Q1. With reference to the Chenab Rail Bridge, consider the following statements:
- It is taller than the Eiffel Tower.
- It connects Himachal Pradesh with Jammu & Kashmir.
- It is the highest railway bridge in the world.
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
✅ Answer: C
Explanation:
- It is located in J&K, not Himachal Pradesh.
- Its height is 359m, taller than Eiffel Tower and highest rail bridge globally.
Q2. Consider the following statements regarding Kalvarayan Hills:
- They are located in Kerala and form part of the Western Ghats.
- Malayali tribe is a dominant inhabitant.
- They are being considered for a Biosphere Reserve status.
Which of the statements is/are correct?
A. 2 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1 and 2 only
D. 1, 2 and 3
✅ Answer: B
Explanation:
Kalvarayan Hills lie in Tamil Nadu (Eastern Ghats), not Kerala. The Malayali tribe resides there, and proposals exist to declare parts as Biosphere Reserve.
Q3. Which of the following bodies is responsible for National Accreditation in India?
A. National Board of Accreditation
B. Bureau of Indian Standards
C. Quality Council of India
D. NITI Aayog
✅ Answer: C
Explanation:
QCI manages national accreditation bodies like NABL and NABCB and organized World Accreditation Day 2025.
Q4. In the context of India–Norway relations, which of the following areas have seen recent cooperation?
- Arctic Research
- Maritime Green Corridors
- Inland Fisheries
- Solar Energy
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 1, 2 and 3 only
C. 2, 3 and 4 only
D. All of the above
✅ Answer: D
Explanation:
India–Norway ties cover polar research, marine plastic control, green shipping, and even solar energy collaboration under climate diplomacy.
Q5. Consider the following statements:
- The repo rate is the rate at which RBI borrows money from commercial banks.
- A fall in repo rate is likely to make loans cheaper.
- RBI has recently increased the repo rate to control inflation.
Which of the above is/are correct?
A. 2 only
B. 1 and 3 only
C. 2 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3
✅ Answer: A
Explanation:
Statement 1 is incorrect — RBI lends to banks at repo rate. In June 2025, RBI reduced the repo rate to support growth.
Q6. Which of the following is/are challenges to wind energy development in India?
- Transmission infrastructure bottlenecks
- High-quality wind mapping in NE India
- Land acquisition hurdles
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 1 and 3 only
C. 2 and 3 only
D. All of the above
✅ Answer: D
Explanation:
All are valid challenges — transmission delays, mapping issues in unexplored areas, and land availability are key concerns.
Q7. Consider the following temple architecture styles:
- Nagara – Curvilinear tower
- Vesara – Fusion of North and South styles
- Dravida – Shikhara above sanctum with gopuram
The recent Pandyan-era temple discovery in Tamil Nadu most likely represents:
A. Nagara
B. Vesara
C. Dravida
D. Rekha-Prasada
✅ Answer: C
Explanation:
Dravida style dominates Pandyan temple architecture with granite sanctum and early mandapas.
Q8. The term “Reasonable Restrictions” on free speech in India is found under:
A. Article 14
B. Article 19(2)
C. Article 21
D. Article 32
✅ Answer: B
Explanation:
Article 19(2) allows the State to impose restrictions on freedom of speech in interests of security, defamation, contempt of court, etc.
Q9. With reference to the RBI’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC), consider the following:
- It consists of 5 members including the RBI Governor.
- It is a statutory body under the RBI Act.
- It meets every month to decide interest rates.
Which of the above is/are correct?
A. 2 only
B. 1 and 2 only
C. 2 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3
✅ Answer: A
Explanation:
- MPC has 6 members, not 5.
- It’s a statutory body under the RBI Act 1934 (amended in 2016).
- It meets bi-monthly, not monthly.
Q10. Which of the following correctly matches hill range and associated biodiversity hotspot?
| Hill Range | Biodiversity Feature |
|---|---|
| A. Kalvarayan | Eastern Ghats & Dry Forests |
| B. Anaimalai | Shola Forests & Elephants |
| C. Dzukou Hills | Rhododendrons in NE India |
| D. All of the above |
✅ Answer: D
Explanation:
All hill ranges listed are correctly matched with biodiversity relevance.
