21 JANUARY 2026

21 JANUARY 2026

Q1. With reference to the proposal to link Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs) of BRICS countries, consider the following statements:

  1. The Reserve Bank of India has suggested placing the issue of linking BRICS CBDCs on the agenda of the 2026 BRICS Summit to be hosted by India.
  2. CBDCs are privately issued digital assets that operate outside the control of central banks.
  3. One objective of linking BRICS CBDCs is to reduce dependence on the US dollar in cross-border payments.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A. 1 and 2 only

B. 1 and 3 only

C. 2 and 3 only

D. 1, 2 and 3

Q2. Assertion (A): Project Suncatcher aims to host AI data centres in space to reduce the energy and cooling burden of Earth-based data centres.

Reason (R): Solar-powered satellites can generate continuous renewable energy and support AI computing using onboard Tensor Processing Units (TPUs).

Choose the correct answer using the code 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

Q3. With reference to India–UAE relations, consider the following statements:

  1. India and the UAE have set a target to double bilateral trade to USD 200 billion by 2032.
  2. India–UAE CEPA was signed in 2020 to promote bilateral trade and investment.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A. 1 only

B. 2 only

C. Both 1 and 2

D. Neither 1 nor 2

Q4. With reference to Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms in India, consider the following statements:

  1. Arbitration leads to a binding decision called an arbitral award.
  2. Section 89 of the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908 empowers courts to refer disputes to ADR mechanisms.
  3. The Mediation Act, 2023 institutionalises mediation and promotes pre-litigation mediation for certain disputes.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

A. 1 and 2 only

B. 2 and 3 only

C. 1, 2 and 3

D. 1 and 3 only

Q5. With reference to copper, consider the following statements:

  1. Copper has the second-highest electrical conductivity among metals, after silver.
  2. Malanjkhand mine in Madhya Pradesh is the largest open-pit copper mine in India.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A. 1 only

B.  2 only

C. Both 1 and 2

D. Neither 1 nor 2