Answer: A

Explanation:

Statement 1 – Correct

• India has inaugurated the world's first hydrogen production facility based on the Copper–Chlorine (Cu–Cl) Thermochemical Cycle powered by nuclear process heat from the Fast Breeder Test Reactor (FBTR).


• It represents a global first in integrating advanced nuclear heat with the Cu–Cl cycle.

Statement 2 – Correct

• The Cu–Cl cycle operates at around 500°C, which is significantly lower than many other thermochemical cycles (such as the Sulfur–Iodine cycle requiring temperatures above 800°C).


• Lower temperature requirements improve compatibility with advanced nuclear reactors.

Statement 3 – Incorrect

• The Cu–Cl process is not conventional electrolysis.


• It is a thermochemical cycle involving a sequence of chemical reactions that utilize both high-temperature heat and electricity.


• Water is split chemically rather than solely through electrolysis.

Statement 4 – Correct

• The project has been jointly developed by:




• Department of Atomic Energy (DAE)


• Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC)


• Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research (IGCAR)

Answer: A

Explanation:

Statement 1 – Correct

• The Fast Breeder Test Reactor (FBTR) is situated at Kalpakkam, Tamil Nadu, and is operated by IGCAR.

Statement 2 – Correct

• FBTR is a sodium-cooled fast reactor.


• Liquid sodium has excellent heat-transfer properties and allows operation without slowing down fast neutrons.

Statement 3 – Correct

• Unlike most commercial reactors using uranium oxide fuel, FBTR uses mixed plutonium–uranium carbide fuel, making it unique among fast breeder reactors.

Statement 4 – Incorrect

• FBTR is not designed specifically for hydrogen production.


• Its primary purpose is research, testing, and demonstration of fast breeder technology.


• In the recent project, the reactor provides high-temperature process heat, which drives the Cu–Cl thermochemical cycle for hydrogen production.

Answer: A

Explanation:

• Statement 1 – Correct: MAHASAGAR stands for Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions. It reflects India's broader vision for promoting peace, prosperity, and sustainable development across the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).


• Statement 2 – Correct: MAHASAGAR builds upon the earlier SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) doctrine. While SAGAR mainly focused on maritime security, MAHASAGAR expands the agenda to include economic cooperation, connectivity, resilience, and inclusive growth.


• Statement 3 – Correct: The vision seeks to transform the Indian Ocean into an "Ocean of Opportunity" by promoting maritime security, Blue Economy, disaster resilience, regional connectivity, and sustainable economic development through collaborative partnerships.


• Statement 4 – Incorrect: MAHASAGAR is not limited to defence cooperation. It is a comprehensive framework that also covers climate resilience, renewable energy, digital transformation, capacity building, sustainable development, and people-centric growth.

Answer: C

Explanation:

• Statement 1 – Correct: Seychelles occupies a strategically important position in the Western Indian Ocean along major Sea Lines of Communication (SLOCs), making it an important partner for India's maritime security and Indo-Pacific strategy.


• Statement 2 – Correct: India and Seychelles conduct the Exercise LAMITYE, a biennial joint military exercise aimed at enhancing interoperability, counter-terrorism capabilities, and defence cooperation between the two countries.


• Statement 3 – Correct: During the Prime Minister's 2026 State Visit, Seychelles announced its decision to join the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI), strengthening bilateral cooperation in climate resilience and disaster risk reduction.


• Statement 4 – Correct: India enhanced Seychelles' maritime capabilities by refitting PS Zoroaster and gifting the Fast Attack Vessel PS Lespwar to the Seychelles Coast Guard, reinforcing maritime surveillance and security in the Western Indian Ocean.

Answer: A

Explanation:

• Statement 1 – Correct: India joined 34 other countries in signing the US-led initiative aimed at creating trusted and resilient supply chains to support the development and deployment of Artificial Intelligence technologies.


• Statement 2 – Correct: The agreement was endorsed during the Second Pax Silica Summit, held in Washington, where participating countries discussed cooperation on AI, semiconductors, and technology supply chains.


• Statement 3 – Correct: The participating nations adopted the Joint Statement on AI Opportunity, which emphasizes a pro-growth, pro-innovation regulatory framework to encourage responsible AI development and technological advancement.


• Statement 4 – Incorrect: India did not join the initiative for the first time at the Second Pax Silica Summit. It had already joined the Pax Silica Initiative in February 2026 on the sidelines of the AI Impact Summit held in New Delhi.