2) Answer: (D)
PM₂.₅ particles are small enough (≤2.5 micrometers) to penetrate deep into the lungs (reaching
the alveoli) and even enter the bloodstream, leading to serious health effects like
cardiovascular and respiratory issues. Hence, Statement 1 is correct.
According to the latest WHO Global Air Quality Guidelines (updated in 2021), the
recommended 24-hour average guideline level for PM₂.₅ is 15 μg/m³ (with an annual mean of
5 μg/m³). This is the health-protective guideline value. Hence, Statement 2 is correct.
Temperature inversion occurs when a layer of warmer air traps cooler air near the ground,
preventing vertical mixing and dispersion of pollutants. This stable atmospheric condition
traps emissions close to the surface, significantly increasing PM₂.₅ concentrations, especially
during winter in valleys or urban areas. Hence, Statement 3 is correct.
Therefore D is the right answer

3) Consider the following statements:
Statement I : Many Governments are considering banning or restricting social media usage
for children.
Statement II : Excessive social media usage among children has been linked to mental health
issues such as anxiety, depression, and reduced attention span.
Statement III : Children are more vulnerable to online risks such as cyberbullying, exposure
to harmful content, and data privacy violations.
Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?
(a) Both Statement II and Statement III are correct and both of them explain Statement I
(b) Both Statement II and Statement III are correct but only one of them explains
Statement I
(c) Only one of the Statements II and III is correct and that explains Statement I
(d) Neither Statement II nor Statement III is correct.

Several governments and policymakers across the world are considering or debating
restrictions on children’s access to social media due to rising concerns regarding safety and
well-being. Hence, statement I is correct.
Excessive social media usage is linked to dopamine-driven feedback loops, sleep
deprivation, and "Comparison Anxiety." In public policy, these are considered "Negative
Externalities" of the digital economy that the State must mitigate. Hence, statement II
explains statement I.
Unlike adults, children are viewed as "vulnerable subjects" in data protection law. Risks
such as cyber-grooming, phishing, and non-consensual data profiling necessitate State
intervention. Hence, statement III explains statement I.
Therefore, option A is the correct answer.

4) With reference to the Essential Commodities Act (ECA), 1955, consider the following
statements
1. The Central Government can notify any commodity as "essential" to regulate its
production, supply, and price in the public interest.
2. During LPG shortages, the government can use the ECA to cap prices and limit dealer
stocks to stop hoarding.

4) Answer: (C)
Under Section 2A of the ECA, 1955, the Central Government has the authority to amend the
Schedule to include any commodity it deems necessary in the public interest. Once notified,
the government gains the power to regulate the entire lifecycle of that commodity—from its
manufacturing and production to its distribution and pricing. Hence, Statement 1 is correct.
Petroleum and petroleum products (which include LPG) are already listed in the Schedule of
the Essential Commodities Act. During disruptions—such as a global supply chain crisis or
local shortages—the government can issue Control Orders to:
●
Fix Prices: Set a Maximum Retail Price (MRP) to prevent predatory pricing.
●
Impose Stock Limits: Legally mandate the maximum amount a dealer can store,
forcing them to release supply into the market to prevent "artificial scarcity" or
hoarding. Hence, Statement 2 is correct.Therefore, option C is the correct answer.

5) With reference to Exercise Dharma Guardian, consider the following statements
1. It is a joint military exercise between India and Japan.
2. The exercise focuses joint combat readiness in complex urban and semi-urban
settings

5) Answer: (C)
●
Exercise Dharma Guardian is an annual bilateral land-force military exercise between
the Indian Army and the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF). Conducted
alternately in India and Japan. The exercise aims to enhance interoperability and
strengthen joint operational capabilities in semi-urban and urban environments,
focusing on Temporary Operating Base (TOB) establishment, Intelligence,
Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) grid development, and Cordon and Search
Operations, along with advanced drills such as Heliborne operations and close-quarter
battle (house intervention) tactics. Strategically, it is a key component of the
India–Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership supporting a Free and Open
Indo-Pacific (FOIP) and forms part of broader defence cooperation that includes
exercises like JIMEX (Navy), Veer Guardian (Air Force), Shinyuu Maitri (Air Force –
Transport), and the multilateral Malabar naval exercise with the USA and Australia.
Hence both the statements are correct.
●
Therefore, option C is the correct ans

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1) With reference to the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India, consider
the following statements:
1. It is a statutory body functioning under the Ministry of Finance.
2. It currently fixes premium tariff rates for all general insurance products in India.
3. Insurance Information Bureau of India (IIB) was established under IRDAI that helps
insurers in fraud detection and claim verification.

1) Answer: (C)
IRDAI is a statutory body established under the Insurance Regulatory and Development
Authority Act, 1999. It functions under the Ministry of Finance, Government of India.
Hence statement 1 is correct.
IRDAI does not fix premium tariffs for all general insurance products. Earlier, tariffs
were set by the Tariff Advisory Committee (TAC). However, after de-tariffing in 2007,
most general insurance premiums are decided by insurers themselves, while IRDAI
supervises and regulates the framework. Hence statement 2 is incorrect.
Key Functions
●
Issuing, renewing, modifying, or canceling registrations for insurance companies.
●
Protecting the interests of policyholders in matters concerning assigning of policies and
settlement of claims.
●
Promoting efficiency in the conduct of insurance business.
●
Levying fees and other charges for carrying out the purposes of the Act.
IIB was established under IRDAI as a data and analytics body. It acts as a data repository
for the entire insurance sector. By collecting and analyzing data from all insurers, it provides
benchmarks for pricing and, crucially, helps identify fraudulent patterns (like multiple
claims for the same accident) and aids in claim verification. Hence statement 3 is correct.
Therefore option C is the correct answer.

2) Consider the following statements regarding Greenland:
1. It shares a direct land boundary with Canada.
2. It is an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark.

2) Answer: (C)
●
Greenland is the world's largest island, located between North America and
Europe in the North Atlantic Ocean.
●
Borders: It is surrounded by the Arctic Ocean (north), Greenland Sea (east), North
Atlantic Ocean (southeast), Davis Strait (southwest), and Baffin Bay (west).
●
Capital: Nuuk.
●
Geographically, it is considered part of the North American continent.
●
Greenland shares a direct land boundary with Canada through the division of Hans
Island, established in June 2022. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
●
Greenland is an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark. It has its
own parliament and makes its own local laws, but Denmark still handles its military
and foreign relations.Hence,statement 2 is correct

Which of the following factors contribute to the decline in the fertility rate in India?
1. Increased Female Literacy
2. Delayed Marriage
3. Urbanization
4. Increase in infant mortality
5. Changing social values toward smaller families

3) Answer: (C)
Fertility rate refers to the average number of children born to a woman during her
reproductive years (usually between ages 15 and 49). It is an important demographic
indicator used to measure population growth and trends. The most common measure is the
Total Fertility Rate (TFR). A fertility rate of about 2.1 children per woman is considered the
replacement level, which keeps the population stable without migration.
●
Increased Female Literacy- Educated women tend to marry later, have better
awareness of family planning, and prefer smaller families. This contributes to lower
fertility rates. Hence, Statement 1 is correct.
●
Delayed Marriage- When marriage occurs at a later age, the reproductive period
becomes shorter, which reduces the total number of children a couple may have.
Hence, Statement 2 is correct.
●
Urbanization- Urban living increases the cost of housing, education, and
healthcare, so couples often prefer smaller families. Hence, Statement 3 is
correct.
●
Increase in Infant Mortality- Higher infant mortality usually leads families to have
more children to ensure that some survive. Therefore, it does not reduce fertility.
Hence, Statement 4 is incorrect.
●
Changing Social Values toward Smaller Families- Modern lifestyles and
awareness encourage the idea of “small family, better quality of life.” Hence,
Statement 5 is correct.
Therefore, option C is the correct answer.