Q1.With reference to India’s metro rail network, consider the following statements:
- India has become the world’s third-largest metro system in terms of operational length as of 2025.
- The Metro Railways (Amendment) Act, 2020, facilitated private participation and multi-modal integration in metro projects.
- Delhi Metro is India’s oldest operational metro system.
Which of the above statements are correct?
a) 1 and 2 only
b) 2 and 3 only
c) 1 and 3 only
d) 1, 2 and 3
Correct Answer: (a)
Explanation:
- Statement 1 – Correct: India crossed 1,000 km operational length in 2025, becoming the 3rd largest globally (after China and the U.S.).
- Statement 2 – Correct: The 2020 Amendment Act enabled private participation and multi-modal integration.
- Statement 3 – Incorrect: The Kolkata Metro (1984) is India’s oldest, not Delhi Metro (2002).
Q2.Who has been appointed as the Chairperson of the 8th Central Pay Commission (CPC)?
a) Justice A.K. Sikri
b) Justice Ranjana Prakash Desai
c) Justice Indu Malhotra
d) Justice B.N. Srikrishna
Correct Answer: (b) Justice Ranjana Prakash Desai
Explanation:
The Government of India constituted the 8th Central Pay Commission under Justice Ranjana Prakash Desai, former Supreme Court Judge.
Q3.Consider the following regarding India’s Tiger Reserve management:
- The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) functions under the Ministry of Tribal Affairs (MoTA).
- Core and buffer areas of tiger reserves are notified under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
- The Forest Rights Act, 2006 legally recognizes both Individual and Community Forest Rights within reserves.
How many of the above statements are correct?
a) Only one
b) Only two
c) All three
d) None
Correct Answer: (b) Only two
Explanation:
- Statement 1 – Incorrect: NTCA functions under MoEFCC, not MoTA.
- Statement 2 – Correct: Core and buffer areas are notified under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
- Statement 3 – Correct: FRA, 2006 recognizes both individual and community forest rights.
Q4.Which of the following correctly matches the Himalayan divisions with their dominant geological characteristics?
| Division | Dominant Characteristic |
| 1. Shiwalik | Unconsolidated Tertiary sediments |
| 2. Lesser Himalaya | Metamorphic rocks like slate, phyllite, and schist |
| 3. Trans-Himalaya | Archean gneiss and basaltic traps |
Select the correct answer:
a) 1 and 2 only
b) 1 and 3 only
c) 2 and 3 only
d) All three
Correct Answer: (a) 1 and 2 only
Explanation:
- Shiwalik: Formed from unconsolidated Tertiary sediments.
- Lesser Himalaya: Dominated by metamorphic rocks.
- Trans-Himalaya: Not Archean; consists mainly of igneous and sedimentary rocks.
Q5.Which of the following chemicals are commonly used in cloud seeding operations?
- Silver Iodide
- Potassium Iodide
- Sodium Chloride
- Ammonium Nitrate
How many of the above are correct?
a) Only one
b) Only two
c) Only three
d) All Four
Correct Answer: c) Only three
Explanation:
- Common seeding agents: Silver iodide, potassium iodide, sodium chloride.
- Ammonium nitrate is used in fertilizers/explosives, not in cloud seeding.
