5th April 2025

Consider the following statements about the New Pamban Rail Bridge:

1. It features a vertical lift span designed to allow ship movement without dismantling the structure.
2. The bridge uses polysiloxane paint to prevent corrosion in marine environments.
3. It replaces the old Pamban Bridge, which was India’s first sea bridge with a Scherzer rolling lift mechanism.
4. The new bridge’s curvature near Rameswaram limits train speeds to 80 km/h despite being capable of supporting higher speeds.

Which of the above statements are correct?

Consider the following about Ream Naval Base:

1. Its expansion includes a dry dock and pier capable of accommodating Chinese aircraft carriers.
2. Cambodia leased the base to China for 99 years after defaulting on BRI-linked loans.
3. The base’s proximity to the Strait of Malacca raises concerns about China’s control over Indo-Pacific trade routes.

Which statements are correct?

Which of the following countries are NOT signatories to the Ottawa Convention (Mine Ban Treaty)?

1. United States
2. India
3. Cambodia
4. Poland

Select the correct answer using the codes:

With reference to the India-Sri Lanka Defence Agreement (2025), consider the following statements:

1. It includes a mutual assurance that Sri Lankan territory will not be used for activities detrimental to India’s security.
2. The agreement facilitates India’s technical support for Sri Lanka’s claim to extend its continental shelf beyond the EEZ under UNCLOS.
3. It mandates joint naval patrols in the Indian Ocean to counter Chinese surveillance vessels like Yuan Wang 5.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

Consider the following statements regarding India's remittance trends as per RBI’s 2023-24 survey:

1. The United States has emerged as the largest source of remittances due to a structural shift toward high-skilled migration in STEM and healthcare sectors.
2. The UAE’s share of remittances declined primarily due to GCC nationalization policies like Nitaqat, which reduced employment opportunities for low-skilled Indian workers.
3. The UK’s contribution to remittances surged to 10.8% in 2023-24, driven by Indian students opting for permanent residency through deskilling in retail and hospitality sectors.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?