Q1. As per AidData (2000–2023), which recipient category received the LARGEST share of Chinese lending?
a) African LDCs
b) BRI low-income countries
c) Middle-income Asian states
d) High-income economies
Answer: d) High-income economies
Explanation:
High-income economies collectively received ~$943 billion, making them the largest beneficiary group. This reflects a major structural shift away from traditional low-income, BRI-focused lending.
Q2. Consider the following statements on seed registration and testing under the Draft Seeds Bill:
- All seed producers and processing units require mandatory registration.
- The Bill provides for a National Register of seed varieties.
- Value for Cultivation and Use (VCU) field trials are mandatory for new varieties.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
a) 1 and 3 only
b) 1 and 2 only
c) 2 and 3 only
d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: d) 1, 2 and 3
Explanation:
- Statement 1: Correct – mandatory registration for all seed producers and processing units.
- Statement 2: Correct – National Register of seed varieties is provided.
- Statement 3: Correct – VCU field trials are mandatory to evaluate new varieties.
Q3. Consider the following statements regarding PM2.5 exposure in Indian districts:
- More than half of India’s districts exceed the National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS) for PM2.5.
- At least some districts meet the WHO annual PM2.5 guideline.
- The findings indicate PM2.5 exposure is a year-round problem rather than only a winter phenomenon.
How many of the above statements is/are correct?
a) One only
b) Two only
c) All Three
d) None
Answer: b) Two only
Explanation:
- Statement 1 – Correct (60% of districts exceed NAAQS).
- Statement 2 – Incorrect (0 districts meet WHO guideline of 5 µg/m³).
- Statement 3 – Correct (year-round exposure, not limited to winter).
Q4. Statement (S): The INR became the worst-performing Asian currency in 2025 (CYTD).
Reason (R): India’s current account deficit widened sharply due to a surge in oil imports.
a) S is true, R is false
b) S is true, R is true, and R is the correct explanation of S
c) S is false, R is true
d) S is true, R is true, but R is not the correct explanation of S
Answer: a) S is true, R is false
Explanation:
INR depreciation was primarily driven by strong USD, U.S. tariffs on exports, gold-import spike, and capital outflows, not a current account deficit, which remained benign.
Q5. Hayli Gubbi is located in a region where three tectonic plates meet. Which combination is correct?
a) African, Arabian, Indian
b) African, Arabian, Somali
c) Arabian, Somali, Indo-Australian
d) Somali, Nubian, Pacific
Answer: b) African, Arabian, Somali
Explanation:
Hayli Gubbi lies at the Afar Triple Junction, where the African/Nubian Plate, Somali Plate, and Arabian Plate meet within the East African Rift system.
