1. The UGC Promotion of Equity in Higher Education Institutions Regulations, 2026 were introduced primarily in response to:
A. Recommendations of the Kothari Commission
B. Persistent demands by student unions
C. Supreme Court intervention following discrimination-related deaths
D. National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 mandate
Answer: C
Explanation:
The 2026 Regulations were notified after Supreme Court intervention in cases linked to the deaths of Rohith Vemula (2016) and Payal Tadvi (2019). These incidents highlighted systemic discrimination in higher education institutions. The Court nudged the UGC to move from advisory guidelines to enforceable regulations. Hence, judicial intervention was the immediate trigger.
2. Which of the following marks a key shift from the 2012 UGC rules to the 2026 Regulations?
A. Introduction of Equal Opportunity Cells
B. Mandatory legal enforceability
C. Focus only on SC/ST students
D. Advisory grievance redressal mechanism
Answer: B
Explanation:
While Equal Opportunity Cells existed earlier, the 2012 rules were advisory in nature. The 2026 Regulations are legally binding, empowering the UGC to impose penalties for non-compliance. This marks a structural shift towards accountability. The scope of beneficiaries has also been widened.
3. Under the UGC Equity Regulations 2026, the Equal Opportunity Centre (EOC):
A. Must include reserved category representation
B. Is chaired by the Vice-Chancellor
C. Coordinates with district administration and police
D. Functions only as an awareness body
Answer: C
Explanation:
The EOC is mandated to coordinate with district authorities and police, and facilitate legal aid for disadvantaged groups. It is composed of five faculty members without reservation quotas. Its role goes beyond awareness, extending to institutional and legal coordination.
4. The Equity Committee under the 2026 Regulations must submit its report within:
A. 7 days
B. 10 days
C. 15 days
D. 30 days
Answer: C
Explanation:
The Regulations prescribe strict timelines for grievance redressal. The Equity Committee must meet within 24 hours of receiving a complaint and submit its report within 15 days. This time-bound framework aims to prevent administrative delay and victimisation.
5. Which concern has been raised regarding the UGC Equity Regulations 2026?
A. Excessive judicial oversight
B. No penalty for false complaints
C. Dilution of reservation policy
D. Elimination of academic autonomy
Answer: B
Explanation:
Critics argue that the absence of penalties for false or malicious complaints may lead to misuse. There are also concerns that this could harass general category students. Balancing equity with fairness and academic freedom remains a key implementation challenge.
6. India–EU Free Trade Agreement is significant because India and the EU together account for:
A. 15% of global trade
B. 20% of global GDP
C. 25% of global GDP
D. One-half of global exports
Answer: C
Explanation:
India and the EU together account for about 25% of global GDP and over one-third of world trade. This makes the FTA strategically important, especially amid global trade uncertainty. It also strengthens India’s trade diplomacy beyond China-centric supply chains.
7. Which sector has been explicitly safeguarded in the India–EU FTA negotiations?
A. Pharmaceuticals
B. Agriculture and dairy
C. IT services
D. Renewable energy
Answer: B
Explanation:
Sensitive agricultural sectors such as dairy, cereals, meat, fruits, and vegetables have been excluded from the FTA. This protects Indian farmers and food security. It reflects India’s cautious approach to liberalisation in politically sensitive sectors.
8. Vehicle-to-Vehicle (V2V) communication technology is part of:
A. BharatNet
B. Digital India Mission
C. Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) ecosystem
D. National Highway Authority projects
Answer: C
Explanation:
V2V is a subset of the broader Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) technology under Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS). It enables vehicles to share real-time data like speed and braking. This is inspired by aviation safety systems and aims to reduce road accidents.
9. The estimated cost of an On-Board Unit (OBU) for V2V communication is:
A. ₹1,000–₹2,000
B. ₹3,000–₹4,000
C. ₹5,000–₹7,000
D. Above ₹10,000
Answer: C
Explanation:
The OBU required for V2V communication is estimated to cost between ₹5,000 and ₹7,000. It has a communication range of about 300 metres. Keeping spectrum cost-free is intended to reduce compliance burden on manufacturers.
10. De-dollarisation refers to:
A. Complete rejection of the US dollar
B. Replacement of dollar with gold standard
C. Reduction in reliance on the US dollar
D. Creation of a global digital currency
Answer: C
Explanation:
De-dollarisation involves reducing dependence on the US dollar in trade, reserves, and investments. It has been triggered by sanctions, trade wars, and geopolitical use of the dollar. Gold has emerged as a neutral alternative reserve asset.
11. According to IMF data, the dollar’s share in global reserves in 2024 stood at:
A. 71%
B. 65%
C. 60%
D. 58.5%
Answer: D
Explanation:
IMF data shows that the dollar’s share in global reserves fell to 58.5% in 2024, its lowest level in 30 years. This decline reflects growing diversification by central banks. However, the dollar still dominates global forex turnover.
12. India’s gold reserves as a share of total reserves increased from 12% to:
A. 14%
B. 15%
C. 16%
D. 17%
Answer: D
Explanation:
India’s gold share in forex reserves rose from 12% to 17% within one year. Nearly one-third of forex reserve growth in 2025 came from gold value appreciation. This reflects India’s cautious diversification strategy.
13. Hypersonic missiles are defined as those travelling at speeds above:
A. Mach 3
B. Mach 4
C. Mach 5
D. Mach 7
Answer: C
Explanation:
Hypersonic missiles travel at speeds exceeding Mach 5. Such speeds, combined with manoeuvrability and low-altitude flight, make them extremely difficult to detect or intercept. They represent a major leap in modern warfare.
14. The DRDO’s Long Range Anti-Ship Hypersonic Missile (LR-AShM) has a current range of about:
A. 800 km
B. 1,000 km
C. 1,500 km
D. 3,500 km
Answer: C
Explanation:
The LR-AShM can strike targets up to 1,500 km, with extended versions under development. It can cover this distance in roughly 15 minutes. This significantly reduces adversary reaction time in maritime warfare.
15. Rare-earth elements are called “rare” mainly because:
A. They are scarce in Earth’s crust
B. They are radioactive
C. They are difficult to separate
D. They exist only in China
Answer: C
Explanation:
Rare-earth elements are not actually scarce but are difficult to extract and separate. They occur in mixed forms and have similar chemical properties. The complexity of processing, not availability, makes them strategically important.
16. China dominates rare-earth supply chains primarily due to:
A. Largest mineral reserves
B. Advanced refining infrastructure
C. Cheap labour availability
D. Exclusive patents
Answer: B
Explanation:
China’s dominance stems from its strong processing and refining infrastructure rather than just mineral reserves. Past low environmental compliance costs allowed it to scale rapidly. This gives China strategic leverage over global supply chains.
17. The SAARG Committee has been constituted by:
A. RBI
B. SEBI
C. Ministry of Finance
D. PFRDA
Answer: D
Explanation:
The Strategic Asset Allocation and Risk Governance (SAARG) Committee was set up by the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA). Its objective is to modernise the investment framework of the National Pension System.
18. One of the key mandates of the SAARG Committee is to explore:
A. Cryptocurrency investments
B. ESG integration in NPS
C. Sovereign wealth fund creation
D. Pension privatisation
Answer: B
Explanation:
The Committee will explore integrating ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) factors into NPS investments. This aligns India’s pension system with global best practices. It reflects the growing importance of sustainable finance.
19. Chatergala Pass is located in which Himalayan range?
A. Pir Panjal
B. Zanskar
C. Chamba–Doda
D. Karakoram
Answer: C
Explanation:
Chatergala Pass lies in the Chamba–Doda ranges of the Greater Himalayas. It connects Bani in Kathua district with Bhaderwah in Doda district. The pass holds strategic and logistical importance in Jammu & Kashmir.
20. The motto of the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) is:
A. Satyameva Jayate
B. Sarvatra Vijay
C. Shramena Sarvam Sadhyam
D. Vayam Rakshamah
Answer: C
Explanation:
The BRO’s motto, Shramena Sarvam Sadhyam, means “Everything is achievable through hard work.” It reflects the organisation’s role in building strategic infrastructure under extreme terrain and weather conditions. BRO plays a key role in defence preparedness and disaster response.
