#Polity

Q1. Consider the following assertion:

Assertion: The National Commission for Minorities is primarily a recommendatory watchdog rather than an adjudicatory authority.

Which of the following statements support the above assertion?

  1. It advises the Central Government on policy matters relating to minorities.
  2. It examines complaints and enjoys limited civil court powers during inquiries.
  3. It can invalidate executive orders violating minority rights.

Select the answer using the code given below.

(a) 1 only

(b) 1 and 2 only

(c) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: (b) 

Explanation

  1. Recently, the Centre appointed Harjit Singh Grewal as Chairperson of the National Commission for Minorities, filling a post that had remained vacant since April 2025. 
  2. The National Commission for Minorities (NCM) is a statutory body established under the National Commission for Minorities Act, 1992. Its role is primarily advisory, investigative and recommendatory, not judicial. Hence, Statement 1 is correct.
  3. The NCM advises the Central Government on matters concerning the protection and welfare of notified minority communities. Its recommendations help shape policies but are not legally binding. 
  4. The Commission can receive and inquire into complaints relating to deprivation of minority rights. During such inquiries, it enjoys certain powers of a civil court, such as:
  5. summoning and enforcing the attendance of witnesses,
  6. requiring the production of documents,
  7. receiving evidence on affidavits. Hence, Statement 2 is correct.
  8. These powers are meant to facilitate investigations and fact-finding. They do not make the Commission a court of law.  
  9. The NCM cannot invalidate executive orders, strike down laws, or issue binding judicial directions. Such powers belong to the constitutional courts (High Courts and the Supreme Court) exercising the power of judicial review. Hence, Statement 3 is incorrect.
  10. Hence, option b is correct.


#Economy

Q2. With the revision of the Index of Core Industries (ICI) series to the base year 2022–23, which one of the following has been newly included as a core industry?

(a) Iron Ore

(b) Copper

(c) Aluminium

(d) Petroleum Products

Answer: (a)

Explanation:

  1. The Office of Economic Adviser under DPIIT is set to release the revised Index of Core Industries (ICI) with 2022–23 as the new base year, replacing the existing 2011–12 series.
  2. The weights for the ICI (2022–23) series are derived from the Index of Industrial Production (IIP) 2022–23 series released by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation.
  3. The weights of the ICI basket items are redistributed pro-rata to total 100 for finalisation.
  4. ICI is being compiled on a monthly basis 
  5. The revised ICI series includes Iron Ore as the ninth core industry because of its extensive use in industrial production and its significant role in industrial development.
  6. The earlier ICI series covered eight industries:
  7. Coal
  8. Crude Oil
  9. Natural Gas
  10. Refinery Products
  11. Fertilizers
  12. Steel
  13. Cement
  14. Electricity
  15. All eight have been retained in the revised series, while Iron Ore has been added, increasing the number of core industries from eight to nine.
  16. Hence, option a is correct.


#Geography

Q3. Which one of the following best describes Manasbal Lake?

(a) A high-altitude glacial lake located in Ladakh

(b) A brackish water lagoon on the Jammu coast

(c) An alkaline, spring-fed freshwater lake in Jammu & Kashmir known as India's deepest freshwater lake

(d) An oxbow lake formed by the Jhelum River in Kashmir Valley

Answer: (c)

Explanation:

  1. Manasbal Lake in Ganderbal district, Jammu and Kashmir, regarded as the country’s deepest freshwater lake, is showing signs of ecological recovery with the return of diverse migratory birds during the winter of 2025–26.
  2. The recovery has been linked to measures such as weed removal, dredging, water budgeting, pollution control and community participation, bringing the lake’s geography and wetland conservation into focus.
  3. It is regarded as India's deepest freshwater lake, with a maximum depth of about 13 metres. 
  4. It is an alkaline, spring-fed freshwater lake, sustained by groundwater springs, precipitation and surface runoff.
  5. Often referred to as the "Supreme Gem of Kashmir Lakes," it is renowned for its lotus blooms, rich aquatic biodiversity and diverse migratory bird population. 
  6. The lake serves as an important wetland habitat, supporting numerous resident and migratory bird species, making it ecologically significant.
  7. Hence, option c is correct.


#Miscellaneous

Q4. Consider the following statements regarding testosterone:

  1. It contributes to red blood cell production.
  2. It plays a role in maintaining muscle mass and bone density.
  3. Its physiological functions are limited exclusively to reproduction.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 1 and 2 only

(c) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: (b) 

Explanation

  1. The US Department of Defense has introduced annual testosterone screening for active-duty personnel aged 30 years and above, highlighting the hormone's importance in military readiness and renewed focus on testosterone deficiency and Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT).
  2. Testosterone is the primary male sex hormone, produced mainly by the testes under the regulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis. Beyond its role in reproduction, it performs several vital physiological functions.
  3. Statement 1 is correct. Testosterone stimulates erythropoiesis (red blood cell production) by increasing haemoglobin levels and red blood cell mass. Consequently, TRT may cause excessive erythrocytosis in some individuals, necessitating regular medical monitoring.
  4. Statement 2 is correct. Testosterone promotes the development and maintenance of skeletal muscle mass, muscle strength and bone mineral density. Deficiency can lead to muscle loss and reduced bone density, while appropriately prescribed TRT may help improve these parameters.
  5. Statement 3 is incorrect. Testosterone has functions extending well beyond reproduction. Besides supporting fertility, sperm production and sexual function, it also regulates red blood cell production, muscle and bone health, body fat distribution, mood and energy levels.
  6. Hence, option (b) is correct.


#Economy

Q5. The Investment Friendliness Index has been developed and released by

(a) Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT)

(b) Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI)

(c) Finance Commission

(d) NITI Aayog

Answer: (d) 

Explanation:

  1. NITI Aayog has released the Investment Friendliness Index (IFI), a new framework to assess how effectively States and Union Territories create an environment conducive to attracting investments.
  2. The Index seeks to strengthen competitive and cooperative federalism by benchmarking State-level investment ecosystems and encouraging reforms in line with the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047.
  3. The Index assesses investment attractiveness across eight pillars, including infrastructure, business climate, regulatory ease, institutional environment, financial health and environmental resilience. 
  4. It combines 84 indicators, drawing upon both secondary data and investor perception surveys, to benchmark States and identify areas for policy improvement.
  5. Hence, option d is correct.