Science & Tech

Q1. Consider the following Assertion and Reason:

Assertion (A): India needs to establish clear long-term financial responsibility for the management and disposal of spent nuclear fuel as private participation expands in the nuclear sector.

Reason (R): Removal of spent fuel from a reactor’s storage pool does not amount to its permanent disposal and does not resolve the costs of long-term storage, monitoring and geological disposal.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.

(b) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A.

(d) A is false, but R is true.

Ans: (a)

Explanation

The article discusses the long-term financial and institutional responsibility for radioactive waste as private operators enter India’s nuclear power sector under the new regulatory framework.
India traditionally viewed spent fuel as a potential resource because valuable uranium and plutonium can be recovered through reprocessing.
However, reprocessing does not eliminate radioactivity, and some materials will ultimately require long-term management and potentially permanent disposal.
With private participation, India must clearly define who bears the financial responsibility after spent fuel leaves the reactor’s storage pool, including the costs of long-term storage, monitoring and eventual disposal. Hence, Assertion is correct.
Removing spent fuel from the reactor pool is only an intermediate storage step. It does not constitute permanent disposal, and radioactive material continues to require safe management for very long periods. Hence, Reason is correct.
The Reason directly explains the Assertion because the long-term nature of radioactive waste management makes it necessary to establish financial responsibility beyond the initial removal of spent fuel. Hence, Reason is the correct explanation of Assertion.

Hence, option (a) is correct.

Governance

Q2. Which of the following systems of medicine are included in the AYUSH framework?

Ayurveda
Yoga and Naturopathy
Unani and Siddha
Allopathy and Homoeopathy

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 1, 2 and 3 only

(d) 2, 3 and 4 only

Ans: (b)

Explanation:

The National Institute of Sowa Rigpa (NISR), Leh, organised a national workshop on the scope and challenges of Sowa Rigpa after its recognition as a system of medicine.
The AYUSH framework covers recognised traditional and complementary systems of medicine, including Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, Homoeopathy and Sowa Rigpa.
Allopathy is not an AYUSH system, as it is part of modern/conventional medicine.
Ayurveda is one of the systems included under the Ministry of Ayush. Hence, Statement 1 is correct.
Yoga and Naturopathy are included in the AYUSH framework. Hence, Statement 2 is correct.
Unani and Siddha are recognised systems under AYUSH. Hence, Statement 3 is correct.
Homoeopathy is included under AYUSH, but Allopathy is not. Therefore, the statement is not correct. Hence, Statement 4 is not correct.

Hence, option (b) is correct.

Polity

Q3. Consider the following statements regarding the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC):

The Chief Election Commissioner can be removed from office only on the grounds of proved misbehaviour or incapacity, following a procedure similar to that applicable to a Judge of the Supreme Court.
The Chief Election Commissioner has overriding authority to unilaterally overrule the other Election Commissioners in matters decided by the Election Commission.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Ans: (a)

Explanation:

The constitutional framework gives the Chief Election Commissioner a high degree of security of tenure, while the Election Commission functions as a multi-member body for decision-making.
Removal protection: The CEC can be removed only through a stringent parliamentary process on the grounds of proved misbehaviour or incapacity.
Decision-making: The CEC is described as “first among equals”, and the Election Commission seeks unanimity wherever possible; where differences arise, the majority view prevails.
Under Articles 324(5) and 124(4) of the Constitution, the CEC can be removed only in like manner and on like grounds as a Judge of the Supreme Court, including proved misbehaviour or incapacity. Hence, Statement 1 is correct.
The CEC does not possess an overriding vote over the other Election Commissioners; where consensus is not reached, the majority prevails. Hence, Statement 2 is not correct.

Hence, option (a) is correct.

Governance

Q4. Consider the following statements regarding Make in India:

Make in India was launched on 25 September 2014 with the objective of promoting India as a global hub for manufacturing, design and innovation.
The initiative is guided by the approach of “Minimum Government, Maximum Governance” and seeks to facilitate investment, innovation and world-class infrastructure.
The National Single Window System (NSWS) provides a common digital platform through which businesses can identify and apply for various Central and State-level approvals.

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: (d)

Explanation:

Make in India has evolved into a broader manufacturing and investment framework, combining policy reforms, digital facilitation and support for domestic production.
Policy orientation: The initiative focuses on facilitating investment, fostering innovation and developing world-class infrastructure under “Minimum Government, Maximum Governance.”
Investment facilitation: The NSWS provides businesses with a common platform to identify required approvals and submit applications, supporting ease of doing business.
Make in India was launched on 25 September 2014 with the ambition of making India a global hub for manufacturing, design and innovation. Hence, Statement 1 is correct.
The initiative follows the approach of “Minimum Government, Maximum Governance” and focuses on investment, innovation and infrastructure. Hence, Statement 2 is correct.
The National Single Window System (NSWS) provides a common digital platform for businesses to identify and apply for required approvals from Central and State authorities. Hence, Statement 3 is correct.

Hence, option (d) is correct.

Governance

Q5. Consider the following statements regarding Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushalya Yojana (DDU-GKY) 2.0:

DDU-GKY provides placement-linked skill training to rural youth aged 15–35 years from poor households.
Under DDU-GKY 2.0, the minimum duration of placement has been increased from three months to six months.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Ans: (c)

Explanation:

Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushalya Yojana (DDU-GKY) 2.0 has strengthened the rural skilling framework by linking training with employment, retention and post-placement support.
Target group: The scheme focuses on poor rural youth in the 15–35 age group.
Employment focus: The revised framework has increased the minimum placement duration and expanded post-placement support.
DDU-GKY provides placement-linked skill training to rural youth aged 15–35 years from poor households. Hence, Statement 1 is correct.
Under DDU-GKY 2.0, the minimum placement duration has been increased from three months to six months. Hence, Statement 2 is correct.

Hence, option (c) is correct.