Answer: C

Explanation:

• Statement 1 is incorrect: Definitions of heatwaves can vary by region, but they generally involve temperatures that exceed regional temperature thresholds (e.g., 40°C in plains and 30°C in hilly regions) for a consecutive number of days.
• Statement 2 is incorrect: The high values of Relative Humidity aggravate the impact of Heat Waves. They compromise the body’s response to heating through perspiration by reducing the evaporation rate. As high relative humidity leads to slower evaporation rate of sweat thereby reduces the efficiency of colling mechanism of the human body.
• Statement 3 is Correct: Scientific studies have shown that global warming is increasing the frequency, duration, and intensity of heat waves, making them a growing concern in the context of climate change.
  • According to the Sixth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), human-caused climate change has increased the frequency and intensity of heat waves since the 1950s and additional warming will further increase their frequency and intensity.

Answer: B

Explanation:

• Statement 1 is Correct: The Colombo Process is a Regional Consultative Process that serves as an essential platform for discussing the management of overseas employment and contractual labor from Asian countries of origin.
  • Objectives:
    • Facilitate the exchange of experiences, lessons, and best practices among member countries on labor migration management.
    • Engage in discussions on challenges faced by migrants, origin countries, and destination countries, aiming to devise practical solutions for the welfare of overseas workers.
    • Maximize the developmental benefits derived from organized overseas employment and strengthen dialogues with destination countries.
    • Evaluate the progress of implemented recommendations and determine subsequent actions.
  • Membership:
    • Includes 12 Asian Member States that are countries of origin for migrant workers.
    • Member countries include Afghanistan, Bangladesh, China, Cambodia, India, Indonesia, Nepal, Pakistan, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Vietnam.
    • India has participated in the Colombo Process since its beginning in 2003.
  • Statement 2 is Incorrect: The process operates on a non-binding basis with decisions made by consensus.
    • Coordination is managed through the Permanent Missions of Member States at the United Nations in Geneva.
    • Governed by Ministerial Consultations, where ministers from participating countries discuss, adopt, and recommend action plans.
  • Statement 3 is Correct: The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has been providing technical assistance since the inception of the Colombo Process and acts as its Secretariat.

Answer: A

Explanation:

• Statement 1 is Correct: Diadromous fish are those species that migrate between saltwater and freshwater environments. This group includes both anadromous and catadromous species.
  • Examples: Notable diadromous fish include the allis shad (Alosa alosa), twait shad (Alosa fallax), Mediterranean twaite shad (Alosa agone), and the European eel (Anguilla anguilla).
• Statement 2 is Incorrect:
  • Scientific Classification of Migrations:
    • Anadromous Fish: Born in freshwater, migrate to the ocean as juveniles to mature, and then return to freshwater to spawn.
    • Catadromous Fish: Born in saltwater, migrate to freshwater as juveniles to mature, and then return to the ocean to spawn.
    • Amphidromous Fish: Born in freshwater or estuaries, drift to the ocean as larvae, and then return to freshwater to mature and spawn.
    • Potamodromous Fish: Born in upstream freshwater locations, migrate downstream (within freshwater) as juveniles to mature, and return upstream to spawn.
  • Threats: Diadromous fish face numerous threats from human activities. These include exposure to agricultural pollutants and runoff, habitat destruction, barriers to migration like dams, overfishing, accidental capture (bycatch), and the impacts of climate change.

Answer: A

Explanation:

• Statement 1 is Correct: Reverse transcriptase is utilized by certain viruses to convert their RNA genetic material into DNA, a process opposite to the typical flow of genetic information in cells, which is from DNA to RNA.
• Statement 2 is Incorrect: Reverse transcriptase inhibitors are used to treat viral infections, specifically retroviruses like HIV, not bacterial infections. These drugs inhibit the action of reverse transcriptase and thus prevent the replication of the virus.

Answer: B

Explanation:

• Statement 1 is Correct: Mission Karmayogi, officially the National Programme for Civil Services Capacity Building (NPCSCB).
  • Aimed at transforming India’s three million civil servants into efficient, future-ready ‘karmayogis’e., to prepare civil servants for the future by fostering creativity, innovation, and transparency through technology.
  • For implementation and monitoring of the programme, following institutional framework has been approved:

1. Prime Minister’s Public Human Resource Council (PMHRC): A Council under the chairmanship of Hon’ble Prime Minister is conceived to be the apex body for driving and providing strategic direction to civil service reforms and capacity building.
2. Cabinet Secretariat Coordination Unit: It will monitor the implementation of NPCSCB, align stakeholders and provide mechanism for overseeing capacity building plans.
3. Capacity Building Commission– It will be set up for functional supervision of training institutions and facilitate in preparation of annual capacity building plans.
4. Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV, an autonomous company) under Section 8 of the Companies Act, 2013 – It will own and operate all the digital assets created for NPCSCB on behalf of the Government of India.
5. Programme Management Unit (PMU) – It will provide Program Management and Support services to the Department.

• Statement 2 is Incorrect: This initiative focuses on creating a citizen-centric government.
  • Additionally, it will focus on both on-site and off-site learning to develop a well-rounded workforce.
  • The program will encompass all civil servants, including contractual employees, across various government ministries, departments, organisations, and agencies.
  • Implementation Structure of Mission Karmayogi: Mission Karmayogi will be executed through a coordinated effort involving four new bodies:
    • Prime Minister’s Public Human Resources Council: This council will provide strategic leadership and guidance to the program.
    • Capacity Building Commission: This commission will oversee the design and implementation of capacity building initiatives.
    • Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV): This entity will manage and operate the digital platform for online training.
    • Coordination Unit: Led by the Cabinet Secretary, this unit will ensure effective coordination among various stakeholders and monitor the progress of the program.
  • Statement 3 Is Correct: New Features on iGOT Karmayogi Platform
    • My iGOT: Personalised training recommendations based on individual needs.
    • Blended Programs: Integrated approach combining offline and online learning for a comprehensive experience.
    • Curated Programs: Tailored learning journeys designed to meet the specific requirements of different ministries and departments.