Geography

Q1. With reference to the MMDR Amendment Act, 2026, consider the following statements:

  1. It seeks to address the problem of multiple and varying levies on mining activities.
  2. It abolishes the District Mineral Foundation (DMF) mechanism for the welfare of mining-affected communities.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Ans: (a)

Explanation:

  1. The MMDR Amendment Act, 2026 seeks to rationalise the fiscal framework of the mining sector while retaining welfare mechanisms for communities affected by mining.
  2. The Amendment addresses the cumulative burden arising from multiple taxes, charges and fees on mining activities. Hence, Statement 1 is correct.
  3. The District Mineral Foundation (DMF) mechanism continues to support the welfare and development of mining-affected areas and communities. Hence, Statement 2 is not correct.

Hence, option (a) is correct.

Read More: https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleaseDetail.aspx?PRID=2301002&reg=48&lang=1




 Polity

Q2. Consider the following statements:

Statement I:

In India, possession of an Electors Photo Identity Card (EPIC) is not the sole means of establishing the identity of an elector at a polling station.

Statement II:

The Election Commission of India may permit the use of other prescribed identity documents for voters who are unable to produce their EPIC.

Statement III:

The name of the elector must be included in the electoral roll of the concerned polling area to be eligible to vote.

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.

(c) Only one of the Statements II and III is correct and that explains Statement I.

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

Ans: (b)

Explanation:

  1. Donald Trump’s comparison of U.S. and Indian voting systems has brought renewed attention to India’s voter identification framework and the broader debate over stricter electoral safeguards. 
  2. India’s voter identification system combines the use of the Electors Photo Identity Card (EPIC), alternative prescribed identity documents and verification through electoral rolls to ensure that eligible electors can exercise their franchise.
  3. The Election Commission of India can prescribe alternative identity documents for establishing the identity of an elector where an EPIC is not produced. Hence, Statement II is correct.
  4. Inclusion of a person's name in the electoral roll is necessary for voting in the concerned constituency. Hence, Statement III is correct.
  5. However, only Statement II directly explains why the EPIC is not the sole means of establishing identity. Statement III relates to voter eligibility rather than alternative identity verification.

Hence, option (b) is correct.

Read More: https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/trump-voter-id-india-election-commissioner-10838738/?ref=explained_pg




Geography

Q3. With reference to the Ken and Betwa rivers, consider the following statements:

  1. Both rivers originate in the Vindhyan region.
  2. Both rivers are tributaries of the Yamuna River.
  3. The Ken joins the Yamuna in Uttar Pradesh.
  4. The Betwa joins the Ganga directly.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

(a) 1, 2 and 3 only

(b) 1 and 4 only

(c) 2, 3 and 4 only

(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Ans: (a)

Explanation:

  1. The Ken- Betwa River Linking Project is a major interlinking initiative aimed at transferring water from the Ken basin to the Betwa basin to address water scarcity in the Bundelkhand region. 
  2. The Ken originates in the Vindhyan plateau, while the Betwa also originates in the Vindhyan region. Hence, Statement 1 is correct.
  3. Both the Ken and Betwa are tributaries of the Yamuna River. Hence, Statement 2 is correct.
  4. The Ken joins the Yamuna at Banda in Uttar Pradesh. Hence, Statement 3 is correct.
  5. The Betwa meets the Yamuna, and not the Ganga directly. Hence, Statement 4 is not correct.

Hence, option (a) is correct.

Read More: https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/energy-and-environment/we-dont-want-to-leave-why-adivasis-are-resisting-the-ken-betwa-river-link/article71355696.ece




International Relations

Q4. Consider the following pairs:

Country/Regional GroupingTrade Agreement with IndiaYear of Signing
1. MauritiusComprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA)2021
2. AustraliaComprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA)2022
3. European Free Trade Association (EFTA)Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA)2024
4. New ZealandFree Trade Agreement (FTA)2026

How many of the above pairs are correctly matched?

(a) Only one

(b) Only two

(c) Only three

(d) All four

Ans: (c)

Explanation:

  1. India has expanded its network of trade agreements with countries and regional groupings through instruments such as Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements (CEPAs), Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreements (ECTAs) and Free Trade Agreements (FTAs).
  2. India and Mauritius signed the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) in 2021. Hence, Pair 1 is correctly matched.
  3. India and Australia signed the Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA) in 2022, and not a Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA). Hence, Pair 2 is not correctly matched.
  4. India and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) signed the Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA) in 2024. Hence, Pair 3 is correctly matched.
  5. India and New Zealand signed a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) in 2026. Hence, Pair 4 is correctly matched.

Hence, option (c) is correct.

Read More: https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleaseDetail.aspx?PRID=2300733&reg=48&lang=1




International Relations

Q5. With reference to the BRICS Environment Ministers’ Meeting, consider the following statements:

  1. The 12th meeting held under India’s BRICS Chairship emphasised a people-centric and implementation-oriented approach to environmental action.
  2. The meeting is a subsidiary body established under the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).
  3. Decisions adopted at the meeting are legally binding on all BRICS member countries.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Ans: (a)

Explanation:

  1. The 12th BRICS Environment Ministers’ Meeting, held under India’s BRICS Chairship, emphasised people-centric, sustainable and implementation-oriented environmental action.
  2. India highlighted the need for environmental action that is responsive to the realities and developmental priorities of developing countries. Hence, Statement 1 is correct.
  3. The BRICS Environment Ministers’ Meeting is a cooperation mechanism among BRICS members and is not a subsidiary body of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). Hence, Statement 2 is not correct.
  4. Ministerial statements adopted at such meetings do not automatically create legally binding obligations like an international treaty. Hence, Statement 3 is not correct.

Hence, option (a) is correct.

Read More: https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleaseDetail.aspx?PRID=2300822&reg=48&lang=1