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Type: Prelims Only

  • The Crisis In The Middle East

    What is the UNIFIL?

    Prelims Only | International Relations | Mains Paper 2: Important International Institutions

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: UNIFIL, UN Peacekeeping Mission

    Why in the News?

    • India has expressed concerns about the safety of UN peacekeepers stationed in south Lebanon, after they came under fire from Israeli forces.
      • Among the peacekeepers are 600 Indian soldiers, who are part of the UN peacekeeping mission and are stationed along the 120-km Blue Line on the Israel-Lebanon border.

    What is UNIFIL (United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon)?

    Details
    Established March 1978, following Israel’s invasion of Lebanon
    UN Resolutions Established under UNSC Resolutions 425 and 426
    Primary Objectives
    • Confirm Israeli withdrawal from Lebanon
    • Restore international peace and security
    • Assist the Government of Lebanon in regaining control over southern Lebanon
    Area of Operation Southern Lebanon, near the border with Israel (Blue Line)
    Personnel Over 10,000 peacekeepers from 50 countries (both civilian and military personnel)
    Mission
    • Prevent hostilities and maintain peace along the 121-km Blue Line
    • Ensure that no weapons or fighters are present in the region
    • Report violations to the UN Security Council
    Rules of Engagement Peacekeepers are armed but are only allowed to use force when their safety or civilian safety is at risk
    Headquarters Naqoura, southern Lebanon
    Peacekeeper Status Not soldiers but impartial peacekeepers, present with the consent of the host country, Lebanon

    Significance of UNIFIL

    • Conflict Prevention: UNIFIL monitors the Blue Line and prevents escalations between Israel and Lebanon.
    • Civilian Protection: It safeguards civilians and supports humanitarian aid efforts in conflict zones.
    • Support for Lebanon: UNIFIL helps the Lebanese government extend control in the south alongside the Lebanese Armed Forces.

    PYQ:

    [2015] Discuss the impediments India is facing in its pursuit of a permanent seat in UN Security Council.

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  • Wetland Conservation

    In news: Wular Lake

    Prelims Only | Enviro & Biodiversity | Mains Paper 3: Conservation, Environmental Pollution & Degradation, Eia

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Wular Lake

    Why in the News?

    The harvest of water chestnuts, locally known as goer has begun around “Wular Lake” in Kashmir.

    About Wular Lake:

    Details
    Location Bandipore district, Jammu and Kashmir
    Size Largest freshwater lake in India, second-largest in Asia
    Area Covers 200 sq. km, with a length of 24 km and breadth of 10 km
    Source Fed by the Jhelum River; Streams Madhumati and Arin.
    Formation Formed due to tectonic activity; possibly a remnant of the ancient Satisar Lake
    Island formation Features a small island called Zaina Lank, constructed by King Zainul-Abidin
    Ecological Significance Ramsar Wetland Site (since 1990), supports wintering, staging, and breeding of many bird species
    Wildlife Important for bird species like black-eared kite, Himalayan monal, Himalayan golden eagle
    Fish Habitat Accounts for 60% of the fish production in Jammu and Kashmir
    Wetland status Designated as a Wetland of International Importance in 1990 under the Ramsar Convention
    Tulbul Project Located at the mouth of Wular Lake, aims to regulate the flow of water from the lake into the Jhelum River to enhance navigation and ensure year-round water availability.

    Controversial due to objections raised by Pakistan under the Indus Waters Treaty. Currently, the project remains stalled.

     

    PYQ:

    [2018] Which one of the following is an artificial lake?

    (a) Kodaikanal (Tamil Nadu)

    (b) Kolleru (Andhra Pradesh)

    (c) Nainital (Uttarakhand)

    (d) Renuka (Himachal Pradesh)

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  • Innovations in Sciences, IT, Computers, Robotics and Nanotechnology

    What is Wayanad’s new X-band Radar?

    Prelims Only | Science Tech | Mains Paper 3: Achievements Of Indians In S&T

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Doppler, X-Band Radar, NISAR

    Why in the News?

    After the floods and landslides in Wayanad in July 2024, the Union Ministry of Earth Sciences approved the installation of an “X-band radar” in the district.

    What is an X-Band Radar?

    • An X-band radar is a type of radar that operates in the 8-12 GHz frequency range of the electromagnetic spectrum, with wavelengths of 2-4 cm.
    • This radar is particularly useful for detecting smaller particles like raindrops, fog, and other fine materials due to its shorter wavelengths, which allow for higher resolution images.

    Key Features of X-Band Radar:

    • High Resolution: The shorter wavelength provides more detailed images, making it ideal for tracking weather phenomena, including precipitation and particle movements.
    • Limited Range: They have a relatively shorter range compared to other types like S-band radars because higher frequency signals get attenuated (weakened) faster as they travel through the atmosphere.

    Applications: In weather forecasting, X-band radars are used for short-range weather monitoring, such as predicting rainfall intensity and landslides. They are also used in air traffic control and military applications.

    What is a Doppler Radar?  

    • A Doppler radar is a type of radar used primarily in meteorology to measure the velocity and movement of weather formations, such as clouds and storms.
    • It works on the principle of the Doppler effect, which refers to the change in frequency of waves as their source moves relative to the observer.

    It’s applications: 

    • Velocity Measurement: By measuring these changes in frequency, Doppler radar can determine how fast the object (e.g., rain cloud) is moving and in which direction.
    • Weather Monitoring: Doppler radar helps in tracking rainfall intensity, detecting wind patterns, and predicting the formation of storms or tornadoes.

    India’s Radar Network

    • The India Meteorological Department (IMD) began using radars in weather applications in the 1950s.
      • The first indigenously designed X-band storm detection radar was installed in 1970 in New Delhi.
    • In 1996, the IMD replaced 10 outdated X-band radars with digital X-band radars.
    • India’s radar network includes both wind-finding and storm-detecting X-band radars. The country also uses S-band radars (2-4 GHz) for long-range detection. The first S-band cyclone detection radar was installed in Visakhapatnam in 1970.

    Recent Developments:

    • In September 2024, the Ministry of Earth Sciences announced that India would install 56 additional Doppler radars over the next few years.
    • On September 11, 2024, the Union Cabinet approved the ₹2,000-crore ‘Mission Mausam’, which aims to upgrade meteorological infrastructure, including the installation of up to 60 radars by 2026.
    • The Wayanad radar initiative also includes the installation of a C-band radar (4-8 GHz) in Mangaluru, with an observational range of 250 km.

    About the NISAR

    • NISAR, short for NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar, is a joint satellite mission being developed by NASA and ISRO.
    • NISAR will use radar imaging to create a high-resolution map of the earth’s landmasses, tracking changes in natural processes.
    • Its payload consists of an L-band radar (1.25 GHz, 24 cm) built by NASA and an S-band radar (3.2 GHz, 9.3 cm) built by ISRO.
    • NISAR is expected to launch in 2025 aboard an ISRO GSLV Mk II rocket, with a total cost of $1.5 billion, primarily funded by NASA.

     

    PYQ:

    [2016] Discuss India’s achievements in the field of Space Science and Technology. How the application of this technology has helped India in its socio-economic development?

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  • OBOR Initiative

    China’s ‘Anaconda Strategy’

    Prelims Only | Security Issues | Mains Paper 3: External State & Non-State Actors: Challenges To Internal Security.

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Anaconda Strategy

    Why in the News?

    Taiwanese authorities recently stated that the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) is using an ‘anaconda strategy’ to put pressure on Taiwan.

    China’s Military Maneuvers around Taiwan

    • China has been steadily increasing its military activities around Taiwan, both by air and sea:
    1. Air incursions into the Taiwan Strait have increased significantly, from 36 incursions in January to 193 in September.
    2. Chinese ships operating around Taiwan has also risen, from 142 in early 2024 to 282 by August.
    • These maneuvers seem designed to wear down Taiwan’s navy and air force, creating constant pressure.

    What is the Anaconda Strategy?

    • The ‘anaconda strategy’ involves a combination of military tactics, psychological pressure, and cyber warfare.
    • The goal is to weaken Taiwan’s defenses and force the island into submission without the need for a full-scale invasion.
    • China’s approach is one of relentless pressure.
    • It is trying to tire out Taiwan and force it into making mistakes, which could then be used as a pretext to launch a blockade.
    • Its ultimate goal appears to be to make Taiwan vulnerable without resorting to direct military conflict, keeping Taiwan’s forces on the defensive.

    Other Unconventional Strategies used by China:

    • Wolf Warrior Diplomacy: A confrontational and assertive style of diplomacy used by Chinese officials, characterized by aggressive rhetoric and nationalistic stances, often aimed at defending China’s interests and countering foreign criticism.
    • Gray-Zone Tactics: A set of covert strategies that fall between war and peace, including actions like cyberattacks, propaganda, and incremental territorial gains, aimed at advancing a nation’s goals without triggering a full-scale military conflict.
    • Salami Slicing: A strategy where small, incremental actions are taken over time to achieve a larger goal without triggering a strong reaction. It is often used to gain control or advantage bit by bit, avoiding immediate confrontation.

     

    PYQ:

    [2021] The US is facing an existential threat in the form of a China that is much more challenging than the erstwhile Soviet Union. Explain.

    [2017] “China is using its economic relations and positive trade surplus as tools to develop potential military power status in Asia”. In the light of this statement, discuss its impact on India as her neighbour.

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  • Nobel and other Prizes

    Literature Nobel, 2024

    Prelims Only | History | Mains Paper 1: Arts & Culture

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Nobel Prize of Literature

    nobel

    Why in the News?

    The 2024 Nobel Prize has been awarded to South Korean writer Han Kang for her “intense poetic prose that confronts historical traumas and exposes the fragility of human life.”

    Who is Han Kang?

    • Han Kang is a South Korean writer born in 1970 in Gwangju, South Korea.
    • She is known for her poetic and experimental writing style that confronts themes of historical trauma, violence, grief, and the fragility of human life.
    • After starting her literary career with poetry, she became widely recognized for her novels that address complex human emotions and the consequences of social and political structures.

    Her Literary Works:

    • The Vegetarian (2007): This novel, which won the Man Booker International Prize in 2016, revolves around a woman who decides to stop eating meat and faces extreme reactions from her family. The story explores themes of control, independence, and violence. It was her breakthrough novel, translated into English in 2015.
    • Human Acts (2016): Set against the backdrop of the 1980 Gwangju Uprising, this novel tells the story of the massacre of protesting students by the South Korean military. Han Kang gives voice to the victims of history with a style that is both experimental and visionary.
    • The White Book (2017): An elegy dedicated to a sibling who passed away shortly after birth. The novel is a meditation on grief, narrated through white objects, symbolizing loss and memory.
    • Greek Lessons (2023): This novel, first published in Korean in 2011, tells the story of a woman who loses her ability to speak and her teacher, who is losing his sight. The novel explores loss, intimacy, and the connection between language and identity.
    • We Do Not Part (2025, forthcoming): This upcoming novel focuses on two women confronting a hidden massacre in Korean history from the 1940s. It explores how trauma can be transformed into art.

    Citation for Nobel Prize 2024

    • The Swedish Academy’s official bio-bibliography highlights her ability to create universal narratives using a poetic and radical imagination. 
    • Han Kang is praised for addressing patriarchy, violence, and historical injustices, while also examining the connections between body and soul and the living and the dead.
    • The academy notes that she has become an innovator in contemporary prose, showing how literature can speak the truth through her powerful and experimental style.

    Recent Nobel Prizes in Literature:

    • 2023: Jon Fosse (Norway) for his innovative minimalistic plays and prose, focusing on the human condition.
    • 2022: Annie Ernaux (France) for her courageous exploration of personal and collective memory.
    • 2021: Abdulrazak Gurnah (Tanzania) for his compassionate depictions of colonialism and migration.
    • 2020: Louise Gluck (USA) for her deeply personal poetry that resonates universally.
    Rabindranath Tagore: Won the Nobel Prize in 1913 for “Gitanjali,” becoming the first non-European laureate in Literature, recognized for his sensitive and spiritual poetry.

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  • Global Geological And Climatic Events

    Hurricane Milton

    Prelims Only | Enviro & Biodiversity | Mains Paper 1: Salient Features Of World’S Physical Geography

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Hurricane Milton

    Why in the News?

    Hurricane Milton made landfall near Siesta Key, Florida, USA which caused heavy rain, flooding and strong winds resulting in significant damage and loss of lives.

    Hurricane Milton: Origin and Causes

    • Hurricane Milton was a powerful storm that made landfall in Florida near Siesta Key, causing widespread damage.
    • It was a Category 5 hurricane with wind speeds of 285 km/h, making it one of the strongest hurricanes ever recorded in the Atlantic Ocean.
    • It originated in the Gulf of Mexico, an area connected to the Atlantic Ocean.

    Why it was an unusual storm?

    • Milton went from a Category 1 storm to a Category 5 storm in just 12 hours.
      • Usually, hurricanes intensify at a slower pace, but Milton’s wind speeds increased by 145 km/h in one day, which is very rare.
    • Sea-surface temperatures of 31°C were much higher than the 26°C needed for hurricane formation.
      • This excess heat allowed Milton to intensify quickly.
    • Most hurricanes follow a westward path, but Milton moved eastward and made landfall on the western coast of Florida.
      • According to scientists, very few hurricanes have taken this path before.
    • Wind shear is a change in wind speed and direction that can weaken hurricanes.
      • In Milton’s case, there was almost no wind shear, allowing the storm to grow stronger without interference.

    PYQ:

    [2020] Consider the following statements:

    1. Jet streams occur in the Northern Hemisphere only.

    2. Only some cyclones develop an eye.

    3. The temperature inside the eye of a cyclone is nearly 10ºC lesser than that of the surroundings.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    (a) 1 only

    (b) 2 and 3 only

    (c) 2 only

    (d) 1 and 3 only

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  • Foreign Policy Watch: India-ASEAN

    [pib] India’s Statement at the 21st ASEAN-India Summit 

    Prelims Only | International Relations | Mains Paper 2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and agreements involving India

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: ASEAN Summit

    Why in the News?

    In alignment with the theme of this year’s ASEAN Summit—“Enhancing Connectivity and Resilience”—PM Modi laid out the following ten key suggestions for strengthening cooperation.

    Back2Basics: Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)

    • ASEAN, founded in 1967 with the Bangkok Declaration, aims for economic growth, regional peace, and an integrated ASEAN community.
    • The ASEAN Charter, launched in 2008, formalized ASEAN’s legal status and sought to establish a single free-trade area.
    • The ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR) was established in 2009, adopting the ASEAN Human Rights Declaration in 2012.
    • ASEAN members comprises Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam. East Timor (Timor-Leste) applied for membership in 2011 but is not yet a member.
    • ASEAN Plus Three (China, Japan, South Korea) aims to deepen regional integration among Southeast Asia and East Asian countries.
    • East Asia Summit (EAS), including ASEAN Plus Three + India, Australia, and New Zealand, enhances strategic dialogue and cooperation in the region.

    Ten suggestions by PM Modi for ASEAN Connectivity and Resilience:

    No. Suggestion Details
    1 ASEAN-India Year of Tourism (2025) Declare 2025 as ASEAN-India Year of Tourism, with India committing USD 5 million to promote tourism between India and ASEAN.
    2 Celebrating a Decade of India’s Act East Policy Organize events connecting artists, youth, entrepreneurs, and think tanks, including a Music Festival, Youth Summit, Hackathon, etc.
    3 Women Scientists’ Conclave Hold an annual Women Scientists’ Conclave under the India-ASEAN Science and Technology Fund to promote collaboration and innovation.
    4 Scholarships for ASEAN Students Double the Masters scholarships for ASEAN students at Nalanda University and launch a new scholarship program for ASEAN students in agriculture.
    5 Review of ASEAN-India Trade Agreement Complete the review of the ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement by 2025 to enhance economic ties and build a secure, resilient supply chain.
    6 Disaster Resilience Allocate USD 5 million from the ASEAN-India Fund for disaster resilience, with collaboration between India’s NDMA and ASEAN’s Humanitarian Assistance Centre.
    7 Health Resilience Institutionalize the ASEAN-India Health Ministers Meeting and invite two experts from each ASEAN country to India’s National Cancer Grid Vishwam Conference.
    8 Digital and Cyber Resilience Establish a cyber-policy dialogue between India and ASEAN to strengthen digital and cyber resilience.
    9 Promoting a Green Future Organize workshops on green hydrogen involving experts from India and ASEAN to promote sustainable energy solutions.
    10 Climate Resilience Promote the “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” (Plant for Mother) campaign to encourage tree planting and strengthen climate resilience.

     

    PYQ:

    [2016] Evaluate the economic and strategic dimensions of India’s Look East Policy in the context of the post-Cold War international scenario.

    [2015] India is a member of which among the following? (2015)

    1. Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation
    2. Association of South-East Asian Nations
    3. East Asia Summit

    Select the correct answer using the code given below:

    (a) 1 and 2 only

    (b) 3 only

    (c) 1, 2 and 3

    (d) India is a member of none of them

     

    https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2063975

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  • Higher Education – RUSA, NIRF, HEFA, etc.

    [pib] Draft National Sports Governance Bill, 2024

    Prelims Only | Governance | Mains Paper 2: Ministries & Departments Of The Government

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Key highlights of Draft National Sports Governance Bill, 2024

    Why in the News?

    The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports has released the Draft National Sports Governance Bill, 2024 for public comments and suggestions.

    Draft National Sports Governance Bill, 2024: Key Features

    Details
    Sports Regulatory Board of India • Central regulatory authority overseeing National Sports Federations (NSFs).
    • Responsible for granting recognition to NSFs, ensuring governance, financial, and ethical standards are followed.
    • Flexible and autonomous in regulating sports governance without a fixed formula for NSF recognition.
    Governance Structure for Sports Bodies • Applies to the Indian Olympic Association (IOA), Paralympic Committee of India (PCI), and NSFs.
    • Limits Executive Committees (ECs) to 15 members.
    • Leadership positions open to citizens with usual terms and conditions.
    • Encourages NSFs to hire full-time salaried management, led by a CEO.
    Ethical and Governance Standards • Mandatory Ethics Commissions and Dispute Resolution Commissions at the NOC, NPC, and NSF levels.
    • Aligns with international standards to help India host global events like the Olympics.
    Athletes Commissions • Required in NOC, NPC, and all NSFs.
    • Provides athletes a platform to raise concerns and participate in decision-making.
    • Government to provide additional funding.
    Athlete Representation in Governance • At least 10% of voting members in the General Body of NOC, NPC, and NSFs must be sportspersons of outstanding merit (SOMs).
    • At least 2 SOM representatives (one male, one female) must serve on the Executive Committee.
    Safe Sports Policy • Introduces a Safe Sports Policy to protect athletes, especially minors and women, from harassment and abuse.
    • Strict adherence to the POSH Act.
    National Sports Promotion Organisations (NSPOs) • Guidelines for recognizing and regulating NSPOs to support sports governance, athlete development, and sports promotion.
    Appellate Sports Tribunal • Handles sports-related disputes, reducing the burden on civil courts.
    • Provides faster, cheaper, and efficient dispute resolution.
    Ad-hoc Normalisation Committees • The Sports Regulatory Board can form these committees in cases of non-compliance or suspension of sports federations.
    Global Anti-Doping and Ethical Standards • Emphasizes anti-doping measures and compliance with international standards, positioning India as a clean host for global events.
    Public Accountability and Transparency • NOC, NPC, and NSFs subject to the RTI Act with exclusions for performance and medical data, ensuring transparency in sports governance.
    Inclusivity and Gender Representation • At least 30% of the members of Executive Committees and other governing bodies must be female, promoting gender equality in sports.
    Sports Election Panel • IOA, PCI, and NSFs must engage electoral officers from the Sports Election Panel to ensure free and fair elections.
    Use of National Name and Insignia • Only recognized sports bodies will be allowed to use the Indian Flag or national names.
    • Violations can result in fines up to Rs 10 lakhs or imprisonment for up to one year.

    Significance of the Bill:

    • The National Sports Governance Bill, 2024 is significant as it aims to enhance transparency, accountability, and inclusivity in sports governance while ensuring the welfare of athletes.
    • It establishes regulatory frameworks and ethical standards that align India’s sports ecosystem with global practices, fostering a more efficient, fair, and athlete-centric sports environment.

    PYQ:

    [2014] An athlete participates in Olympics for personal triumph and nation’s glory; victors are showered with cash incentives by various agencies, on their return. Discuss the merit of state sponsored talent hunt and its cultivation as against the rationale of a reward mechanism as encouragement.

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  • Innovations in Sciences, IT, Computers, Robotics and Nanotechnology

    What are Synthetic Medical Images?

    Prelims Only | Science Tech | Mains Paper 3: Awareness in various sc and tech fields

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Synthetic Medical Images, GANs

    Synthetic medical images are AI-generated images created without using traditional imaging devices like MRI, CT scans, or X-rays.

    Why in the News?

    As we consider how artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming various fields, one emerging area is the use of synthetic medical images in healthcare.

    What are Synthetic Medical Images?

    • Synthetic medical images are AI-generated images created without using traditional imaging devices like MRI, CT scans, or X-rays.
    • These images are constructed using mathematical models or AI techniques, such as generative adversarial networks (GANs), diffusion models, and autoencoders.

    Advantages offered

    • Intra- and Inter-Modality Translation: Generate images from the same or different types of scans, helping when certain scans are unavailable.
    • Privacy Protection: Created without patient data, reducing privacy concerns and easing data sharing for research.
    • Cost and Time Efficiency: Synthetic images are quicker and cheaper to generate compared to real medical scans.
    • Scalability: Easier to produce large volumes of medical data for AI training and research.

    Challenges posed

    • Potential for Misuse: Could be used to create medical deepfakes, leading to fraudulent claims or fake clinical findings.
    • Lack of Real-World Complexity: May not capture subtle details found in real medical data, potentially lowering diagnostic accuracy.
    • Truth Erosion: Relying too heavily on synthetic data may distort AI models, leading to diagnoses that don’t align with real-world cases.
    • Ethical and Regulatory Concerns: Questions around how these images should be controlled and monitored to avoid misuse.

    PYQ:

    [2020] With the present state of development, Artificial Intelligence can effectively do which of the following?

    1. Bring down electricity consumption in industrial units
    2. Create meaningful short stories and songs
    3. Disease diagnosis
    4. Text-to-Speech Conversion
    5. Wireless transmission of electrical energy

    Select the correct answer using the code given below:

    (a) 1, 2, 3 and 5 only

    (b) 1, 3 and 4 only

    (c) 2, 4 and 5 only

    (d) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5

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  • Mount Dhaulagiri

    Prelims Only | Enviro & Biodiversity | Mains Paper 3: Conservation, Environmental Pollution & Degradation, Eia

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Mount Dhaulagiri and its location

    Why in the News?

    Five Russian mountaineers lost their lives during an expedition on Mount Dhaulagiri in Nepal, the world’s seventh-highest peak.

    About Mount Dhaulagiri

    Details
    Location
    • North-central Nepal, in the Dhaulagiri Himal range;
    • “Dhaulagiri” from Sanskrit: “dhawala” (white/dazzling), “giri” (mountain);
    • Dhaulagiri Himal is part of the Nepal Himalayas.
    Elevation 8,167 meters (26,795 feet)
    Prominence 3,357 meters (11,014 feet)
    First Ascent May 13, 1960, by a Swiss-Austrian-Nepalese expedition
    Nearby River Kali Gandaki River flows in the gorge between Dhaulagiri and Annapurna
    Glaciers Chonbardan Glacier, Myagdi Glacier
    Climate & Conditions Extreme cold, high winds, unpredictable weather

     

    PYQ:

    [2019] Consider the following pairs:

    Glacier: River

    1. Bandarpunch: Yamuna
    2. Bara Shigri: Chenab
    3. Milam: Mandakini
    4. Siachen: Nubra
    5. Zemu: Manas

    Which of the pairs given above are correctly matched?
    (a) 1, 2 and 4 only
    (b) 1, 3 and 4 only
    (c) 2 and 5 only
    (d) 3 and 5 only

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