#133 Gov

Q1. With reference to the MANAS (Madak Padarth Nishedh Asoochna Kendra) platform, consider the following statements:

  1. It was launched under the aegis of the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), Ministry of Home Affairs.
  2. It enables citizens to confidentially report drug-related activities and access counselling support.

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. MANAS was launched in 2024 under the aegis of the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), Ministry of Home Affairs, in collaboration with the Digital India Corporation (DIC). Hence, Statement 1 is correct.
  2. MANAS is a technology-driven national narcotics helpline that strengthens citizen participation in combating drug abuse and trafficking by enabling confidential reporting of drug-related activities, including trafficking, peddling and illegal cultivation, while also connecting affected individuals to the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment's 14446 de-addiction helpline for counselling and rehabilitation support. Hence, Statement 2 is correct.

Hence, option (c) is correct.

Read More: https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2280204&reg=3&lang=1



#210 Sci

Q2. With reference to superalloys, consider the following statements:

  1. Superalloys are engineered to retain high strength and resist creep even at very high temperatures.
  2. Nickel-based superalloys are widely used in gas turbines and aerospace engines because of their excellent high-temperature performance.
  3. Superalloys are generally preferred over stainless steel in all engineering applications because they offer better corrosion resistance at a lower cost.

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. Researchers at the International Advanced Research Centre for Powder Metallurgy and New Materials (ARCI) have developed a crack-free stainless steel–Inconel bi-metallic structure using laser-based additive manufacturing, enabling reduced use of costly imported superalloys in high-temperature industrial applications.
  2. Superalloys are high-performance alloys designed to operate under extreme conditions of high temperature, stress, oxidation and corrosion. They are indispensable in aerospace, nuclear and advanced power-generation industries.
  3. Superalloys possess excellent high-temperature strength, creep resistance, oxidation resistance and mechanical stability, allowing them to retain their properties even under prolonged exposure to elevated temperatures. Hence, Statement 1 is correct.
  4. Nickel-based superalloys (such as Inconel) are extensively used in gas turbines, jet engines, nuclear reactors and other high-temperature applications because they maintain strength and resist oxidation at temperatures where conventional alloys would fail. Hence, Statement 2 is correct.
  5. Superalloys are significantly more expensive than stainless steel due to their complex composition and manufacturing process. Therefore, they are used selectively in high-temperature regions, while stainless steel is used where high-temperature strength is not critical. Hence, Statement 3 is not correct.

Hence, option (a) is correct.

Read More: https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2280333&reg=3&lang=1



#132 IR

Q3. With reference to the outcomes of the 16th India–Japan Annual Summit, consider the following statements:

  1. The India–Japan Joint Declaration on Economic Security aims to strengthen cooperation in semiconductors, critical minerals and clean energy.
  2. The declaration primarily focuses on defence procurement and joint military production.

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: (a)

Explanation:

  1. India and Japan have expanded cooperation in economic security by strengthening resilient supply chains in critical technologies and strategic sectors.
  2. The Joint Declaration promotes collaboration in semiconductors, critical minerals, ICT including AI, clean energy and pharmaceuticals. Hence, Statement 1 is correct.
  3. The declaration focuses on economic resilience and strategic supply chains, not defence procurement or military production. Hence, Statement 2 is not correct.

Hence, option (a) is correct.

Read More: https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2280591&reg=3&lang=1



#131 Pol

Q4. With reference to the constitutional principles governing bail, consider the following statements:

  1. The presumption of innocence until proven guilty is a fundamental principle of criminal law.
  2. Personal liberty protected under Article 21 is an important consideration while deciding bail applications.

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 debate over prolonged pre-trial detention under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act  has regained attention following recent judicial developments in the 2020 Delhi riots cases, raising concerns about the balance between national security, personal liberty, and the right to a speedy trial under Article 21. 
  2. Courts balance individual liberty with the interests of justice while deciding bail.
  3. Every accused is presumed innocent until proven guilty in accordance with law. Hence, Statement 1 is correct.
  4. Courts consider the constitutional guarantee of personal liberty under Article 21 while deciding bail applications. Hence, Statement 2 is correct.

Hence, option (c) is correct.

Read More: https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/lead/the-right-to-a-fair-trial-at-the-crossroads/article71175093.ece



#100 Misc.

Q5. With reference to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, consider the following statements:

  1. It is the first FIFA World Cup to feature 48 participating teams.
  2. It is jointly hosted by Canada, Mexico and the United States.
  3. It is the first FIFA World Cup to be hosted by more than two countries.

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: (d)

Explanation:

  1. The 2026 FIFA World Cup marks a historic expansion in both participation and hosting arrangements.
  2. The tournament has expanded from 32 to 48 teams. Hence, Statement 1 is correct.
  3. The hosts are Canada, Mexico and the United States. Hence, Statement 2 is correct.
  4. It is the first FIFA World Cup to be hosted by three countries. Hence, Statement 3 is correct.

Hence, option (d) is correct.



#133 Gov

Q6. Annapurna Yojana and Laxmir Bhandar are welfare schemes associated with which one of the following States?

(a) Odisha

(b) West Bengal

(c) Assam

(d) Jharkhand

Ans: (b)

Explanation:

  1. The 2026-27 West Bengal Budget highlighted the proposed Annapurna Yojana alongside the existing Laxmir Bhandar scheme as major women-centric welfare initiatives.
  2.  Both Annapurna Yojana and Laxmir Bhandar are welfare schemes of the Government of West Bengal aimed at providing financial assistance to women.

Hence, option (b) is correct.

Read More: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/welfare-promises-and-fiscal-constraints/article71174124.ece



#120 Eco

Q7. With reference to bonds and debentures, consider the following statements:

  1. Both bonds and debentures are debt instruments.
  2. Interest paid on bonds or debentures is generally fixed and payable irrespective of the profitability of the issuing entity.
  3. Equity shares and debentures both represent ownership in a company.

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. SEBI has constituted an expert working group to comprehensively review the regulatory framework for debenture trustees, aiming to strengthen investor protection and align the trusteeship regime with the evolving corporate bond market and financial sector reforms. 
  2. Bonds and debentures are commonly used by governments and companies to mobilise long-term funds.
  3. Both are debt securities through which issuers borrow money from investors. Hence, Statement 1 is correct.
  4. Interest on debt instruments is generally a contractual obligation and is not linked to profits. Hence, Statement 2 is correct.
  5. Equity shares represent ownership, whereas debentures represent debt. Hence, Statement 3 is not correct.

Hence, option (a) is correct.

Read More: https://www.business-standard.com/markets/news/sebi-sets-up-expert-panel-to-review-debenture-trustee-regulatory-framework-126063000964_1.html



#220 Env

Q8. With reference to the Biodiversity Heritage Sites (BHS) in India, consider the following statements:

  1. Biodiversity Heritage Sites are notified under the provisions of the Biological Diversity Act, 2002.
  2. Declaration of an area as a Biodiversity Heritage Site automatically converts it into a National Park.

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Ans: (a)

Explanation:

  1. The Borjuli wetland in Assam has been officially designated as a Biodiversity Heritage Site (BHS) by the National Biodiversity Authority to conserve its unique population of Oryza rufipogon, a wild rice species known for its natural resistance to pests and diseases.
  2. Biodiversity Heritage Sites are notified under Section 37 of the Biological Diversity Act, 2002. Hence, Statement 1 is correct.
  3. A Biodiversity Heritage Site does not acquire the legal status of a National Park or Wildlife Sanctuary. Hence, Statement 2 is not correct.

Hence, option (a) is correct.

Read More: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/guwahati/wild-rice-habitat-in-assam-now-a-national-biodiversity-heritage-site/articleshow/132144880.cms

#210 Sci

Q9. Consider the following pairs:

OrganisationParent Ministry/Department
1. Technology Development BoardDepartment of Science and Technology
2. Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC)Department of Biotechnology
3. Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)Department of Scientific and Industrial Research

How many of the above pairs are correctly matched?

(a) Only one

(b) Only two

(c) All three

(d) None

Ans: (c)

Explanation:

  1. The Technology Development Board (TDB) under the Department of Science and Technology (DST) has provided financial assistance to Puretronics India Pvt. Ltd., Mumbai to commercialize India's first fully contactless programmable load measurement system, called the LMO (Load Magnetic Overload Sensor). 
  2. The initiative aims to strengthen India's industrial automation ecosystem and reduce dependence on imported sensing technologies. 
  3. India has established multiple institutions to promote scientific research, innovation and commercialization.
  4. TDB supports commercialization of technologies developed in India to bridge the gap between research and industry. 
  5. TDB functions under the Department of Science and Technology (DST).
  6. BIRAC is a Section 8 company under the Department of Biotechnology (DBT).
  7. CSIR functions under the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR), Ministry of Science and Technology.

Hence, option (c) is correct.

Read More: https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2279369&reg=3&lang=1