Question:
Consider the following statements regarding the India AI Mission:
It is being implemented by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology.
The mission aims to establish the IndiaAI Innovation Centre to promote foundational models and startups.
The mission includes the development of India’s own AI chip fabrication facility.
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
Tap here for Answer
Answer: a) 1 and 2 only
Explanation:
Why in News:
The Union Cabinet approved the India AI Mission with an outlay of ₹10,371 crore to strengthen the country’s AI ecosystem through innovation, capacity building, and responsible governance.
Statement 1: Correct. The Ministry of Electronics and IT is the implementing agency.
Statement 2: Correct. The IndiaAI Innovation Centre is a core component to drive foundational AI models and foster startup growth.
Statement 3: Incorrect. The mission does not presently include a dedicated AI chip fabrication facility; the focus is more on compute infrastructure, skilling, and model development.
2. Geminiviruses
Question:
Which of the following correctly describes “Geminiviruses”?
a) A bacterial infection that affects wheat and barley crops.
b) A group of single-stranded RNA viruses that infect insects.
c) A group of single-stranded DNA viruses that infect plants.
d) A fungal pathogen that affects root nodules in legumes.
Tap here for Answer
Answer: c) A group of single-stranded DNA viruses that infect plants.
Explanation:
Why in News:
Recent studies have highlighted concerns over Geminiviruses as a major threat to crop yields in tropical and subtropical regions.
Geminiviruses are plant pathogens with circular, single-stranded DNA.
They are transmitted by insect vectors, notably whiteflies.
They significantly affect cotton, tomatoes, and legumes, leading to reduced agricultural productivity.
3. Ken-Betwa River Interlinking Project
Question:
Consider the following statements about the Ken-Betwa River Interlinking Project:
It is India’s first river interlinking project under the National Perspective Plan.
The project will benefit water-scarce regions of Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh.
It involves the construction of the Daudhan Dam on the Betwa River.
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
Tap here for Answer
Answer: a) 1 and 2 only
Explanation:
Why in News:
The project has advanced with clearances and agreements between the Centre and participating states for irrigation and drinking water benefits.
Statement 1: Correct. It is the first project under the river interlinking programme of the National Perspective Plan.
Statement 2: Correct. The project aims to benefit the drought-prone Bundelkhand region across Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh.
Statement 3: Incorrect. The Daudhan Dam will be constructed on the Ken River, not the Betwa.
4. European Free Trade Association (EFTA)
Question:
With reference to the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), consider the following statements:
It is an intergovernmental organization of European countries promoting free trade.
The EFTA currently comprises Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein.
All EFTA member states are part of the European Union.
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
Tap here for Answer
Answer: a) 1 and 2 only
Explanation:
Why in News:
India and EFTA recently signed a Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA) with commitments for investment and market access.
Statement 1: Correct. EFTA is an intergovernmental body promoting free trade in goods and services.
Statement 2: Correct. Its members include Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein.
Statement 3: Incorrect.None of the EFTA members are in the European Union; they maintain separate economic agreements.
5. Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA)
Question:
With reference to the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA), consider the following statements:
NGOs receiving foreign funding must register under the FCRA.
The Act prohibits political parties from receiving any foreign contributions.
The Ministry of Finance is the nodal agency for enforcing the FCRA.
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
Tap here for Answer
Answer: a) 1 and 2 only
Explanation:
Why in News:
The FCRA has been in focus due to the suspension and cancellation of several NGO licenses for violation of funding norms.
Statement 1: Correct. NGOs must register under FCRA to receive foreign funds legally.
Statement 2: Correct. Political parties are explicitly barred from accepting foreign contributions under the Act.
Statement 3: Incorrect. The Act is administered by the Ministry of Home Affairs, not Finance.
6. Colour-Coded Supply Zones in Tiger Reserves
Question:
Consider the following statements regarding the new colour-coded supply zone strategy in Tiger Reserves:
Red zones will be designated for core and critical tiger habitats where no resource extraction is allowed.
Yellow zones will allow limited non-timber forest produce (NTFP) collection.
Green zones are outside reserve boundaries where community livelihood programs are encouraged.
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
Tap here for Answer
Answer: d) 1, 2 and 3
Explanation:
Why in News:
A new conservation model has been introduced using colour-coded zones in Tiger Reserves to balance wildlife conservation with community livelihood.
Statement 1: Correct. Red zones denote core and critical habitats with strict no-extraction rules.
Statement 2: Correct. Yellow zones allow regulated NTFP collection, ensuring minor human interaction while conserving wildlife.
Statement 3: Correct. Green zones fall outside reserve boundaries and are intended to promote eco-development and sustainable livelihood programs.
7. Cumbum Valley Grapes – GI Tag
Question:
Which of the following statements regarding the Cumbum Valley Grapes is/are correct?
They recently received a Geographical Indication (GI) tag.
These grapes are grown in the Eastern Ghats of Andhra Pradesh.
They are known for their low pesticide usage and high TSS (Total Soluble Solids).
Select the correct answer using the code below:
a) 1 only
b) 1 and 3 only
c) 2 and 3 only
d) 1, 2 and 3
Tap here for Answer
Answer: b) 1 and 3 only
Explanation:
Why in News:
Cumbum Valley Grapes of Tamil Nadu were granted a GI Tag for their distinct quality and cultivation practices.
Statement 1: Correct. The Cumbum Valley Grapes were officially accorded GI tag status.
Statement 2: Incorrect. These grapes are grown in Tamil Nadu’s Western Ghats, not Andhra Pradesh’s Eastern Ghats.
Statement 3: Correct. They are recognized for low pesticide use and high sugar content (TSS), making them nutritionally superior.
8. Elephant Immunocontraceptive Trials
Question:
With reference to immunocontraceptive trials in elephants, consider the following statements:
This method involves using vaccines to regulate fertility in female elephants.
It is a lethal method adopted to reduce elephant populations in conflict-prone zones.
India has already implemented this method in multiple reserves.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
a) 1 only
b) 1 and 3 only
c) 2 and 3 only
d) 1, 2 and 3
Tap here for Answer
Answer: a) 1 only
Explanation:
Why in News:
The Indian government is considering non-lethal immunocontraceptive trials to reduce human-elephant conflict in select regions.
Statement 1: Correct. Immunocontraception is a non-invasive vaccine-based method used to regulate fertility, especially in females.
Statement 2: Incorrect. It is non-lethal and humane, unlike culling or sterilization surgeries.
Statement 3: Incorrect. India is yet to implement it fully; it is in the trial and consideration phase.
9. Phishing-as-a-Service (PhaaS)
Question:
Consider the following statements regarding Phishing-as-a-Service (PhaaS):
It refers to a model where phishing tools are sold or rented by cybercriminal groups.
It enables non-technical individuals to carry out phishing attacks.
It is legal in many countries if used for ethical hacking.
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
Tap here for Answer
Answer: a) 1 and 2 only
Explanation:
Why in News:
Cybersecurity agencies have warned about the rise of Phishing-as-a-Service (PhaaS) kits on the dark web, making phishing more accessible.
Statement 1: Correct. PhaaS is a model where phishing kits and services are sold or leased to others.
Statement 2: Correct. Even non-coders can now launch phishing attacks using PhaaS platforms.
Statement 3: Incorrect. It is illegal in most jurisdictions, including India. Ethical hacking requires consent and is strictly regulated.
10. Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Lok Sabha Elections 2024
Question:
With reference to the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Indian elections, consider the following statements:
AI was used for booth-level planning and voter turnouts in the 2024 Lok Sabha Elections.
The Election Commission deployed AI-based sentiment analysis tools to monitor online content.
All political parties used generative AI tools to create deepfakes for campaigning.
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
Tap here for Answer
Answer: a) 1 and 2 only
Explanation:
Why in News:
AI was actively used in the 2024 General Elections for booth management, outreach, and surveillance of misinformation campaigns.
Statement 1: Correct. AI helped in micro-level planning, especially to predict and improve voter turnout.
Statement 2: Correct. The Election Commission employed AI tools to track and remove fake news or polarizing content.
Statement 3: Incorrect. While some parties experimented with AI-generated content, use of deepfakes was not officially or widely adopted by all, and it remains legally questionable.
