
Statement 4 – Correct: Tropical cyclones obtain energy primarily from warm ocean waters. Evaporation and subsequent condensation release latent heat, helping sustain the cyclone.
2.Consider the following statements regarding the Etruscan Civilization:
The Etruscans flourished mainly in ancient central Italy, particularly in the region of modern-day Tuscany.
Etruscan civilization predates and significantly influenced the early development of Rome.
The Etruscans developed a writing system based largely on an adaptation of the Greek alphabet.
The Etruscan civilization originated in the Nile Valley of ancient Egypt.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
a.
b.
c.
d.
Answer : b
Statement 1 – Correct: The Etruscans inhabited Etruria, broadly corresponding to modern Tuscany and parts of Lazio and Umbria in central Italy.
Statement 2 – Correct: The Etruscans were an important pre-Roman civilization. They had a significant influence on early Rome, including aspects of religion, architecture, urban planning and political symbols.
Statement 3 – Correct: The Etruscan script was derived from a western Greek alphabet, which itself ultimately originated from the Phoenician writing tradition.
Statement 4 – Incorrect: The Etruscans were not an Egyptian civilization. Their precise origins have long been debated. Archaeological and genetic evidence generally indicates a strong connection with populations of central Italy, while older theories proposed migration from Anatolia.
3.Consider the following statements regarding the UN Declaration on Sea-Level Rise, 2026:
It was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in September 2026.
The Declaration recognizes sea-level rise as posing severe and irreversible risks and calls for stronger international cooperation.
It emphasizes the importance of scientific observations, data collection, early-warning systems and climate-resilient planning.
The Declaration establishes a new legally binding international treaty specifically governing sea-level rise.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
a.
b.
c.
d.
Answer : b
Statement 1 – Correct: The UN General Assembly adopted the Declaration on Sea-Level Rise on 24 September 2026 at a high-level meeting during its 81st session. It was agreed by consensus.
Statement 2 – Correct: The Declaration recognizes the cumulative, severe and irreversible risks associated with sea-level rise and calls for urgent, coordinated international action.
Statement 3 – Correct: It stresses science-based decision-making, improved data availability, risk assessments, early-warning systems, disaster-risk reduction and long-term adaptation planning. It also highlights the role of the Global Ocean Observing System (GOOS) and Global Sea Level Observing System (GLOSS).
Statement 4 – Incorrect: The Declaration is an intergovernmentally negotiated political declaration, not a new legally binding treaty. Its focus is on strengthening international cooperation and coordinated action on sea-level rise.
4.Consider the following statements regarding ICGS Shaunak, recently seen in the news:
It is an Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV) of the Samarth class of the Indian Coast Guard.
It was designed and built indigenously by Goa Shipyard Limited.
In September 2026, it sailed from Chennai to Perth, Australia as part of the QUAD-at-Sea Ship Observer Mission.
The mission involved only India and Australia as participating QUAD countries.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
a.
b.
c.
d.
Answer : b
Statement 1 – Correct: ICGS Shaunak is an Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV) belonging to the Samarth class of the Indian Coast Guard.
Statement 2 – Correct: The vessel was indigenously designed and built by Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL). It was commissioned on 21 February 2017.
Statement 3 – Correct: On 25 September 2026, ICGS Shaunak sailed from Chennai to Perth, Australia, for the QUAD-at-Sea Ship Observer Mission. Six officers, called Sea Riders, embarked on the vessel.
Statement 4 – Incorrect: The QUAD comprises India, Australia, Japan and the United States. The six Sea Riders aboard Shaunak included two each from India and Japan, and one each from Australia and the US.
5. Consider the following statements regarding the Nona Gaprindashvili Trophy:
It is awarded to the federation with the best combined performance in the Open and Women’s sections of the Chess Olympiad.
The trophy was established by FIDE in 1997.
It is named after Nona Gaprindashvili, the first woman to receive the Grandmaster title.
India won the trophy for the third consecutive Chess Olympiad in 2026.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
a.
b.
c.
d.
Answer : d
Statement 1 – Correct: The Nona Gaprindashvili Trophy is awarded to the country/federation with the best combined performance in the Open and Women’s sections of the Chess Olympiad.
Statement 2 – Correct: The trophy was established by FIDE in 1997.
Statement 3 – Correct: It is named after Nona Gaprindashvili, the legendary Georgian chess player, who became the first woman to receive the Grandmaster title.
Statement 4 – Correct: At the 2026 Chess Olympiad in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, India retained the trophy for the third consecutive edition. India won silver in the Open section and bronze in the Women’s section.
