Q1. With reference to the Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India (SHANTI) Bill, 2025, consider the following statements:
- The Bill allows private sector participation, including foreign companies, in nuclear power generation.
- It removes the provision that allowed nuclear plant operators to seek recourse from suppliers in case of an accident caused by defective equipment.
- The Bill completely abolishes the liability cap on nuclear plant operators.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- 1 and 2 only
- 2 and 3 only
- 1 only
- 1, 2 and 3
Correct Option: 2. 1 and 2 only.
Explanation:
• Statement 1 – Correct
The SHANTI Bill, 2025 aims to incentivise private sector participation, including Indian and foreign companies, in nuclear power production to help scale up capacity and meet clean energy and net-zero goals.
•
Statement 2 – Correct
A key provision of the Bill is the removal of the supplier recourse clause from the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act, 2010, which earlier allowed operators to claim compensation from suppliers if faulty equipment caused a nuclear accident. This change is intended to attract foreign suppliers wary of open-ended liability.
•
Statement 3 – Incorrect
The Bill does not abolish the liability cap. The operator’s liability remains capped at ₹3,000 crore, with additional compensation to be met through a nuclear insurance pool and the proposed Nuclear Liability Fund.
Q2. With reference to INAS 335 (Ospreys), recently in the news, consider the following statements:
- It is the second Indian Naval Air Squadron to operate MH-60R helicopters.
- It has been commissioned at INS Hansa on India’s eastern seaboard.
- The induction of MH-60R helicopters enhances India’s anti-submarine and maritime surveillance capabilities.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- 1 and 3 only
- 1 only
- 2 and 3 only
- 1, 2 and 3
Correct Option: 1. 1 and 3 only
Explanation:
• Statement 1 – Correct
INAS 335 (Ospreys) is the second Indian Naval Air Squadron to be equipped with MH-60R Seahawk helicopters, following the first squadron commissioned at Kochi in March 2024.
•
Statement 2 – Incorrect
INS Hansa is located in Goa on India’s western seaboard, not the eastern seaboard.
•
Statement 3 – Correct
MH-60R helicopters are multi-role platforms that significantly enhance:
•
Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW)
•
Anti-Surface Warfare (ASuW)
•
Maritime surveillance and reconnaissance
Q3. Consider the following pairs:
| Platform | Role |
|---|---|
| 1. MH-60R | Multi-role maritime helicopter |
| 2. P-8I | Long-range maritime patrol aircraft |
| 3. MQ-9B Sea Guardian | Remotely piloted aircraft for maritime surveillance |
Which of the pairs given above are correctly matched?
- 1 and 2 only
- 2 and 3 only
- 1, 2 and 3
- 1 and 3 only
Correct Option: 3. 1, 2 and 3
Explanation:
• Pair 1 – Correct
The MH-60R Seahawk is an advanced multi-role naval helicopter, capable of ASW, ASuW, surveillance, and search and rescue missions.
•
Pair 2 – Correct
The P-8I is a long-range maritime patrol aircraft, used for submarine hunting, surface surveillance, and intelligence gathering.
•
Pair 3 – Correct
The MQ-9B Sea Guardian is a remotely piloted aircraft (RPA) designed for persistent maritime surveillance, with long endurance and wide-area coverage.
Q4. With reference to the India–UAE Joint Military Exercise DESERT CYCLONE–II, consider the following statements:
- The Indian contingent participating in the exercise is drawn primarily from the Mechanised Infantry Regiment.
- The exercise is being conducted in the United Arab Emirates with participation from the UAE Land Forces.
- The exercise focuses exclusively on counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism operations.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- 1 and 2 only
- 2 only
- 1 and 3 only
- 1, 2 and 3
Correct Option: 1. 1 and 2 only
Explanation:
• Statement 1 is correct: The Indian contingent comprises 45 personnel, primarily drawn from a battalion of the Mechanised Infantry Regiment.
•
Statement 2 is correct: DESERT CYCLONE–II is held in Abu Dhabi, UAE, with participation from the UAE Land Forces.
•
Statement 3 is incorrect: The exercise is not limited exclusively to counter-insurgency or counter-terrorism operations; its broader aim is to enhance interoperability and strengthen defence cooperation between the two armies
Q5. With reference to the visit of Indian Coast Guard Ship Sarthak to Chabahar Port, consider the following statements:
- It was the first-ever visit of an Indian Coast Guard ship to Chabahar Port in Iran.
- The visit highlights India’s role in supporting secure supply lines to Afghanistan and Central Asia.
- The visit is aligned with India’s SAGAR and MAHASAGAR maritime vision.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- 1 only
- 1 and 2 only
- 1, 2 and 3
- 2 and 3 only
Correct Option: 3. 1, 2 and 3
Explanation:
• Statement 1 is correct: The Defence Ministry stated that ICG Ship Sarthak’s port call marked the first-ever visit of an Indian Coast Guard ship to Chabahar Port.
•
Statement 2 is correct: The visit underscores India’s ability to support secure maritime supply lines to Afghanistan and Central Asia, regions strategically connected through Chabahar.
•
Statement 3 is correct: The port call is aligned with India’s maritime visions of SAGAR and MAHASAGAR, which emphasize secure, inclusive, and cooperative maritime engagement.
Q6. Which of the following is a primary ecological function of the Aravalli hills?
- Serving as a buffer to prevent desertification of the Indo-Gangetic plains
- Acting as the main source of mineral wealth for Gujarat and Rajasthan
- Providing land for rapid urban development in Delhi and Haryana
- Hosting large-scale hydroelectric projects to meet regional energy demands
Correct Option: 1. Serving as a buffer to prevent desertification of the Indo-Gangetic plains.
Explanation: The Aravalli hills perform critical ecological functions:
• Prevent the eastward spread of the Thar Desert into Haryana, Rajasthan, and western Uttar Pradesh.
• Support groundwater recharge, stabilize the local climate, and maintain biodiversity.
• Serve as sources of rivers like the Chambal, Sabarmati, and Luni.