🎯 Mock Test Series – I
Practice like a topper! This full-length UPSC Mock Test will test your knowledge, accuracy, and time management skills.
- 📘 Subjects: Polity, Economy, History, Geography, Environment, S&T, Current Affairs
- ⏱️ Time Limit: 2 Hours
- 📝 Total Questions: 100
- ⚡ Difficulty: Moderate to Tough
Results
HD Quiz powered by harmonic design
Which of the following countries are members of the QUAD (Quadrilateral Security Dialogue)?
1. India
2. Japan
3. Australia
4. South Korea
#1. Select the correct answer
Explanation:
The Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (QUAD) is a strategic forum involving four Indo-Pacific democracies, focused on regional security, rule-based maritime order, and cooperation.
✅ Current QUAD Members:
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India 🇮🇳
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Japan 🇯🇵
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Australia 🇦🇺
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United States 🇺🇸 (Note: not listed in question but is the fourth actual member)
❌ Why South Korea is NOT a member:
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South Korea 🇰🇷 is not part of QUAD.
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It has good relations with QUAD countries but is not formally a member.
#2. The ‘Pallikaranai Marsh Reserve Forest’ is located in:
Answer: B
Explanation: It is in Chennai, Tamil Nadu.
#3. Which Indian Act first introduced the concept of ‘Direct Elections’?
#4. Which of the following is not a member of the G7?
✅ Correct Answer: 3. Russia
Explanation:
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1. Canada, 2. Japan, 4. Italy → ✔ All are G7 members
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3. Russia → ❌ Removed in 2014 after Crimea annexation. Now, G7 = US, UK, Canada, France, Germany, Japan, Italy.
#5. The concept of ‘Due Process of Law’ is absent in Indian Constitution but it is ensured through:
Answer: A. Fundamental Rights under Article 21
Though ‘due process’ isn’t written, SC has read it into Article 21.
#6. The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) was launched by:
Answer: B. NASA + ESA + CSA
Webb telescope launched in 2021, most advanced space observatory.
#7. Which of the following are capital receipts of the Government of India?
#8. Which one of the following is not a feature of Indian federalism?
Answer: D
Explanation: States have representation in Rajya Sabha based on population, not equally — unlike the U.S. Senate.
#9. Which critically endangered bird species was identified during the Kaziranga grassland bird census?
Consider the following statements about the Election Commission of India:
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It is a constitutional body under Article 324.
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It has the power to disqualify a candidate.
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The Chief Election Commissioner is appointed by the President.
#10. Which of the above statements is/are correct?
Answer: 2) 1 and 3 only
(Note: Disqualification is decided by the President based on EC’s advice.)
#11. Which of the following constitutional doctrines has no explicit mention in the Constitution but has evolved through judicial interpretation?
Answer: 4) Basic Structure Doctrine
Propounded in Kesavananda Bharati Case (1973); not explicitly mentioned in the Constitution.
#12. Which of the following is India’s first interplanetary mission?
Answer: B. Mangalyaan
Launched in 2013, India’s first mission to Mars.
#13. Which of the following is NOT a part of India’s Forex reserves?
Answer: C. Forward Contracts with IMF
Forex reserves = FCA + Gold + SDR + IMF Reserve Position.
#14. Which organization releases the ‘World Economic Outlook’ report?
➡️ Correct Answer: 2
Explanation:
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) publishes the World Economic Outlook (WEO) report, providing analysis of global economic trends and forecasts. It is a key source for UPSC current affairs.
#15. Which of the following best explains ‘Parliamentary Privileges’?
Answer: 3. Special rights and immunities for performing legislative duties
Explanation:
Parliamentary Privileges are special powers and immunities for MPs/MLAs to speak and act freely in the House without fear of legal action.
Which vehicles are considered alternative powertrain types?
I. Battery Electric Vehicles
II. Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicles
III. Fuel Cell-Electric Hybrids
#16. Choose the correct answer:
✅ Correct Answer: 3
🧠 Explanation: All three are part of the alternative powertrain category, used to reduce dependence on internal combustion engines and fossil fuels.
With reference to Indian economy, consider the following statements:
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A fall in exchange rate improves the trade balance immediately due to cheaper exports.
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Depreciation of the rupee always leads to inflation in India.
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Current Account Deficit (CAD) is financed through capital inflows.
#17. Which of the above is/are correct?
Answer: C
Explanation: The J-curve effect means trade balance worsens initially. Depreciation doesn’t always lead to inflation. CAD is financed via capital account.
Which statements are true about Vizhinjam International Seaport?
I. It is a deep-water transshipment port.
II. It will serve as a clean fuel bunkering hub.
III. Developed under PPP with Adani Ports.
#18. Choose the correct answer:
✅ Correct Answer: 4
🧠 Explanation: Vizhinjam port in Kerala is India’s first deep-sea transshipment hub, aims to support hydrogen/ammonia fuel bunkering, and is being developed by Adani under a PPP model.
#19. Which of the following is not a condition for the issuance of Proclamation of Emergency under Article 352?
📘 Explanation:
Under Article 352 of the Constitution, the President can proclaim National Emergency only on the grounds of:
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War
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External aggression
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Armed rebellion (replaced “internal disturbance” via 44th Amendment)
❌ Financial instability is not a ground for Article 352 — it may invoke Financial Emergency under Article 360 instead.
#20. What is the purpose of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF)?
✅ Answer: 3
Explanation: FATF tracks terror funding & money laundering globally.
#21. Which of the following is the largest carbon sink on Earth?
Answer: B
Explanation: Oceans absorb the largest share of CO₂.
#22. Which of the following Articles deals with the abolition of Untouchability?
Answer: C. Article 17
Article 17 abolishes untouchability and forbids its practice.
#23. Which of the following technologies is most relevant for developing pest-resistant transgenic crops?
Answer: 1) RNA interference (RNAi)
Used in Bt brinjal, GM cotton to silence specific pest genes.
#24. Which of the following countries is NOT part of the QUAD grouping?
✅ Answer: 4
Explanation: QUAD = India, Japan, USA, Australia. China is not part.
Which of the following statements about India’s critical minerals policy are correct?
I. India has joined the Minerals Security Partnership.
II. India is rich in all critical minerals.
III. MMDR Act was amended to allow Centre to auction critical minerals.
#25. Choose the correct answer:
✅ Correct Answer: 3
🧠 Explanation: India joined the international Minerals Security Partnership. The MMDR Act (1957) was amended in 2023 to give the Centre exclusive auction rights. But India is not rich in all critical minerals, so II is incorrect.
Geography
#26. Which of the following rivers form an estuary?
Correct Answer: 4
Narmada forms an estuary, others form deltas.
#27. Which Chola king built the Brihadeshwara Temple in Thanjavur?
Rajaraja Chola I built the magnificent Brihadeshwara Temple at Thanjavur in the 11th century CE. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a masterpiece of Chola architecture.
#28. Which Indian state has launched the ‘Mukhyamantri Yuva Udyami Vikas Abhiyan’?
Answer: C
Explanation: Bihar launched the scheme to promote entrepreneurship.
#29. Which one of the following countries is not a member of the Organisation of Turkic States (OTS)?
✅ Correct Answer: 4. Iran
📘 Explanation:
The Organisation of Turkic States (OTS) includes Turkic-speaking countries:
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Turkey
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Azerbaijan
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Kazakhstan
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Uzbekistan
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Kyrgyzstan
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Observer: Hungary, Turkmenistan
❌ Iran is Persian-speaking, and not a member of OTS.
#30. Which agency in India is primarily responsible for managing and reducing risks from GLOF events?
The NDMA is the main agency in India that plans and coordinates efforts to reduce risks from GLOF events, including early warning systems, risk mapping, and disaster preparedness in vulnerable regions like the Himalayas.
#31. Which of the following is not part of the government’s strategy for fiscal consolidation?
✅ Correct Answer: 2. Increase in revenue expenditure
Explanation:
-
1. Disinvestment in PSUs → ✔ Yes, reduces fiscal burden by selling government stake.
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2. Increase in revenue expenditure → ❌ No, this increases the fiscal deficit and contradicts fiscal consolidation.
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3. Monetization of assets → ✔ A method to generate non-tax revenue.
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4. Rationalization of subsidies → ✔ Helps reduce unnecessary spending.
#32. What is the traditional occupation of the Hatti tribe?
#33. What does ‘Core Inflation’ refer to?
Correct Answer: 1
Explanation:
Core inflation = Headline inflation – volatile components (food & fuel). It shows underlying trends.
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Twin Deficit – Fiscal + Current account deficit
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Hot Money – Short-term speculative foreign capital
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Primary Deficit – Fiscal Deficit – Interest payments
#34. Which pairs are correctly matched:
Correct Answer: 4
Explanation:
All definitions are correct. These are standard macroeconomic concepts often asked in UPSC.
Consider the following with reference to the FRBM Act (Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management Act):
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It sets a numerical target for fiscal deficit and revenue deficit.
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It mandates elimination of primary deficit.
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The Act can be suspended during national security crises.
#35. Which of the above are correct?
Answer: 2) 1 and 3 only
FRBM does not require primary deficit to be zero. Clauses allow suspension in emergencies.
Which of the following are greenhouse gases as per the Kyoto Protocol?
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Carbon dioxide (CO₂)
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Methane (CH₄)
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Nitrous oxide (N₂O)
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Water vapour
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Sulphur hexafluoride (SF₆)
#36. Choose the correct answer:
Correct Answer: 2
Kyoto Protocol includes CO₂, CH₄, N₂O, SF₆ (not water vapour).
#37. The Constitution of India was adopted on:
Answer: B
Explanation: Constitution was adopted on 26th Nov 1949 and came into force on 26th Jan 1950.
#38. Which country is India’s largest trading partner as of 2024?
➡️ Correct Answer: 2
Explanation:
According to 2024 data from the Ministry of Commerce, the United States has continued to be India’s largest trading partner, overtaking China in recent years, due to increasing exports and strategic trade ties.
#39. The ‘Global Environment Facility’ (GEF) was established during:
Answer: A
Explanation: GEF was launched during the 1992 Rio Earth Summi
#40. The first Lok Sabha elections were held in:
Answer: C. 1951-52
First general elections were held in 1951–52, first Lok Sabha formed in April 1952.
#41. The Sakhalin-1 project, in which ONGC Videsh had investment, is located in:
Answer: 2) Russia
It’s an oil and gas project in the Russian Far East.
Which of the following statements about NISAR is/are correct?
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It uses both L-band and S-band radar imaging.
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It will be launched by NASA using the Falcon 9 rocket.
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It scans the entire Earth every 12 days.
#42. Select the correct answer using the code below:
🟩 Answer: 2
📝 Explanation:
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✅ Statement 1 is correct – NASA contributes the L-band radar, ISRO contributes the S-band radar.
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❌ Statement 2 is incorrect – NISAR will be launched by ISRO’s GSLV Mk II, not by NASA or SpaceX.
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✅ Statement 3 is correct – NISAR has a 12-day repeat cycle to scan the entire Earth’s surface.
#43. Which statements are true about the GDP deflator?
Correct Answer: 3
Explanation:
GDP deflator reflects inflation for the entire economy (both goods and services). It’s broader than CPI. Statement 2 is wrong.
#44. What is the significance of lithium reserves discovered in Reasi, Jammu & Kashmir?
✅ Correct Answer: 3. They boost India’s EV and battery storage goals
Explanation:
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1. Largest in the world → ❌ No. They are significant but not globally top.
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2. Oil energy independence → ❌ Irrelevant. Lithium isn’t related to oil.
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3. Boost EV & battery goals → ✔ Lithium is key for batteries in EVs.
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4. Not commercially viable → ❌ No evidence yet suggests this.
#45. ‘Chandrayaan-3’ successfully landed near which lunar region?
Answer: B
Explanation: It landed near Moon’s South Pole.
#46. What does the term ‘carbon leakage’ refer to in environmental policy?
#47. Which of the following is NOT a constitutional body?
Answer: C. NITI Aayog
NITI Aayog was created by executive resolution, not constitutional provision.
#48. In medieval India, ‘Jizya’ was:
Answer: B
Explanation: Jizya was a poll tax imposed on non-Muslims.
Environment – Lithium Reserves (J&K 2024)
#49. What is the significance of lithium reserves discovered in Reasi, Jammu & Kashmir
✅ Correct Answer: C. They boost India’s EV and battery storage goals
📘 Explanation:
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In 2024, lithium reserves (~5.9 million tonnes) were found in Reasi, J&K.
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This is India’s first large-scale lithium discovery.
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It supports India’s EV ecosystem, battery storage, and Atmanirbhar Bharat in clean energy.
#50. What is the primary purpose of conducting a Grassland Bird Census?
International Relations – New BRICS Expansion (July 2025 Summit)
Which of the following countries were newly added to BRICS in the 2025 Summit?
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Indonesia
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Nigeria
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Argentina
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Egypt
#51. Choose the correct answer:
Correct Answer: ✅ D. 1, 3, and 4 only
📘 Explanation:
-
In the 2025 BRICS Summit, Indonesia, Argentina, and Egypt were added as new members.
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❌ Nigeria is not yet a formal member; discussions are ongoing.
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The expansion aims to counterbalance G7 influence and give more voice to the Global South.
#52. The term of office of the Vice-President of India may be terminated:
Explanation:
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Article 67(b): Vice-President can be removed by a resolution of the Rajya Sabha passed by a majority and agreed to by the Lok Sabha.
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This is not impeachment like the President’s removal (Article 61).
Which of the following is/are NOT correct about the 44th Constitutional Amendment Act (1978)?
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Restored the term ‘Cabinet’ in Article 352
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Made it easier to declare Emergency
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Restored Fundamental Rights curtailed by 42nd Amendment
#53. Select the correct answer:
Answer: A
Explanation: The 44th Amendment made it harder to declare Emergency and restored rights.
#54. ‘Liquidity trap’ refers to:
Answer: B. People hoard cash even at low interest rates
👉 Keynesian concept: monetary policy ineffective.
#55. Which of the following is the largest source of revenue for the Union Government?
Answer: C. GST
In recent years, GST has become the single largest revenue source.
Which of the following Constitution Amendments have strengthened the concept of ‘Cooperative Federalism’ in India?
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42nd Amendment
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73rd Amendment
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101st Amendment
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44th Amendment
#56. Select the correct code:
Answer: 1) 2 and 3 only
73rd – Panchayats; 101st – GST; both promote federal cooperation.
#57. Which one of the following statements is correct regarding CRISPR technology?
#58. Which of the following powers can be exercised by a Governor at his/her own discretion?
Answer: 1. Appointment of Chief Minister
Explanation:
In case of hung assembly, the Governor can use discretion to appoint a CM who is likely to command majority. Other actions require aid and advice.
#59. Which of the following is NOT correctly matched with its feature?
🟩 Answer: 3
📝 Explanation:
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❌ Arka Shreshta is bred for open-field cultivation, not for hydroponics.
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✅ The rest are correctly matched.
#60. Dholavira, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is unique among Indus Valley sites because:
Answer: 2. It had a unique water management system and stone architecture
Explanation:
Dholavira (Gujarat) is known for stone construction, drainage, and reservoirs — unlike other mud-brick Indus Valley cities.
#61. The term ‘Stagflation’ refers to a situation where:
✅ Answer: 2
Explanation: Stagflation = stagnant growth + high inflation + high unemployment.
#62. The concept of judicial review in the Indian Constitution is borrowed from:
Answer: A. USA
U.S. Constitution inspired India’s provision of judicial review.
Consider the following statements regarding Minimum Support Price (MSP):
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MSP is announced by the Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP).
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MSP is legally enforceable and farmers must be paid at least that amount.
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MSP is announced for both Kharif and Rabi crops.
#63. Which of the above statements are correct?
Answer: 3) 1 and 3 only
(MSP is not legally enforceable in India.)
#64. What is the main strategic goal of the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC)?
✅ Correct Answer: 1. To provide an alternative to China’s Belt and Road Initiative
Explanation:
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1. Alternative to BRI → ✔ Yes, IMEC is seen as a counter to China’s global infrastructure push.
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2. Naval base in Red Sea → ❌ No such military aim stated.
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3. Bypass Suez Canal → ❌ Partially true, but not the main strategic goal.
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4. Agriculture exports to Africa → ❌ Not relevant to the IMEC corridor route.
#65. Theme of India’s G20 Presidency (2023) was:
Answer: A. Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam – One Earth, One Family, One Future
Highlighted global unity and sustainability.
#66. The office of the Attorney General of India:
Answer: B
Explanation: The Attorney General holds office during the pleasure of the President; there is no fixed tenure.
With reference to the Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP), which of the following are non-justiciable but fundamental to governance?
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Uniform Civil Code
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Equal pay for equal work
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Promotion of cottage industries
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Promotion of international peace and security
#67. Select the correct answer:
Answer: D
Explanation: All are DPSPs — not enforceable in court but fundamental to governance as per Article 37.
#68. What is the primary cause of a Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF)?
A Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) happens when a natural dam (made of ice or loose rock) that holds a glacial lake suddenly bursts, releasing a large amount of water and causing floods downstream.
#69. ‘Quantum Supremacy’ means:
Answer: B. Quantum computers outperform classical supercomputers
Google achieved a milestone in 2019 claiming quantum supremacy.
#70. ‘Mission LiFE’, launched by India and supported by the UN, focuses on:
🟩 Answer: B
#71. CRISPR-Cas9 technology is associated with:
Answer: A. Gene Editing
👉 CRISPR is a precise DNA editing tool.
#72. The recently launched ‘PM-PRANAM’ scheme is aimed at:
Answer: 2. Promoting use of bio-fertilizers and reducing chemical fertilizers
Explanation:
PM-PRANAM (Promotion of Alternate Nutrients for Agriculture Management Yojana) encourages states to reduce chemical fertilizer use and promote bio-inputs.
#73. The ‘PM Gati Shakti Master Plan’ focuses on:
National Master Plan to coordinate infrastructure projects for faster execution.
#74. What is the main objective of the Paris Agreement under UNFCCC?
✅ Answer: 2
Explanation: Paris Agreement (2015) aims to keep warming well below 2°C, ideally 1.5°C.
#75. Which term best describes economic activities based on creativity and IP?
✅ Correct Answer: 2
🧠 Explanation: The Orange Economy refers to industries based on culture, creativity, design, and IP like art, film, and software. Others relate to environment (green), marine (blue), or recycling (circular).
Which of the following features were recently added to India’s e-Rupee (CBDC) platform?
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Offline transactions
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Interoperability with UPI
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Support for programmable welfare payments
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Floating exchange rate with INR
#76. Select the correct option:
Correct Answer: ✅ A. 1, 2, and 3 only
📘 Explanation:
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✅ Offline transactions are now enabled in remote/rural areas.
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✅ Interoperability with UPI is added to allow seamless retail payments.
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✅ Programmable CBDC: RBI has introduced conditional transfers (e.g., welfare money usable only for food/fuel).
-
❌ Floating exchange rate is incorrect — e-Rupee is always pegged 1:1 with INR.
#77. Ramsar Convention (1971) is related to:
Answer: B. Wetlands conservation
Ramsar Convention = global treaty for wetlands.
#78. Which of the following states recently became the first to implement the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in India?
🟩 Answer: 2
#79. In which case did the Supreme Court lay down that Parliament cannot destroy the ‘Basic Structure’ of the Constitution?
Answer: B. Kesavananda Bharati (1973)
Landmark case establishing ‘basic structure doctrine’.
#80. Which of the following is not a criterion for selecting a wetland as a Ramsar Site?
Explanation:
The Ramsar Convention provides specific ecological criteria for identifying wetlands of international importance. These criteria focus on biodiversity, ecology, and waterbird populations.
True Ramsar Criteria:
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Supports endangered or vulnerable species
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Supports species at critical stages of life cycle (like breeding or migration)
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Regularly supports 20,000 or more waterbirds
❌ NOT a criterion:
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Traditional human settlements — while important socially or culturally, this is not an ecological criterion under Ramsar listing.
With reference to ancient Indian architecture, consider the following statements:
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Chaitya halls were used for congregational worship in early Buddhism.
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Stupas were originally burial mounds and later became symbolic structures.
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Dravidian temple architecture began in the post-Mauryan period.
#81. Which of the statements is/are correct?
Answer: 1) 1 and 2 only
Dravidian style emerged later under Pallavas (post-Gupta period).
#82. Which Indian city became the first to achieve 100% solar street lighting in 2025?
#83. Which among the following is the largest source of renewable energy in India?
#84. Which fundamental right was added by the 86th Constitutional Amendment?
✅ Answer: 2
Explanation: The 86th Amendment (2002) introduced Article 21A, Right to Education.
#85. With reference to the Indian Freedom Struggle, which one of the following statements is correct?
Answer: 3) The Quit India Movement was launched after the failure of the Cripps Mission.
Consider the following pairs of Environmental Conventions:
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Kyoto Protocol – Carbon trading
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Montreal Protocol – Ozone layer protection
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Basel Convention – Transboundary movement of hazardous wastes
#86. Which are correctly matched?
Answer: C. 1, 2 and 3
👉 All three correctly matched.
#87. Which of the following is NOT a feature of the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992?
Provision for tribunals to settle disputes among Panchayats is not in the 73rd Amendment.
#88. In Indian polity, the concept of ‘Collective Responsibility’ is associated with:
-
Which of the following pairs is correctly matched?
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69th Amendment – Creation of National Capital Territory of Delhi
-
73rd Amendment – Panchayati Raj Institutions
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74th Amendment – Cooperative Societies
#89. Options:
Answer: A. 1 and 2 only
74th = Urban Local Bodies, not cooperatives (97th was for cooperatives).
#90. Which institution has recently launched the ‘Nature‑Solutions Finance Hub for Asia and the Pacific’?
✅ Correct Answer: 1. Asian Development Bank (ADB)
🧠 Explanation: The ADB launched this initiative to promote climate-resilient, nature-based solutions in the Asia-Pacific region. It’s not related to AIIB, NDB, or IBRD.
#91. The ‘Data Protection Act, 2023’ in India:
Answer: C
Explanation: It regulates personal data processing with focus on consent.
#92. The concept of ‘Green GDP’ includes adjustment for which factor?
➡️ Correct Answer: 2
Explanation:
Green GDP is GDP adjusted for environmental degradation and resource depletion. It gives a more sustainable picture of national progress, highlighting ecological costs of growth.
#93. Who was the first woman Governor of an Indian state?
Answer: A
Explanation: Sarojini Naidu was the first woman Governor of Uttar Pradesh.
#94. Which one of the following bodies is not mentioned in the Constitution of India?
#95. The Quit India Movement was launched in:
Answer: C. 1942
Gandhi gave “Do or Die” call in August 1942.
#96. Which is not a component of Aggregate Demand?
➡️ Correct Answer: 4
Explanation:
Aggregate demand = C + I + G + NX. Treasury bills are financial instruments, not part of AD.
#97. Which of the following Constitutional Amendments is known for inserting the words ‘Socialist’ and ‘Secular’ in the Preamble?
The 42nd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1976 added the words ‘Socialist’ and ‘Secular’ to the Preamble of the Indian Constitution during the Emergency period under Indira Gandhi’s government.
#98. What is meant by ‘Open Market Operations’?
➡️ Correct Answer: 2
Explanation:
Open Market Operations (OMO) refer to RBI buying/selling government securities to regulate money supply and liquidity.
#99. Who was the founder of the Imperial Chola dynasty in the 9th century CE?
Vijayalaya Chola founded the Imperial Chola dynasty in the 9th century CE by capturing Thanjavur, marking the revival of Chola power in South India.
#100. Which Article provides for the election of the Vice-President of India?
Article 66 in the Constitution lays down the procedure for electing the Vice-President.
⬅️ DAILY 20 TEST