Q1. Consider the following statements regarding India’s upgradation of its mission in Kabul:
- The upgrade converts India’s Technical Mission into a full-fledged Embassy.
- India has formally recognized the Taliban regime by this upgradation.
- The upgradation aims to strengthen humanitarian and development assistance.
- India plans to resume direct flights and boost trade via the India-Afghanistan Air Freight Corridor.
Options:
(a) 1, 2, and 3 only
(b) 1, 3, and 4 only
(c) 2 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3, and 4
Answer: (b) 1, 3, and 4 only
Explanation:
- Statement 1 is correct: The Technical Mission has been upgraded to a full-fledged Embassy.
- Statement 2 is incorrect: India maintains functional engagement but does not formally recognize the Taliban regime.
- Statements 3 and 4 are correct: The focus is on humanitarian/development aid and trade/connectivity via the Air Freight Corridor.
Q2. Which ministry or department is CDSCO affiliated with?
(a) Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilizers
(b) Ministry of Health & Family Welfare
(c) Ministry of Commerce & Industry
(d) Ministry of Science & Technology
Answer: (b) Ministry of Health & Family Welfare
Explanation: CDSCO (Central Drugs Standard Control Organization) functions under the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare.
Q3. Sa-Dhan and other self-regulatory bodies in the microfinance sector primarily perform which of the following functions?
- Monitoring the financial health of MFIs.
- Providing early warning signals of rising delinquency.
- Licensing MFIs for operation under RBI regulations.
- Advising government schemes for rural financial stability.
Options:
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1, 2, and 4 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2, 3, and 4
Answer: (b) 1, 2, and 4 only
Explanation: Sa-Dhan monitors MFIs, provides early warning signals, and advises policy interventions; licensing is done by RBI.
Q4. Consider the following statements regarding the impact of artificial light exposure on brain health:
- Continuous exposure to artificial light disrupts sleep and circadian rhythms.
- Accelerated tau protein aggregation is a consequence of circadian disruption.
- Light pollution directly causes Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases in humans.
- Modern lifestyle factors such as night-shift work and late-night screen use increase neurodegenerative risks.
Options:
(a) Only one statement is correct
(b) Only two statements are correct
(c) Only three statements are correct
(d) All four statements are correct
Answer: (c) Only three statements are correct
Explanation: Statements 1, 2, and 4 are correct. Statement 3 is incorrect — light pollution accelerates neurodegeneration but does not directly cause Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s.
Q5. Who was awarded the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize?
(a) Maria Corina Machado
(b) Ales Bialiatski
(c) Abiy Ahmed Ali
(d) Nadia Murad
Answer: (a) Maria Corina Machado
Explanation: Maria Corina Machado, a Venezuelan opposition leader, was awarded the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize for her efforts in promoting democratic rights and advocating a peaceful transition from dictatorship to democracy in Venezuela.
