Q1. With reference to the Representation of the People Act, 1950, consider the following statements regarding Special Intensive Revision (SIR):
- It is conducted under Section 21(3) of the RPA, 1950 to ensure updated and accurate electoral rolls.
- The process typically involves door-to-door verification to remove duplicate or ineligible voters.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A. 1 only
B. 2 only
C. Both 1 and 2
D. Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: C. Both 1 and 2
Explanation:
- Statement 1 is correct: Section 21(3), RPA 1950 empowers the Election Commission to undertake special revision of electoral rolls.
- Statement 2 is correct: SIR involves field verification (door-to-door) to eliminate duplicates, deceased, and ineligible voters, unlike routine summary revisions.
- Hence, both statements are correct.
Q2. According to the March 2026 Union Home Ministry reclassification, which of the following are the only two “Core LWE Affected” districts in India?
A. Sukma (Chhattisgarh) and Narayanpur (Chhattisgarh)
B. Bijapur (Chhattisgarh) and West Singhbhum (Jharkhand)
C. Dantewada (Chhattisgarh) and Gadchiroli (Maharashtra)
D. Kanker (Chhattisgarh) and Malkangiri (Odisha)
Answer: B. Bijapur (Chhattisgarh) and West Singhbhum (Jharkhand)
Explanation:
- As per 27 March 2026 reclassification, only 2 districts remain in core LWE category, indicating sharp decline in insurgency footprint.
- Earlier high-intensity districts like Sukma and Narayanpur have been downgraded due to reduced violence.
- This reflects ~99% contraction of Red Corridor (2005–2026).
Q3. With reference to the Plastic Waste Management Rules Amendment, 2026, consider the following statements:
- Companies can carry forward unmet EPR targets for up to three years starting 2026–27.
- At least half of the unmet target must be fulfilled each year during the carry-forward period.
- Tradable EPR certificates allow companies to meet obligations by purchasing credits from other entities.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A. 1 and 3 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1 only
D. 1, 2 and 3
Answer: A. 1 and 3 only
Explanation:
- Statement 1 is correct: Deficits from 2025–26 can be carried forward for 3 years (till 2028–29).
- Statement 2 is incorrect: Only 1/3rd of deficit must be met annually, not half → common UPSC trap.
- Statement 3 is correct: Introduction of tradable EPR certificates enables market-based compliance.
Q4.
Assertion (A): Induction of multiple SSBNs enables Continuous At-Sea Deterrence (CASD).
Reason (R): At least one submarine remains on patrol while others undergo maintenance or refit.
Select the correct answer:
A. Both A and R are correct, and R is the correct explanation of A
B. Both A and R are correct, but R is not the correct explanation
C. A is correct, R is incorrect
D. A is incorrect, R is correct
Answer: A
Explanation:
- Assertion is correct: Multiple SSBNs ensure continuous nuclear deterrence presence at sea.
- Reason is correct: Due to maintenance cycles, only some submarines are operational at a time.
- The rotation ensures at least one SSBN remains deployed, enabling credible second-strike capability.
Q5. Consider the following statements:
- Misinterpretation of service rules can lead to violation of fundamental rights under Articles 14 and 16.
- Lack of transparency in DPC processes can increase litigation and administrative inefficiency.
- Judicial review can correct arbitrary administrative decisions in promotion matters.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1, 2 and 3
D. 1 only
Answer: C. 1, 2 and 3
Explanation:
- Statement 1 is correct: Arbitrary exclusion from promotion violates Article 14 (non-arbitrariness) and Article 16(1).
- Statement 2 is correct: Lack of transparency leads to grievances and increased court cases.
- Statement 3 is correct: Courts exercise judicial review to ensure fairness in administrative decisions.
- Together, these reflect core principles of service jurisprudence and constitutional governance.
