Consider the following statements with regard to the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO):
1. The SCO originated from the "Shanghai Five" mechanism, which was formed in 1996 prior to the official founding of the organization in 2001.
2. Belarus is the newest member to join the grouping, making it a 10-member organisation.
3. The 27th meeting of the SCO Council of Heads of State will be hosted by Pakistan, which holds the rotating presidency for 2026–27.
1. The SCO originated from the "Shanghai Five" mechanism, which was formed in 1996 prior to the official founding of the organization in 2001.
2. Belarus is the newest member to join the grouping, making it a 10-member organisation.
3. The 27th meeting of the SCO Council of Heads of State will be hosted by Pakistan, which holds the rotating presidency for 2026–27.
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Answer: (D)
Statement 1 is correct: The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) traces its origins back to the “Shanghai Five” mechanism, which was formed in 1996 (comprising China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan) to resolve border demarcation and demilitarization issues. It was later expanded and officially rechristened as the SCO in 2001 with the inclusion of Uzbekistan.
Statement 2 is correct: Belarus officially became the newest and 10th member state of the SCO during the Astana Summit, expanding the Eurasian bloc into a 10-member organization.
Statement 3 is correct: Pakistan holds the rotating presidency of the SCO Council of Heads of State for the 2026–27 term, succeeding the previous chair and gearing up to host high-level meetings and the forthcoming leaders' summit.
Therefore option D is the correct answer.
Statement 1 is correct: The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) traces its origins back to the “Shanghai Five” mechanism, which was formed in 1996 (comprising China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan) to resolve border demarcation and demilitarization issues. It was later expanded and officially rechristened as the SCO in 2001 with the inclusion of Uzbekistan.
Statement 2 is correct: Belarus officially became the newest and 10th member state of the SCO during the Astana Summit, expanding the Eurasian bloc into a 10-member organization.
Statement 3 is correct: Pakistan holds the rotating presidency of the SCO Council of Heads of State for the 2026–27 term, succeeding the previous chair and gearing up to host high-level meetings and the forthcoming leaders' summit.
Therefore option D is the correct answer.
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Answer: (B)
PRAGATI-50 is a targeted urban transformation initiative launched by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) under the framework of Swachh Bharat Mission–Urban 2.0 (SBM-U 2.0).
Core Objective: The initiative identifies 50 model cities across 24 States/UTs to demonstrate higher benchmarks in urban sanitation, scientific waste management, used water management, circular economy practices, and visible cleanliness.
Key Distinction: This program is distinct from the PRAGATI platform (Pro-Active Governance And Timely Implementation), which is an ICT-based multi-modal platform monitored directly by the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) to track major infrastructure projects and public grievances.
Therefore, option B is the correct answer.
PRAGATI-50 is a targeted urban transformation initiative launched by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) under the framework of Swachh Bharat Mission–Urban 2.0 (SBM-U 2.0).
Core Objective: The initiative identifies 50 model cities across 24 States/UTs to demonstrate higher benchmarks in urban sanitation, scientific waste management, used water management, circular economy practices, and visible cleanliness.
Key Distinction: This program is distinct from the PRAGATI platform (Pro-Active Governance And Timely Implementation), which is an ICT-based multi-modal platform monitored directly by the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) to track major infrastructure projects and public grievances.
Therefore, option B is the correct answer.
Consider the following statements:
1. India is the world's largest importer of edible oils, relying on imports for over half its consumption, led by palm oil.
2. Rajasthan is the largest oilseed-producing state in India, driven largely by rapeseed and mustard.
3. The National Mission on Edible Oils - Oil Palm (NMEO-OP) features a Viability Price mechanism for farmers linked to global crude palm oil prices.
1. India is the world's largest importer of edible oils, relying on imports for over half its consumption, led by palm oil.
2. Rajasthan is the largest oilseed-producing state in India, driven largely by rapeseed and mustard.
3. The National Mission on Edible Oils - Oil Palm (NMEO-OP) features a Viability Price mechanism for farmers linked to global crude palm oil prices.
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Answer: (D)
Statement 1 is correct: India imports over 50% of its edible oil needs, making it the top global importer, with palm oil constituting the largest share.
Statement 2 is correct: Rajasthan leads India's oilseed production, primarily driven by rapeseed and mustard.
Statement 3 is correct: NMEO-OP is a central mission providing a Viability Price safety net to protect oil palm farmers from international price volatility.
Therefore, option D is the correct answer.
Statement 1 is correct: India imports over 50% of its edible oil needs, making it the top global importer, with palm oil constituting the largest share.
Statement 2 is correct: Rajasthan leads India's oilseed production, primarily driven by rapeseed and mustard.
Statement 3 is correct: NMEO-OP is a central mission providing a Viability Price safety net to protect oil palm farmers from international price volatility.
Therefore, option D is the correct answer.
Hyderabad-based space startup TakeMe2Space announced that its PowerBank-50 satellite battery has achieved “flight heritage” after successfully operating in space.
Important for UPSC: Science & Technology → Space Technology → NewSpace India → Satellite Batteries → Private Space Sector → Flight Heritage → Atmanirbhar Bharat.
Important for UPSC: Science & Technology → Space Technology → NewSpace India → Satellite Batteries → Private Space Sector → Flight Heritage → Atmanirbhar Bharat.
With reference to Corporate Average Fuel Efficiency (CAFE) norms in India, consider the following statements:
1. CAFE norms apply to the fleet of vehicles sold by a manufacturer rather than to every individual vehicle model.
2. They are intended to reduce fuel consumption and associated CO₂ emissions from passenger vehicles.
3. They are applicable only to petrol and diesel vehicles
4. Super credits allow certain low-emission or zero-emission vehicles to be counted as more than one vehicle for compliance purposes.
1. CAFE norms apply to the fleet of vehicles sold by a manufacturer rather than to every individual vehicle model.
2. They are intended to reduce fuel consumption and associated CO₂ emissions from passenger vehicles.
3. They are applicable only to petrol and diesel vehicles
4. Super credits allow certain low-emission or zero-emission vehicles to be counted as more than one vehicle for compliance purposes.
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Answer: (C)
Statement 1 is correct: CAFE stands for Corporate Average Fuel Efficiency. The key word is “Corporate Average”. Compliance is assessed on the average fuel consumption/CO₂ performance of the manufacturer's fleet of eligible vehicles sold
during the relevant period. Therefore, every individual model need not independently meet the corporate-average target.
Statement 2 is correct: The principal objective of CAFE norms is to improve the average fuel efficiency of vehicles. Better fuel efficiency means less fuel is consumed for a given distance, thereby reducing petroleum consumption and CO₂ emissions from the transport sector.
Statement 3 is incorrect: CAFE norms are not restricted to conventional petrol and diesel vehicles. The framework includes eligible vehicles using different powertrains, including CNG, LPG, hybrids and electric vehicles, subject to the applicable rules.
Statement 4 is correct: Under a super-credit mechanism, certain cleaner vehicles can receive a multiplier for regulatory compliance. For example, one eligible clean vehicle may be given a compliance value greater than 1. This gives manufacturers an additional incentive to introduce cleaner vehicles.
Statement 1 is correct: CAFE stands for Corporate Average Fuel Efficiency. The key word is “Corporate Average”. Compliance is assessed on the average fuel consumption/CO₂ performance of the manufacturer's fleet of eligible vehicles sold
during the relevant period. Therefore, every individual model need not independently meet the corporate-average target.
Statement 2 is correct: The principal objective of CAFE norms is to improve the average fuel efficiency of vehicles. Better fuel efficiency means less fuel is consumed for a given distance, thereby reducing petroleum consumption and CO₂ emissions from the transport sector.
Statement 3 is incorrect: CAFE norms are not restricted to conventional petrol and diesel vehicles. The framework includes eligible vehicles using different powertrains, including CNG, LPG, hybrids and electric vehicles, subject to the applicable rules.
Statement 4 is correct: Under a super-credit mechanism, certain cleaner vehicles can receive a multiplier for regulatory compliance. For example, one eligible clean vehicle may be given a compliance value greater than 1. This gives manufacturers an additional incentive to introduce cleaner vehicles.
Identify the river of the Indian subcontinent on the basis of the following information:
1. It is a transboundary Himalayan river that originates in Nepal and enters the plains of India through Bihar.
2. Its upper course is associated with the Kali Gandaki and Trishuli river systems.
3. It is an important left-bank tributary of the Ganga and joins the Ganga in Bihar.
4. Its basin is characterised by high sediment load and frequent flooding, particularly during the monsoon season.
1. It is a transboundary Himalayan river that originates in Nepal and enters the plains of India through Bihar.
2. Its upper course is associated with the Kali Gandaki and Trishuli river systems.
3. It is an important left-bank tributary of the Ganga and joins the Ganga in Bihar.
4. Its basin is characterised by high sediment load and frequent flooding, particularly during the monsoon season.
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Answer: (A)
The Gandak River is a Himalayan transboundary river originating in Nepal and flowing into Bihar in India.
Its river system is associated with the Kali Gandaki and Trishuli streams in the Nepal Himalayas.
It is a major left-bank tributary of the Ganga and joins the Ganga in Bihar.
Like several Himalayan rivers, the Gandak carries a substantial sediment load and is prone to flooding during the monsoon.
The Gandak River is a Himalayan transboundary river originating in Nepal and flowing into Bihar in India.
Its river system is associated with the Kali Gandaki and Trishuli streams in the Nepal Himalayas.
It is a major left-bank tributary of the Ganga and joins the Ganga in Bihar.
Like several Himalayan rivers, the Gandak carries a substantial sediment load and is prone to flooding during the monsoon.
Which of the following statements regarding the National Coastal Mission 2.0 are correct?
1. It aims to strengthen coastal resilience and promote the Blue Economy.
2. It is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme implemented by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
3. It promotes Integrated Coastal Zone Management Plans (ICZMP) and Coastal Marine Spatial Plans (CMSP).
4. It covers nine coastal States and four Union Territories of India.
1. It aims to strengthen coastal resilience and promote the Blue Economy.
2. It is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme implemented by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
3. It promotes Integrated Coastal Zone Management Plans (ICZMP) and Coastal Marine Spatial Plans (CMSP).
4. It covers nine coastal States and four Union Territories of India.
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Answer: (B)
Statement 1 is correct: The primary goal of the National Coastal Mission 2.0 (NCM 2.0) is to strengthen climate resilience, protect vulnerable coastal and marine ecosystems, and sustainably harness India's Blue Economy.
Statement 2 is incorrect: National Coastal Mission 2.0 is a Central Sector Scheme (fully funded and managed by the Central Government) rather than a Centrally Sponsored Scheme, though it is indeed implemented under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC).
Statement 3 is correct: The mission integrates spatial planning by promoting and developing Integrated Coastal Zone Management Plans (ICZMP) and Coastal Marine Spatial Plans (CMSP).
Statement 4 is correct: It features pan-India coastal coverage spanning nine coastal States (Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, and West Bengal) and four Union Territories (Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Puducherry, and Lakshadweep).
Therefore, option B is the correct answer.
Statement 1 is correct: The primary goal of the National Coastal Mission 2.0 (NCM 2.0) is to strengthen climate resilience, protect vulnerable coastal and marine ecosystems, and sustainably harness India's Blue Economy.
Statement 2 is incorrect: National Coastal Mission 2.0 is a Central Sector Scheme (fully funded and managed by the Central Government) rather than a Centrally Sponsored Scheme, though it is indeed implemented under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC).
Statement 3 is correct: The mission integrates spatial planning by promoting and developing Integrated Coastal Zone Management Plans (ICZMP) and Coastal Marine Spatial Plans (CMSP).
Statement 4 is correct: It features pan-India coastal coverage spanning nine coastal States (Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, and West Bengal) and four Union Territories (Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Puducherry, and Lakshadweep).
Therefore, option B is the correct answer.
Consider the following statements regarding the Controller General of Accounts (CGA):
1. The CGA is the Principal Accounting Adviser to the Government of India.
2. The CGA is responsible for central government exchequer control and internal audit.
3. The CGA functions under the Department of Economic affairs, Ministry of Finance.
4. The CGA is the constitutional authority responsible for auditing the accounts of the Union Government.
1. The CGA is the Principal Accounting Adviser to the Government of India.
2. The CGA is responsible for central government exchequer control and internal audit.
3. The CGA functions under the Department of Economic affairs, Ministry of Finance.
4. The CGA is the constitutional authority responsible for auditing the accounts of the Union Government.
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