#Polity

Q1. Consider the following:

  1. Prime Minister of India
  2. Chief Ministers of States
  3. Lieutenant Governors of Union Territories
  4. Vice-Chairperson of NITI Aayog

Which of the above are associated with the Governing Council of NITI Aayog?

(a) 1, 2 and 3 only

(b) 1, 2 and 4 only

(c) 2, 3 and 4 only

(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Ans: (d)

Explanation:

  1. The Governing Council is the highest decision-making body within NITI Aayog's institutional framework.
  2. The Prime Minister serves as its Chairperson. Hence, 1 is correct.
  3. Chief Ministers of States and Lieutenant Governors/Administrators of Union Territories are members. Hence, 2 and 3 are correct.
  4. The Vice-Chairperson of NITI Aayog also participates in the functioning of the Council. Hence, 4 is correct.

Hence, option (d) is correct.

Read More: https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2271043&reg=3&lang=1



#Art & Culture

Q2. Consider the following traditional textile products and the communities/regions with which they are associated:

List-I (Traditional Textile Product)List-II (Associated Community/Region)
Eri Silk and Muga SilkAssam
Santal CottonOdisha
Changpa PashminaChangthang region of Ladakh
Kotpad Cottons Nilgiri Hills of Tamil Nadu
Dongria EmbroideryDongria Kondh community
Toda EmbroideryToda tribe of Tamil Nadu

How many of the above pairs are correctly matched?

(a) Only two

(b) Only three

(c) Only four

(d) Only five

Ans: (d)

Explanation:

  1. Traditional textiles and embroidery styles in India are often closely associated with particular tribes and geographical regions.
  2. Eri Silk and Muga Silk are indigenous silk varieties of Assam. Hence, Pair 1 is correctly matched.
  3. Santal Cotton is associated with the Santal community of Jharkhand, not Odisha. Hence, Pair 2 is not correctly matched.
  4. Changpa Pashmina originates from the Changthang region of Ladakh and is associated with the Changpa pastoralists. Hence, Pair 3 is correctly matched.
  5. Kotpad Cotton is traditionally associated with Odisha, not the Nilgiri Hills of Tamil Nadu. Hence, Pair 4 is not correctly matched.
  6. Dongria Embroidery is practised by the Dongria Kondh community of Odisha, while Toda Embroidery is associated with the Toda tribe of Tamil Nadu. Hence, Pairs 5 and 6 are correctly matched.

Hence, option (c) is correct.

Read More: https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2271214&reg=3&lang=1



#Economy

Q3. With reference to the Skill India Digital Hub (SIDH), consider the following statements:

  1. It functions as a digital public infrastructure for the skilling ecosystem.
  2. It seeks to integrate opportunities relating to skills, jobs, apprenticeships and entrepreneurship.
  3. It operates exclusively as an online learning platform for higher education institutions.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Ans: (a)

Explanation:

  1. Digital public infrastructure is increasingly being used to improve access to skill development services.
  2. Skill India Digital Hub (SIDH) aims to provide an integrated digital ecosystem for skilling-related services. Hence, Statement 1 is correct.
  3. It brings together skilling, employment, apprenticeship and entrepreneurship opportunities on a common platform. Hence, Statement 2 is correct.
  4. It is not limited to higher education institutions nor does it function solely as an online learning portal. Hence, Statement 3 is not correct.

Hence, option (a) is correct.

Read More: https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2271285&reg=3&lang=1



#Economy

Q4. Consider the following statements:

Statement I: The integration of electricity utilities with DigiLocker aims to improve citizen-centric digital service delivery.

Statement II: Consumers can access issuer-verified electricity bills through the DigiLocker platform.

Statement III: Consumers must physically visit electricity distribution offices to obtain digitally authenticated electricity bills.

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

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

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

(c) Only one of the Statements II and III is correct and that explains Statement I.

(d) Neither Statement II nor Statement III is correct.

Ans: (c)

Explanation:

  1. DigiLocker, India’s flagship digital document wallet under the Digital India programme, has successfully onboarded 68 Electricity Distribution Companies (DISCOMs) and Power Departments across the country. 
  2. Electricity consumers can retrieve electricity bills directly from trusted issuers through DigiLocker. Hence, Statement II is correct.
  3. The integration reduces, rather than necessitates, physical visits to utility offices. Hence, Statement III is not correct.
  4. Statement II explains how the integration contributes to improved digital service delivery envisaged in Statement I. 

Hence, option (c) is correct.

Read More: https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2271375&reg=3&lang=1



#Miscellaneous

Q5. Which of the following is/are the most significant implication(s) of receiving the Sangeet Natak Akademi Fellowship?

  1. It represents the highest national recognition in the field of performing arts conferred by the Akademi.
  2. It acknowledges sustained and distinguished contributions to music, dance or drama.

Select the answer using the code given below:

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Ans: (c)

Explanation:

  1. The Fellowship is regarded as one of the most prestigious honours in India's cultural landscape.
  2. It is the highest honour bestowed by the Sangeet Natak Akademi. Hence, Statement 1 is correct.
  3. The Fellowship recognises eminent practitioners, scholars and gurus for their outstanding contributions to the performing arts. Hence, Statement 2 is correct.

Hence, option (c) is correct.

Read More: https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2271371&reg=3&lang=1



#Economy

Q6. With reference to the Balance of Payments (BoP), the term "Net Foreign Direct Investment (FDI)" refers to:

(a) Gross FDI inflows excluding reinvested earnings

(b) Gross FDI inflows minus outward FDI, after accounting for capital repatriation

(c) Total FDI received in the manufacturing sector

(d) FDI inflows adjusted for dividend remittances and royalty payments

Ans: (b)

Explanation:

  1. Net Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) captures the actual net addition to foreign investment through the financial account.
  2. It is derived by adjusting gross FDI inflows for outward FDI and capital repatriation/disinvestment.
  3. Dividend remittances are recorded in the current account and do not directly affect net FDI.

Hence, option (b) is correct.

Read More: https://www.thehindu.com/business/Economy/the-reality-behind-falling-net-fdi/article71084799.ece



#Economy

Q7. 'X' was explaining the features of different deposit accounts available to Non-Resident Indians under the framework of foreign exchange regulations. 'X' stated that a Foreign Currency Non-Resident [FCNR(B)] account allows deposits to be maintained in designated foreign currencies, thereby protecting the depositor from exchange rate fluctuations in India. 'Y' pointed out that the principal amount and interest in an FCNR(B) account are freely repatriable and the interest earned is exempt from tax in India. However, 'Z' argued that resident Indians can independently open FCNR(B) accounts for investing their domestic savings in foreign currencies.

Based on the above, select the correct conclusion from the options given below:

(a) Only 'X' is correct.

(b) Both 'X' and 'Y' are correct, but 'Z' is not correct.

(c) Both 'Y' and 'Z' are correct, but 'X' is not correct.

(d) The views of 'X', 'Y' and 'Z' are all correct.

Ans: (b)

Explanation:

  1. FCNR(B) accounts are term deposit accounts designed specifically for Non-Resident Indians and certain other eligible persons under the Foreign Exchange Management Act framework.
  2. FCNR(B) deposits are maintained in specified foreign currencies, shielding depositors from rupee exchange rate fluctuations. Hence, the view of 'X' is correct.
  3. The principal and interest are fully repatriable, and the interest earned is exempt from tax in India. Hence, the view of 'Y' is correct.
  4. FCNR(B) accounts can be opened only by Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) and Overseas Citizens of India (OCIs), and not independently by resident Indians. Hence, the view of 'Z' is not correct.

Hence, option (b) is correct.

Read More: https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-economics/fcnrb-deposit-rates-nri-returns-rbi-swap-scheme-explained-10734587/



#Science &Tech

Q8. Mr. X, a senior flight operations officer, was conducting an emergency preparedness training programme for newly recruited pilots. He explained that modern aircraft are designed with multiple layers of redundancy to ensure passenger safety. During the discussion, he referred to a device that automatically deploys during extreme emergencies involving the failure of primary power systems and uses the aircraft's forward motion through air to provide limited power to essential systems required for safe flight operations.

Which one among the following aviation technologies was Mr. X most likely referring to?

(a) Auxiliary Power Unit (APU)

(b) Ram Air Turbine (RAT)

(c) Traffic Collision Avoidance System (TCAS)

(d) Enhanced Ground Proximity Warning System (EGPWS)

Ans: (b)

Explanation:

  1. A Ram Air Turbine (RAT) is an emergency backup system installed in many modern aircraft.
  2. It deploys automatically or manually during severe failures of the aircraft's normal electrical and/or hydraulic systems.
  3. The turbine is driven by the airflow generated by the aircraft's forward movement and provides limited power to critical flight systems.
  4. An Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) is mainly used for providing power during ground operations and engine start-up.
  5.  Traffic Collision Avoidance System (TCAS) helps prevent mid-air collisions, while EGPWS warns pilots of potential terrain collisions.

Hence, option (b) is correct.

Read More: https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/lead/the-forgotten-copilot-of-air-india-flight-171/article71085744.ece



#International Relations

Q9. Kharg Island, sometimes mentioned in international news reports, is best known as:

(a) The headquarters of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC)

(b) Iran's principal offshore oil export hub in the Persian Gulf

(c) A major naval base located in the Gulf of Aden

(d) An artificial island developed by the United Arab Emirates for tourism

Ans: (b)

Explanation:

  1. Kharg Island is one of Iran's most critical energy infrastructure assets.
  2. It functions as the country's main oil export terminal, connected to major oil-producing regions by pipelines.
  3. Due to its strategic location in the Persian Gulf, it has often featured in discussions related to regional security and energy markets.

Hence, option (b) is correct.

Read More: https://indianexpress.com/article/world/donald-trump-us-strike-tehran-iran-take-over-kharg-island-10735027/



#International Relations

Q10. Consider the following countries:

  1. Armenia
  2. Kuwait
  3. Pakistan
  4. Turkmenistan
  5. Turkey

How many of the above countries share a land border with Iran?

(a) Only two

(b) Only three

(c) Only four

(d) All five

Ans: (c)

Explanation:

  1. Iran is a strategically important country in West Asia and shares land borders with seven countries.
  2. Iran shares land borders with Armenia, Pakistan, Turkmenistan, and Turkey. Hence, 1, 3, 4 and 5 are correct.
  3. Kuwait does not share a land border with Iran; the two countries are separated by the Persian Gulf. Hence, 2 is not correct.
  4. Iran's seven land neighbours are: Iraq, Turkey, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan, Afghanistan, and Pakistan.

Hence, option (c) is correct.

Read More: https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/us-military-strikes-multiple-targets-in-iran-in-second-day-of-renewed-fire/article71087454.ece