1.With reference to Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage (CCUS), consider the following statements:
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Statement 1 — Correct:
Carbon capture refers to capturing CO? before it enters the atmosphere, mainly from industrial facilities and power plants. CO? can also be captured directly from the atmosphere through Direct Air Capture (DAC).
Statement 2 — Correct:
The captured CO? need not always be stored. It can be utilised (CCU) for applications such as:
Statement 3 — Correct:
For long-term geological storage, CO? can be injected deep underground into formations such as:
The objective is to prevent the stored CO? from returning to the atmosphere.
Statement 4 — Incorrect:
CCUS does not automatically mean net-zero emissions. Its overall climate benefit depends on factors such as the energy source used, capture efficiency, transport, utilisation pathway and permanence of storage. If fossil fuels are used to power the capture process, additional emissions may occur.
2.With reference to the Nelakondapalli Buddhist Heritage Destination, consider the following statements:
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Statement 1 — Correct:
Nelakondapalli is an important ancient Buddhist archaeological site in Khammam district, Telangana, near Balasamudram Lake.
Statement 2 — Correct:
The primary monument at Nelakondapalli is a large Mahastupa, locally known as Eradibba or Virataraja Dibba. It is a major feature of the archaeological complex.
Statement 3 — Correct:
Excavations have revealed several Buddhist remains, including:
Statement 4 — Incorrect:
The site is not exclusively associated with the Satavahanas. Archaeological evidence connects Nelakondapalli with multiple periods, including the Satavahana, Ikshvaku and Vishnukundin periods.
3.With reference to the Twin-Drone Search and Rescue (SAR) System developed for maritime rescue operations, consider the following statements:
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Statement 1 — Correct:
The quadcopter performs the surveillance and detection function. It searches the sea surface for people requiring assistance.
Statement 2 — Correct:
The quadcopter is equipped with 2K optical and thermal cameras. It uses a YOLO-based Artificial Intelligence model to analyse live video and detect human heat signatures against the surrounding ocean.
Statement 3 — Correct:
Once a person is detected, the hexacopter receives the location coordinates from the quadcopter through long-range RF communication. It then flies to the location and releases a self-inflating lifebuoy.
Statement 4 — Incorrect:
The system follows a human-in-the-loop approach. The final command to release the lifebuoy remains under the direct control of a human operator. Therefore, the system is not completely autonomous.
4.With reference to Exercise Garuda Shakti 2026, consider the following statements:
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Statement 1 — Correct:
Garuda Shakti is a bilateral joint special forces exercise between the Indian Army and Indonesian Special Forces. The 2026 edition is the 11th edition.
Statement 2 — Correct:
India is represented by personnel from the Parachute Regiment (Special Forces) of the Indian Army.
Statement 3 — Correct:
The 2026 edition is being conducted at Banyuwangi, East Java, Indonesia, from 27 October to 6 November 2026.
Statement 4 — Incorrect:
The exercise is not exclusively focused on maritime warfare. Its training encompasses a broad range of special operations capabilities, including:
The exercise concludes with a validation exercise designed to test the participants' readiness and interoperability in realistic operational scenarios.
5.With reference to plant-based meat products, consider the following statements:
Plant-based meat products are designed to replicate the taste, texture and appearance of animal-derived meat.
Soy protein, pea protein and wheat gluten are commonly used raw materials in their production.
Extrusion is a manufacturing technique in which materials are forced through a shaped die under controlled heat and pressure to develop a meat-like texture.
Extrusion necessarily involves the use of animal-derived proteins to achieve a meat-like texture.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Statement 1 — Correct: Plant-based meat products are food products designed to mimic conventional meat in terms of taste, appearance, texture and, in some cases, nutritional composition. They are generally made using plant-derived ingredients.
Statement 2 — Correct: Common protein sources include:
Soy protein: Derived from soybeans; widely used in meat alternatives.
Pea protein: Extracted from peas; provides protein and suitable functional properties.
Wheat gluten: The protein complex in wheat responsible for elasticity and chewiness, helping create a meat-like structure.
Statement 3 — Correct: Extrusion is an important food-processing technique. The ingredients are mixed and subjected to controlled heat, pressure and mechanical shear before being forced through a die. This can align protein structures and create a fibrous texture resembling meat.
Statement 4 — Incorrect: Extrusion does not necessarily require animal-derived proteins. Plant proteins can be processed to develop meat-like textures, making the technique suitable for vegetarian and vegan meat alternatives.
