1. Consider the following statements regarding the ‘PREFIRE (Polar Radiant Energy in the Far-InfraRed Experiment) Mission’:

1. The mission involves sending two tiny twin spacecraft called CubeSats that will orbit Earth’s poles to measure far-infrared emissions and how they change throughout the day and over seasons.
2. The objective of the mission is to reveal the full spectrum of heat loss from Earth’s polar regions for the first time, making climate models more accurate.
3. It is a mission of the European Space Agency (ESA).

How many of the above statements is/are correct

• Only one
• Only two
• All three
• None

2. Consider the following statements regarding ‘Synchrotron’ recently inaugurated by China:

1. A synchrotron is a type of circular particle accelerator where particles travel in a loop.
2. It functions by accelerating charged particles, typically electrons, through sequences of magnets until they approach the speed of light.
3. There are approximately 70 synchrotrons around the world in various stages of development.
4. There is no synchrotron facility available in India.

How many of the above statements is/are correct?

• Only one
• Only two
• Only three
• All four

3. 'Deda method', recently seen in the news is related to which of the following statements?

• (a) It is a method of shifting agriculture practised by the indigenous communities of Southeast Asian countries.
• (b) It is a common water harvesting practice in the western Rajasthan region.
• (c) It is an ancestral seed preservation technique practised by the Muria tribes in Chhatishgarh.
• (d) It is a traditional furrow irrigation system practiced in Myanmar, usually resulting in higher yields.

4. Consider the following statements with reference to the 'leopard cat' recently spotted in Maharashtra’s area of Pench Tiger Reserve:

1. The Leopard cat is a small wild cat native to continental South, Southeast, and East Asia.
2. With its distinctive leopard-like colouring, this small wildcat is known for its remarkable adaptability and extensive distribution across Asia.
3. It has been listed as ‘Critically endangered on the IUCN Red List.

How many of the above statements is/are correct?

• (a) Only one
• (b) Only two
• (c) All three
• (d) None

5. Consider the following statements regarding 'baobab trees' which originated and traced back to Madagascar according to a recent study:

1. Baobab trees are also known as “upside down” trees because of their tops resembling an uprooted plant turned upside down.
2. Baobab is a succulent, which means that during the rainy season it absorbs and stores water in its vast trunk, enabling it to produce a nutrient-dense fruit in the dry season when all around is dry and arid.
3. In India, there is no any baobab trees exist.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

• (a) 1 and 2 only
• (b) 2 and 3 only
• (c) 3 only
• (d) 1, 2 and 3