UPSC Current Affairs Quiz : 7 November 2025

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 new global guidance issued by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) on asset recovery: The new guidance limits the scope of asset recovery to traditional crimes such as corruption and graft, ensuring focus on high-priority areas. The framework adopts a ‘lifecycle approach’, covering stages from the setup of a legal framework to international cooperation and restitution of assets. The guidance promotes restitution and compensation for victims of financial crimes, a shift toward a victim-centric recovery model. 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 incorrect. The new FATF guidance expands its scope beyond graft and corruption to cover a wider array of economic and financial crimes, including fraud, cyber offences, investment scams, and money laundering. This expansion is a key feature, aimed at tackling the evolving landscape of global financial crime. Statement 2 is correct. The guidance outlines a comprehensive ‘lifecycle approach’, covering all stages from the initial legal framework development to cross-border cooperation and the final restitution of recovered assets. Statement 3 is also correct. A significant feature of the new guidance is its focus on a victim-centric recovery model, actively promoting the restitution and compensation of victims, citing examples like India’s Rose Valley case. This highlights FATF’s commitment not only to seizing criminal assets but also ensuring they benefit those who suffered loss. Incorrect Solution: A Statement 1 is incorrect. The new FATF guidance expands its scope beyond graft and corruption to cover a wider array of economic and financial crimes, including fraud, cyber offences, investment scams, and money laundering. This expansion is a key feature, aimed at tackling the evolving landscape of global financial crime. Statement 2 is correct. The guidance outlines a comprehensive ‘lifecycle approach’, covering all stages from the initial legal framework development to cross-border cooperation and the final restitution of recovered assets. Statement 3 is also correct. A significant feature of the new guidance is its focus on a victim-centric recovery model, actively promoting the restitution and compensation of victims, citing examples like India’s Rose Valley case. This highlights FATF’s commitment not only to seizing criminal assets but also ensuring they benefit those who suffered loss.

#### 1. Question

Consider the following statements regarding the new global guidance issued by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) on asset recovery:

• The new guidance limits the scope of asset recovery to traditional crimes such as corruption and graft, ensuring focus on high-priority areas.

• The framework adopts a ‘lifecycle approach’, covering stages from the setup of a legal framework to international cooperation and restitution of assets.

• The guidance promotes restitution and compensation for victims of financial crimes, a shift toward a victim-centric recovery model.

How many of the above statements are incorrect?

• (a) Only one

• (b) Only two

• (c) All three

Solution: A

• Statement 1 is incorrect. The new FATF guidance expands its scope beyond graft and corruption to cover a wider array of economic and financial crimes, including fraud, cyber offences, investment scams, and money laundering. This expansion is a key feature, aimed at tackling the evolving landscape of global financial crime.

• Statement 2 is correct. The guidance outlines a comprehensive ‘lifecycle approach’, covering all stages from the initial legal framework development to cross-border cooperation and the final restitution of recovered assets.

• Statement 3 is also correct. A significant feature of the new guidance is its focus on a victim-centric recovery model, actively promoting the restitution and compensation of victims, citing examples like India’s Rose Valley case. This highlights FATF’s commitment not only to seizing criminal assets but also ensuring they benefit those who suffered loss.

Solution: A

• Question 2 of 10 2. Question 1 points Consider the following statements regarding Starlink’s satellite-based broadband service: Starlink uses a constellation of Geostationary Satellites (GEO) orbiting at a very high altitude to provide low-latency connectivity. The satellites communicate with each other via optical inter-satellite links, which allows data transmission without sole reliance on local ground stations. The system uses a compact flat-panel design, enabling dense stacking and optimizing deployment efficiency on launch vehicles like SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rockets. 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 incorrect. Starlink’s system is characterized by a network of Low-Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites orbiting at approximately 550 km, not Geostationary Satellites (GEO) which orbit much higher (~35,786 km). The lower LEO altitude is precisely what drastically reduces the data transmission delay, achieving the low latency feature (~25 milliseconds). Statement 2 is correct. The LEO satellites communicate with each other using optical inter-satellite links (ISLs). This feature is crucial as it allows the data to travel across the satellite network and bypasses the need to rely exclusively on local ground stations for long-distance relay. Statement 3 is also correct. Starlink employs a compact flat-panel design for its satellites. This design allows for highly efficient and dense launch stacking, which is vital for deploying thousands of satellites using rockets such as the SpaceX Falcon 9. Incorrect Solution: A Statement 1 is incorrect. Starlink’s system is characterized by a network of Low-Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites orbiting at approximately 550 km, not Geostationary Satellites (GEO) which orbit much higher (~35,786 km). The lower LEO altitude is precisely what drastically reduces the data transmission delay, achieving the low latency feature (~25 milliseconds). Statement 2 is correct. The LEO satellites communicate with each other using optical inter-satellite links (ISLs). This feature is crucial as it allows the data to travel across the satellite network and bypasses the need to rely exclusively on local ground stations for long-distance relay. Statement 3 is also correct. Starlink employs a compact flat-panel design for its satellites. This design allows for highly efficient and dense launch stacking, which is vital for deploying thousands of satellites using rockets such as the SpaceX Falcon 9.

#### 2. Question

Consider the following statements regarding Starlink’s satellite-based broadband service:

• Starlink uses a constellation of Geostationary Satellites (GEO) orbiting at a very high altitude to provide low-latency connectivity.

• The satellites communicate with each other via optical inter-satellite links, which allows data transmission without sole reliance on local ground stations.

• The system uses a compact flat-panel design, enabling dense stacking and optimizing deployment efficiency on launch vehicles like SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rockets.

How many of the above statements are incorrect?

• (a) Only one

• (b) Only two

• (c) All three

Solution: A

• Statement 1 is incorrect. Starlink’s system is characterized by a network of Low-Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites orbiting at approximately 550 km, not Geostationary Satellites (GEO) which orbit much higher (~35,786 km). The lower LEO altitude is precisely what drastically reduces the data transmission delay, achieving the low latency feature (~25 milliseconds).

• Statement 2 is correct. The LEO satellites communicate with each other using optical inter-satellite links (ISLs). This feature is crucial as it allows the data to travel across the satellite network and bypasses the need to rely exclusively on local ground stations for long-distance relay.

• Statement 3 is also correct. Starlink employs a compact flat-panel design for its satellites. This design allows for highly efficient and dense launch stacking, which is vital for deploying thousands of satellites using rockets such as the SpaceX Falcon 9.

Solution: A

• Question 3 of 10 3. Question 1 points The ‘Poorvi Prachand Prahar’ exercise, recently conducted by the Indian Armed Forces’ Eastern Command, is significant for which one of the following reasons? (a) It was the first-ever joint exercise held near the Line of Control (LoC) involving a foreign military contingent. (b) It exclusively involved the Indian Army's Special Forces for anti-insurgency operations in the North East region. (c) It validated multi-domain operations and joint doctrines specifically for high-altitude terrain near the Line of Actual Control (LAC). (d) It focused on maritime security and hydrographic surveys in the Bay of Bengal under the 'Blue Economy' mandate. Correct Solution: C ‘Poorvi Prachand Prahar’ is a large-scale tri-service joint exercise conducted by the Eastern Command. Its core aim was to validate and refine interoperability and joint doctrines for multi-domain operations in the challenging, high-altitude terrain near the Line of Actual Control (LAC), specifically at Mechuka, Arunachal Pradesh. This exercise is critical for enhancing combat agility and demonstrating a deterrence posture in the Eastern theatre. A notable feature of this exercise was the first-ever deployment of new light combat formations under the “Save and Raise” model, which ensured zero additional fiscal burden. Incorrect Solution: C ‘Poorvi Prachand Prahar’ is a large-scale tri-service joint exercise conducted by the Eastern Command. Its core aim was to validate and refine interoperability and joint doctrines for multi-domain operations in the challenging, high-altitude terrain near the Line of Actual Control (LAC), specifically at Mechuka, Arunachal Pradesh. This exercise is critical for enhancing combat agility and demonstrating a deterrence posture in the Eastern theatre. A notable feature of this exercise was the first-ever deployment of new light combat formations under the “Save and Raise” model, which ensured zero additional fiscal burden.

#### 3. Question

The ‘Poorvi Prachand Prahar’ exercise, recently conducted by the Indian Armed Forces’ Eastern Command, is significant for which one of the following reasons?

• (a) It was the first-ever joint exercise held near the Line of Control (LoC) involving a foreign military contingent.

• (b) It exclusively involved the Indian Army's Special Forces for anti-insurgency operations in the North East region.

• (c) It validated multi-domain operations and joint doctrines specifically for high-altitude terrain near the Line of Actual Control (LAC).

• (d) It focused on maritime security and hydrographic surveys in the Bay of Bengal under the 'Blue Economy' mandate.

Solution: C

‘Poorvi Prachand Prahar’ is a large-scale tri-service joint exercise conducted by the Eastern Command. Its core aim was to validate and refine interoperability and joint doctrines for multi-domain operations in the challenging, high-altitude terrain near the Line of Actual Control (LAC), specifically at Mechuka, Arunachal Pradesh. This exercise is critical for enhancing combat agility and demonstrating a deterrence posture in the Eastern theatre.

A notable feature of this exercise was the first-ever deployment of new light combat formations under the “Save and Raise” model, which ensured zero additional fiscal burden.

Solution: C

A notable feature of this exercise was the first-ever deployment of new light combat formations under the “Save and Raise” model, which ensured zero additional fiscal burden.

• Question 4 of 10 4. Question 1 points With respect to the United States Government Shutdown and FATF, consider the following statements: A government shutdown in the U.S. occurs when Congress fails to pass a spending bill to fund federal agencies before the fiscal deadline. During a U.S. government shutdown, essential functions like border security and defense are completely halted to conserve funds. The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) maintains ‘grey and black lists’ to identify jurisdictions with strategic deficiencies in their anti-money laundering frameworks. FATF was established under a UN Security Council resolution to align global anti-terror financing frameworks. How many of the above statements are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) Only three (d) All four Correct Solution: B Statement 1 is correct. A U.S. government shutdown is triggered by a budget impasse, where Congress fails to approve a spending bill, causing most non-essential federal operations to halt. Statement 2 is incorrect. Key essential functions and personnel, such as defense, border security, federal law enforcement, and critical healthcare services, generally continue operations during a shutdown, although millions of non-essential workers may be furloughed or work without pay. Statement 3 is correct. One of the core functions of FATF is to monitor compliance and identify high-risk jurisdictions by maintaining ‘grey lists’ (countries with deficiencies but committed to fix them) and ‘black lists’ (non-cooperative jurisdictions). Statement 4 is incorrect. FATF was established in 1989 by G7 member countries at the Paris Summit. While its actions support UN and G20 mandates (including UNSC resolutions), its establishment was a G7 initiative, not a UN Security Council resolution. Incorrect Solution: B Statement 1 is correct. A U.S. government shutdown is triggered by a budget impasse, where Congress fails to approve a spending bill, causing most non-essential federal operations to halt. Statement 2 is incorrect. Key essential functions and personnel, such as defense, border security, federal law enforcement, and critical healthcare services, generally continue operations during a shutdown, although millions of non-essential workers may be furloughed or work without pay. Statement 3 is correct. One of the core functions of FATF is to monitor compliance and identify high-risk jurisdictions by maintaining ‘grey lists’ (countries with deficiencies but committed to fix them) and ‘black lists’ (non-cooperative jurisdictions). Statement 4 is incorrect. FATF was established in 1989 by G7 member countries at the Paris Summit. While its actions support UN and G20 mandates (including UNSC resolutions), its establishment was a G7 initiative, not a UN Security Council resolution.

#### 4. Question

With respect to the United States Government Shutdown and FATF, consider the following statements:

• A government shutdown in the U.S. occurs when Congress fails to pass a spending bill to fund federal agencies before the fiscal deadline.

• During a U.S. government shutdown, essential functions like border security and defense are completely halted to conserve funds.

• The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) maintains ‘grey and black lists’ to identify jurisdictions with strategic deficiencies in their anti-money laundering frameworks.

• FATF was established under a UN Security Council resolution to align global anti-terror financing frameworks.

How many of the above statements are correct?

• (a) Only one

• (b) Only two

• (c) Only three

• (d) All four

Solution: B

• Statement 1 is correct. A U.S. government shutdown is triggered by a budget impasse, where Congress fails to approve a spending bill, causing most non-essential federal operations to halt.

• Statement 2 is incorrect. Key essential functions and personnel, such as defense, border security, federal law enforcement, and critical healthcare services, generally continue operations during a shutdown, although millions of non-essential workers may be furloughed or work without pay.

• Statement 3 is correct. One of the core functions of FATF is to monitor compliance and identify high-risk jurisdictions by maintaining ‘grey lists’ (countries with deficiencies but committed to fix them) and ‘black lists’ (non-cooperative jurisdictions).

• Statement 4 is incorrect. FATF was established in 1989 by G7 member countries at the Paris Summit. While its actions support UN and G20 mandates (including UNSC resolutions), its establishment was a G7 initiative, not a UN Security Council resolution.

Solution: B

• Question 5 of 10 5. Question 1 points Consider the following statements regarding the Central Asian Mammals Initiative (CAMI): The Initiative was established under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). The Snow Leopard is listed in CITES Appendix I and is not covered as a flagship species under CAMI. Pilot Whales are a focus species of conservation under the CAMI framework, given their nomadic behavior. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) None of the statements. Correct Solution: D Statement 1 is incorrect. The Central Asian Mammals Initiative (CAMI) is a collaborative conservation framework under the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS), not CITES. The CAMI’s focus on migratory connectivity directly aligns with the objectives of CMS. Statement 2 is incorrect. The Snow Leopard is explicitly listed as one of the 17 flagship species covered under the CAMI framework, underscoring its importance to the ecosystem it aims to protect. Its conservation requires the cross-border cooperation promoted by CAMI. Statement 3 is incorrect. Pilot Whales are large oceanic dolphins and are not among the 17 terrestrial migratory or nomadic mammals of Central Asia covered by CAMI. CAMI primarily covers species like the Saiga antelope, Wild camel, and Argali sheep in the vast steppe and mountain ecosystems of Central Asia. Incorrect Solution: D Statement 1 is incorrect. The Central Asian Mammals Initiative (CAMI) is a collaborative conservation framework under the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS), not CITES. The CAMI’s focus on migratory connectivity directly aligns with the objectives of CMS. Statement 2 is incorrect. The Snow Leopard is explicitly listed as one of the 17 flagship species covered under the CAMI framework, underscoring its importance to the ecosystem it aims to protect. Its conservation requires the cross-border cooperation promoted by CAMI. Statement 3 is incorrect. Pilot Whales are large oceanic dolphins and are not among the 17 terrestrial migratory or nomadic mammals of Central Asia covered by CAMI. CAMI primarily covers species like the Saiga antelope, Wild camel, and Argali sheep in the vast steppe and mountain ecosystems of Central Asia.

#### 5. Question

Consider the following statements regarding the Central Asian Mammals Initiative (CAMI):

• The Initiative was established under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).

• The Snow Leopard is listed in CITES Appendix I and is not covered as a flagship species under CAMI.

• Pilot Whales are a focus species of conservation under the CAMI framework, given their nomadic behavior.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

• (a) 1 only

• (b) 2 only

• (c) 1 and 3 only

• (d) None of the statements.

Solution: D

• Statement 1 is incorrect. The Central Asian Mammals Initiative (CAMI) is a collaborative conservation framework under the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS), not CITES. The CAMI’s focus on migratory connectivity directly aligns with the objectives of CMS.

• Statement 2 is incorrect. The Snow Leopard is explicitly listed as one of the 17 flagship species covered under the CAMI framework, underscoring its importance to the ecosystem it aims to protect. Its conservation requires the cross-border cooperation promoted by CAMI.

• Statement 3 is incorrect. Pilot Whales are large oceanic dolphins and are not among the 17 terrestrial migratory or nomadic mammals of Central Asia covered by CAMI. CAMI primarily covers species like the Saiga antelope, Wild camel, and Argali sheep in the vast steppe and mountain ecosystems of Central Asia.

Solution: D

• Question 6 of 10 6. Question 1 points With reference to the UNESCO International Convention against Doping in Sport, consider the following statements: It is UNESCO’s most widely ratified treaty since its inception. The Convention mandates that States Parties must align their national anti-doping measures with the World Anti-Doping Agency’s (WADA) Code. It establishes the Anti-Doping Fund primarily to support major international sporting events. The Convention aims to promote integrity in sports by addressing emerging issues like gene doping. How many of the statements given above are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) Only three (d) All four Correct Solution: B Statement 1 is incorrect. The Convention is UNESCO’s second most ratified treaty (with 192 States Parties), not the most widely ratified. Statement 2 is correct. A key feature is the Legal Framework, which mandates States to align their national anti-doping measures with WADA’s Code, ensuring global harmonization and a level playing field. Statement 3 is incorrect. The Anti-Doping Fund is established for capacity-building and awareness programs, not primarily for supporting major international sporting events. This fund focuses on empowering States Parties to implement anti-doping initiatives. Statement 4 is correct. The Convention provides for Ethical Oversight and reviews emerging issues such as gene doping and the use of traditional pharmacopoeia to preserve the ethical values of sport. Incorrect Solution: B Statement 1 is incorrect. The Convention is UNESCO’s second most ratified treaty (with 192 States Parties), not the most widely ratified. Statement 2 is correct. A key feature is the Legal Framework, which mandates States to align their national anti-doping measures with WADA’s Code, ensuring global harmonization and a level playing field. Statement 3 is incorrect. The Anti-Doping Fund is established for capacity-building and awareness programs, not primarily for supporting major international sporting events. This fund focuses on empowering States Parties to implement anti-doping initiatives. Statement 4 is correct. The Convention provides for Ethical Oversight and reviews emerging issues such as gene doping and the use of traditional pharmacopoeia to preserve the ethical values of sport.

#### 6. Question

With reference to the UNESCO International Convention against Doping in Sport, consider the following statements:

• It is UNESCO’s most widely ratified treaty since its inception.

• The Convention mandates that States Parties must align their national anti-doping measures with the World Anti-Doping Agency’s (WADA) Code.

• It establishes the Anti-Doping Fund primarily to support major international sporting events.

• The Convention aims to promote integrity in sports by addressing emerging issues like gene doping.

How many of the statements given above are correct?

• (a) Only one

• (b) Only two

• (c) Only three

• (d) All four

Solution: B

• Statement 1 is incorrect. The Convention is UNESCO’s second most ratified treaty (with 192 States Parties), not the most widely ratified.

• Statement 2 is correct. A key feature is the Legal Framework, which mandates States to align their national anti-doping measures with WADA’s Code, ensuring global harmonization and a level playing field.

• Statement 3 is incorrect. The Anti-Doping Fund is established for capacity-building and awareness programs, not primarily for supporting major international sporting events. This fund focuses on empowering States Parties to implement anti-doping initiatives.

• Statement 4 is correct. The Convention provides for Ethical Oversight and reviews emerging issues such as gene doping and the use of traditional pharmacopoeia to preserve the ethical values of sport.

Solution: B

• Statement 1 is incorrect. The Convention is UNESCO’s second most ratified treaty (with 192 States Parties), not the most widely ratified.

• Question 7 of 10 7. Question 1 points Consider the following statements regarding the Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP): SGNP serves as a vital ecological buffer for the Mumbai Metropolitan Region and is considered a major urban biodiversity hotspot. The endemic plant species ‘Karvi’ (Strobilanthes callosus) found in the park exhibits mass flowering every two years. SGNP’s fauna includes leopards, but it is unique among National Parks as it has no species of deer. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three (d) None of the statements. Correct Solution: A Statement 1 is correct. SGNP is a protected forest within the metropolitan area of Mumbai and Thane, functioning as the city’s “green lung.” It is a crucial urban biodiversity hotspot, absorbing carbon emissions and maintaining the microclimatic balance of the region. Statement 2 is incorrect. The periodic mass flowering of the Karvi plant (Strobilanthes callosus) is a distinct feature that occurs every eight years, not every two years. This long-term biological cycle is a key part of the park’s ecology. Statement 3 is incorrect. SGNP is home to various species of deer, including Spotted Deer (Chital) and Sambar, alongside its significant population of leopards. Its high-density leopard presence and diverse fauna are noteworthy given its urban location. Incorrect Solution: A Statement 1 is correct. SGNP is a protected forest within the metropolitan area of Mumbai and Thane, functioning as the city’s “green lung.” It is a crucial urban biodiversity hotspot, absorbing carbon emissions and maintaining the microclimatic balance of the region. Statement 2 is incorrect. The periodic mass flowering of the Karvi plant (Strobilanthes callosus) is a distinct feature that occurs every eight years, not every two years. This long-term biological cycle is a key part of the park’s ecology. Statement 3 is incorrect. SGNP is home to various species of deer, including Spotted Deer (Chital) and Sambar, alongside its significant population of leopards. Its high-density leopard presence and diverse fauna are noteworthy given its urban location.

#### 7. Question

Consider the following statements regarding the Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP):

• SGNP serves as a vital ecological buffer for the Mumbai Metropolitan Region and is considered a major urban biodiversity hotspot.

• The endemic plant species ‘Karvi’ (Strobilanthes callosus) found in the park exhibits mass flowering every two years.

• SGNP’s fauna includes leopards, but it is unique among National Parks as it has no species of deer.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

• (a) Only one

• (b) Only two

• (c) All three

• (d) None of the statements.

Solution: A

• Statement 1 is correct. SGNP is a protected forest within the metropolitan area of Mumbai and Thane, functioning as the city’s “green lung.” It is a crucial urban biodiversity hotspot, absorbing carbon emissions and maintaining the microclimatic balance of the region.

• Statement 2 is incorrect. The periodic mass flowering of the Karvi plant (Strobilanthes callosus) is a distinct feature that occurs every eight years, not every two years. This long-term biological cycle is a key part of the park’s ecology.

• Statement 3 is incorrect. SGNP is home to various species of deer, including Spotted Deer (Chital) and Sambar, alongside its significant population of leopards. Its high-density leopard presence and diverse fauna are noteworthy given its urban location.

Solution: A

• Question 8 of 10 8. Question 1 points Which of the following member states is the most recent addition to the United Nations (UN), becoming its 193rd member? (a) Timor-Leste (b) Montenegro (c) South Sudan (d) Palestine (as a non-member observer state) Correct Solution: C The United Nations (UN) is the world’s most inclusive global body, with 193 member states. South Sudan is the most recent member, having joined the organization in 2011, becoming the 193rd member state. The UN, which was established in 1945 following World War II, operates under the UN Charter that came into force on October 24, 1945. It is essential to distinguish between a full member state, which has voting rights in the General Assembly, and a non-member observer state (such as Palestine), which can participate in proceedings but not vote on resolutions. Incorrect Solution: C The United Nations (UN) is the world’s most inclusive global body, with 193 member states. South Sudan is the most recent member, having joined the organization in 2011, becoming the 193rd member state. The UN, which was established in 1945 following World War II, operates under the UN Charter that came into force on October 24, 1945. It is essential to distinguish between a full member state, which has voting rights in the General Assembly, and a non-member observer state (such as Palestine), which can participate in proceedings but not vote on resolutions.

#### 8. Question

Which of the following member states is the most recent addition to the United Nations (UN), becoming its 193rd member?

• (a) Timor-Leste

• (b) Montenegro

• (c) South Sudan

• (d) Palestine (as a non-member observer state)

Solution: C

The United Nations (UN) is the world’s most inclusive global body, with 193 member states. South Sudan is the most recent member, having joined the organization in 2011, becoming the 193rd member state. The UN, which was established in 1945 following World War II, operates under the UN Charter that came into force on October 24, 1945. It is essential to distinguish between a full member state, which has voting rights in the General Assembly, and a non-member observer state (such as Palestine), which can participate in proceedings but not vote on resolutions.

Solution: C

• Question 9 of 10 9. Question 1 points Consider the following characteristics related to different species mentioned: They belong to the genus Globicephala and are classified as large oceanic dolphins. They are known for their strong matrilineal social groups, where males remain in their maternal pods for life. The IUCN Red List status for this species is ‘Vulnerable’. They are often called the “Ghost of the Mountains” due to their stealth and rarity. Which one of the following species has all the above characteristics? (a) Long-finned Pilot Whale (b) Short-finned Pilot Whale (c) Snow Leopard (d) None of the above Correct Solution: D Characteristics 1 and 2 (Genus Globicephala, oceanic dolphins, strong matrilineal social groups) describe the Pilot Whale (both Short-finned and Long-finned species). Characteristics 3 and 4 (Vulnerable IUCN status and the moniker “Ghost of the Mountains”) describe the Snow Leopard (Panthera uncia), a high-altitude big cat. Since the Pilot Whale is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN, and the Snow Leopard is a cat, not a dolphin, no single species possesses all four characteristics simultaneously. Incorrect Solution: D Characteristics 1 and 2 (Genus Globicephala, oceanic dolphins, strong matrilineal social groups) describe the Pilot Whale (both Short-finned and Long-finned species). Characteristics 3 and 4 (Vulnerable IUCN status and the moniker “Ghost of the Mountains”) describe the Snow Leopard (Panthera uncia), a high-altitude big cat. Since the Pilot Whale is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN, and the Snow Leopard is a cat, not a dolphin, no single species possesses all four characteristics simultaneously.

#### 9. Question

Consider the following characteristics related to different species mentioned:

• They belong to the genus Globicephala and are classified as large oceanic dolphins.

• They are known for their strong matrilineal social groups, where males remain in their maternal pods for life.

• The IUCN Red List status for this species is ‘Vulnerable’.

• They are often called the “Ghost of the Mountains” due to their stealth and rarity.

Which one of the following species has all the above characteristics?

• (a) Long-finned Pilot Whale

• (b) Short-finned Pilot Whale

• (c) Snow Leopard

• (d) None of the above

Solution: D

• Characteristics 1 and 2 (Genus Globicephala, oceanic dolphins, strong matrilineal social groups) describe the Pilot Whale (both Short-finned and Long-finned species).

• Characteristics 3 and 4 (Vulnerable IUCN status and the moniker “Ghost of the Mountains”) describe the Snow Leopard (Panthera uncia), a high-altitude big cat.

• Since the Pilot Whale is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN, and the Snow Leopard is a cat, not a dolphin, no single species possesses all four characteristics simultaneously.

Solution: D

• Characteristics 1 and 2 (Genus Globicephala, oceanic dolphins, strong matrilineal social groups) describe the Pilot Whale (both Short-finned and Long-finned species).

• Characteristics 3 and 4 (Vulnerable IUCN status and the moniker “Ghost of the Mountains”) describe the Snow Leopard (Panthera uncia), a high-altitude big cat.

• Since the Pilot Whale is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN, and the Snow Leopard is a cat, not a dolphin, no single species possesses all four characteristics simultaneously.

• Question 10 of 10 10. Question 1 points Consider the following statements. Statement I: The recent Snow Leopard Census in India (2025) marks the first official nationwide estimate of the species. Statement II: The Snow Leopard is a keystone species in the Himalayan ecosystem, and its population is slow to recover as it breeds only every two years. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements? (a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I (b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I (c) Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect (d) Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct Correct Solution: B Statement I is correct. The census, which recorded 718 individuals, represents the first official nationwide estimate of the Snow Leopard population, providing a crucial baseline for conservation efforts. Statement II is also correct. The Snow Leopard is a keystone species due to its role as an apex predator in the high-altitude ecosystem. Furthermore, its biological trait of breeding every two years (1-2 cubs) indeed contributes to a slow population recovery rate, amplifying conservation challenges. Both statements are factually correct. However, Statement II is not the correct explanation for Statement I. Incorrect Solution: B Statement I is correct. The census, which recorded 718 individuals, represents the first official nationwide estimate of the Snow Leopard population, providing a crucial baseline for conservation efforts. Statement II is also correct. The Snow Leopard is a keystone species due to its role as an apex predator in the high-altitude ecosystem. Furthermore, its biological trait of breeding every two years (1-2 cubs) indeed contributes to a slow population recovery rate, amplifying conservation challenges. Both statements are factually correct. However, Statement II is not the correct explanation for Statement I.

#### 10. Question

Consider the following statements.

Statement I: The recent Snow Leopard Census in India (2025) marks the first official nationwide estimate of the species.

Statement II: The Snow Leopard is a keystone species in the Himalayan ecosystem, and its population is slow to recover as it breeds only every two years.

Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

• (a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I

• (b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I

• (c) Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect

• (d) Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct

Solution: B

• Statement I is correct. The census, which recorded 718 individuals, represents the first official nationwide estimate of the Snow Leopard population, providing a crucial baseline for conservation efforts.

• Statement II is also correct. The Snow Leopard is a keystone species due to its role as an apex predator in the high-altitude ecosystem. Furthermore, its biological trait of breeding every two years (1-2 cubs) indeed contributes to a slow population recovery rate, amplifying conservation challenges.

• Both statements are factually correct. However, Statement II is not the correct explanation for Statement I.

Solution: B

• Both statements are factually correct. However, Statement II is not the correct explanation for Statement I.

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