Statement I: Punjab has two GI tags so far, namely Phulkari embroidery and Basmati rice.
Statement II: The GI tag for Phulkari denotes an embroidery tradition practiced exclusively within Punjab and not associated with any other region.
Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?
Statement I is correct. Punjab currently has two registered GI tags: Phulkari (handicraft, registered in 2010–11) and Basmati rice (agricultural product, registered in 2016).
Statement II is incorrect. Although Phulkari is deeply associated with Punjab’s cultural identity, the craft is not exclusive to Punjab. Its embroidery traditions extend into Haryana and Rajasthan, and the GI tag does not restrict its recognition to Punjab alone.
Thus, only Statement I is correct.
Answer: (c) Statement I is correct but Statement II is incorrect
1. Great Nicobar is the largest island in the Nicobar group.
2. Indira Point was earlier known as Parsons Point.
3. Indira Point subsided during the 2004 tsunami.
How many of the above statements are correct?
(1) Correct — Great Nicobar is the largest Nicobar island.
(2) Incorrect — It was earlier called Pygmalion Point, also known in some records as Parsons Point, but UPSC expects Pygmalion as the correct former name.
(3) Correct — Indira Point subsided over a metre during the 2004 tsunami.
Answer: (b) Two
1. National Forest Martyrs’ Day is observed on 11 September to commemorate the Khejarli sacrifice of 1730.
2. The Bishnoi community, guided by Guru Jambheshwar’s code, forbids felling of green trees and killing of animals.
3. Khejri (Prosopis cineraria), central to the Khejarli episode, is the State Tree of Rajasthan.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
Statement 1: Correct — Since 2013, 11 September is observed as National Forest Martyrs’ Day in memory of the 1730 Khejarli massacre, where 363 Bishnois, led by Amrita Devi, sacrificed their lives to protect Khejri trees.
Statement 2: Correct — The 29 rules of Guru Jambheshwar (15th century) prohibit felling of living trees and killing of animals, making Bishnois one of the earliest conservationist communities.
Statement 3: Correct — Khejri (Prosopis cineraria) enriches arid soils through nitrogen fixation and is officially the State Tree of Rajasthan.
Thus, all three statements are correct.
Answer: (d)
1. Interest on perpetual bonds is cumulative, and if a bank skips payment in one year, it is obligated to pay the arrears in subsequent years.
2. AT-1 bonds, a class of perpetual instruments under Basel III norms, can be written down or converted into equity at the regulator’s direction during stress.
3. In the hierarchy of claims during liquidation, AT-1 bondholders rank below equity shareholders.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
Statement 1 — Incorrect: Interest on perpetual/AT-1 bonds is non-cumulative. If skipped due to weak financials or regulatory direction, it need not be paid later. Many investors misunderstood this during the Yes Bank AT-1 write-off.
Statement 2 — Correct: AT-1 bonds are loss-absorbing instruments. RBI can order them to be written down or converted into equity as part of resolution measures under Basel III.
Statement 3 — Incorrect: AT-1 bondholders rank above equity shareholders but below depositors and secured creditors. Hence, they are not the lowest in the hierarchy.
Thus, only Statement 2 is correct.
Answer: (b)
The passage clearly states that isobutanol is less hygroscopic (absorbs less water) than ethanol, thereby reducing corrosion risks. Option (b) reverses this property and is therefore incorrect. All other statements are consistent with the text.
Why other options are correct
(a) Isobutanol has a higher energy density than ethanol, making fuel blends more efficient: Its energy density is closer to that of gasoline and diesel, making it a more efficient fuel component for blending.
(c) Isobutanol causes less corrosion in engines and pipelines than ethanol: Its lower hygroscopicity and chemical properties make it less corrosive, reducing risks to engine components and ensuring compatibility with existing infrastructure.
(d) Isobutanol is primarily researched as an additive to diesel fuel for diesel engine compatibility: Its favorable properties make it suitable for blending with diesel, which is actively explored for applications in construction and agricultural machinery.
Correct Answer: (b)
1. E20 refers to a blend of 20% anhydrous ethanol with petrol, and vehicles manufactured after 2023 are generally designed to be compatible with it.
2. Compared to ethanol, isobutanol is less hygroscopic and less corrosive, though ethanol has a higher octane rating.
3. Under BS-VI emission norms, E20 blending can increase the Research Octane Number (RON) of petrol from about 91 to around 95.
Which of the above statements are correct?
1. True. E20 denotes petrol blended with 20% ethanol (fuel ethanol used in blends is anhydrous). Indian vehicle manufacturers and industry bodies have said E20-compatible vehicle designs began rolling out from April 2023, and the government/Ministry has repeatedly stated extensive testing and consultations with SIAM and manufacturers before rollout.
2. False. The clause about corrosiveness and hygroscopicity is correct — isobutanol is less hygroscopic and less corrosive than ethanol. However, the octane comparison in the statement is wrong. Isobutanol has a very high RON (~113), comparable with or higher than neat ethanol (~108–112 depending on method). Thus the claim that “ethanol has higher octane than isobutanol” is incorrect. Authoritative reviews and fuel property summaries confirm isobutanol’s high octane and better blending value.
3. True. The government and industry reports note that India raised petrol RON to 91 under BS-VI requirements and that blending ethanol at 20% boosts the effective RON of marketed petrol to about 95, improving anti-knock performance. This is the figure cited officially in responses to E20 rollout concerns.
Answer: (c) 1 and 3 only
The government has announced plans to expand blending of isobutanol with diesel as part of its biofuel strategy. Ethanol blending in petrol has already reached 20%, and future efforts will also focus on developing ethanol-based aviation fuel.
Industrial Uses of Isobutanol
Solvent and Coatings: Widely used in paints, varnishes, resins, and lacquers for its ability to improve gloss and prevent blushing in humid conditions.
Chemical Manufacturing: Serves as a feedstock for esters such as isobutyl acetate and methacrylate, which are essential in the polymer and plastics industry. It is also used in additives for lubricants, anti-corrosion agents, and in pharmaceutical and vitamin production.
Other Applications: Plays a role in cleaning products, de-icing fluids, textiles, printing inks, and as an extractant in pharmaceuticals.
Role in Energy and Fuels
Gasoline and Diesel Additive: Enhances octane levels in petrol and is being tested in diesel blends, with trials showing promise at 10% blending levels.
Advantages Over Ethanol: Higher energy density, less water absorption, and lower risk of corrosion make it more engine-friendly than ethanol.
Emerging Uses: Also explored in blends with CNG and as a fuel for tractors and agricultural machinery.
Ongoing Developments in India
ARAI Trials: The Automotive Research Association of India is evaluating a 10% diesel–isobutanol blend.
Policy Alignment: Supports the National Biofuel Policy by diversifying energy sources, lowering crude oil imports, and creating opportunities for farmers.
Benefits and Challenges
Environmental Gains: Reduces carbon monoxide and particulate emissions, though higher engine loads may slightly increase nitrogen oxide (NOx) levels.
Engine Performance: Provides better fuel economy than ethanol–diesel blends but slightly lower than pure diesel.
Durability Advantage: Less corrosive than ethanol, reducing risks for engines and fuel systems.
The Road Ahead
Ethanol–diesel blends faced hurdles due to corrosion and stability issues. Isobutanol offers a more viable alternative, combining environmental benefits with improved engine compatibility, making it central to India’s next phase of biofuel adoption.
Statement I: Bihar, Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand have no Biodiversity Heritage Sites.
Statement II: Chilkigarh Kanak Durga is not a Biodiversity Heritage Site.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Statement I: Incorrect — Jharkhand has already identified and is conserving a large number of Biodiversity Heritage Sites. The Jharkhand Biodiversity Board has announced and listed several such sites, including sacred groves, wetlands, and hill features. This directly contradicts the claim that “Bihar, Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand have no BHS.”
Statement II: Incorrect — Chilkigarh Kanak Durga (Jamboni block, Jhargram district, West Bengal) has been formally notified as a Biodiversity Heritage Site. Notification details and area are published by the West Bengal Biodiversity Board. Thus the assertion that “Chilkigarh Kanak Durga is not a BHS” is false.
Answer: (d) Both I and II are incorrect
| List–I (State) | List–II (BHS) |
|---|---|
| A. Assam | 1. Glory of Allapalli |
| B. Karnataka | 2. Chilkigarh Kanak Durga |
| C. Maharashtra | 3. Borjuli Wild Rice Site |
| D. West Bengal | 4. Hogrekan |
Codes:
Assam → Borjuli Wild Rice Site
Assam has several BHS such as Majuli, Hajong Tortoise Lake, and Borjuli Wild Rice Site.
Karnataka → Hogrekan
Karnataka has unique BHS like Hogrekan, Ambaraguda, and Nallur Tamarind Grove.
Maharashtra → Glory of Allapalli
Maharashtra was the first state to notify BHS; “Glory of Allapalli” was among the earliest sites.
West Bengal → Chilkigarh Kanak Durga
A sacred grove in Jhargram, West Bengal, notified as a BHS.
Thus, the correct matching is A–3, B–4, C–1, D–2.
Answer: (a) A–3, B–4, C–1, D–2
Biodiversity Heritage Sites in India
Biodiversity Heritage Sites (BHS) are areas of unique ecological significance, notified under the Biological Diversity Act, 2002. These sites may include terrestrial, coastal, freshwater, or marine ecosystems. They are recognized for:
- Presence of rare, threatened, or endemic species
- Rich biodiversity of both wild and domesticated varieties
- Ecological, cultural, and scientific importance
Local communities are actively involved in their conservation and management, ensuring sustainability at the grassroots level.
Notification Process
- Authority: State governments, in consultation with local bodies, notify BHS under Section 37 of the Act.
- Objective: Preserve fragile ecosystems, maintain ecological balance, and protect biodiversity hotspots.
- Current Status: Around 36 BHS have been notified across India.
Examples of Biodiversity Heritage Sites
Some notable sites include Gupteswar Forest (Odisha), Ameenpur Lake (Telangana), Arittapatti (Tamil Nadu), and Majuli Island (Assam). These cover diverse landscapes such as wetlands, ancient trees, hill ecosystems, swamps, and fossil parks.
State-wise Biodiversity Heritage Sites in India
Assam
- Majuli River Island
- Hajong Tortoise Lake
- Borjuli Wild Rice Site
Karnataka
- Nallur Tamarind Grove
- Hogrekan
- University of Agricultural Sciences, GKVK Campus (Bengaluru)
- Ambaraguda
Maharashtra
- Glory of Allapalli
- Bambarde Myristica Swamps
- Ganeshkhind Garden
- Landorkhori Forest
- Schistura Hiranyakeshi Fish Habitat
- Amboli Area
- Wardham Park
- Daldalkuhi Swamp
- Shivaji Park
West Bengal
- Tonglu BHS (Darjeeling)
- Dhotrey BHS (Darjeeling)
- Chilkigarh Kanak Durga
- Baneswar Shiva Dighi
- Char Balidanga
- Namthing Pokhari
- Amkhoi Wood Fossil Park
- State Horticulture Research & Development Station
Odisha
- Mandasaru
- Mahendragiri Hill
- Gandhamardan Hill
- Gupteswar Forest
Kerala
- Asramam
- Pannivelichira
- Cashew Tree at Nombizhi LP School
- Pathiramanal Island
- Pandalam Trees
- Chempaka Trees (Ward 2)
- Nattumavu Tree (Pathanamthitta & Kottayam)
- Eeyyabharanithuruthu Island
- Arattuchira Wetland
- Thudiyurulippara Hill
Madhya Pradesh
- Naro Hills
- Patalkot
- Amarkantak
- Sirpur Lake (proposed)
Tamil Nadu
- Arittapatti BHS
Telangana
- Ameenpur Lake
Punjab
- Kaya Kalp Vriksh (Great Banyan Tree)
Rajasthan
- Akal Wood Fossil Park
- Keora-ki-nal
- Ram-kunda
- Nag-pahar
- Chhapoli-Mansa Mata
Meghalaya
- Khlaw Kur Syiem KmieIng
Tripura
- Baramura Waterfall
- Unakoti
- Silachari Caves
- Debbari/Chabimura
- Betlingshib & Surroundings
Uttar Pradesh
- Ghariyal Rehabilitation Centre, Lucknow
Goa
- Purvatali Rai
Significance for Conservation
- Protects fragile ecosystems at the local level
- Encourages community-led biodiversity management
- Supports cultural and traditional knowledge systems
- Contributes to India’s biodiversity conservation commitments
1. It is the world’s first tri-service all-women circumnavigation sailing expedition.
2. The expedition is being undertaken on IASV Triveni, a 50-foot indigenous yacht built in Goa.
3. India’s legacy of circumnavigation includes the solo non-stop voyage of Cmde. Abhilash Tomy and the all-women expeditions on INSV Tarini.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Statement 1 – Correct: ‘Samudra Pradakshina’ is indeed the world’s first tri-service all-women circumnavigation sailing expedition, flagged off from Gateway of India, Mumbai.
Statement 2 – Incorrect: The expedition uses IASV Triveni, a 50-foot indigenous yacht, but it was built in Puducherry, not Goa.
Statement 3 – Correct: India has a strong circumnavigation legacy: Capt. Dilip Donde (2009–10, first solo), Cmde. Abhilash Tomy (2012–13, first solo non-stop), and INSV Tarini’s all-women expeditions — Navika Sagar Parikrama (2017–18) and Navika Sagar Parikrama-II (2024–25).
Thus, the correct answer is (b) 1 and 3 only.
1. The All India Debt and Investment Survey (AIDIS) is conducted roughly once every decade.
2. AIDIS began in 2003 as part of the Situation Assessment Survey.
3. The Situation Assessment Survey (SAS) covers rural as well as urban non-agricultural households.
4. SAS findings are mainly used by the Reserve Bank of India for credit market policies.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Statement 1 – Correct: AIDIS is a decadal survey; the last round was in 2019.
Statement 2 – Incorrect: AIDIS originated from the All India Rural Credit Survey (1951–52), not 2003.
Statement 3 – Incorrect: SAS covers only agricultural households, not non-agricultural.
Statement 4 – Incorrect: SAS data is mainly used by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, not RBI.
Thus, only Statement 1 is correct.
Answer: (a) 1 only
Key Differences Between AIDIS and SAS
The All India Debt and Investment Survey (AIDIS) and the Situation Assessment Survey (SAS) of Agricultural Households are both conducted by the National Statistical Office (NSO), Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI). While they complement each other, their objectives, coverage, and data focus are distinct.
1. Objective and Scope
- AIDIS: Studies financial aspects of all households (rural and urban), focusing on debt, asset ownership, investment behavior, and creditworthiness.
- SAS: Examines agricultural households only, providing insights into farm income, livelihood patterns, farming practices, and access to resources.
2. Target Population and Coverage
- AIDIS: Nationwide coverage of all households, both urban and rural.
- SAS: Restricted to agricultural households in rural areas.
3. Historical Background
- AIDIS: Originates from the All India Rural Credit Survey (1951–52); expanded in 1961–62 to include debt and investment. Conducted roughly once every decade. Latest round: 2019.
- SAS: Initiated in 2003, expanded in 2013, and strengthened in 2019. Conducted more regularly as part of NSS rounds.
4. Data Coverage
AIDIS collects information on:
- Household assets and liabilities
- Sources of debt (institutional & non-institutional)
- Capital expenditure and investment behavior
- Asset distribution and financial inclusion indicators
SAS collects information on:
- Household income and expenditure
- Crop and livestock production
- Technology adoption and farming practices
- Access to government schemes and crop insurance
- Land and livestock ownership
5. Policy Relevance and Users
AIDIS:
- Reserve Bank of India (credit policy)
- MoSPI (national accounts)
- Financial institutions (credit market analysis)
- Government (asset distribution and inclusion policies)
SAS:
- Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare (farm policies)
- NITI Aayog (rural development planning)
- Researchers in agricultural economics
- Financial institutions focusing on farm credit
6. Frequency and Timing
- AIDIS: Conducted approximately every 10 years.
- SAS: Conducted more frequently within NSS survey rounds.
- Joint Rounds: Both were conducted together in 2019 (77th NSS Round) and are scheduled again in 2026–27.
Quick Snapshot
| Aspect | AIDIS | SAS |
|---|---|---|
| Full Form | All India Debt & Investment Survey | Situation Assessment Survey of Agricultural Households |
| Focus | Household finance (assets, debts, investments) | Economic conditions of farming households |
| Coverage | All households (rural + urban) | Agricultural households (rural) |
| Started | 1951–52 (as Rural Credit Survey) | 2003 |
| Latest Round | 2019 | 2019 |
| Frequency | Once in ~10 years | More frequent (within NSS rounds) |
| Main Users | RBI, MoSPI, Financial institutions | Ministry of Agriculture, NITI Aayog, Researchers |
| Next Round | 2026–27 (with SAS) | 2026–27 (with AIDIS) |