Q1. The “BRICS Pay” initiative unveiled at the Kazan Summit 2024 primarily seeks to:
a) Set up a regional clearinghouse under the NDB
b) Build a payment network independent of dollar and SWIFT
c) Create a blockchain system under IMF oversight
d) Launch a common BRICS digital currency
Answer: b)
Explanation: BRICS Pay enables cross-border settlements in local currencies through a BRICS-led payment network, reducing dependence on the US dollar and SWIFT.
Q2. With reference to the Surrogacy (Regulation) Act, 2021, consider the following statements:
- A married couple with one living child, irrespective of health condition, cannot avail surrogacy.
- The Act allows both commercial and altruistic surrogacy under strict medical supervision.
- The intending couple must be married for at least five years.
How many of the above statements are correct?
a) Only one
b) Only two
c) All three
d) None
Answer: b) Only two
Explanation:
- Statement 1 is correct — Section 4(iii)(C)(II) bans couples with one living child unless the child has a severe disorder.
- Statement 2 is incorrect — Only altruistic surrogacy is permitted; commercial surrogacy is banned.
- Statement 3 is correct — The couple must be Indian citizens married for at least five years.
Q3. The Umngot River, recently in news for turning muddy due to road construction, flows through which of the following states?
a) Manipur
b) Mizoram
c) Meghalaya
d) Arunachal Pradesh
Answer: c)
Explanation: The Umngot River flows through West Jaintia Hills, Meghalaya, near Dawki and Shnongpdeng. It is known for its crystal-clear water and eco-tourism value.
Q4. The recently discovered Pilia malenadu, found in Chikkamagaluru district, belongs to which of the following species groups?
a) Gecko species of the genus Hemidactylus
b) Frog species of the genus Raorchestes
c) Jumping spider species of the genus Pilia
d) Butterfly species of the family Papilionidae
Answer: c)
Explanation: Pilia malendu is a new jumping spider species (family Salticidae, genus Pilia), discovered in Chikkamagaluru, Karnataka — the first such record in India in over a century.
Q5. According to the UNAIDS report “Breaking the Inequality–Pandemic Cycle”, which factors most directly intensify the “inequality–pandemic cycle”?
- Unequal access to vaccines and healthcare
- Concentration of IP rights in wealthy nations
- Overdependence on local supply chains
- Socioeconomic exclusion of migrants
Select the correct answer using the code below:
a) 1, 2 and 4 only
b) 1, 3 and 4 only
c) 2 and 3 only
d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Answer: a)
Explanation: The report identifies unequal access, IP concentration, and migrant exclusion as key drivers of inequality; local supply chains are actually encouraged for resilience.
