1.With reference to Axiom-4 mission, Consider the following statements:
1. It is the only beneficiary of a NASA programme to enable private US industry to send commercial crewed missions to low-earth orbits and the ISS
2. This is part of NASA’s endeavour to build capabilities in the private sector while it focuses on science and planetary exploration.
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
In News: ‘Realising the return’— how an Indian became part of Axiom-4
Explanation:
- Shortly after the Artemis Accords were signed, Axiom Space, a private US-based space company, invited India to participate in its mission to the ISS.
- Axiom Space has been the first and till now the only beneficiary of a NASA programme to enable private US industry to send commercial crewed missions to low-earth orbits and the ISS.
- This is part of NASA’s endeavour to build capabilities in the private sector while it focuses on science and planetary exploration. Hence option(c) is correct.
- Axiom Space has sent three multinational missions to the ISS so far, each carrying four astronauts.
- The inaugural mission, in 2022, marked the first instance of an all-private crew making its way to the ISS.
- None of the astronauts were affiliated to, or selected by, any national space agency, though one of them had been a former NASA astronaut. The other three were businessmen.
- The second mission in 2023 also had three private individuals, and was commanded by Peggy Whitson, a former NASA astronaut and the world record holder for having spent the maximum number of days in space.
- The third mission last year had an all-European crew, with the first Turkish national to ever go into space.
- For its fourth mission on Wednesday, on which Shukla will travel to the ISS, Axiom Space invited three countries who had last been to space more than 40 years ago — India (1984), Hungary (1978) and Poland (1980) — with Whitson named commander once again.
- Aptly, the mission has been themed ‘Realize the Return’.
Source:
2.With reference to The Digital Agriculture Mission, Consider the following statements:
1. It is designed as an umbrella scheme to support various digital agriculture initiatives.
2. It includes creating Digital Public Infrastructure, implementing the Digital General Crop Estimation Survey and supporting IT initiatives by the Central Government, State Governments.
3. The Digital General Crop Estimation Survey will be used for crop-cutting experiments to provide precise yield estimates, enhancing agricultural production accuracy.
How many of the above statements are incorrect?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None
Answer: (d) None
In News: One year of Modi 3.0, governance status check: Stepping up Naxal fight, carrying on welfare push
Explanation:
- In the agriculture sector, the government last September launched the Digital Agriculture Mission, allocating Rs 2,817 crore for provisions of the umbrella scheme.
- These include creating Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) and implementing the Digital General Crop Estimation Survey (DGCES).
- The Digital Agriculture Mission is designed as an umbrella scheme to support various digital agriculture initiatives. Hence statement 1 is correct.
- These include creating Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), implementing the Digital General Crop Estimation Survey (DGCES), and supporting IT initiatives by the Central Government, State Governments, and Academic and Research Institutions. Hence statement 2 is correct.
- Further under the Digital Agriculture Mission, the Digital General Crop Estimation Survey (DGCES) will be used for crop-cutting experiments to provide precise yield estimates, enhancing agricultural production accuracy. Hence statement 3 is correct.
- The mission is expected to create direct and indirect employment in agriculture, providing opportunities for around 2,50,000 trained local youth and Krishi Sakhis.
Source:
3.With reference to the ULLAS scheme, Consider the following statements:
Statement -I: It is also known as the New India Literacy Programme is being implemented from 2022 to 2027
Statement -II: It aims to equip 5 crore ‘non-literate individuals’ over the age of 18 across the country with foundational literacy and numeracy skills, which means basic reading and writing and simple arithmetic learnt in primary classes.
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: (c) Statement – I is correct but Statement – II is incorrect
In News: What Mizoram, Goa’s ‘fully literate’ tag under the ULLAS program means
Explanation:
- Last month, Mizoram and Goa declared themselves to be “fully literate” states under ULLAS (Understanding Lifelong Learning for All in Society), a literacy programme for people over 15 who may not have attended school.
- While Goa’s literacy rate was 99.72%, Mizoram’s stood at 98.2%. These states followed Ladakh, which was the first in the country to have declared itself “fully literate” under the scheme in June last year, having “achieved more than 97% literacy”.
- Launched by the Centre, the ULLAS scheme (also known as the New India Literacy Programme) is being implemented from 2022 to 2027.Hence statement 1 is correct.
- It aims to equip 5 crore ‘non-literate individuals’ over the age of 15 across the country with foundational literacy and numeracy skills, which means basic reading and writing and simple arithmetic learnt in primary classes. Hence statement 2 is incorrect.
- The teaching material is also meant to impart ‘critical life skills’ like financial and digital literacy.
Source:
https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/mizoram-goa-full-literacy-meaning-ullas-10054766/
4.With reference to The Quality Council of India, Consider the following statements:
Statement -I: It is a non-profit organization registered under the Companies act 2013.
Statement -II: The Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion, Ministry of Commerce and Industry was designated as the nodal point for all matters connected with quality
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
In News: QCI Commemorates World Accreditation Day 2025 in New Delhi
Explanation:
- The Quality Council of India (QCI), the national custodian of accreditation in India, commemorated World Accreditation Day 2025 at the India Habitat Centre, New Delhi.
- QCI, through its constituent boards—the National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL) and the National Accreditation Board for Certification Bodies (NABCB)—partners with global bodies such as the International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC) and the International Accreditation Forum (IAF) to align India’s quality and conformance infrastructure with international benchmarks.
- QCI is a non-profit organization registered under the Societies Registration Act XXI of 1860. Hence statement 1 is incorrect.
- The Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion, Ministry of Commerce and Industry was designated as the nodal point for all matters connected with quality and QCI to structure and help implementation of the Cabinet decision. Hence statement 2 is correct.
Source:
https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2135119
5. India signed a Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement with which of the following countries/organisations?
(a) European Union
(b) European free trade association
(c) Quad
(d) United Kingdom
Answer: (b) European free trade association
In News: Union Commerce and Industry Minister Shri Piyush Goyal Commences Official Visit to Switzerland and Sweden to Strengthen Economic and Trade Partnerships
Explanation:
- Union Minister of Commerce and Industry, Shri Piyush Goyal, commenced his official visit to Switzerland on 9th June 2025, as part of his ongoing visit to Switzerland and Sweden from 9–13 June 2025.
- This visit underscores India’s steadfast commitment to deepening strategic and economic partnerships with key European nations, advancing robust trade and investment ties, and supporting a shared vision for resilient global growth.
- A significant component of the high-level visit to Switzerland will include a series of one-on-one meetings with leading Swiss companies.
- Indian industry representatives will also participate in these crucial engagements, fostering direct dialogue and exploring specific collaboration opportunities.
- The day will also feature participation in the Swissmem Industry Day and a Business Round Table with the Swiss Mechanical and Electrical (MEM) Industry, where deliberations will focus on the potential and opportunities arising from the India-EFTA Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA). Hence option(b) is correct.
Source:
https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2135070
6. Consider the following statements:
Statement -I: The elections to the Parliament and State Legislatures can be challenged only in the Supreme Court of India by an election petition after elections are over
Statement -II: According to the Constitution once the actual process of elections is started, the judiciary cannot intervene by entertaining petitions on the conduct of the polls
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
In News: CEC holds memorable interaction with Indian Diaspora in Sweden
Explanation:
- Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) of India, Shri Gyanesh Kumar, who is visiting Sweden to attend the International IDEA Stockholm Conference on Electoral Integrity, being organised from June 10-12, 2025, had a memorable interaction with the Indian Diaspora in Sweden.
- The CEC reiterated the Election Commission’s focus on inclusive participation and civic engagement among Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) and Overseas Citizens of India (OCIs).
- He highlighted initiatives such as the Online Voter Registration System and the Electronic Transmission of Postal Ballot Management System (ETPBMS), aimed at enabling greater participation of overseas voters.
- The elections to the Parliament and State Legislatures can be challenged in the High Court and the Supreme Court of India by an election petition after elections are over Hence statement 1 is incorrect.
- By virtue of Article 329 of the Constitution once the actual process of elections is started, the judiciary cannot intervene by entertaining petitions on the conduct of the polls. Hence statement 2 is correct.
- Once the polls are completed and results declared, the Commission cannot review any result on its own.
- This can only be reviewed through the process of an election petition, which can be filed before the High Court, in respect of elections to the Parliament and State Legislatures.
- In respect of elections for the offices of the President and Vice President, such petitions can only be filed before the Supreme Court.
Source:
https://www.eci.gov.in/about-eci
7. With reference to Security Printing and Minting Corporation of India Limited’s, Consider the following statements:
1. It is a Schedule ‘A’ Miniratna Category-I Central Public Sector Enterprise under the administrative control of the Department of Economic Affairs
2. It is engaged in the manufacture/ production of Currency and Bank Notes, Security Paper, Non-Judicial Stamp Papers, Postal Stamps & Stationery etc.
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
In News: Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman inaugurates SPMCIL’s New Corporate Office at World Trade Centre, Nauroji Nagar, New Delhi, today
Explanation:
- Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman and Union Minister of State for Finance, Shri Pankaj Chaudhary inaugurated the Security Printing and Minting Corporation of India Limited’s (SPMCIL) new corporate office at World Trade Centre, Nauroji Nagar, New Delhi
- The SPMCIL is a Schedule ‘A’ Miniratna Category-I Central Public Sector Enterprise (CPSE) under the administrative control of the Department of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance.
- SPMCIL continues to play a vital role in advancing the Government of India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative by promoting self-reliance, technological advancement, and sustainable development.
- SPMCIL is engaged in the manufacture/ production of Currency and Bank Notes, Security Paper, Non-Judicial Stamp Papers, Postal Stamps & Stationery, Travel Documents viz. Hence option(c) is correct.
- Passport and Visa, Security certificates, Cheques, Bonds, Warrant, Special Certificates with security features, Security Inks, Circulation & Commemorative Coins, Medallions, Refining of Gold & Silver, and Assay of Precious Metals.
Source:
https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2135268
8. With reference to BRICS, consider the following statements:
1. The BRICS is currently composed of eleven countries.
2. The BRICS presidency rotates according to the letters of its acronym.
3. The 2025 presidency is under Brazil’s leadership
How many of the above statements are correct?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None
Answer: (c) All three
Explanation:
- India will host the next BRICS Summit. In collaboration with other BRICS nations, we will engage in discussions on economic, social, trade, AI, and other important issues.
- The agenda will be set for the Summit in India, and India will ensure a successful and productive hosting of the event.
- The BRICS is a group formed by eleven countries: Brasil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, United Arab Emirates, Ethiopia, Indonesia, and Iran.
- It serves as a political and diplomatic coordination forum for countries from the Global South and for coordination in the most diverse areas.
- The BRICS is currently composed of eleven countries: its five original members – Brasil, China, India, Russia, and South Africa -, and six new members admitted in 2024-25 – Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.
- The BRICS presidency rotates according to the letters of its acronym.
- In 2025, the presidency is under Brazil’s leadership. Hence option(c) is correct.
- Up until the present moment, the country holding the BRICS Presidency follows the acronym order, its term beginning on January 1st and ending on December 31st each year.
- With the recent adhesion of new members, a new rotation formula will be discussed.
Source:
https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2134772
9. With reference to 19th century the term “khuntkatti” refers to
(a) Indigo crop resistance movement in Bengal
(b) The prevalent system of land ownership based on the principle of customary right
(c) Zamindari system in central India
(d) Tribal uprisings in chotanagpur region
Answer: (b) The prevalent system of land ownership based on the principle of customary right
In News: Prime Minister pays tribute to Bhagwan Birsa Munda
Explanation:
- The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi paid tributes to great hero of the freedom struggle, Bhagwan Birsa Munda on the occasion of his Martyr’s Day
- Birsa Munda was born on November 15, 1875, at a time when his community was witnessing major changes.
- The Mundas, a tribe of nomadic-hunters-turned-farmers who lived in the Chotanagpur region in today’s Jharkhand, had to bear the brunt of a series of adverse policies and events.
- Before colonial rule, the prevalent system of land ownership here was known as “khuntkatti”.
- It was based on the principle of customary rights, without the involvement of landlords.Hence option(b) is correct.
- However, the enactment of the Permanent Settlement Act (1793) led to a transformation and helped colonialism make its inroads in rural India.
- To maximise its revenue, the East India Company relied on the law to ratify the zamindari system for land revenue collection.
- This created dual classes — of land-owning zamindars who were viewed as outsiders or “dikus” by the indigenous residents, and the “ryots” or tenants.
Source:
10. Consider the following statements with regard to pardoning power of the President of India:(2025)
1. The exercise of this power by the President can be subjected to limited judicial review.
2. The President can exercise this power without the advice of the Central Government.
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:
- The President of India is the constitutional head of the country. The Constitution of India, 1950 (COI) empowers the President with legislative, executive and judicial powers. Article 72 of the COI deals with the judicial power of the President also termed as pardoning power of the President.
- The President of India’s pardoning power under Article 72 of the Constitution is not absolute and can be subjected to judicial review in specific cases. As per Epuru Sudhakar v. Andhra Pradesh, the President’s power is subject to judicial review if exercised arbitrarily.
- According to Article 74 of Indian Constitution the President cannot exercise his power of pardon independent of the government. The article states, there shall be a Council of Ministers with the Prime Minister at the head to aid and advise the President who shall, in the exercise of his functions, act in accordance with such advice. Hence, option (a) is correct.