DART 28-0726 - Questlink IAS

Agriculture

Q1. Consider the following statements:

Statement I: The National Investment Policy for Urea (NIPU)-2026 seeks to improve India's self-reliance in urea production.

Statement II: The policy encourages investment in gas-based urea manufacturing units and provides a defined Return on Equity (RoE) framework.

Statement III: The policy replaces the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system for subsidised fertilisers with direct cash transfers to farmers.

Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

(a) Both Statement II and Statement III are correct and both explain Statement I.

(b) Both Statement II and Statement III are correct, but only one of them explains Statement I.

(d) Neither Statement II nor Statement III is correct.

Ans: (c)

Explanation

The National Investment Policy for Urea (NIPU)-2026 seeks to expand domestic urea production, reduce import dependence, and enhance long-term fertilizer security.
The policy’s emphasis on investment in gas-based urea plants and a defined Return on Equity framework directly advances the goal of greater self-reliance in urea production. Hence, Statement II is correct.
It introduces a return on equity (RoE) band with a minimum of 12% and a maximum of 16%.
The policy does not replace the DBT system. Subsidised fertilisers continue to be sold through the DBT-enabled Point of Sale (PoS) mechanism. Hence, Statement III is not correct.

Hence, option (c) is correct.

Governance

Q2. With reference to the BHAVYA Rasayan Scheme, consider the following statements:

It aims to establish three dedicated Chemical Parks through the Challenge Route.
The Central Government can provide a grant of up to ₹1,000 crore for each Chemical Park.
The concerned State Government must contribute at least ₹500 crore for each park.

How many of the above statements are correct?

(a) Only one

(b) Only two

(d) None

Ans: (c)

Explanation

The BHAVYA Rasayan Scheme (Bharat Audyogik Vikas Yojana Rasayan) was announced in the Union Budget 2026–27 to develop world-class chemical manufacturing infrastructure.
The scheme envisages the development of three dedicated Chemical Parks through the Challenge Route. Hence, Statement 1 is correct.
Chemical Parks: Integrated industrial zones with shared infrastructure and utilities, developed to promote efficient, sustainable, and globally competitive chemical manufacturing.
The Central Government will provide a grant of up to ₹1,000 crore per park. Hence, Statement 2 is correct.
The grant is subject to a minimum contribution of ₹500 crore by the concerned State Government. Hence, Statement 3 is correct.

Hence, option (c) is correct.

World Geography

Q3. Which of the following countries border the Bab el-Mandeb Strait?

Yemen
Djibouti
Eritrea
Oman

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 1, 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Ans: (b)

Explanation

The Bab el-Mandeb Strait forms the southern entrance to the Red Sea and is one of the world's busiest maritime chokepoints.
Yemen lies on the eastern shore of the strait on the Arabian Peninsula. Hence, Statement 1 is correct.
Djibouti lies on the western shore in the Horn of Africa. Hence, Statement 2 is correct.
Eritrea borders the northern part of the strait along the Red Sea coast. Hence, Statement 3 is correct.
Oman borders the Arabian Sea and the Strait of Hormuz, not the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. Hence, Statement 4 is not correct.

Hence, option (b) is correct.

International Relations

Q4. Consider the following statements:

The Abraham Accords seek to normalize relations between Israel and Arab countries.
Saudi Arabia is already a signatory to the Abraham Accords.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Ans: (a)

Explanation:

The U.S.–Saudi civil nuclear deal has sparked concerns over nuclear proliferation and regional stability, as it permits potential uranium enrichment in Saudi Arabia amid heightened tensions with Iran and renewed debate over the Abraham Accords.
The Abraham Accords are agreements aimed at normalizing diplomatic relations between Israel and several Arab signatories are the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Bahrain, Morocco, and Sudan. . Hence, Statement 1 is correct.
Saudi Arabia has not yet joined the Abraham Accords. Hence, Statement 2 is not correct.

Hence, option (a) is correct.

Science & Tech

Q5. Consider the following statements:

Hepatitis B is a vaccine-preventable disease under the Universal Immunisation Programme.
There is currently no vaccine available for Hepatitis C.
Hepatitis D infection can occur independently without Hepatitis B infection.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Ans: (a)

Explanation

India has reaffirmed its commitment to eliminate viral hepatitis as a public health threat by 2030 through the National Viral Hepatitis Control Programme (NVHCP).
Hepatitis viruses differ significantly in transmission, prevention and treatment strategies.
Hepatitis B vaccine is included under the Universal Immunisation Programme (UIP), including a birth dose within 24 hours. Hence, Statement 1 is correct.
No vaccine is currently available for Hepatitis C, although it is curable with Direct-Acting Antiviral (DAA) drugs. Hence, Statement 2 is correct.
Hepatitis D occurs only in people who already have Hepatitis B because the Hepatitis D virus needs the Hepatitis B virus to multiply. Hence, Statement 3 is not correct.

Hence, option (a) is correct.