1. Consider the following statements regarding Municipal Bonds:
1. Municipal bonds are debt instruments issued by Urban Local Bodies to raise funds from capital markets for financing urban infrastructure projects.
2. In India, Municipal bonds are regulated by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).
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: MoHUA Organises Stakeholder Dialogue on Municipal Bonds to Strengthen Urban Financing
- The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) organised a stakeholder dialogue titled “Municipal Bonds Unpacked – A Dialogue with the Intermediaries.”
- The objective was to strengthen the municipal bond market and improve alternative financing for Urban Local Bodies (ULBs).
Municipal Bonds:
- Municipal bonds are debt instruments issued by Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) or municipal corporations.
- They are used to raise funds from capital markets for urban infrastructure projects such as water supply, sewage systems, roads and public transport. Hence statement 1 is correct.
- Investors who purchase municipal bonds lend money to the issuing city or local authority.
- The issuer repays the principal along with interest over a specified period.
- Municipal bonds promote financial autonomy and reduce dependence on government grants.
- They help cities access long-term financing for sustainable urban development.
- Credit rating of ULBs is important for attracting investors and determining interest rates.
- Transparent financial reporting and stable revenue sources improve bond credibility.
- In India, regulatory oversight for bond markets involves SEBI. Hence statement 2 is incorrect.
- Municipal bonds are widely used in countries like the United States and are gradually expanding in India.
- They can be taxable or tax-free depending on government policies.
- Municipal bond issuance requires strong institutional capacity and fiscal discipline by local bodies.
| PYQ REFERENCE: (2016) Q. With reference to `IFC Masala Bonds’, sometimes seen in the news, which of the statements given below is/are correct? 1. The International Finance Corporation, which offers these bonds, is an arm of the World Bank. 2. They are the rupee-denominated bonds and are a source of debt financing for the public and private sector. Select the correct answer using the code given below (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither1 nor 2 |
Source: https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2229691®=3&lang=1
2. Consider the following statements regarding Rajya Sabha elections:
1. Members of the Rajya Sabha are elected through a system of proportional representation by means of the Single Transferable Vote.
2. Elections are conducted through a secret ballot in which MLAs cannot reveal their votes to anyone.
3. Elections are held every two years for half the members.
4. The Election Commission of India supervises the conduct of elections.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) 1 and 4 only
(b) 1, 2 and 4 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 3 and 4 only
Answer: (a) 1 and 4 only
Explanation:
In NEWS: Biennial Elections to the Council of States to fill the seats of members retiring in April, 2026
Rajya Sabha elections:
- Rajya Sabha elections are indirect, held every two years for one-third of the 245-member house, with 233 members elected by state legislative assembly members (MLAs) using a single transferable vote (STV) via open ballot, while 12 are nominated by the President. Hence statement 1 is correct.
- Citizens do not vote directly; instead, elected MLAs of states and union territories vote on their behalf.
- The “single transferable vote” (STV) system is used, where voters mark preferences (1, 2, 3…) for candidates.
- To curb corruption, MLAs must show their ballot paper to their authorized party agent before casting it. Failing to do so or showing it to someone else results in an invalid vote. Hence statement 2 is incorrect.
- Members serve six-year terms, with one-third retiring every two years. Hence statement 3 is incorrect.
- Candidates must be citizens, at least 30 years old, and usually registered as voters in the state they are representing.
- The President nominates 12 members with specialized experience in literature, science, art, or social service.
- The election is supervised by the Election Commission of India. Hence statement 4 is correct.
| PYQ REFERENCE: (2018) Q. With reference to the election of the President of India, consider the following statements: 1. The value of the vote of each MLA varies from State to State. 2. The value of the vote of MPs of the Lok Sabha is more than the value of the vote of MPs of the Rajya Sabha. 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 |
Source: https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2229455®=3&lang=1
3. BioAsia summit 2026 recently held in Telangana is primarily associated with which of the following sectors?
(a) A global platform focusing on genomics, biologics, digital health and AI-driven life sciences innovation
(b) An international defence exhibition showcasing military biotechnology applications
(c) A UN-led climate finance forum focusing on biodiversity conservation
(d) A pharmaceutical regulatory treaty negotiation forum under WHO
Answer: (a) A global platform focusing on genomics, biologics, digital health and AI-driven life sciences innovation
Explanation:
In NEWS: Hyderabad’s rise as AI innovation hub for global healthcare companies highlighted at BioAsia 2026
BioAsia 2026 Summit:
- BioAsia is an annual international life sciences summit hosted by Telangana in Hyderabad.
- The 23rd edition of BioAsia 2026 is being inaugurated at the Hyderabad International Convention Centre (HICC).
- The theme for 2026 is “TechBio Unleashed – AI, Automation, and the Revolutionary Changes in Life Sciences.” Hence option (a) is correct.
- The summit focuses on integration of artificial intelligence, automation and data-driven technologies with biotechnology and pharmaceutical research.
- Key discussion areas include AI-driven drug discovery, next-generation biologics, digital transformation in labs and advanced healthcare technologies.
- Hyderabad is emerging as a global hub for TechBio innovation and AI-enabled healthcare solutions.
- The event highlights Telangana’s vision of building a world-class life sciences ecosystem under “Telangana Rising 2047.”
- Hyderabad hosts major vaccine and bulk drug manufacturing clusters and is known as India’s “Genome Valley.”
- BioAsia promotes collaboration among academia, industry, policymakers and global scientific leaders.
- Biologics refer to medicines derived from living organisms or their components.
| PYQ REFERENCE: (2025) Q. Consider the following statements regarding AI Action Summit held in Grand Palais, Paris in February 2025: I. Co-chaired with India, the event builds on the advances made at the Bletchley Park Summit held in 2023 and the Seoul Summit held in 2024. II. Along with other countries, the US and UK also signed the declaration on inclusive and sustainable AI. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) I only (b) II only (c) Both I and I (d) Neither I nor II |
4. Consider the following statements regarding Loggerhead sea turtles:
1. They are predominantly found only in the Pacific Ocean.
2. They are classified as a Vulnerable species by the IUCN.
3. They are primarily herbivorous, feeding mainly on seabed plants using their powerful jaws.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None
Answer: (a) Only one
Explanation:
In NEWS: Loggerhead turtles face four-pronged threats due to climate change
Loggerhead Sea Turtle (Caretta caretta):
- Loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta) is a marine reptile belonging to the family Cheloniidae.
- It is widely distributed across the Atlantic Ocean, Pacific Ocean, Indian Ocean, and the Mediterranean Sea.
- Adult loggerheads generally measure about 90 cm carapace length and weigh around 135 kg, with some individuals reaching about 200 kg.
- The shell is typically reddish-brown, while the skin varies from yellow to brown.
- External sexual dimorphism becomes visible mainly in adults; males possess thicker tails and shorter plastrons than females.
- Loggerhead turtles inhabit primarily saltwater and estuarine environments, with females coming ashore mainly for nesting.
- They have a low reproductive rate; females lay around four egg clutches and may not reproduce again for two to three years.
- Sexual maturity is reached between 17–33 years, and lifespan ranges approximately from 47–67 years.
- Loggerheads are omnivorous, feeding mainly on bottom-dwelling invertebrates using their powerful jaws.
- Eggs and hatchlings face high predation risk, while adults have fewer natural predators, mainly large sharks.
- The species is classified as Vulnerable by the IUCN.
- International trade in loggerhead turtles is prohibited under CITES Appendix I.
- Major threats include loss of nesting habitat, coastal development, fishing gear entanglement, artificial lighting, and introduced predators.
- Turtle Excluder Devices (TEDs) are used in fishing nets to reduce accidental turtle mortality.
- Conservation requires international cooperation due to their wide migratory range and dispersed nesting sites.
| PYQ REFERENCE: (2019) Q. Consider the following statements: 1. Some species of turtles are herbivores. 2. Some species of fish are herbivores. 3. Some species of marine mammals are herbivores. 4. Some species of snakes are viviparous. Which of the statements given above are correct? (a) 1 and 3 only (b) 2, 3 and 4 only (c) 2 and 4 only (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4 |
5. Consider the following statements with respect to the “India Grids of the Future Accelerator”:
I. It is launched by the Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet.
II. It aims to modernise power distribution and integrate renewable energy and storage.
III. It is funded solely by the Government of India.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) I and II only
(b) III only
(c) I, II and III
(d) None of the above statements is correct
Answer: (a) I and II only
Explanation:
In NEWS: GEAPP announces $25 million funding for India’s power grid modernisation
India Grids of the Future Accelerator:
- The India Grids of the Future Accelerator is a national platform launched on February 17, 2026, during Mumbai Climate Week by the Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet (GEAPP). Hence statement I is correct.
- It is designed to modernise India’s power distribution networks to support rapid demand growth and the integration of renewable energy. Hence statement II is correct.
Key Objectives:
- Strengthen India’s electricity grid to support large-scale renewable energy integration.
- Improve grid reliability, resilience, and flexibility.
- Accelerate clean energy transition and reduce carbon emissions.
- Enable efficient management of rising electricity demand.
- Grid digitalisation involves the use of advanced technologies such as digital twins, artificial intelligence and data analytics, and smart monitoring systems to enhance predictive maintenance and improve operational efficiency of power grids.
Funding:
- Initial Investment: GEAPP has committed up to $25 million through 2028 to kickstart the initiative. Hence statement III is incorrect.
- Fundraising Goal: The platform aims to unlock $100 million by 2030 through blended finance to attract large-scale public and private investment.
- Impact: The goal is to support 15 or more utilities and positively impact approximately 300 million people across India by 2030.
The “D4” Framework:
The accelerator operates under a specific framework to transform utilities:
- Digitalization: Using digital twins and advanced analytics for utility operations.
- Decentralization: Enabling smarter integration of distributed energy resources (DERs).
- Democratization: Empowering consumers to participate actively in the energy system.
- Development: Fostering a robust innovation ecosystem for future-ready solutions.
| PYQ REFERENCE: (2015) Q. Which of the following statements regarding ‘Green Climate Fund’ is/are correct? 1. It is intended to assist the developing countries in adaptation and mitigation practices to counter climate change. 2. It is founded under the aegis of UNEP, OECD, Asian Development Bank and World Bank. Select the correct answer using the code given below. (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 |
6. Consider the following statements regarding the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ):
1. The EEZ extends up to 200 nautical miles from a coastal state’s baseline.
2. The coastal state has sovereign rights for exploration and exploitation of natural resources in the EEZ.
3. Foreign vessels are completely prohibited from navigation through the EEZ.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
(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:
In NEWS: Union Minister Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh to launch Access pass for Fishing in Economic Exclusive Zone (EEZ) at Veraval, Gujarat
Economic Exclusive Zone (EEZ):
- The Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) is a maritime zone defined under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
- It extends up to 200 nautical miles from a coastal state’s baseline. Hence statement 1 is correct.
- Within the EEZ, a coastal state has sovereign rights for exploration, exploitation, conservation and management of natural resources. Hence statement 2 is correct.
- These resources include living resources (fish) and non-living resources (oil, gas, minerals).
- The coastal state has jurisdiction over marine scientific research and environmental protection within the EEZ.
- The EEZ is not part of the territorial sea; other states retain freedom of navigation and overflight. Hence statement 3 is incorrect.
- Submarine cables and pipelines can be laid by other states subject to international law.
- The concept of EEZ was formally recognised by UNCLOS (1982).
- India has declared an EEZ extending up to 200 nautical miles from its coastline.
- Coastal states can establish artificial islands and offshore installations within their EEZ.
| PYQ REFERENCE: (2022) Q. With reference to the United Nations Convention on the Law of Sea, consider the following statements: 1. A coastal state has the right to establish the breadth of its territorial sea up to a limit not exceeding 12 nautical miles, measured from baseline determined in accordance with the convention. 2. Ships of all states, whether coastal or land-locked, enjoy the right of innocent passage through the territorial sea. 3. The Exclusive Economic Zone shall not extend beyond 200 nautical miles from the baseline from which the breadth of the territorial sea is measured. Which of the statements given above are correct? (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 |
Source: https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2229541®=3&lang=1
7. A recent radiocarbon dating at Bhirrana suggests the Indus Valley (Harappan) Civilisation could be over 8,000 years old which is older than Mesopotamia, Egypt and ancient Chinese civilisation. Bhirrana is located in which of the following regions?
(a) Fatehabad district of Haryana along the Ghaggar-Hakra palaeochannel
(b) Kutch region of Gujarat near the Arabian Sea
(c) Makran coast of Baluchistan
(d) Upper Ganga-Yamuna Doab region
Answer: (a) Fatehabad district of Haryana along the Ghaggar-Hakra palaeochannel
Explanation:
In NEWS: South Asia’s Indus Valley or Harappan Civilisation could be over 8,000 years old, more ancient than Mesopotamia, Egypt or China: Paper
- A recent research paper suggests the Indus Valley (Harappan) Civilisation could be over 8,000 years old.
- Based on radiocarbon dating at Bhirrana (Haryana). Located along the dried riverbed identified with Ghaggar-Hakra palaeochannel (linked to Vedic Saraswati). Hence option (a) is correct.
- This potentially makes it older than Mesopotamia, Egypt and ancient Chinese civilisation.
The Indus Valley Civilisation:
- The Indus Valley Civilisation was one of the earliest urban civilisations of the Bronze Age.
- It flourished mainly between 2600 BCE and 1900 BCE during the Mature Harappan phase.
- The civilisation was located in the north-western part of the Indian subcontinent along the Indus river system and its tributaries.
- Major sites include Harappa, Mohenjo-daro, Dholavira, Lothal, Kalibangan and Rakhigarhi.
- Harappan cities were characterised by grid-pattern planning and advanced drainage systems.
- Houses were built using standardised baked bricks.
- Cities were typically divided into a citadel area and a lower town.
- The Harappans used a script that remains undeciphered.
- Standardised weights and measures indicate a regulated trade system.
- Trade links existed with Mesopotamia, known as Meluhha in Mesopotamian records.
- Agriculture included wheat, barley, pulses and cotton cultivation.
- Craft production included bead-making, pottery, metallurgy and seal carving.
- Religion possibly included worship of a mother goddess, animals and nature symbols.
- Large temples or royal palaces have not been clearly identified.
- The civilisation shows evidence of sophisticated water management and sanitation.
- The decline of the civilisation was gradual rather than sudden.
- Possible reasons for decline include climate change, river shifts, agricultural changes and de-urbanisation.
| PYQ REFERENCE: (2019) Q. Which one of the following is not a Harappan site? (a) Chanhudaro (b) Kot Diji (c) Sohgaura (d) Desalpur |
8. Consider the following statements regarding the Khorramshahr-4 missile:
1. Khorramshahr-4 is a medium-range ballistic missile (MRBM) developed by Iran.
2. It has an estimated range of around 2,000 km, placing regional targets within reach.
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: Iran Unveils Khorramshahr-4 Amid US Tensions
Khorramshahr – 4:
- Khorramshahr-4 is a medium-range ballistic missile (MRBM) developed by Iran. Hence statement 1 is correct.
- It has an estimated range of around 2,000 km, placing regional targets within reach. Hence statement 2 is correct.
- Medium-range ballistic missiles generally have ranges between 1,000 – 3,000 km.
- The missile has a heavy payload capacity and forms part of Iran’s deterrence strategy.
- Iran uses ballistic missile development to offset limitations in conventional military power.
- The footage release is seen as strategic signalling amid rising tensions with the United States.
- US aircraft carriers such as USS Abraham Lincoln and USS Gerald R. Ford are operating near the Persian Gulf.
- The Persian Gulf is a critical maritime corridor for global energy trade and oil transport.
- Iran’s deterrence doctrine emphasises missile reach and asymmetric capabilities.
- Missile demonstrations often serve as geopolitical signalling during regional tensions.
| PYQ REFERENCE: (2018) Q. What is “Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD)”, sometimes seen in the news? (a) An Israeli radar system (b) India’s indigenous anti-missile programme (c) An American anti-missile system (d) A defence collaboration between Japan and South Korea. |
Source: https://www.gktoday.in/iran-unveils-khorramshahr-4-amid-us-tensions/
9. The Strait of Hormuz connects which of the following water bodies?
(a) Mediterranean Sea and Red Sea
(b) Red Sea and Arabian Sea
(c) Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman
(d) Bay of Bengal and Andaman Sea
Answer: (c) Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman
Explanation:
In NEWS: What to know about the Strait of Hormuz, which Iran says it temporarily closed for a military drill
The Strait of Hormuz:
- The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow and strategically important waterway connecting the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea. Hence option (c) is correct.
- It lies between Iran to the north and Oman (and the UAE nearby) to the south.
- The strait is about 33 km wide at its narrowest point.
- Around 20% of the world’s oil supply passes through this maritime chokepoint, making it vital for global energy security.
- Major oil exporters such as Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Kuwait, Qatar, UAE and Iran depend on this route for shipping oil and gas.
- It is considered an international waterway, allowing global commercial shipping passage.
- The strait has historically been important for trade routes connecting Asia with the Middle East and beyond.
- Geopolitical tensions, especially involving Iran and the United States, often raise concerns about disruption to global oil supply.
- Iran recently conducted live-fire military exercises and temporarily restricted parts of the strait, signalling potential economic and strategic impacts.
| 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 |
10. In which one of the following regions was Dhanyakataka, which flourished as a prominent Buddhist centre under the Mahasanghikas, located?
(a) Andhra
(b) Gandhara
(c) Kalinga
(d) Magadha
Answer: (a) Andhra
Explanation:
- Dhanyakataka was an ancient city identified with present-day Amaravati in Andhra Pradesh.
- It flourished as an important Buddhist centre and was closely associated with the Mahasanghika sect.
The region was known for the famous Amaravati Stupa and significant Buddhist art and learning during the Satavahana period.Hence option (a) is correct.