1. Which one of the following is the correct description of ‘Adi Karmayogi Abhiyan’?
(a) A national movement spearheaded by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs to build a decentralized tribal leadership and governance ecosystem.
(b) A digital initiative of NITI Aayog to promote startups in tribal areas.
(c) A financial inclusion scheme for tribal artisans under the Ministry of Finance.
(d) A major reform initiative launched by the Government of India aimed at transforming the capacity and efficiency of the civil services.
Answer: (a) A national movement spearheaded by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs to build a decentralized tribal leadership and governance ecosystem.
Explanation:
In NEWS: A GROUP OF EMINENT TRIBAL PEOPLE CALLS ON THE PRESIDENT AS PART OF ADI-KARMAYOGI ABHIYAAN
The Adi Karmayogi Abhiyan:
- The Adi Karmayogi Abhiyan is a national movement to build a decentralized tribal leadership and governance ecosystem.
- Spearheaded by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, it empowers 20 Lakh tribal changemakers across 1 Lakh villages in 550 tribal-dominated districts through capacity building, convergence, and community participation. Hence option (a) is correct.
- Since the campaign’s launch in July 2025, it has mobilized nearly 20 lakh Adi-Karmayogis — including government officials, volunteers, women from self-help groups, and tribal youth — across one lakh villages.
- The initiative also includes one lakh Adi Seva Kendras, functioning as single-window service and grievance redressal centers.
- The Adi Karmayogi Portal serves as the digital backbone of this mission — enabling registration, training, monitoring, and transformation at scale.
Three Pillars of Leadership:
- Adi Karmayogi — Government Officers including IAS, IPS, IFS, BDOs, District Collectors, Govt / State Govt. Officers – Key drivers of governance at State, District, Block, and Panchayat levels. They ensure convergence of schemes, institutional support, and responsive delivery.
- Adi Sahyogi — Youth, Teachers, Doctors – Motivated service providers and educated tribal youth who bridge access to education, health, awareness, and innovation.
- Adi Saathi — SHG Members (NRLM), Villagers, Tribal Elders – Grassroots changemakers and community anchors who mobilize people, preserve traditions, and uphold local wisdom.
Key Objectives:
- Train and mobilize 20 Lakh Tribal Leaders
- Establish 1 Lakh Adi Sewa Kendras – Single Window Tribal Service Centres
- Facilitate Village Vision 2030 Planning & Development Action Plan
- Promote last-mile convergence & effective service delivery
- Capture & amplify voices of tribal communities
Training modules for leadership development:
- Village Visioning Templates – Upload and monitor locally crafted development blueprints
- Adi Sewa Kendras – Locate services nearest to each village
- Changemaker Stories – Celebrate tribal leadership & impact on the ground
- Feedback, Monitoring, Grievance Tools – Enable transparent and responsive governance
| PYQ REFERENCE: (2024) Q. Which one of the following is the correct description of 100 million Farmers? (a) It is a platform for accelerating the transition towards food and water systems that are net-zero (carbon), nature-positive and that aims to increase farmer resilience. (b) It is an international alliance and a network of individuals and farming organisations interested in supporting and strengthening the development of the organic animal husbandry. (c) It is a digital platform fully integrated with service providers and built on blockchain that lets buyers, sellers and third parties trade fertilizers quickly and securely. (d) It is a platform with the mission of encouraging the farmers to form Framer Product Organisations or Agribusiness Consortiums, thus facilitating the access to global open markets to sell their products. |
Source: https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2165012
https://adiprasaran.tribal.gov.in/adikarmayogi/Home.aspx
2. Consider the following statements:
1. Aadhaar can be accepted as a valid Proof of Identity (PoI) across India.
2. Aadhaar is not only an identity document, it is also considered as a citizenship document.
3. Aadhaar is mandatory for availing all services in India including welfare schemes funded from the Consolidated Fund of India.
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
Answer: (a) 1 only
Explanation:
In NEWS: EC directs Bihar CEO to accept Aadhaar for SIR
Aadhaar – Proof of Identity:
- Aadhaar is a 12-digit unique identification number issued by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI).
- It is based on an individual’s biometric (fingerprints, iris scan) and demographic data.
- Aadhaar is accepted as a valid Proof of Identity (PoI) across India. Hence statement 1 is correct.
- It is also accepted as Proof of Address (PoA), Proof of Date of Birth (DoB), and Proof of Relationship (PoR), depending on the document version.
- Aadhaar is not a citizenship document, but only an identity document. Hence statement 2 is incorrect.
- It is used for availing subsidies, government schemes, opening bank accounts, mobile SIM verification, PAN linking, etc.
- The Aadhaar Act, 2016 governs its usage, subject to privacy and data protection safeguards (as per the Supreme Court judgment in K.S. Puttaswamy vs. Union of India, 2018).
- Aadhaar authentication is done online through OTP, biometrics, or demographic details.
- Aadhaar cannot be made mandatory for all services, but can be required for welfare schemes funded from the Consolidated Fund of India. Hence statement 3 is incorrect.
- For individuals, it serves as a universal, portable, and unique proof of identity across states and institutions.
| PYQ REFERENCE: (2018) Q. Consider the following statements: 1. Aadhaar card can be used as a proof of citizenship or domicile. 2. Once issued, Aadhaar number cannot be deactivated or omitted by the Issuing Authority. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither1 nor 2 |
3.With reference to ‘AdFalciVax’, recently seen in news, consider the following statements:
1. It is India’s first indigenous multi-stage malaria vaccine.
2. It has been developed using the bacterium Lactococcus lactis.
3. It acts only after the parasite enters the bloodstream.
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
Answer: (a) 1 and 2 only
Explanation:
In NEWS: Centre grants licences to five firms to manufacture its first indigenous malaria vaccine
India’s First Indigenous Multi-Stage Malaria Vaccine: AdFalciVax
- A recombinant chimeric multi-stage malaria vaccine. Hence statement 1 is correct.
- Target: Plasmodium falciparum, the deadliest malaria parasite
- Platform: Produced using Lactococcus lactis (a safe bacteria used in biotechnology). Hence statement 2 is correct.
- Developed by:
- Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) in collaboration with:
- ICMR-RMRC Bhubaneswar
- ICMR-National Institute of Malaria Research (NIMR)
- National Institute of Immunology (NII), New Delhi
- Purpose:
- Prevent infection before the parasite enters the bloodstream. Hence statement 3 is incorrect.
- Reduce community-level transmission
- Key Features
- Multi-stage action: Acts at both pre-blood and transmission stages
- Stable: Remains effective for 9+ months at room temperature
- Affordable, scalable, and ideal for low-resource settings
Malaria:
- Malaria is a life-threatening disease caused by Plasmodium parasites, transmitted to humans through the bite of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes.
- The most dangerous malaria parasite is Plasmodium falciparum, responsible for most severe cases and deaths globally.
- Other human malaria parasites include P. vivax, P. malariae, P. ovale, and P. knowlesi (a zoonotic strain).
- India contributes about 1.4% of global malaria cases and 0.9% of global malaria deaths.
- Approximately 95% of India’s population lives in malaria-endemic areas.
- 80% of India’s malaria burden comes from tribal, hilly, and difficult-to-reach regions, which house just 20% of the population.
- India is part of the WHO’s E-2025 initiative to eliminate malaria by 2030.
| PYQ REFERENCE: (2021) Q. With reference to recent developments regarding ‘Recombinant Vector Vaccines’, consider the following statements: 1. Genetic engineering is applied in the development of these vaccines. 2. Bacteria and viruses are used as vectors. 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 |
4. Consider the following statements with respect to the National Multidimensional Poverty Index(MPI) in India:
1. NITI Aayog is the official nodal agency for implementing and institutionalizing the MPI in India.
2. MPI value is arrived at by multiplying the headcount ratio and the intensity of poverty.
3. Bank account and maternal health are the two indicators included in the National MPI, in addition to the indicators of the Global MPI.
How many of the above statements are correct?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None
Answer: (c) All three
Explanation:
In NEWS: NITI Aayog in collaboration with UNDP organised a National Workshop on ‘The National Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI)
National Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI):
- The National Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) in India is a collaborative effort spearheaded by NITI Aayog, with technical development and support provided by UNDP and OPHI (Oxford Poverty and Human Development Initiative).
- NITI Aayog is the official nodal agency for implementing and institutionalizing the MPI in India. Hence statement 1 is correct.
- India’s National MPI (by NITI Aayog) is aligned with the global MPI methodology but customized to reflect national priorities (e.g., adding indicators like bank account access, maternal health). Hence statement 3 is correct.
The indices of the national MPI comprise:
- i) Headcount ratio (H): How many are poor?
- Proportion of multidimensionally poor in the population, which is arrived at by dividing number of multidimensionally poor persons by total population.
- ii) Intensity of poverty (A): How poor are the poor?
- Average proportion of deprivations which is experienced by multidimensionally poor individuals.
- To compute intensity, the weighted deprivation scores of all poor people are summed and then divided by the total number of poor people.
- MPI value is arrived at by multiplying the headcount ratio (H) and the intensity of poverty (A), reflecting both the share of people in poverty and the degree to which they are deprived.
- MPI = H x A. Hence statement 2 is correct.
Indicators of National Multidimensional Poverty Index:
Indicators of Global Multidimensional Poverty Index:
The Global Multidimensional Poverty Index (Global MPI) is developed and maintained by
Oxford Poverty and Human Development Initiative (OPHI) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
| PYQ REFERENCE: (2012) Q. The Multi-dimensional Poverty Index developed by Oxford Poverty and Human Development Initiative with UNDP support covers which of the following? 1. Deprivation of education, health, assets and services at household level 2. Purchasing power parity at national level 3. Extent of budget deficit and GDP growth rate at national level Select the correct answer using the codes given below: (a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 |
Source: https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2165241
5. Which of the following biostimulants are classified under the permitted categories of biostimulants under Schedule VI of Fertilizer Control Order (FCO), 1985?
1. Botanical extracts
2. Biochemicals
3. Antioxidants
4. Anti-transpirants
5. Humic and fulvic acids and derivatives
6. Live micro-organisms including biofertilizers and biopesticides
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
(a) 1, 3, 4, 5 and 6 only
(b) 1, 2, 3, 5 and 6 only
(c) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 only
(d) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6
Answer: (c) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 only
Explanation:
In NEWS: Regulation of Biostimulant Products under Fertilizer Control Order (FCO), 1985
Biostimulants:
Biostimulants are natural or synthetic substances and microorganisms that enhance plant growth, yield, and resilience, not by providing nutrients directly, but by stimulating the plant’s natural processes.
Key Benefits:
- Improved root and shoot development
- Enhanced nutrient uptake and use efficiency
- Greater resilience to drought, salinity, and temperature extremes
- Improved flowering, fruiting, and crop quality
- Reduced dependency on chemical fertilizers and pesticides
Regulation of Biostimulants in India under Fertilizer Control Order (FCO), 1985:
| FCO Definition of Biostimulants “Biostimulant” means a substance or micro-organism (or both) that stimulates plant physiological processes when applied to plants, seeds, or rhizosphere to enhance nutrient uptake, growth, yield, crop quality, and stress tolerance — regardless of nutrient content, and excluding pesticides or plant growth regulators covered under the Insecticides Act, 1968. |
Permitted Categories under Schedule VI of FCO:
- Botanical extracts (including seaweed extracts)
- Biochemicals
- Protein hydrolysates and amino acids
- Vitamins
- Cell-free microbial products
- Antioxidants
- Anti-transpirants
- Humic and fulvic acids and derivatives
- Live micro-organisms (excluding biofertilizers and biopesticides)
Hence option (c) is correct.
Current Status (as of Sept 2025):
- 146 biostimulant products have been officially included in Schedule VI of FCO.
- These are notified in the Gazette of India and listed on the DoA website.
| PYQ REFERENCE: (2012) Q. Consider the following kinds of organisms: 1. Bacteria 2. Fungi 3. Flowering plants Some species of which of the above kinds of organisms are employed as bio pesticides? (a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 |
Source: https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2165081
6. Which of the following are likely to cause the Indian Rupee to depreciate against the US Dollar?
1. Increase in global crude oil prices.
2. Large inflow of Foreign Portfolio Investment (FPI).
3. US Federal Reserve increasing its policy interest rates.
4. India’s Current Account Deficit widening.
Select the correct answer using the code below:
(a) 1, 3 and 4 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1, 2 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Answer: (a) 1, 3 and 4 only
Explanation:
In NEWS: Rupee recovers from record low to close 4 paise higher at 88.11 against U.S. dollar
Currency & Exchange Rate Basics
- Exchange Rate: Price of one currency in terms of another (₹ per US$).
- Depreciation: Fall in value of domestic currency against foreign (₹ goes from 82 → 88 per US$).
- Appreciation: Rise in domestic currency value (₹ goes from 88 → 82 per US$).
- Nominal vs Real Exchange Rate:
- Nominal = market rate.
- Real = adjusted for inflation differentials.
Factors Affecting Rupee Movement
- Global factors:
1. US Federal Reserve interest rate hikes attract capital to US, leading to FPI/FII outflows from India.
2. Strengthening of the Dollar Index: global investors move to “safe haven” dollar.
3. Rise in crude oil prices: higher import bill for India (major oil importer).
4. Global financial crises or recession fears: investors pull out funds from emerging markets. - Domestic factors:
1. Widening Current Account Deficit (CAD): more imports than exports → higher demand for dollars.
2. High inflation in India: reduces investor confidence, weakens rupee.
3. Low GDP growth prospects: reduces attractiveness of India for investors.
4. Outflow of Foreign Portfolio Investment (FPI): investors sell rupees and buy dollars. Hence statement 2 is incorrect.
5. Increase in gold imports and essential imports: more dollar demand. - Geopolitical tensions (wars, sanctions, trade conflicts): weaken emerging market currencies.
Role of RBI
- RBI does not target a fixed exchange rate. It follows a managed float system.
- Intervenes to prevent excessive volatility (by selling $ when rupee weakens too much, buying $ when rupee strengthens).
- Maintains Forex Reserves (~$600 bn) for this purpose.
| PYQ REFERENCE: (2022) Q. With reference to the Indian economy, consider the following statements: 1. If the inflation is too high, Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is likely to buy government securities. 2. If the rupee is rapidly depreciating, RBI is likely to sell dollars in the market. 3. If interest rates in the USA or European Union were to fall, that is likely to induce RBI to buy dollars. Which of the statements given above are correct? (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 |
7. The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam is situated on which among the following rivers?
(a) Zambezi
(b) Congo
(c) Limpopo
(d) Blue Nile
Answer: (d) Blue Nile
Explanation:
In NEWS: Ethiopia’s mega dam has taken 14 years to build: What it means for the Nile’s 11 river states
The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD): Key Statements
- GERD is Africa’s largest hydroelectric power project, built on the Blue Nile River in the Benishangul-Gumuz region of Ethiopia, near the Sudanese border.
- Construction of the dam began in April 2011 and was officially inaugurated on September 9, 2025, after over 14 years of work.
- The dam has a power generation capacity of approximately 5,150 megawatts, which is expected to double Ethiopia’s electricity output.
- GERD was funded primarily through domestic sources, including public donations, diaspora bonds, and government contributions—making it a symbol of national pride and self-reliance.
- Ethiopia views GERD as essential for economic development, rural electrification, and poverty reduction, and asserts its sovereign right to utilize its natural resources.
Blue Nile River:
- The Blue Nile River is one of the two major tributaries of the Nile River, the longest river in the world.
- Origin: The Blue Nile starts at Lake Tana in the Ethiopian Highlands.
- Country of Origin: Ethiopia
- Flows Through: Ethiopia → Sudan
- Confluence: It joins the White Nile in Khartoum, the capital of Sudan, forming the main Nile River.
- contributes about 80–85% of the water to the Nile River, especially during the rainy season.
- Crucial for agriculture and hydroelectric power in both Ethiopia and Sudan.
- The river’s flow varies greatly between the wet and dry seasons, impacting agriculture and water availability downstream.
| PYQ REFERENCE: (2022) Q. Which one of the following lakes of West Africa has become dry and turned into a desert? (a) Lake Victoria (b) Lake Faguibine (c) Lake Oguta (d) Lake Volta |
8. Consider the following statements with respect to Exercise ZAPAD 2025:
I. The Exercise provides a platform for participating armies to exchange tactics, techniques and procedures in the domains of conventional warfare and counter-terrorism operations.
II. The exercise is usually held once every four years.
III. India is one of the participants of the exercise.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) I and Il only
(b) II and III only
(c) I and III only
(d) I, II and III
Answer: (d) I, II and III
Explanation:
In NEWS: INDIAN ARMED FORCES CONTINGENT DEPARTS FOR MULTILATERAL EXERCISE ZAPAD 2025 IN RUSSIA
Exercise Zapad:
- Zapad exercise (‘Exercise West’) is a series of Soviet then Russian Federation military exercises usually held once every four years. Hence statement II is correct.
- Several of the exercises were joint Russian-Belarusian exercises held on Belarusian territory.
Exercise Zapad 2025:
- The multilateral Exercise ZAPAD 2025 is aimed at enhancing military cooperation, improving interoperability, and providing a platform for participating armies to exchange tactics, techniques and procedures in the domains of conventional warfare and counter-terrorism operations. Hence statement I is correct.
- The 2025 edition of the exercise will see the participation of over twenty countries including Belarus, Bangladesh, Burkina Faso, Congo, Mali, India, Iran, Niger and Tajikistan. Hence statement III is correct.
- Cambodia, China, Cuba, Kazakhstan, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nicaragua, North Korea, Pakistan, Serbia, Thailand, the UAE and Uzbekistan will take part as observers.
- The exercise will focus on joint company level operations in open and plain terrain, wherein troops will undertake missions ranging from joint planning, tactical drills, and special arms skills.
- It will offer a valuable opportunity to hone joint operational capabilities, integrate emerging technologies, and operate in a multinational combat environment.
- Participation in Exercise ZAPAD 2025 will further strengthen defence cooperation and foster camaraderie between India and Russia, thereby reinforcing the spirit of collaboration and mutual trust.
| PYQ REFERENCE: (2024) Q. Which of the following statements about ‘Exercise Mitra Shakti-2023’ are correct? 1. This was a joint military exercise between India and BangladeshIt commenced in Aundh (Pune). 2. Joint response during counter-terrorism operations was a goal of this operation. 3. Indian Air Force was a part of this exercise. Select the answer using the code given below: (a) 1, 2 and 3 (b) 1, 2 and 4 (c) 1, 3 and 4 (d) 2, 3 and 4 |
Source: https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2164916
9. The langkhon festival is celebrated by the
(a) Khasis of Meghalaya
(b) Tiwas of Assam
(c) Apatanis of Arunachal Pradesh
(d) Nagas of Nagaland
Answer: (b) Tiwas of Assam
Explanation:
In NEWS: Tiwa tribesmen celebrate Langkhun festival in Umsowai village in Karbi Anglong district of Assam
The Langkhon Festival:
- The Langkhon Festival is a pre-harvest festival celebrated by the Tiwa tribe in the Karbi Anglong district of Assam. Hence option (b) is correct.
- It usually occurs during the Ahin and Kati seasons, corresponding to October–November, though the exact dates can vary each year
- The festival centers around worshipping deities such as Ramsa Devota (also referenced as Ramcha God) and Mother Bijuli, seeking protection for their paddy crops from pests and invoking blessings for a good harvest, healthy families, and overall prosperity.
- During the festival, farmers engage in traditional dances and rituals to pray for a bountiful harvest, with the festival also serving to strengthen the community’s cultural and traditional ties.
- Farmers perform traditional dances and rituals during the event.
The Tiwa tribe:
- The Tiwa tribe (also known as Lalung) is one of the indigenous tribes of Northeast India, primarily inhabiting parts of Assam and Meghalaya, with some presence in Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, and Manipur.
- They are recognized as a Scheduled Tribe (Plains & Hills) under the Constitution of India
- They have a rich cultural heritage, distinct language, and unique traditions.
- They speak Tiwa language, part of the Tibeto-Burman language family
- Traditionally follow a village council system led by a chief or “Loro”
- Have clan-based society, practicing endogamy within tribes but exogamy within clans
- Religion & Beliefs
- Traditionally animists, worshipping nature, spirits, and ancestors
- Many have adopted Hinduism over time, especially in the plains
- Hill Tiwas still retain strong indigenous animistic practices
- They believe in multiple deities, such as:
- Festivals & Cultural Practices – Langkhon Festival, Wanchuwa Festival, Pisu or Pisu-Dima, Jonbeel Mela
- Wanshuwa and Langkhon dances are popular – Performed during festivals using traditional instruments.
| PYQ REFERENCE: Q. Consider the following pairs: (2018) Tradition — State 1. Chapchar Kut Festival — Mizoram 2. Khongjom Parba ballad — Manipur 3. Thang-Ta Dance — Sikkim Which of the pairs given above is/are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 1 and 2 (c) 3 only (d) 2 and 3 Consider the following pairs: (2017) Traditions Communities Chaliha Sahib Festival Sindhis Nanda Raj Jaat Yatra Gonds Wari-Warkari Santhals Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched? (a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) None of the above |
Source: THE HINDU
10. Regarding Peacock tarantula (Gooty tarantula), consider the following statements: (2025)
I. It is an omnivorous crustacean.
II. Its natural habitat in India is only limited to some forest areas.
III. In its natural habitat, it is an arboreal species.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) I only
(b) I and III
(c) II only
(d) II and III
Answer: (d) II and III
EXPLANATION:
The Peacock tarantula:
- The Peacock tarantula (Poecilotheria metallica / Gooty tarantula) is a spider (arachnid), not a crustacean. Also, it is carnivorous, not omnivorous. Hence statement 1 is incorrect.
- Its natural habitat is very limited to a small reserve forest area around Gooty (Andhra Pradesh, Eastern Ghats).
- It is an arboreal species (lives in trees).
