Answer: (A)
Statement 1 is correct: Houthis are adherents of the Zaidi Shia sect.
Statement 2 is correct: The conflict has impacted shipping near the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait, a
crucial global trade route.
Statement 3 is incorrect: Saudi Arabia supports the internationally recognized Yemeni
government, not the Houthis.

With reference to the India–Sri Lanka fishermen issue, which one of the following statements is
correct?
1. The arrest of Indian fishermen by Sri Lanka occurs mainly because India and Sri Lanka
do not have a formally demarcated maritime boundary.
2. Katchatheevu Island lies east of the International Maritime Boundary Line and is
under Sri Lankan sovereignty.
3. Traditional fishing rights of Indian fishermen in the Palk Strait are fully protected
under the 1974 India–Sri Lanka maritime agreement.
4. Disputes relating to the arrest of fishermen are mandatorily resolved through
international arbitration under UNCLOS

Answer: (B)
Statement 1 is Incorrect: The maritime boundary is clearly demarcated (1974 & 1976
agreements).
Statement 2 is correct: Katchatheevu lies on Sri Lanka’s side of the IMBL.
Statement 3 is incorrect: The 1974 agreement did not guarantee fishing rights; it allowed
limited access for pilgrimage and drying nets.
Statement 4 is incorrect: Fishermen issues are handled through bilateral diplomatic
mechanisms, not compulsory UNCLOS arbitration

With reference to Typhoid fever, consider the following statements:
1. Typhoid fever is transmitted primarily through ingestion of food or water contaminated
with feces containing Salmonella Typhi.
2. Common symptoms of typhoid include prolonged high fever, headache, abdominal pain,
and constipation or diarrhea.
3. Individuals who recover from typhoid never transmit the bacteria to others once
symptoms disappear.
4. Improving access to safe drinking water and sanitation helps prevent typhoid fever.

Answer: (A)
Statement 1: correct
Typhoid fever is caused by Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi and is usually spread by ingesting
food or water contaminated with feces from a person who is infected or carrying the bacteria.
This means the disease is transmitted via the fecal-oral route through contaminated food and
water, especially where sanitation is poor and safe drinking water is lacking.

Huntington’s disease is:
(a) A viral disease affecting the liver
(b) An autosomal dominant genetic disorder affecting the brain
(c) A nutritional deficiency disease
(d) A bacterial infection of the nervous syst

Answer: (B)
Huntington’s disease is a hereditary, progressive neuro-degenerative disorder that affects
movement, cognition, and behavior. It is passed from parent to child in an autosomal dominant
manner. It affects the brain, leading to problems with movement, thinking, and behaviour. It is
not caused by infection or nutritional deficiency.

With reference to Initial Public Offerings (IPOs) in India, consider the following statements:
1. IPOs require prior approval from the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI).
2. Companies can raise funds through IPOs only for expansion and not for debt repayment.
3. Follow-on Public Offerings (FPOs) are available only to unlisted companies.
4. High domestic savings inflows can support IPO markets.

Answer: (C)
Statement 1 is Correct:
In India, any company planning to launch an IPO must file a Draft Red Herring Prospectus
(DRHP) with SEBI.
SEBI scrutinizes disclosures, compliance with regulations, and investor protection norms before
granting approval.
Without SEBI’s clearance, an IPO cannot be launched.
Statement 2 is Incorrect:OFFICERS IAS ACADEMY
IAS ACADEMY RUN BY FORMER CIVIL SERVANTS
IPO proceeds can be used for multiple purposes, including:
• Expansion and capital expenditure
• Debt repayment or deleveraging
• Working capital requirements
Recent IPOs have explicitly mentioned repayment of borrowings as a key objective.
Statement 3 is Incorrect:
FPOs are issued only by already listed companies, not unlisted ones.
Purpose of FPO:
• Raise additional capital after listing
• Increase public shareholding
Unlisted companies raise capital through IPOs, not FPOs.

With reference to the Somnath Temple, consider the following statements:
1. It is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva.
2. It is located on the western coast of Gujarat, near the Arabian Sea.
3. The present temple structure was completed in the medieval period.

Which of the following countries were founding members of OPEC?
1. Iran
2. Iraq
3. Kuwait
4. Saudi Arabia
5. Venezuela

Answer: (C)
The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) is a permanent intergovernmental
organization established in September 1960 at the Baghdad Conference. Its five founding
members:
1. Iran,
2. Iraq,
3. Kuwait,
4. Saudi Arabia,
5. and Venezuel

With reference to the ‘Viksit Bharat – G Ram G’ law, consider the following statements:
1. It increases the employment guarantee under MGNREGA from 100 days to 125 days.
2. Workers are entitled to unemployment allowance if work is not provided within the
stipulated period.
3. Interest is payable if wages are delayed beyond 15 days.
4. Administrative expenditure under the scheme has been reduced to curb corruption.

Answer: (A)
Employment Guarantee
The Viksit Bharat – G RAM G Act increases the guaranteed employment days from 100 under
MGNREGA to 125 days per financial year for rural households volunteering for unskilled manual
work. Hence, Statement 1 is correct.
Unemployment Allowance
Workers remain entitled to an unemployment allowance if employment is not provided within 15
days of demand, consistent with MGNREGA provisions. Hence, Statement 2 is correct.
Wage Delay Penalty
Wages must be paid weekly or within 15 days of work completion, with interest (such as 0.05%
of wages) payable if delayed beyond 15 days. Hence, Statement 3 is correct.
Administrative Expenditure
Administrative expenditure ceiling has been raised from 6% to 9% of total costs to support timely
payments and system efficiency, not reduced. Hence, Statement 4 is incorrect.

SAMPANN is related to which of the following?
(a) Management of telecom spectrum
(b) Pension management system for DoT pensioners
(c) Digital payment platform for MSMEs
(d) Skill development portal for telecom workers