DART 12-06-26 - Questlink IAS

#International Relations

Q1. Consider the following statements:

The theme of the 13th BRICS Urbanisation Forum was "Cities for People: BRICS Cooperation for Inclusive and Resilient Urban Futures."
India has hosted the BRICS Urbanisation Forum only once under its BRICS Chairship.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Ans: (a)

Explanation:

The BRICS Urbanisation Forum focuses on addressing common urban challenges faced by emerging economies.
The 2026 Forum was organised under the theme "Cities for People: BRICS Cooperation for Inclusive and Resilient Urban Futures." Hence, Statement 1 is correct.
India hosted the Forum for the fourth time (2013, 2016, 2021 and 2026). Hence, Statement 2 is not correct.

Hence, option (a) is correct.

#International Relations

Q2. Consider the following statements regarding the International Labour Organization (ILO):

The International Labour Organization is the only tripartite specialised agency of the United Nations.
India is a founding member of the International Labour Organization.
The Global Coalition for Social Justice, established in 2023, is an initiative of the International Labour Organization.

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:

The International Labour Organization (ILO) promotes social justice and internationally recognised labour standards.
The ILO follows a tripartite structure, involving governments, employers and workers. Hence, Statement 1 is correct.
India has been a founding member of the ILO since 1919. Hence, Statement 2 is correct.
The Global Coalition for Social Justice was launched by the ILO in 2023 to strengthen multilateral cooperation on social justice issues. Hence, Statement 3 is correct.

Hence, option (d) is correct.

#Polity

Q3. Match the following schemes with their target groups:

Scheme	Target Group
PM JANMAN	Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups
PM-AJAY	Scheduled Castes
PM-YASASVI	OBCs, EBCs and DNTs
PM VIKAS	Minority Communities

How many of the above pairs are correctly matched?

(a) Only one

(b) Only two

(d) All four

Ans: (d)

Explanation:

These schemes aim to address the specific developmental needs of different vulnerable communities through targeted interventions.
PM JANMAN (Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan) is a mission-mode programme launched for the socio-economic development of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs). Hence, Pair 1 is correctly matched.
PM-AJAY (Pradhan Mantri Anusuchit Jaati Abhyuday Yojana) focuses on the integrated development of Scheduled Caste-majority villages through infrastructure creation and livelihood support. Hence, Pair 2 is correctly matched.
PM-YASASVI (PM Young Achievers Scholarship Award Scheme for Vibrant India) provides scholarship support to Other Backward Classes (OBCs), Economically Backward Classes (EBCs), and Denotified Tribes (DNTs). Hence, Pair 3 is correctly matched.
PM VIKAS [Pradhan Mantri Virasat Ka Samvardhan] is an integrated scheme aimed at enhancing the educational, economic and skill development opportunities of minority communities. Hence, Pair 4 is correctly matched.

Hence, option (d) is correct.

#Polity

Q4. Consider the following statements regarding disputes arising out of Rajya Sabha elections:

Article 329(b) of the Constitution bars judicial interference in the electoral process once it has commenced.
The rejection of nomination papers by the Returning Officer can ordinarily be challenged through an election petition after the completion of the election process.
The Supreme Court can ordinarily exercise writ jurisdiction under Article 32 to set aside the Returning Officer's order rejecting nomination papers during the ongoing election process.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Ans: (a)

Explanation:

The Constitution seeks to ensure uninterrupted conduct of elections by limiting judicial intervention during the electoral process.
Article 329(b) provides that elections can be questioned only through an election petition. Hence, Statement 1 is correct.
A candidate aggrieved by the rejection of nomination papers may ordinarily challenge the election through an election petition after the declaration of results. Hence, Statement 2 is correct.
Courts generally refrain from exercising writ jurisdiction during the pendency of elections. Hence, Statement 3 is not correct.

Hence, option (a) is correct.

#International Relations

Q5. Consider the following statements regarding the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD):

India is a State Party to the UNCRPD.
Article 28 of the Convention recognises the right of persons with disabilities to social protection and an adequate standard of living.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Ans: (c)

Explanation:

The UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) is an international treaty aimed at promoting and protecting the rights of persons with disabilities.
India ratified the Convention in 2007. Hence, Statement 1 is correct.
Article 28 explicitly recognises the right to social protection and an adequate standard of living. Hence, Statement 2 is correct.

Hence, option (c) is correct.

#Economy

Q6. Assertion (A): The proposed coal exchanges in India are expected to improve transparency and price discovery in coal transactions.

Reason (R): Most coal transactions in India currently take place through regulated exchange platforms with real-time price signals.

(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: (c)

Explanation:

Coal Exchange Rules, 2026 seek to introduce market-based mechanisms in coal trading.
Coal exchanges are expected to enhance transparency and efficient price discovery. Hence, the assertion is true.
At present, most coal transactions occur through long-term contracts, auctions and captive arrangements, rather than exchange-based platforms. Hence, Reason is false.

Hence, option (c) is correct.

#Environment

Q7. Consider the following statements regarding Paraquat:

Paraquat is a non-selective contact herbicide used for controlling weeds.
Exposure to paraquat can cause severe toxicity in humans, particularly affecting the lungs.
Paraquat is classified as an insecticide under the Insecticides Act, 1968.

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:

Paraquat is a widely used but highly toxic agricultural chemical employed for weed control.
It is a non-selective contact herbicide, meaning it destroys most green plant tissues it comes into contact with. Hence, Statement 1 is correct.
Paraquat poisoning can lead to multi-organ damage, especially pulmonary fibrosis and respiratory failure. Hence, Statement 2 is correct.
Paraquat is a herbicide, not an insecticide. Hence, Statement 3 is not correct.

Hence, option (a) is correct.

#Polity

Q8. Consider the following statements regarding the Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) [VB-G RAM (G)]:

The scheme proposes to provide 125 days of employment to eligible rural households in a financial year.
Unlike MGNREGA, employment generation under the scheme is linked to normative annual allocations made for States.
The scheme retains the provision of unemployment allowance if employment cannot be provided due to exhaustion of allocated funds.

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:

Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) [VB-G RAM (G)] has been proposed as a replacement for MGNREGA with certain structural changes.
It provides for 125 days of employment, compared to 100 days under MGNREGA. Hence, Statement 1 is correct.
The scheme shifts towards a normative allocation model, linking employment generation to pre-determined budgets. Hence, Statement 2 is correct.
The proposed framework has been criticised because employment may not be guaranteed once allocations are exhausted, and unemployment allowance provisions are not retained in the same manner. Hence, Statement 3 is not correct.

Hence, option (a) is correct.

#Environment

Q9. Consider the following statements with reference to urban flooding in India:

I. Urban flooding is exacerbated by rapid urbanisation, increasing impervious surfaces, and encroachment upon natural drainage channels.

II. Restoration of urban wetlands and adoption of Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SUDS) can enhance a city's resilience to flood events.

III. The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has emphasised integrated urban flood management involving local governments, forecasting systems, and community participation.

Which of the following relationships among the above statements is/are correct?

Statement II provides remedial approaches to address the factors identified in Statement I.
Statement III strengthens the objectives underlying Statement II by embedding them within a broader institutional and governance framework.
Statement I contradicts Statement III because urban flooding is solely an infrastructural issue rather than a governance challenge.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1 only

(b) 1 and 2 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Ans: (b)

Explanation:

Statement I identifies the causes and aggravating factors of urban flooding.
Statement II suggests nature-based and planning interventions that directly address the problems mentioned in Statement I. Hence, Relationship 1 is correct.
Statement III broadens the response by incorporating institutional coordination, preparedness and governance mechanisms, thereby complementing Statement II. Hence, Relationship 2 is correct.
Urban flooding is both an infrastructural and governance challenge. Therefore, Statement I does not contradict Statement III. Hence, Relationship 3 is not correct.

Hence, option (b) is correct.

#Economy

Q10. With reference to the Domestic Content Requirement (DCR) in India's solar sector, consider the following statements:

Under the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana, only solar panels using domestically manufactured solar cells are eligible for subsidy benefits.
From June 1, 2026, the requirement to use domestically manufactured solar cells was extended to all domestic, commercial and industrial solar projects.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Ans: (c)

Explanation:

Domestic Content Requirement (DCR) aims to strengthen India's domestic solar manufacturing ecosystem and reduce dependence on imported solar components.
Under the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana, subsidy benefits are available only for DCR-compliant solar modules, i.e., modules manufactured using domestically produced solar cells. Hence, Statement 1 is correct.
From June 1, 2026, the Government extended the mandatory domestic cell sourcing norms to domestic, commercial and industrial solar projects, thereby increasing the demand for DCR-compliant modules. Hence, Statement 2 is correct.

Hence, option (c) is correct.