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.
Please open Telegram to view this post
VIEW IN TELEGRAM
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.
Please open Telegram to view this post
VIEW IN TELEGRAM
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.
Please open Telegram to view this post
VIEW IN TELEGRAM
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.
Please open Telegram to view this post
VIEW IN TELEGRAM
Answer: (B)
Apex Accounting Authority: The Controller General of Accounts (CGA) is the apex accounting authority of the Central Government. It functions as the executive accounting wing under the Ministry of Finance, Department of Expenditure.
Constitutional Status: The CGA is not a constitutional body, unlike the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG), which derives its authority from Article 148 of the Constitution. The office of the CGA was established in 1976 following the separation of accounts from audit in the Central Government.
Principal Accounting Adviser: The CGA advises the Government on accounting policies, principles and procedures. It also ensures uniformity and consistency in accounting practices across various Union Ministries and Departments.
Exchequer Control: The CGA is responsible for exchequer control and monitoring of fund flows to ensure that government expenditure remains within the limits authorised by Parliament. This contributes to financial discipline in government spending.
Internal Audit: The CGA provides guidelines and technical support for internal audit in Central Government Ministries and Departments. Internal audit helps identify financial irregularities, weaknesses and instances of inefficient use of public funds.
Financial Reporting: The CGA compiles the monthly and annual accounts of the Union Government. It also provides important fiscal information relating to government receipts, expenditure and the fiscal position, supporting financial management and policymaking.
Administrative Structure: The CGA functions under the Ministry of Finance, Department of Expenditure. The organization is headed by the Controller General of Accounts, generally a senior officer of the Indian Civil Accounts Service (ICAS).
Indian Civil Accounts Organisation: The CGA heads the Indian Civil Accounts Organisation, which includes Chief Controllers of Accounts (CCAs), Controllers of Accounts (CAs) and Pay and Accounts Officers (PAOs) functioning within Central Government Ministries and Departments.
Therefore, option B is the correct answer.
Apex Accounting Authority: The Controller General of Accounts (CGA) is the apex accounting authority of the Central Government. It functions as the executive accounting wing under the Ministry of Finance, Department of Expenditure.
Constitutional Status: The CGA is not a constitutional body, unlike the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG), which derives its authority from Article 148 of the Constitution. The office of the CGA was established in 1976 following the separation of accounts from audit in the Central Government.
Principal Accounting Adviser: The CGA advises the Government on accounting policies, principles and procedures. It also ensures uniformity and consistency in accounting practices across various Union Ministries and Departments.
Exchequer Control: The CGA is responsible for exchequer control and monitoring of fund flows to ensure that government expenditure remains within the limits authorised by Parliament. This contributes to financial discipline in government spending.
Internal Audit: The CGA provides guidelines and technical support for internal audit in Central Government Ministries and Departments. Internal audit helps identify financial irregularities, weaknesses and instances of inefficient use of public funds.
Financial Reporting: The CGA compiles the monthly and annual accounts of the Union Government. It also provides important fiscal information relating to government receipts, expenditure and the fiscal position, supporting financial management and policymaking.
Administrative Structure: The CGA functions under the Ministry of Finance, Department of Expenditure. The organization is headed by the Controller General of Accounts, generally a senior officer of the Indian Civil Accounts Service (ICAS).
Indian Civil Accounts Organisation: The CGA heads the Indian Civil Accounts Organisation, which includes Chief Controllers of Accounts (CCAs), Controllers of Accounts (CAs) and Pay and Accounts Officers (PAOs) functioning within Central Government Ministries and Departments.
Therefore, option B is the correct answer.
Consider the following countries:
I. United Kingdom
II. France
III. Spain
IV. Belgium
V. Netherlands
I. United Kingdom
II. France
III. Spain
IV. Belgium
V. Netherlands
Please open Telegram to view this post
VIEW IN TELEGRAM
Answer: (B)
The English Channel is an arm of the Atlantic Ocean that separates southern England from northern France. Among the listed countries, it directly lies between:
○ I. United Kingdom
○ II. France
The other countries—Spain, Belgium, and Netherlands—do not border or lie across the English Channel (Spain is located further south on the Iberian Peninsula, while Belgium and the Netherlands border the North Sea). Therefore, it lies between only two of the given countries.
Therefore, option B is the correct answer.
The English Channel is an arm of the Atlantic Ocean that separates southern England from northern France. Among the listed countries, it directly lies between:
○ I. United Kingdom
○ II. France
The other countries—Spain, Belgium, and Netherlands—do not border or lie across the English Channel (Spain is located further south on the Iberian Peninsula, while Belgium and the Netherlands border the North Sea). Therefore, it lies between only two of the given countries.
Therefore, option B is the correct answer.
AFSPA continues to be relevant in India’s Northeastern security framework, particularly in areas affected by insurgency. The Act provides special powers to armed forces in officially declared “disturbed areas.”
Important for UPSC: Polity → Internal Security → AFSPA 1958 → Disturbed Areas → Northeast Insurgency → Armed Forces → Human Rights → Supreme Court Judgments.
Important for UPSC: Polity → Internal Security → AFSPA 1958 → Disturbed Areas → Northeast Insurgency → Armed Forces → Human Rights → Supreme Court Judgments.