9 JANUARY 2026

9 JANUARY 2026

Q1. Which of the following statements about India’s GDP growth estimates for FY 2025–26 is correct?

A. Real GDP growth is projected to be lower than that of FY 2024–25

B. Gross Value Added (GVA) is projected to grow at 7.3%

C. Agriculture and allied activities are expected to grow faster than services

D. Gross Fixed Capital Formation (GFCF) is projected to grow below 6%

Q2. Spina Bifida is best described as:

A. A hereditary muscular disorder affecting only adults

B. A birth defect of the spinal cord that develops during early pregnancy

C. An infectious disease caused by vitamin deficiency after birth

D. A temporary neurological condition curable with medication

Q3. Consider the following statements about India–Europe relations in the current geopolitical context:

  1. India’s participation in the Weimar Triangle reflects Europe’s recognition of India as a strategic and geopolitical actor, beyond its economic importance.
  2. Growing uncertainty in U.S. commitments to NATO and the Ukraine conflict has contributed to Europe’s search for new strategic partners like India.
  3. India’s engagement with Europe marks a shift away from strategic autonomy towards formal alliance-building.

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

Q4. Assertion (A): A 500% tariff proposed under the U.S. Sanctioning Russia Act of 2025 would effectively act as a trade embargo on Indian goods in the U.S. market.

Reason (R): Such an extremely high tariff would make Indian exports economically uncompetitive, reducing their market access in the United States.

Choose the correct answer:

A. Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A

B. Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A

C. A is true, but R is false

D. A is false, but R is true

Q5. Under the Draft Pesticides Management Bill, which of the following penalties may be imposed for violations causing death or grievous hurt?

A. Only monetary fine up to ₹5 lakh

B. Imprisonment up to 5 years or fine between ₹10 lakh and ₹50 lakh, or both

C. Imprisonment up to 1 year with no monetary penalty

D. Cancellation of licence without criminal liability