1. India’s proposed focus for the BRICS Summit 2026 is primarily aimed at addressing which of the following?
(a) Military cooperation and defence manufacturing
(b) Climate resilience and inclusive green growth
(c) Currency union among BRICS nations
(d) Expansion of BRICS parliamentary forum
Answer: (b)
Explanation:
India plans to position the BRICS Summit 2026 as a platform for climate resilience and inclusive green growth, especially for the Global South. This reflects shared vulnerabilities among BRICS nations and the vacuum in global climate leadership. The approach balances development needs with sustainability concerns. It also strengthens India’s leadership credentials in multilateral diplomacy.
2. Which recent global development has created diplomatic space for BRICS to emerge as a stabilising force in climate governance?
(a) China’s withdrawal from COP processes
(b) US withdrawal from several international organisations
(c) IMF’s rejection of climate finance reforms
(d) WTO’s failure to conclude Doha Round
Answer: (b)
Explanation:
The US withdrawal from multiple international organisations and skipping COP30 (Brazil, 2025) has weakened multilateral climate leadership. Combined with Europe’s climate fatigue, this has created a leadership vacuum. BRICS can leverage this moment to push sustainability agendas. India’s hosting of BRICS 2026 is strategically significant in this context.
3. Which of the following climate risks is correctly matched with the respective BRICS country?
(a) Permafrost thaw – Brazil
(b) Amazon deforestation – Russia
(c) Himalayan fragility – India
(d) Coastal erosion – China
Answer: (c)
Explanation:
BRICS nations face region-specific climate vulnerabilities. India’s major concern is Himalayan fragility, leading to landslides, floods, and glacial risks. Amazon deforestation affects Brazil, while permafrost thaw impacts Russia. Understanding such differentiated risks is essential for collective climate adaptation strategies.
4. The BASIC grouping often mentioned in climate negotiations includes which countries?
(a) Brazil, Argentina, South Africa, India
(b) Brazil, South Africa, India, China
(c) Bangladesh, Africa, South Asia, India
(d) Brazil, Australia, South Africa, China
Answer: (b)
Explanation:
BASIC stands for Brazil, South Africa, India, and China. It emerged as a coalition of major developing economies during climate negotiations. While BASIC has been effective, the article highlights that BRICS offers broader collective strength due to expanded membership and economic weight.
5. The Leaders’ Framework Declaration on Climate Finance was adopted at which BRICS Summit?
(a) Johannesburg, 2023
(b) New Delhi, 2024
(c) Rio de Janeiro, 2025
(d) Kazan, 2022
Answer: (c)
Explanation:
The BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro (2025) adopted the Leaders’ Framework Declaration on Climate Finance. It emphasised mobilising resources for adaptation and mitigation in the Global South. India has been vocal about reforming climate finance architecture beyond existing development banks.
6. Why does India argue for involving the World Bank and IMF in BRICS climate finance discussions?
(a) BRICS lacks technical expertise
(b) New Development Bank has limited capital
(c) Global climate finance needs institutional legitimacy and scale
(d) IMF already funds green infrastructure
Answer: (c)
Explanation:
India argues that excluding global institutions like the World Bank and IMF weakens climate action. These institutions possess scale, reach, and legitimacy necessary for systemic reform. Relying only on the New Development Bank is insufficient to meet Global South’s financing needs.
7. Greenland is an autonomous territory of which NATO member country?
(a) Iceland
(b) Norway
(c) Canada
(d) Denmark
Answer: (d)
Explanation:
Greenland is an autonomous territory of Denmark, which is a founding member of NATO. Any proposal to acquire Greenland therefore raises serious concerns about sovereignty, alliance trust, and international law. Trump’s proposal challenges traditional NATO principles.
8. Trump’s Greenland plan is most directly seen as challenging which NATO principle?
(a) Open Door Policy
(b) Collective Defence under Article 5
(c) Nuclear Sharing Agreement
(d) Democratic Civilian Control
Answer: (b)
Explanation:
NATO’s Article 5 commits members to collective defence. Trump’s unilateral approach undermines trust among smaller NATO states who rely on US security guarantees. It signals a shift from alliance-based security to transactional geopolitics.
9. Why is Greenland strategically significant in Arctic geopolitics?
(a) It hosts NATO headquarters
(b) It controls key Arctic shipping routes
(c) It is a major oil exporter
(d) It connects Europe and Asia via land
Answer: (b)
Explanation:
Greenland’s location is critical for controlling Northern Sea Route and Northwest Passage, which are becoming viable due to Arctic ice melt. These routes can reshape global trade and military logistics. Hence, Arctic geopolitics is intensifying.
10. Which country has invested heavily in Arctic infrastructure and icebreakers?
(a) United States
(b) China
(c) Russia
(d) Canada
Answer: (c)
Explanation:
Russia has made extensive investments in Arctic infrastructure and nuclear icebreakers. This enhances its strategic and commercial presence in the region. The US move on Greenland could intensify US-Russia rivalry in the Arctic.
11. India’s household debt-to-GDP ratio as of March 2025 stands at approximately:
(a) 28%
(b) 35%
(c) 41.3%
(d) 52%
Answer: (c)
Explanation:
India’s household debt-to-GDP ratio is 41.3%, which is moderate compared to global peers. However, the concern lies in the nature of borrowing, increasingly used for consumption smoothing rather than asset creation. This raises long-term vulnerability.
12. What proportion of India’s GDP is contributed by private consumption?
(a) Around 40%
(b) Around 50%
(c) Around 60%
(d) Around 75%
Answer: (c)
Explanation:
Private consumption contributes about 60% of India’s GDP, making household financial stability crucial for macroeconomic resilience. Any shock to income or employment can significantly impact overall growth. Hence, rising household fragility is a macro risk.
13. Which trend is NOT identified as a macroeconomic risk in household finances?
(a) Uneven income growth
(b) Rapid rise in unsecured retail credit
(c) Volatile net financial savings
(d) Declining capital expenditure
Answer: (d)
Explanation:
The article highlights uneven income growth, rising unsecured credit, and volatile savings as risks. In contrast, capital expenditure has increased, especially in infrastructure, but it has shifted risk from the State to households rather than reducing it.
14. India aims to achieve zero indigenous malaria cases by which year?
(a) 2025
(b) 2027
(c) 2030
(d) 2035
Answer: (b)
Explanation:
India has set an ambitious target of zero indigenous malaria cases by 2027, ahead of the global 2030 goal. Achieving this requires strong surveillance, financing, and last-mile delivery, especially in high-burden states.
15. Which malaria vaccine has shown success in Africa and is being evaluated in Asia-Pacific?
(a) Covaxin
(b) RTS,S and R21
(c) Dengvaxia
(d) Sputnik-M
Answer: (b)
Explanation:
RTS,S and R21 malaria vaccines have shown effectiveness in Africa. Asia-Pacific countries are assessing their suitability to complement existing vector control measures. Vaccines can reduce severe malaria and child mortality but need targeted deployment.
16. The Char Dham road-widening project is ecologically controversial mainly due to:
(a) Mining in glacier zones
(b) Felling of Devdar forests
(c) Construction of dams
(d) Urban expansion
Answer: (b)
Explanation:
The project involves large-scale felling of Devdar (Deodar) trees, which play a vital role in slope stability, microclimate regulation, and water quality. Their removal has increased landslide zones in fragile Himalayan terrain.
17. Himalayan regions have been warming at what rate compared to the global average?
(a) Same as global average
(b) 25% faster
(c) 50% faster
(d) Twice as fast
Answer: (c)
Explanation:
Himalayan regions have warmed about 50% faster than the global average since 1950. This accelerates glacial melt, increases disaster frequency, and threatens long-term water security. Climate change thus acts as a risk multiplier.
18. ICE Cloud is an indigenous platform developed by which organisation?
(a) ISRO
(b) DRDO
(c) CDAC
(d) NITI Aayog
Answer: (c)
Explanation:
The Integrated Cloud Environment (ICE Cloud) is developed by CDAC. It supports AI, high-performance computing, and reproducible scientific research. It strengthens India’s digital self-reliance in advanced research infrastructure.
19. Atal Pension Yojana is administered by which statutory body?
(a) RBI
(b) SEBI
(c) NABARD
(d) PFRDA
Answer: (d)
Explanation:
The Atal Pension Yojana (APY) is administered by the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA). It provides guaranteed pensions to unorganised sector workers and promotes long-term savings discipline.
20. Steel slag is best described as:
(a) A natural sedimentary rock
(b) A waste with no economic value
(c) A by-product of steel manufacturing
(d) A chemical additive for cement
Answer: (c)
Explanation:
Steel slag is a by-product of steel manufacturing from electric arc or basic oxygen furnaces. It can replace natural aggregates in road construction, offering higher durability and skid resistance. Its use supports circular economy goals.
