Polity

Q1. With reference to the proposed governance framework for Ladakh, consider the following statements:

The Sixth Schedule of the Constitution currently applies to Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura and Mizoram, and provides for autonomous district councils with considerable powers of local governance.
The proposed insertion of Article 371-K seeks to provide Ladakh with a directly elected legislative authority while retaining the Union’s role in the administration of the Union Territory.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Ans: (c)

Explanation

Ladakh was created as a Union Territory without a Legislative Assembly under the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019. Concerns regarding cultural protection and political representation have led to demands for Sixth Schedule status, while the Centre has proposed a separate governance model.
The Sixth Schedule operates under Articles 244(2) and 275(1) and provides autonomous district councils in four northeastern States.
The proposed Article 371-K is intended to create a directly elected legislative authority for Ladakh, providing greater local participation while maintaining the Union's administrative role.
The Sixth Schedule applies to Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura and Mizoram. Autonomous districts are governed by district councils, with each council having a maximum of 30 members. Hence, Statement 1 is correct.
The proposed Article 371-K is envisaged as a sui generis governance arrangement providing a directly elected legislative authority for Ladakh. The proposal seeks to balance local political representation and autonomy with national administrative and security considerations. Hence, Statement 2 is correct.

Hence, option (c) is correct.

Science & Tech

Q2. Which of the following best describes a rare disease?

(a) A disease that affects only a very small number of people individually, but may collectively affect a large population.

(b) A disease that is caused exclusively by genetic mutations and is always inherited from one or both parents.

(d) A disease for which no effective treatment or pharmaceutical intervention is available anywhere in the world.

Ans: (a)

Explanation

A rare disease individually affects a relatively small number of people. However, thousands of such diseases collectively affect a very large population.
Rare diseases individually affect very few people, but collectively around 8,000 rare diseases affect hundreds of millions worldwide; India has reported 1,004 rare genetic disorders.
India has strong potential in low-cost pharmaceutical manufacturing, but high treatment costs, limited available therapies, clinical-trial challenges and regulatory gaps restrict access to rare-disease drugs.
The defining feature of a rare disease is its low prevalence individually. However, there are around 8,000 rare diseases, and collectively they affect hundreds of millions of people.
Rare diseases are not necessarily exclusively genetic or inherited. The article specifically discusses rare genetic disorders, but this does not mean every rare disease is necessarily genetic.
Rare diseases are a global concern and are not restricted to developed countries.
Drugs and treatments for some rare diseases do exist, although they remain limited and are often extremely expensive. The article notes that available drugs cater to only about 5% of rare diseases and associated conditions.

Hence, option (a) is correct.

International Relations

Q3. With reference to neutral states in international relations, consider the following statements:

A neutral state is generally required to refrain from participating militarily in an armed conflict between other states and from allowing its territory to be used by foreign forces for military transit.
Switzerland's neutrality prevents it from imposing any economic sanctions on a belligerent state under all circumstances.
Turkmenistan is the Asian country whose status of permanent neutrality has been formally recognised by the United Nations.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Ans: (b)

Explanation

Neutrality refers to the position of a state that does not participate in an armed conflict between other states, subject to the rights and obligations arising under international law. Switzerland provides an example of an adaptable neutrality policy, while Turkmenistan represents a formally recognised permanent neutrality model.
Switzerland has maintained neutrality while retaining flexibility in its foreign policy, including adopting sanctions against Russia.
Turkmenistan has had its permanent neutrality recognised by the UN since 1995, and the UN continues to support this status.
Under the rules of neutrality described in the source, a neutral state cannot participate in military conflicts between other states and must not allow its territory, airspace or waters to be used by foreign armies for transit. Hence, Statement 1 is correct.
Swiss neutrality does not impose an absolute prohibition on sanctions. Switzerland adopted sanctions against Russia while maintaining that such action was compatible with its conception of neutrality. The Neutrality Initiative actually sought to make restrictions on sanctions more rigid by incorporating them into the Constitution. Hence, Statement 2 is not correct.
Turkmenistan is an Asian country with UN-recognised permanent neutrality. Hence, Statement 3 is correct.

Hence, option (b) is correct.

Economy

Q4. With reference to the recent trends in the Indian equity market, consider the following statements:

A weaker domestic currency can simultaneously act as a headwind for the broader equity market and a tailwind for export-oriented pharmaceutical companies.
A buoyant primary market can affect the secondary equity market by absorbing a portion of the available liquidity.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Ans: (c)

Explanation

Recent weakness in the Indian equity market has occurred alongside significant sectoral divergence, with pharmaceutical exporters among the notable outliers.
The weaker rupee can benefit export-oriented companies by increasing the domestic-currency value of their foreign earnings.
Strong primary-market activity can absorb liquidity that might otherwise flow into the secondary equity market.
A weaker rupee can increase the rupee value of foreign-currency earnings. Export-oriented pharmaceutical companies, particularly Contract Development and Manufacturing Organisations (CDMOs), can therefore benefit from a currency tailwind even when a weak rupee weighs on the broader market. Hence, Statement 1 is correct.
A strong primary market, through Initial Public Offerings (IPOs), Further Public Offers (FPOs), Offers for Sale (OFS) and Qualified Institutional Placements (QIPs), can absorb a portion of available investment liquidity. This may divert some flows away from the secondary market, where already-issued securities are traded. Hence, Statement 2 is correct.

Hence, option (c) is correct.

Governance

Q5. The ULLAS initiative, recently seen in the news, is best explained by which one of the following?

(a) An initiative focused on foundational literacy and numeracy among children at the Foundational Stage.

(b) A programme providing digital, online and on-air learning opportunities for school-going children.

(d) A literacy programme for adults aged 15 years and above who missed formal schooling, promoting lifelong learning.

Ans: (d)

Explanation

ULLAS New India Literacy Programme (NILP) is a Centrally Sponsored initiative aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, aimed at promoting literacy and lifelong learning among adults.
ULLAS targets adults aged 15 years and above who missed formal schooling and promotes functional literacy, numeracy, critical life skills and lifelong learning.
NIPUN Bharat, launched in July 2021 under Samagra Shiksha, focuses on foundational literacy and numeracy for children in the 3–8 years age group.
Option (a): This describes NIPUN Bharat, which focuses on foundational literacy and numeracy among children in the 3–8 years age group.
Option (b): This describes PM e-VIDYA, which brings together digital, online and on-air education for school-going children.
Option (c): This describes Samagra Shiksha, an integrated school-education scheme focusing on school effectiveness, equal opportunities and learning outcomes.
Option (d):ULLAS (Understanding of Lifelong Learning for All in Society) targets adults aged 15 years and above who missed formal schooling and promotes functional literacy, numeracy, critical life skills and lifelong learning through community participation and volunteerism.

Hence, option (d) is correct.