1. India AI Mission
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.
