1. The Kaushalya Dam, which is important for flood control in the Ghaggar river basin, is situated in which Indian state?
[A] Punjab
[B] Himachal Pradesh
[C] Rajasthan
[D] Haryana
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Haryana]
Notes:
The Kaushalya Dam is located near Pinjore in Haryana on the Kaushalya river, a tributary of Ghaggar. It plays a vital role in flood management and water storage in the Ghaggar basin; Haryana is the only state with such a dam on this river.
2. The Ghaggar River, known as the “river of sorrow” due to frequent floods, is located in which region of Punjab?
[A] Doaba
[B] Majha
[C] Malwa
[D] Puadh
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Malwa]
Notes:
The Ghaggar River, known as the “River of Sorrow” due to frequent floods, is located in the Malwa region of Punjab, particularly affecting districts like Patiala, Sangrur, and Mansa. The river is seasonal and originates in the Shivalik foothills of Himachal Pradesh, flowing into Punjab near Dera Bassi, where its sudden surges during the monsoon can cause significant damage. Its unpredictable flooding, worsened by embankment issues and encroachments, has triggered disasters in 1988, 1993, 2008, 2019, and 2023.
3. According to a recent study published in Environmental Research Letters, which critical Atlantic ocean current is at risk of collapsing?
[A] Canary Current
[B] Kuroshio Current
[C] Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC)
[D] Labrador Current
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC)]
Notes:
The Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC), which includes the Gulf Stream, circulates warm water from the tropics northwards and cold water south; its collapse, as warned in recent studies, could disrupt global climate, impact rainfall and temperature patterns, and is weaker than at any point in 1,600 years.
4. Scientists recently linked the rare appearance of blue dragons in Spain’s Mediterranean waters to which environmental factor?
[A] Rapid warming of the Mediterranean Sea
[B] Overfishing of native predators
[C] Oil spills in the Mediterranean
[D] Ocean acidification
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Rapid warming of the Mediterranean Sea]
Notes:
Rapid warming of the Mediterranean has led to higher sea temperatures, attracting jellyfish and the Portuguese man o’ war—prey for blue dragons. As these food sources increase, blue dragons follow, disrupting marine ecosystems. Climate change underlies this rare phenomenon.
5. According to a recent ruling by the US Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, President Donald Trump exceeded his powers under which US law while imposing certain tariffs?
[A] Trade Expansion Act, 1962
[B] International Emergency Economic Powers Act, 1977
[C] Trade Act, 1974
[D] Tariff Act, 1930
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [International Emergency Economic Powers Act, 1977]
Notes:
The court determined that Trump’s invocation of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), 1977 to implement tariffs was incompatible with the intent of the law. IEEPA is traditionally used to address significant international threats, such as crises involving national security or foreign policy—not for economic trade imbalances. Previous presidents have used the act for events like the 1979 Iran hostage crisis or after the 9/11 attacks. The court clarified that IEEPA does not justify tariffs of unlimited scope, specifically in trade deficit contexts.
