International Relations

Q1. With reference to the recently signed India- Japan Memorandum of Arrangement (MoA) on Maritime Security Cooperation, consider the following statements:

The agreement seeks to enhance Maritime Domain Awareness and facilitate information sharing between the Indian Navy and the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force.
It provides a framework for greater cooperation in naval logistics, ship repair and defence shipbuilding, including the exploration of joint development and design.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Ans: (c)

Explanation:

The India–Japan Memorandum of Arrangement (MoA) on Maritime Security Cooperation aims to institutionalise practical maritime cooperation and strengthen the two countries' strategic convergence in the Indo-Pacific.
The MoA places particular emphasis on Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) and information sharing, enabling both countries to develop a better understanding of activities and developments at sea. Hence, Statement 1 is correct.
The agreement also covers logistical support, access to ports and maintenance facilities, reciprocal ship-repair arrangements, and exploration of cooperation in naval shipbuilding and design. Hence, Statement 2 is correct.

Hence, option (c) is correct.

History

Q2. With reference to the Swadeshi Movement in Bengal (1905–1908), consider the following statements:

The movement witnessed attempts by the nationalist intelligentsia to break beyond its earlier elitist confines through new forms of political mobilisation and mass communication.
The movement was confined largely to the boycott of British goods and did not develop alternative institutions such as national education or indigenous industries.
The subsequent growth of revolutionary terrorism can be understood partly in the context of the limitations of the more broad-based Swadeshi mobilisation and intensified colonial repression.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 3 only

(b) 1 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Ans: (a)

Explanation:

The recent demise of eminent historian Sumit Sarkar (1939–2026) has brought renewed attention to his seminal work The Swadeshi Movement in Bengal, 1903–1908, which offered an influential interpretation of the movement’s changing methods, social base and attempts at wider popular mobilisation.
The Swadeshi movement witnessed efforts to extend nationalist politics beyond the established educated elite through boycott, passive resistance, public mobilisation, national education and new forms of political communication. Sarkar's study specifically identifies the attempt to break out of “elitist confines” as a central theme. Hence, Statement 1 is correct.
Swadeshi was not confined to boycott. It also encouraged swadeshi industries, national education, passive resistance and wider forms of mobilisation. Therefore, the statement unnecessarily restricts the character of the movement. Hence, Statement 2 is not correct.
Sarkar's study traces how the limitations of the attempts at broader mobilisation, combined with intensified colonial repression, contributed to a subsequent turn towards revolutionary terrorism. Hence, Statement 3 is correct.

Therefore, option (a) is correct.

International Relations

Q3. Consider the following statements regarding places in the news:

The Gulf of Aden lies between the Arabian Peninsula and the Horn of Africa and provides access to the Red Sea through the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait.
Puntland is a region located in northeastern Somalia, along the Gulf of Aden and Indian Ocean.
Nugaal is a coastal region of Yemen located along the Gulf of Aden.
Eyl is a coastal town in Puntland, Somalia, located along the Indian Ocean.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1, 2 and 4 only

(b) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Ans: (a)

Explanation:

The Gulf of Aden, Puntland, Nugaal and Eyl have gained attention in the context of recent piracy incidents involving commercial vessels and Indian seafarers.
The Gulf of Aden is situated between the Arabian Peninsula and the Horn of Africa and connects with the Red Sea through the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait. Hence, Statement 1 is correct.
Puntland is an autonomous region in northeastern Somalia, with coastline along the Gulf of Aden and the Indian Ocean. Hence, Statement 2 is correct.
Nugaal is a region of Somalia, not Yemen. It lies in the northeastern part of Somalia, within the broader Puntland area. Hence, Statement 3 is not correct.
Eyl is a coastal town in Puntland, Somalia, situated on the Indian Ocean coast. Hence, Statement 4 is correct.

Therefore, option (a) is correct.

Agriculture

Q4. Consider the following description:

It is a holistic farming approach that seeks to restore soil health, enhance biodiversity and strengthen ecosystem resilience. Unlike approaches that primarily aim to maintain existing conditions, it seeks to actively improve the ecological condition of agricultural systems while supporting long-term productivity and resilience to climatic variability.

The above description most appropriately refers to:

(a) Conservation Agriculture

(b) Regenerative Agriculture

(d) Integrated Farming Systems

Ans: (b)

Explanation:

Regenerative agriculture is gaining importance in India as a pathway to restore soil health, enhance biodiversity, improve resource-use efficiency and build climate-resilient farming systems.
Regenerative Agriculture is a holistic approach centred on restoring the ecological foundations of farming while maintaining long-term agricultural productivity.
Conservation Agriculture generally emphasises principles such as minimum soil disturbance, soil cover and crop diversification, but the description specifically focuses on the broader objective of actively restoring soil health and enhancing biodiversity.
Precision Agriculture relies on technology and data to optimise the application of agricultural inputs such as water, fertilisers and pesticides.
Integrated Farming Systems combine multiple farm enterprises such as crops, livestock, fisheries, horticulture, agroforestry and apiculture within a single system.

Hence, option (b) is correct.

Science & Tech

Q5. Consider the following pairs:

Disease	Causative agent
1. Foot and Mouth Disease	A. Bacterium
2. Brucellosis	B. Virus
3. Ringworm	C. Protozoan
4. Babesiosis	D. Fungus

How many of the above pairs are not correctly matched?

(a) Only one

(b) Only two

(d) All four

Ans: (d)

Explanation:

The National Animal Disease Control Programme (NADCP) strengthens livestock health through nationwide vaccination, disease surveillance, digital animal identification and a One Health approach.
Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) is caused by a virus of the genus Aphthovirus, whereas the given option identifies it as a bacterium. Hence, Pair 1 is not correctly matched.
Brucellosis is a bacterial disease caused by bacteria of the genus Brucella, particularly Brucella abortus in cattle and buffaloes. It is not caused by a virus. Hence, Pair 2 is not correctly matched.
Ringworm is a fungal infection caused by dermatophytes. Despite its name, it is not caused by a worm and is certainly not a protozoan disease. Hence, Pair 3 is not correctly matched.
Babesiosis is caused by protozoan parasites of the genus Babesia, which are generally transmitted through ticks. It is therefore not a fungal disease. Hence, Pair 4 is not correctly matched.

Therefore, option (d) is correct.