1. With reference to the India–UAE CEPA (2022), consider the following statements:
It eliminated tariffs on 90% of tariff lines.
It aims to achieve $200 billion trade by 2032.
It replaced the Bilateral Investment Treaty of 2024.
Which of the 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
Explanation:
The CEPA (2022) eliminated tariffs on 90% of tariff lines and enabled rapid trade expansion. India and UAE achieved $100 billion trade early and set a $200 billion target by 2032. The Bilateral Investment Treaty (2024) complements CEPA rather than replacing it. Hence, only statements 1 and 2 are correct.
2. The “Endangerment Finding” in the United States originated from which case?
A) Brown v. Board of Education
B) Massachusetts v. EPA (2007)
C) Roe v. Wade
D) Citizens United v. FEC
Answer: B
Explanation:
The Endangerment Finding emerged from the 2007 Supreme Court case Massachusetts v. EPA. The Court ruled that greenhouse gases qualify as “air pollutants” under the Clean Air Act. This empowered the EPA to regulate emissions. It formed the legal foundation for vehicle fuel efficiency standards.
3. India’s death penalty is constitutionally valid under which Article?
A) Article 14
B) Article 19
C) Article 21
D) Article 32
Answer: C
Explanation:
Article 21 guarantees the right to life but permits deprivation by “procedure established by law.” The Supreme Court upheld the death penalty’s constitutionality in Jagmohan Singh (1973). Later, Bachan Singh (1980) evolved the “rarest of rare” doctrine. Thus, Article 21 forms the constitutional basis.
4. The “rarest of rare” doctrine was laid down in:
A) Maneka Gandhi v. Union of India
B) Bachan Singh v. State of Punjab
C) Kesavananda Bharati case
D) ADM Jabalpur case
Answer: B
Explanation:
The Bachan Singh (1980) judgment established that capital punishment must be imposed only in the “rarest of rare” cases. Courts must balance aggravating and mitigating factors. Life imprisonment is the norm, and death penalty is the exception. This ensures proportionality and judicial caution.
5. Which of the following concerns is associated with the India–U.S. Interim Trade Deal?
A) Removal of WTO membership
B) Ban on textile exports
C) Sovereignty concerns over Russian oil imports
D) Complete tariff removal by U.S.
Answer: C
Explanation:
The interim deal allows the U.S. to re-impose tariffs if India resumes Russian oil imports. This raises sovereignty concerns regarding external influence on India’s trade policy. Additionally, U.S. tariffs remain at 18%, not fully removed. Thus, sovereignty is a key issue.
6. Bio-based chemicals are primarily produced through:
A) Petrochemical cracking
B) Nuclear synthesis
C) Fermentation and enzymatic processes
D) Electrolysis of hydrocarbons
Answer: C
Explanation:
Bio-based chemicals are derived from biological feedstocks like sugarcane and biomass. They are produced using fermentation or enzymatic processes. These methods are energy-efficient and environmentally friendly. They reduce dependence on petrochemicals.
7. Under the BioE3 Policy, India aims to:
A) Promote fossil fuel exports
B) Strengthen petrochemical imports
C) Reduce dependence on petrochemicals
D) Privatise fertilizer subsidies
Answer: C
Explanation:
The BioE3 policy prioritizes bio-based chemicals and enzymes. The goal is to reduce reliance on petrochemicals and promote sustainable manufacturing. It leverages India’s agricultural base and biotech expertise. This aligns with green growth objectives.
8. Cotton farmers opposed U.S. imports mainly because:
A) It improves MSP
B) It reduces textile exports
C) It may crash domestic cotton prices
D) It increases fertilizer subsidies
Answer: C
Explanation:
Farmers fear cheap U.S. cotton imports will depress domestic prices. This could worsen indebtedness and reduce incomes. MSP concerns also arise as farmers demand cost-plus pricing. Hence, price crash risk is central.
9. India’s cotton MSP (2025–26) was fixed at:
A) ₹10,075 per quintal
B) ₹7,710 per quintal
C) ₹8,500 per quintal
D) ₹6,500 per quintal
Answer: B
Explanation:
The MSP for cotton was set at ₹7,710 per quintal. Farmers argue it should be ₹10,075 as per Swaminathan formula. The debate reflects tension between trade liberalisation and farmer welfare. MSP remains a crucial support mechanism.
10. The proposed Indian Scientific Service (ISS) aims to:
A) Replace IAS officers
B) Strengthen evidence-based policymaking
C) Abolish civil services
D) Privatise scientific research
Answer: B
Explanation:
The ISS proposal seeks to embed scientists in governance structures. It aims to strengthen evidence-based policymaking in climate, health, and technology. Scientists would function as integral decision-makers. This reform would bridge science and administration.
11. The Startup India Fund of Funds 2.0 has a corpus of:
A) ₹5,000 crore
B) ₹15,000 crore
C) ₹10,000 crore
D) ₹20,000 crore
Answer: C
Explanation:
The Union Cabinet approved a ₹10,000 crore corpus under Startup India Fund of Funds 2.0. It aims to mobilize domestic venture capital. The focus is on deep-tech and manufacturing startups. It reduces dependence on foreign VC funds.
12. The Endangerment Finding concluded that which gases endangered public health?
A) Nitrogen and Argon
B) Helium and Neon
C) Six greenhouse gases including CO₂ and methane
D) Only CO₂
Answer: C
Explanation:
In 2009, the EPA concluded six greenhouse gases endangered public health. These included CO₂ and methane. This justified emission standards for vehicles. It marked a milestone in U.S. climate regulation.
13. Which High Court recorded one of the highest acquittal rates in death penalty cases?
A) Delhi HC
B) Patna HC
C) Bombay HC
D) Madras HC
Answer: B
Explanation:
Patna High Court recorded an acquittal rate of 78.3%, among the highest. This reflects growing judicial caution. Many death sentences are overturned due to weak evidence. It signals systemic concerns.
14. The Bilateral Investment Treaty (2024) between India and UAE aims to:
A) Abolish tariffs
B) Strengthen investor confidence
C) Replace CEPA
D) Restrict FDI
Answer: B
Explanation:
The 2024 Bilateral Investment Treaty strengthens investor protection and confidence. It complements CEPA by securing long-term investment flows. It enhances legal certainty for investors. Thus, it deepens economic integration.
15. The India–UAE corridor is expanding cooperation in:
A) Only oil trade
B) Manufacturing, finance, logistics, renewables
C) Agriculture only
D) Space tourism
Answer: B
Explanation:
The partnership has diversified beyond oil. Cooperation now spans manufacturing, finance, logistics, renewables, and AI. This diversification enhances resilience. It makes the corridor a model of strategic integration.
16. The U.S. rollback of EPA authority may impact India by:
A) Increasing India’s carbon tax
B) Weakening domestic fuel efficiency standards
C) Banning EVs in India
D) Ending Paris Agreement
Answer: B
Explanation:
Indian automakers may cite U.S. deregulation to dilute domestic fuel efficiency norms. This could weaken India’s climate ambitions. Maintaining strong standards is crucial for energy security. Thus, policy vigilance is required.
17. Which of the following sectors are prioritised under Startup India Fund 2.0?
A) Real estate speculation
B) Deep-tech and innovative manufacturing
C) Gambling platforms
D) Luxury imports
Answer: B
Explanation:
The scheme prioritizes deep-tech and innovative manufacturing. These sectors require patient capital. Funding aims to strengthen self-reliance and high-risk innovation. It supports early-growth founders.
18. The death penalty in India is executed by:
A) Lethal injection
B) Firing squad
C) Hanging by the neck until death
D) Electric chair
Answer: C
Explanation:
Indian law prescribes hanging by the neck until death. It is imposed only in the “rarest of rare” cases. Mandatory High Court confirmation is required. This ensures procedural safeguards.
19. The U.S. Scientific Integrity Policies aim to:
A) Promote fossil fuels
B) Protect scientists from political interference
C) Privatise NASA
D) Remove climate regulations
Answer: B
Explanation:
U.S. Scientific Integrity Policies safeguard scientists from political interference. They ensure transparency and credibility in policymaking. This strengthens evidence-based governance. It is cited as a global best practice.
20. The main objective of Bharat Mart in UAE is to:
A) Import oil to India
B) Serve as a wholesale hub for Indian goods
C) Promote cryptocurrency
D) Restrict African trade
Answer: B
Explanation:
Bharat Mart aims to function as a wholesale hub for Indian goods. It targets markets in Africa, West Asia, and Eurasia. This enhances India’s export outreach. It strengthens corridor connectivity.