22 FEBRUARY 2026

22 FEBRUARY 2026

Q1. Consider the following statements regarding Rare Earth Magnets:

  1. Rare earth magnets are made from a group of 17 metallic elements including Neodymium and Dysprosium.
  2. China controls nearly 90% of global rare earth magnet processing.
  3. Rare earth magnets are mainly used only in jewellery and decorative items.
  4. India has approved a Rare-Earth Permanent Magnet Manufacturing Scheme to boost domestic production.

Which of the above statements are correct?

A) 1 and 3 only

B) 2 and 4 only

C) 1, 2 and 4 only

D) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Q2. Assertion (A): Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is regarded as a visionary ruler who laid the foundation of Swaraj and is known for pioneering guerrilla warfare tactics in India.

Reason (R):He founded the Maratha Empire, resisted Mughal expansion, and effectively used Ganimi Kava (guerrilla warfare) to defeat stronger enemies.

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.

Q3. With reference to the Nilgiri Tahr, consider the following statements:

  1. It is endemic to the Southern Western Ghats and is found mainly in Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
  2. It primarily inhabits open montane grasslands associated with the Shola-grassland ecosystem.
  3. It is listed as Vulnerable under the IUCN Red List and placed under Schedule II of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.

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, 2 and 3

Q4. With reference to Section 44(3) of the Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act, 2023, consider the following statements:

  1. It amends Section 8(1)(j) of the RTI Act, 2005, giving statutory primacy to data privacy over disclosure of personal information.
  2. It removes the earlier public interest override framework for disclosure of personal data under the RTI Act.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

A) 1 only

B) 2 only

C) Both 1 and 2

D) Neither 1 nor 2

Q5. Which of the following best explains the strategic importance of rare earth magnets for India?

A) They are mainly used in the jewellery industry and handicrafts sector.

B) They are required only for agricultural equipment and irrigation pumps.

C) They are essential for electric vehicles, renewable energy systems, and advanced defence technologies.

D) They are primarily used for manufacturing traditional iron tools.