Q1.With reference to the recent India–U.S. rice tariff issue, consider the following statements:
- Less than 5% of India’s total rice exports go to the U.S.
- More than 25% of total U.S. rice imports come from India.
- India is more dependent on the U.S. market for rice exports than vice versa.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Correct Answer: (a)
Explanation:
- Statement 1 – Correct
- India exports rice to over 150 countries.
- The U.S. accounts for only ~3% of India’s total rice exports.
- Hence, India’s export dependence on the U.S. is structurally very low.
- Statement 2 – Correct
- The U.S., however, imports over 25% of its total rice from India.
- This shows high U.S. dependence on Indian rice for consumer markets, especially among immigrant populations.
- Statement 3 – Incorrect
- Trade dependence is asymmetric in India’s favour.
- Any tariff shock hurts U.S. consumers more than Indian exporters.
- Hence, India is not more dependent on the U.S. in rice trade.
Q2.With reference to the constitutional removal of High Court judges, consider the following statements:
- The procedure for removal of High Court judges is provided under Article 217.
- The grounds for removal are proved misbehaviour and proved incapacity.
- The removal procedure is borrowed from Article 124(4).
Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None
Correct Answer: (c)
Explanation:
- Statement 1 – Correct
- Article 217 governs the appointment and removal of High Court judges.
- It explicitly refers to the same method as used for Supreme Court judges.
- Statement 2 – Correct
- The Constitution provides only two grounds:
- Proved misbehaviour
- Proved incapacity
- Judicial error, wrong judgment, or ideological disagreement is NOT a valid ground.
- The Constitution provides only two grounds:
- Statement 3 – Correct
- Article 124(4) lays down the detailed removal process:
- Special majority in Parliament
- Separate voting in both Houses
- Final removal order by the President
- Article 124(4) lays down the detailed removal process:
Q3.With reference to past extreme geomagnetic storm events, consider the following statements:
- The Carrington Event (1859) disrupted global power grids.
- The Quebec blackout (1989) was triggered by a geomagnetic storm.
- Modern digital infrastructure is more vulnerable to solar storms than pre-electric societies.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) Only three
(d) None
Correct Answer: (b)
Explanation:
- Statement 1 – Incorrect
- In 1859, there were no electric power grids.
- The telegraph network failed, wires sparked, and some messages transmitted without power.
- Hence, power grids were not involved.
- Statement 2 – Correct
- The Quebec blackout (1989):
- Triggered by a solar-induced geomagnetic storm
- Shut down the power grid for 9 hours
- Affected 6 million people
- The Quebec blackout (1989):
- Statement 3 – Correct
- Modern systems are highly vulnerable due to:
- Satellites
- GPS/NavIC
- Internet cables
- Power transmission grids
- Pre-electric societies had lower systemic exposure.
- Modern systems are highly vulnerable due to:
Q4. With reference to the Joint Military Exercise SURYAKIRAN, consider the following country pairs:
- India – Nepal
- India – Bhutan
- India – Bangladesh
How many of the above pairs are correctly matched with Exercise SURYAKIRAN?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) Only three
(d) None
Correct Answer: (a)
Explanation:
- Pair 1 – Correct
- SURYAKIRAN is conducted exclusively between India and Nepal.
- It reflects:
- Open borders
- Gorkha recruitment
- Deep military integration
- Pair 2 – Incorrect
- India–Bhutan military exercise = MAITREE
- Pair 3 – Incorrect
- India–Bangladesh military exercise = SAMPRITI
Q5.With reference to Interpol, consider the following statements:
- It is a global police force with powers to arrest fugitives worldwide.
- It was established in 1923.
- Its headquarters is located at Lyon, France.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) Only three
(d) None
Correct Answer: (b)
Explanation:
- Statement 1 – Incorrect
- Interpol does NOT have arrest powers.
- It:
- Shares intelligence
- Issues notices
- Assists national police
- Actual arrest is done only by national authorities under domestic laws.
- Statement 2 – Correct
- Established in 1923
- One of the oldest international security organisations.
- Statement 3 – Correct
- Headquarters located at Lyon, France.
