DART 25-06-26 - Questlink IAS

#132 IR

Q1. With reference to the BRICS Remote Sensing Satellite Constellation (RSSC), consider the following statements:

It facilitates sharing of remote sensing satellite data among BRICS member countries for applications such as disaster management and environmental monitoring.
It is a common navigation satellite system jointly developed by BRICS countries to provide an alternative to GPS.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Ans: (a)

Explanation:

At the BRICS Heads of Space Agencies (HOSA) Meeting 2026 in Bengaluru, India proposed a "BRICS Space Economy" to deepen cooperation in innovation, investment, and sustainable development in the global space sector.
As part of this vision, member countries also reviewed progress in the BRICS Remote Sensing Satellite Constellation (RSSC),
The BRICS RSSC is a collaborative initiative to enhance the use of Earth observation data among BRICS countries.
RSSC enables member countries to share remote sensing satellite data for applications such as disaster management, agriculture, environmental monitoring and sustainable development. Hence, 1 is correctly mentioned.
RSSC is not a navigation satellite system like GPS, NavIC or BeiDou. It is a data-sharing mechanism based on remote sensing satellites. Hence, 2 is not correctly mentioned.

Hence, option (a) is correct.

#133 Gov

Q2. Consider the following features:

Smart classrooms and ICT-enabled learning
Green school infrastructure
Skill education and vocational exposure
Experiential and competency-based learning

The above are associated with which one of the following schemes?

(a) Samagra Shiksha

(b) PM SHRI

(d) NIPUN Bharat

Ans: (b)

Explanation:

The PM SHRI Scheme was recently in the news after political opposition in Kerala over its implementation, bringing renewed attention to the scheme's objectives and its alignment with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
PM SHRI integrates multiple features envisioned under New Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
Digital infrastructure is a key component of PM SHRI Schools.
Green and sustainable infrastructure is promoted under the scheme.
Vocational education and skill development form part of NEP-aligned school education.
Experiential and competency-based learning are core pedagogical principles.

Hence, option (b) is correct.

#230 Geo

Q3. Consider the following statements:

Statement I: An El Niño event is generally associated with below-normal southwest monsoon rainfall over India.

Statement II: During an El Niño event, weakening of the Pacific trade winds alters atmospheric circulation, reducing moisture transport favourable for the Indian monsoon.

Statement III: El Niño invariably causes drought in every part of India.

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

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

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

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

Ans: (c)

Explanation:

The southwest monsoon recently came under stress due to a strengthening El Niño coincided with an unfavourable Madden–Julian Oscillation (MJO) phase, and the absence of a compensating positive Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD), raising concerns over kharif sowing and food inflation.
El Niño is a major ocean-atmosphere phenomenon influencing the Indian summer monsoon.
Weakening of the trade winds and altered Walker Circulation reduce convection over the Indian region, often weakening the southwest monsoon. Hence, Statement II is correct and explains Statement I.
El Niño does not invariably cause drought across all parts of India; its impacts vary spatially and can be modified by other climatic factors. Hence, Statement III is not correct.

Hence, option (c) is correct.

#133 Gov

Q4. With reference to fire safety regulation in India, consider the following statements:

The National Building Code (NBC) provides model guidelines for fire and life safety in buildings.
The National Building Code is a legally binding Act enacted by Parliament.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Ans: (a)

Explanation:

A major fire at a coaching centre in Lucknow recently highlighted concerns over compliance with fire safety norms, building regulations, and emergency preparedness in commercial and educational establishments.
Fire safety standards in India are largely guided by the National Building Code (NBC), prepared by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS).
The NBC lays down model provisions relating to fire prevention, means of escape and fire protection systems. Hence, 1 is correctly mentioned.
The NBC is a model code and does not have the force of law unless adopted through State laws or local building by-laws. Hence, 2 is not correctly mentioned.

Hence, option (a) is correct.

#132 IR

Q5. Consider the following statements regarding the Quad:

It is an informal strategic grouping comprising India, Australia, Japan and the United States.
It is a military alliance based on mutual defence obligations.
It has expanded cooperation in areas such as maritime security, critical technologies and disaster response.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

(a) 1 and 3 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Ans: (a)

Explanation:

The reported weakening of the Quad amid improving U.S.–China ties and indications of reduced U.S. strategic emphasis on the grouping has revived discussions on its future role in the Indo-Pacific.
The Quad is an informal partnership promoting a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific.
The Quad consists of India, Australia, Japan and the United States. Hence, 1 is correctly mentioned.
It is not a military alliance and does not contain collective defence obligations like NATO. Hence, 2 is not correctly mentioned.
Its agenda includes maritime security, emerging technologies, supply chains, health security and disaster relief. Hence, 3 is correctly mentioned.

Hence, option (a) is correct.

#133 Gov

Q6. With reference to the demographic transition, consider the following statements:

Declining fertility and declining mortality usually occur simultaneously throughout the transition.
Population aging is generally observed during the later stages of demographic transition.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Ans: (b)

Explanation:

The latest Sample Registration System (SRS) data showing India's Total Fertility Rate (TFR) declining to 1.9, below the replacement level, has renewed focus on demographic transition, population ageing, and regional demographic disparities.
Demographic transition describes the shift from high birth and death rates to low birth and death rates.
Mortality usually declines before fertility declines. Hence, 1 is not correctly mentioned.
Low fertility and increased life expectancy result in an ageing population during the later stages. Hence, 2 is correctly mentioned.

Hence, option (b) is correct.

#120 Eco

Q7. Which one of the following authorities administers the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA), 1999?

(a) Ministry of Finance

(b) Reserve Bank of India

(d) Competition Commission of India

Ans: (b)

Explanation:

The Delhi High Court recently quashed the NewsClick FIR and the related ED money laundering proceedings, holding that no prima facie violation of FDI norms under FEMA or predicate offence was made out.
FEMA regulates foreign exchange transactions through a combination of RBI regulations and Central Government notifications.
The RBI administers FEMA and issues regulations governing foreign exchange transactions.
While the Central Government frames certain rules, the principal regulatory authority under FEMA is the RBI.
SEBI regulates the securities market, while CCI deals with competition law.

Hence, option (b) is correct.

#220 Env

Q8. With reference to the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana, consider the following statements:

The scheme aims to promote rooftop solar installations in residential households.
Net metering allows surplus electricity generated by rooftop solar systems to be adjusted against electricity drawn from the grid.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Ans: (c)

Explanation:

Government data under the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana show that widespread adoption of rooftop solar with net metering has enabled a growing number of households especially in Kerala and Rajasthan to reduce their monthly electricity consumption charges to zero.
PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana promotes residential rooftop solar installations to reduce electricity bills and increase renewable energy adoption.
The scheme provides financial support for installing rooftop solar systems in households. Hence, 1 is correctly mentioned.
Under net metering, surplus electricity exported to the grid is adjusted against electricity consumed from the grid, thereby reducing the consumer's bill. Hence, 2 is correctly mentioned.

Hence, option (c) is correct.

Q9. With reference to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), consider the following statements:

It is an autonomous international organization within the United Nations system.
It verifies that civilian nuclear programmes are not diverted for military purposes.
It has the authority to impose economic sanctions on countries violating nuclear safeguards.

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 IAEA recently reaffirmed that inspections of Iran's nuclear facilities will resume under the U.S.–Iran framework agreement, though Tehran maintains they will occur only after a final deal is concluded.
The IAEA promotes the peaceful use of nuclear energy and verifies compliance with nuclear safeguards.
The IAEA is an autonomous international organization that reports to the UN General Assembly and Security Council where appropriate. Hence, 1 is correctly mentioned.
One of its primary functions is to verify that nuclear materials are not diverted to weapons programmes through its safeguards system. Hence, 2 is correctly mentioned.
The IAEA cannot impose sanctions; enforcement measures, if any, are decided by the UN Security Council or individual States. Hence, 3 is not correctly mentioned.

Hence, option (a) is correct.

#230 Geo

Q10. Consider the following countries:

Kazakhstan
Turkmenistan
Azerbaijan
Russia
Iran

Which of the above border the Caspian Sea?

(a) 1, 2 and 5 only

(b) 2, 3, 4 and 5 only

(d) 1, 3 and 5 only

Ans: (c)

Explanation:

The Caspian Sea is the world's largest enclosed inland water body and is of immense geopolitical significance due to its vast oil and natural gas reserves, fisheries, and strategic connectivity between Europe and Central Asia.
Kazakhstan occupies the northern and northeastern shoreline of the Caspian Sea. Hence, 1 is correctly mentioned.
Turkmenistan lies on the eastern coast of the Caspian Sea and hosts the important port of Türkmenbaşy. Hence, 2 is correctly mentioned.
Azerbaijan occupies the western coast of the Caspian Sea, with Baku serving as a major port and energy hub. Hence, 3 is correctly mentioned.
Russia borders the northwestern part of the Caspian Sea through the Republic of Dagestan and the Volga Delta region. Hence, 4 is correctly mentioned.
Iran borders the southern coast of the Caspian Sea and is one of the five littoral states. Hence, 5 is correctly mentioned.

Hence, option (c) is correct.