Environment

Q1. Consider the following statements with reference to the Giant Panda:

The Giant Panda is classified as Endangered on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
The Giant Panda is listed under Appendix I of CITES, which provides it a high level of protection from international trade.
The Giant Panda is a bear species native to China, particularly associated with mountainous, bamboo-rich habitats.
Despite belonging to the order Carnivora, the Giant Panda has a predominantly herbivorous diet, with bamboo forming the major part of its food.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2, 3 and 4 only

(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Ans: (b)

Explanation

The Giant Panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) is an iconic species associated with China and is also prominent in panda diplomacy, where pandas are leased to foreign zoos as part of conservation-oriented arrangements.
The species is closely associated with China and bamboo-rich habitats.
Its international movement and trade are subject to strict conservation safeguards.
The Giant Panda is classified as Vulnerable, rather than Endangered, on the IUCN Red List. Hence, Statement 1 is not correct.
The Giant Panda is listed under Appendix I of CITES, which provides the species with a high level of protection from international trade. Hence, Statement 2 is correct.
The Giant Panda is a bear species native to China and is particularly associated with mountainous habitats where bamboo is abundant. Hence, Statement 3 is correct.
Although taxonomically placed in the order Carnivora, the Giant Panda has a predominantly herbivorous diet, with bamboo forming the major part of its food. Hence, Statement 4 is correct.

Hence, option (b) is correct.

Economy

Q2. Consider the following statements with reference to Goods and Services Tax (GST) revenue trends in India:

A higher growth rate of import-linked GST revenue necessarily indicates stronger growth in domestic consumption and production.
A rising share of GST revenue from imports can increase the sensitivity of GST collections to factors such as exchange rates, commodity prices and import volumes.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Ans: (b)

Explanation

GST revenue in September 2026 rose to ₹2.03 lakh crore, but the composition of revenue showed a growing contribution from imports.
Import-linked GST revenue grew 25.9%, compared with 10.1% growth in domestic GST revenue.
The import component accounted for 32.2% of gross GST revenue, its highest-ever share in the data discussed in the article.
Faster growth in import-linked GST revenue does not necessarily indicate stronger domestic consumption or production, since import revenue can rise due to changes in exchange rates, commodity prices and the overall import bill. Hence, Statement 1 is not correct.
A greater dependence on import-linked GST revenue can make collections more sensitive to the rupee exchange rate, commodity prices and import volumes. For instance, rupee depreciation can raise the landed rupee value of dollar-denominated imports. Hence, Statement 2 is correct.

Hence, option (a) is correct.

Governance

Q3. Consider the following :

Assertion (A):

The Swachh Bharat Mission places behaviour change communication at the centre of its sanitation approach.

Reason (R):

Infrastructure alone cannot ensure sustained sanitation outcomes, and SBM therefore seeks to influence attitudes, social norms and everyday practices through communication and community participation.

Which one of the following is correct?

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

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

(d) A is not correct, but R is correct.

Ans: (a)

Explanation

The Swachh Bharat Mission has evolved from a focus on sanitation infrastructure towards sustained behavioural change, participation and collective responsibility.
SBM places behaviour change communication at the centre of implementation, rather than limiting its focus to creation of sanitation infrastructure. Hence, Assertion(A) is correct.
The Mission recognises that sustained sanitation outcomes require changes in attitudes, social norms and everyday practices, supported by communication and community participation. Hence, Reason(R) is correct and it correctly explains the Assertion(A).

Hence, option (a) is correct.

Environment

Q4. Consider the following statements with reference to Water Hyacinth:

Water hyacinth is an invasive aquatic plant.
Its rapid growth can hamper fishing and transportation.
It can be used to make handicrafts and generate livelihoods.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Ans: (d)

Explanation

Water hyacinth, locally known as ‘pani meteka’, is an invasive aquatic plant that can affect freshwater bodies but can also be converted into useful products.
In Borchila village, Assam, women are converting water hyacinth into handicrafts.
The initiative demonstrates resource recovery and livelihood generation.
Water hyacinth is an invasive aquatic plant that spreads rapidly across freshwater bodies and can overcrowd rivers, ponds and lakes. Hence, Statement 1 is correct.
Its overgrowth can hamper fishing and transportation and make freshwater bodies less viable for these activities. Hence, Statement 2 is correct.
Water hyacinth can be converted into handicrafts, providing an additional source of livelihood and income for local communities. Hence, Statement 3 is correct.

Hence, option (d) is correct.

Governance

Q5. Consider the following statements with reference to the PM Electric Drive Revolution in Innovative Vehicle Enhancement (PM E-DRIVE) Scheme:

The PM E-DRIVE Scheme seeks to promote electric mobility through both demand incentives for eligible electric vehicles and support for charging infrastructure.
The scheme is limited to providing purchase incentives for electric two-wheelers and does not cover electric buses or vehicle-testing infrastructure.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Ans: (a)

Explanation

The PM E-DRIVE Scheme, implemented from October 2024 and extended up to 31 March 2028, aims to accelerate EV adoption and strengthen India's domestic electric-mobility ecosystem.
The scheme combines demand-side incentives with support for charging infrastructure and testing facilities.
It covers multiple categories, including e-2Ws, e-3Ws, e-ambulances, e-trucks and e-buses.
The scheme provides demand incentives for eligible EV categories and also supports the development of EV public charging stations (EV PCS). Thus, it addresses both EV adoption and charging infrastructure. Hence, Statement 1 is correct.
PM E-DRIVE is not restricted to electric two-wheelers. It covers several categories, including e-buses, and provides ₹780 crore for modernisation and upgradation of vehicle testing agencies.Hence, Statement 2 is not correct.

Hence, option (a) is correct.