Answer: D

Explanation:

Statement 1 is incorrect because the polar vortex is a region of low-pressure and cold air, not high-pressure and hot air. It is typically found around the Earth's polar regions, where it helps to keep cold air trapped in these areas.

Statement 2 is incorrect because the tropospheric polar vortex does not disappear during summer; instead, it is the stratospheric polar vortex that weakens and disappears in summer. The tropospheric polar vortex is most active during winter and is located in the lowest part of the atmosphere, between the surface and 10 to 15 km.

Answer: A

Explanation:

• Assertion: The Bijapur Maoist attack, which led to the death of nine DRG personnel, points to a possible lapse in the SOPs typically followed by security forces in such zones. This attack mirrors the 2023 Dantewada incident, which also highlighted weaknesses in operational procedures, making the assertion correct.


• Reason: Security forces indeed follow strict SOPs in Maoist-affected areas, including minimizing vehicle use, using unpredictable routes, and conducting preemptive measures like Road Opening Parties (ROP) to detect IEDs. The reason correctly describes the standard procedures in place to avoid such attacks.

Thus Both Assertion and Reason are correct, and the Reason is the correct explanation for the Assertion.

Answer: B

Explanation:

• Statement 1 is incorrect: Soapstone is primarily composed of talc and is a metamorphic rock system.


• Statement 2 is correct: Soapstone reserves are concentrated in Rajasthan and Uttarakhand.


• Statement 3 is correct: Soapstone is commonly used for countertops, sculptures, and in industries like cosmetics and pharmaceuticals, where talc (derived from soapstone) is utilized.

Answer: A

Explanation:

• Statement 1 is correct: The first high-level diplomatic talks between India and the Taliban government took place in Dubai on January 8, 2025, with Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri meeting Afghanistan’s acting Foreign Minister, Amir Khan Muttaqi.


• Statement 2 is correct: The discussions focused on issues such as security concerns, humanitarian aid, and trade via Iran’s Chabahar port, which is critical for regional connectivity.


• Statement 3 is incorrect: The Taliban declared an 'interim government' in Afghanistan, after taking power on 15 August 2021 following the collapse of the Afghan National Security Forces and the fall of the government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan.

Answer: A

Explanation:

The ‘Framework for Exchange of Data (FeED)’ Protocols, under the Biotech-PRIDE Guidelines, ensure that India’s genomic data is shared transparently, fairly, and responsibly with global researchers.