International Relations

Q1. Consider the following statements:

Statement I:

The deployment of on-orbit space control weapons strengthens the need for clearer multilateral governance of activities in outer space.

Statement II:

The precise meaning of “hostile action” and the capabilities of the deployed weapons remain unclear.

Statement III:

Existing international rules face difficulties in dealing with autonomous, dual-use orbital assets and determining accountability for unintended defensive actions.

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:

The deployment of on-orbit space control weapons has raised concerns over the adequacy of existing international rules for increasingly complex and potentially autonomous space systems.
Unclear thresholds: The article highlights uncertainty over what would constitute “hostile action” and what exactly the deployed weapon is capable of doing.
Legal and accountability gaps: Existing frameworks may not adequately address autonomous, dual-use orbital assets, particularly when commercial systems are involved.
The lack of clarity regarding hostile action and weapon capabilities can create uncertainty and increase the risk of miscalculation or escalation. Hence, Statement II is correct and explains Statement I.
Existing international rules may not be readily applicable to autonomous and dual-use orbital systems, creating difficulties in assigning responsibility for unintended actions. Hence, Statement III is correct and explains Statement I.

Hence, option (a) is correct.

Economy

Q2. Consider the following description:

This method is used to estimate real Gross Value Added (GVA) by adjusting the value of both the output produced and the inputs consumed for changes in their respective prices. It recognises that input and output prices may not move at the same rate. By separately removing the effect of price changes from both sides, it provides a more accurate estimate of the real value created by a sector. The method is particularly useful for measuring real growth when input costs and output prices show different inflation trends.

Which one of the following terms is best described above?

(a) Single Extrapolation

(b) Value Added Deflation

(d) Double Deflation

Ans: (d)

Explanation:

The new GDP series has expanded the use of the Double Deflation method to improve the measurement of real GVA, particularly in manufacturing.
Method: Under this approach, both input values and output values are adjusted using their respective price changes.
Importance: It provides a better estimate of real GVA when input and output prices change at different rates, unlike applying the same deflator to both.
The description refers to Double Deflation, under which both output and input values are adjusted separately for price changes to arrive at real GVA.
The new GDP series uses double deflation in 28 of the 30 manufacturing categories, with work continuing for the remaining two categories.

Hence, option (d) is correct.

Environment

Q3. Consider the following statements regarding the newly identified tiger cat species in Bolivia:

The newly identified cat species inhabits the Yungas cloud forests of Bolivia.
The species has been scientifically named Leopardus tilcayo.
Genetic analysis of tiger cats across South America found five genetically distinct species.
The lineage of the Bolivian tiger cat is estimated to have separated from other tiger cats about 14 million years ago.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1, 2 and 3 only

(b) 1 and 4 only

(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Ans: (a)

Explanation:

The identification of Leopardus tilcayo represents the formal recognition of a new living cat species, based primarily on genetic evidence from tiger cats in South America.
New species: The cat, locally called Tilcayo, was identified in Bolivia’s Yungas cloud forest and formally named Leopardus tilcayo.
Genetic discovery: Researchers analysed DNA from 38 cats, including museum specimens, and found that tiger cats comprise five genetically distinct species.
The newly identified species was found in the Yungas forest of Bolivia, a mountainous cloud-forest region. Hence, Statement 1 is correct.
Researchers gave the new species the scientific name Leopardus tilcayo, retaining its local name. Hence, Statement 2 is correct.
Genetic analysis of 38 cats revealed that tiger cats are actually five genetically distinct species. Hence, Statement 3 is correct.
The Bolivian tiger cat lineage is estimated to have separated from other tiger cats about 1.4 million years ago, not 14 million years ago. Hence, Statement 4 is not correct.

Hence, option (a) is correct.

International Relations

Q4. Consider the following statements regarding the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement (MJDA):

The agreement was signed by Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and Pakistan and provides that an armed attack against any one of the three countries will be regarded as an attack against all three.
The agreement has already acquired a fully operational NATO-like institutional structure with a permanent joint command.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Ans: (a)

Explanation:

The Mecca Joint Defence Agreement was signed in August 2026 by Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and Pakistan to strengthen collective security and deterrence among the three countries.
Collective defence: The agreement states that an armed attack on one of the three countries will be regarded as an attack on all three.
Institutional development: The countries are still taking steps to institutionalise cooperation; a General Secretariat is being established in Saudi Arabia.
The Mecca Joint Defence Agreement was signed by Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and Pakistan, and provides for collective deterrence against armed aggression. Hence, Statement 1 is correct.
The agreement does not yet have a NATO-like permanent institutional structure or joint command; the three countries are still working towards institutionalising their cooperation. Hence, Statement 2 is not correct.

Hence, option (a) is correct.

Governance

Q5. Consider the following statements regarding Ayushman Bharat – Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY):

AB PM-JAY was launched in September 2018 to provide financial protection for secondary and tertiary healthcare.
The scheme provides cashless hospitalisation coverage of up to ₹5 lakh per family per year to eligible beneficiaries.
The scheme primarily provides routine outpatient care rather than hospitalisation-based treatment.

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:

Ayushman Bharat – Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) is the financial protection component of Ayushman Bharat, aimed at reducing the burden of major hospitalisation expenses on vulnerable families.
Healthcare coverage: AB PM-JAY provides financial protection for secondary and tertiary care through cashless hospitalisation.
Coverage amount: Eligible families receive up to ₹5 lakh annual coverage, with treatment available through empanelled public and private hospitals.
AB PM-JAY was launched on 23 September 2018 and covers secondary and tertiary care. Hence, Statement 1 is correct.
The scheme provides cashless hospitalisation coverage of up to ₹5 lakh per family per year. Hence, Statement 2 is correct.
AB PM-JAY is primarily designed for hospitalisation-based secondary and tertiary care, while primary healthcare is provided through Ayushman Aarogya Mandirs. Hence, Statement 3 is not correct.

Hence, option (a) is correct.