Polity

Q1. With reference to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, which one of the following statements is not correct?

(a) It involves scrutiny and revision of electoral rolls.

(b) Form 7 can be used for seeking deletion of an existing electoral-roll entry.

(d) Electoral authorities are required to follow due process before deleting an elector’s name.

Answer: (c)

Explanation:

The ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) has raised concerns regarding the possibility of misuse of Form 7 for bulk deletion requests.
Form 7 can indeed be used to seek deletion, but submission of the form does not automatically result in deletion.
The electoral authority must conduct the required inquiry and provide the concerned elector an opportunity through the prescribed process.

Hence, option (c) is correct.

Economy

Q2. The recent appointment of part-time, non-official directors to the Central Board of the RBI is made by:

(a) Reserve Bank of India

(b) Union Cabinet

(d) Finance Commission

Answer: (c)

Explanation:

The Government recently appointed three part-time, non-official directors to the RBI Central Board for a four-year term.
Under Section 8 of the Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934, the Central Board includes directors appointed by the Central Government.
The appointments mentioned in the current development were approved by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) and formally notified by the Government.

Hence, option (c) is correct.

Economy

Q3. Consider the following statements regarding Regional Rural Banks:

RRBs combine the characteristics of commercial banking with a specific focus on the rural economy.
Their lending activities are intended to support only agricultural activities and exclude other rural economic activities.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: (a)

Explanation:

Regional Rural Banks (RRBs) have recently recorded a sharp improvement in financial performance, while continuing to strengthen financial inclusion, Priority Sector Lending and digital banking in rural and underserved areas.
RRBs provide banking and credit services to the rural economy, including agriculture, allied activities, small enterprises and other priority sectors. Hence, Statement 1 is correct.
Their activities are not restricted exclusively to agriculture. They also cater to other rural and underserved economic activities. Hence, Statement 2 is not correct.

Hence, option (a) is correct.

Economy

Q4. Consider the following :

Assertion (A): The recent relaxation of India’s FDI framework has sought to facilitate investments that were earlier held up by restrictions on foreign investment from countries sharing a land border with India.

Reason (R): Under the revised framework, certain investments involving less than 10% ownership by entities from land-bordering countries can be made through the automatic route without prior Government approval.

Which one of the following is correct?

(a) Both A and R are correct and R is the correct explanation for A

(b) Both A and R are correct but R is not the correct explanation for A

(d) A is incorrect but R is correct

Answer: (a)

Explanation:

India reported 29 FDI projects worth ₹4,895.65 crore under the revised framework up to August 10, 2026, following recent relaxations in FDI rules.
The March 2026 relaxation was intended to ease investment flows that had been held up because even small foreign ownership from land-bordering countries could trigger the Government approval requirement. Hence, the Assertion (A) is correct.
The revised framework permits certain entities with less than 10% ownership based in countries sharing a land border with India to invest through the automatic route, subject to the applicable conditions. Hence, the Reason (R) is correct.
By removing the prior-approval requirement for such limited ownership exposure, the relaxation directly addresses one of the regulatory barriers that had delayed investments. Hence, the Reason is the correct explanation of the Assertion. Hence, Reason correctly explains the Assertion

Hence, option (a) is correct.

Governance

Q5. With reference to the e-Shram Portal, consider the following statements:

The e-Shram Portal was launched in 2021 by the Ministry of Labour and Employment to create a national database of unorganised workers.
It provides registered workers with a unique 12-digit Universal Account Number (UAN).
The portal is restricted to agricultural and construction workers and does not cover gig or platform workers.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: (a)

Explanation:

The e-Shram Portal, launched in 2021, completes five years in August 2026 and has evolved into a broader digital platform for social-security and welfare delivery to India’s unorganised workforce.
It was initially created as the National Database of Unorganised Workers (NDUW) and now integrates welfare, employment, skilling and pension-related services.
The portal provides every registered worker with a unique 12-digit Universal Account Number (UAN). Hence, Statement 1 is correct.
The e-Shram ecosystem also covers gig and platform workers, besides agricultural, construction, domestic, migrant and other unorganised workers. Hence, Statement 2 is correct.
The e-Shram One-Stop Solution was launched in 2024, not simultaneously with the original e-Shram Portal in 2021. Hence, Statement 3 is not correct.

Hence, option (a) is correct.