1. The Arab League was founded in 1945 with its headquarters at:
A. Riyadh
B. Cairo
C. Beirut
D. Damascus
Answer: B
Explanation:
The Arab League, formally known as the League of Arab States, was established in 1945 in Cairo. It initially had seven members and has expanded to 22 countries across West Asia and North Africa. Cairo continues to serve as its permanent headquarters. The organisation aims to promote political, economic, and cultural cooperation among Arab nations.
2. India formalised structured engagement with the Arab League through an MoU in:
A. 1995
B. 1998
C. 2002
D. 2008
Answer: C
Explanation:
India’s institutional engagement with the Arab League began in 2002 through a Memorandum of Understanding. This marked a shift from informal ties to structured dialogue. The MoU laid the foundation for regular consultations and cooperation forums. It strengthened India’s diplomatic footprint in West Asia.
3. The Arab–India Cooperation Forum (AICF) was created in:
A. 2005
B. 2008
C. 2010
D. 2016
Answer: B
Explanation:
The Arab–India Cooperation Forum was established in 2008 to institutionalise political, economic, and cultural cooperation. It acts as the primary multilateral platform between India and the Arab League. The first AICF meeting was later held in Bahrain in 2016. It complements bilateral engagements.
4. India’s access to Duqm Port enhances maritime security under which doctrine?
A. Indo-Pacific Strategy
B. Act East Policy
C. SAGAR Doctrine
D. Look West Policy
Answer: C
Explanation:
India’s access to Duqm Port in Oman aligns with the SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) doctrine. SAGAR emphasises maritime cooperation, regional stability, and collective security in the Indian Ocean. Duqm strengthens India’s naval presence and logistical reach. It also enhances energy and trade security.
5. India has NOT signed a strategic partnership agreement with which of the following?
A. UAE
B. Saudi Arabia
C. Kuwait
D. Egypt
Answer: C
Explanation:
India has signed strategic partnership agreements with UAE, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Oman, and Qatar. Kuwait, however, is not part of this strategic partnership list. These agreements deepen cooperation in defence, energy, trade, and security. They reflect India’s growing strategic convergence with West Asia.
6. Bilateral trade between India and Arab League States stands at approximately:
A. $120 billion
B. $180 billion
C. $240 billion
D. $300 billion
Answer: C
Explanation:
India’s bilateral trade with Arab League States has reached about $240 billion. The UAE alone accounts for over $115 billion of this trade. Energy imports, petrochemicals, gems, and services dominate the trade basket. The relationship is economically significant and expanding.
7. Which initiative aims to connect India with West Asia and Europe?
A. Asia–Africa Growth Corridor
B. IMEC
C. INSTC
D. BIMSTEC Corridor
Answer: B
Explanation:
The India–Middle East–Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), announced in 2023, aims to enhance connectivity across India, West Asia, and Europe. It integrates ports, railways, digital networks, and energy infrastructure. IMEC is viewed as a strategic alternative to China’s BRI. It enhances India’s geoeconomic influence.
8. Arab League countries supply nearly what percentage of India’s crude oil?
A. 40%
B. 50%
C. 60%
D. 75%
Answer: C
Explanation:
Arab League countries account for around 60% of India’s crude oil imports. They also supply about 70% of India’s natural gas and 50% of fertilisers. This highlights India’s heavy energy dependence on West Asia. Energy cooperation is thus a core pillar of India–Arab ties.
9. The Qatar LNG deal (2024) assures India of gas supply for:
A. 10 years
B. 15 years
C. 20 years
D. 25 years
Answer: C
Explanation:
India signed a long-term LNG agreement with Qatar in 2024 for 20 years. Under this deal, India will receive 7.5 million tonnes of LNG annually. Valued at $78 billion, it ensures long-term energy security. Such contracts reduce exposure to volatile spot markets.
10. RuPay card was launched in the UAE in:
A. 2017
B. 2018
C. 2019
D. 2021
Answer: C
Explanation:
RuPay cards were launched in the UAE in 2019 as part of India’s digital payment diplomacy. This enabled Indian travellers to use domestic payment systems abroad. It strengthened fintech cooperation between India and the Gulf. It also reduced dependence on international card networks.
11. India’s trade deficit with China in 2025 stood at over:
A. $50 billion
B. $65 billion
C. $75 billion
D. $85 billion
Answer: D
Explanation:
India’s trade deficit with China exceeded $85 billion in 2025, making China India’s largest source of imports. While exports to China increased, imports grew faster. This imbalance has strategic and economic implications. It fuels debates on selective Chinese FDI.
12. According to UNCTAD (2026), India’s FDI inflows in 2025 were:
A. $30 billion
B. $37 billion
C. $47 billion
D. $57 billion
Answer: C
Explanation:
UNCTAD reported that India’s FDI inflows surged to $47 billion in 2025, a 73% increase. This growth was driven by manufacturing and services. In contrast, China saw declining FDI inflows. This reflects India’s rising attractiveness as an investment destination.
13. National Health Policy (2017) targets public health expenditure at:
A. 1.5% of GDP
B. 2% of GDP
C. 2.5% of GDP
D. 3% of GDP
Answer: C
Explanation:
The National Health Policy 2017 aimed to raise public health expenditure to 2.5% of GDP by 2025. However, this target remains unmet. The Centre’s spending has declined in recent years. This has implications for healthcare access and equity.
14. Which level of government has increased health spending more consistently?
A. Union Government
B. States and UTs
C. Local Bodies
D. Private Sector
Answer: B
Explanation:
State governments have steadily increased health spending from 0.67% of GDP in 2017–18 to 1.1% in 2025–26. The Union government’s share, however, has declined. Since health is a State subject, this creates fiscal stress. It also reflects asymmetric burden-sharing.
15. Solid Waste Management Rules, 2026 will be enforced from:
A. January 2026
B. March 2026
C. April 2026
D. July 2026
Answer: C
Explanation:
The Solid Waste Management Rules, 2026 will come into force from April 2026. They mandate stricter compliance and monitoring. Bulk waste generators must process waste at source. The rules promote decentralised and circular waste management.
16. Under SWM Rules, waste must be segregated into how many categories?
A. Two
B. Three
C. Four
D. Five
Answer: C
Explanation:
The SWM Rules, 2026 mandate segregation into four categories: wet waste, dry waste, sanitary waste, and domestic hazardous waste. Proper segregation improves recycling efficiency. It reduces landfill burden and processing costs. This is central to sustainable urban governance.
17. India generates approximately how much solid waste daily?
A. 50,000 tonnes
B. 1 lakh tonnes
C. 1.8–2 lakh tonnes
D. 3 lakh tonnes
Answer: C
Explanation:
India generates about 1.8–2 lakh tonnes of solid waste every day. Urbanisation and lifestyle changes are key drivers. While collection has improved, processing capacity remains inadequate. Poor segregation worsens environmental and health risks.
18. India’s target for ethanol blending in petrol is:
A. 10% by 2024
B. 15% by 2025
C. 20% by 2025–26
D. 25% by 2030
Answer: C
Explanation:
India aims to achieve 20% ethanol blending in petrol by 2025–26, advancing the earlier 2030 target. This reduces crude oil imports and emissions. However, it raises food security concerns. Expansion of maize cultivation is a key issue.
19. The Food vs Fuel dilemma primarily arises due to:
A. Water scarcity
B. Crop diversification
C. Land diversion to biofuels
D. Climate change
Answer: C
Explanation:
The Food vs Fuel dilemma emerges as land, water, and labour shift from food crops to biofuel crops. Increased maize cultivation for ethanol affects pulses and oilseeds. This threatens nutritional security. Policymakers must balance energy and food self-reliance.
20. Kerala declared which bacterium as India’s first State Microbe?
A. Lactobacillus
B. Rhizobium
C. Bacillus subtilis
D. Azotobacter
Answer: C
Explanation:
Kerala became the first Indian State to notify a State Microbe—Bacillus subtilis. It is a beneficial probiotic found in soil and fermented foods. The bacterium supports sustainable agriculture and biotechnology. It symbolises science-led ecological governance.