1. Which of the following does NOT correctly describe a feature of the SMS initiative?

• It offers scholarships and incentives to maritime companies for hiring women.
• It aims for 50% female representation in maritime technical roles by 2030.
• It is aligned with IMO’s gender inclusion mandate.
• It provides a structured roadmap covering training, research, and governance.

2. Consider the following statements about weather balloons:

1. They were first used by Léon Teisserenc de Bort in the 20th century.
2. Radiosondes attached to them are GPS-enabled and transmit real-time data.
3. They have been largely replaced by satellites for vertical atmospheric profiling.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

• 1 and 2 only
• 2 only
• 1, 2, and 3
• 1 and 3 only

3. Which of the following inscriptions is correctly matched with its significance?

• Maski Edict – Refers to the Chalukya dynasty
• Halmidi Inscription – Mentions Emperor Ashoka as Devanampriya
• Aihole Inscription – Details military conquests of Pulakeshin II
• Guttala Inscription – Mentions the victory of Vijayanagara over Bahmanis

4. Consider the following statements regarding NCPOR:

1. It implements the Deep Ocean Mission and coordinates polar expeditions.
2. It is headquartered in Visakhapatnam and functions under the Ministry of Environment.
3. It manages India’s research stations in both the Arctic and Antarctica.

Which of the above statements are correct?

• 1 and 2 only
• 1 and 3 only
• 2 and 3 only
• 1, 2, and 3

5. Which of the following best describes the significance of the Keezhadi excavation?

• It establishes a Neolithic settlement in Kerala with Indo-Greek artefacts.
• It provides evidence of an urban, literate Tamil society during the Sangam Age.
• It contains the first Tamil mention of Emperor Harsha.
• It confirms the influence of Mauryan administration in South India.