1.Consider the following statements regarding the 2026 Ramanujan Prize for Young Mathematicians:
The 2026 Ramanujan Prize was awarded to Prof. Mahesh Kakde of the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru.
The prize is awarded to young mathematicians from developing countries.
The prize is jointly associated with the International Centre for Theoretical Physics (ICTP) and the International Mathematical Union (IMU).
The award recognizes contributions exclusively in applied mathematics and computational science.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
a.
b.
c.
d.
Answer : a
Statement 1 – Correct: Prof. Mahesh Kakde of IISc, Bengaluru was awarded the 2026 Ramanujan Prize for Young Mathematicians.
Statement 2 – Correct: The prize recognizes outstanding young mathematicians from developing countries. The recipient must be under 45 years of age.
Statement 3 – Correct: The prize is associated with the International Centre for Theoretical Physics (ICTP) and the International Mathematical Union (IMU).
Statement 4 – Incorrect: The award is not restricted to applied mathematics or computational science. Prof. Kakde was recognized for fundamental work in algebraic number theory, arithmetic geometry and non-commutative Iwasawa theory, including work related to the Gross–Stark and Brumer–Stark conjectures.
2.Consider the following statements regarding SAREX-2026:
SAREX-2026 is the 12th biennial National Maritime Search and Rescue Exercise conducted by the Indian Coast Guard.
The exercise was conducted off the coast of Paradip, Odisha.
The exercise focused on strengthening maritime search and rescue preparedness through the use of technology.
SAREX-2026 was conducted exclusively by the Indian Coast Guard without participation from the Indian Navy or Indian Air Force.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
a.
b.
c.
d.
Answer : a
Statement 1 – Correct: SAREX-2026 is the 12th biennial National Maritime Search and Rescue Exercise conducted by the Indian Coast Guard (ICG).
Statement 2 – Correct: The exercise was conducted off the coast of Paradip, Odisha, on 8 October 2026.
Statement 3 – Correct: The theme of SAREX-2026 was “Leveraging Technology to Strengthen SAR Preparedness and Maritime Safety.”
Statement 4 – Incorrect: The exercise involved multiple agencies and forces. The Indian Navy and Indian Air Force, along with the Coast Guard and various civilian maritime agencies, participated in the exercise.
3.Consider the following statements regarding the M51.3 ballistic missile:
The M51.3 is a submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) developed for France's nuclear deterrence capability.
It is a three-stage, solid-propellant missile designed to be deployed aboard French nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines.
The missile is intended to carry the TNO-2 nuclear warhead.
The M51.3 is launched from France's Le Triomphant-class SSBNs and is also intended for future SNLE 3G-class submarines.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
a.
b.
c.
d.
Answer : c
Statement 1 – Correct: The M51.3 is a French submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) developed as part of France's sea-based nuclear deterrent.
Statement 2 – Correct: It is an upgraded three-stage, solid-propellant ballistic missile developed by ArianeGroup.
Statement 3 – Correct: The missile is designed to carry the TNO-2 (Tête nucléaire océanique) nuclear warhead.
Statement 4 – Correct: M51.3 is intended for France's Le Triomphant-class SSBNs and is planned to contribute to the armament of the future SNLE 3G submarines.
4.Consider the following statements regarding chirality and asymmetric organic synthesis:
A chiral molecule and its mirror image are non-superimposable.
Asymmetric organic synthesis aims to preferentially produce one enantiomer over another.
Autocatalysis occurs when a reaction product acts as a catalyst for the same reaction.
Chirality is a phenomenon observed exclusively in biological molecules and not in synthetic organic compounds.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
a.
b.
c.
d.
Answer : a
Statement 1 – Correct: Chirality is a property in which a molecule and its mirror image cannot be superimposed on each other, similar to the relationship between left and right hands.
Statement 2 – Correct: Asymmetric organic synthesis aims to produce one enantiomer preferentially. This is particularly important in pharmaceutical manufacturing because different enantiomers may have different biological effects.
Statement 3 – Correct: In autocatalysis, a reaction product acts as a catalyst for its own formation, potentially amplifying a small initial molecular imbalance.
Statement 4 – Incorrect: Chirality occurs in both naturally occurring and synthetic compounds. It is not restricted to biological molecules.
The 2026 Nobel Prize in Chemistry was awarded to Henri B. Kagan of France and Kenso Soai of Japan for their discoveries concerning non-linear effects and autocatalysis in asymmetric organic synthesis. Their work helps explain how small molecular asymmetries can be amplified, offering insights into biological homochirality.
5.Consider the following statements regarding Sagarmanthan: The Great Oceans Dialogue:
It is organised by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways in partnership with the Observer Research Foundation (ORF).
It focuses on maritime cooperation, ocean governance, green shipping and the blue economy.
Its thematic pillars include “Blue Breakthroughs,” which focuses on greening ships and shipbuilding.
It is a multilateral naval military exercise conducted by the Indian Navy to strengthen maritime security.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
a.
b.
c.
d.
Answer : a
Statement 1 – Correct: Sagarmanthan: The Great Oceans Dialogue is organised by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) in partnership with the Observer Research Foundation (ORF).
Statement 2 – Correct: The dialogue provides a platform to discuss maritime cooperation, ocean governance, green shipping, port development, shipbuilding, supply-chain resilience and the blue economy.
Statement 3 – Correct: “Blue Breakthroughs” is one of its five thematic pillars and focuses on greening ships and shipbuilding.
Statement 4 – Incorrect: Sagarmanthan is a policy dialogue, not a naval military exercise. It brings together stakeholders to discuss maritime policy, trade, sustainability and ocean governance.
