Q1. Pax Silica is best described as an example of which one of the following emerging trends in international relations?
A. Collective security alliance
B. Treaty-based economic integration
C. Issue-based minilateralism
D. Strategic non-alignment
Answer: C
Explanation:
Pax Silica involves select countries cooperating on specific strategic technologies without alliance obligations, making it a classic case of issue-based minilateralism.
Q2. Which of the following agencies are involved in the testing and certification of EV retrofit kits in India?
- Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI)
- International Centre for Automotive Technology (ICAT)
- Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS)
Select the correct answer using the code below:
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3
Answer: A
Explanation:
ARAI and ICAT are designated testing and certification agencies under the Central Motor Vehicles Rules (CMVR).
BIS sets standards but does not certify retrofit kits.
Q3. With reference to AI-based translation of Parliamentary proceedings, consider the following statements:
- Parliamentary debates will be translated into all languages listed in the Eighth Schedule.
- The use of AI for translation is intended to replace human translators.
- The initiative aims at near real-time linguistic accessibility for citizens.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 1 and 3 only
C. 2 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3
Answer: B
Explanation:
Statements 1 and 3 are correct: Translation into 22 Scheduled Languages with near real-time access.
Statement 2 is incorrect: A human–AI hybrid model is envisaged, not full replacement.
Q4. With reference to the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV), consider the following statements:
- PSLV is a four-stage launch vehicle with alternating solid and liquid stages.
- The first and third stages of PSLV use solid propellant.
- PSLV is India’s human-rated launch vehicle.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3
Answer: A
Explanation:
Statements 1 and 2 are correct: PSLV has four stages, with PS1 & PS3 solid and PS2 & PS4 liquid.
Statement 3 is incorrect: LVM3, not PSLV, is India’s human-rated launch vehicle.
Q5. With reference to the Panchayat (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act (PESA), 1996, consider the following statements:
- It extends the provisions of Part IX of the Constitution to Scheduled Areas with suitable modifications.
- It applies to both Fifth Schedule and Sixth Schedule Areas.
- It recognises the Gram Sabha as the basic unit of self-governance in Scheduled Areas.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 1 and 3 only
C. 2 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3
Answer: B
Explanation:
Statements 1 and 3 are correct.
Statement 2 is incorrect: PESA applies only to Fifth Schedule Areas, not Sixth Schedule Areas.
