1.

Consider the following statements related to the Vanadium Redox Flow Battery (VRFB) system recently promoted in India:

1. It uses vanadium ions in varying oxidation states within liquid electrolytes to store energy.
2. The electrolyte capacity becomes permanently damaged if the battery is completely discharged.
3. Power rating and energy capacity in VRFBs can be varied independently.

Which of the above is/are correct?

2.

In the light of recent developments in Shram Shakti Niti 2025, consider the following:

1. It proposes a Universal Social Security Account integrating EPFO, ESIC, PM-JAY, and e-Shram.
2. It aims to transform the National Career Service into an AI-driven Employment Digital Public Infrastructure.
3. It eliminates the need for any digital compliance portals for enterprises.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

3.

Which of the following correctly describes the conservation and habitat status of the Great Indian Bustard (GIB)?

4.

With reference to the National Policy on Geothermal Energy 2025, consider the following statements:

1. The policy promotes 100% foreign direct investment in geothermal projects.
2. MNRE has identified over 350 hot springs and 10 geothermal provinces across India.
3. Projects under the policy are supported for a maximum period of 10 years.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

5.

Ricin, Some time seen in the news, consider the following statements:

1. Ricin is derived from the waste mash left after processing castor beans.
2. It is listed under Schedule 1 of the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC).
3. An effective antidote for ricin poisoning exists but is rarely used due to cost.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

6.

With reference to Birsa Munda and the Janjatiya movement, consider the following statements:

1. The Ulgulan movement led by Birsa Munda primarily emphasized tribal rights, cultural identity, and resistance to colonial oppression.
2. The Government of India declared Birsa Munda’s birth anniversary as Janjatiya Gaurav Divas in 2021.
3. Birsa Munda’s movement directly resulted in the formation of Jharkhand as a separate state in 1905.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

7.

Which of the following correctly reflects the key provisions of the Digital Personal Data Protection Rules, 2025?

8.

Which of the following Geographical Indication (GI) products is correctly matched with its state?

1. Ambaji White Marble — Rajasthan
2. Panna Diamond — Madhya Pradesh
3. Lepcha Tungbuk — Sikkim

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

9.

With reference to the 16th Finance Commission, consider the following statements:

1. It is established under Article 280 of the Constitution.
2. Its recommendations become effective only after approval by Parliament.
3. It is constituted every five years or earlier by the President.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

10.

Regarding the Climate Risk Index (CRI) 2026, consider the following statements:

1. It ranks countries based on observed human and economic impacts of extreme weather events.
2. It uses disaster data primarily from EM-DAT along with datasets from the World Bank and IMF.
3. India was ranked the most affected country in the world in the 2024 CRI assessment.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

11.

With respect to the Global Methane Hotspots and UN findings, which of the following statements is/are correct?

1. India is the world’s second-largest methane emitter after China.
2. Crop-residue burning has recently emerged as a major methane-emission hotspot in India.
3. Methane has a higher global warming potential than CO₂ but remains in the atmosphere for a shorter duration.

Select the correct answer using the codes below:

12.

Which of the following best describes the Methane Alert and Response System (MARS)?

13.

Groundwater contamination in India, as highlighted in the Bihar case study, is linked to which of the following factors?

1. Over-extraction of groundwater leading to upward movement of heavy metals.
2. Excessive use of agricultural chemicals causing nitrate seepage into aquifers.
3. Increased salinity due to glacier melt.
4. Industrial waste discharged into aquifers.

Select the correct answer using the codes below:

14.

In reference to the Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mk1A, which of the following statements is/are correct?

1. It is designed by HAL and produced by DRDO.
2. It is equipped with an AESA radar and an electronic warfare suite.
3. It can carry both air-to-air and precision-guided weapons.

Select the correct answer using the codes below:

15.

With reference to the African Grey Parrot and Indian regulations, consider the following statements:

1. It is listed under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
2. Its international commercial trade is highly restricted under CITES Appendix I.
3. India requires mandatory registration of this species on the PARIVESH 2.0 portal.

Select the correct answer using the codes below: