1. Which of the following statements about ‘SabhaSaar’ are true?
1. ‘SabhaSaar’ generates structured minutes of Gram Sabha meetings from video/audio recordings.
2. It is built on the Bhashini platform, which enables real-time language translation in Indian languages.
3. The Panchayat NIRNAY portal monitors Gram Sabha meetings in real time.
4. Gram Sabhas are constitutionally mandated to meet every month under the 73rd Amendment Act.
A) 1, 2 and 3 only
B) 2 and 4 only
C) 1 and 3 only
D) 1, 2, 3 and 4
2. Which of the following statements are true regarding S&P Global’s recent upgrade of India’s sovereign rating?
1. India’s long-term sovereign rating has been raised from BBB- to BBB with a stable outlook.
2. The last rating upgrade by S&P occurred in 2007.
3. India’s short-term rating was downgraded from A-2 to A-3.
4. S&P projects India’s GDP to grow by 6.5% in FY25.
A) 1 and 2 only
B) 1, 2 and 4 only
C) 2, 3 and 4 only
D) 1, 2, 3 and 4
3. Which of the following statements about SrBr₂·6H₂O-based thermochemical storage are correct?
1. SrBr₂·6H₂O stores and releases heat via reversible hydration–dehydration cycles below 100 °C.
2. The IIT Bombay–NIAS system integrates a solar collector, reactor chamber, and air circulation system.
3. Field trials showed heating costs in Leh higher than diesel-based heating.
4. Humidity reduces salt stability, which can be mitigated by mixing with silica gel.
A) 1, 2 and 3 only
B) 2 and 4 only
C) 1 and 3 only
D) 1, 2 and 4 only
4. Which of the following statements about the induction of VLGC Sahyadri into SCI’s fleet are correct?
1. Sahyadri was built in Japan and inducted at Mumbai Port.
2. It is the first VLGC acquired by an Indian PSU in eight years.
3. It can carry up to 82,000 cubic metres of LPG and meets international safety standards.
4. The acquisition is part of a 2025 agreement for two VLGCs, with Shivalik joining later.
A) 1 and 2 only
B) 1, 2 and 4 only
C) 2, 3 and 4 only
D) 1, 2, 3 and 4
5. Which of the following statements about Dhirio are true?
1. Dhirio involves two bulls fighting, usually during local feasts, and ends when one retreats or is overpowered.
2. The Goa High Court banned dhirio in 1996 under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (PCA) Act, 1960.
3. Unlike Spain’s bullfights, killing the bull is a central feature of dhirio.
4. In 2023, the Supreme Court upheld state amendments allowing similar traditional practices like jallikattu and kambala.
A) 1 and 2 only
B) 1, 2 and 4 only
C) 2, 3 and 4 only
D) 1, 2, 3 and 4
6. Tendong Lho Rum Faat, recently celebrated in Sikkim, is associated with which of the following?
1. It is a festival of the Lepcha tribe.
2. It is primarily a harvest festival dedicated to Mt. Kanchenjunga.
3. The Lepchas, also known as ‘Rongs’, are considered the earliest inhabitants of Sikkim.
4. Lepchas have completely abandoned their indigenous traditions after adopting Buddhism.
Select the correct answer using the code below:
A) 1 and 2 only
B) 1 and 3 only
C) 2, 3 and 4 only
D) 1, 2, 3 and 4
7. With reference to the APAAR ID recently mandated by CBSE, which of the following statements is/are correct?
1. APAAR is a unique 12-digit student ID envisioned under the NEP 2020.
2. It is linked to a student’s Aadhaar and DigiLocker account.
3. It tracks academic records from pre-primary to higher education.
4. It is applicable only for students studying in CBSE schools.
Select the correct answer using the code below:
A) 1, 2 and 3 only
B) 1 and 2 only
C) 2, 3 and 4 only
D) 1, 2, 3 and 4
8. Consider the following statements regarding the Cheque Truncation System (CTS) recently revised by RBI:
1. CTS is an image-based system that eliminates physical movement of cheques.
2. The RBI is moving from a batch-based model to a continuous clearing model.
3. Under the new model, cheque clearance will happen within hours instead of the current two-day cycle.
4. The system aims to reduce delays but may increase processing costs.
Which of the above statements are correct?
A) 1, 2 and 3 only
B) 1 and 3 only
C) 2 and 4 only
D) 1, 2, 3 and 4
9. With reference to Lampedusa Island, consider the following statements:
1. It is part of the Pelagie Islands of Italy.
2. Geographically, it belongs to the African continent.
3. It lies in the Mediterranean Sea between Malta and Tunisia.
4. It is a freshwater-rich island due to its volcanic origin.
Select the correct answer using the code below:
A) 1, 2 and 3 only
B) 2 and 4 only
C) 1 and 3 only
D) 1, 2, 3 and 4
10. Which of the following best describes Ideonella sakaiensis recently in news?
A) A bacterium capable of breaking down PET plastic using enzymes.
B) A fungus used in bioremediation of oil spills.
C) A genetically engineered crop designed to resist drought.
D) A virus infecting plastic-rich marine ecosystems.
