1. Consider the following countries:
I. Australia
II. Bangladesh
III. Japan
IV. Canada
V. Russia
VI. India
How many of the above are members of Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC)?
(a) Only three
(b) Only four
(c) Only five
(d) All the six
Answer: (b) Only four
Explanation:
In NEWS: South Korea, US, Japan to Hold Trilateral Diplomatic Talks at APEC
U.S. doing a trade deal with India: Trump. At the APEC CEO summit in South Korea, President Trump says he has a great relationship with Modi
Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC)
- Established: 1989
- Purpose: To promote free trade and economic cooperation across the Asia-Pacific region.
- Type: A regional economic forum — not a treaty-based organization (i.e., its decisions are non-binding).
- Headquarters: Singapore
- Members
Hence option (b) is orrect.
Objectives
- Promote free and open trade and investment in the Asia-Pacific.
- Enhance regional economic integration.
- Encourage economic and technical cooperation (ECOTECH).
- Facilitate business and investment through easier trade procedures.
- Promote sustainable and inclusive growth.
Important Initiatives
- Bogor Goals (1994): Aim for free and open trade by
- 2010 for developed members,
- 2020 for developing members.
- APEC Business Advisory Council (ABAC): Gives private-sector input.
- APEC Connectivity Blueprint (2015–2025): To improve physical, institutional, and people-to-people connectivity.
India and APEC
- India is not a member but has sought membership since 1991.
- India was granted observer status in 2011 in some meetings.
- Opposition mainly from members citing:
- India’s geographical limits (not directly Pacific Rim),
- Size and diversity of its economy,
- Consensus-based decision-making delays.
- India’s inclusion is supported by countries like the USA, Japan, and Australia, but blocked by China and some ASEAN members.
| PYQ REFERENCE: (2025) Q. Consider the following countries: I. Austria II. Bulgaria III. Croatia IV. Serbia V. Sweden VI. North Macedonia How many of the above are members of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization? (a) Only three (b) Only four (c) Only five (d) All the six |
Source: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/trump-praises-pm-modi-repeats-claims-on-india-pakistan-mediation/article70215804.ece https://www.newsonair.gov.in/south-korea-us-japan-to-hold-trilateral-diplomatic-talks-at-apec/
2. The Adaptation Gap Report 2025 is published by the
(a) International Monetary Fund
(b) United Nations Environment Programme
(c) World Economic Forum
(d) World Bank
Answer: (b) United Nations Environment Programme
Explanation:
In NEWS: UNEP’s Adaptation Gap Report 2025 warns developing nations face an annual adaptation bill of up to US$365 billion by 2035.
Adaptation Gap Report 2024:
1. The Adaptation Gap Report is published annually by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). Hence option (b) is correct.
2. The 2024 edition is titled “Come hell and high water”.
3. The report assesses the gap between current adaptation efforts and the level required to manage climate impacts effectively.
4. About 171 countries (around 87%) have at least one national adaptation plan, policy, or strategy.
5. Despite this, implementation of adaptation measures remains inadequate and slow.
6. The adaptation finance gap is widening, with developing countries requiring USD 215–387 billion per year by 2030.
7. Current adaptation finance is estimated to be five to ten times lower than what is needed.
8. The report calls for adoption of a strong New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG) on climate finance at COP29 (Baku 2024).
9. It highlights inequalities, noting that poorest and most vulnerable nations suffer the most from climate impacts.
10. The report stresses the importance of nature-based and locally led adaptation approaches.
11. It emphasizes the role of the private sector in financing and implementing adaptation measures.
12. India has national and state-level adaptation plans, but faces a significant funding and implementation gap.
13. The report underscores the need for technology transfer and capacity building, especially in developing nations.
14. Overall, it warns that global adaptation progress is far behind the pace required to protect communities from worsening climate impacts.
| PYQ REFERENCE: (2019) Q. The Global Competitiveness Report is published by the (a) International Monetary Fund (b) United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (c) World Economic Forum (d) World Bank |
3. With reference to the ‘Line of Actual Control (LAC)’, which of the following statements are correct?
1. It is a legally recognized or demarcated boundary between India and China, separating territories controlled by each.
2. The border covers the region from Ladakh and up to Aksai Chin region only.
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
Answer: (d) Neither 1 nor 2
Explanation:
In NEWS: India, China hold fresh round of military talks on LAC peace and stability
Line of Actual Control (LAC):
- Definition: The Line of Actual Control (LAC) is the de facto boundary between India and China, separating territories controlled by each.
- Origin: The concept was first proposed by Chinese Premier Zhou Enlai in 1959, but it took shape after the 1962 Sino-Indian War.
- Legal status: It is not a legally recognized or demarcated boundary, unlike the Line of Control (LoC) with Pakistan. Hence statement 1 is incorrect.
- Disputed nature: There is no mutually agreed map of the LAC; both countries have different perceptions of its alignment.
- Length estimates:
- India’s estimate: ~3,488 km
- China’s estimate: ~2,000 km
- Divisions of the LAC:
- Western Sector: Ladakh and Aksai Chin region.
- Middle Sector: Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh.
- Eastern Sector: Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim. Hence statement 2 is incorrect.
- Nature of disputes: Frequent transgressions and standoffs occur due to differing perceptions — most notably the Galwan Valley clash (2020) and Doklam standoff (2017).
- Agreements for peace:
- 1993: Agreement on Maintenance of Peace and Tranquility along the LAC.
- 1996: Agreement on Confidence-Building Measures (CBMs).
- 2005: Protocol on Modalities for Implementation of CBMs.
| PYQ REFERENCE: (2022) Q. Which one of the following statements best reflects the issue with Senkaku Islands, sometimes mentioned in the news? (a) It is generally believed that they are artificial islands made by a country around the South China Sea. (b) China and Japan engage in maritime disputes over these islands in the East China Sea. (c) A permanent American military base has been set up there to help Taiwan to increase its defence capabilities. (d) Though International Court of Justice declared them as no man’s land, some South – East Asian countries claim them. |
4. Which one of the following statements best describes the term ‘Import Substitution’?
(a) Subsidies provided to exporters to enhance the competitiveness of domestic goods in foreign markets.
(b) Subsidies given to domestic industries to encourage production of goods that replace imports.
(c) Financial incentives offered to foreign firms for setting up manufacturing units in the country.
(d) Subsidies provided to reduce the prices of imported goods for consumers.
Answer: (b) Subsidies given to domestic industries to encourage production of goods that replace imports.
Explanation:
In NEWS: What is China’s complaint against India at the WTO?
China’s WTO Complaint Against India:
- China has lodged a complaint at the WTO alleging that India’s Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes for certain sectors violate WTO rules on subsidies.
- The complaint targets three PLI schemes —
1. Advanced Chemistry Cell (ACC) batteries,
2. Automobile and auto components, and
3. Electric vehicles (EVs).
What is the PLI Scheme?
- Launched in 2020, to boost domestic manufacturing and exports.
- Provides financial incentives based on incremental sales to industries.
- Aims to integrate MSMEs, promote backward linkages, and enhance India’s role in global value chains.
China’s Allegations
- The PLI schemes provide subsidies linked to Domestic Value Addition (DVA) —
- Auto sector: 50% DVA required.
- ACC batteries: 25% DVA required.
- China claims these discriminate against imported goods, especially Chinese components, and are thus “import substitution” (IS) subsidies, which are prohibited under WTO law.
WTO Law on Subsidies
- Governed by the Subsidies and Countervailing Measures (SCM) Agreement.
- Import Substitution (IS) subsidies are government incentives provided to domestic industries to reduce dependence on imported goods by encouraging local production of those goods. Hence option (b) is correct.
- Governments may offer tax incentives, capital subsidies, cheaper credit, tariff protection, or research support to local producers.
- These subsidies help domestic industries compete with imported products in both cost and quality.
Types of Subsidies under SCM Agreement
1. Prohibited Subsidies –
- Export subsidies (linked to export performance)
- Import substitution (IS) subsidies (linked to use of domestic goods over imported goods)
2. Actionable Subsidies – May be challenged if they harm another country’s trade.
3.Non-actionable Subsidies – Allowed (e.g., R&D or regional development).
India’s Defence
- The DVA conditions ≠ Local content requirements.
- Domestic value addition can occur through design, technology, or assembly — not necessarily by using only domestic goods.
- Therefore, PLI schemes may not qualify as IS subsidies under WTO law.
| PYQ REFERENCE: (2016) Q. Which of the following best describes the term ‘import cover’, sometimes seen in the news? (a) It is the ratio of value of imports to the Gross Domestic Product of a country (b) It is the total value of imports of a country in a year (c) It is the ratio between the value of exports and that of imports between two countries (d) It is the number of months of imports that could be paid for by a country’s international reserves |
5. With reference to the National Manufacturing Mission, consider the following statements:
1. It aims to increase the share of the manufacturing sector in India’s GDP to 25% and create 100 million jobs.
2. The Mission is implemented under 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: (c) Both 1 and 2
Explanation:
In NEWS: Cabinet note on National Manufacturing Mission underway: NITI Aayog VC Suman Bery
National Manufacturing Mission:
- Launched by: Government of India
- Implementing Body: National Manufacturing Competitiveness Council (NMCC) under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. Hence statement 2 is correct.
- Objective: To enhance the share of manufacturing in India’s GDP and make India a global manufacturing hub.
- Vision: Promote innovation, skill development, technology upgradation, and sustainable manufacturing.
- Target: Increase manufacturing sector’s share in GDP from around 15–16% to 25%, and create 100 million jobs. Hence statement 1 is correct.
- Focus Areas:
- Improvement in industrial infrastructure and logistics
- Ease of Doing Business reforms
- Adoption of new technologies (Industry 4.0)
- SME and cluster development
- Sustainability and energy efficiency in manufacturing
- Related Initiative: It aligns closely with the Make in India programme and National Manufacturing Policy (NMP).
| PYQ REFERENCE: (2017) Q. Consider the following in respect of ‘National Career Service’: 1. National Career Service is an initiative of the Department of Personnel and Training, Government of India. 2. National Career Service has been launched in a Mission Mode to improve the employment opportunities to uneducated youth of the country. Which of the above statements is/are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 |
6. Consider the following statements regarding the Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP) in India:
1. The Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP) in India is applicable only for sugarcane.
2. It was announced by the Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP) on the recommendation of the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA).
3. It is the minimum price that sugar mills are legally bound to pay to sugarcane farmers for their produce.
How many of the above statements are correct?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None
Answer: (b) Only two
Explanation:
In NEWS: Sugar sector concerned over reduction in ethanol sourcing
Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP)
- Implemented by: Government of India under the Sugarcane (Control) Order, 1966.
- Announced by: Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) on the recommendation of the Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP). Hence statement 2 is incorrect.
- Ministry: Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution.
- Objective: To ensure fair returns to sugarcane farmers and stable sugar industry operations.
- Nature: It is the minimum price that sugar mills are legally bound to pay to sugarcane farmers for their produce. Hence statement 3 is correct.
- Determining Factors: Cost of production, recovery rate of sugar, inter-crop price parity, and reasonable margins for farmers.
- Difference from MSP: FRP is specific to sugarcane (FRP is provided only for one crop — sugarcane). Hence statement 1 is correct.
| PYQ REFERENCE: (2015) Q. The Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP) of sugarcane is approved by the (a) Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (b) Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (c) Directorate of Marketing and Inspection, Ministry of Agriculture (d) Agricultural Produce Marketing Committee |
7. With reference to the recent research describing the Southern Ocean’s “Thermal Time Bomb”, consider the following statements:
1. The Southern Ocean has absorbed more than 90% of the excess heat produced by human-induced global warming.
2. The “Burp Phase” refers to the sudden release of stored oceanic heat that may cause renewed global warming.
3. The study predicting this phenomenon was conducted using the UVic v2.9 climate model.
4. This process can occur even if atmospheric carbon dioxide levels continue to rise.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) 1, 2 and 3 only
(b) 1, 3 and 4 only
(c) 2 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Answer: (a) 1, 2 and 3 only
Explanation:
In NEWS: Scientists Warn of ‘Ocean Burp’ as Massive Heat Reservoir Found Beneath Southern Ocean
Southern Ocean ‘Thermal Time Bomb’
- Discovery: Scientists have identified a vast pocket of trapped heat beneath the Southern Ocean, described as a “thermal time bomb.”
- Institutions Involved: University of Victoria (Canada) and German climate scientists.
- Model Used: UVic v2.9 climate system model. Hence statement 3 is correct.
- Phenomenon Name: The “Burp Phase” — a future scenario in which trapped oceanic heat resurfaces even after emissions decline. Hence statement 2 is correct.
- Role of Southern Ocean:
- Absorbed over 90% of the planet’s excess heat and about 25% of CO₂ emissions from human activity. Hence statement 1 is correct.
- Acts as Earth’s largest carbon and heat sink.
- Mechanism:
- Warming, ice melt, and sunlight push heat deeper into the ocean.
- As emissions drop and the atmosphere cools, this heat re-emerges, potentially triggering renewed global warming.
- The “Burp Phase” can occur even without an increase in atmospheric CO₂ levels — it results from oceanic heat release, not rising emissions.
Hence statement 4 is incorrect.
- Consequences:
- Melting Antarctic sea ice, disruption of ocean circulation, and loss of marine oxygen and nutrients.
- Could cause another century-long phase of rapid warming, even with Net Zero emissions.
8. Consider the following statements:
Statement I: An Unmanned Underwater Vehicle (UUV) can be designed to operate using nuclear power and may also carry a nuclear weapon.
Statement II: Recently, Russia tested its Nuclear-Powered Underwater Drone named Poseidon.
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 explains Statement-I
(b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct, but Statement-II does not explain Statement-I
(c) Statement-I is correct, but Statement-II is incorrect
(d) Statement-I is incorrect, but Statement-II is correct
Answer: (a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II explains Statement-I
Explanation:
In NEWS: Russia Tests Nuclear-Powered Poseidon Underwater Drone
Poseidon:
- Poseidon, also known by its development code names Status-6 or Kanyon, is an unmanned underwater vehicle (UUV) that Russia says is both nuclear-powered and nuclear-armed.
- It’s designed to travel autonomously for extremely long distances underwater — potentially across oceans — using a miniaturized nuclear reactor for propulsion.
- The weapon can reportedly carry a nuclear warhead of multi-megaton yield, capable of destroying coastal cities, ports, or naval bases.
- Its size and specifications are classified, but estimates suggest it is about 20 m long and 2 m wide — roughly the size of a small submarine.
- Russia claims it can travel at speeds of up to 200 km/h and operate at depths over 1 km, making it difficult to detect or intercept.
- Poseidon is unique in combining:
- Nuclear propulsion (for unlimited underwater range)
- Nuclear payload (potentially multi-megaton warhead)
- Autonomous long-range guidance
- Its carrier submarine, the Belgorod, is reportedly capable of launching six Poseidon drones.
Hence both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II explains Statement-I
| PYQ REFERENCE: (2025) Q. With reference to Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), consider the following statements: I. All types of UAVs can do vertical landing. II. All types of UAVs can do automated hovering. III.All types of UAVs can use battery only as a source of power supply. How many of the statements given above are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All the three (d) None |
Source: https://www.newsonair.gov.in/russia-tests-nuclear-powered-poseidon-underwater-drone/
9. Which of the following has/have been accorded ‘Geographical Indication’ status?
1. Indi Lime
2. Puliyankudi Lime
3. Assam Lime
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
Answer: (d) 1, 2 and 3
Explanation:
In NEWS: APEDA Facilitates First-Ever Air Shipment of GI Tagged Indi and Puliyankudi Limes from Karnataka and Tamil Nadu to the United Kingdom
APEDA Facilitates First-Ever Air Shipment of GI-Tagged Indi and Puliyankudi Limes to the UK (2025)
- The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry facilitated the first-ever export of India’s GI-tagged Indi Lime (Karnataka) and Puliyankudi Lime (Tamil Nadu) to the United Kingdom on 28 October 2025.
- The shipment included 350 kg of Indi Lime from Vijayapura (Karnataka) and 150 kg of Puliyankudi Lime from Tenkasi (Tamil Nadu) — totaling 500 kg.
- The initiative promotes the export of India’s GI-tagged horticultural produce and expands its global footprint.
- Indi Lime: Grown mainly in Vijayapura, known for zesty aroma, high juice yield, balanced acidity, and traditional medicinal value.
- Puliyankudi Lime: Cultivated in Tenkasi, Tamil Nadu; known for thin peel, high ascorbic acid (34.3 mg/100g), 55% juice content, and rich Vitamin C; received GI Tag in April 2025.
- The initiative aligns with APEDA’s mission to promote India’s GI-tagged agri-produce globally and benefit local farmers and producer groups through market diversification.
Assam Lime received Geographical Indication (GI) status in 2019.
Hence all are correct.
| PYQ REFERENCE: (2023) Q. Which of the following has/have been accorded ‘Geographical Indication’ status? 1. Banaras Brocades and Sarees 2. Rajasthani Daal-Bati-Churma 3. Tirupathi Laddu 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 |
Source: https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2183886
10. Which one of the following is the national aquatic animal of India?
(a) Saltwater crocodile
(b) Olive ridley turtle
(c) Gangetic dolphin
(d) Gharial
Answer: (c) Gangetic dolphin
Explanation:
- The Gangetic dolphin (Platanista gangetica) was declared the National Aquatic Animal of India in 2009 by the Government of India.
- It is an endangered freshwater species found mainly in the Ganga, Brahmaputra, and Meghna river systems.
- It is also the official mascot of the “Namami Gange” programme.
