16 FEBRUARY 2026

16 FEBRUARY 2026

Q1. Consider the following statements regarding the use of guano in the Chincha Valley:

  1. Guano is rich in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, enhancing soil fertility.
  2. The Chincha Valley is a humid tropical region with high natural soil fertility.
  3. Scientific studies confirmed the use of guano since around 1250 AD using isotope analysis and carbon dating.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A) 1 only

B) 1 and 3 only

C) 2 and 3 only

D) 1, 2 and 3

Q2. With reference to the Urban Challenge Fund (UCF), consider the following statements:

  1. It is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme under the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs.
  2. The Central Government will provide 100% funding for approved projects.
  3. The scheme follows a competitive challenge-based approach to select projects.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A) 1 and 3 only

B) 1 only

C) 2 and 3 only

D) 1, 2 and 3

Q3. With reference to the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF), consider the following statements:

  1. It is a Central Sector Scheme providing medium to long-term debt financing for post-harvest management infrastructure.
  2. It provides 13% interest subvention and credit guarantee coverage for loans up to ₹2 crore.
  3. It is implemented only for State Governments and excludes farmers and FPOs as beneficiaries.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A) 1 and 2 only

B) 2 and 3 only

C) 1 and 3 only

D) 1 only

Q4. Assertion (A): Climate change may significantly shrink global grazing lands by 2100 due to rising temperatures, erratic rainfall, and increased drought frequency.

Reason (R): Higher temperatures and irregular rainfall reduce vegetation growth, increase desertification, and degrade soil quality, making grazing lands less climatically suitable.

Options:

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. Which of the following statements about DOSA(dilated cardiomyopathy (heart weakening), obesity, and sleep apnoea) is correct?

A) DOSA is caused by a mutation in the KCNA2 gene affecting potassium channels and activating the RAC1-ERK pathway.

B) DOSA is a bacterial infection that primarily affects only the respiratory system.

C) DOSA is limited to India and has no global occurrence.

D) DOSA is treated conclusively with antibiotics.