DART 10-08-26 - Questlink IAS

Polity

Q1. Consider the following pairs:

Place	Significance
1. Long Ju	Early India-China border flashpoint in 1959
2. Thag La	Important logistics hub towards the Myanmar frontier
3. Jairampur	Site associated with the 1962 India-China War
4. Sambho Sarovar	High-altitude lake

Which of the pairs given above are correctly matched?

(a) 1 and 4 only

(b) 1 and 2 only

(d) 3 and 4 only

Ans: (a)

Explanation

India has recently formally identified 27 locations in Arunachal Pradesh on the official Survey of India map, including strategically important border locations, mountain passes, villages, lakes and memorials.
Long Ju, located along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), was one of the earliest India-China border flashpoints. Chinese forces entered the area in 1959, making it significant in the history of the India-China boundary dispute. Hence, Pair 1 is correctly matched.
Thag La is a strategically important high-altitude pass associated with one of the opening battles between Indian and Chinese forces during the 1962 India-China War. It is not a logistics hub towards the Myanmar frontier. Hence, Pair 2 is not correctly matched.
Jairampur, located in Changlang district, is an important logistics hub and a gateway supporting movement towards eastern Arunachal Pradesh and the Myanmar frontier. It is not the location associated with the opening battles of the 1962 war. Hence, Pair 3 is not correctly matched.
Sambho Sarovar is a high-altitude lake in eastern Arunachal Pradesh. It is distinct from Jaswant Garh, which houses the memorial of Indian soldier Jaswant Singh Rawat on the Tawang Road. Hence, Pair 4 is correctly matched.

Hence, option (a) is correct.

Economy

Q2. Consider the following statements with reference to India’s foreign exchange reserves:

Statement I:

A rise in India’s foreign exchange reserves can strengthen the country’s ability to manage external sector pressures.

Statement II:

Higher foreign exchange reserves provide a buffer against external payment pressures and can enhance confidence in the country’s external position.

Statement III:

Foreign exchange reserves can be used by the Reserve Bank of India to intervene in the foreign exchange market during periods of excessive volatility in the rupee.

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

(a) Both Statement II and Statement III are correct and both of them 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: (a)

Explanation

India’s foreign exchange reserves rose by $10.512 billion to $692.866 billion in the week ended July 31, 2026, highlighting the importance of forex reserves in maintaining external-sector stability.
Foreign exchange reserves provide a country with a financial cushion against external shocks, sudden capital outflows and exchange-rate pressures.
A higher reserve position therefore strengthens the capacity to manage external sector vulnerabilities.
Adequate reserves act as a buffer against external payment pressures, including difficulties arising from imports, capital-flow reversals or global financial volatility. They also improve confidence in the country's ability to meet external obligations. Hence, Statement II is correct and explains Statement I.
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) can buy or sell foreign currency in the forex market to manage excessive volatility in the rupee. Adequate reserves provide greater capacity for such intervention. Hence, Statement III is correct and explains Statement I.

Hence, option (a) is correct.

Environment

Q3. Consider the following statements regarding vultures in India:

The Slender-billed Vulture (Gyps tenuirostris) is a critically endangered species whose captive-bred individuals were recently released into the wild for the first time in the world in Assam.
The White-rumped Vulture (Gyps bengalensis) is another species of the genus Gyps that has been included in India's vulture conservation breeding efforts.
The sharp decline in India's Gyps vulture populations has been associated with the use of certain veterinary painkillers, particularly diclofenac, which can cause fatal poisoning in vultures feeding on treated livestock carcasses.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Ans: (d)

Explanation

Assam recently witnessed the world's first release of captive-bred Slender-billed Vultures, marking an important milestone in India's vulture conservation programme.
The Slender-billed Vulture (Gyps tenuirostris) is among India's critically endangered vultures. Five captive-bred individuals were released at the Jatayu Soft Release Centre in Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve, marking the first such release anywhere in the world. Hence, Statement 1 is correct.
The White-rumped Vulture (Gyps bengalensis) belongs to the genus Gyps and has also been bred in captivity and released as part of conservation efforts in India. Hence, Statement 2 is correct.
The decline of Gyps vultures has been strongly associated with veterinary drugs, particularly diclofenac, present in livestock carcasses consumed by vultures. India has banned diclofenac and certain other veterinary painkillers to address this threat. Hence, Statement 3 is correct.

Hence, option (d) is correct.

Governance

Q4. With reference to E-Samudra, recently launched by the Government of India, which one of the following best describes it?

(a) A comprehensive maritime surveillance programme designed primarily to track commercial vessels and monitor their movement across Indian waters.

(b) A comprehensive digital platform integrating maritime services for seafarers, shipping companies, ports and other stakeholders through a single-window system.

(c) A welfare initiative providing financial assistance, insurance and other social-security benefits exclusively to Indian seafarers and their families.

(d) A regulatory framework aimed at promoting shipbuilding and ship recycling through financial incentives and infrastructure development.

Ans: (b)

Explanation

India launched E-Samudra in August 2026 to digitise maritime governance through integrated services for seafarers, shipping companies, ports and other maritime stakeholders.
E-Samudra is a comprehensive digital platform launched by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways for integrated maritime governance and single-window services.
It serves seafarers, shipping companies, ports and other maritime stakeholders through online payments, real-time tracking and digitally issued certificates.
It aims to promote Digital First and Faceless Governance, while improving seafarer safety, welfare and ease of living.

Hence, option (b) is correct.

Governance

Q5. Consider the following statements regarding initiatives associated with the Government e-Marketplace (GeM):

SWAYATT is a GeM initiative aimed at promoting inclusive participation of startups, women entrepreneurs, Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs) and Self-Help Groups (SHGs).
GeM Sahay is an initiative that enables eligible proprietorship sellers on GeM to access instant, collateral-free working-capital loans.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Ans: (c)

Explanation

Government e-Marketplace (GeM) has introduced dedicated initiatives to make public procurement more inclusive while also addressing the financing needs of sellers participating on the platform.
SWAYATT stands for Startups, Women & Youth Advantage through e-Transactions. It promotes inclusive public procurement by facilitating greater participation of startups, women entrepreneurs, MSEs and SHGs. Hence, Statement 1 is correct.
GeM Sahay is a digital financing initiative that enables eligible proprietorship sellers registered on GeM to access instant, collateral-free working-capital loans, thereby helping address liquidity constraints. Hence, Statement 2 is correct.

Hence, option (c) is correct.