1. With reference to the PM E-Drive initiative, consider the following statements:
1. It is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme launched by the Ministry of Power to promote EV adoption in India.
2. It replaces the FAME-II scheme and provides no support for electric ambulances or trucks.
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
Answer: (b) 2 only
Explanation:
News: India Accelerates National EV Charging Grid under PM E-Drive
- The PM E-Drive scheme is a transformative initiative aimed at giving our citizens access to clean, affordable, and convenient mobility options.
- PM E-Drive is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme, and it is implemented by the Ministry of Heavy Industries (MoHI).
Objectives of PM E-Drive:
Accelerate the transition to electric mobility across two-wheelers, three-wheelers, four-wheelers, electric buses, freight trucks, and emergency ambulances.
Lower the initial purchase cost of electric vehicles for consumers and strengthen the overall EV ecosystem, including supply chains and services.
Establish a comprehensive national EV charging network and enhance air quality by cutting down on emissions from the transport sector.
Encourage local manufacturing and foster innovation in electric vehicle technologies and related components.
PM E-Drive builds upon FAME-II (does not replace it) and explicitly includes support for electric ambulances and electric trucks with dedicated funding allocations.
About FAME-II Scheme: ‘Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Electric Vehicles’ Phase II.
The main objective of the FAME scheme is to encourage Faster adoption of Electric and hybrid vehicles by offering upfront Incentive on purchase of Electric vehicles and also by establishing a necessary charging Infrastructure for electric vehicles. The scheme will help in addressing the issue of environmental pollution and fuel security.
Source:
https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2130225
2. With reference to the e-Zero FIR initiative recently launched in Delhi, consider the following statements:
1. It is a digital initiative by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY).
2. The initiative allows automatic registration of FIRs for cyber financial crimes above ₹1 lakh.
3. It is legally backed by provisions of the Bhartiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023
Which of the statements given above is/are incorrect?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (a) 1 and 2 only
Explanation:
News: New e-Zero FIR for swift probe, crackdown on cyberfauds: Amit Shah
- Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C), which comes under the Ministry of Home Affairs, has introduced the new e-Zero FIR initiative to nab any criminal with unprecedented speed. Hence statement (1) is incorrect.
- The National Cybercrime Reporting Portal (NCRP) and the National Cyber Crime Helpline 1930 has enabled easy reporting and prompt actioning on complaints related to cyber financial crimes.
- The newly introduced process involves integration of I4C’s NCRP system, Delhi Police’s e-FIR system and National Crime Record Bureau’s (NCRB) Crime and Criminal Tracking Network & Systems (CCTNS).
- Now complaints related to financial losses above the threshold limit of ₹10 lakh made to NCRP and 1930 will automatically lead to registration of a Zero FIR with the e-Crime Police Station of Delhi.
- This will be immediately routed to the territorial Cyber Crime Police Stations. Complainants can visit the cybercrime Police Station within 3 days and get the Zero FIR converted into a regular FIR.
- Delhi Police and Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C), Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) have worked together to put in place a process for registration of cases in accordance with the new provisions of Section 173 (1) and 1(ii) of Bhartiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS). It is legally backed by provisions of the Bhartiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023. Hence statement (3) is correct.
- This process of issuing FIRs electronically irrespective of territorial jurisdiction (e-Zero FIR) will initially start in Delhi as a pilot. Subsequently it will be extended to other States and UTs.
- Zero FIR, introduced post-Nirbhaya (2012) as a victim-centric reform, enables complaint registration at any police station regardless of jurisdiction, ensuring swift legal action removing delays due to territorial boundaries.
Source:
3. Consider the following pairs:
Puppetry Region
1. Togalu Gombeyata – Andhra Pradesh
2. Ravana Chhaya – Odisha
3. Pavakoothu – Tamilnadu
4. Kathpuli – Rajasthan
How many of the above pair(s) is/are correctly matched?
(a) Only one pair
(b) Only two pairs
(c) Only three pairs
(d) None
Answer: (b) Only two pairs
Explanation:
News: Several traditional folk art forms of Andhra Pradesh are on the verge of extinction.
- Tholu Bommalata, Jamukula Pata (Bonela Pata), Tappeta Gullu, Puli Veshalu, Harikatha, Chekka Bhajana, Gangireddu Aata, Samu Garadi, Karrasamu are folk Arts of Andhra Pradesh.
- Tholu Bommalata: Ancient shadow puppetry art of Andhra, dating back to the 3rd century CE. Uses translucent leather puppets, backlit by oil lamps to narrate epics like the Ramayana and Mahabharata.
Shadow Puppet Theatre Traditions of India
1. Chamadyacha Bahulya, Maharashtra
2. Tolu Bommalatta, Andhra Pradesh
3. Togalu Gombeyatta, Karnataka. Hence pair (1) is incorrect.
4. Tol Bommalattam, Tamil Nadu
5. Tolpava Kuthu, Kerala. Hence pair (3) is incorrect.
6. Ravanachhaya, Orissa. Hence pair (2) is correct.
7. Kathpuli, Rajasthan. Hence pair (4) is correct.
- Though these forms have distinct regional identities, languages and dialects in which they are performed, they share a common worldview, aesthetics and themes.
- The narratives are mainly based on the epics of Rāmāyaṇa and Mahābhārata, Purāṇas, local myths and tales.
- They communicate significant messages to the rural community besides entertainment.
Source:
https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/andhra-pradesh/folk-art-forms-once-andhras-signature-fading-into-oblivion/article69540660.ece https://ncert.nic.in/textbook/pdf/keks103.pdf
4. Recently, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), in collaboration with the World Monuments Fund India (WMFI) has successfully completed the conservation work of ‘Rajon ki Baoli’ belongs to which of the following era?
(a) Tughlaq
(b) Lodi
(c) Sayyid
(d) Mamluk
Answer: (b) Lodi
Explanation:
News: 16th-Century Rajon ki Baoli Restored in Delhi’s Mehrauli Park
- The name “Rajon Ki Baoli” translates to “Well of the Masons,” derived from the term “Rajbirs” or “Mistris,” referring to masons.
- The recently restored Rajon Ki Baoli, located in the Mehrauli Archaeological Park of Delhi, was constructed during the Lodi dynasty era. Specifically, it was built in 1506 CE by Daulat Khan Lodi, who served as the governor of Lahore under Sultan Sikandar Lodi.
- This stepwell features architectural elements characteristic of the Lodi period, including multi-storied verandahs and arched niches .
- This project highlights the importance of restoring traditional water systems as sustainable solutions for water management in the face of climate change.
- The Ministry said the restoration work included cleaning, desilting, structural repair, and water quality improvements, using traditional materials and techniques.
- It said, traditional materials like lime plaster and mortar were used to preserve the original character of the structure.
Source:
5. Arrange the Caribbean countries from north to south
1. Guatemala
2. Honduras
3. Nicaragua
4. Costa Rica
Select the correct answer using code given below:
(a) 1-3-4-2
(b) 4-3-2-1
(c) 1-2-3-4
(d) 2-1-3-4
Answer: (c) 1-2-3-4
News: “Significant milestone”: EAM Jaishankar on inauguration of Honduras Embassy in Delhi
Source:
6. Consider the following pairs:
Dam River
1. Baglihar Dam – Chenab River
2. Mohmand Dam – Swat River
3. Kalabagh Dam – Indus River
How many of the above pair(s) is/are incorrect?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None
Answer: (d) None
Explanation:
News: Why China has ramped up construction work on Pakistan’s Mohmand dam
- Recently, China has ramped up construction on Pakistan’s Mohmand Dam, a flagship hydropower project, days after India suspended the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT).
- It is located on the Swat river in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. The Swat River originates from the Hindu Kush mountains in northern Pakistan and flows through the Swat Valley in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.
- It is a tributary of the Kabul River, which eventually joins the Indus River.
- The river is vital for irrigation, hydroelectric power generation, and supporting local livelihoods. It is also prone to seasonal flooding during the monsoon.
- The Baglihar Dam, officially known as the Baglihar Hydroelectric Power Project, is a run-of-the-river hydroelectric facility located on the Chenab River in Doda district, Jammu and Kashmir.
Source:
7. Consider the following statements:
1. ULLAS (Understanding Lifelong Learning for All in Society) is a centrally sponsored initiative launched from 2022 to 2027.
2. It aims to empower children under the age of 15 who missed formal schooling by providing them with foundational literacy, critical life skills, and opportunities for continuous learning.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (a) 1 only
Explanation:
News: Mizoram Becomes First Fully Literate State In India
- The ULLAS (Understanding of Lifelong Learning for All in Society) scheme, also known as the Nav Bharat Saksharta Karyakram or New India Literacy Programme (NILP), is a centrally sponsored initiative launched by the Government of India for the period 2022–2027.
- Its goal is to educate adults aged 15 and above who missed formal schooling, aligning with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
- The scheme promotes volunteer participation to instill a sense of social responsibility and civic duty, known as ‘Kartavya Bodh’.
The scheme focuses on five key components:
Foundational Literacy and Numeracy:
Developing basic reading, writing, and arithmetic skills.
Critical Life Skills:
Including financial literacy, digital literacy, legal literacy, healthcare awareness, childcare education, and family welfare.
Vocational Skills:
Providing skills training to enhance employability and local employment opportunities.
Basic Education:
Offering equivalency programs for preparatory, middle, and secondary education stages.
Continuing Education:
Engaging learners in holistic courses covering arts, sciences, technology, culture, sports, and recreation.
ULLAS offers access to learning materials through the DIKSHA platform and its own mobile/web portal, with content available in regional languages.
It also features the Foundational Literacy and Numeracy Assessment Test (FLNAT), held twice a year or as needed at local schools for evaluation and certification.
Source:
https://ddnews.gov.in/en/mizoram-becomes-first-fully-literate-state-in-india/
8. The International System of Units (SI) was developed as a result of:
(a) The Bretton Woods Agreement
(b) The Vienna Convention
(c) The Metre Convention
(d) The Hague Convention
Answer: (c) The Metre Convention
Explanation:
News: GoI celebrates 150 Years of Metre Convention on World Metrology Day 2025
- Department of Consumer Affairs under Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, GoI celebrates 150 Years of Metre Convention on World Metrology Day 2025.
- The Metre Convention was signed in Paris on 20th May 1875.
- India has officially become the 13th country in the world authorized to issue OIML (International Organization of Legal Metrology) certificates.
- Treaty of the Metre or Metre Convention established a framework for global collaboration in the science of measurement (metrology).
- It has 64 members and 37 associate states. India became a member in 1957.
- Initially, the Convention focused on the units of mass (kilogram) and length (metre). In 1921, its scope was extended to cover all physical measurements, leading to the development of the International System of Units (SI) in 1960.
Source:
https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2129915
9. With reference to recently discovered mineral Jarosite, consider the following statements:
1. It is a potassium, iron, and sulphate-based mineral that forms in oxidizing, saline, and acidic environments.
2. Jarosite can help in dating recent geological events on Mars due to its luminescent properties.
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
Answer: (c) Both 1 and 2
Explanation:
News: Jarosite: a natural clock on Mars
- A yellow-brown mineral composed of potassium, iron, and sulphate.
- Forms in acidic, arid, saline, and oxidized environments — commonly seen in Earth’s acid mine drainage sites.
- First detected by NASA’s Opportunity rover, suggesting past acidic, water-based weathering on Mars.
- Jarosite can store energy from natural radiation and later release it as luminescence.
- By measuring this light, scientists can determine how long the mineral has been exposed to radiation — functioning like a natural clock.
- Effective for dating events up to 25,000 years under Martian radiation conditions.
- Enhances our understanding of Mars’ climate and habitability over the past 25,000 years.
- Useful for future Mars missions aiming to reconstruct the planet’s recent geological timeline.
Source:
https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/science/jarosite-a-natural-clock-on-mars/article69596741.ece
10. “Rule of Law Index” is released by which of the following? (UPSC PYQ-2018)
(a) Amnesty International
(b) International Court of Justice
(c) The office of UN Commissioner for Human Rights
(d) World Justice Project
Answer: Option (d)