Q1. Under the proposed VB-GRAM Bill, which of the following changes are envisaged compared to MGNREGA?
- Increase in guaranteed workdays per household.
- Increase in States’ share of total expenditure.
- Expansion of employment guarantee to urban areas.
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
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: VB-GRAM increases workdays from 100 to 125 and raises State contribution to about 40%. It is restricted to rural areas, not urban employment.
Q2. With reference to the Viksit Bharat Shiksha Adhishthan (VBSA) Bill, 2025, consider the following statements:
- It proposes replacing the University Grants Commission with a single overarching regulator for higher education.
- It derives its constitutional basis primarily from Entry 25 of the State List.
- It seeks to align higher education regulation with the National Education Policy, 2020.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A) 1 only
B) 1 and 3 only
C) 2 and 3 only
D) 1, 2 and 3
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The Bill proposes replacing UGC and aligns with NEP 2020. Entry 25 is in the Concurrent List, not the State List, and UGC regulation traditionally draws from Entry 66 of the Union List.
Q3. Which region recorded the largest increase in violence in 2025 according to ACLED?
A) West Asia
B) Africa
C) Europe
D) South-East Asia
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Europe saw the sharpest rise in violence, driven primarily by the Russia–Ukraine war.
Q4. The growing concern around dual-use biotechnology arises because such technologies:
A) Can be used for both civilian research and malicious purposes
B) Are exclusively military in nature
C) Are prohibited under international law
D) Have no regulatory oversight
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Dual-use research has legitimate scientific applications but can also be misused for harmful purposes.
Q5. GRAP-IV is invoked when air quality in Delhi–NCR enters which of the following categories?
A) Very Poor (AQI 301–400)
B) Severe (AQI 401–450)
C) Severe+ (AQI > 450)
D) Hazardous (AQI > 500 only)
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: GRAP-IV is triggered when AQI exceeds 450, categorised as Severe+, posing serious health risks.
