International Relations

Q1. Consider the following statements regarding BRICS:

The New Development Bank (NDB) was proposed by India at the 2012 BRICS Summit held in New Delhi.
BRICS members have increasingly explored bilateral trade settlements in national currencies instead of relying exclusively on the US dollar.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: (c)

Explanation:

India is preparing to host the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi on September 12–13, 2026, with practical cooperation on trade, financial institutions and supply chains among its priorities.
India proposed a BRICS development bank at the 2012 New Delhi Summit, which subsequently became the New Development Bank (NDB). Hence, Statement 1 is correct.
BRICS countries have increasingly adopted bilateral settlement in national currencies, including mechanisms involving the Indian rupee and other member currencies. Hence, Statement 2 is correct.

Hence, option (c) is correct.

Environment

Q2. Consider the following statements regarding the Striped Hyena:

It is a nocturnal scavenger that plays an important ecological role by consuming carrion and helping maintain clean landscapes.
India is believed to harbour one of the largest populations of Striped Hyenas in the world, although the country does not have an official census for the species.
The Striped Hyena is listed as Endangered in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
In India, the species enjoys the highest level of legal protection under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 1, 2 and 4 only

(d) 1, 3 and 4 only

Answer: (b)

Explanation

The Striped Hyena is a nocturnal scavenger that feeds on carrion and helps remove decaying animal matter, contributing to ecosystem cleanliness and public health. Hence, Statement 1 is correct.
India is believed to have around 1,000–3,000 Striped Hyenas, potentially making it one of the countries with the largest populations, although India lacks an official census for the species. Hence, Statement 2 is correct.
The Striped Hyena is listed as Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List, not Endangered. Hence, Statement 3 is not correct.
In India, the Striped Hyena receives the highest level of legal protection under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. Hence, Statement 4 is correct.

Hence, option (b) is correct.

History

Q3. Consider the following description:

The institution was founded by the Commercial Education Trust under the leadership of an eminent industrialist and philanthropist and six other leading Delhi businessmen. Established during the British Raj to address the severe lack of structured business and vocational education in Indian universities.

Which one of the following institutions is being described?

(a) Hindu College

(b) Shri Ram College of Commerce

(d) Ramjas College

Answer: (b)

Explanation:

As it completes its 100th year, Shri Ram College of Commerce (SRCC) continues to be recognised for its historic contribution to commerce and business education in India.
The institution was founded by the Commercial Education Trust under the leadership of Sir Shri Ram, along with six other leading Delhi businessmen.
It was established during the British Raj to address the lack of structured business and vocational education in Indian universities.
Hindu College, Hans Raj College and Ramjas College are other prominent colleges of the University of Delhi, but they do not match the description given.

Hence, option (b) is correct.

Governance

Q4. Consider the following statements regarding the Emergency Credit Line Guarantee Scheme (ECLGS) 5.0:

It provides government-backed credit guarantees to Member Lending Institutions for extending additional working capital to eligible businesses.
It covers Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, eligible non-Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise business borrowers and scheduled passenger airline companies.
Eligible Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises receive 100% credit guarantee coverage, while eligible non-Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises receive 90% coverage.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: (d)

Explanation:

The Emergency Credit Line Guarantee Scheme (ECLGS) 5.0 was approved in May 2026 to strengthen institutional credit access and provide timely liquidity support to businesses facing external economic disruptions.
The scheme provides government-backed credit guarantees to Member Lending Institutions for extending additional working capital to eligible business borrowers. Hence, Statement 1 is correct.
It covers Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, eligible non-Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise business borrowers and scheduled passenger airline companies. Hence, Statement 2 is correct.
The guarantee coverage is 100% for eligible Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises and 90% for eligible non-Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises. Hence, Statement 3 is correct.

Hence, option (d) is correct.

Governance

Q5. Which one of the following best explains the strategic significance of the Vibrant Villages Programme?

(a) It seeks to replace border guarding forces with local village institutions.

(b) It treats populated and economically viable border villages as an asset for both development and national security.

(d) It focuses exclusively on constructing roads and telecommunications infrastructure.

Answer: (b)

Explanation:

The Vibrant Villages Programme represents a shift from viewing frontier settlements merely as remote or “last” villages towards recognising them as “first villages” and strategic partners in national security and development.
VVP links infrastructure, livelihoods, reverse migration and community resilience with border security.
A populated and confident border belt supports the functioning of border-guarding forces and strengthens India's frontier presence.
Therefore, development and security are treated as mutually reinforcing objectives, rather than competing priorities.

Hence, option (b) is correct.