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UPSC Current Affairs Quiz : 20 December 2025

Kartavya Desk Staff

The Current Affairs Quiz is a daily quiz based on the DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS AND PIB SUMMARY from the previous day, as posted on our website. It covers all relevant news sources and is designed to test your knowledge of current events. Solving these questions will help you retain both concepts and facts relevant to the UPSC IAS civil services exam.

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• Question 1 of 10 1. Question 1 points Consider the following statements regarding the DHRUV64 Microprocessor: It is India’s first indigenously designed 64-bit dual-core microprocessor based on the ARM architecture. It was developed by the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC) under the Microprocessor Development Programme. It is the first chip to be fabricated under the Digital India RISC-V (DIR-V) Programme. How many of the above statements are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three (d) None Correct Solution: A Statement 1 is incorrect because while DHRUV64 is India’s first indigenously designed 64-bit dual-core microprocessor, it is based on the RISC-V open-source architecture, not the proprietary ARM architecture. Statement 2 is correct as the project was designed by C-DAC and guided by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) under the Microprocessor Development Programme (MDP). Statement 3 is incorrect because DHRUV64 is the third chip fabricated under the DIR-V Programme, following the earlier successful fabrication of THEJAS32 and THEJAS64. The development of such processors is vital for technological sovereignty, reducing reliance on imported silicon and providing a secure platform for strategic sectors like defence and telecommunications. RISC-V is an open standard Instruction Set Architecture (ISA) that allows for customization without licensing fees. Incorrect Solution: A Statement 1 is incorrect because while DHRUV64 is India’s first indigenously designed 64-bit dual-core microprocessor, it is based on the RISC-V open-source architecture, not the proprietary ARM architecture. Statement 2 is correct as the project was designed by C-DAC and guided by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) under the Microprocessor Development Programme (MDP). Statement 3 is incorrect because DHRUV64 is the third chip fabricated under the DIR-V Programme, following the earlier successful fabrication of THEJAS32 and THEJAS64. The development of such processors is vital for technological sovereignty, reducing reliance on imported silicon and providing a secure platform for strategic sectors like defence and telecommunications. RISC-V is an open standard Instruction Set Architecture (ISA) that allows for customization without licensing fees.

#### 1. Question

Consider the following statements regarding the DHRUV64 Microprocessor:

• It is India’s first indigenously designed 64-bit dual-core microprocessor based on the ARM architecture.

• It was developed by the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC) under the Microprocessor Development Programme.

• It is the first chip to be fabricated under the Digital India RISC-V (DIR-V) Programme.

How many of the above statements are correct?

• (a) Only one

• (b) Only two

• (c) All three

Solution: A

Statement 1 is incorrect because while DHRUV64 is India’s first indigenously designed 64-bit dual-core microprocessor, it is based on the RISC-V open-source architecture, not the proprietary ARM architecture.

Statement 2 is correct as the project was designed by C-DAC and guided by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) under the Microprocessor Development Programme (MDP).

Statement 3 is incorrect because DHRUV64 is the third chip fabricated under the DIR-V Programme, following the earlier successful fabrication of THEJAS32 and THEJAS64. The development of such processors is vital for technological sovereignty, reducing reliance on imported silicon and providing a secure platform for strategic sectors like defence and telecommunications.

• RISC-V is an open standard Instruction Set Architecture (ISA) that allows for customization without licensing fees.

Solution: A

Statement 1 is incorrect because while DHRUV64 is India’s first indigenously designed 64-bit dual-core microprocessor, it is based on the RISC-V open-source architecture, not the proprietary ARM architecture.

Statement 2 is correct as the project was designed by C-DAC and guided by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) under the Microprocessor Development Programme (MDP).

Statement 3 is incorrect because DHRUV64 is the third chip fabricated under the DIR-V Programme, following the earlier successful fabrication of THEJAS32 and THEJAS64. The development of such processors is vital for technological sovereignty, reducing reliance on imported silicon and providing a secure platform for strategic sectors like defence and telecommunications.

• RISC-V is an open standard Instruction Set Architecture (ISA) that allows for customization without licensing fees.

• Question 2 of 10 2. Question 1 points With reference to the Erivan Anomalous Blue (Polyommatus eriwanensis), consider the following statements: It is a butterfly species endemic to the Transcaucasia region. It has been designated as the official logo for the COP17 of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). It is currently categorized as ‘Endangered’ in the Global IUCN Red List. How many of the above statements are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three (d) None Correct Solution: B Statement 1 is correct; the Erivan Anomalous Blue is a rare butterfly species endemic to Armenia (specifically southern Transcaucasia), inhabiting calcareous grasslands. Statement 2 is correct as Armenia, the host of COP17 of the CBD (scheduled for 2026), unveiled a logo featuring this butterfly to symbolize the link between local biodiversity and global conservation targets. Statement 3 is incorrect. While the species is listed as Endangered in the Red Book of Animals of Armenia (2010), it is not yet listed in the Global or European IUCN Red Lists. The lack of data regarding its larval host plant makes a full ecological assessment difficult, yet it remains a critical indicator species for the health of high-elevation ecosystems. Incorrect Solution: B Statement 1 is correct; the Erivan Anomalous Blue is a rare butterfly species endemic to Armenia (specifically southern Transcaucasia), inhabiting calcareous grasslands. Statement 2 is correct as Armenia, the host of COP17 of the CBD (scheduled for 2026), unveiled a logo featuring this butterfly to symbolize the link between local biodiversity and global conservation targets. Statement 3 is incorrect. While the species is listed as Endangered in the Red Book of Animals of Armenia (2010), it is not yet listed in the Global or European IUCN Red Lists. The lack of data regarding its larval host plant makes a full ecological assessment difficult, yet it remains a critical indicator species for the health of high-elevation ecosystems.

#### 2. Question

With reference to the Erivan Anomalous Blue (Polyommatus eriwanensis), consider the following statements:

• It is a butterfly species endemic to the Transcaucasia region.

• It has been designated as the official logo for the COP17 of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD).

• It is currently categorized as ‘Endangered’ in the Global IUCN Red List.

How many of the above statements are correct?

• (a) Only one

• (b) Only two

• (c) All three

Solution: B

Statement 1 is correct; the Erivan Anomalous Blue is a rare butterfly species endemic to Armenia (specifically southern Transcaucasia), inhabiting calcareous grasslands.

Statement 2 is correct as Armenia, the host of COP17 of the CBD (scheduled for 2026), unveiled a logo featuring this butterfly to symbolize the link between local biodiversity and global conservation targets.

Statement 3 is incorrect. While the species is listed as Endangered in the Red Book of Animals of Armenia (2010), it is not yet listed in the Global or European IUCN Red Lists. The lack of data regarding its larval host plant makes a full ecological assessment difficult, yet it remains a critical indicator species for the health of high-elevation ecosystems.

Solution: B

Statement 1 is correct; the Erivan Anomalous Blue is a rare butterfly species endemic to Armenia (specifically southern Transcaucasia), inhabiting calcareous grasslands.

Statement 2 is correct as Armenia, the host of COP17 of the CBD (scheduled for 2026), unveiled a logo featuring this butterfly to symbolize the link between local biodiversity and global conservation targets.

Statement 3 is incorrect. While the species is listed as Endangered in the Red Book of Animals of Armenia (2010), it is not yet listed in the Global or European IUCN Red Lists. The lack of data regarding its larval host plant makes a full ecological assessment difficult, yet it remains a critical indicator species for the health of high-elevation ecosystems.

• Question 3 of 10 3. Question 1 points Consider the following statements regarding Regional Rural Banks (RRBs) in India: They were established based on the recommendations of the Narasimham Working Group. The ownership of RRBs is shared between the Central Government, the State Government, and the Sponsor Bank in a 50:15:35 ratio. The “One RRB, One Logo” initiative aims to create a unified brand identity following the progressive amalgamation of RRBs. How many of the above statements are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three (d) None Correct Solution: C RRBs were established in 1975 following the Narasimham Working Group report to provide institutional credit to rural sectors. The Regional Rural Banks Act, 1976, defines the unique equity structure: Central Government (50%), State Government (15%), and Sponsor Bank (35%). To improve operational efficiency and scale, the government has pursued a policy of progressive amalgamation, reducing the number of RRBs from 196 to a projected 28 by 2025. The recent “One RRB, One Logo” initiative, launched by the Government and NABARD, provides a common visual identity (upward arrow, hands, and flame) to reflect their role in financial inclusion and rural empowerment. Incorrect Solution: C RRBs were established in 1975 following the Narasimham Working Group report to provide institutional credit to rural sectors. The Regional Rural Banks Act, 1976, defines the unique equity structure: Central Government (50%), State Government (15%), and Sponsor Bank (35%). To improve operational efficiency and scale, the government has pursued a policy of progressive amalgamation, reducing the number of RRBs from 196 to a projected 28 by 2025. The recent “One RRB, One Logo” initiative, launched by the Government and NABARD, provides a common visual identity (upward arrow, hands, and flame) to reflect their role in financial inclusion and rural empowerment.

#### 3. Question

Consider the following statements regarding Regional Rural Banks (RRBs) in India:

• They were established based on the recommendations of the Narasimham Working Group.

• The ownership of RRBs is shared between the Central Government, the State Government, and the Sponsor Bank in a 50:15:35 ratio.

• The “One RRB, One Logo” initiative aims to create a unified brand identity following the progressive amalgamation of RRBs.

How many of the above statements are correct?

• (a) Only one

• (b) Only two

• (c) All three

Solution: C

• RRBs were established in 1975 following the Narasimham Working Group report to provide institutional credit to rural sectors. The Regional Rural Banks Act, 1976, defines the unique equity structure: Central Government (50%), State Government (15%), and Sponsor Bank (35%).

• To improve operational efficiency and scale, the government has pursued a policy of progressive amalgamation, reducing the number of RRBs from 196 to a projected 28 by 2025.

• The recent “One RRB, One Logo” initiative, launched by the Government and NABARD, provides a common visual identity (upward arrow, hands, and flame) to reflect their role in financial inclusion and rural empowerment.

Solution: C

• RRBs were established in 1975 following the Narasimham Working Group report to provide institutional credit to rural sectors. The Regional Rural Banks Act, 1976, defines the unique equity structure: Central Government (50%), State Government (15%), and Sponsor Bank (35%).

• To improve operational efficiency and scale, the government has pursued a policy of progressive amalgamation, reducing the number of RRBs from 196 to a projected 28 by 2025.

• The recent “One RRB, One Logo” initiative, launched by the Government and NABARD, provides a common visual identity (upward arrow, hands, and flame) to reflect their role in financial inclusion and rural empowerment.

• Question 4 of 10 4. Question 1 points In the context of the El Niño phenomenon, consider the following statements: It involves a deepening of the thermocline in the eastern Pacific Ocean. It results in the strengthening of the trade winds and the Walker Circulation. It is characterized by Sea Surface Temperature (SST) anomalies of ≥ +0.5°C in the EI Niño regions for a sustained period. How many of the above statements are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three (d) None Correct Solution: B Statement 1 is correct because during El Niño, warm water piles up in the eastern Pacific, causing the thermocline to deepen, which suppresses the upwelling of cold, nutrient-rich water. Statement 2 is incorrect; El Niño is actually marked by the weakening or reversal of trade winds and the Walker Circulation. Statement 3 is correct; the Oceanic Niño Index (ONI) defines El Niño as SST anomalies of ≥ +0.5°C for at least five consecutive three-month periods. These changes lead to a global warming boost and significantly disrupt weather patterns, often leading to monsoon failures in India and heavy rainfall in South America. Incorrect Solution: B Statement 1 is correct because during El Niño, warm water piles up in the eastern Pacific, causing the thermocline to deepen, which suppresses the upwelling of cold, nutrient-rich water. Statement 2 is incorrect; El Niño is actually marked by the weakening or reversal of trade winds and the Walker Circulation. Statement 3 is correct; the Oceanic Niño Index (ONI) defines El Niño as SST anomalies of ≥ +0.5°C for at least five consecutive three-month periods. These changes lead to a global warming boost and significantly disrupt weather patterns, often leading to monsoon failures in India and heavy rainfall in South America.

#### 4. Question

In the context of the El Niño phenomenon, consider the following statements:

• It involves a deepening of the thermocline in the eastern Pacific Ocean.

• It results in the strengthening of the trade winds and the Walker Circulation.

• It is characterized by Sea Surface Temperature (SST) anomalies of ≥ +0.5°C in the EI Niño regions for a sustained period.

How many of the above statements are correct?

• (a) Only one

• (b) Only two

• (c) All three

Solution: B

Statement 1 is correct because during El Niño, warm water piles up in the eastern Pacific, causing the thermocline to deepen, which suppresses the upwelling of cold, nutrient-rich water.

Statement 2 is incorrect; El Niño is actually marked by the weakening or reversal of trade winds and the Walker Circulation.

Statement 3 is correct; the Oceanic Niño Index (ONI) defines El Niño as SST anomalies of ≥ +0.5°C for at least five consecutive three-month periods. These changes lead to a global warming boost and significantly disrupt weather patterns, often leading to monsoon failures in India and heavy rainfall in South America.

Solution: B

Statement 1 is correct because during El Niño, warm water piles up in the eastern Pacific, causing the thermocline to deepen, which suppresses the upwelling of cold, nutrient-rich water.

Statement 2 is incorrect; El Niño is actually marked by the weakening or reversal of trade winds and the Walker Circulation.

Statement 3 is correct; the Oceanic Niño Index (ONI) defines El Niño as SST anomalies of ≥ +0.5°C for at least five consecutive three-month periods. These changes lead to a global warming boost and significantly disrupt weather patterns, often leading to monsoon failures in India and heavy rainfall in South America.

• Question 5 of 10 5. Question 1 points What is “Agentic AI”, recently seen in the news? (a) AI systems designed to simulate human emotions in customer service. (b) Autonomous, goal-oriented AI systems capable of completing multi-step tasks with minimal human oversight. (c) A specific type of generative AI that only produces high-resolution images. (d) A centralized AI database used exclusively for tracking international cybercrime. Correct Solution: C Agentic AI represents a shift from passive AI (which generates content based on prompts) to autonomous, goal-driven agents. These systems can reason, plan, and execute a sequence of actions to achieve a specific objective. They perceive their environment via sensors or APIs, set sub-goals, and use external tools (like software or databases) to complete tasks. Unlike standard LLMs that require step-by-step prompting, Agentic AI can handle end-to-end automation of complex workflows. In multi-agent systems, different specialized agents coordinate through AI orchestration to solve problems in fields like healthcare, logistics, and software development. Incorrect Solution: C Agentic AI represents a shift from passive AI (which generates content based on prompts) to autonomous, goal-driven agents. These systems can reason, plan, and execute a sequence of actions to achieve a specific objective. They perceive their environment via sensors or APIs, set sub-goals, and use external tools (like software or databases) to complete tasks. Unlike standard LLMs that require step-by-step prompting, Agentic AI can handle end-to-end automation of complex workflows. In multi-agent systems, different specialized agents coordinate through AI orchestration to solve problems in fields like healthcare, logistics, and software development.

#### 5. Question

What is “Agentic AI”, recently seen in the news?

• (a) AI systems designed to simulate human emotions in customer service.

• (b) Autonomous, goal-oriented AI systems capable of completing multi-step tasks with minimal human oversight.

• (c) A specific type of generative AI that only produces high-resolution images.

• (d) A centralized AI database used exclusively for tracking international cybercrime.

Solution: C

Agentic AI represents a shift from passive AI (which generates content based on prompts) to autonomous, goal-driven agents. These systems can reason, plan, and execute a sequence of actions to achieve a specific objective. They perceive their environment via sensors or APIs, set sub-goals, and use external tools (like software or databases) to complete tasks.

• Unlike standard LLMs that require step-by-step prompting, Agentic AI can handle end-to-end automation of complex workflows. In multi-agent systems, different specialized agents coordinate through AI orchestration to solve problems in fields like healthcare, logistics, and software development.

Solution: C

Agentic AI represents a shift from passive AI (which generates content based on prompts) to autonomous, goal-driven agents. These systems can reason, plan, and execute a sequence of actions to achieve a specific objective. They perceive their environment via sensors or APIs, set sub-goals, and use external tools (like software or databases) to complete tasks.

• Unlike standard LLMs that require step-by-step prompting, Agentic AI can handle end-to-end automation of complex workflows. In multi-agent systems, different specialized agents coordinate through AI orchestration to solve problems in fields like healthcare, logistics, and software development.

• Question 6 of 10 6. Question 1 points With reference to the DIR-V (Digital India RISC-V) Programme, consider the following statements: It aims to achieve semiconductor self-reliance by using only proprietary, licensed architectures for processor design. It supports the development of both 32-bit and 64-bit microprocessors for commercial and strategic applications. Which of the above statements are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 Correct Solution: B Statement 1 is incorrect because the DIR-V Programme specifically promotes open-source architecture (RISC-V) to avoid the high costs and dependencies associated with proprietary/licensed architectures like Intel or ARM. Statement 2 is correct as the programme encompasses a range of processors (like the 32-bit THEJAS and 64-bit DHRUV) intended for diverse uses, from IoT and 5G to defence systems. Incorrect Solution: B Statement 1 is incorrect because the DIR-V Programme specifically promotes open-source architecture (RISC-V) to avoid the high costs and dependencies associated with proprietary/licensed architectures like Intel or ARM. Statement 2 is correct as the programme encompasses a range of processors (like the 32-bit THEJAS and 64-bit DHRUV) intended for diverse uses, from IoT and 5G to defence systems.

#### 6. Question

With reference to the DIR-V (Digital India RISC-V) Programme, consider the following statements:

• It aims to achieve semiconductor self-reliance by using only proprietary, licensed architectures for processor design.

• It supports the development of both 32-bit and 64-bit microprocessors for commercial and strategic applications.

Which of the above statements are correct?

• (a) 1 only

• (b) 2 only

• (c) Both 1 and 2

• (d) Neither 1 nor 2

Solution: B

Statement 1 is incorrect because the DIR-V Programme specifically promotes open-source architecture (RISC-V) to avoid the high costs and dependencies associated with proprietary/licensed architectures like Intel or ARM.

Statement 2 is correct as the programme encompasses a range of processors (like the 32-bit THEJAS and 64-bit DHRUV) intended for diverse uses, from IoT and 5G to defence systems.

Solution: B

Statement 1 is incorrect because the DIR-V Programme specifically promotes open-source architecture (RISC-V) to avoid the high costs and dependencies associated with proprietary/licensed architectures like Intel or ARM.

Statement 2 is correct as the programme encompasses a range of processors (like the 32-bit THEJAS and 64-bit DHRUV) intended for diverse uses, from IoT and 5G to defence systems.

• Question 7 of 10 7. Question 1 points Match the following pairs regarding the Rare Earth Corridor and related minerals: Column A (Mineral/Component) Column B (Application/Feature) 1. Monazite I. Next-generation nuclear fuel 2. Neodymium II. Permanent magnets for EVs 3. Thorium III. Contains Rare Earth Oxides Which of the following is the correct matching? (a) 1-III, 2-II, 3-I (b) 1-II, 2-III, 3-I (c) 1-I, 2-II, 3-III (d) 1-III, 2-I, 3-II Correct Solution: A Monazite is a phosphate mineral that is the primary source of rare earth elements in India’s beach sands; it contains 55–60% Rare Earth Oxides. Neodymium is a specific “light” rare earth element (LREE) used to create high-strength permanent magnets essential for electric vehicle motors and wind turbines. Thorium is found within monazite (8–10%) and is the cornerstone of India’s three-stage nuclear power programme, as it can be converted into fissile Uranium-233. The Andhra Rare Earth Corridor (Srikakulam to Nellore) is strategically significant because it provides a complete suite of these critical minerals required for the green energy transition and high-tech manufacturing. Incorrect Solution: A Monazite is a phosphate mineral that is the primary source of rare earth elements in India’s beach sands; it contains 55–60% Rare Earth Oxides. Neodymium is a specific “light” rare earth element (LREE) used to create high-strength permanent magnets essential for electric vehicle motors and wind turbines. Thorium is found within monazite (8–10%) and is the cornerstone of India’s three-stage nuclear power programme, as it can be converted into fissile Uranium-233. The Andhra Rare Earth Corridor (Srikakulam to Nellore) is strategically significant because it provides a complete suite of these critical minerals required for the green energy transition and high-tech manufacturing.

#### 7. Question

Match the following pairs regarding the Rare Earth Corridor and related minerals:

Column A (Mineral/Component) | Column B (Application/Feature)

  1. 1.Monazite | I. Next-generation nuclear fuel
  2. 2.Neodymium | II. Permanent magnets for EVs
  3. 3.Thorium | III. Contains Rare Earth Oxides

Which of the following is the correct matching?

• (a) 1-III, 2-II, 3-I

• (b) 1-II, 2-III, 3-I

• (c) 1-I, 2-II, 3-III

• (d) 1-III, 2-I, 3-II

Solution: A

Monazite is a phosphate mineral that is the primary source of rare earth elements in India’s beach sands; it contains 55–60% Rare Earth Oxides.

Neodymium is a specific “light” rare earth element (LREE) used to create high-strength permanent magnets essential for electric vehicle motors and wind turbines.

Thorium is found within monazite (8–10%) and is the cornerstone of India’s three-stage nuclear power programme, as it can be converted into fissile Uranium-233.

• The Andhra Rare Earth Corridor (Srikakulam to Nellore) is strategically significant because it provides a complete suite of these critical minerals required for the green energy transition and high-tech manufacturing.

Solution: A

Monazite is a phosphate mineral that is the primary source of rare earth elements in India’s beach sands; it contains 55–60% Rare Earth Oxides.

Neodymium is a specific “light” rare earth element (LREE) used to create high-strength permanent magnets essential for electric vehicle motors and wind turbines.

Thorium is found within monazite (8–10%) and is the cornerstone of India’s three-stage nuclear power programme, as it can be converted into fissile Uranium-233.

• The Andhra Rare Earth Corridor (Srikakulam to Nellore) is strategically significant because it provides a complete suite of these critical minerals required for the green energy transition and high-tech manufacturing.

• Question 8 of 10 8. Question 1 points Consider the following statements regarding “Indicator Species”: They are organisms whose presence, absence, or abundance reflects a specific environmental condition. The Erivan Anomalous Blue butterfly serves as an indicator species for the health of calcareous grassland ecosystems. Only vertebrate animals can serve as indicator species in an ecosystem. How many of the above statements are incorrect? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three (d) None Correct Solution: A Statement 1 is correct; indicator species act as “canaries in the coal mine,” providing early warnings of environmental change. Statement 2 is correct; butterflies like the Erivan Anomalous Blue are highly sensitive to climate and habitat changes, making them excellent indicators for the health of the Armenian grasslands. Statement 3 is incorrect; many non-vertebrates, including insects (like butterflies), lichens, and fungi, are among the most common and effective indicator species due to their rapid response to chemical or physical changes in their surroundings. Incorrect Solution: A Statement 1 is correct; indicator species act as “canaries in the coal mine,” providing early warnings of environmental change. Statement 2 is correct; butterflies like the Erivan Anomalous Blue are highly sensitive to climate and habitat changes, making them excellent indicators for the health of the Armenian grasslands. Statement 3 is incorrect; many non-vertebrates, including insects (like butterflies), lichens, and fungi, are among the most common and effective indicator species due to their rapid response to chemical or physical changes in their surroundings.

#### 8. Question

Consider the following statements regarding “Indicator Species”:

• They are organisms whose presence, absence, or abundance reflects a specific environmental condition.

• The Erivan Anomalous Blue butterfly serves as an indicator species for the health of calcareous grassland ecosystems.

• Only vertebrate animals can serve as indicator species in an ecosystem.

How many of the above statements are incorrect?

• (a) Only one

• (b) Only two

• (c) All three

Solution: A

Statement 1 is correct; indicator species act as “canaries in the coal mine,” providing early warnings of environmental change.

Statement 2 is correct; butterflies like the Erivan Anomalous Blue are highly sensitive to climate and habitat changes, making them excellent indicators for the health of the Armenian grasslands.

Statement 3 is incorrect; many non-vertebrates, including insects (like butterflies), lichens, and fungi, are among the most common and effective indicator species due to their rapid response to chemical or physical changes in their surroundings.

Solution: A

Statement 1 is correct; indicator species act as “canaries in the coal mine,” providing early warnings of environmental change.

Statement 2 is correct; butterflies like the Erivan Anomalous Blue are highly sensitive to climate and habitat changes, making them excellent indicators for the health of the Armenian grasslands.

Statement 3 is incorrect; many non-vertebrates, including insects (like butterflies), lichens, and fungi, are among the most common and effective indicator species due to their rapid response to chemical or physical changes in their surroundings.

• Question 9 of 10 9. Question 1 points Which of the following statements regarding the ‘Horst and Graben’ structure is correct in the context of the Rift Valley formation? (a) Horsts are the dropped-down blocks of crust forming the valley floor, while Grabens are the uplifted blocks. (b) Horsts and Grabens are formed by compressional forces pushing the crust together. (c) Both Horsts and Grabens are volcanic features formed by the eruption of flood basalts. (d) Grabens are the dropped-down blocks forming trough-like valleys, while Horsts are the adjacent uplifted blocks. Correct Solution: D Detailed Explanation: Option (d) is correct: The Horst–graben structures form as blocks of crust drop down to form grabens (the valley/trough) while adjacent blocks appear to rise or remain high to form horsts. Option (a) is incorrect: It reverses the definitions. Option (b) is incorrect: They are formed by tensional (extensional/stretching) forces, not compressional forces. Option (c) is incorrect: They are structural/tectonic features caused by faulting, not purely volcanic features (though volcanism occurs there). Incorrect Solution: D Detailed Explanation: Option (d) is correct: The Horst–graben structures form as blocks of crust drop down to form grabens (the valley/trough) while adjacent blocks appear to rise or remain high to form horsts. Option (a) is incorrect: It reverses the definitions. Option (b) is incorrect: They are formed by tensional (extensional/stretching) forces, not compressional forces. Option (c) is incorrect: They are structural/tectonic features caused by faulting, not purely volcanic features (though volcanism occurs there).

#### 9. Question

Which of the following statements regarding the ‘Horst and Graben’ structure is correct in the context of the Rift Valley formation?

• (a) Horsts are the dropped-down blocks of crust forming the valley floor, while Grabens are the uplifted blocks.

• (b) Horsts and Grabens are formed by compressional forces pushing the crust together.

• (c) Both Horsts and Grabens are volcanic features formed by the eruption of flood basalts.

• (d) Grabens are the dropped-down blocks forming trough-like valleys, while Horsts are the adjacent uplifted blocks.

Solution: D

Detailed Explanation:

Option (d) is correct: The Horst–graben structures form as blocks of crust drop down to form grabens (the valley/trough) while adjacent blocks appear to rise or remain high to form horsts.

Option (a) is incorrect: It reverses the definitions.

Option (b) is incorrect: They are formed by tensional (extensional/stretching) forces, not compressional forces.

Option (c) is incorrect: They are structural/tectonic features caused by faulting, not purely volcanic features (though volcanism occurs there).

Solution: D

Detailed Explanation:

Option (d) is correct: The Horst–graben structures form as blocks of crust drop down to form grabens (the valley/trough) while adjacent blocks appear to rise or remain high to form horsts.

Option (a) is incorrect: It reverses the definitions.

Option (b) is incorrect: They are formed by tensional (extensional/stretching) forces, not compressional forces.

Option (c) is incorrect: They are structural/tectonic features caused by faulting, not purely volcanic features (though volcanism occurs there).

• Question 10 of 10 10. Question 1 points With reference to the cultural history of South India, the term ‘Ghotul’ is best associated with which of the following communities? (a) The Mutharaiyars (b) The Chola artisans (c) The Pallava nobility (d) The Dandami Maria Correct Solution: D The Ghotul is a youth dormitory system that plays a vital role in the socialization, cultural transmission, and community cohesion of the Dandami Maria (and broader Gond) tribes. It is a central institution in their social life where youth gather. Option (a), (b), and (c) are incorrect as the Mutharaiyars, Pallavas, and Cholas are dynastic or historical ruling groups associated with temple building and administration in Tamil Nadu. Incorrect Solution: D The Ghotul is a youth dormitory system that plays a vital role in the socialization, cultural transmission, and community cohesion of the Dandami Maria (and broader Gond) tribes. It is a central institution in their social life where youth gather. Option (a), (b), and (c) are incorrect as the Mutharaiyars, Pallavas, and Cholas are dynastic or historical ruling groups associated with temple building and administration in Tamil Nadu.

#### 10. Question

With reference to the cultural history of South India, the term ‘Ghotul’ is best associated with which of the following communities?

• (a) The Mutharaiyars

• (b) The Chola artisans

• (c) The Pallava nobility

• (d) The Dandami Maria

Solution: D

The Ghotul is a youth dormitory system that plays a vital role in the socialization, cultural transmission, and community cohesion of the Dandami Maria (and broader Gond) tribes. It is a central institution in their social life where youth gather.

Option (a), (b), and (c) are incorrect as the Mutharaiyars, Pallavas, and Cholas are dynastic or historical ruling groups associated with temple building and administration in Tamil Nadu.

Solution: D

The Ghotul is a youth dormitory system that plays a vital role in the socialization, cultural transmission, and community cohesion of the Dandami Maria (and broader Gond) tribes. It is a central institution in their social life where youth gather.

Option (a), (b), and (c) are incorrect as the Mutharaiyars, Pallavas, and Cholas are dynastic or historical ruling groups associated with temple building and administration in Tamil Nadu.

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