1. What is the name of India’s newest proposed research station in eastern Antarctica?
[A] Bharati II
[B] Sagar Maitri
[C] Dakshin Gangotri II
[D] Maitri II
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Maitri II]
Notes:
The Finance Ministry recently approved Maitri II, India’s newest research station in eastern Antarctica. Maitri II will be larger than Maitri I and designed as a green research base. The station will use renewable energy, including solar power for summer and wind energy to harness Antarctic winds. Automated instruments will record data and send it to mainland India, even if the station is temporarily unmanned. Construction is expected to be completed by January 2029. National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR) under the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) will operate and manage Antarctic and Arctic missions.
2. With reference to Antarctica’s protected areas, consider the following statements:
- It has designated Antarctic Specially Protected Areas (ASPAs).
- These are governed under the Antarctic Treaty System.
- They are managed individually by the countries that claim Antarctic territory.
Select the correct option from the codes given below:
[A] Only 1 and 2
[B] Only 2 and 3
[C] Only 1 and 3
[D] 1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Only 1 and 2]
Notes:
Antarctic Specially Protected Areas (ASPAs) are established to protect unique habitats and biodiversity. They are collectively managed under the Antarctic Treaty System by the Consultative Parties, not by individual countries that claim Antarctic territory. Only statements 1 and 2 are correct; statement 3 is incorrect.
3. Consider the following pairs:
- Oymyakon – Russia
- Commonwealth Bay – United States
- Mount Baker – Antarctica
- Lambert-Fisher Glacier – Greenland
Which of the above pairs are correctly matched?
[A] Only 1
[B] 1 and 3
[C] Only 1
[D] 2 and 4
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Only 1]
Notes:
Oymyakon is correctly matched with Russia. Commonwealth Bay is actually in Antarctica, not the US. Mount Baker is in the USA, not Antarctica. Lambert-Fisher Glacier is in Antarctica, not Greenland. Therefore, only the first pair is correct; the others are mismatched with their respective countries or continents.
4. With reference to wind systems, consider the following statements:
- Katabatic wind refers to a downward flow of cold, dense air due to gravity.
- Katabatic winds are commonly observed in Antarctica and Greenland.
- Anabatic wind is a term for the downslope movement of air caused by cooling of mountain slopes.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
[A] Only 1 and 2
[B] Only 2 and 3
[C] Only 1 and 3
[D] 1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Only 1 and 2]
Notes:
Statements 1 and 2 are correct: Katabatic winds are cool, dense air masses flowing downslope under gravity, commonly observed in Antarctica and Greenland. Statement 3 is incorrect: Anabatic wind refers to upslope movement of warm air due to heating of slopes during the day, not downslope movement caused by cooling.
5. Which village in Bihar is the birthplace of Akhouri Sinha, after whom Mt Sinha in Antarctica is named?
[A] Churamanpur
[B] Bhoj Pandaul
[C] Amauna
[D] Jagdishpur
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Churamanpur]
Notes:
Akhouri Sinha, a noted scientist, hails from Churamanpur village in Bihar. Mt Sinha in Antarctica is named in his honor, recognizing his contributions in genetics and cell biology, making him one of the few Indians to have a landmark in Antarctica named after them.
6. With reference to the ‘Three Gorges Antarctic Eye’, consider the following statements:
- It is a 3.2-metre optical telescope designed primarily to study gamma-ray bursts.
- It is located at China’s Zhongshan Station in Antarctica.
- The telescope is intended to study interstellar gas and star formation processes.
- The project is a collaboration between China Three Gorges University and Shanghai Normal University.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
[A] 1 and 2 only
[B] 2, 3 and 4 only
[C] 1, 3 and 4 only
[D] 2 and 4 only
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [2, 3 and 4 only]
Notes:
Statement 1 is incorrect — the telescope is not optical nor focused on gamma-ray bursts; it is a radio/millimeter-wave telescope studying neutral hydrogen and ammonia lines, which are key to understanding interstellar gas and star formation processes. Thus, combinations inclusive of the first option are wrong. The correct answer is 2, 3 and 4 only.
7. Consider the advantages provided by the strategic location of the ‘Three Gorges Antarctic Eye’ in Antarctica for astronomical observation from the following:
- Low atmospheric water vapor aiding millimeter-wave detection
- Continuous darkness for several months enabling long-duration observations
- High tectonic activity assisting in deep-Earth neutrino detection
- Minimal radio frequency interference from human settlements
Which of the above statements is / are correct?
[A] Only 1, 2 and 4
[B] Only 1, 3 and 4
[C] Only 2 and 3
[D] All 1, 2, 3 and 4
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Only 1, 2 and 4]
Notes:
The strategic location of the ‘Three Gorges Antarctic Eye’ in Antarctica provides unique advantages for astronomical observation. Its low atmospheric water vapor assists in millimeter-wave detection, while continuous darkness allows for long-duration observations. Furthermore, the minimal level of human-made radio frequency interference is beneficial for clear results. Contrarily, tectonic activity is irrelevant for this kind of astronomical observation, making statement 3 incorrect.
8. Consider the following statements regarding the Nematodes:
- Nematodes have been reported from every continent on Earth and occur in deserts, swamps, oceans, the tropics, and Antarctica.
- They can cause a variety of diseases such as filariasis, and trichinosis and parasitize many crop plants and domesticated animals.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
[A] 1 only
[B] 2 only
[C] Both 1 and 2
[D] Neither 1 nor 2
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Both 1 and 2]
Notes:
- Nematodes have been reported from every continent on Earth and occur in deserts, swamps, oceans, the tropics, and Antarctica. Correct: Nematodes have been reported from every continent on earth and occur in deserts, swamps, the oceans, the tropics and Antarctica.
- They can cause a variety of diseases such as filariasis, and trichinosis and parasitize many crop plants and domesticated animals. Correct: Nematode parasites of animals occur in almost all organs of the body, but the most common sites are in the alimentary, circulatory, and respiratory systems. They can cause a variety of diseases (such as filariasis, ascariasis, and trichinosis) and parasitize many crop plants and domesticated animals.
9. With reference to the Wallace Line, Consider the following Statements:
- It is a bio-geographical boundary separating the eco-zones of Antarctica and Australia.
- The area between the Wallace Line and Australia is known as the Coral Triangle, the most biodiverse marine environment on Earth.
Which of the Statements given above is/are correct?
[A] Only 1
[B] Only 2
[C] Both 1 & 2
[D] Neither 1 nor 2
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Only 2]
Notes:
- It is a bio-geographical boundary separating the eco-zones of Antarctica and Australia. Incorrect: Wallace Line is a bio-geographical boundary separating the eco-zones of Asia and Australia. It was identified by British explorer Alfred Russel Wallace in 1863 during his explorations.
- The area between the Wallace Line and Australia is known as the Coral Triangle, the most biodiverse marine environment on Earth. Correct: While the Wallace Line is a barrier for terrestrial species, it doesn’t stop marine life. The area between the Wallace Line and the Sahul Shelf (near Australia) is known as the Coral Triangle, the most biodiverse marine environment on Earth.
10. Consider the following:
- Antarctic midge (Belgica antarctica)
- Emperor penguin (Aptenodytes forsteri)
- Snow petrel (Pagodroma nivea)
Which of the above is/are known for their unique adaptations to survive in extreme Antarctic conditions?
[A] Only 1 & 2
[B] Only 2 & 3
[C] 1, 2 & 3
[D] Only 1
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [1, 2 & 3]
Notes:
- The Antarctic midge is the only insect native to Antarctica, employing quiescence and obligate diapause to survive freezing temperatures.
- Emperor penguins are the largest of the penguin species, known for their remarkable breeding behavior and ability to withstand harsh winter conditions by huddling together for warmth.
- Snow petrels are small seabirds that nest in Antarctic regions, possessing adaptations like a specialized gland to excrete salt, allowing them to thrive in their icy habitat.
