International Relations

Q1. Consider the following statements regarding the 2026 BRICS New Delhi Declaration:

The Declaration took note of the adoption of United Nations Security Council Resolution 2803.
It reaffirmed the Arab Peace Initiative, including the establishment of a sovereign and independent State of Palestine within the internationally recognised 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Ans: (c)

Explanation:

The 2026 BRICS New Delhi Declaration addressed major developments in West Asia, particularly the Palestine issue and the evolving regional diplomatic positions.
Palestine: The Declaration referred to UNSC Resolution 2803 and reaffirmed the Arab Peace Initiative and the 1967 borders framework.
Regional context: The consensus document reflected the positions of BRICS members on developments in West Asia while being non-binding in nature.
The Declaration took note of the adoption of UNSC Resolution 2803. Hence, Statement 1 is correct.
It reaffirmed the Arab Peace Initiative, including a sovereign, independent and viable State of Palestine within the internationally recognised 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital. Hence, Statement 2 is correct.

Hence, option (c) is correct.

Geography

Q2. Consider the following statements:

Statement I:

India’s deep-sea exploration does not necessarily imply immediate commercial exploitation of seabed minerals.

Statement II:

India’s deep-sea activities remain at the exploration stage and include biodiversity surveys and environmental studies.

Statement III:

Deep-sea ecosystems are complex and poorly understood, making the consequences of large-scale seabed disturbance difficult to predict.

Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

(a) Both Statement II and Statement III are correct and both of them explain Statement I

(b) Both Statement II and Statement III are correct but only one of them explains Statement I

(d) Neither Statement II nor Statement III is correct

Ans: (a)

Explanation:

India is expanding its deep-sea scientific and technological capabilities while also highlighting the need for ecological assessment before any future exploitation.
Exploration and research: India’s activities include seabed mineral exploration, biodiversity surveys, environmental studies and development of deep-sea technologies.
Ecological uncertainty: The deep ocean remains a poorly understood ecosystem, creating uncertainty regarding the consequences of large-scale seabed disturbance.
India’s activities are currently at the exploration stage and include biodiversity and environmental studies, showing that exploration need not automatically lead to commercial mining. Hence, Statement II is correct and explains Statement I.
Deep-sea ecosystems are complex and poorly understood, making the ecological consequences of seabed disturbance difficult to predict. This supports the distinction between scientific exploration and immediate exploitation. Hence, Statement III is correct and explains Statement I.

Hence, option (a) is correct.

Governance

Q3. Consider the following statements regarding GOBARdhan:

GOBARdhan is an umbrella initiative under Swachh Bharat Mission-Gramin (SBM-G) Phase II.
It promotes the conversion of cattle dung, agricultural crop residue and organic waste into biogas, compressed biogas and organic manure.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Ans: (c)

Explanation:

GOBARdhan represents the resource-recovery component of rural sanitation by converting organic waste into useful products.
Programme linkage: GOBARdhan is a flagship umbrella initiative under SBM-G Phase II.
Resource recovery: It converts cattle dung, agricultural crop residue and organic waste into biogas, compressed biogas (CBG) and organic manure/bio-slurry.
GOBARdhan is an umbrella initiative under SBM-G Phase II. Hence, Statement 1 is correct.
It promotes the conversion of cattle dung, crop residue and organic waste into biogas, CBG and organic manure. Hence, Statement 2 is correct.

Hence, option (c) is correct.

Miscellaneous

Q4. Consider the following statements regarding the National Film Awards:

The National Film Awards were instituted in 1954 and recognise excellence in feature films, non-feature films and writing on cinema.
The 72nd National Film Awards honour achievements in Indian cinema for the year 2024.
The Dadasaheb Phalke Award was instituted in 1954 along with the National Film Awards.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Ans: (a)

Explanation:

The National Film Awards are India’s premier national honours for excellence in cinema and have evolved significantly since their establishment in 1954.
Award structure: The awards cover Feature Films, Non-Feature Films and Best Writing on Cinema, along with the separate Dadasaheb Phalke Award.
Latest edition: The 72nd National Film Awards recognise films and achievements for the year 2024, with the awards ceremony scheduled at Ekta Nagar, Gujarat.
The National Film Awards were instituted in 1954 and cover feature films, non-feature films and writing on cinema. Hence, Statement 1 is correct.
The 72nd National Film Awards honour achievements for the year 2024. Hence, Statement 2 is correct.
The Dadasaheb Phalke Award was instituted in 1969, not in 1954, and was first presented to Devika Rani. Hence, Statement 3 is not correct.

Hence, option (a) is correct.

Environment

Q5. The International Conference on “The Future of Environment and Climate Dynamics”, organised by the National Green Tribunal (NGT), was held in which of the following places?

(a) Mumbai

(b) New Delhi

(d) Hyderabad

Ans: (b)

Explanation:

The National Green Tribunal’s (NGT) International Conference on “The Future of Environment and Climate Dynamics” brought together global stakeholders to deliberate on environmental governance and climate challenges.
Conference focus: The two-day conference addressed climate justice, equity, environmental law and governance, sustainable cities and energy transition.
Global participation: The conference brought together jurists, policymakers, scientists and environmental experts from 17 countries, along with UNEP and ADB.
The International Conference on “The Future of Environment and Climate Dynamics” was held in New Delhi.
The conference was organised by the National Green Tribunal (NGT) and focused on collaborative action on pressing environmental and climate challenges.

Hence, option (b) is correct.