Q1. With reference to the India–New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (FTA) signed in 2026, consider the following statements:
- It provides India with immediate duty-free access to 100% of its tariff lines in the New Zealand market.
- New Zealand has secured immediate duty-free access for its dairy and poultry exports to India.
- The agreement includes a dedicated quota for skilled Indian professionals, including AYUSH practitioners and yoga instructors.
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: C (1 and 3 only)
Explanation:
- Statement 1 is correct: India received 100% duty-free access across tariff lines from day one.
- Statement 2 is incorrect: Dairy is excluded as a sensitive sector, along with key agricultural products, to protect domestic farmers.
- Statement 3 is correct: The FTA provides a quota of 5,000 skilled professionals, including AYUSH practitioners, yoga instructors, chefs, etc.
Q2. Consider the following statements:
Statement 1: The India Meteorological Department classifies “Extremely Heavy Rainfall” as ≥21 cm in 24 hours.
Statement 2: The rising trend in extreme rainfall events since 2017 is primarily due to revision of IMD thresholds in 2016.
Which one of the following is correct?
A) Both correct, and 2 explains 1
B) Both correct, but 2 does not explain 1
C) Statement 1 correct, Statement 2 incorrect
D) Statement 1 incorrect, Statement 2 correct
Answer: C (Statement 1 correct, Statement 2 incorrect)
Explanation:
- Statement 1 is correct: IMD defines extremely heavy rainfall as ≥21 cm/day.
- Statement 2 is incorrect: Increase in extreme events persists even at older higher thresholds, indicating climate-driven intensification, not just classification change.
Q3. With reference to the B’nei Menashe community, consider the following statements:
- They belong to the Kuki-Mizo-Chin ethnic group and claim descent from one of the “Lost Tribes of Israel”.
- Their recognition as “Lost Seed of Israel” was granted in 1951 under Israel’s Law of Return.
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: A (1 only)
Explanation:
- Statement 1 is correct: They claim descent from the Tribe of Manasseh (722 BCE exile).
- Statement 2 is incorrect: Recognition was granted in 2005 by the Chief Rabbinate of Israel, not in 1951.
Q4. The Strait of Hormuz connects which of the following water bodies?
- The Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman
- The Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden
- The Persian Gulf and the Arabian Sea
Select the correct answer using the code below:
A) 1 only
B) 1 and 3 only
C) 2 only
D) 1, 2, and 3
Answer: A (1 only)
Explanation:
- The Strait of Hormuz connects Persian Gulf → Gulf of Oman, which then opens into the Arabian Sea.
- Statement 2 refers to Bab-el-Mandeb Strait, not Hormuz.
Q5. Consider the following statements:
Statement 1: Flex-Fuel Vehicles (FFVs) can run on any blend up to E100 due to specialized sensors and engine control systems.
Statement 2: The Alcohol-to-Jet (ATJ) pathway allows direct use of ethanol in aircraft without chemical modification.
Which one of the following is correct?
A) Both correct, and 2 explains 1
B) Both correct, but 2 does not explain 1
C) Statement 1 correct, Statement 2 incorrect
D) Statement 1 incorrect, Statement 2 correct
Answer: C (Statement 1 correct, Statement 2 incorrect)
Explanation:
- Statement 1 is correct: FFVs adjust fuel injection using advanced sensors and engine calibration, enabling operation up to E100.
- Statement 2 is incorrect: Ethanol must undergo ATJ process (dehydration, oligomerization, hydrogenation) to convert into aviation-grade fuel; it cannot be used directly.
