1. Consider the following statements:
1. The Tropical Forests Forever Facility (TFFF) is a global financing initiative led by Brazil to support the long-term conservation of tropical forests.
2. India has joined the Tropical Forests Forever Facility (TFFF), but only as an observer.
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:
In NEWS: Ahead of COP 30, India to join new global tropical forest fund as observer
Tropical Forests Forever Facility (TFFF):
- The Tropical Forests Forever Facility (TFFF) is a global financing initiative led by Brazil to support the long-term conservation of tropical forests. Hence statement 1 is correct.
- It aims to provide sustainable, performance-based funding to countries that successfully preserve their forests and maintain low deforestation rates.
- The TFFF seeks to shift economic incentives, making it more financially rewarding for countries to protect forests than to exploit them.
- The Tropical Forests Forever Facility was formally launched in 2025, with endorsements from over 50 tropical forest countries and initial pledges exceeding 5.5 billion US dollars.
- At its formal launch, the TFFF secured endorsements from 53 countries, including 34 tropical‑forest countries covering over 90 % of developing‑country tropical forests.
- India has joined the Tropical Forests Forever Facility (TFFF), but only as an observer. Hence statement 2 is correct.
Key Features:
- Purpose: To create a large-scale investment fund that rewards forest-rich nations for keeping their tropical forests intact.
- Financing Model: The facility uses a blended finance approach, combining public funds, philanthropic contributions, and private investments. The capital is invested, and the financial returns are used to make payments to countries that meet forest protection goals.
- Scale and Target: The initiative seeks to mobilize around 125 billion US dollars, including about 25 billion from governments and philanthropies to attract roughly 100 billion from private investors.
- Performance-Based Payments: Participating countries receive payments if they keep deforestation rates below a set threshold (for example, around 0.5% annually).
- Inclusion of Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities: At least 20% of the benefits are directed to Indigenous peoples and local communities who play a vital role in forest conservation.
- Monitoring and Accountability: Eligibility is based on transparent and verifiable forest monitoring systems to ensure that payments are linked to real conservation results.
| PYQ REFERENCE: (2015) Q. With reference to ‘Forest Carbon Partnership Facility’, which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. It is a global partnership of governments, businesses, civil society and indigenous peoples. 2. It provides financial aid to universities, individual scientists and institutions involved in scientific forestry research to develop eco-friendly and climate adaptation technologies for sustainable forest management. 3.It assists the countries in their ‘REDD+ (Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation+)’ efforts by providing them with financial and technical assistance. Select the correct answer using the code given below. (a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 |
2. Consider the following schemes:
1. Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme (IGNOAPS)
2. Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension Scheme (IGNWPS)
3. Indira Gandhi National Disability Pension Scheme (IGNDPS)
4. National Family Benefit Scheme (NFBS)
5. Annapurna Scheme
Which of the above are the components of the National Social Assistance Programme in India?
(a) 1, 2 and 3 only
(b) 4 and 5 only
(c) 1 and 2 only
(d) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5
Answer: (d) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5
Explanation:
In NEWS: National Social Assistance Programme – “Strengthening India’s Social Security Framework through Inclusive Assistance”
National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP):
- It was launched on 15 August 1995.
- It is implemented by the Ministry of Rural Development
- It is a centrally Sponsored Scheme
- It covers Rural and urban BPL households
- It aims to provide a basic level of social security assistance to vulnerable groups – elderly, widows, persons with disabilities, and families facing the death of a breadwinner.
Components of NSAP:
| Scheme | Beneficiary Criteria | Central Assistance |
| Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme (IGNOAPS) | BPL persons aged ≥60 years | ₹200/month (60–79 yrs); ₹500/month (80+ yrs) |
| Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension Scheme (IGNWPS) | BPL widows aged 40–79 years | ₹300/month (40–79 yrs); ₹500/month (80+ yrs) |
| Indira Gandhi National Disability Pension Scheme (IGNDPS) | BPL persons aged 18–79 years with severe/multiple disabilities | ₹300/month; ₹500/month (80+ yrs) |
| National Family Benefit Scheme (NFBS) | BPL families losing breadwinner aged 18–59 years | ₹20,000 (one-time) |
| Annapurna Scheme | BPL senior citizens eligible but not receiving IGNOAPS | 10 kg food grains/month free |
Hence all are correct.
| PYQ REFERENCE: (2013) Q. Which of the following grants/grant direct credit assistance to rural households? 1. Regional Rural Banks 2. National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development 3. Land Development Banks Select the correct answer using below. (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 |
Source: https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2187327
3. Which of the following statements about the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) is/are correct?
1. The Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) prohibits all nuclear explosions, whether for military or peaceful purposes.
2. India is a signatory of the treaty to support the goal of a nuclear test ban and continues to maintain a voluntary moratorium on testing.
3. The Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO) successfully made the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) come into force.
Select the correct answer using the code below:
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 1 and 3
(d) 2 and 3
Answer: (a) 1 only
Explanation:
In NEWS: CTBTO: Global watchtower
Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO)
- The CTBTO Preparatory Commission was established in 1997 to prepare for the treaty’s entry into force.
- It is headquartered in Vienna, Austria.
- The CTBTO’s main function is to build and operate the verification regime, including monitoring and inspection mechanisms.
- The CTBTO also maintains an International Data Centre (IDC) to collect, analyze, and share data from global monitoring stations.
- CTBTO monitoring data also helps in civil applications, including tsunami warnings, climate research, and nuclear accident tracking.
- The CTBTO works closely with the UN Security Council and other disarmament bodies to support global non-proliferation efforts.
- India, though a non-signatory, supports the goal of a nuclear test ban and continues to maintain a voluntary moratorium on testing. Hence statement 2 is incorrect.
Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT):
- The CTBT aims to ban all nuclear explosions — for both military and peaceful purposes — in all environments (underground, underwater, atmosphere, and outer space). Hence statement 1 is correct.
- The Treaty was adopted by the UN General Assembly on 10 September 1996 and opened for signature on 24 September 1996.
- The CTBT has not yet entered into force, as several key “Annex 2 States” (including India, China, the U.S., Pakistan, North Korea, Israel, Iran, and Egypt) have not signed or ratified it. Hence statement 3 is incorrect.
- Annex 2 States are those countries that had nuclear reactors or research facilities at the time the treaty was negotiated — all must ratify the treaty for it to take effect.
- The CTBT is designed to constrain the development and qualitative improvement of nuclear weapons and end the arms race.
- India has not signed the CTBT, citing its discriminatory nature and the linkage of treaty entry into force to specific countries’ ratification.
- Despite not being in force, the CTBT has created a strong international norm against nuclear testing, and most countries have observed a de facto moratorium on nuclear explosions.
| PYQ REFERENCE: (2018) Q. What is/are the consequence/consequences of a country becoming the member of the ‘Nuclear Suppliers Group’? 1. It will have access to the latest and most efficient nuclear technologies. 2. It automatically becomes a member of “The Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT)”. 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. With reference to the National Technical Textiles Mission, consider the following statements:
1. The National Technical Textiles Mission aims to make India a global leader in manufacturing and innovation of technical textiles.
2. The mission is implemented by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
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: (a) 1 only
Explanation:
In NEWS: National Technical Textiles Mission supports the development of Indigenous Thermal Testing Instruments for Protective Textiles in association with NITRA
About:
National Technical Textiles Mission (NTTM):
- The National Technical Textiles Mission (NTTM) was launched in February 2020.
- It is implemented by the Ministry of Textiles, Government of India. Hence statement 2 is incorrect.
- The mission period is from 2020–21 to 2025–26.
- The total outlay of the mission is ₹1,480 crore.
- The mission aims to position India as a global leader in the field of technical textiles. Hence statement 1 is correct.
- It seeks to increase domestic consumption and boost exports of technical textiles.
- Technical textiles refer to textiles used for functional, industrial, and technical purposes rather than for aesthetics.
- Examples include geotextiles, meditech, agrotech, protech, buildtech, sportech, etc.
- The mission has four key components —
- Research, Innovation & Development
- Promotion & Market Development
- Export Promotion
- Education, Training & Skill Development
- It promotes industry–academia–research collaboration in technical textiles.
- The mission supports startups and innovation in high-end and strategic textiles.
- It encourages mandatory use of technical textiles in areas like defence, highways, agriculture, and construction.
- Centres of Excellence (CoEs) are being established for focused R&D in this sector.
- The mission contributes to the Atmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India initiatives.
- It helps create employment, export potential, and technological advancement in the textile industry.
| PYQ REFERENCE: (2019) Q. Atal Innovation Mission is set up under the (a) Department of Science and Technology (b) Ministry of Labour and Employment (c) NITI Aayog (d) Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship |
Source: https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2187085
5. Guam is an island territory of the United States located in the
(a) West Pacific Ocean
(b) South Atlantic Ocean
(c) North Atlantic Ocean
(d) East Pacific Ocean
Answer: (a) West Pacific Ocean
Explanation:
In NEWS: Indian Naval Ship (INS) Sahyadri is at Guam in the Northern Pacific for participation in the multilateral Exercise Malabar-2025.
Exercise Malabar-2025:
- The Harbour Phase of Exercise Malabar-2025 will feature operational planning and discussions, alignment on communication protocols, familiarisation visits between participating nations, and sports fixtures.
- Following the harbour phase, all participating units will proceed for the Sea Phase, wherein ships and aircraft will take part in naval drills, focusing on joint fleet operations, anti-submarine warfare, gunnery serials and flying operations.
INS Sahyadri:
- The participation of INS Sahyadri in Exercise Malabar-2025 reaffirms India’s enduring partnership and its commitment to strengthening coordination, enhancing interoperability, and demonstrating a collective resolve to safeguard regional security.
- Indigenously designed and constructed, INS Sahyadri is a Guided Missile Stealth Frigate.
- The ship is a shining example of the ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ vision and has participated in several bilateral and multilateral exercises, as well as operational deployments.
Guam:
- Guam is an island territory of the United States located in the western Pacific Ocean, about 2,500 km south of Japan and 6,000 km west of Hawaii. Hence option (a) is correct.
- It is the largest and southernmost island in the Mariana Islands archipelago and plays a significant strategic, cultural, and economic role in the Pacific region.
- Guam is a U.S. territory, meaning it is under U.S. sovereignty but not a state.
- Residents are U.S. citizens, but cannot vote in presidential elections.
- Guam elects a non-voting delegate to the U.S. House of Representatives.
- It has its own local government with a governor and legislature.
- Guam is a volcanic island surrounded by coral reefs, with tropical forests and limestone plateaus.
- It has a tropical climate, with warm temperatures year-round and a rainy season from July to November.
| PYQ REFERENCE: (2014) Q. Turkey is located between (a) Black Sea and Caspian Sea (b) Black Sea and Mediterranean Sea (c) Gulf of Suez and Mediterranean Sea (d) Gulf of Aqaba and Dead Sea |
Source: https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2188052
6. With reference to the Khangchendzonga National Park, consider the following statements:
1. It is India’s only “mixed” UNESCO World Heritage Site.
2. It is the only Indian natural World Heritage Site rated “Good” by the IUCN 2024 assessment.
3. It is home to both snow leopards and red pandas.
4. The park forms part of the Northern Himalayas biodiversity hotspot.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) 1, 2 and 3
(b) 2 and 4 only
(c) 4 only
(d) 1, 3 and 4
Answer: (a) 1, 2 and 3
Explanation:
In NEWS: Khangchendzonga National Park Rated “Good” By IUCN, Only Indian Site With Positive Status
Khangchendzonga National Park:
- Khangchendzonga National Park is located in the state of Sikkim, covering parts of North and West Sikkim districts.
- It was established in 1977 and later declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2016.
- It is India’s first “Mixed” World Heritage Site, recognised for both natural and cultural significance. Hence statement 1 is correct.
- The park covers an area of about 1,784 sq. km. The park forms part of the Eastern Himalayas biodiversity hotspot. Hence statement 4 is incorrect.
- It includes Mount Khangchendzonga (8,586 m) — the third highest peak in the world.
- The park features diverse ecosystems, ranging from subtropical forests to glaciers and snowfields.
- It contains over 280 glaciers and more than 70 glacial lakes, including the Zemu Glacier.
- Important animal species found here include Snow Leopard, Clouded Leopard, Red Panda, Blue Sheep, Himalayan Tahr, and Musk Deer. Hence statement 3 is correct.
- Notable bird species include the Impeyan Pheasant, Satyr Tragopan, and Blood Pheasant.
- For the Lepcha community, the area is sacred and known as Mayel Lyang (“hidden paradise”).
- In Tibetan Buddhism, the region is considered a beyul — a sacred hidden valley of peace and spirituality.
- The park includes important cultural sites such as Tholung Monastery.
- The Khangchendzonga Biosphere Reserve, designated in 2018, connects the core park with buffer zones where locals practice sustainable agriculture.
- Conservation efforts involve community participation and transboundary cooperation with Nepal’s Kanchenjunga Conservation Area.
- It effectively managed recent glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF) threats through hazard mapping and preparedness.
- In the IUCN 2024 assessment, it was rated “Good”, making it the only Indian natural World Heritage Site with a positive status. Hence statement 2 is correct.
- Other Indian natural World Heritage Sites like the Western Ghats and Sundarbans are listed under “serious concern.”
- The park serves as a model for people-nature coexistence, blending biodiversity conservation with cultural values.
| PYQ REFERENCE: (2020) Q. With reference to India’s Desert National Park, which of the following statements are correct? 1. It is spread over two districts. 2. There is no human habitation inside the Park. 3. It is one of the natural habitats of the Great Indian Bustard. Select the correct answer using the code given below: (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 |
7. What is ‘ESCAPADE Mission’, recently in the news?
(a) NASA’s mission to send humans to explore Mars
(b) NASA’s twin-spacecraft mission to study Mars’ atmosphere and magnetic environment
(c) ESA’s satellite mission to investigate Venus’ clouds for the presence of charged particles
(d) JAXA’s telescope project to search for nearby exoplanets
Answer: (b) NASA’s twin-spacecraft mission to study Mars’ atmosphere and magnetic environment.
Explanation:
In NEWS: NASA’s ESCAPADE Mission to find life on Mars
ESCAPADE Mission:
- The Escape and Plasma Acceleration and Dynamics Explorers (ESCAPADE) is a twin-spacecraft mission to Mars aimed at studying how the solar wind interacts with Mars’ magnetic environment and contributes to the loss of its atmosphere. Hence option (b) is correct.
- The mission is led by the Space Sciences Laboratory at the University of California, Berkeley, in collaboration with NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center and Rocket Lab, and is scheduled for launch in fall 2025.
- ESCAPADE’s main goals are to understand how energy and momentum from the solar wind are transferred through Mars’ magnetosphere, how weak magnetic fields guide charged particles, and what processes drive atmospheric escape.
- By using two orbiters simultaneously, the mission will capture plasma and magnetic field data from different regions around Mars, providing dynamic, multi-point observations that single-spacecraft missions cannot achieve.
- ESCAPADE also represents a cost-effective approach to planetary exploration, using small, efficient spacecraft and commercial launch systems.
- Its results will enhance understanding of how solar wind interactions shape planetary atmospheres, not only on Mars but across the solar system.
| PYQ REFERENCE: (2016) Q. What is ‘Greased Lightning-10 (GL-10)’, recently in the news? (a) Electric plane tested by NASA (b) Solar-powered two-seater aircraft designed by Japan (c) Space observatory launched by China (d) Reusable rocket designed by ISRO |
8. Consider the following statements :
Statement-I: Under Schedule II listing of the Wildlife (Protection) Amendment Act 2022, hunting or illegal capturing or trading of Rhesus Macaque are strictly prohibited without exceptions.
Statement-II: The species is facing increasing human-monkey conflict, trafficking, and ecological role disruptions, thus necessitating stricter legal safeguards.
Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?
(a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I
(b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I
(c) Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect
(d) Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct
Answer: (d) Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct
Explanation:
In NEWS: Panel seeks higher protection for Rhesus Macaque under Wildlife Act
Rhesus Macaque – Protection under Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972
- The Standing Committee of the National Board for Wildlife (NBWL) has recommended restoring higher protection to the Rhesus Macaque (Macaca mulatta) under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
- The Rhesus Macaque is one of the most widespread primate species in India, found across northern and central parts of the country.
- It was earlier listed in Schedule II, Part I, of the Wildlife (Protection) Act. After the 2022 Amendment to the Act, it was shifted to Schedule IV, which provides a lower degree of legal protection.
- The recent panel recommendation seeks to move it back to Schedule II to ensure stricter penalties against illegal capture, trade, and cruelty.
- Several States such as Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, and Uttarakhand have supported the proposal for enhanced protection.
- Some States like Assam, Uttar Pradesh, and Punjab have opposed it, citing the species’ abundance and human–monkey conflict.
- The NBWL directed States to prepare site-specific management and mitigation plans for monkey–human conflict areas.
- The Wildlife Institute of India (WII) has been asked to undertake baseline population and distribution studies of the species.
- The panel also recommended strengthening rescue and rehabilitation centres to handle conflict and rescued animals.
- The species is currently listed as “Least Concern” on the IUCN Red List, but is under pressure from urbanisation, habitat loss, and illegal trade.
- The proposal aims to strike a balance between animal welfare, ecological protection, and human safety.
- Higher protection will help regulate research use, captive management, and inter-state movement of the species.
- The move reflects growing recognition that abundant species can still face welfare and conservation issues if poorly managed.
- The decision will take effect only after notification by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC).
| PYQ REFERENCE: (2023) Q. Consider the following statements : Statement-I: Marsupials are not naturally found in India. Statement-II: Marsupials can thrive only in montane grasslands with no predators. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements? (a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I (b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I (c) Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect (d) Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct |
9. Consider the following countries:
1. United Arab Emirates
2. Morocco
3. Iran
4. Bahrain
5. Jordan
Which of the above are the signatories of the Abraham Accords?
(a) 1, 2 and 4
(b) 1 and 3
(c) 2 and 5
(d) 3, 4 and 5
Answer: (a) 1, 2 and 4
Explanation:
In NEWS: Kazakhstan to join Abraham Accords as Trump pushes Mideast peace
Abraham Accords
- The Abraham Accords are a series of U.S.-brokered agreements to normalize relations between Israel and several Arab countries.
- They were signed in September 2020 at the White House, Washington D.C.
- The accords were mediated by the United States, under the Trump administration.
- The first signatories were Israel, United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Bahrain.
- Later, Sudan and Morocco also joined the agreement framework. Hence option (a) 1, 2 and 4 is correct.
- The term “Abraham” symbolizes the common patriarch of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam — highlighting interfaith peace.
Objectives
1. To establish formal diplomatic, economic, and security relations between Israel and Arab states.
2. To promote regional peace, stability, and cooperation in the Middle East.
3. To counter the influence of Iran and extremist groups in the region.
4. To strengthen trade, investment, technology, and defence partnerships.
Key Provisions
- Establishment of embassies and direct flights between Israel and partner nations.
- Cooperation in areas like tourism, healthcare, energy, and technology.
- U.S. commitment to regional security and arms agreements (e.g., sale of F-35 jets to UAE).
- Promotion of religious tolerance and interfaith dialogue.
Significance
- Marked the first Arab–Israeli peace agreement in 26 years, after Jordan (1994).
- Led to expanded trade and investment between Israel and Gulf nations.
- Strengthened the U.S. strategic presence in the Middle East.
- Created a new strategic bloc countering Iran’s regional influence.
- Encouraged technological and defence cooperation between Israel and Arab states.
Criticism & Challenges
1. The accords sidestep the Palestinian issue, offering no concrete progress toward a two-state solution.
2. They are seen by critics as politically motivated to isolate Iran.
3. Some Arab nations, including Saudi Arabia, have not yet joined due to domestic and religious sensitivities.
4. The Gaza conflict (2023–25) has strained relations between Israel and Arab signatories.
| PYQ REFERENCE: Q. Consider the following countries : 1. Armenia 2. Azerbaijan 3. Croatia 4. Romania 5. Uzbekistan Which of the above are members of the Organization of Turkic States? (a) 1, 2 and 4 (b) 1 and 3 (c) 2 and 5 (d) 3, 4 and 5 |
10. Consider the following:
1. Star tortoise
2. Monitor lizard
3. Pygmy hog
4. Spider monkey
Which of the above are naturally found in India?
(a) 1, 2 and 3 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Answer: (a) 1, 2 and 3 only
Explanation:
- Star tortoise, Monitor lizard, and Pygmy hog are native to India.
- Spider monkey is not found in India; it is native to Central and South America. Hence option (a) is correct.