- ➤ Statement 1 is correct: Bara Shigri is the largest glacier in Himachal Pradesh and it feeds the Chandra River, which later forms the Chenab River downstream.
- ➤ Statement 2 is incorrect: Bara Shigri lies on the northern slopes of the main Pir Panjal Range, not the southern slopes.
- ➤ Statement 3 is correct: The glacier is known to contain deposits of antimony ore.
- ➤ Statement 4 is incorrect: The elevation at the snout is approximately 3,984 meters, not 2,500 meters, while the headwall elevation is about 6,363 meters.
Answer: (a) 1 and 3 only
- ➤ Kalanamak from Uttar Pradesh is indeed aromatic and is often referred to as Buddha’s Prasad or Buddha Rice. It has a distinctive aroma said to be a gift from Lord Buddha and it holds a GI tag. This variety is known for its soft and fluffy cooked texture and has historical and cultural significance in the region.
- ➤ Jeera Phool rice is not from Odisha but from Chhattisgarh, and it has been awarded a Geographical Indication (GI) tag. Thus, the statement about Jeera Phool having a GI tag is correct, but the origin mentioned (Odisha) is incorrect.
- ➤ Sivappukuruvikaar and Sanna Samba are rice landraces known for extraordinarily high iron content. While Sivappukuruvikaar shows high iron and calcium, for zinc, other varieties such as KalarpalaiKarunkuruvai are reported high. So, the claim about Sivappukuruvikaar and Sanna Samba being high in zinc specifically is not fully supported.
- ➤ Poongar rice from Tamil Nadu is a drought and flood-resistant traditional red rice variety. It is known for its nutritional benefits and capacity to withstand adverse climatic conditions.
- ➤ Nagri Dhrubraj and Boga Bet Guti are traditional rice landraces from Assam. They have been promoted for their nutritional qualities and are part of efforts to mainstream native varieties for enhancing nutrition and livelihood in the region.
Therefore, evaluating all the points:
- ➤ Statement 1 is correct.
- ➤ Statement 2 is partially correct (Jeera Phool has a GI tag but is from Chhattisgarh, not Odisha).
- ➤ Statement 3 is inaccurate for zinc content specifically.
- ➤ Statement 4 is correct.
- ➤ Statement 5 is correct.
Among the options given, the one that fits best is: (a) 1, 2 and 5 only
Because statements 1 and 5 are correct, and statement 2 is correct regarding the GI tag, though the origin detail is slightly off but matches the intended recognition of GI status.
Hence, the correct answer is (a) 1, 2 and 5 only.
Answer: (a) 1, 2 and 5 only
What Are Landraces and Why They Matter
A landrace is a type of plant or animal that has been domesticated and naturally adapted over time to a specific local environment. Unlike modern varieties developed through formal breeding, landraces develop their unique traits on their own, shaped by the natural climate, culture, and farming practices of the area. These varieties often have a strong genetic diversity that helps them survive stresses like diseases, pests, and harsh weather.
Traditional Rice Landraces in India
India is home to many traditional rice landraces that are well-known for their special qualities, strong resilience, and health benefits. Some important examples are:
- ➔ Kalanamak (Uttar Pradesh): Known as Buddha’s Prasad, this aromatic rice has high economic value and export potential.
- ➔ Jeera Phool (Odisha): A small-seeded aromatic rice with a special Geographical Indication (GI) tag.
- ➔ Kala Joha (Assam): A long-growing aromatic rice famous for its unique flavor.
- ➔ Poongar (Tamil Nadu): A red rice variety prized for its health benefits.
- ➔ Mapillai Samba, Kuzhivedichan, Valsivappu (Tamil Nadu): These varieties resist drought, pests, and diseases.
- ➔ Sivappukuruvikaar and Sanna Samba (Tamil Nadu): Known for very high iron content, helping fight anemia.
- ➔ Nagri Dhrubraj, Amona Bao, Kola Joha, Boga Bet Guti, Ronga Bao (Assam and other regions): Recently promoted for their nutrition and farmer popularity.
Traditional Millet Landraces in India
India also has a rich variety of millet landraces, which include different types like pearl millet, finger millet, kodo millet, foxtail millet, barnyard millet, and little millet. These are important for local diets and farming traditions:
- ➔ Finger Millet (Ragi) Landraces:
- ➔ Keshvaragu: Known for its medicinal and nutritional qualities.
- ➔ Paundure kodo: Traditionally used for healing bones.
- ➔ Several varieties are preserved by tribal communities such as those in the Kolli Hills.
- ➔ Pearl Millet Landraces:
- ➔ Sulkhaniya bajra from Rajasthan is well-known and valued locally.
- ➔ Odisha Ragi Varieties:
- ➔ Bati and Janha are popular for their larger grains and sweeter taste, preferred by many farmers.
Explanation:
Among the pairs given for official state fishes of Indian states:
- Uttarakhand — Golden Mahseer: Correct. Golden Mahseer (Tor putitora) is the official state fish of Uttarakhand.
- Kerala — Pearl Spot (Karimeen): Correct. Pearl Spot, locally known as Karimeen, is the official state fish of Kerala.
- Odisha — Hilsa: Incorrect. The state fish of Odisha is the Mahanadi Mahseer, not Hilsa.
- Assam — Rohu: Incorrect. Assam’s state fish is not Rohu; it is associated with local species like Pab or Cheng fish.
Hence, only two pairs are correctly matched.
The correct answer is (b) Only two.
Explanation:
- Uttarakhand’s state bird is the Himalayan Monal. (Correct)
- Himachal Pradesh’s state bird is the Western Tragopan. (Correct)
- Sikkim’s state bird is the Blood Pheasant, not Satyr Tragopan. (Incorrect)
- Arunachal Pradesh’s state bird is the Great Hornbill. (Correct)
Correct answer: (c) 1, 2 and 4 only
Explanation:
- Nanda Devi and Valley of Flowers National Parks together form a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Jim Corbett and Rajaji National Parks are not UNESCO World Heritage Sites but are important protected areas in Uttarakhand.
Correct answer: (b) 2 and 3 only
Explanation:
- Statement 1 is correct. Tso Kar Valley lies on the Rupshu Plateau in southern Ladakh at an altitude between 4,500 to 4,660 meters.
- Statement 2 is incorrect. Tso Kar is a high-altitude salt lake, not freshwater. However, it is connected to Startsapuk Tso, which is a freshwater lake.
- Statement 3 is correct. The valley supports wildlife including black-necked cranes and snow leopards.
- Statement 4 is correct. Tso Kar Valley is designated as a Ramsar site, recognizing its importance as a high-altitude wetland ecosystem.
Correct answer: (d)
ISRO’s HOPE Mission
ISRO launched the HOPE (Himalayan Outpost for Planetary Exploration) mission on July 31, 2025, in the Tso Kar Valley, Ladakh. The mission aims to recreate Moon- and Mars-like conditions on Earth to help prepare astronauts for upcoming interplanetary space travel.
What is the HOPE Mission?
Overview
HOPE is a part of ISRO’s Indian Human Spaceflight Programme. It focuses on simulating space-like environments to test new technologies and human health protocols essential for future missions to the Moon and Mars.
Objectives
- Study critical physiological, psychological, and operational challenges faced by astronauts.
- Enhance mission planning and preparedness for human space exploration.
- Conduct research on epigenetic and genomic analysis, health monitoring protocols, and microbial sampling techniques.
Why Tso Kar Valley, Ladakh?
Site Selection Criteria
Tso Kar Valley was chosen because its environment closely mimics Martian conditions, including:
- High ultraviolet (UV) radiation
- Low atmospheric pressure (only 40% of sea level oxygen)
- Salty frozen ground
- Cold temperatures ranging between 15°C and -10°C
- Rocky and sandy soil similar to Martian soil
Research Opportunities
This environment allows testing of:
- Life support systems
- Habitat technologies
- Rover movement and navigation
- In-situ resource utilization (ISRU) methods
- Astrobiology experiments
Significance of the HOPE Mission
- Provides critical data to support future crewed missions to Low Earth Orbit (LEO) such as the Gaganyaan mission.
- Contributes to India’s goal of an Indian lunar landing by 2040.
- Strengthens technological readiness and health safety protocols.
- Encourages Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) in space research through collaboration among public, private, and academic sectors.
Earlier Analog Missions in Space Research
India
- Ladakh Human Analog Mission (LHAM), Leh (2024): ISRO’s first mission simulating Mars and Moon conditions to test habitat technologies.
- Anugami (July 2025): A 10-day analog experiment under the Gaganyaan Analog Experiment (GANEX) to improve human spaceflight readiness.
Worldwide
- Desert RATS (NASA): Conducted in Arizona deserts to test rovers and extravehicular activity for Moon and Mars missions.
- NEEMO (NASA): Astronauts live underwater in the Aquarius research station to simulate space mission conditions.
- HI-SEAS: A Mars and Moon analog research station in Hawai‘i, managed by the International MoonBase Alliance, to support lunar exploration.
Explanation:
The Kopili River originates in the Meghalaya plateau, specifically from the Saipong Reserve Forest in the Borail Range at an altitude of about 1525 meters. It also originates on the southwestern slopes of Shillong Peak in Meghalaya. So, statement 1 is correct.
The Kopili River is the largest south bank (left bank) tributary of the Brahmaputra River in Assam, not a north bank tributary. Therefore, statement 2 is incorrect.
The river flows through the states of Meghalaya and Assam before joining the Brahmaputra, making statement 3 correct.
The confluence of the Kopili River with the Brahmaputra is located in Assam’s Nagaon district, as it enters the plains and joins the Brahmaputra at a place known as Kopilimukh in Nagaon. So, statement 4 is correct.
Hence, the correct statements are 1, 3, and 4 only.
Correct answer: (a) 1, 3 and 4 only
Explanation:
- Statement 1: Correct. The Ring of Fire is indeed a horseshoe-shaped zone around the Pacific Ocean basin, characterized by frequent earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.
- Statement 2: Correct. Approximately 75% of the world’s active and dormant volcanoes are located within the Ring of Fire, making it the most volcanically active region on Earth.
- Statement 3: Incorrect. The Ring of Fire is primarily associated with convergent plate boundaries, where one tectonic plate is forced beneath another in a process known as subduction. Divergent plate boundaries, typically found at mid-ocean ridges, are not characteristic of the Ring of Fire.
- Statement 4: Correct. The Ring of Fire encompasses regions such as the western coasts of the Americas (e.g., Chile, Peru, Mexico, and the west coast of the United States), the eastern coasts of Asia (e.g., Japan, the Philippines, Indonesia), and the islands of Oceania (e.g., Papua New Guinea, New Zealand).
Answer: (b) 1, 2, and 4 only
Explanation:
- Statements 1, 2, and 4 correctly describe the subduction and magma formation process responsible for Ring of Fire volcanism.
- Statement 3 is incorrect because decompression melting is typical of divergent boundaries, not subduction zones. The Ring of Fire’s magma forms mainly due to flux melting from volatiles lowering the melting point.
Answer: (a) 1, 2 and 4 only