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The correct answer is Phosphate compounds and nitrate compounds.

Key Points

• Phosphate compounds and nitrate compounds are the primary nutrients responsible for eutrophication and the proliferation of algal blooms in aquatic ecosystems.
• When these nutrients are present in excess, they stimulate the growth of algae and aquatic plants, leading to a dense algal bloom that depletes oxygen levels in the water.
• This process, known as eutrophication, causes hypoxic (low oxygen) or anoxic (no oxygen) conditions, which can lead to the death of aquatic life, including fish and other organisms.
• Sources of these nutrients include agricultural runoff, untreated sewage, and industrial effluents, which introduce large amounts of fertilizers into water bodies.
• Efforts to mitigate eutrophication include improving wastewater treatment, regulating agricultural practices, and minimizing the use of phosphate-based detergents.

Additional Information

• Potassium salts, such as potassium chloride, are essential for plant growth but are not directly linked to eutrophication or algal blooms.
• Urea is a nitrogenous fertilizer, but its contribution to eutrophication is less significant compared to phosphates and nitrates because urea breaks down and releases nitrogen more slowly.
• Potassium primarily aids in water regulation and enzyme activity in plants rather than causing nutrient overloading in water bodies.
• Zinc salts are essential micronutrients for plant and animal growth but are not directly linked to eutrophication.
• Eutrophication
• Eutrophication is primarily caused by nutrient enrichment, especially with nitrogen and phosphorus, in aquatic ecosystems.
• It results in overgrowth of algae, oxygen depletion, and biodiversity loss.
• Effective management strategies include reducing nutrient inputs, promoting sustainable farming practices, and enhancing water treatment facilities.

The correct answer is Bhimavva Shillekyathara.

Key Points

• Bhimavva Shillekyathara is a renowned artist specializing in Togalu Gombeyaata, a traditional shadow puppetry art form from Karnataka.
• Togalu Gombeyaata is a unique cultural art that uses leather puppets to narrate mythological and folk tales.
• Bhimavva has preserved and promoted this art form, ensuring it continues to thrive despite challenges faced by traditional performing arts.
• She was honored with the Padma Shri in 2025 for her contributions to the field of arts and culture.
• This recognition highlights her efforts in keeping alive the heritage of shadow puppetry and inspiring future generations to appreciate and participate in traditional art forms.

Additional Information

• Madugula Nagaphani Sarma
• Madugula Nagaphani Sarma is a noted scholar and performer specializing in Harikatha, a traditional art form of storytelling accompanied by music.
• Harikatha is popular in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana and is used for disseminating spiritual and mythological stories.
• He is known for his ability to engage audiences and promote cultural heritage through his performances.
• Harchandan Singh Bhatty
• Harchandan Singh Bhatty was a significant figure in environmental conservation and forestry in India.
• He contributed to sustainable forestry practices and raised awareness about ecological preservation.
• While his expertise lies in environmental sciences, he is not associated with Togalu Gombeyaata or traditional art forms.
• Joynacharan Bathari
• Joynacharan Bathari is known for his contributions to Assamese culture, particularly in the preservation of traditional music and dance forms.
• He works to promote the Sattriya dance and other heritage art forms of Assam.
• Although significant in his field, he is not linked to Togalu Gombeyaata or shadow puppetry.
• Togalu Gombeyaata
• Togalu Gombeyaata, meaning "play of leather dolls," is a form of shadow puppetry native to Karnataka.
• It involves intricate leather puppets and is traditionally performed to narrate stories from epics like the Ramayana and Mahabharata.
• This art form has deep cultural significance but faces challenges due to modernization and lack of patronage.
• Artists like Bhimavva Shillekyathara play a crucial role in reviving interest in Togalu Gombeyaata.

The correct answer is 1.751 million MT.

Key Points

• India generated 1.751 million metric tons (MT) of e-waste during the financial year 2023-24, according to data presented in the Rajya Sabha in December 2024.
• E-waste refers to discarded electronic and electrical equipment, such as computers, mobile phones, refrigerators, and televisions, which contain hazardous and non-hazardous components.
• India is one of the world’s largest producers of e-waste, ranking third globally, after China and the United States, as per various international reports.
• The significant contributors to e-waste in India include consumer electronics, IT equipment, and household appliances, driven by rapid technological advancements, urbanization, and increased electronic consumption.
• The Government of India has mandated e-waste management rules (E-Waste Management Rules, 2016, and subsequent amendments) to ensure proper collection, disposal, and recycling of e-waste.

Additional Information

• E-Waste Management in India
• The E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2016, provide a comprehensive framework for Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), ensuring producers take responsibility for collecting and recycling e-waste.
• Key initiatives include the establishment of e-waste collection centers, formal recycling units, and awareness campaigns to promote proper disposal and recycling.
• India is also encouraging the informal recycling sector to integrate with formal systems for better efficiency and environmental safety.

The correct answer is Decreased from 5.6% to 5.2%.

Key Points

• India's unemployment rate in Current Weekly Status (CWS) among persons aged 15 years and above decreased from 5.6% in June 2025 to 5.2% in July 2025, as per the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) Monthly Bulletin (July 2025).
• The Current Weekly Status (CWS) method of unemployment measurement considers the status of employment during the reference week.
• This decline indicates a positive trend in employment generation, reflecting improvements in labor market conditions for the given period.
• The PLFS, conducted by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI), collects comprehensive data related to employment and unemployment in India.
• The survey aims to provide estimates of key labor market indicators such as workforce participation rate, unemployment rate, and distribution of workers across industries.

Additional Information

• Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS):
• The PLFS is an ongoing survey conducted by MoSPI to gather data on employment and unemployment in India.
• It uses two measures: Usual Status (US) and Current Weekly Status (CWS) to estimate the labor force and unemployment rates.
• Data collected through the PLFS helps policymakers design targeted interventions to address employment-related challenges.
• The survey provides critical insights into the distribution of workers by industry, gender, and rural/urban sectors.

The correct answer is Gujarat.

Key Points

• Gundiyali is a village in the Kutch district of Gujarat, India, renowned for its traditional pottery craft.
• Artisans in Gundiyali specialize in creating beautifully handcrafted clay products, using techniques passed down through generations.
• The pottery from Gundiyali is highly valued for its intricate designs and eco-friendly nature.
• Gujarat, particularly the Kutch region, is a hub for various traditional crafts, including pottery, textile weaving, and embroidery.
• The state government and NGOs have been actively promoting and supporting traditional crafts in villages like Gundiyali to preserve the rich cultural heritage of the region.

Additional Information

• West Bengal:
• West Bengal is known for its terracotta art, especially in places like Bishnupur, which is famous for its terracotta temples and pottery.
• The state also excels in crafts like kantha embroidery, jute products, and clay doll-making.
• Rajasthan:
• Rajasthan is famous for its blue pottery, a traditional craft originating in Jaipur.
• Other crafts include block printing, meenakari (enamel work), and marble carving.
• Madhya Pradesh:
• Madhya Pradesh is renowned for its terracotta art, primarily in areas like Bastar and Jhabua.
• The state is also well-known for other traditional crafts, such as Chanderi and Maheshwari textiles, and Dhokra metalwork.
• Pottery in India:
• Pottery is one of the oldest crafts in India, dating back to the Indus Valley Civilization.
• Different regions in India have their unique styles of pottery, such as black pottery of Nizamabad, Khurja pottery, and Longpi pottery of Manipur.
• Efforts are being made at the national and state levels to revive and promote traditional pottery practices across the country.

The correct answer is Men's compound team.

Key Points

• India’s men’s compound archery team made history by securing the country's first-ever gold medal at the World Archery Championships held in Gwangju, South Korea, in September 2025.
• The Indian men's compound team defeated strong contenders like South Korea and the USA in the championship, showcasing remarkable precision and teamwork.
• This victory marked a significant milestone for Indian archery, raising hopes for future successes in international tournaments.
• The men's compound team consisted of experienced archers who demonstrated exceptional skill and composure under pressure.
• The win further highlighted India's growing prominence in compound archery, a discipline that requires a mix of technical accuracy and mental resilience.

Additional Information

• The World Archery Championships are among the most prestigious tournaments in the sport of archery, held biennially under the governance of World Archery Federation.
• India’s growing success in archery reflects the country's investment in sports infrastructure and talent development.
• Archery requires exceptional focus, precision, and physical control, making it one of the most challenging and rewarding sports globally.

The correct answer is Uttarakhand.

Key Points

• The state of Uttarakhand repealed its Madrassa Act in 2025 with the intent of bringing all minority educational institutions under a common legal framework.
• This decision was taken to ensure uniformity, standardization, and quality education across all educational institutions, including madrassas.
• The move was seen as part of a larger initiative to modernize madrassa education and integrate it with mainstream education.
• By repealing the Madrassa Act, the government aimed to enhance transparency, accountability, and inclusiveness in the state's education system.
• This reform aligns with the central government's educational policies to promote a holistic approach to education and encourage skill development in minority communities.

Additional Information

• Uttar Pradesh:
• Uttar Pradesh has the largest number of madrassas in India and has implemented various reforms to modernize madrassa education, including the introduction of subjects like mathematics, science, and English.
• The Uttar Pradesh government also initiated a process to survey unrecognized madrassas in 2022 to ensure compliance with education standards.
• Jammu & Kashmir:
• In Jammu & Kashmir, madrassas play a significant role in providing religious education.
• Post the abrogation of Article 370, the focus shifted towards integrating madrassas into the national education framework to ensure uniformity and inclusivity.
• Himachal Pradesh:
• Himachal Pradesh has a relatively smaller number of madrassas compared to other northern states.
• The state has focused on promoting universal education and has implemented policies to encourage minority education.
• Educational Reforms in Madrassas:
• Across India, madrassa reforms aim to integrate modern subjects with traditional religious studies to enhance employability and skill development among students.
• Several states have introduced vocational training and IT courses in madrassas to align with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
• The central government has also provided financial assistance under schemes like the Scheme for Providing Quality Education in Madrasas (SPQEM).

The correct answer is Fort Wainwright-Yukon-Donnelly Training Areas, Alaska.

Key Points

• The 21^st edition of the India-US Army exercise 'Yudh Abhyas 2025' was conducted from 1-14 September 2025.
• It was held at the Fort Wainwright-Yukon-Donnelly Training Areas in Alaska, USA.
• 'Yudh Abhyas' is an annual bilateral military exercise between the Indian Army and the United States Army aimed at enhancing interoperability and understanding between the two armed forces.
• The exercise focuses on counter-terrorism, peacekeeping operations, and disaster relief efforts in challenging terrains and adverse climatic conditions.
• The location in Alaska provides a unique opportunity for both armies to train in extreme cold weather conditions and high-altitude operations, enhancing operational readiness.

Additional Information

• Mahajan Field Firing Range, Rajasthan
• Located in Rajasthan, India, this range is used extensively by the Indian Armed Forces for live-fire exercises and military drills.
• It is one of the largest and most advanced firing ranges in India.
• However, it is not the location for the Yudh Abhyas 2025 exercise.
• Fort Irwin, California
• Fort Irwin is a major training ground for the United States Army, located in the Mojave Desert, California.
• It is home to the National Training Center (NTC), which prepares US soldiers for combat scenarios.
• While Fort Irwin has hosted past military exercises, it was not the location of Yudh Abhyas 2025.
• Auli, Uttarakhand
• Auli is a well-known hill station in Uttarakhand, India, and is primarily famous for its skiing and mountaineering training facilities.
• Although it has hosted military exercises in the past, it is not related to Yudh Abhyas 2025.
• About Yudh Abhyas
• 'Yudh Abhyas' is a longstanding military cooperation effort between India and the USA, conducted annually since 2004.
• The exercise alternates between the two countries, with Indian and American troops participating jointly in tactical drills and training.
• The primary objective is to boost bilateral defense collaboration and readiness for joint operations in diverse operational environments.

The correct answer is Ranganayakamma.

Key Points

• In September 2025, the Telangana Government announced Ranganayakamma as the recipient of the prestigious Kaloji Narayana Rao Literary Award.
• Ranganayakamma is a renowned Telugu writer and is widely celebrated for her bold and progressive writings.
• She is best known for her Marxist approach in literature and her critique of societal norms and structures.
• Her magnum opus, “Ramayana Vishavruksham”, is a critical analysis of the Ramayana through a Marxist lens, and it brought her both acclaim and controversy.
• The Kaloji Narayana Rao Literary Award, named after the famous poet and activist Kaloji Narayana Rao, is given annually to honor exceptional contributions to Telugu literature.

Additional Information

• N Rama Devi:
• She is a prominent Telugu poet and writer known for her contributions to Telugu literature.
• Her works primarily focus on themes of feminism, social justice, and human values.
• Though a respected literary figure, she was not the recipient of the Kaloji Narayana Rao Literary Award in 2025.
• K Varalakshmi:
• K Varalakshmi is a well-known Telugu writer whose works often delve into themes of women's empowerment and social change.
• She has received several accolades for her literary contributions, but she did not win the Kaloji Narayana Rao Literary Award in 2025.
• Tenneti Hemalata:
• Tenneti Hemalata, popularly known as Lata, is a prominent novelist in Telugu literature.
• Her novels are known for their emotional depth and vivid portrayal of human relationships.
• While highly regarded, she was not the awardee of the Kaloji Narayana Rao Literary Award in 2025.
• Kaloji Narayana Rao Literary Award:
• Named after Kaloji Narayana Rao, a celebrated poet, freedom fighter, and activist from Telangana.
• The award recognizes outstanding contributions to Telugu literature and is one of the most prestigious literary honors in Telangana.

The correct answer is light travels 1.33 times slower in water than in vacuum.

Key Points

• The refractive index of a medium is defined as the ratio of the speed of light in a vacuum (c) to the speed of light in that medium (v).
• Mathematically, refractive index (n) = c/v, where c = speed of light in vacuum and v = speed of light in the medium.
• A refractive index of 1.33 for water means that light travels 1.33 times slower in water than in a vacuum.
• This reduction in speed is due to the interaction of light with water molecules, which causes the light to refract or bend as it passes through the medium.
• Water's relatively high refractive index compared to air explains why objects appear distorted or bent when viewed underwater.

Additional Information

• Refractive Index: Concept and Importance
• The refractive index is a fundamental property of a medium that affects the propagation of light and other electromagnetic waves.
• It is used in optical instruments like lenses, microscopes, and telescopes to manipulate light paths.
• Knowledge of refractive indices is critical in fields like physics, engineering, and medical imaging.