25 FEBRUARY 2026

25 FEBRUARY 2026

Q1. Assertion (A): Recent tests found that several vegetable samples in Bengaluru contained lead levels higher than the limits prescribed under FSSAI standards.

Reason (R): Lead is a heavy metal contaminant that can accumulate in soil and enter the food chain, posing serious health risks to humans.

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.

Q2. With reference to the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST), consider the following statements:

  1. It is a constitutional body established under Article 338-A by the 89th Constitutional Amendment Act, 2003.
  2. The Chairperson of the Commission holds the rank of a Minister of State in the Union Government.
  3. The Commission has powers of a civil court while investigating matters related to safeguards of Scheduled Tribes.
  4. Members of the Commission are eligible for unlimited reappointments.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

A. 1 and 3 only

B. 1, 2 and 3 only

C. 2 and 4 only

D. 1, 3 and 4 only

Q3. Assertion (A): Brazil is India’s third largest trading partner in Latin America.

Reason (R): Both countries are members of groupings such as BRICS, G20, IBSA, and BASIC, which strengthen their strategic and economic cooperation.

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.

Q4. Consider the following statements regarding the International Energy Agency (IEA):

  1. It was established in 1991 to promote renewable energy cooperation.
  2. Associate member countries participate in discussions but do not have decision-making rights.
  3. The headquarters of the IEA is located in Geneva, Switzerland.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A. 1 only

B. 2 only

C. 1 and 3 only

D. 2 and 3 only

Q5. With reference to the PRASHAD Scheme, consider the following statements:

  1. It is a Central flagship initiative launched by the Ministry of Tourism.
  2. It provides 100% Central funding for eligible project components.
  3. The scheme is implemented directly by the Ministry of Tourism without involvement of State Governments.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A. 1 only

B. 1 and 2 only

C. 2 and 3 only

D.  1, 2 and 3