Polity

Q1. ‘X’ was speaking about the system of judicial appointments in India. ‘X’ argued that the collegium system is expressly provided for in the Constitution and therefore enjoys a direct constitutional basis. ‘Y’, however, stated that the collegium is a judicial creation that evolved through Supreme Court judgments and is not explicitly mentioned in the Constitution.

Based on the above, select the correct conclusion from the options given below:

(a) ‘X’ is correct and ‘Y’ is incorrect.

(b) ‘X’ is incorrect and ‘Y’ is correct.

(d) The views of both ‘X’ and ‘Y’ are incorrect.

Answer: (b)

Explanation:

The debate over transparency and accountability in judicial appointments has renewed attention on the constitutional basis and evolution of the collegium system.
The collegium is not expressly provided for in the Constitution of India. It evolved through judicial interpretation of constitutional provisions relating to judicial appointments. Hence, X is incorrect.
The Second Judges Case (1993) shifted primacy in judicial appointments towards the collective opinion of the Chief Justice of India and senior judges.
The Third Judges Case (1998) further clarified and expanded the collegium system, which subsequently developed into the present system. Hence, Y is correct.

Hence, option (b) is correct.

International Relations

Q2. Consider the following statements:

Statement I:

The H-1B visa programme is important for the U.S. technology sector because it enables employers to recruit foreign workers for specialised occupations.

Statement II:

H-1B visas are intended for foreign workers employed in “specialty occupations”, which generally require specialised knowledge and at least a bachelor’s degree or equivalent.

Statement III:

Indian nationals constitute the largest group of beneficiaries of the H-1B programme.

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 explains Statement I.

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

Answer: (b)

Explanation:

The proposed U.S. H-1B fee hike, aimed at raising the cost of hiring foreign skilled workers, has drawn attention because Indian professionals form the largest share of H-1B beneficiaries and Indian IT firms rely significantly on the programme.
There is an ongoing debate over the H-1B visa programme, particularly its role in addressing specialised skill requirements in the U.S. and its significance for Indian professionals and IT companies.
H-1B visas are meant for foreign workers in “specialty occupations”, which generally require specialised knowledge and at least a bachelor’s degree or equivalent. This directly explains why the programme is relevant to sectors such as technology that require specialised skills. Hence, Statement II is correct and explains Statement I.
Indian nationals constitute the largest group of H-1B beneficiaries, with Indian-born applicants accounting for a dominant share of approved petitions. This establishes the importance of the programme for Indian professionals but does not explain why the programme is important to the U.S. technology sector. Hence, Statement III is correct but does not explain Statement I.

Hence, option (b) is correct.

Governance

Q3. With reference to the Pradhan Mantri Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PMFME) Scheme, consider the following statements:

Under its credit-linked capital subsidy component, eligible units can receive a subsidy of 35% of the project cost, up to ₹10 lakh per unit.
The scheme supports Self-Help Groups (SHGs), Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), cooperatives and individual entrepreneurs in the micro food-processing sector.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: (c)

Explanation:

The PMFME (Pradhan Mantri Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises) Scheme was highlighted through the PMFME Bazaar, which showcased grassroots food enterprises from across India.
The scheme provides a credit-linked capital subsidy of 35% of the total project cost, subject to a maximum of ₹10 lakh per unit. SHHE Foods and Soya Rich are examples of enterprises that benefited from this support. Hence, Statement 1 is correct.
The PMFME Bazaar brought together micro food enterprises, SHGs, FPOs, cooperatives and entrepreneurs, providing them opportunities for product showcasing, market linkages and business expansion. Hence, Statement 2 is correct.

Therefore, option (c) is correct.

Art & Cul

Q4. Consider the following pairs:

UNESCO World Heritage Site	State	Year of Inscription
1. Santiniketan	West Bengal	2023
2. Moidams – the Mound-Burial System of the Ahom Dynasty	Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu	2024
3. Maratha Military Landscapes of India	Assam	2025
4. Ancient Buddhist Site of Sarnath	Uttar Pradesh	2026

How many of the above pairs are correctly matched?

(a) Only one

(b) Only two

(d) All four

Answer: (b)

Explanation:

India’s recent UNESCO World Heritage inscriptions include Santiniketan (2023), Moidams (2024), Maratha Military Landscapes (2025), and Ancient Buddhist Site of Sarnath (2026).
Santiniketan was inscribed as a Cultural World Heritage Site in 2023 and is located in West Bengal. It is closely associated with Rabindranath Tagore and his educational and cultural vision. Hence, Pair 1 is correctly matched.
Moidams - the Mound-Burial System of the Ahom Dynasty was inscribed in 2024 and is located in Assam. The given State, Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu, is therefore incorrect. Hence, Pair 2 is not correctly matched.
Maratha Military Landscapes of India was inscribed in 2025 and comprises sites spread across Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu. It represents the military fortification network and strategic landscape associated with the Maratha polity. Hence, Pair 3 is not correctly matched.
Ancient Buddhist Site of Sarnath was inscribed in 2026 and is located in Uttar Pradesh. Sarnath is an important Buddhist site associated with the Buddha’s first sermon after enlightenment. Hence, Pair 4 is correctly matched.

Therefore, option (b) is correct.

Agriculture

Q5. With reference to the Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP) of sugarcane, consider the following statements:

FRP is the price of sugarcane fixed by the Government for procurement from sugarcane farmers.
FRP and Minimum Support Price (MSP) are identical concepts applicable to all agricultural commodities.
FRP is linked to a specified basic sugar recovery rate.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: (c)

Explanation:

India’s sugar industry is in focus amid a recent rise in sugar prices, with concerns over lower domestic production, global supply constraints, seasonal demand, and measures to curb hoarding.
The Government has fixed the Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP) for sugarcane for the 2026–27 sugar season, bringing renewed attention to the pricing mechanism for sugarcane farmers.
Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP) is the price fixed by the Government for sugarcane. It is the remunerative price that sugar mills are required to pay sugarcane farmers, subject to the applicable recovery-linked provisions. Hence, Statement 1 is correct.
FRP and Minimum Support Price (MSP) are not identical concepts. FRP is specifically associated with sugarcane, whereas MSP is a broader agricultural price-support mechanism covering 23 specified crops currently. Therefore, FRP cannot be described as an MSP applicable to all agricultural commodities. Hence, Statement 2 is not correct.
FRP is linked to a basic sugar recovery rate. The recovery rate refers to the quantity of sugar that can be obtained from a given quantity of sugarcane. The FRP is announced with a basic recovery rate, and the applicable price can be adjusted based on sugar recovery. Hence, Statement 3 is correct.

Hence, option (c) is correct.