Answer: Option B - Eastern Himalayas

Explanation:

• Bichom, Kangto, and Mazgol glaciers are located in the eastern Himalayas, particularly in the northeastern state of Arunachal Pradesh.
• These glaciers play vital roles in the hydrology of the region, providing freshwater for local communities and feeding nearby rivers.
• However, they are under threat due to climate change, leading to concerns such as glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs) and rapid melting, which endanger the region's water resources.

Answer: Option A - Synthetic opioid

Explanation:

• Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid, significantly more potent than morphine and heroin, and has been a major contributor to the opioid epidemic in the US.
• The recent news regarding US-imposed tariffs relates to efforts to combat fentanyl trafficking, as China is a primary supplier of precursor chemicals used to manufacture fentanyl, which is often trafficked through Mexico.
• The tariffs target these chemicals to curb fentanyl production and distribution.

Answer: Option A - Jharkhand

Explanation:

• The Jaduguda Mines, located in Jharkhand, are one of India's significant sources of uranium.
• The discovery of new uranium deposits in this region has extended the mine's operational life by over 50 years.
• This is crucial for India’s nuclear energy program, as uranium is essential for fuel in nuclear reactors. Jharkhand, known for its rich mineral resources, continues to play a vital role in the country's energy security.

Answer: Option C - The moderator in a PHWR primarily functions to absorb excess neutrons, controlling the nuclear chain reaction.

Explanation:

• In a Pressurized Heavy Water Reactor (PHWR), the moderator primarily slows down neutrons to enhance the likelihood of further fission reactions, rather than absorbing excess neutrons.
• The use of heavy water as a moderator helps in this process.
• Therefore, statement (c) is incorrect, as it inaccurately describes the role of the moderator in PHWRs.

Answer: Option A - Marathi, Pali, Prakrit

Explanation:

• In October 2024, the Government of India notified Marathi, Pali, Prakrit, Assamese and Bengali as Classical Languages.
• This addition expands the list of Classical Languages in India, which already includes Tamil, Sanskrit, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, and Odia.
• The move aims to promote and preserve India's rich linguistic heritage, encourage academic research, and establish Centers of Excellence for the study and documentation of these languages in various regions of the country.