13 JANUARY 2026

13 JANUARY 2026

Q1. With reference to delimitation in India, consider the following statements:

  1. Delimitation involves the redistribution of Lok Sabha seats among States based on population data.
  2. The present freeze on Lok Sabha seat allocation was introduced by the 84th Constitutional Amendment Act.
  3. Any delimitation exercise must mandatorily be based on the 2011 Census.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 1 and 3 only

(c) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

 

Q2. The principle of “digressive proportionality” aims to:

(a) Provide equal seats to all States irrespective of population

(b) Allocate seats strictly in proportion to population size

(c) Ensure larger States have more seats but fewer representatives per capita

(d) Replace population with economic contribution as the basis of representation

 

Q3. Assertion (A): The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012 provides a comprehensive and child-centric legal framework to address sexual offences against children in India.

Reason (R): The Act is gender-neutral, clearly categorizes offences with stringent punishments, and mandates Special Courts to conduct speedy, in-camera trials while ensuring compensation and rehabilitation for child victims.

Choose the correct answer using the code given below:

(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

 

Q4. What is the primary concern raised by smartphone manufacturers regarding India’s proposal to seek access to phone source codes under the Indian Telecom Security Assurance Requirements (ITSAR)?

(a) It would significantly increase smartphone prices in India

(b) It risks exposure of proprietary encryption systems and software architecture

(c) It mandates complete data localization of user information

(d) It eliminates the need for private cybersecurity audits

 

Q5. With reference to the Pax Silica Initiative, consider the following statements:

  1. Pax Silica is a US-led economic security partnership focused on securing semiconductor and AI-critical supply chains.
  2. The initiative is led by the US Department of Commerce and was launched at the first summit in 2024.
  3. It seeks to build trusted technology ecosystems by restricting cooperation to reliable partner countries.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

(a) 1 and 3 only

(b) 1 and 2 only

(c) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3