DART 23-07-26 - Questlink IAS

#230 Geo

Q1. Which of the following best explains the frequent flooding in the Brahmaputra Valley?

High monsoonal rainfall in the catchment.
Large sediment load brought by Himalayan tributaries.
Braided channel pattern of the Brahmaputra.
Frequent seismic activity causing channel instability.

Select the correct answer using the code below:

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 1, 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Ans: (d)

Explanation:

The ongoing wave of floods in some eastern districts of Assam has been the worst in 60 years. Flooding in Assam is a result of the interaction of climatic, geological and fluvial factors.
Heavy southwest monsoon rainfall causes high river discharge. Hence, Statement 1 is correct.
Himalayan rivers carry enormous quantities of sediment, raising the river bed. Hence, Statement 2 is correct.
The Brahmaputra is a braided river, making channel migration and flooding common. Hence, Statement 3 is correct.
Assam lies in Seismic Zone V. Earthquakes can alter river gradients and channels, contributing to flooding. Hence, Statement 4 is correct.

Hence, option (d) is correct.

#120 Eco

Q2. The term "AAROH", recently seen in the news, refers to:

(a) A digital platform for monitoring coal production in India

(b) A national afforestation programme for abandoned mining areas

(d) A satellite-based system for monitoring illegal mining activities

Ans: (c)

Explanation:

The Ministry of Coal recently released AAROH: Annual Report on Mine Closure, India's first report documenting scientific mine closure and repurposing practices.
AAROH is not a coal production monitoring platform.
It is a report, not an afforestation programme.
AAROH, developed by the Coal Controller Organisation, is India's first comprehensive report on scientific mine closure and repurposing practices, documenting 42 scientifically closed coal mines.
It has no relation to satellite monitoring of illegal mining.

Hence, option (c) is correct.

#131 Pol

Q3. Consider the following statements with reference to the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution:

I. The Eighth Schedule recognizes certain languages to promote their development and enrich India's linguistic heritage.

II. Several languages have been added to the Eighth Schedule through Constitutional Amendments since 1950.

III. Inclusion of a language in the Eighth Schedule automatically makes it an official language of the Union.

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

Statement II supports the proposition contained in Statement I.
Statement III contradicts the constitutional position reflected in Statement I.
Statements I and III together establish the constitutional status of official languages.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1 only

(b) 1 and 2

(d) 3 only

Ans: (b)

Explanation:

There have been demands from time to time for inclusion of several Indian languages in the Eighth Schedule to the Constitution including ‘Gor Boli’
The Eighth Schedule serves as a constitutional recognition of specified languages. Under Article 351, the Union has a duty to promote the spread of Hindi while drawing upon the forms, style and expressions of the languages listed in the Eighth Schedule.
Recognition under the Schedule also facilitates their development through measures such as representation in the Official Language Commission and examinations conducted by the Union. Hence, Statement I is correct.
The Constitution originally recognized 14 languages. Subsequently, Sindhi (21st Amendment, 1967), Konkani, Manipuri and Nepali (71st Amendment, 1992), and Bodo, Dogri, Maithili and Santali (92nd Amendment, 2003) were added, increasing the total to 22 languages. Hence, Statement II is correct.
The official language of the Union is governed by Article 343, which provides for Hindi in Devanagari script, with English continuing for official purposes as provided by law.
Inclusion in the Eighth Schedule does not confer the status of an official language of the Union. Hence, Statement III is not correct.

Analysis of the Relationships

Since Parliament has repeatedly expanded the Eighth Schedule through Constitutional Amendments, Statement II reinforces the constitutional objective of recognizing and promoting India's linguistic diversity expressed in Statement I. Hence, Relationship 1 is correct.
Statement I correctly describes the purpose of the Eighth Schedule as recognition and promotion of languages. Statement III incorrectly assumes that such recognition automatically grants official language status. Therefore, Statement III contradicts the constitutional position implicit in Statement I. Hence, Relationship 2 is correct.
Since Statement III itself is factually incorrect, the two statements together cannot establish the constitutional position regarding official languages. Hence, Relationship 3 is not correct.

Hence, option (b) is correct.

#120 Eco

Q4. Consider the following statements regarding the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA):

The FCRA prohibits all NGOs from receiving foreign contributions.
The Act is administered by the Ministry of Home Affairs.

Which of the statements given above is/are not correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Ans: (a)

Explanation:

The Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA) was recently in the news due to the proposed FCRA (Amendment) Bill, 2026.
The FCRA does not prohibit all NGOs from receiving foreign contributions. Eligible organisations may receive foreign funds after obtaining registration or prior permission. Hence, Statement 1 is not correct.
The Act is administered by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). Hence, Statement 2 is correct.

Hence, option (a) is correct.

Evolution of the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA): Key Points

1976: First Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA) enacted.
1984 Amendment: Registration with the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) made mandatory for NGOs receiving foreign contributions.
FCRA, 2010: Replaced the 1976 Act with a stronger compliance and regulatory framework.
FCRA (Amendment) Act, 2020:
Mandatory Aadhaar/Passport identification for key office-bearers.
Foreign contributions to be received only in a designated SBI, New Delhi Main Branch account.
Prohibited sub-granting of foreign contributions to other NGOs.
Reduced the administrative expense limit from 50% to 20%.
Extended the period for suspension of FCRA registration.
FCRA Rules, 2022: Increased the reporting threshold for contributions from relatives abroad from ₹1 lakh to ₹10 lakh.
FCRA Rules, 2024–25:
Allowed carry forward of unspent administrative-expense allocations.
Strengthened renewal documentation and compliance requirements.

#100 Misc.

Q5. With reference to the Commonwealth Games, consider the following statements:

The 23rd Commonwealth Games are being held in Glasgow, Scotland.
India has sent a contingent of 95 athletes, including para-athletes, to participate in the Commonwealth Games 2026.
The Commonwealth Games are held every four years.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Ans: (c)

Explanation:

The 23rd Commonwealth Games are being hosted by Glasgow, Scotland. Hence, Statement 1 is correct.
India is represented by a 125-member athlete contingent, including para-athletes, at the 2026 Commonwealth Games. Hence, Statement 2 is not correct.
The Commonwealth Games are generally conducted every four years. Hence, Statement 3 is correct.

Hence, option (c) is correct.