23 FEBRUARY 2026

23 FEBRUARY 2026

Q1. With reference to the Lead Bank Scheme (LBS), consider the following statements:

  1. It was introduced by the Reserve Bank of India in 1969.
  2. The district is the primary unit for credit planning under the scheme.
  3. The scheme assigns one private bank as the Lead Bank in each district.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 1 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Q2. With reference to “Pax Silica”, consider the following statements:

  1. It is a U.S.-led technology supply chain alliance.
  2. It focuses on securing semiconductor and critical mineral supply chains.
  3. It is a United Nations-backed initiative.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 1 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Q3. With reference to the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), consider the following statements:

  1. It examines the reports of the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG).
  2. It always conducts pre-budget scrutiny of government expenditure.
  3. It only has the power to disallow expenditure already approved by Parliament.

Which of the statements given above is/are incorrect?

(a) 1 only

(b) 1 and 3 only

(c) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Q4. With reference to the SANKALP Scheme, consider the following statements:

  1. It was launched in 2018 by the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship.
  2. It receives financial assistance from the World Bank.
  3. It aims to strengthen institutional frameworks and improve industry linkage in the skill ecosystem.

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

Q5. Assertion (A): Forest fires in Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland spread rapidly uphill despite being mostly surface fires.

Reason (R): Steep slopes and valley winds in the North-East create a chimney effect, accelerating the upward movement of flames.

(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.