1. Consider the following groupings:
- BRICS
- SAARC
- BIMSTEC
- SCO
- ASEAN
In how many of the above groupings are both India and China members?
(a) Only two
(b) Only three
(c) Only four
(d) All five
Answer: (a) Only two
In NEWS: India, China committed to cooperation, fair resolution of boundary issues, says Modi after meeting Xi
Historical Background
- India recognized the People’s Republic of China in 1949.
- The Panchsheel Agreement (1954) emphasized peaceful coexistence.
- The 1962 India–China War created long-term mistrust.
- Diplomatic relations normalized from 1976 onwards.
Key Issues
- The boundary dispute covers Aksai Chin (Ladakh) and Arunachal Pradesh (South Tibet).
- The Line of Actual Control (LAC) is not clearly demarcated.
- Recurrent border standoffs: Sumdorong Chu (1987), Doklam (2017), Galwan (2020).
- China’s close ties with Pakistan (CPEC through PoK) affect India’s security.
- Chinese presence in the Indian Ocean (String of Pearls strategy) raises concerns.
Economic Relations
- China is India’s largest trading partner in goods.
- The trade deficit heavily favors China.
- India depends on China for electronics, APIs, and telecom equipment.
- India banned Chinese apps and tightened FDI norms post-Galwan clash.
Geopolitical Dimensions
- India did not join China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) due to sovereignty concerns.
- India aligns with the Quad (US, Japan, Australia, India) to balance China.
- Both countries cooperate in BRICS, SCO, and RIC forums.
Areas of Cooperation
- Shared interests in climate change negotiations and global trade reforms.
- Cultural ties through Buddhism, yoga, and people-to-people exchanges.
- Multilateral engagement despite bilateral tensions.
Recent Developments
- Galwan clash (2020) led to casualties on both sides, first in 45 years.
- Disengagement talks are ongoing but unresolved in key friction points.
- India has diversified supply chains to reduce China dependence.
- Strategic rivalry intensified in the Indo-Pacific region.
| PYQ REFERENCE: (2022) Q. Consider the following: 1. Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank 2. Missile Technology Control Regime 3. Shanghai Cooperation Organisation India is a member of which of the above? (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 3 only (c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 |
2. Consider the following statements about the Ramon Magsaysay Award:
- It was established in 1957 by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
- It is administered by the Ramon Magsaysay Award Foundation in Manila.
- It is often referred to as the “Nobel Prize of Asia.”
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (b) 2 and 3 only
In NEWS: NGO Educate Girls wins Ramon Magsaysay Award
About the Ramon Magsaysay Award:
- Established in 1957 by the Rockefeller Brothers Fund.
- Named after Ramon Magsaysay, 7th President of the Philippines.
- Administered by the Ramon Magsaysay Award Foundation, Manila.
- Known as the “Nobel Prize of Asia.”
- Awarded for selfless service, integrity, and transformative leadership.
Categories (historical)
- Government service.
- Public service.
- Community leadership.
- Journalism, literature, creative arts, and communication.
- Peace and international understanding.
- Emergent leadership.
(Now awarded broadly, not category-bound.)
Notable Indian Recipients
- Vinoba Bhave (1958) – Bhoodan Movement.
- Mother Teresa (1962) – Humanitarian service.
- Jayaprakash Narayan (1965) – Community leadership.
- Kiran Bedi (1994) – Police reforms.
- Aruna Roy (2000) – RTI movement.
- Arvind Kejriwal (2006) – RTI activism.
- 2018 – Bharat Vatwani (mental health), Sonam Wangchuk (education).
- 2019 – Ravish Kumar (journalism).
| PYQ REFERENCE: (2025) Q. Who amongst the following are members of the Jury to select the recipient of ‘Gandhi Peace Prize’? I. The President of India II. The Prime Minister of India III. The Chief Justice of India IV. The Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Select the correct answer using the code given below. (a) II and IV only (b) I, II and III (c) II, III and IV (d)I and III only |
3. Consider the following statements regarding the Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006:
- It recognises both individual and community rights over forest land.
- Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (OTFDs) must prove residence in forest areas for at least 75 years before 2005.
- The Gram Sabha is the final authority to approve forest rights claims.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1 and 3 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (a) 1 and 2 only
In NEWS: Build consensus on ‘sunset clause’ for forest rights titles: UNDP report
The Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006:
- The Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006, is a key piece of forest legislation passed in India on 18 December 2006.
- It has also been called the Forest Rights Act, the Tribal Rights Act, the Tribal Bill, and the Tribal Land Act.
- The law concerns the rights of forest-dwelling communities to land and other resources, denied to them over decades as a result of the continuance of colonial forest laws in India.
Objectives
- To recognize and vest forest rights of STs and OTFDs.
- To provide tenurial security and livelihood rights.
- To empower communities in forest conservation and management.
- To ensure food security and social justice.
Eligibility
- Scheduled Tribes (STs): Must reside in and depend on forest land.
- Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (OTFDs): Must prove residence for at least 75 years before 13 December 2005.
Rights Granted
- Individual Forest Rights (IFR) – For cultivation and habitation (up to 4 hectares).
- Community Rights (CR) – For grazing, fishing, and collecting minor forest produce (MFP).
- Community Forest Resource (CFR) Rights – To manage and conserve forests.
- Habitat Rights – For PVTGs and pre-agricultural communities.
- Development Rights – Use of forest land for schools, hospitals, and infrastructure (up to 1 hectare without felling trees).
Institutional Mechanism
- Gram Sabha – Primary authority for initiating claims.
- Sub-Divisional Level Committee (SDLC) – Examines claims.
- District Level Committee (DLC) – Final approval authority.
- State Level Monitoring Committee – Supervises implementation.
Significance
- Empowers tribals and local communities as custodians of forests.
- Promotes participatory governance.
- Reduces conflict between tribals and forest departments.
- Secures livelihoods and cultural rights of vulnerable groups.
| PYQ REFERENCE: (2013) Q. Under the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006, who shall be the authority to initiate the process for determining the nature and extent of individual or community forest rights or both? (a) State Forest Department (b) District Collector/Deputy Commissioner (c) Tahsildar/BlockDevelopmentofficer/Mandal Revenue Officer (d) Gram Sabha |
Source:https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/energy-and-environment/build-consensus-on-sunset-clause-for-forest-rights-titles-undp-report/article69989500.ece
4. Which of the following services are offered by the India Post Payments Bank (IPPB), a fully owned enterprise of the Government of India?
- Unified Payments Interface
- Immediate Payment Service
- National Electronic Funds Transfer
- Real-time gross settlement
- Bharat BillPay
- Direct Benefit Transfer
- RuPay credit Card
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1, 2, 4 and 5 only
(b) 2, 3, 5, 6 and 7 only
(c) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 only
(d) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7
Answer: (c) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 only
In NEWS: India Post Payments Bank Celebrates 8th Foundation Day (IPPB Day)
India Post Payments Bank (IPPB):
- Launched: September 1, 2018
- Parent Organization: Department of Posts, Ministry of Communications, Government of India
- Ownership: 100% Government of India
- Tagline/Motto: “Aapka Bank, Aapke Dwaar” (Your Bank at Your Doorstep)
- Headquarters: New Delhi
The bank also provides features like:
- Account: The bank offers savings and current accounts up to a balance of Rs. 200,000.
- QR Code: Customers can use QR code payments eliminating the need to remember account numbers, PINs and passwords.
- Unified Payments Interface
- Immediate Payment Service
- National Electronic Funds Transfer
- Real-time gross settlement
- Bharat BillPay
- Direct Benefit Transfer
- RuPay Debit Card
- AEPS (Aadhaar Enabled Payment Service)
Achievements:
- Over 12 crore customers onboarded.
- Operations through 1.64 lakh Post Offices and 1.90 lakh Postmen & Gramin Dak Sevaks (GDS).
- Delivered doorstep banking in rural and remote areas.
- Billions of digital transactions processed.
Technology-Enabled Delivery:
- Devices used by Postmen & GDS are CBS-integrated (Core Banking Solution)
- Banking done through biometric authentication, QR codes, and mobile apps
- Focus on secure, low-cost, and real-time services
Social & Economic Impact:
- Reduces urban-rural financial divide
- Empowers rural citizens and small savers
- Enhances role and relevance of India Post in digital governance
- Contributes to goals of Digital India and a less-cash economy
| PYQ REFERENCE: (2016) Q. ‘The establishment of ‘Payment Banks’ is being allowed in India to promote financial inclusion. Which of the following statements is/are correct in this context? 1. Mobile telephone companies and supermarket chains that are owned and controlled by residents are eligible to be promoters of Payment Banks. 2. Payment Banks can issue both credit cards and debit cards. 3. Payment Banks cannot undertake lending activities. Select the correct answer using the code given below (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 1 and 3 only (c) 2 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 |
Source: https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2162639
5. ‘Aadi Vaani’, recently seen in the news is a/an
- AI-based translation model and mobile app for Indian tribal languages.
- Indigenous medicinal plant used in traditional tribal healing practices.
- Government initiative for providing digital education in tribal schools.
- Cultural festival celebrated by tribal communities in central India.
Answer: (a) AI-based translation model and mobile app for Indian tribal languages.
In NEWS: Adivasi languages translation app to be launched
Aadi Vaani:
- Aadi Vaani is an AI-based translation model and mobile app for Indian Adivasi (tribal) languages.
- Its Beta version was released on Monday, September 1, 2025.
- It is developed by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs in collaboration with IIT Delhi, BITS Pilani, IIIT Hyderabad & IIIT Naya Raipur and tribal research institutes and community experts.
- The app gathered sources from Community folklore, traditional songs, and public speeches.
- Uses Large Language Model (LLM) trained on multilingual content.
- Beta app will be on Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
The app translates speech and text between Hindi, English, and six Adivasi languages:
- Bhili (Bhilodi) – ~1.04 crore speakers
- Santali – ~73.68 lakh speakers
- Gondi – ~29.84 lakh speakers
- Mundari – ~11.28 lakh speakers
- Kui – ~9.41 lakh speakers
- Garo – ~11.45 lakh speakers
Significance:
- Promotes digital inclusion for tribal communities.
- Aims to preserve and empower endangered indigenous languages.
- Bridges linguistic gaps in education, governance, and community engagement.
6. Consider the following statements with respect to Senna spectabilis:
- It is native to India
- It is less water intensive and fosters ecological conservation
- It demonstrates medicinal properties including traditional treatments for insomnia and anxiety.
How many of the above statements are correct?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) Only three
(d) None
Answer: (a) Only one
In NEWS: Red alert over green menace: How South India is fighting back against the Senna invasion
Senna spectabilis:
- Senna spectabilis is a legume (family Fabaceae, subfamily Caesalpinioideae), native to South and Central America, including eastern tropical Brazil and coastal Ecuador, and also found throughout Central America and the West Indies.
- It thrives across various habitats, including rainforests, semi-deciduous and dry forests, and montane zones up to 2,000 m altitude
- Prefers full sun and well-drained soils, and tolerates a wide soil range (moist, clay, loam, even slightly alkaline or acidic soils)
- Ornamental plant with showy blooms, commonly planted in yards and public spaces
- Also used in agroforestry for shade, fodder, mulch, firewood, and honey production.
- Its wood is versatile: heavy, soft, termite-resistant, suitable for tool handles, furniture, boxes, construction, and charcoal
- Demonstrates medicinal properties: antifungal activity (e.g., against Candida albicans); traditional treatments for ringworm, skin diseases, epilepsy, constipation, insomnia, and anxiety.
Invasiveness:
- Introduced to regions in Africa and South India, where it has become invasive, used initially for firewood and ecological restoration (e.g., combating desertification).
- Displaces native vegetation by forming dense, monoculture thickets that outcompete indigenous plant species.
- Alters soil chemistry, making it less suitable for native plants and disrupting ecological balance.
- Reduces biodiversity by eliminating undergrowth like grasses and shrubs, crucial for herbivores.
- Increases human-wildlife conflict as large mammals (e.g., elephants, tigers) enter human settlements in search of food.
- Regrows aggressively – even after cutting or bark removal, it resprouts quickly unless uprooted completely.
- Produces thousands of seeds per tree, which stay viable for up to 10 years, aiding rapid and uncontrolled spread.
- Accelerates forest fragmentation by invading wildlife corridors like the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve.
- Consumes water and nutrients rapidly, stressing local ecosystems already vulnerable to climate change.
Elimination:
- In Tamil Nadu, for instance, it is being used in a pilot to produce paper pulp—but removal of roots is vital, as harvesting alone is not enough to control its invasiveness.
- Tholpetty, Wayanad – India’s first science-backed, community-led Senna eradication.
List of invasive plant species in India:
- Senna spectabilis
- Lantana camara
- Eupatorium (Chromolaena odorata)
- Parthenium hysterophorus
- Prosopis juliflora
- Acacia mearnsii
- Mikania micrantha
- Leucaena leucocephala
- Ipomoea carnea
- Salvinia molesta
- Pistia stratiotes
- Alternanthera philoxeroides
- Ageratum conyzoides
- Amaranthus spinosus
| PYQ REFERENCE: (2018) Q. Why is a plant called Prosopis juliflora often mentioned in news? (a) Its extract is widely used in cosmetics. (b) It tends to reduce the biodiversity in the area in which it grows. (c) Its extract is used in the synthesis of pesticides. (d) None of these |
7. The State Energy Efficiency Index 2024 is released by
(a) NITI Aayog
(b) Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE)
(c) Central Electricity Authority (CEA)
(d) International Energy Agency (IEA)
Answer: (b) Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE)
In NEWS: The State Energy Efficiency Index (SEEI) 2024, released by the Union Ministry of Power, ranks Maharashtra first among 36 states and Union Territories (UTs) for fiscal year 2023-24.
State Energy Efficiency Index (SEEI) 2024
- Released in August 2025 by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE), Ministry of Power, in collaboration with the Alliance for an Energy Efficient Economy (AEEE). It evaluates 36 states and union territories for FY 2023–24.
- It is the 6th edition, featuring an implementation-focused framework with 66 indicators across seven sectors: buildings, industry, municipal services, transport, agriculture, DISCOMs, and cross-sector initiatives.
Performance Classification
- States/UTs are classified into four categories based on their index scores:
- Front Runners (above 60%)
- Achievers (50–60%)
- Contenders (30–50%)
- Aspirants (below 30%)
Top Performers by Energy Consumption Groups
- Based on Total Final Energy Consumption (TFEC) groups:
- Group 1 (>15 MToE): Maharashtra topped.
- Group 2 (5–15 MToE): Andhra Pradesh led.
- Group 3 (1–5 MToE): Assam performed best.
- Group 4 (<1 MToE): Tripura ranked highest.
Highlights
- The number of Front Runners dropped from 7 to 5—these include Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Telangana, and Tamil Nadu.
- Assam and Kerala made it into the Achievers category.
- Contenders include: Haryana, Punjab, Rajasthan, Odisha, and Uttar Pradesh.
Sectoral progress:
- 24 states have notified Energy Conservation Building Code (ECBC) 2017.
- 31 states adopted electric mobility policies.
- Kerala leads with 74% adoption of solar-powered agricultural pumps.
- All 36 states/UTs have prepared State Energy Efficiency Action Plans (SEEAPs).
- 31 states/UTs have established State-Level Steering Committees on Energy Transition.
Significance
- Implementation-focused framework aligns with emerging priorities like ESCO models, star-rated buildings, PAT scheme expansion, MSME profiling, EV demand-side incentives, and DSM efforts by DISCOMs.
- SEEI 2024 acts as a policy and governance tool, encouraging federal competitiveness, sharing of best practices, and tracking progress toward India’s net-zero goals for 2070.
| PYQ REFERENCE: (2016) Q. On which of the following can you find the Bureau of Energy Efficiency Star Label? 1. Ceiling fans 2. Electric geysers 3. Tubular fluorescent lamps Select the correct answer using the code given below. (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 3 only (c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 |
Source: https://www.gktoday.in/state-energy-efficiency-index-2024/
8. The Daruma Doll, often seen in Japanese culture, is associated with which of the following?
(a) Bodhidharma, founder of Zen Buddhism
(b) Confucius, founder of Confucianism
(c) Laozi, founder of Taoism
(d) Nichiren, founder of Nichiren Buddhism
Answer: (a) Bodhidharma, founder of Zen Buddhism
In NEWS: PM Modi Receives Daruma Doll From Japan Priest: Meaning Behind The Symbol Explained
About Daruma Doll
- The Daruma doll is a traditional Japanese talisman of perseverance and good luck.
- It is modeled after Bodhidharma, the Buddhist monk who founded Zen Buddhism.
- Typically made of papier-mâché, hollow, and weighted at the bottom so it returns upright when tilted (“Okiagari” effect – symbolizing resilience).
Appearance & Symbolism
- Usually round-shaped, painted in red, though other colors also exist.
- Eyes: Initially blank. One eye is painted when a goal is set; the other eye is painted once the goal is achieved.
- Represents: Perseverance, resilience, good fortune, goal-setting, and success.
- Often inscribed with Japanese characters like “fuku” (good fortune) or “shōfuku” (bringing happiness).
Cultural Context
- Popular in New Year celebrations in Japan, when people set new goals.
- Considered a lucky charm for businesses, students, and politicians.
- Sold in temples (especially in Takasaki city, Japan, known as the birthplace of Daruma dolls).
Significance
- A symbol of the Japanese proverb: “Nanakorobi yaoki” → “Fall seven times, stand up eight.”
- Encourages persistence despite difficulties.
- Today, it is also seen as a cultural souvenir representing Japanese identity.
| PYQ REFERENCE: (2024) Q. Sanghabhuti, an Indian Buddhist monk, who travelled to China at the end of the fourth century AD, was the author of a commentary on: (a) Prajnaparamita Sutra (b) Visuddhimagga (c) Sarvastivada Vinaya Sain (d) Lalitavistara |
9. Consider the following statements about Rosewood (Dalbergia latifolia):
- It is a large evergreen tree that grows up to 40 meters tall.
- It is native to the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia.
- It is listed under CITES Appendix II for regulated trade.
- It is classified as Vulnerable in the IUCN Red List.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
(a) II and IV only
(b) I, II and III
(c) II, III and IV
(d) I and III only
Answer: (c) II, III and IV
In NEWS: Tamil Nadu has lowest density of rosewood tree population in south India, finds study
About Rosewood Tree
- Scientific name: Dalbergia latifolia (Indian rosewood, also called “shisham” in some regions).
- Family: Fabaceae (Legume family).
- Native to: Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia.
- Grows in moist deciduous forests of South India (Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh).
Characteristics
- A large deciduous tree which grows up to 40 meters tall.
- Timber: Hard, durable, and richly grained, with fragrant rose-like scent.
- Wood is dark brown to purple-brown, valued for furniture and musical instruments.
- Leaves: Compound, with 5–7 leaflets.
- Flowers: Small, white to pink, fragrant.
- Fruits: Flat pods containing 1–4 seeds.
Uses
- Highly prized for furniture, decorative veneers, musical instruments (like guitars, violins, sitars).
- Used in plywood, carvings, luxury flooring.
- Considered a valuable export timber.
Conservation Status
- Listed in CITES Appendix II (regulated trade).
- Overexploited due to high commercial demand.
- Classified as Vulnerable (IUCN Red List).
- Export of rosewood logs from India is restricted under the Foreign Trade Policy.
Significance
- Known as “King of Timbers” in India for its quality and beauty.
- Provides livelihood for artisans, woodworkers, and local industries.
- Plays an ecological role in moist deciduous forests.
| PYQ REFERENCE: (2024) Q. Consider the following: 1. Cashew 2. Papaya 3. Red sanders How many of the above trees are actually native to India? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three (d) None |
10. From the ecological point of view, which one of the following assumes importance in being a good link between the Eastern Ghats and the Western Ghats?
(a) Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve
(b) Nallamala Forest
(c) Nagarhole National Park
(d) Seshachalam Biosphere Reserve
Answer: (a) Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve
PYQ – 2017
EXPLANATION:
- Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve is located in Tamil Nadu, in the Erode district, and sits strategically between the Western Ghats and the Eastern Ghats.
- This geographic position makes it ecologically critical as it serves as a vital wildlife corridor, linking:
- Mudumalai–Bandipur–Nagarhole complex of the Western Ghats, with
- Biligiri Rangaswamy Temple Hills (BRT Hills) and the Eastern Ghats
- It forms part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, one of the most important biodiversity hotspots in the world.
- Supports genetic flow and animal movement between species-rich regions of the Eastern and Western Ghats.
- Crucial for the conservation of tigers, elephants, and other wide-ranging species.
- Home to diverse flora and fauna, with dry deciduous forests, moist deciduous forests, and thorn forests.