Q1. With reference to the proposal to interlink Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs) of BRICS countries, consider the following statements:
- The proposal has been recommended by the Reserve Bank of India for inclusion in the 2026 BRICS Summit agenda.
- The primary objective of the proposal is ideological de-dollarisation of the global financial system.
- The proposal builds upon the BRICS 2025 Declaration on payment system interoperability.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
A. 1 and 3 only
B. 1 and 2 only
C. 2 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3
Answer: A
Explanation:
- Statement 1 is correct: The RBI has recommended placing CBDC interlinking on the agenda of the 2026 BRICS Summit.
- Statement 2 is incorrect: RBI has clarified that the intent is payment efficiency and de-risking, not ideological de-dollarisation.
- Statement 3 is correct: The proposal builds upon the BRICS 2025 Declaration adopted in Brazil.
Q2. With reference to the India–UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), consider the following statements:
- CEPA between India and the UAE came into force in 2022.
- It reduced tariffs on more than 80 percent of traded goods.
- It contributed to India–UAE non-oil trade crossing USD 50 billion.
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: D
Explanation:
All three statements are correct: CEPA was implemented in 2022, reduced tariffs on over 80 percent of traded goods, and significantly boosted non-oil bilateral trade beyond USD 50 billion.
Q3. With reference to the saltwater crocodile (Crocodylus porosus) in India, consider the following statements:
- It is the largest living reptile in the world.
- In India, it is found only in coastal mangrove ecosystems.
- Odisha hosts the largest mainland population of this species.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
A. 1 and 3 only
B. 1 and 2 only
C. 2 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3
Answer: A
Explanation:
- Statement 1 is correct: The saltwater crocodile is the world’s largest living reptile.
- Statement 2 is incorrect: It inhabits marine, estuarine, and freshwater ecosystems.
- Statement 3 is correct: Odisha hosts the largest mainland population in India.
Q4. Section 143 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023 is significant because it:
A. Criminalises trafficking only when physical force is used
B. Excludes trafficking for organ removal
C. Punishes trafficking irrespective of victim consent
D. Applies only to cross-border trafficking
Answer: C
Explanation:
Section 143 of BNS, 2023 defines trafficking expansively and makes victim consent irrelevant, especially in cases involving children.
Q5. The proposed Gaza Board of Peace is best described as an example of:
A. UN-mandated peacekeeping mechanism
B. Treaty-based regional security organisation
C. Minilateral crisis-management arrangement
D. Collective security alliance under international law
Answer: C
Explanation:
The Gaza Board is U.S.-initiated, selectively constituted, and operates outside UN frameworks, making it a classic example of minilateral crisis-management diplomacy.
