#133 Gov

Q1. With reference to the Kisan Sarathi Platform, consider the following statements:

  1. It is a joint initiative of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology and the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare.
  2. It is implemented by the Indian Agricultural Statistics Research Institute (IASRI) and the Digital India Corporation.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Ans: (c)

Explanation:

  1. The Government highlighted the expansion of the Kisan Sarathi platform.
  2. Kisan Sarathi, launched in 2021, is India's largest integrated digital agro-advisory platform, providing multilingual, personalised services by connecting farmers with experts, weather information, markets and government schemes.
  3. It is jointly launched by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) and the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare. Hence, Statement 1 is correct.
  4. The platform is implemented by Indian Agricultural Statistics Research Institute (IASRI) and the Digital India Corporation. Hence, Statement 2 is correct.

Hence, option (c) is correct.

Read More: https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2278757&reg=3&lang=1



#220 Env

Q2. Consider the following Tiger Reserves:

  1. Bandipur
  2. Kanha
  3. Similipal
  4. Manas

Which of the above are also designated as UNESCO Biosphere Reserves?

(a) 1 and 3 only

(b) 3 and 4 only

(c) 1, 2 and 4 only

(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Ans: (b)

Explanation:

  1. A national workshop held in Alwar, Rajasthan, formulated a science-based framework for tiger reintroduction, supplementation, habitat restoration, and prey augmentation to recover tiger populations in deficient landscapes across India. 
  2. Some Tiger Reserves have also been recognised under UNESCO's Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme, which promotes biodiversity conservation and sustainable development.
  3. Bandipur Tiger Reserve is located in Karnataka and forms part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, but Bandipur itself is not designated as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Hence, Statement 1 is not correct.
  4. Kanha Tiger Reserve is located in Madhya Pradesh and forms the core of the Kanha Biosphere Reserve, It is not included in the UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserves. Hence, Statement 2 is not correct.
  5. Similipal Tiger Reserve is located in Odisha and is part of the Similipal Biosphere Reserve, which was designated as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 2009. Hence, Statement 3 is correct.
  6. Manas Tiger Reserve is located in Assam and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, an Elephant Reserve, and a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Hence, Statement 4 is correct.

Hence, option (b) is correct.

Read More: https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2279065&reg=3&lang=1



#130 Security

Q3. With reference to illicit drug-producing regions and drug trafficking, consider the following statements:

  1. India is geographically located between the Golden Crescent and the Golden Triangle, making it vulnerable to transnational drug trafficking.
  2. The Golden Triangle comprises Myanmar, Thailand and Laos.
  3. The Golden Crescent is currently the world's leading source of illicit opium production.

Which of the statements given above is/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. Located between the Golden Crescent and the Golden Triangle, India is strengthening its response to drug abuse by combining stricter anti-trafficking measures with greater emphasis on treatment, rehabilitation, and harm reduction. 
  2. India lies between the Golden Crescent (Afghanistan, Pakistan and Iran) in the west and the Golden Triangle (Myanmar, Thailand and Laos) in the east, making it vulnerable to cross-border drug trafficking. Hence, Statement 1 is correct.
  3. The Golden Triangle comprises Myanmar, Thailand and Laos and remains a major source of illicit opium and methamphetamine production. Hence, Statement 2 is correct.
  4. According to the International Narcotics Control Board (INCB), Myanmar has recently emerged as the world's leading source of illicit opium production, overtaking the Golden Crescent. Hence, Statement 3 is not correct.

Hence, option (a) is correct.

Read More: https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/editorial/caught-in-the-middle-on-india-and-curbing-drug-abuse/article71161480.ece



#132 IR

Q4. With reference to India's Nuclear Doctrine, consider the following statements:

  1. India follows a policy of No First Use (NFU) of nuclear weapons.
  2. India's nuclear doctrine is based on the principle of credible minimum deterrence.
  3. Under India's NFU doctrine, nuclear weapons can never be used in retaliation.

Which of the statements given above is/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. SIPRI's 2026 Yearbook reports that India has 12 operationally deployed nuclear warheads, highlighting the maturation of its second-strike capability while remaining consistent with its No First Use (NFU) doctrine. 
  2. India's nuclear doctrine is centred on restraint while maintaining a credible retaliatory capability.
  3. India adheres to a No First Use (NFU) policy, under which it commits not to initiate the use of nuclear weapons. Hence, Statement 1 is correct.
  4. India's doctrine is based on credible minimum deterrence, maintaining only the nuclear capability necessary for effective deterrence. Hence, Statement 2 is correct.
  5. Under NFU, India reserves the right to use nuclear weapons in retaliation after suffering a nuclear attack. Hence, Statement 3 is not correct.

Hence, option (a) is correct.

Read More: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/what-indias-12-operationally-deployed-nuclear-warheads-really-mean/article71161400.ece#:~:text=For%20the%20first%20time%2C%20it,systems%20and%20ready%20for%20use.



#210 Sci

Q5. Which of the following correctly distinguishes GAGAN from NavIC?


GAGANNavIC
1.Satellite-Based Augmentation SystemRegional Navigation Satellite System
2.Enhances GPS signalsProvides independent positioning and navigation
3.Primarily for civil aviationMulti-sector navigation and positioning

Select the correct answer using the code below.

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Ans: (d)

Explanation:

  1. India has achieved its first satellite-guided landing of a jet aircraft using the indigenous GAGAN system, marking a major milestone in enhancing the safety and precision of civil aviation navigation. 
  2. Although both GAGAN and NavIC are indigenous space-based navigation initiatives, they serve different purposes.
  3. GAGAN (GPS Aided GEO Augmented Navigation) is an Satellite-Based Augmentation System, whereas NavIC is a Regional Navigation Satellite System (RNSS). Hence, Statement 1 is correct.
  4. GAGAN is developed jointly by the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) and the Airports Authority of India (AAI).
  5. India is the fourth country in the world, after the USA, Europe and Japan, to take up the challenge of establishing the regional SBAS.
  6. GAGAN augments GPS, while NavIC independently provides position, navigation and timing (PNT) services. Hence, Statement 2 is correct.
  7. GAGAN is primarily intended for aviation navigation, whereas NavIC serves multiple sectors including transport, disaster management, fisheries and strategic applications. Hence, Statement 3 is correct.

Hence, option (d) is correct.

Read More: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/desi-gagan-enables-1st-satellite-guided-jet-landing-in-india/articleshow/132042142.cms



#220 Env

Q6. With reference to the Asian Elephant in India, consider the following statements:

  1. The Asian Elephant is listed as Endangered in the IUCN Red List.
  2. It is included in Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
  3. It is included in Appendix I of CITES.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Ans: (d)

Explanation:

  1. The recent death of a ‘makhna’ elephant in Kerala's Malayattoor forests has renewed concern over human-induced elephant mortality and the growing human-elephant conflict in the Parambikulam–Munnar–Malayattoor landscape. 
  2. The Asian Elephant receives the highest level of legal protection in India and internationally.
  3. The Asian Elephant (Elephas maximus) is classified as Endangered in the IUCN Red List due to habitat loss, fragmentation and poaching. Hence, Statement 1 is correct.
  4. It is listed under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, providing the highest degree of legal protection in India. Hence, Statement 2 is correct.
  5. It is included in Appendix I of CITES, prohibiting international commercial trade in wild specimens. Hence, Statement 3 is correct.

Hence, option (d) is correct.

Read More: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/elephant-killings-continue-in-death-zone-of-kerala/article71157966.ece



#220 Env

Q7. With reference to the White-rumped Vulture (Gyps bengalensis), consider the following statements:

  1. It is listed as Critically Endangered in the IUCN Red List.
  2. It is included in Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
  3. The White-rumped Vulture is endemic to India.

Which of the statements given above is/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. The death of a radio-tagged White-rumped Vulture due to electrocution in the Nilgiris has highlighted the conservation challenges facing captive-bred vulture reintroduction programmes and the threat posed by unsafe power infrastructure. 
  2. The White-rumped Vulture is one of the most threatened scavenging birds in South Asia, having suffered a drastic population decline due largely to diclofenac poisoning.
  3. The White-rumped Vulture (Gyps bengalensis) is classified as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List due to a decline of over 95% in its population. Hence, Statement 1 is correct.
  4. It is protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, which provides the highest degree of legal protection in India. Hence, Statement 2 is correct.
  5. The White-rumped Vulture is not endemic to India. It is distributed across the Indian subcontinent and parts of Southeast Asia, including Nepal, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Pakistan, Myanmar, Cambodia, and Laos. Hence, Statement 3 is not correct.

Hence, option (a) is correct.

Read More: https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/energy-and-environment/radio-tagged-white-rumped-vulture-dies-of-electrocution-in-nilgiris/article71160880.ece



#110 His

Q8. Match the following:

List-I (Tribal Leader)List-II (Movement)
A. Sidho Murmu1. Ulgulan
B. Birsa Munda2. Santal Hul
C. Alluri Sitarama Raju3. Rampa Rebellion
D. Govind Guru4. Bhil Movement

Select the correct answer using the code below.

(a) A–2, B–1, C–3, D–4

(b) A–1, B–2, C–4, D–3

(c) A–2, B–3, C–1, D–4

(d) A–4, B–1, C–2, D–3

Ans: (a)

Explanation:

  1. The 170th anniversary of the Santal Hul has renewed attention on the role of tribal women in the rebellion and contemporary debates over customary inheritance rights in the Santhal Pargana region. 
  2. India witnessed several tribal uprisings during British rule against exploitative land policies, forced labour, and colonial administration.
  3. Sidho Murmu (along with Kanho Murmu) led the Santal Hul (1855–56) from Bhognadih in present-day Jharkhand against the British, zamindars and moneylenders. The rebellion ultimately led to the creation of the Santhal Pargana administrative unit. Hence, A–2 is correctly matched.
  4. Birsa Munda led the Ulgulan (Great Tumult) (1899–1900) in the Chotanagpur Plateau of present-day Jharkhand. The movement sought to restore tribal land rights and opposed the exploitative zamindari and beth begari (forced labour) systems. It later influenced the enactment of the Chotanagpur Tenancy Act, 1908. Hence, B–1 is correctly matched.
  5. Alluri Sitarama Raju led the Rampa Rebellion (1922–24) in the Eastern Ghats of present-day Andhra Pradesh. The movement opposed the Madras Forest Act of 1882, which curtailed the traditional forest rights of tribal communities such as the Koyas. Hence, C–3 is correctly matched.
  6. Govind Guru was a social and religious reformer of the Bhil community in present-day Rajasthan and Gujarat. He inspired the Bhil Movement, culminating in the Mangarh Hill massacre (1913), often regarded as the "Adivasi Jallianwala Bagh." Hence, D–4 is correctly matched.

Hence, option (a) is correct.

Read More: https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/this-santal-hool-the-shrinking-space-for-tradition-and-the-women-who-pay-the-price-for-it-10764635/




#133 Gov

Q9. With reference to the PM E-DRIVE Scheme, consider the following statements:

  1. It aims to promote electric mobility through demand incentives and charging infrastructure.
  2. It replaced the FAME India Scheme.
  3. The scheme is implemented by the Ministry of Heavy Industries.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 3 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 1 and 2 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Ans: (d)

Explanation:

  1. Delhi's EV Policy 2.0 aims to accelerate electric mobility through phased EV adoption and the installation of 32,000 charging points over the next four years, funded by the PM e-DRIVE Scheme and the Delhi Government.
  2. The PM Electric Drive Revolution in Innovative Vehicle Enhancement (PM E-DRIVE) Scheme is the flagship Central Sector Scheme to accelerate electric mobility in India.
  3. The scheme supports electric vehicle adoption, charging infrastructure, public transport electrification and EV manufacturing ecosystem. Hence, Statement 1 is correct.
  4. PM E-DRIVE replaced the FAME India Scheme as the Centre's flagship EV incentive programme. Hence, Statement 2 is correct.
  5. The scheme is implemented by the Ministry of Heavy Industries (MHI). Hence, Statement 3 is correct.

Hence, option (d) is correct.

Read More: https://www.thehindu.com/business/only-electric-two-wheelers-to-ply-on-delhi-roads-from-2028/article71162937.ece



#230 Geo

Q10. With reference to the Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs), consider the following information:

PVTGAssociated State/UT
I. ShompenAndaman & Nicobar Islands
II. OngeJharkhand
III. ChenchuAndhra Pradesh & Telangana
IV. BirhorLittle Andaman

In how many of the above rows is the information correctly matched?

(a) Only one

(b) Only two

(c) Only three

(d) All the four

Ans: (b)

Explanation:

  1. The proposed Great Nicobar Island Project has reignited debate over balancing strategic infrastructure development with environmental conservation and the rights of the indigenous Shompen and Nicobarese communities under the public trust doctrine. 
  2. Knowledge of the distribution of PVTGs is important for UPSC as they are frequently tested in questions on tribal affairs.
  3. The Shompen are a PVTG inhabiting the interior forests of Great Nicobar Island in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands. Hence, Row I is correctly matched.
  4. The Onge are not found in Jharkhand. They are indigenous to Little Andaman Island in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands. Hence, Row II is not correctly matched.
  5. The Chenchu are a PVTG inhabiting the Nallamala Hills of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. Hence, Row III is correctly matched.
  6. The Birhor are not found in Little Andaman. They are primarily distributed in Jharkhand, with smaller populations in Chhattisgarh, Odisha and West Bengal. Hence, Row IV is not correctly matched.

Hence, option (b) is correct.

Read More: https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/question-great-nicobar-project-nicobarese-shompen-10764556/