02 FEBRUARY 2026

02 FEBRUARY 2026

Q1. With reference to patent rights in outer space, consider the following statements:

  1. Under Article VIII of the Outer Space Treaty, national patent laws apply to inventions made on space objects registered by a state.
  2. The exclusivity of patents over essential survival technologies in space may conflict with the Outer Space Treaty’s principle of benefiting all humankind.

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

Q2. With reference to the USD-backed stablecoin approved by the UAE Central Bank, consider the following statements:

  1. It is pegged to the US dollar on a 1:1 basis and backed by dollar reserves to ensure price stability.
  2. The stablecoin is unsuitable for international transfers and trade settlements due to regulatory restrictions.

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

Q3. Consider the following statements:

Assertion (A): The NPS Swasthya Pension Scheme aims to reduce out-of-pocket expenditure on healthcare by allowing subscribers to use pension-linked savings for medical expenses.

Reason (R): Under the scheme, subscribers can make partial withdrawals of up to 75% of their own contributions for OPD and IPD expenses as part of a pilot under PFRDA’s Regulatory Sandbox.

Choose the correct answer:

(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. With reference to the newly added Ramsar sites in India, consider the following statements:

  1. Patna Bird Sanctuary in Uttar Pradesh is the largest bird sanctuary in the state and supports both migratory and resident aquatic birds.
  2. Chhari-Dhand is a seasonal desert wetland located between the Banni grasslands and the salt flats of the Rann of Kutch.

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

Q5. Which of the following legal provisions in India can be invoked to address the unauthorised commercial use of a person’s name or likeness?

(a) Article 19(1)(a) of the Constitution

(b) Section 14 of the Trademarks Act, 1999

(c) Section 24 of the Environment Protection Act, 1986

(d) Article 110 of the Constitution