14th April 2025

The Arctic Boreal Zone’s transition to a carbon source is attributed to:

1. Increased methane release from submarine permafrost thawing in the Laptev Sea.
2. Expansion of deciduous tree cover due to warmer temperatures reducing albedo.
3. Frequent wildfires in Siberia releasing legacy carbon stored in peatlands.
4. Commercial mining activities in Alaska disrupting methane hydrates.

Which statements are correct?

In the context of CP violation in baryons recently observed at CERN:

1. The lambda-b baryon decay demonstrated asymmetry in the production of protons versus antiprotons.
2. This discovery invalidates the Standard Model’s explanation of matter-antimatter asymmetry.
3. CP violation had previously been confirmed only in mesons, not baryons.
4. The five-sigma statistical significance confirms the observation as a definitive discovery.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

The recent Rafale-M deal between India and France includes:

1. 22 twin-seater variants for carrier-based operations on INS Vikrant.
2. Integration of the SCALP-EG cruise missile for land-attack missions.
3. A technology transfer clause for domestic manufacturing of M88 engines.
4. Aircraft equipped with SPECTRA electronic warfare suites for jamming adversarial radar.

Which statements are correct?

The Akash Air Defence System is notable for which of the following features?

1. A maximum engagement altitude of 30 km against supersonic targets.
2. Integration of a passive phased array radar with 360-degree coverage.
3. Capability to simultaneously engage four targets in autonomous mode.
4. Deployment on both tracked and wheeled mobile platforms.

Select the correct answer:

With reference to Hantavirus transmission in Madagascar, consider the following:

1. The virus is primarily transmitted through the bite of infected black rats (Rattus rattus).
2. Native rodent species were found to be reservoirs for the virus in high-altitude regions.
3. Farmers using traditional grain storage methods have higher exposure risks due to aerosolized rodent excreta.
4. Hemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome (HFRS) is the sole clinical manifestation observed.

Which of the statements given above are correct?