Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Anonymous Quiz
11%
1 only
48%
2 only
31%
Both 1 and 2
9%
Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (B)
Gender Budgeting is a spatial and fiscal tool used to ensure that the benefits of
development reach women as much as men. While the focus in India is heavily on women
due to existing socio-economic gaps, the theoretical framework involves analyzing the
impact of government expenditure on all genders to ensure equitable distribution. It is a
"gender-sensitive" lens applied to the entire budgetary process.
●
Gender Budgeting is not a separate or standalone budget.It is a fiscal tool or an
analytical exercise applied to the entire budget. Funds are not "exclusively"
●
earmarked in a separate pot; rather, existing departmental allocations are identified
and reported based on their benefit to women. Hence, statement 1 is incorrect.
In the most recent fiscal cycles (specifically the 2025-26 and 2024-25 budgets), the
Gender Budget has shown a consistent upward trajectory both in absolute terms
and as a percentage of the total Union Budget.
●
For the 2024-25 (Revised Estimates) and 2025-26 (Budget Estimates), the
allocation crossed the landmark of ₹3 lakh crore for the first time.
●
The share of the Gender Budget as a percentage of the total Union Budget has
risen to approximately 6.5% - 6.8%, up from the historical average of roughly
5%. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
Gender Budgeting is a spatial and fiscal tool used to ensure that the benefits of
development reach women as much as men. While the focus in India is heavily on women
due to existing socio-economic gaps, the theoretical framework involves analyzing the
impact of government expenditure on all genders to ensure equitable distribution. It is a
"gender-sensitive" lens applied to the entire budgetary process.
●
Gender Budgeting is not a separate or standalone budget.It is a fiscal tool or an
analytical exercise applied to the entire budget. Funds are not "exclusively"
●
earmarked in a separate pot; rather, existing departmental allocations are identified
and reported based on their benefit to women. Hence, statement 1 is incorrect.
In the most recent fiscal cycles (specifically the 2025-26 and 2024-25 budgets), the
Gender Budget has shown a consistent upward trajectory both in absolute terms
and as a percentage of the total Union Budget.
●
For the 2024-25 (Revised Estimates) and 2025-26 (Budget Estimates), the
allocation crossed the landmark of ₹3 lakh crore for the first time.
●
The share of the Gender Budget as a percentage of the total Union Budget has
risen to approximately 6.5% - 6.8%, up from the historical average of roughly
5%. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
5) With reference to the Vibrant Villages Programme, consider the following statements:
1. It aims at comprehensive development of villages along India’s international land
borders.
2. It is implemented by the Ministry of Panchayati Raj.
1. It aims at comprehensive development of villages along India’s international land
borders.
2. It is implemented by the Ministry of Panchayati Raj.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Anonymous Quiz
62%
1 only
15%
2 only
18%
Both 1 and 2
6%
Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (A)
●
The Vibrant Villages Programme aims at comprehensive development of villages
along India’s international land borders. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
●
Phase I (2023–26) covers selected villages along the northern border with China in
Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, and Ladakh. It focuses
on infrastructure, road connectivity, telecom, housing, renewable energy, and
livelihood generation to prevent outmigration.
●
Phase II is envisaged to expand coverage to additional border villages along other
international borders of India, strengthening strategic security and inclusive
development in remote frontier areas.
●
The Vibrant Villages Programme is overseen and implemented by the Ministry of
Home Affairs (MHA).
●
It coordinates with State Governments and other central ministries for infrastructure
and development works in border villages. Hence, statement 2 is incorrect.
Therefore, option A is the correct answer
●
The Vibrant Villages Programme aims at comprehensive development of villages
along India’s international land borders. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
●
Phase I (2023–26) covers selected villages along the northern border with China in
Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, and Ladakh. It focuses
on infrastructure, road connectivity, telecom, housing, renewable energy, and
livelihood generation to prevent outmigration.
●
Phase II is envisaged to expand coverage to additional border villages along other
international borders of India, strengthening strategic security and inclusive
development in remote frontier areas.
●
The Vibrant Villages Programme is overseen and implemented by the Ministry of
Home Affairs (MHA).
●
It coordinates with State Governments and other central ministries for infrastructure
and development works in border villages. Hence, statement 2 is incorrect.
Therefore, option A is the correct answer
1) Daily MCQ: 26.02.2026
With reference to Exercise MILAN, consider the following statements:
1. It is a multilateral naval exercise hosted by the Indian Navy
2. It strengthens India's position as a key player in Indo-Pacific region
With reference to Exercise MILAN, consider the following statements:
1. It is a multilateral naval exercise hosted by the Indian Navy
2. It strengthens India's position as a key player in Indo-Pacific region
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Anonymous Quiz
6%
1 only
16%
2 only
75%
Both 1 and 2
2%
Neither 1 nor 2
1) Answer: (C)
Exercise MILAN is a multilateral (not bilateral) naval exercise hosted by the Indian Navy. It
began in 1995 with just four nations (Indonesia, Singapore, Sri Lanka, and Thailand) and has
grown exponentially. The most recent 13th edition, which concluded on February 25, 2026,
saw participation from over 70 friendly foreign nations, making it India's largest-ever
multinational naval engagement. Hence, Statement 1 is correct
The exercise is a cornerstone of India’s maritime diplomacy. By hosting navies from across
the world in the Bay of Bengal, India reinforces its role as a "Net Security Provider" and a
"Preferred Security Partner." It aligns with the SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the
Region) initiative and the MAHASAGAR vision, directly strengthening India's strategic
influence and leadership in the Indo-Pacific region. Hence , Statement 2 is correct.
Therefore, option C is the correct answer.
Exercise MILAN is a multilateral (not bilateral) naval exercise hosted by the Indian Navy. It
began in 1995 with just four nations (Indonesia, Singapore, Sri Lanka, and Thailand) and has
grown exponentially. The most recent 13th edition, which concluded on February 25, 2026,
saw participation from over 70 friendly foreign nations, making it India's largest-ever
multinational naval engagement. Hence, Statement 1 is correct
The exercise is a cornerstone of India’s maritime diplomacy. By hosting navies from across
the world in the Bay of Bengal, India reinforces its role as a "Net Security Provider" and a
"Preferred Security Partner." It aligns with the SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the
Region) initiative and the MAHASAGAR vision, directly strengthening India's strategic
influence and leadership in the Indo-Pacific region. Hence , Statement 2 is correct.
Therefore, option C is the correct answer.
2) Which of the following diseases can be prevented by the HPV (human papillomavirus)
vaccine?
(a) Breast Cancer
(b) Cervical cancer
(c) Hepatitis
(d) Syphilis
vaccine?
(a) Breast Cancer
(b) Cervical cancer
(c) Hepatitis
(d) Syphilis
2) Answer: (B)
●
Breast Cancer is a non-communicable disease primarily influenced by genetics and
lifestyle factors. It is not caused by a virus, and therefore, there is no vaccine
available for its prevention. Hence, option A is incorrect.
●
Cervical cancer is the primary disease prevented by the HPV vaccine. The vaccine
works by stimulating the immune system to recognize and block the Human
Papillomavirus, which is responsible for over 95% of cervical cancer cases
worldwide. By preventing the initial viral infection, the vaccine stops the long-term
cellular changes that lead to malignancy. Hence, option B is correct.
Hepatitis is a viral infection of the liver. It is prevented by separate vaccines, such as
the Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B vaccines, not the HPV vaccine. Hence, option C is
incorrect.
Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection caused by bacteria (Treponema pallidum).
Because it is bacterial rather than viral, it cannot be prevented by the HPV vaccine.
Hence, option D is incorrect.
Therefore, option B is the correct an
●
Breast Cancer is a non-communicable disease primarily influenced by genetics and
lifestyle factors. It is not caused by a virus, and therefore, there is no vaccine
available for its prevention. Hence, option A is incorrect.
●
Cervical cancer is the primary disease prevented by the HPV vaccine. The vaccine
works by stimulating the immune system to recognize and block the Human
Papillomavirus, which is responsible for over 95% of cervical cancer cases
worldwide. By preventing the initial viral infection, the vaccine stops the long-term
cellular changes that lead to malignancy. Hence, option B is correct.
Hepatitis is a viral infection of the liver. It is prevented by separate vaccines, such as
the Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B vaccines, not the HPV vaccine. Hence, option C is
incorrect.
Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection caused by bacteria (Treponema pallidum).
Because it is bacterial rather than viral, it cannot be prevented by the HPV vaccine.
Hence, option D is incorrect.
Therefore, option B is the correct an
3) Consider the following statements regarding El Niño:
1. El Niño is characterised by the weakening of trade winds over the equatorial Pacific
Ocean.
2. It generally strengthens the Indian southwest monsoon.
3. El Niño is an oceanic phenomenon whereas Southern oscillation is atmospheric
phenomenon.
1. El Niño is characterised by the weakening of trade winds over the equatorial Pacific
Ocean.
2. It generally strengthens the Indian southwest monsoon.
3. El Niño is an oceanic phenomenon whereas Southern oscillation is atmospheric
phenomenon.
Which of the statements given above are cor
Anonymous Quiz
58%
1 and 3 only
17%
2 and 3 only
12%
1 and 2 only
13%
1, 2 and 3
3) Answer: (A)
Phenomena of El-Nina
●
Trade winds blow from east to west across the equatorial Pacific.
●
They push warm surface water toward Indonesia & Australia.
●
Cold water rises near Peru (upwelling).
During El Niño–Southern Oscillation (El Niño phase)
●
Trade winds weaken (sometimes even reverse).
●
Warm water shifts eastward toward the central & eastern Pacific.
●
Upwelling near Peru reduces.
●
The entire ocean-atmosphere balance changes.
So weakening of trade winds is a core feature of El Niño. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
●
El Niño does not strengthen the Indian southwest monsoon.
●
Instead, it generally weakens it. When warm water shifts toward the eastern Pacific,
the region of rising air (convection) also shifts eastward. As a result, subsidence
(sinking air) increases over the Indian region, reducing cloud formation and rainfall.
●
This often leads to below-normal monsoon rainfall and sometimes drought conditions
in India. Hence, statement 2 is incorrect.
●
El Niño is the oceanic phenomenon marked by abnormal warming of the central and
eastern equatorial Pacific due to weakening trade winds.
●
Southern Oscillation is the atmospheric phenomenon involving fluctuations in air
pressure between Tahiti and Darwin (measured by SOI).
●
Together, they form the coupled ocean–atmosphere system called El Niño–Southern
Oscillation (ENSO).
●
Hence, statement 3 is correct.
Therefore, option A is the correct answer.
Phenomena of El-Nina
●
Trade winds blow from east to west across the equatorial Pacific.
●
They push warm surface water toward Indonesia & Australia.
●
Cold water rises near Peru (upwelling).
During El Niño–Southern Oscillation (El Niño phase)
●
Trade winds weaken (sometimes even reverse).
●
Warm water shifts eastward toward the central & eastern Pacific.
●
Upwelling near Peru reduces.
●
The entire ocean-atmosphere balance changes.
So weakening of trade winds is a core feature of El Niño. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
●
El Niño does not strengthen the Indian southwest monsoon.
●
Instead, it generally weakens it. When warm water shifts toward the eastern Pacific,
the region of rising air (convection) also shifts eastward. As a result, subsidence
(sinking air) increases over the Indian region, reducing cloud formation and rainfall.
●
This often leads to below-normal monsoon rainfall and sometimes drought conditions
in India. Hence, statement 2 is incorrect.
●
El Niño is the oceanic phenomenon marked by abnormal warming of the central and
eastern equatorial Pacific due to weakening trade winds.
●
Southern Oscillation is the atmospheric phenomenon involving fluctuations in air
pressure between Tahiti and Darwin (measured by SOI).
●
Together, they form the coupled ocean–atmosphere system called El Niño–Southern
Oscillation (ENSO).
●
Hence, statement 3 is correct.
Therefore, option A is the correct answer.
4) Consider the following statements
Statement I: Large Language Models are widely used for understanding and generating
human language.
Statement II: LLMs are trained using large amounts of text data.
Statement III: LLMs can consume a significant amount of electricity during its usage.
Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?
Statement I: Large Language Models are widely used for understanding and generating
human language.
Statement II: LLMs are trained using large amounts of text data.
Statement III: LLMs can consume a significant amount of electricity during its usage.
Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?
4) Answer: (B)
A Large Language Model (LLM) is a type of artificial intelligence (AI) model that is
trained to understand and generate human language.OFFICERS IAS ACADEMY
IAS Academy by IAS Officers
LLMs like GPT, BERT, or LLaMA are trained on massive text datasets consisting of
books, articles, and web content. Hence statement II is correct.
This training allows the model to learn grammar, context, semantics, and patterns of
human language, which directly explains why LLMs can understand and generate text.
Therefore, Statement II explains Statement I.
Training large models requires huge computational resources (GPUs/TPUs) and can
consume tens to hundreds of megawatt-hours of electricity. While this is true, it does not
explain why LLMs can generate human-like text; it only describes a technical or
resource-related fact about LLMs. Hence statement 3 is correct, and only one of them
explains statement 1.
Therefore, option B is the correct answ
A Large Language Model (LLM) is a type of artificial intelligence (AI) model that is
trained to understand and generate human language.OFFICERS IAS ACADEMY
IAS Academy by IAS Officers
LLMs like GPT, BERT, or LLaMA are trained on massive text datasets consisting of
books, articles, and web content. Hence statement II is correct.
This training allows the model to learn grammar, context, semantics, and patterns of
human language, which directly explains why LLMs can understand and generate text.
Therefore, Statement II explains Statement I.
Training large models requires huge computational resources (GPUs/TPUs) and can
consume tens to hundreds of megawatt-hours of electricity. While this is true, it does not
explain why LLMs can generate human-like text; it only describes a technical or
resource-related fact about LLMs. Hence statement 3 is correct, and only one of them
explains statement 1.
Therefore, option B is the correct answ
5) Consider the following statements about microplastic pollution:
1. Microplastics act like chemical sponges, absorbing toxic pollutants such as heavy
metals from water.
2. Abandoned fishing gear and river discharge are major sources of microplastics along
India’s coasts.
3. The Plastic Waste Management (Amendment) Rules, require QR/barcodes for tracking
to improve accountability and reduce microplastic pollution.
1. Microplastics act like chemical sponges, absorbing toxic pollutants such as heavy
metals from water.
2. Abandoned fishing gear and river discharge are major sources of microplastics along
India’s coasts.
3. The Plastic Waste Management (Amendment) Rules, require QR/barcodes for tracking
to improve accountability and reduce microplastic pollution.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
Anonymous Quiz
11%
1 and 2 only
29%
2 and 3 only
8%
1 and 3 only
51%
1,2 and 3
5) Answer: (D)
Microplastics are tiny plastic particles smaller than 5 mm, originating from primary
sources like microbeads in cosmetics and secondary sources from the breakdown of larger
plastics such as bags, bottles, and synthetic clothing fibers. They pollute oceans, rivers, soil,
and air worldwide, harming marine life through ingestion, disrupting ecosystems, and
carrying toxic chemicals that bioaccumulate in food chains.
Due to their small size and high surface-area-to-volume ratio, microplastics act as "chemical
sponges." They possess a hydrophobic surface that allows them to adsorb and concentrate
Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) and heavy metals from the surrounding water. When
marine life ingests these particles, these toxic chemicals enter the food chain, eventually
affecting human health. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
The National Centre for Coastal Research (NCCR) identifies riverine inputs/discharges (from
rivers carrying land-based plastics) and abandoned, lost, or discarded fishing gear (ALDFG)
as predominant sources of microplastic pollution along India's coasts. Hence, statement 2 is
correct.
The Plastic Waste Management (Second Amendment) Rules, 2025, introduced a mandatory
digital tracking system. As of July 1, 2025, all plastic packaging must feature a QR code or
barcode. This initiative aims to:
●
Ensure Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) compliance.
●
Trace the origin and quality of the plastic.
●
Prevent the mixing of non-recyclable polymers that are prone to fragmenting into
microplastics. Hence, statement 3 is correct.
Therefore, option D is the correct answer
Microplastics are tiny plastic particles smaller than 5 mm, originating from primary
sources like microbeads in cosmetics and secondary sources from the breakdown of larger
plastics such as bags, bottles, and synthetic clothing fibers. They pollute oceans, rivers, soil,
and air worldwide, harming marine life through ingestion, disrupting ecosystems, and
carrying toxic chemicals that bioaccumulate in food chains.
Due to their small size and high surface-area-to-volume ratio, microplastics act as "chemical
sponges." They possess a hydrophobic surface that allows them to adsorb and concentrate
Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) and heavy metals from the surrounding water. When
marine life ingests these particles, these toxic chemicals enter the food chain, eventually
affecting human health. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
The National Centre for Coastal Research (NCCR) identifies riverine inputs/discharges (from
rivers carrying land-based plastics) and abandoned, lost, or discarded fishing gear (ALDFG)
as predominant sources of microplastic pollution along India's coasts. Hence, statement 2 is
correct.
The Plastic Waste Management (Second Amendment) Rules, 2025, introduced a mandatory
digital tracking system. As of July 1, 2025, all plastic packaging must feature a QR code or
barcode. This initiative aims to:
●
Ensure Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) compliance.
●
Trace the origin and quality of the plastic.
●
Prevent the mixing of non-recyclable polymers that are prone to fragmenting into
microplastics. Hence, statement 3 is correct.
Therefore, option D is the correct answer
1) Consider the following statements:
1. India’s crude oil import dependence is rising mainly due to increasing domestic fuel
demand and stagnant domestic production.
2. High dependence on imported crude oil can widen India’s trade deficit and put
pressure on the rupee
1. India’s crude oil import dependence is rising mainly due to increasing domestic fuel
demand and stagnant domestic production.
2. High dependence on imported crude oil can widen India’s trade deficit and put
pressure on the rupee
Which of the statements given above is/are correct
Anonymous Quiz
3%
1 only
15%
2 only
81%
Both 1 and 2
1%
Neither 1 nor 2
1) Answer: (C)
India's crude oil import dependence is indeed rising, primarily due to increasing domestic fuel
demand (driven by economic growth, rising vehicle ownership, transportation needs,
industrialization, and India becoming the world's largest driver of oil demand growth in recent
years) and stagnant (or even declining) domestic production. Recent data from the Petroleum
Planning & Analysis Cell (PPAC) shows import dependence reaching 88.6% in the first 10
months of FY26 (up from 88.2% in the same period of FY25 and 88.3% for full FY25),
marking a continuing upward trend and approaching record highs. Domestic crude oil
production has remained largely flat or shown declines in recent years (e.g., averaging around
700 kb/d in 2023 with projections for further gradual decline), failing to keep pace with
surging consumption. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
High dependence on imported crude oil significantly widens India's trade deficit (as crude oil
remains one of the largest single items in the import basket, increasing the import bill when
volumes or prices rise) and exerts downward pressure on the rupee (due to higher demand for
US dollars to pay for imports, contributing to rupee depreciation amid widening current
India's crude oil import dependence is indeed rising, primarily due to increasing domestic fuel
demand (driven by economic growth, rising vehicle ownership, transportation needs,
industrialization, and India becoming the world's largest driver of oil demand growth in recent
years) and stagnant (or even declining) domestic production. Recent data from the Petroleum
Planning & Analysis Cell (PPAC) shows import dependence reaching 88.6% in the first 10
months of FY26 (up from 88.2% in the same period of FY25 and 88.3% for full FY25),
marking a continuing upward trend and approaching record highs. Domestic crude oil
production has remained largely flat or shown declines in recent years (e.g., averaging around
700 kb/d in 2023 with projections for further gradual decline), failing to keep pace with
surging consumption. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
High dependence on imported crude oil significantly widens India's trade deficit (as crude oil
remains one of the largest single items in the import basket, increasing the import bill when
volumes or prices rise) and exerts downward pressure on the rupee (due to higher demand for
US dollars to pay for imports, contributing to rupee depreciation amid widening current