APTI PLUS Academy For Civil Services

Q1. With reference to RoDTEP Scheme, consider the following statements: 1. It provides direct export subsidies to enhance competitiveness. 2. It reimburses taxes that are otherwise not refunded under existing mechanisms. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? A. 1 only B. 2 only C. Both 1 and 2 D. Neither 1 nor 2 Answer: B Explanation Statement 1 is incorrect. RoDTEP is not a subsidy scheme; it is designed to be WTO-compliant by refunding embedded taxes. Statement 2 is correct. It reimburses hidden taxes and duties not refunded elsewhere. Additional Information: • Replaced MEIS • Digital implementation ensures transparency Q2. With reference to the Sperm Whale, consider the following statements: 1. The sperm whale is the largest toothed predator in the world and possesses the largest brain among all known animals. 2. The spermaceti organ present in the head of the sperm whale plays an important role in echolocation as well as in regulating buoyancy during deep dives. 3. The sperm whale is currently classified as Endangered under the IUCN Red List. Which of the statements given above are incorrect? A. 1 and 2 only B. 2 and 3 only C. 3 only D. 1, 2 and 3 Answer: C Explanation Statement 1 is correct. The sperm whale (Physeter macrocephalus) is the largest toothed predator on Earth. It also has the largest brain of any known animal, weighing up to 8–9 kilograms. This large brain is associated with complex behaviours, communication patterns, and deep-sea hunting strategies. Statement 2 is correct. The spermaceti organ, a waxy oil-filled structure located in the whale’s head, plays a crucial role in echolocation, allowing the whale to navigate and hunt in deep ocean environments where light does not penetrate. It is also believed to assist in buoyancy control, enabling the whale to adjust its density during deep dives, which can exceed 1,000 metres. Statement 3 is incorrect. The sperm whale is currently classified as Vulnerable, not Endangered, under the IUCN Red List. Additional Information • Lifespan: up to 60 years • Diet: primarily giant squid and deep-sea fish • Known for producing “codas” (click-based communication patterns) • Threats include whaling (historically), ship strikes, and ocean noise pollution Q3. With reference to the GlobE Network, consider the following statements: 1. The GlobE Network was established under the Riyadh Initiative during Saudi Arabia’s G20 Presidency. 2. The GlobE Network operates within the framework of the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC). 3. The GlobE Network replaces formal legal assistance mechanisms between countries in anti-corruption investigations. Which of the statements given above are correct? A. 1 and 2 only B. 2 and 3 only C. 1 and 3 only D. 1, 2 and 3 Answer: A Explanation Statement 1 is correct. The GlobE Network was established under the Riyadh Initiative, which was launched during Saudi Arabia’s G20 Presidency. It was created to strengthen international cooperation among anti-corruption agencies. Statement 2 is correct. The network functions within the framework of the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC), which is the primary global instrument for combating corruption. Statement 3 is incorrect. The GlobE Network does not replace formal legal mechanisms such as Mutual Legal Assistance Treaties (MLATs). Instead, it complements them by enabling faster, informal, and direct communication between enforcement agencies. Additional Information • Supported by UNODC (United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime) • Enables practitioner-level cooperation • Includes over 100+ countries and multiple enforcement agencies • Focus areas: investigation, prosecution, asset recovery

With reference to Tonga, consider the following statements: 1. Tonga is a sovereign island country located in the South Pacific Ocean and consists of several island groups. 2. The western islands of Tonga are primarily volcanic in origin, whereas the eastern islands are largely composed of coral limestone formations. 3. Tonga is situated in a geologically stable region and is not associated with major tectonic activity.

With reference to the Districts as Export Hubs (DEH) Initiative, consider the following statements: 1. The initiative is restricted to manufacturing sectors and excludes services and agricultural products. 2. The Districts as Export Hubs Initiative aims to decentralise export promotion by making districts active units of export growth. 3. The initiative involves the preparation of District Export Action Plans that identify supply chain bottlenecks and propose targeted interventions.

With reference to the GlobE Network, consider the following statements: 1. The GlobE Network was established under the Riyadh Initiative during Saudi Arabia’s G20 Presidency. 2. The GlobE Network operates within the framework of the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC). 3. The GlobE Network replaces formal legal assistance mechanisms between countries in anti-corruption investigations.

With reference to the Sperm Whale, consider the following statements: 1. The sperm whale is the largest toothed predator in the world and possesses the largest brain among all known animals. 2. The spermaceti organ present in the head of the sperm whale plays an important role in echolocation as well as in regulating buoyancy during deep dives. 3. The sperm whale is currently classified as Endangered under the IUCN Red List.

With reference to RoDTEP Scheme, consider the following statements: 1. It provides direct export subsidies to enhance competitiveness. 2. It reimburses taxes that are otherwise not refunded under existing mechanisms.

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✨ 𝐒𝐮𝐜𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐌𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐜𝐥𝐚𝐬𝐬 | 𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐩𝐢𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐌𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐬 𝐃𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐦𝐬 𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐝 ✨ Today at APTI PLUS Academy, aspirations met experience as AIR 760, UPSC CSE 2025 — Kirti Chowdhury shared her remarkable journey from preparation challenges to achieving success. 🌟 The session wasn’t just a talk — it was a roadmap to success. From mastering Prelims, Mains & Interview strategies to learning practical techniques for overcoming weak areas, aspirants gained real insights into what it truly takes to crack UPSC. 💡 𝐅𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐝 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐠𝐲, 𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐲, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐚𝐦𝐛𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧, 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐤𝐞𝐝 𝐚𝐮𝐝𝐢𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐮𝐦 𝐫𝐞𝐟𝐥𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐩𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐟𝐮𝐥 𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐭𝐡 — 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐫𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐠𝐲, 𝐬𝐮𝐜𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐛𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐞𝐯𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞. 🎥 Full seminar video coming soon — follow our YouTube channel and stay connected with your UPSC journey!

📰 𝐈𝐧 𝐍𝐞𝐰𝐬: The discussion on introducing paternity leave in India is gaining momentum, highlighting the importance of shared parenting responsibilities and gender equality. 🎯 𝐄𝐱𝐚𝐦 𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐯𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞: GS Paper I & GS Paper II

📰 𝐈𝐧 𝐍𝐞𝐰𝐬: The discussion on introducing paternity leave in India is gaining momentum, highlighting the importance of shared parenting responsibilities and gender equality. 🎯 𝐄𝐱𝐚𝐦 𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐯𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞: GS Paper I & GS Paper II