Q1. Recently, a state government announced a plan to levy a “Green Cess” on outstation vehicles entering its territory to combat rising vehicular pollution and fund green infrastructure. Which of the following states is implementing this initiative?
a) Himachal Pradesh
b) Uttarakhand
c) Sikkim
d) Arunachal Pradesh
Correct Answer: (b) Uttarakhand
Explanation:
- Uttarakhand Government has proposed a “Green Cess” on vehicles registered outside the state entering its territory.
- Objective: To combat vehicular pollution, fund green infrastructure, and improve air quality in ecologically sensitive Himalayan regions.
- Estimated Revenue: About ₹100 crore annually, managed by the Uttarakhand Pollution Control Board (UKPCB).
- Environmental Basis: Applies the Polluter Pays Principle, aligning with India’s Net-Zero 2070 and National Clean Air Programme (2019) targets.
- Utilization: Air quality monitoring, dust suppression, EV promotion, and creation of urban forests.
Q2. As per the World Heritage Outlook 4 (2025), which combination of Indian sites were placed under the category “Significant Concern”?
a) Western Ghats, Kaziranga National Park, Sundarbans National Park
b) Manas National Park, Western Ghats, Sundarbans National Park
c) Nanda Devi National Park, Manas National Park, Kaziranga National Park
d) Great Himalayan National Park, Western Ghats, Keoladeo National Park
Correct Answer: (b) Manas National Park, Western Ghats, Sundarbans National Park
Explanation:
- Indian sites under “Significant Concern” (2025):
- Western Ghats: Hydropower projects, monoculture plantations, and climate stress.
- Manas National Park: Encroachment, poaching, and habitat loss.
- Sundarbans National Park: Sea-level rise, salinity, and coastal erosion.
- Others like Kaziranga, Keoladeo, and Nanda Devi are rated “Good with Some Concerns.”
Q3. The term “Dunki Route”, recently in the news, primarily refers to which of the following forms of illegal immigration?
a) Illegal immigration of Indians to Western countries through Latin American transit routes
b) Illegal immigration of South Asians to Gulf countries through sea routes bypassing visa regulations
c) Illegal immigration of Indians into neighbouring Asian countries using fake pilgrimage visas
d) Illegal immigration of Africans into Europe through Mediterranean smuggling networks
Correct Answer: (a) Illegal immigration of Indians to Western countries through Latin American transit routes
Explanation:
- The “Dunki Route” involves illegal migration of Indians—mainly from Punjab, Haryana, and Gujarat—to the U.S., Canada, and Europe via Latin America (Brazil, Ecuador, Guatemala, Mexico).
- Derived from Punjabi slang “Dunki” (donkey), symbolizing a risky and underground path.
- Exploits smuggling networks and has led to ≈2,500 deportations since 2023.
- Reflects rural distress, aspirational migration, and transnational trafficking networks.
- Other options refer to distinct global patterns of illegal migration, not linked to the Indo–Latin America–U.S. nexus.
Q4. With reference to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), consider the following statements:
- ASEAN was established by the Bangkok Declaration (1967) with five founding members.
- The ASEAN Charter came into force in 2008, giving the association a legal personality.
- The Secretariat of ASEAN is located in Jakarta, Indonesia.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
a) 1 only
b) 1 and 2 only
c) 1, 2 and 3
d) 2 and 3 only
Correct Answer: (c) 1, 2 and 3
Explanation:
- ASEAN founded (1967): Bangkok Declaration by Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand.
- ASEAN Charter (2008): Granted legal personality, codified institutional rules, and institutionalized the ASEAN Summit.
- Secretariat: Located in Jakarta, Indonesia, facilitating regional coordination and policy implementation.
Q5. Which of the following cities issued India’s first municipal bond in the modern era (post-SEBI regulation)?
a) Pune
b) Ahmedabad
c) Hyderabad
d) Indore
Correct Answer: (b) Ahmedabad
Explanation:
- Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) issued India’s first municipal bond in 1998, raising ₹100 crore for water and sewerage projects.
- Marked the beginning of market-based urban infrastructure financing in India, supported by USAID and CRISIL credit assessment.
- Pune (2017) later became the first city to issue bonds post SEBI’s 2015 regulations (₹200 crore).
- Hyderabad, Indore, and Surat followed under AMRUT and Smart Cities Mission incentives.
