With reference to the Logistics Ease Across Different States (LEADS) Report, consider the
following statements:
1. LEADS aims to improve logistics efficiency, reduce logistics costs and enhance ease of doing business.
2. LEADS 2025 assigned nearly 59% weightage to objective and measurable indicators.
3. Mizoram was recognised as the Exemplar State among the North-Eastern States in LEADS 2025.
following statements:
1. LEADS aims to improve logistics efficiency, reduce logistics costs and enhance ease of doing business.
2. LEADS 2025 assigned nearly 59% weightage to objective and measurable indicators.
3. Mizoram was recognised as the Exemplar State among the North-Eastern States in LEADS 2025.
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Answer: (D)
● Statement 1 is Correct: The LEADS Report, released by Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), evaluates the logistics performance of States and Union Territories to strengthen India's logistics ecosystem by improving efficiency, reducing logistics costs and enhancing ease of doing business.
● Statement 2 – Correct: LEADS 2025 introduced a more rigorous and evidence-based assessment framework by assigning nearly 59% weightage to objective and measurable indicators. It also replaced the earlier three-tier classification with a four-tier categorisation system, enabling a more nuanced assessment of states at different stages of logistics development.
● Statement 3 – Correct: In LEADS 2025, Mizoram was recognised as the Exemplar State among the North-Eastern States for its logistics performance.
● Therefore, option D is the correct answer.
● Statement 1 is Correct: The LEADS Report, released by Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), evaluates the logistics performance of States and Union Territories to strengthen India's logistics ecosystem by improving efficiency, reducing logistics costs and enhancing ease of doing business.
● Statement 2 – Correct: LEADS 2025 introduced a more rigorous and evidence-based assessment framework by assigning nearly 59% weightage to objective and measurable indicators. It also replaced the earlier three-tier classification with a four-tier categorisation system, enabling a more nuanced assessment of states at different stages of logistics development.
● Statement 3 – Correct: In LEADS 2025, Mizoram was recognised as the Exemplar State among the North-Eastern States for its logistics performance.
● Therefore, option D is the correct answer.
With reference to Laser Powder Bed Fusion (L-PBF), consider the following statements:
1. It is a 3D metal printing technology.
2. It is used to manufacture lightweight and high-strength aerospace components.
3. It can be used to produce customized medical implants.
1. It is a 3D metal printing technology.
2. It is used to manufacture lightweight and high-strength aerospace components.
3. It can be used to produce customized medical implants.
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Answer: (D)
L-PBF is a primary category of Metal Additive Manufacturing (3D printing). It uses a high-power laser to fuse fine metal powder particles layer-by-layer into solid, dense parts. Hence Statement 1 is correct.
In the aerospace industry, L-PBF is highly valued because it allows for topology optimization. This means engineers can remove material where it isn't needed, creating complex, lightweight internal lattice structures that maintain high strength, a crucial requirement for reducing aircraft fuel consumption. Hence Statement 2 is correct.
L-PBF is the gold standard for medical implants. Because the process is digital, a surgeon can take a patient's CT scan and create a custom-fit implant (such as a hip, knee, or cranial plate). Furthermore, L-PBF can print porous, "bone-like" surface textures that significantly improve osseointegration (the process where the patient's bone grows into the implant). Hence Statement 3 is correct.
Therefore , Option D is the correct answer.
L-PBF is a primary category of Metal Additive Manufacturing (3D printing). It uses a high-power laser to fuse fine metal powder particles layer-by-layer into solid, dense parts. Hence Statement 1 is correct.
In the aerospace industry, L-PBF is highly valued because it allows for topology optimization. This means engineers can remove material where it isn't needed, creating complex, lightweight internal lattice structures that maintain high strength, a crucial requirement for reducing aircraft fuel consumption. Hence Statement 2 is correct.
L-PBF is the gold standard for medical implants. Because the process is digital, a surgeon can take a patient's CT scan and create a custom-fit implant (such as a hip, knee, or cranial plate). Furthermore, L-PBF can print porous, "bone-like" surface textures that significantly improve osseointegration (the process where the patient's bone grows into the implant). Hence Statement 3 is correct.
Therefore , Option D is the correct answer.
Consider the following statements regarding Goods and Services Tax (GST) collections in
India:
1. Higher GST collections mainly indicate broad-based growth in domestic manufacturing and industrial value addition.
2. Growth in Integrated GST (IGST) collections can also be influenced by factors such as currency depreciation and higher global commodity prices, even without a significant increase in import volumes.
3. Weak performance of the eight core industries may indicate a slowdown in domestic economic activity despite higher GST collections.
India:
1. Higher GST collections mainly indicate broad-based growth in domestic manufacturing and industrial value addition.
2. Growth in Integrated GST (IGST) collections can also be influenced by factors such as currency depreciation and higher global commodity prices, even without a significant increase in import volumes.
3. Weak performance of the eight core industries may indicate a slowdown in domestic economic activity despite higher GST collections.
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Answer: (C)
Statement 1 is Incorrect: While higher GST collections are often cited as a sign of economic health, they do not "mainly" indicate broad-based growth in domestic manufacturing. Recent economic data (e.g., June 2026) highlights that a significant portion of GST growth has been driven by import-related taxes (IGST), currency depreciation, and imported inflation, rather than strong domestic value addition or manufacturing activity. Relying on headline GST numbers without looking at the domestic-vs-import breakdown can lead to a misleading picture of domestic industrial health.
Statement 2 is Correct: Integrated GST (IGST) is levied on imports. When the rupee depreciates, the value of imports in rupee terms increases, which mechanically inflates the assessable value and, consequently, the IGST collected. Similarly, if global commodity prices (like crude oil or gold) rise, the tax base for import-linked GST expands. Thus, higher IGST collections can occur even if physical import volumes remain stagnant or grow slowly.
Statement 3 is Correct: The Index of Eight Core Industries (which includes sectors like coal, steel, cement, electricity, etc.) is a key lead indicator of industrial activity. A weak performance in these core sectors suggests a deceleration in infrastructure and construction activity. If these core sectors are underperforming while total GST collections remain high, it is a strong signal that the "headline" tax growth is not being supported by the real economy's underlying industrial momentum.
Therefore, Option C is the correct answer
Statement 1 is Incorrect: While higher GST collections are often cited as a sign of economic health, they do not "mainly" indicate broad-based growth in domestic manufacturing. Recent economic data (e.g., June 2026) highlights that a significant portion of GST growth has been driven by import-related taxes (IGST), currency depreciation, and imported inflation, rather than strong domestic value addition or manufacturing activity. Relying on headline GST numbers without looking at the domestic-vs-import breakdown can lead to a misleading picture of domestic industrial health.
Statement 2 is Correct: Integrated GST (IGST) is levied on imports. When the rupee depreciates, the value of imports in rupee terms increases, which mechanically inflates the assessable value and, consequently, the IGST collected. Similarly, if global commodity prices (like crude oil or gold) rise, the tax base for import-linked GST expands. Thus, higher IGST collections can occur even if physical import volumes remain stagnant or grow slowly.
Statement 3 is Correct: The Index of Eight Core Industries (which includes sectors like coal, steel, cement, electricity, etc.) is a key lead indicator of industrial activity. A weak performance in these core sectors suggests a deceleration in infrastructure and construction activity. If these core sectors are underperforming while total GST collections remain high, it is a strong signal that the "headline" tax growth is not being supported by the real economy's underlying industrial momentum.
Therefore, Option C is the correct answer
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⏰ 04:00 PM
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Gain valuable insights from Mr. Israel Jebasingh (Ex IAS, AIR 59) on building the right mindset, habits, and roadmap for a successful Civil Services journey from an early stage.
📅 11th July 2026
⏰ 04:00 PM
📍 Venue: Officers IAS Academy, Chennai
We also invite parents to be a part of this session and understand the roadmap and commitment required for UPSC success. Don’t miss this chance to receive valuable guidance from one of the best mentors in the field!
To Register : https://forms.gle/K6NMyHAXYAch4HSd8
For any queries, reach us at +91 7845878226
Similipal Tiger Reserve is part of the UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserves and is known for its rich biodiversity and dense forests.
Important for UPSC: Tiger Reserves, Biosphere Reserves, biodiversity conservation, and Eastern Ghats–Chotanagpur ecological linkages.
Important for UPSC: Tiger Reserves, Biosphere Reserves, biodiversity conservation, and Eastern Ghats–Chotanagpur ecological linkages.
Mauritius is an island nation in the Indian Ocean, located about 800 km east of Madagascar, and forms part of the Mascarene Islands along with Réunion and Rodrigues.
The island is volcanic in origin, almost entirely surrounded by coral reefs, and is home to the third-largest coral reef system in the world.
Important for UPSC: Indian Ocean Region (IOR), Mascarene Islands, coral reefs, India–Mauritius relations, maritime security, and the Blue Economy.
The island is volcanic in origin, almost entirely surrounded by coral reefs, and is home to the third-largest coral reef system in the world.
Important for UPSC: Indian Ocean Region (IOR), Mascarene Islands, coral reefs, India–Mauritius relations, maritime security, and the Blue Economy.
Consider the following statements regarding the Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and
Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB-GRAM G):
1. The Central Government can notify different wage rates for different areas.
2. Wage rates for workers are revised by the Central Government based on the Consumer Price Index–Agricultural Labourers (CPI-AL).
3. State Governments may provide wages over and above the wage rate notified by the Central Government.
Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB-GRAM G):
1. The Central Government can notify different wage rates for different areas.
2. Wage rates for workers are revised by the Central Government based on the Consumer Price Index–Agricultural Labourers (CPI-AL).
3. State Governments may provide wages over and above the wage rate notified by the Central Government.
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Answer: (D)
Statement 1: Correct. The Central Government has the authority to notify different wage rates for different geographical areas, taking into account local conditions.
Statement 2: Correct. Wage rates are revised periodically by the Central Government based on the Consumer Price Index–Agricultural Labourers (CPI-AL) to account for changes in the cost of living.
Statement 3: Correct. State Governments may pay wages higher than the wage rate notified by the Central Government, provided the additional financial burden is borne by the respective State Government.
Hence, all three statements are correct.
Statement 1: Correct. The Central Government has the authority to notify different wage rates for different geographical areas, taking into account local conditions.
Statement 2: Correct. Wage rates are revised periodically by the Central Government based on the Consumer Price Index–Agricultural Labourers (CPI-AL) to account for changes in the cost of living.
Statement 3: Correct. State Governments may pay wages higher than the wage rate notified by the Central Government, provided the additional financial burden is borne by the respective State Government.
Hence, all three statements are correct.
Consider the following statements regarding the National Stock Exchange (NSE)
1. It is regulated by the Securities and Exchange Board of India under the Securities Contracts (Regulation) Act, 1956.
2. It is a public authority under the Right to Information Act, 2005.
3. It is the statutory regulator responsible for overseeing the securities market in India.
1. It is regulated by the Securities and Exchange Board of India under the Securities Contracts (Regulation) Act, 1956.
2. It is a public authority under the Right to Information Act, 2005.
3. It is the statutory regulator responsible for overseeing the securities market in India.
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Answer: (C)
Explanation
The NSE is a recognised stock exchange regulated by SEBI under the Securities Contracts (Regulation) Act, 1956. Hence, Statement 1 is correct. The Delhi High Court has held that the NSE is a "public authority" under the RTI Act, 2005, making it subject to the transparency obligations of the Act. Hence, Statement 2 is correct.
The NSE is not the statutory regulator of the securities market. It is a stock exchange that provides an electronic trading platform. The statutory regulator responsible for regulating the securities market is Securities and Exchange Board of India. Hence, Statement 3 is incorrect.
Therefore, option (c) is the correct answer.
Explanation
The NSE is a recognised stock exchange regulated by SEBI under the Securities Contracts (Regulation) Act, 1956. Hence, Statement 1 is correct. The Delhi High Court has held that the NSE is a "public authority" under the RTI Act, 2005, making it subject to the transparency obligations of the Act. Hence, Statement 2 is correct.
The NSE is not the statutory regulator of the securities market. It is a stock exchange that provides an electronic trading platform. The statutory regulator responsible for regulating the securities market is Securities and Exchange Board of India. Hence, Statement 3 is incorrect.
Therefore, option (c) is the correct answer.