DART 25-07-26 - Questlink IAS

Economy

Q1. Consider the following statements:

Assertion (A): Import tariffs generally reduce the competitiveness of imported goods in the domestic market.

Reason (R): Import tariffs increase the landed cost of imported goods by imposing customs duties.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.

(b) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A.

(d) A is false, but R is true.

Ans: (a)

Explanation:

The United States recently imposed additional tariffs on imports from several trading partners, including India, citing concerns over forced-labour compliance. This has brought tariffs and their impact on international trade back into focus.
An import tariff is a customs duty imposed by the importing country on goods entering its territory. By increasing the cost of imported products, tariffs raise their selling price in the domestic market.
Consequently, imported goods become relatively less competitive compared to domestically produced goods or imports from countries facing lower tariffs. Hence, Assertion (A) is correct.
Import tariffs are collected by customs authorities at the time goods enter the importing country. This additional duty forms part of the landed cost (cost of the product including freight, insurance and customs duty), which is generally passed on to wholesalers, retailers and ultimately consumers. Hence, Reason (R) is correct.
Since tariffs increase the landed cost of imported goods, their market price rises, reducing demand and competitiveness. This is the primary economic mechanism through which tariffs protect domestic producers. Hence, Reason (R) correctly explains Assertion (A).

Hence, option (a) is correct.

World Geography

Q2. Consider the following pairs:

Waterway	Connects
Bosporus Strait	Black Sea – Sea of Marmara
Dardanelles Strait	Sea of Marmara – Aegean Sea
Kerch Strait	Black Sea – Sea of Azov

How many of the pairs given above are correctly matched?

(a) Only one

(b) Only two

(d) None

Ans: (c)

Explanation

Recent attacks on commercial vessels in the Black Sea have highlighted the strategic importance of the Turkish Straits and adjacent waterways for global maritime trade and security.
The Bosporus Strait (Istanbul Strait) separates Europe and Asia and connects the Black Sea with the Sea of Marmara. It is one of the busiest natural waterways in the world and serves as the only maritime outlet from the Black Sea toward the Mediterranean. Passage through the Bosporus is regulated under the Montreux Convention (1936). Hence, Pair 1 is correctly matched.
The Dardanelles Strait connects the Sea of Marmara to the Aegean Sea, which in turn opens into the Mediterranean Sea. Together with the Bosporus and the Sea of Marmara, it forms the Turkish Straits System, making it strategically important for international navigation and naval access. Hence, Pair 2 is correctly matched.
The Kerch Strait connects the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov. It lies between the Crimean Peninsula and mainland Russia and has acquired major geopolitical significance since the Russia–Ukraine conflict because it controls access to ports on the Sea of Azov. Hence, Pair 3 is correctly matched.

Hence, option (c) is correct.

Geography

Q3. Consider the following rivers:

Jhelum
Chenab
Ravi
Beas
Sutlej

Which of the above are classified as Western Rivers under the Indus Waters Treaty (1960)?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 1, 2 and 5 only

(d) 3, 4 and 5 only

Ans: (a)

Explanation:

Following recent discussions over high monsoon flows in the Chenab River, the classification of rivers under the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), 1960 has again become important for understanding India–Pakistan water-sharing arrangements.
Jhelum is one of the three Western Rivers (Indus, Jhelum and Chenab) under the Indus Waters Treaty. Although these rivers are allocated primarily to Pakistan, India is permitted limited uses such as run-of-the-river hydroelectric projects, domestic use, navigation, fisheries and specified irrigation in accordance with the Treaty. Hence, Jhelum is a Western River.
Chenab is also a Western River. It is formed by the confluence of the Chandra and Bhaga rivers at Tandi in Himachal Pradesh, flows through Jammu & Kashmir and enters Pakistan. The recent rise in its water level was attributed to heavy monsoon rainfall in its upper catchment rather than any upstream intervention. Hence, Chenab is a Western River.
Ravi is one of the Eastern Rivers, along with Beas and Sutlej. Under the Treaty, India enjoys exclusive rights over the waters of the Eastern Rivers, subject to allowing transition arrangements originally envisaged under the Treaty. Hence, Ravi is not a Western River.
Beas originates near Beas Kund close to Rohtang Pass in Himachal Pradesh. It is an Eastern River, and its waters are available for India's unrestricted use under the Treaty. Hence, Beas is not a Western River.
Sutlej originates near Lake Rakshastal in Tibet and enters India through Himachal Pradesh. Despite originating outside India, it is classified as an Eastern River under the Indus Waters Treaty and is allocated to India. Hence, Sutlej is not a Western River.

Hence, option (a) is correct.

Geography

Q4. Which one of the following best describes the concept of Carbon Farming?

(a) Cultivation of crops exclusively for biofuel production.

(b) Farming practices aimed at increasing carbon storage in soils and vegetation.

(d) Replacement of chemical fertilisers by biofertilisers only.

Ans: (b)

Explanation:

The Government of India recently highlighted its integrated approach to soil health through scientific management, natural farming, digital technologies, and climate-resilient agricultural initiatives.
Although cultivation of biofuel crops may contribute to reducing fossil fuel use, carbon farming is not limited to growing biofuel crops. Hence, Option (a) is not correct.
Carbon farming refers to agricultural practices that remove atmospheric carbon dioxide and store it in soils, vegetation, and biomass. By increasing soil organic carbon, it improves soil fertility, water-holding capacity, nutrient availability, and resilience against drought while simultaneously contributing to climate change mitigation.
Government initiatives such as the National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA), National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF), Green India Mission (GIM), and the Carbon Credit Trading Scheme (CCTS) support practices aligned with carbon farming. Hence, Option (b) is correct.
Carbon farming is not a taxation mechanism. While carbon taxes are economic instruments used to discourage greenhouse gas emissions, carbon farming is an agricultural land management strategy that may enable farmers to earn income through carbon credit markets by generating verified carbon credits. Hence, Option (c) is not correct.
The replacement of chemical fertilisers with biofertilisers may be one component of sustainable agriculture, but carbon farming is a much broader concept involving soil carbon sequestration, agroforestry, conservation agriculture, improved nutrient management, crop diversification, and ecosystem restoration. Hence, Option (d) is not correct.

Hence, option (b) is correct.

Art&Culture

Q5. With reference to UNESCO World Heritage Sites, consider the following statements:

A site can be simultaneously included in the World Heritage List and the List of World Heritage in Danger.
Only sovereign states that are members of the United Nations can nominate sites for inscription on the World Heritage List.
UNESCO grants World Heritage status under the World Heritage Convention, 1972.

(a) 1 and 3 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Ans: (a)

Explanation:

Context: The UNESCO World Heritage Convention (1972) provides for identifying and protecting cultural and natural heritage of Outstanding Universal Value.

Statement 1 is correct. A property may be inscribed on the World Heritage List while also being placed on the List of World Heritage in Danger if it faces serious and specific threats. Hence, Statement 1 is correct.
Statement 2 is not correct. Nominations are submitted by States Parties to the World Heritage Convention, not necessarily only UN member states. For example, Palestine is a State Party to the Convention. Hence, Statement 2 is not correct.
Statement 3 is correct. The World Heritage List is maintained under the 1972 Convention concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage. Hence, Statement 3 is correct.

Hence, option (a) is correct.