Q1. What was significant about the BlueBird Block-2 satellite launch by ISRO?
- It was the first Indian satellite launched to Mars
- It was the heaviest payload ever launched by LVM3 from India
- It was the first satellite to provide internet through fiber optic cables
- It was launched from India’s first launch pad
Correct Option: 2. It was the heaviest payload ever launched by LVM3 from India.
Explanation:
• The BlueBird Block-2 satellite weighs 6,100 kg, making it the heaviest payload launched by the LVM3 from Indian soil.
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It was deployed into Low Earth Orbit (LEO), and this launch was also significant as it marked the first dedicated commercial launch for a U.S. customer.
Q2. What is the main purpose of the BlueBird Block-2 satellite?
- Providing space-based cellular broadband connectivity directly to smartphones
- Detecting asteroids near Earth
- Conducting military surveillance
- Observing weather patterns and climate change
Correct Option: 1. Providing space-based cellular broadband connectivity directly to smartphones.
Explanation:
• The BlueBird Block-2 satellite is part of a global LEO constellation designed by AST SpaceMobile to provide 4G and 5G connectivity directly to standard mobile phones anywhere in the world.
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It enables voice and video calls, texting, streaming, and data services through space.
Q3. What was the main purpose of using Optically Stimulated Luminescence (OSL) dating at Keezhadi?
- To determine the exact age of the brick structures
- To estimate when the sediment layers covering the settlement were deposited
- To measure the climate conditions 5,000 years ago
- To date the pottery fragments found at the site
Correct Option: 2. To estimate when the sediment layers covering the settlement were deposited.
Explanation:
• OSL dating measures how long mineral grains, like quartz, have been buried and shielded from sunlight.
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The Keezhadi researchers used OSL to date when the flood sediments were deposited over the urban-like structures, not the construction of the buildings themselves.
Q4. What environmental event likely caused the burial of parts of the Keezhadi settlement around 1,155 years ago?
- Earthquake
- Drought
- Volcanic eruption
- High-energy flood from the Vaigai river
Correct Option: 4. High-energy flood from the Vaigai river.
Explanation:
• The study found layers of coarse sand and finer silts and clays above the brick structures, consistent with deposition by a strong flood.
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This flood likely buried the settlement and may have caused abandonment or relocation.
Q5. The inclusion of the Santhali language in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution of India was carried out through which of the following?
- 86th Constitutional Amendment Act, 2002
- 91st Constitutional Amendment Act, 2003
- 92nd Constitutional Amendment Act, 2003
- 93rd Constitutional Amendment Act, 2005
Correct Option: 3. 92nd Constitutional Amendment Act, 2003.
Explanation:
The 92nd Constitutional Amendment Act, 2003 added four languages to the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution:
• Santhali
• Bodo
• Dogri
• Maithili
This amendment formally recognized Santhali as one of India’s constitutionally recognized languages, strengthening linguistic and cultural representation.
The later release of the Constitution in Santhali (Ol Chiki script) builds upon this constitutional recognition.
Q6. Which of the following statements correctly describes the fare revision for Second Class Ordinary (Non-Suburban) services under the revised Indian Railways fare structure effective from 26 December 2025?
- Fares have increased uniformly by 2 paise per kilometre for all distances.
- There is no fare increase for journeys up to 215 km, with graded flat increases for longer distances.
- Fares have been increased by ₹10 for all journeys beyond 215 km.
- Fares have been revised only for journeys exceeding 750 km.
Correct Option: 2. There is no fare increase for journeys up to 215 km, with graded flat increases for longer distances.
Explanation:
The revised fare structure specifically protects short-distance and daily commuters travelling in Second Class Ordinary (Non-Suburban) services. For journeys up to 215 km, there is no increase at all. Beyond this distance, the fare increase is applied in a graded flat manner depending on distance slabs (₹5, ₹10, ₹15, and ₹20 for progressively longer distances). This approach ensures affordability for shorter journeys while modestly increasing fares for longer travel, making option 2 the most accurate.