What mattered in the last day or two — from PIB, The Hindu and The Indian Express, written in our own words — then 21 questions in UPSC's formats. +2 for a right answer, −0.67 for a wrong one, 0 for a blank.
1. India Demonstrates First 5.56 km Free-Space Quantum Key Distribution Link
QNu Labs, BISAG-N, and IIT Gandhinagar successfully demonstrated India's first long-distance free-space Quantum Key Distribution link, integrating hardware QKD with post-quantum cryptography for secure communication.
3. First Wild Release of Captive-Bred Great Indian Bustard
India initiates the rewilding phase of Project GIB by releasing captive-bred bustards into Desert National Park enclosures to boost critically endangered populations.
4. Great Indian Bustard Rewilding Initiated in Rajasthan
Union and State officials initiated the release of captive-bred Great Indian Bustards into the wild at Desert National Park, marking a decade-long conservation milestone.
The PM-SETU scheme marks its first anniversary by upgrading 1,000 government ITIs through a hub-and-spoke model and industry-led governance to enhance vocational training relevance.
Launched on October 4, 2025, with a total outlay of ₹60,000 crore (Centre ₹30k cr, States ₹20k cr, Industry ₹10k cr).
Component I upgrades 1,000 Government ITIs using a Hub-and-Spoke model (200 Hubs, 800 Spokes).
Component II augments capacity at five National Skill Training Institutes (NSTIs) via National Centres of Excellence.
Governance is managed by Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) where Anchor Industry Partners hold 51% ownership.
One-year progress includes the identification of 850 ITIs and approval of 14 ITI clusters.
Key terms
Hub-and-Spoke Model
— A network structure where central 'Hubs' provide advanced resources and expertise to peripheral 'Spokes', enabling shared access to modern infrastructure.
Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV)
— A legal entity created for a specific purpose, here used for industry-led governance of ITI clusters with defined ownership stakes.
Strategic Investment Plan (SIP)
— A document submitted by prospective industry partners detailing their investment and role in the upgradation of selected ITIs.
National Centre of Excellence
— Sector-specific advanced training facilities established within NSTIs to promote high-quality skill development and research.
The Indian Air Force aims to finalize the 114-aircraft Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft deal by the end of FY2026-27, while highlighting urgent needs for indigenous engine development and AI integration.
MRFA deal (114 aircraft) expected to be finalized by end of current financial year (FY27).
Annual requirement of 36–40 fighter aircraft stated to address depleting squadron strength.
February clearance granted for 114 Rafale jets via government-to-government framework with France.
Su-57 offer from Russia acknowledged but no decision made; AMCA delays could trigger alternative procurement.
Emphasis on domestic fighter engine manufacturing and AI-augmented force for future operations.
Key terms
Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA)
— A proposed acquisition of 114 advanced fighter jets intended to replace older fleets and enhance IAF combat capabilities.
Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA)
— An indigenous fifth-generation stealth fighter program being developed by India to ensure long-term self-reliance in air power.
Government-to-Government (G2G) Framework
— A direct inter-state agreement for defense procurement that bypasses commercial intermediaries, often ensuring better pricing and technology transfer.
7. CAPF Leadership Debate: IPS Deputation vs. Cadre Promotion
A Supreme Court dispute highlights the conflict between reducing IPS deputation in CAPFs to aid cadre promotions and maintaining institutional links via senior police officers.
The Air Chief Marshal highlights the urgent need for increased fighter jet induction to restore squadron strength and counters concerns over Pakistan's potential acquisition of fifth-generation stealth fighters.
9. Chhattisgarh Tiger Reserve Faces Mass Tree Girdling
Satellite imagery and field inspections reveal over 2,500 trees girdled in Udanti Sitanadi Tiger Reserve due to alleged encroachment by relocated villagers.
10. Uttarakhand Voter List Revision: ECI Orders Re-enrolment Drive
Following significant voter deletions during the Special Intensive Revision, the Election Commission has ordered a fresh drive in Uttarakhand to re-enroll eligible voters who were inadvertently removed from the final electoral roll.
Over 10% of Uttarakhand's electorate (approx. 8 lakh voters) was deleted during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR).
Booth Level Officers (BLOs) are mandated to conduct house-to-house visits to identify and re-enroll missing voters using Form 6.
The final electoral roll stands at 71.59 lakh electors, down from 79.60 lakh before the SIR began.
Dehradun, Udham Singh Nagar, and Haridwar recorded the highest number of 'uncollectable' voters classified as ASDD.
Key terms
Special Intensive Revision (SIR)
— A comprehensive review of electoral rolls conducted by the Election Commission to update voter lists, often involving door-to-door verification and removal of ineligible entries.
Form 6
— The application form prescribed under the Registration of Electors Rules, 1960, used for enrolling new voters or correcting details in the electoral roll.
Booth Level Officer (BLO)
— An official appointed by the Election Commission responsible for maintaining the electoral roll of a specific polling booth, including verifying voter eligibility and facilitating enrolments.
ASDD
— Classification code for voters deemed 'Absent, Shifted, Dead, or Duplicate' during electoral revisions, leading to their potential deletion from the roll.
11. Tiger Reintroduction in Buxa: Ecological Triumph or Bureaucratic Rescue?
The reintroduction of tigers in West Bengal's Buxa Tiger Reserve highlights the tension between reactive conservation measures and long-term ecological sustainability, raising concerns about habitat quality and community rights.
12. Five New Centres of Excellence for Classical Languages Approved
The Ministry of Education has approved five new Centres of Excellence dedicated to the research, preservation, and digitisation of Assamese, Bengali, Marathi, Pali, and Prakrit.
13. Jal Arpan: Community Handover of Rural Water Schemes
Over 1,850 Gram Panchayats formally received rural water supply schemes under Jal Jeevan Mission 2.0 on Gandhi Jayanti, marking a shift to community-led management.
More than 1,850 Gram Panchayats observed 'Jal Arpan', the formal handover of completed rural water supply schemes to local bodies and Village Water & Sanitation Committees (VWSCs).
346 Har Ghar Jal Certificates were generated in regional languages for eligible villages, enhancing accessibility and citizen-centric certification.
The Jal Arpan module supports certificate generation in Hindi, English, and 17 other regional languages including Assamese, Bengali, and Tamil.
Under the Sujalam Bharat initiative, 2,691 water supply assets and approximately 700 sources were geotagged to create a digital inventory.
As of the report date, over 15.96 crore rural households (more than 82% of total) have drinking water tap connections.
Key terms
Jal Arpan
— A key reform under Jal Jeevan Mission 2.0 involving the formal handover of completed rural water supply schemes to Gram Panchayats and Village Water & Sanitation Committees.
Har Ghar Jal Certificate
— An official certification issued to eligible Gram Panchayats and villages confirming that all households have functional drinking water tap connections.
Sujalam Bharat
— A digital governance initiative under Jal Jeevan Mission 2.0 focused on geotagging water supply assets and piped sources to create a comprehensive inventory.
Village Water & Sanitation Committee (VWSC)
— A community-based body responsible for the operation, maintenance, and management of rural drinking water supply schemes after handover.
15. Leprosy Child Cases Exceed Targets as India Aims for Transmission Interruption
India reported 3,832 new child leprosy cases in 2025-26, significantly surpassing the National Leprosy Eradication Programme's target, raising concerns about delayed detection and ongoing transmission despite the goal to interrupt…
16. Allahabad HC Bans Hookah Service in Designated Smoking Areas
The Allahabad High Court ruled that the 2017 amendment to smoking rules imposes an absolute ban on providing hookah services, even within designated smoking areas.
India's first WASH-focused social bond listed on NSE by NABKISAN Finance Ltd.
Raised ₹180 crore with an oversubscription of 1.8 times.
Five-year bond with a coupon rate of 8.10%, maturing in September 2031.
Assigned highest domestic credit ratings: CRISIL AAA (Stable) and CARE AAA (Stable).
Proceeds allocated for expanding safe water, sanitation, and hygiene access in rural areas.
Key terms
Social Bond
— A fixed-income instrument where proceeds are used exclusively for projects with positive social benefits, such as healthcare, education, or basic infrastructure.
WASH Sector
— An acronym for Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene, referring to the integrated approach to managing these three components for public health.
Oversubscription
— A situation where demand for a security issue exceeds the number of units offered, indicating strong investor interest.
18. Kerala Renames IT Department to Include AI and Future Technologies
Kerala has rebranded its Electronics & IT department to include Artificial Intelligence and Future Technologies, signaling a strategic shift towards deep-tech innovation and knowledge-based economic growth.
Department renamed from 'Electronics & Information Technology' to 'Information Technology, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Future Technologies'.
Change aligns with the Governor’s policy address for 2026 regarding technology governance.
Mandate expanded to cover start-ups, deep-tech ventures, and technology-led innovation.
Part of a broader strategy to leverage Kerala's knowledge capital for economic mainstay.
Linked to institutional reforms like Kerala State Digital Technology Mission and Semicon Keralam.
Key terms
Deep-tech
— Startups based on substantial scientific advances and engineering innovations, often requiring significant R&D time and capital.
Knowledge Industries
— Economic sectors that rely primarily on intellectual capital and information creation rather than physical resources or labor-intensive manufacturing.
Semiconductor Ecosystem
— The network of companies involved in designing, fabricating, packaging, and testing semiconductor chips, crucial for modern electronics.
19. India-Pakistan Diplomatic Tensions Over BSF Border Incident
India and Pakistan exchanged diplomatic protests after the BSF killed two men on the Punjab border, with each side accusing the other of infiltration or excessive force.
Consider the following statements regarding the threats to the Great Indian Bustard (GIB):
1. Habitat loss, poaching, and predation of eggs are cited as historical threats to the species.
2. Mortality due to collisions with power lines erected for renewable energy projects is a recent significant threat.
3. The species has a high reproduction rate, laying eggs multiple times a year, which aids in its rapid recovery.
How many of the above statements are correct?
Answer: (b)
Statement 1 is correct: The text lists habitat loss, poaching, and depredation by predators as threats faced by the GIB.
Statement 2 is correct: The text explicitly mentions mortality due to collisions with power lines from renewable energy projects as a more recent threat.
Statement 3 is incorrect: The text states that the GIB has a slow reproduction rate, laying eggs once every one-two years, not multiple times a year.
a Statements 1 and 2 are both correct.
c Statement 3 is incorrect due to the mischaracterization of the reproduction rate.
Consider the following statements regarding the composition and actions of the Election Commission of India (ECI) during the recent SIR exercise:
1. The Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) has the sole authority to decide procedural changes, and other Election Commissioners cannot overrule him.
2. The ECI utilized a centralised roll database located in New Delhi to facilitate mass requests for deletion of electors.
3. The Supreme Court upheld the constitutional validity of the SIR exercise, emboldening the ECI to extend it from States to Union Territories.
How many of the above statements are correct?
Answer: (b)
Statement 1 is incorrect: The text explicitly mentions that Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi, being the majority in the ECI, could have overruled the CEC but did not.
Statement 2 is correct: The text states that a centralised roll database in New Delhi helped make dubious mass requests for deletion possible.
Statement 3 is correct: The text notes that the ECI was emboldened by a deferential Supreme Court verdict upholding the SIR's constitutional validity to extend the exercise to UTs.
a Statements 2 and 3 are also correct.
c Statement 1 is incorrect as the other Commissioners had the power to overrule the CEC.
With reference to the ASTRA Beyond Visual Range (BVR) air-to-air missiles developed by DRDO, consider the following statements:
1. The ASTRA Mk 1 variant has a reported range of 80 to 110 km.
2. The ASTRA Mk 2 variant has an enhanced range of 200 km, increased from an earlier decided range of around 160 km.
3. The ASTRA Mk 3 variant utilizes Solid Fuel Ducted Ramjet (SFDR) technology and could have a range of over 350 km.
How many of the above statements are correct?
Answer: (c)
Statement 1 is correct: The text states ASTRA Mk 1 has a range of 80 to 110 km.
Statement 2 is correct: The text notes ASTRA Mk 2 has an enhanced range of 200 km, up from the earlier decided range of around 160 km.
Statement 3 is correct: The text mentions DRDO conducted flight tests of SFDR technology for ASTRA Mk 3, which could have a range of over 350 km.
a Statements 2 and 3 are also correct.
b Statement 1 is also correct.
d All statements are factually supported by the text.
Consider the following pairs regarding the Centres of Excellence for Classical Languages approved recently:
| Classical Language | Host Institution |
| :--- | :--- |
| 1. Classical Assamese | Tezpur University |
| 2. Classical Bengali | Visva-Bharati University |
| 3. Classical Marathi | Central University of Gujarat |
How many of the above pairs are correctly matched?
Answer: (b)
Pair 1 is correct: Tezpur University, Assam hosts the Centre for Classical Assamese.
Pair 2 is correct: Visva-Bharati University, West Bengal hosts the Centre for Classical Bengali.
Pair 3 is incorrect: Deccan College Post-Graduate and Research Institute, Pune hosts the Centre for Classical Marathi. Central University of Gujarat hosts the Centre for Classical Prakrit.
a The first two pairs are correctly matched.
c Two pairs (Assamese and Bengali) are correctly matched, not just one.
d The third pair incorrectly assigns the Marathi centre to the institution designated for Prakrit.
With reference to the 'Jal Arpan' initiative under the Jal Jeevan Mission, consider the following statements:
1. It involves the formal handover of completed rural water supply schemes to Gram Panchayats and Village Water & Sanitation Committees (VWSCs).
2. The Jal Arpan digital module facilitates the generation of Har Ghar Jal Certificates exclusively in Hindi and English.
3. The initiative is aligned with Mahatma Gandhi’s vision of community participation and local self-governance.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Answer: (d)
Statement 1 is correct: The text states that Jal Arpan marks the formal handover of completed rural water supply schemes to Gram Panchayats and VWSCs for operation and maintenance.
Statement 2 is incorrect: The text explicitly mentions that certificates are generated in Hindi, English, and 17 other regional languages (totaling 19 languages), not exclusively in Hindi and English.
Statement 3 is correct: The release notes that the observance resonates with Mahatma Gandhi’s vision of community participation and local self-governance.
a Statement 2 is incorrect.
b Statement 2 is incorrect due to the language restriction error.
c Statement 2 is incorrect because certificates are issued in multiple regional languages, not just Hindi and English.
With reference to the diplomatic representation between India and Pakistan, consider the following statements:
1. The highest-ranking diplomats in both capitals are currently Charge d'Affaires.
2. This downgrade in mission status occurred following the recall of High Commissioners in 2019.
3. The current Indian Charge d'Affaires in Islamabad is Saad Warraich.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Answer: (c)
Statement 1 is correct: The text identifies Satyanjal Pandey (India) and Saad Warraich (Pakistan) as the highest ranking diplomats since missions were downgraded.
Statement 2 is correct: The text explicitly states that both sides downgraded missions and recalled High Commissioners in 2019.
Statement 3 is incorrect: Saad Warraich is identified as Pakistan's Charge d'Affaires in Delhi, while Satyanjal Pandey is India's Charge d'Affaires in Islamabad.
a Statement 1 is correct, so options excluding it are wrong.
b Statement 3 is factually incorrect regarding the name associated with the post.
d Statement 2 is correct, so options excluding it are wrong.
With reference to NABKISAN Finance Limited, consider the following statements:
1. It is a subsidiary of the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD).
2. It recently listed India’s first Social Bond dedicated exclusively to the Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) sector.
3. The proceeds from this bond are intended solely for urban infrastructure development in metropolitan cities.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Answer: (d)
Statement 1 is correct: The text explicitly identifies NABKISAN Finance Limited as a subsidiary of NABARD.
Statement 2 is correct: The release states that NABKISAN listed India’s first Social Bond dedicated exclusively to the WASH sector on the NSE.
Statement 3 is incorrect: The text specifies that proceeds will be deployed to expand access to safe water, sanitation, and hygiene solutions across rural and underserved communities, not solely for urban infrastructure.
a Statement 3 is factually incorrect regarding the target beneficiaries (rural vs. urban).
b Statement 3 is incorrect.
c Statement 2 is correct, but Statement 3 is incorrect.
Consider the following statements regarding the legal status of herbal hookah in designated smoking areas:
Statement I: The Allahabad High Court ruled that herbal hookah can be served in designated smoking areas because it does not contain tobacco or nicotine.
Statement II: The court held that the prohibition under the amended Rule 4(3) applies to the act of providing 'service' (preparing, assembling, lighting, maintaining) regardless of whether the substance being smoked contains tobacco.
Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?
Answer: (d)
Statement I is false: The High Court explicitly rejected the argument that herbal hookah should be permitted, stating that the ban is on providing hookah service inside a designated smoking area, irrespective of the content.
Statement II is true: The court reasoned that preparing and maintaining a hookah involves staff expertise and commercial acts defined as 'service', which is absolutely prohibited by the 2017 amendment.
Therefore, Statement I contradicts the ruling while Statement II accurately reflects the legal reasoning.
a Statement I is false, so this option cannot be correct.
b Statement I is false, so this option cannot be correct.
c Statement I is false and Statement II is true, making this option incorrect.
With reference to the recent demonstration of a free-space Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) link in India, consider the following statements:
1. The trial was conducted by QNu Labs in collaboration with ISRO and IIT Bombay.
2. The architecture combined hardware-based QKD with software-based post-quantum cryptography to ensure resilience if the physical quantum channel is unavailable.
3. The secure keys generated were integrated with the 'Vedic Kavach' platform developed by BISAG-N.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Answer: (c)
Statement 1 is incorrect: The release states the collaboration was between QNu Labs, BISAG-N (Bhaskaracharya National Institute for Space Applications and Geo-informatics), and IIT Gandhinagar, not ISRO or IIT Bombay.
Statement 2 is correct: The text explicitly mentions combining QNu Labs’ hardware-based QKD device Armos with BISAG-N’s Vedic Kavach software-based post-quantum cryptography to ensure resilience even if the physical quantum channel is temporarily unavailable.
Statement 3 is correct: The keys were integrated with BISAG-N’s post-quantum cryptography enabled Vedic Kavach platform.
a Statement 1 is factually wrong regarding the collaborating institutions.
b Statement 1 is factually wrong regarding the collaborating institutions.
d Statement 1 is factually wrong regarding the collaborating institutions.
With reference to the Centres of Excellence for Classical Languages approved by the Ministry of Education, consider the following statements:
1. The Centre of Excellence for Classical Pali is established at the Central University of Odisha.
2. The Deccan College Post-Graduate and Research Institute in Pune has been selected to host the Centre of Excellence for Classical Prakrit.
3. These centres are mandated to provide dedicated institutional support for advanced academic research, preservation, and digitisation of linguistic heritage.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Answer: (d)
Statement 1 is correct: The text explicitly states that the Central University of Odisha will house the centre for classical Pali.
Statement 2 is incorrect: The Deccan College in Pune hosts the centre for Classical Marathi, not Prakrit. The Central University of Gujarat hosts the centre for Prakrit.
Statement 3 is correct: The official statement confirms the initiative provides support for advanced research, preservation, and digitisation.
a Statement 2 is incorrect, making this option invalid despite Statement 1 being correct.
b Statement 2 is incorrect, so all three cannot be true.
c Statement 2 is factually incorrect regarding the language assigned to Deccan College.
With reference to the reservation policy in Jammu and Kashmir, consider the following statements:
1. The amendments to the J&K Reservation Rules in March 2024 increased the overall reservation share in government jobs from 43% to approximately 70%.
2. The Scheduled Tribe (ST) quota was raised from 10% to 20% as part of these amendments.
3. The Cabinet sub-committee recommended restoring a 50:50 split between reserved and open-merit categories by reducing allocations under SC and ST quotas while keeping RBA and EWS unchanged.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Answer: (c)
Statement 1 is correct: The text states that amendments in March 2024 increased the overall reservation share from 43% to around 70%.
Statement 2 is correct: The text explicitly mentions raising the Scheduled Tribe (ST) quota from 10% to 20% after including more communities.
Statement 3 is incorrect: The Cabinet sub-committee recommended reducing allocations under Residents of Backward Areas (RBA) and Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) categories, while leaving the SC and ST quotas unchanged.
a Statement 3 is incorrect for the same reason; it reverses which categories were targeted for reduction.
b Statement 3 is incorrect because the recommendation was to reduce RBA and EWS, not SC and ST.
With reference to the Great Indian Bustard (GIB) Recovery Programme, consider the following statements:
1. It is a collaborative initiative involving the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, the Rajasthan Forest Department, and the Wildlife Institute of India.
2. The programme receives funding support from the National CAMPA and technical collaboration from the International Fund for Houbara Conservation.
3. The 'jumpstart' approach involves releasing captive-bred adult birds directly into the wild without prior acclimatization in soft-release facilities.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Answer: (c)
Statement 1 is correct: The release explicitly lists MoEFCC, Rajasthan Forest Department, and WII as the key partners in the Bustard Recovery Programme.
Statement 2 is correct: The text confirms funding from National CAMPA and technical collaboration with the International Fund for Houbara Conservation.
Statement 3 is incorrect: The 'jumpstart' approach described in the text involves placing captive-laid eggs in wild nests accepted by incubating females, not releasing adult birds directly. Furthermore, the current rewilding process utilizes a 'soft-release facility' (Rewilding Aviary) to prepare birds before release.
a Statement 3 is factually incorrect regarding the mechanism of the 'jumpstart' approach.
b Statement 3 is factually incorrect regarding the mechanism of the 'jumpstart' approach.
d Statement 3 is factually incorrect regarding the mechanism of the 'jumpstart' approach.
With reference to the Pradhan Mantri Skilling and Employability Transformation through Upgraded ITIs (PM-SETU) scheme, consider the following statements:
1. The scheme operates on a Hub-and-Spoke model where each Hub ITI is connected with four Spoke ITIs on average.
2. Industry-led governance is ensured through Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) in which the Anchor Industry Partner holds a majority stake of 51%.
3. Component II of the scheme focuses on upgrading 1,000 Government ITIs into National Centres of Excellence.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Answer: (c)
Statement 1 is correct: PM-SETU uses a Hub-and-Spoke model for 1,000 Government ITIs, with each Hub connected to four Spokes on average.
Statement 2 is correct: SPVs are established for industry-led governance, with the Anchor Industry Partner holding 51% ownership, while Centre and State hold 24.5% each.
Statement 3 is incorrect: Component I covers the 1,000 Government ITIs. Component II specifically focuses on the capacity augmentation of 5 NSTIs through National Centres of Excellence.
a Statement 2 is correct, so options excluding it are wrong; also Statement 3 is incorrect.
b Statement 3 is incorrect.
d Statement 3 is incorrect as it conflates Component I (Govt ITIs) with Component II (NSTIs).
Consider the following activities associated with the Harbour Phase of the ASEAN-India Maritime Exercise (AIME):
1. Key Leaders’ Engagements and Community Interaction
2. Subject Matter Expert Exchanges
3. Table-Top Exercise and Operational Synchronisation
How many of the above are part of the Harbour Phase as described in the context of AIME 2026?
Answer: (c)
The release lists Key Leaders’ Engagements, Community Interaction, and Subject Matter Expert Exchanges as part of the Harbour Phase engagements.
It further specifies that a Table-Top Exercise, Operational Synchronisation, and Pre-Sail Brief were facilitated during the Harbour Phase to prepare for the Sea Phase.
Therefore, all three listed activities are components of the Harbour Phase.
a Incorrect because more than one activity listed is part of the Harbour Phase.
b Incorrect because all three activities listed are part of the Harbour Phase.
d Incorrect because these activities are explicitly mentioned as part of the Harbour Phase.
With reference to the tiger reintroduction programme in Buxa Tiger Reserve, consider the following statements:
1. The programme was initiated by the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) after surveys confirmed the absence of tigers in Buxa, Dampa, and Palamau reserves.
2. The reintroduction strategy relies primarily on preventive conservation measures that protect source populations and habitats before any population crash occurs.
3. Ecological challenges in Buxa include a closed forest canopy that has stifled grass growth, leading to a decline in preferred ungulate prey like chitals.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Answer: (b)
Statement 1 is correct: The text explicitly states that the NTCA found no tigers in these reserves by 2018 and subsequently mooted the programme with the Bengal Forest Department and Wildlife Institute of India.
Statement 2 is incorrect: The text contrasts Buxa's approach with 'preventive conservation practices' followed since 1973. It describes Buxa as belonging to a 'more reactive tradition' where authorities intervened only after tiger populations crashed, similar to Sariska and Panna.
Statement 3 is correct: The release notes that forests have turned into dense woodland with a closed canopy, stifling grasses and causing herbivore populations (specifically chitals) to dwindle.
a Statement 2 is incorrect.
c Statement 1 is correct, so this option is incomplete.
d Statement 2 is incorrect because the programme is described as reactive, not preventive.
With reference to the National Leprosy Eradication Programme (NLEP) and the National Strategic Plan for Leprosy 2023-27, consider the following statements:
1. A district is considered to have interrupted transmission if it reports zero new indigenous child cases for five consecutive years.
2. The NLEP aims for a national Grade-2 Disability (G2D) rate of less than one case per million population among newly detected cases.
3. The appearance of new leprosy cases in children below 15 years is considered by the WHO as an indicator of delayed diagnosis rather than recent transmission.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Answer: (d)
Statement 1 is correct: The source text explicitly states that under the roadmap, a district is considered to have interrupted transmission after reporting zero new indigenous child cases for five consecutive years.
Statement 2 is correct: The NLEP's programme objectives include a national G2D rate of less than one case per million population.
Statement 3 is incorrect: The text states that the WHO considers new cases among children below 15 years an indicator of recent transmission, while Grade-2 disability (G2D) at diagnosis indicates delayed detection.
a Statement 3 is incorrect.
b Statement 3 is incorrect because child cases indicate recent transmission, not just delayed diagnosis.
c Statement 2 is correct, but Statement 3 is incorrect.
With reference to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Uttarakhand, consider the following statements:
1. The Election Commission of India directed a special drive for re-enrolment only in states where the SIR process had not yet been completed.
2. During the post-SIR exercise, Booth Level Officers (BLOs) are mandated to conduct house-to-house visits to facilitate enrolment using Form 6 for eligible voters missing from the current roll.
3. The declaration form used with Form 6 during the SIR phase is also prescribed for use during the non-SIR period under the Registration of Electors Rules, 1960.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Answer: (c)
Statement 1 is incorrect: The ECI directed the 'special drive' to enrol left-out voters specifically in the 20 states and Union Territories where the SIR exercise has already been completed, not those where it is pending.
Statement 2 is correct: BLOs have been directed to compare pre-SIR and current rolls, visit identified voters at home, and facilitate their enrolment through Form 6 if found eligible.
Statement 3 is incorrect: The CEO office clarified that the declaration form used with Form 6 during the SIR phase was specific to that exercise; during the non-SIR period, forms prescribed under the Registration of Electors Rules, 1960, will be used.
a Statements 1 and 3 are incorrect.
b Statement 1 is incorrect as the drive targets completed SIR areas.
d Statements 1 and 3 are both incorrect regarding the scope of the drive and the forms used.
With reference to the Udanti Sitanadi Tiger Reserve (USTR), consider the following statements:
1. The reserve is located in the Dhamtari and Gariaband districts of Chhattisgarh.
2. The Karka area, where recent mass tree girdling was reported, was historically a forest village relocated in the 1980s for the construction of the Sondhur dam.
3. Community Forest Resource Rights (CFRR) were granted to the villagers of Karka in 2020, which legally permits them to clear forest land for cultivation if they claim lack of compensation.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
Answer: (b)
Statement 1 is correct: The text explicitly states USTR spans Chhattisgarh’s Dhamtari and Gariaband districts.
Statement 2 is correct: The text notes Karka was a forest village in the catchment of the Sondhur dam and was relocated in the 1980s.
Statement 3 is incorrect: While CFRR was granted in 2020, the right provides for recognition to 'protect, regenerate or conserve or manage' community forest resources. It does not legally permit clearing forest land for cultivation; rather, the text highlights that authorities view the clearing as encroachment despite these rights.
a Statement 3 is incorrect because CFRR mandates protection/conservation, not permission to clear land for cultivation.
c Statement 2 is correct, so this option is incomplete, and Statement 3 is incorrect.
Consider the following statements regarding the objectives behind the renaming of Kerala's IT department:
1. To align the state’s technology governance with emerging global priorities and respond to fast-changing developments in the sector.
2. To make knowledge industries one of the mainstays of the state’s economy by tapping into its knowledge capital.
How many of the above statements are correct?
Answer: (d)
Statement 1 is correct: The release notes that the renaming aims to 'align the State’s technology governance with emerging global priorities' and help Kerala 'respond more effectively to fast-changing developments'.
Statement 2 is correct: The text explicitly mentions the strategy to 'tap the potential of Keralam’s knowledge capital and make knowledge industries one of the mainstays of the State’s economy.'
a Both statements are supported by the text, so 'Only one' is incorrect.
b Both statements are directly derived from the source text, so 'None' is incorrect.
c The text provides clear evidence for both statements, so the answer can be determined.
Consider the following statements regarding the Indian Air Force's modernisation and future requirements as highlighted by the Air Chief Marshal:
1. The IAF requires an induction of at least 36-40 fighter aircraft annually over the next few years to maintain squadron strength.
2. The Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) programme is currently on track with no anticipated delays requiring alternative platforms.
3. Domestic development of fighter aircraft engines has been identified as a critical area where self-reliance is lacking.
How many of the above statements are correct?
Answer: (b)
Statement 1 is correct: The text quotes the IAF chief stating the force requires 36-40 aircraft every year due to declining strength.
Statement 2 is incorrect: The text explicitly mentions that the IAF could look at another platform if the AMCA programme encounters delays, implying potential risk/delay, not that it is 'on track with no anticipated delays'.
Statement 3 is correct: The chief underlined the need to develop and manufacture fighter aircraft engines domestically, noting it remains a major challenge.
a Statements 1 and 3 are both correct, so 'Only one' is wrong.
c Statement 2 is incorrect because the text suggests contingency planning for AMCA delays, contradicting the claim that there are 'no anticipated delays'.
d Statements 1 and 3 are clearly supported by the text.
Consider the following statements regarding the controversy over leadership in Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs):
Statement-I: CAPF cadre officers argue that Non-Functional Financial Upgradation (NFFU) has only partially addressed stagnation because it is implemented through existing Recruitment Rules requiring prescribed service in each rank.
Statement-II: The Ministry of Home Affairs argues that IPS deputation must continue because the CAPFs cannot be treated on par with ordinary civilian Group A services due to their operational role and need for institutional links with state police.
Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?
Answer: (b)
Statement-I is true: The text explains that NFFU gives pay benefits without actual promotion, but since eligibility for the next grade depends on 'prescribed number of years' in the current rank (which doesn't start until actual promotion occurs), stagnation persists.
Statement-II is true: The text explicitly lists MHA's arguments regarding operational roles and the need for institutional links between Centre and State police via IPS officers.
Relation: Statement-II provides the government's justification for maintaining the deputation system itself. It does not explain why NFFU implementation is flawed or insufficient (which is described in Statement-I). They are parallel arguments from opposing sides of the dispute.
a Statement-II justifies the existence of IPS deputation, whereas Statement-I critiques the mechanism of NFFU. One does not explain the other.
c Statement-II is factually correct according to the text.
d Statement-I is factually correct according to the text.
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