CA-18/12/2025

 
Why in news?
India and Oman are advancing their strategic partnership through a landmark Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) signed on December 17, 2025, alongside robust defense and trade cooperation. Bilateral trade reached $10.61 billion in FY 2024-25, up 18.63%, with India gaining tariff-free access to 98% of Oman's products.​
 
Recent Trade Milestone

• The CEPA reduces tariffs on goods, liberalizes services, and boosts investments, targeting over $3 billion in Indian exports like textiles, chemicals, and autos.
• Negotiations accelerated in 2025, building on prior rounds and amending the Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement.
• This positions Oman as India's 28th largest trading partner and India as Oman's key non-oil import source.

Defense Cooperation

• Oman was the first Gulf nation to formalize defense ties with India, including joint military exercises since 2006 and a key defense agreement.
• The Indian Navy enjoys berthing rights at Omani ports, supporting anti-piracy operations in the Gulf of Aden, while the Air Force conducts biannual exercises with Oman's Royal Air Force.​

Economic Relations

• Bilateral trade reached about $9.9 billion in 2021-22, with India exporting textiles, machinery, rice, and spices, and importing urea, LNG, and petrochemicals from Oman.
• Negotiations for a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) concluded recently, aiming to boost exports like agriculture and textiles by eliminating duties on $3 billion worth of Indian goods.
• The Indo-Oman Joint Commission Meeting reviews cooperation in energy, infrastructure, and investment.​

Strategic Importance

• Oman plays a vital role in India's West Asia policy, energy security, and forums like GCC, Arab League, and IORA, with over 700,000 Indian expatriates strengthening people-to-people links.

 
 
   
Why in news?
The Chenab Bridge (likely intended as "Chinab bridge") marked a key logistics milestone on December 16, 2025, when a military special train successfully transported Indian Army tanks, artillery guns, and dozers from Jammu to Anantnag in the Kashmir Valley for the first time. This event validated the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL), enhancing rapid deployment along northern borders facing Pakistan and China.​
 
About Bridge
The Chenab Rail Bridge, the world's highest railway arch at 359 meters above the riverbed, spans 1,315 meters and was inaugurated by PM Modi on June 6, 2025.
Part of the ₹43,780 crore USBRL project with 36 tunnels and 943 bridges, it ensures all-weather connectivity previously hampered by road blockages from snow and landslides.​
 
Strategic Logistics Impact

• This rail movement replaces vulnerable road convoys, boosting Army operational readiness in Ladakh and Kargil sectors while enabling faster security personnel and material transport.
• The dual-use train also carried Kashmiri apples on return, supporting local farmers' livelihoods.
• Designed for 120-year life, earthquake resistance up to magnitude 8, and 100 km/h speeds, it strengthens national security and economic integration.​

 

   
About
Marital rape in India is not yet criminalized, with the law still containing an exception for husbands under Section 375 of the Indian Penal Code, now Section 63 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023. However, recent judicial challenges, legislative proposals, and public debates are pushing toward reform.
 
Current Legal Position

• Section 375 IPC (Indian Penal Code) defines rape but includes an exception: sexual intercourse by a man with his own wife, provided she is not under 18 years of age, is not considered rape.
• This means marital rape is legally exempted, despite being recognized as a violation of bodily autonomy in most democracies.

Key Judicial Developments

• Delhi High Court (2022): Delivered a split verdict on petitions challenging the marital rape exception. Justice Shakdher held that the exception is unconstitutional, while Justice Hari Shankar upheld it, citing family sanctity and legislative intent.
• Supreme Court (2025, Hrishikesh Sahoo v. State of Karnataka): Currently examining whether the marital rape exception violates fundamental rights such as equality, dignity, and bodily autonomy under Articles 14, 19, and 21.
• Supreme Court’s stance: The matter is pending, but Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud and other judges have acknowledged the constitutional tension between protecting women’s rights and respecting legislative boundaries.

Legislative Efforts

• Private Member’s Bill (2025): Congress MP Shashi Tharoor introduced a bill to criminalize marital rape by amending the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), India’s new criminal code. He emphasized moving from “No means no” to “Only yes means yes”, aligning with global standards.
• Colonial Legacy: The exception is rooted in colonial-era laws that treated wives as property, a relic increasingly criticized as incompatible with modern constitutional values.

Comparative Context

• Global Benchmark: Over 100 countries, including the UK, US, and Nepal, criminalize marital rape. India remains one of the few democracies retaining this exception.
• International Pressure: UN bodies and human rights organizations have repeatedly urged India to reform its laws to protect women’s rights.

Arguments in Debate

• For Criminalization:
  • Upholds women’s constitutional rights to equality and dignity.
  • Recognizes consent as central to marriage.
  • Aligns India with international human rights standards.
• Against Criminalization (often cited by opponents):
  • Fear of misuse of law and false cases.
  • Concerns about destabilizing family structures.
  • Belief that existing domestic violence laws are sufficient.

Emerging Trends

• Judicial activism and legislative proposals are converging toward reform.
• The Supreme Court’s pending decision could be historic, potentially striking down the exception.
• Growing civil society advocacy and political voices are keeping the issue alive in public discourse.

No final Supreme Court judgment has struck down the exception for adult wives as of December 2025; petitions are listed but unheard. Recent efforts include a private member's bill by MP Shashi Tharoor to amend BNS Section 63, highlighting ongoing debate. Marital rape may attract civil remedies under the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005, but not rape charges.​
 
 
   
Why in news?
India's debt-to-GDP ratio has declined from over 60% post-COVID to around 57.1% in 2023-24 and an estimated 56.1% for 2025-26, with Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman prioritizing further reduction starting FY 2026-27. This focus aims to ensure fiscal discipline under the FRBM framework and support long-term growth toward Viksit Bharat by 2047.​
 
About Debt-to-GDP ratio

• The debt-to-GDP ratio measures a country's total government debt relative to its gross domestic product (GDP), expressed as a percentage.
• It indicates the economy's capacity to manage and repay debt using annual output.
• A lower ratio suggests stronger fiscal health, while a higher one signals potential repayment risks.​

When a Low or Moderate Ratio is Good

• Fiscal Stability: Ratios below ~60% are often seen as sustainable benchmarks (e.g., EU Maastricht criteria).
• Investor Confidence: Lower debt means governments can borrow at cheaper interest rates.
• Policy Flexibility: Governments have room to increase spending during crises without alarming markets.
• Growth Support: If debt is used for infrastructure, education, or innovation, even moderate levels can boost long-term GDP.

When a High Ratio Becomes Bad

• Debt Servicing Burden: High ratios mean more tax revenue goes to interest payments instead of development.
• Crowding Out: Excessive borrowing can reduce private investment.
• Risk of Default: If debt grows faster than GDP, repayment becomes unsustainable.
• Investor Fear: Rising ratios can trigger capital flight or higher borrowing costs.
• Intergenerational Burden: Future taxpayers may face higher taxes or reduced services.

Context Matters

• Advanced Economies: Countries like Japan sustain debt ratios above 200% because of strong domestic savings and investor trust.
• Developing Economies: Ratios above 60–70% often trigger concern, as external lenders demand higher interest rates.
• India’s Case: India’s debt-to-GDP ratio crossed 60% during Covid but is now being reduced, with a target of ~56% by FY26. Lowering it is seen as crucial for fiscal consolidation and long-term resilience.

 
 
   
Why in news?
Ekam AI and SAMBHAV represent key indigenous defense technologies showcased by the Indian Army during Vijay Diwas celebrations in December 2025. These systems advance India's self-reliance in defense innovation, aligning with Aatmanirbhar Bharat goals.​
 
About Ekam AI

• Ekam AI is a fully indigenous, secure artificial intelligence platform tailored for sensitive operational environments.
• It supports information analysis, document management, and decision-making without relying on foreign software or external clouds, ensuring data sovereignty.
• Personnel across levels can access AI tools without specialized expertise, enhancing operational efficiency in classified settings.​

SAMBHAV Details

• SAMBHAV is a portable satellite-based communication system providing mobile connectivity in remote or disaster-hit areas.
• It enables rapid deployment to improve command, control, and coordination for soldiers and civilians alike.
• This innovation strengthens national communication infrastructure beyond military use.​

Strategic Significance
Both technologies underscore India's push for technological autonomy in defense, reducing foreign dependencies while boosting capabilities in AI and satellite comms.
 
 
   
Why in news?
Channa bhoi is a newly discovered species of snakehead fish from Meghalaya. Scientists identified it in a mountain stream near Iewmawlong village in Ri-Bhoi district.​
 
Discovery Details

• Researchers described Channa bhoi in late 2025, naming it after the indigenous Bhoi community of the Khasi tribe in the region.
• The species belongs to the diverse "Gachua group" of snakehead fishes prevalent in the Eastern Himalayas, raising India's recorded Channa species to 26.​

Key Characteristics

• It features a bluish-grey body with minute black spots forming 8-9 horizontal rows of broken lines along the sides, plus distinctive wavy banding on grayish-yellow pectoral fins.
• Genetic analysis shows it as a sister species to Channa bipuli, with 3.3–20.4% divergence in the cox1 gene.

 
 
   
Why in news?
Recent highlights shows that over 35.96 crore Pashu Aadhaar IDs issued to animals and 9.5 crore livestock owners registered, with 4 lakh field workers using the system.​
 
About National Digital Livestock Mission (NDLM)
The National Digital Livestock Mission (NDLM) is a farmer-centric digital initiative by India's Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (DAHD) and the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB), built on the Information Network for Animal Productivity and Health (INAPH) platform.​
 
Core Vision

• NDLM aims to create a technology-enabled ecosystem for better farmer incomes through seamless access to services, markets, and government schemes like Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).
• It leverages unique animal identification tags—already covering over 286 million bovines and expanding to 50 crore major livestock—to enable traceability, breeding, and trade.​

Key Objectives

• Establish robust systems for breed improvement, disease surveillance, vaccination monitoring, and zoonotic disease control via AI/ML analytics.​
• Connect farmers with private markets, R&D, and state programs for nutrition, product traceability, and real-time alerts.​
• Promote automation in reporting (e.g., scanning tags, vaccines) and data privacy standards.​

Progress and Impact

• As of October 2025, over 9.4 crore livestock owners and 34.5 crore animals are registered on the Bharat Pashudhan platform, advancing digitization for sustainable livestock management.
• The mission aligns national and state programs, fostering a connected market and informed resource allocation.​

 
   
Why in news?
DHRUV64 is India's first homegrown 1.0 GHz, 64-bit dual-core microprocessor, developed by the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC) under the Microprocessor Development Programme (MDP).​
 
Key Features

• DHRUV64 uses open-source RISC-V architecture, fabricated on a 28nm node, with superscalar execution, out-of-order processing, and built-in communication functions for enhanced efficiency and multitasking.
• It supports seamless integration with external hardware, making it ideal for 5G infrastructure, automotive systems, consumer electronics, industrial automation, and IoT applications.​

Strategic Importance

• Launched under the Digital India RISC-V (DIR-V) Programme by MeitY, DHRUV64 advances Aatmanirbhar Bharat by reducing reliance on imported chips, as India consumes about 20% of global microprocessors.
• It enables startups, academia, and industry to prototype indigenous systems cost-effectively, accelerating development of follow-on processors like Dhanush and Dhanush+.​

Development Context

• As the third DIR-V chip after THEJAS32 and THEJAS64, DHRUV64 leverages royalty-free RISC-V to foster innovation without licensing costs, strengthening India's semiconductor ecosystem and talent base.​

 
   
Why in news?
In December 2025, the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA) hosted a programme at Delhi's Red Fort during UNESCO's 20th Session on Intangible Cultural Heritage. 
 
Origins and Authorship

• Natyashastra is an ancient Sanskrit treatise attributed to sage Bharata Muni, serving as the foundational text for Indian classical performing arts, including drama, dance, music, and theater.
• Composed between 200 BCE and 200 CE, the Natyashastra emerges as the "fifth Veda," blending elements from the four Vedas: speech from Rigveda, music from Samaveda, acting from Yajurveda, and emotions from Atharvaveda.

Core Concepts

• Central to Natyashastra is the rasa theory, where eight primary rasas—such as love (srngara), mirth (hasya), and anger (roudra)—evoke transcendent emotional experiences in audiences via abhinaya (expression through body, speech, mind, and costume).
• Bhava (emotions) divides into sthayi (dominant), vyabhichari (transitory, 33 types), and sattvika (involuntary), supported by vibhava (causes) and anubhava (effects).
• Natya imitates life's joys and sorrows across gods, humans, and demons, aiming for spiritual reflection over mere entertainment.​

Influence on Arts

• This encyclopedic work systematizes music (gana), dance (nrtya), and drama, influencing traditions like Bharatanatyam and Kathakali, with rules for playhouses, regional styles (four types), and instruments.
• Its aesthetics shaped later scholars like Abhinavagupta and remain vital in Indian cultural policy and education.​

UNESCO Recognition

• The Natyashastra manuscripts, preserved by the Bhandarkar Oriental Research Institute in Pune, joined 74 new entries for their enduring philosophical and artistic impact.
• UNESCO added manuscripts of the Natyashastra, alongside the Bhagavad Gita, to its Memory of the World Register in 2025, celebrating India's ancient heritage.​

 
 
   
Why in news?
FSSAI has ordered nationwide testing of eggs for nitrofurans residues following public concerns over traces in popular brands like Eggoz.​
 
About Nitrofurans

• Nitrofurans are a class of synthetic antibacterial agents characterized by a nitrofuran ring structure, primarily used to treat bacterial and protozoal infections.
• They function as prodrugs activated by bacterial nitroreductases, generating reactive intermediates that damage DNA, inhibit protein synthesis, and disrupt cellular processes in pathogens.
• Common examples include nitrofurantoin, nitrofurazone, furazolidone, and furaltadone.​

Veterinary and Human Uses

• Nitrofurantoin treats urinary tract infections in humans and animals via oral or parenteral routes, concentrating in urine due to rapid renal excretion.
• Nitrofurazone serves as a topical agent for wounds in horses and dogs, though its oral use in livestock has been discontinued.
• Furazolidone has antiprotozoal applications but is limited by poor systemic absorption.​

Health Risks

• Nitrofurans are banned synthetic antibiotics due to residues persisting in food like eggs, even after cooking, with links to cancer, genetic damage, liver, and kidney harm in studies.
• They target gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria but pose toxicity concerns for humans. The EU enforces a zero-tolerance policy on these in food-producing animals.​

Regulatory Actions

• FSSAI is expanding checks amid dairy adulteration drives, sensitizing eateries on paneer and khoya while tracking compliance via FoSCoS.
• Testing focuses on metabolites like AOZ from illegal use. This aligns with global bans to protect public health.​

 
 
   
About Arun-3 Hydropower Project
The Arun-3 Hydropower Project is a 900 MW run-of-the-river hydroelectric facility being built on the Arun River in Nepal’s Sankhuwasabha district, developed by India’s SJVN Ltd. It is one of South Asia’s largest hydropower projects, expected to be operational by 2024–2025.
 
Key Facts

• Location: Arun River, Sankhuwasabha District, Koshi Province, Nepal
• Capacity: 900 MW (largest hydropower project in Nepal)
• Developer: SJVN Arun-III Power Development Company (SAPDC), a wholly owned subsidiary of India’s Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam (SJVN)
• Investment: Approx. US$1.6 billion, including $156 million for transmission lines
• Annual Generation: ~4,018.87 million units of electricity
• Construction Start: 2018
• Expected Commissioning: 2024–2025
• Ownership Model: Build-Own-Operate-Transfer (BOOT). SAPDC will operate for 25 years (excluding 5 years of construction) before transferring ownership to Nepal

Strategic Importance

• For Nepal:
  • Boosts domestic electricity supply and reduces reliance on imports.
  • Enhances infrastructure and employment opportunities in remote regions.
  • Nepal will receive 21.9% of the electricity free of cost as part of the agreement.
• For India:
  • Strengthens cross-border energy cooperation with Nepal.
  • Secures clean energy imports to meet growing demand.
  • Reinforces India’s role in regional hydropower development.

Broader Context

• Arun-3 is part of Nepal’s push to harness its vast hydropower potential (estimated at 83,000 MW).
• It symbolizes India-Nepal energy diplomacy, with financial closure achieved jointly by both governments in 2020.
• The project is expected to transform Nepal into an energy exporter, especially to India, once operational.

 
 
   
Why in news?
The second Parliamentary Consultative Committee meeting of the Ministry of AYUSH occurred on December 15, 2025, in New Delhi. Discussions focused on strengthening AYUSH via farmer training, with ₹1161.96 lakh approved for 139 projects from 2020-21 to 2024-25, supported by seven regional centers and the e-Charak platform.​
 
About AYUSH systems

• India's AYUSH systems encompass traditional medicine practices including Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, Sowa-Rigpa, and Homeopathy, promoted by the Ministry of AYUSH.
• These systems form a key part of India's healthcare pluralism, emphasizing holistic wellness, preventive care, and natural remedies rooted in ancient texts and philosophies.​

Core Systems
AYUSH integrates six primary traditions, each with distinct origins and principles.

System	Origins and Key Principles	Common Treatments
Ayurveda	Ancient India (Vedas, ~5000 years); balances doshas (Vata, Pitta, Kapha) â€‹	Herbal remedies, Panchakarma detoxification, diet, yoga â€‹
Yoga & Naturopathy	Vedic practices; drugless healing via lifestyle and nature â€‹	Asanas, pranayama, hydrotherapy, fasting â€‹
Unani	Greco-Arabic (Hippocrates era); humor balance (blood, phlegm, yellow/red bile) â€‹	Herbal drugs, cupping (Hijama), regimental therapy â€‹
Siddha	Tamil Nadu; five elements and three doshas â€‹	Minerals, herbs, yoga, varmam therapy â€‹
Sowa-Rigpa	Tibetan-Buddhist; recently included â€‹	Precious pills, herbal compounds
Homeopathy	German (18th century); "like cures like" principle â€‹	Diluted remedies, holistic assessment â€‹

 
Global Engagements

• India showcased leadership at the 16th WHO-IRCH meeting in Jakarta (October 14-16, 2025), highlighting regulatory frameworks for herbal medicines.
• Earlier, at the 78th World Health Assembly in May 2025, India signed a WHO agreement for a Traditional Medicine module in the International Classification of Health Interventions.​

 

   
Why in news?
Indian ports are going green, adding renewable capacity, LNG bunkering, green cover expansion to reduce emissions and improve environmental performance. New Mangalore Port has achieved 100% solar power integration, serving as a benchmark for renewable adoption
 
About
India’s “green maritime odyssey” is a sweeping transformation of its ports, shipping, and ocean economy, driven by clean fuels, renewable energy, and sustainable practices under the Maritime India Vision 2030 and Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047.
 
Key Pillars of India’s Green Maritime Transition

• Clean Fuels Adoption: India is pushing for green hydrogen, biofuels, LNG, and ammonia as alternatives to fossil fuels. The National Green Hydrogen Mission targets 5 million tonnes annually by 2030, with investments of ₹8 lakh crore and 6 lakh new jobs.
• Green Ports: Major ports like New Mangalore have achieved 100% solar integration, setting benchmarks for renewable adoption. Ports are adding LNG bunkering, green cover expansion, and renewable capacity.
• Green Tug Transition Programme (GTTP): India has begun constructing its first all-electric green tug at Kandla Port, symbolizing a shift to low-emission port operations.
• Cargo Growth with Sustainability: India’s major ports handled 855 million tonnes of cargo in FY 2024–25, up 47% from a decade earlier, while simultaneously embedding sustainability measures.

Strategic Visions

• Maritime India Vision 2030: Blueprint for greener, cleaner, and more efficient maritime operations, integrating renewable energy, digitalization, and stricter environmental rules.
• Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047: Long-term plan aligning India’s maritime growth with climate commitments and global standards, ensuring resilience and sustainability.

Global & National Impact

• Economic Gains: Reduced fossil fuel imports worth ₹1 lakh crore annually by 2030.
• Environmental Benefits: Lower emissions, cleaner coastlines, and improved ocean health.
• Geopolitical Positioning: India’s 7,500 km coastline and strategic location make it a hub for sustainable trade routes, enhancing its role in global maritime governance.

 
 
 
 
QUESTION & ANSWER 
 
Question 1. India's 'green maritime odyssey' aims at sustainable transformation of ports. Which of the following initiatives directly supports the transition towards low-emission port operations and bunkering?
 
Select your answer:
A) Mandatory deployment of the Green Tug Transition Programme (GTTP) and expansion of LNG bunkering facilities.
B) Doubling the capacity of coastal container terminals to handle 100% fossil fuel-based cargo by 2030.
C) Restricting port access only to vessels powered by green hydrogen by 2027.
D) Prioritizing the development of nuclear-powered harbor facilities under the Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047.
 
Explanation: (A)
The green maritime transition focuses on clean fuels. The GTTP (involving building electric tugs) and the addition of LNG bunkering infrastructure are specific measures taken by Indian ports to reduce emissions and move away from traditional fossil fuels.
 
 
Question 2. With reference to the recently signed Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between India and Oman, which of the following statements is correct?
 
Select your answer:
A) The CEPA primarily focuses on Indian investment in Omani oil and gas exploration sectors.
B) It grants India tariff-free access to approximately 98% of products originating from Oman.
C) The agreement mandates joint naval anti-piracy operations specifically in the Strait of Hormuz, not the Gulf of Aden.
D) Oman has replaced the UAE as India's largest trading partner in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) following the CEPA.
 
Explanation: (B)
The CEPA aims to boost trade, and the provided context states that India gained tariff-free access to 98% of Oman's products. Options A and C are factually incorrect regarding the primary focus or location of specified joint operations. Option D is incorrect as Oman is positioned as India's 28th largest trading partner, not the largest in the GCC.
 
 
Question 3. The recent discovery of Channa bhoi adds to the known species diversity in the Eastern Himalayas. This species belongs to which group of aquatic organisms?
 
Select your answer:
A) Ray-finned fishes characterized by venomous spines.
B) Snakehead fishes known for their labyrinth organ adaptation.
C) Amphibians belonging to the Cecilian order.
D) River dolphins endemic to the Brahmaputra-Meghna system.
 
Explanation: (B)
Channa bhoi is a newly discovered species of snakehead fish. Snakehead fish belong to the genus Channa and are known for having a labyrinth organ that allows them to breathe atmospheric air, which is a characteristic often associated with this group.
 
 
Question 4. Regarding the legal position on marital rape in India, which statement accurately reflects the current constitutional and legislative status as per recent developments?
 
Select your answer:
A) The Supreme Court has conclusively upheld the marital rape exception under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
B) Marital rape is explicitly criminalized in BNS Section 63, removing the former IPC exception.
C) The matter is currently pending before the Supreme Court, examining the exception's compatibility with Articles 14, 19, and 21.
D) The Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005, explicitly treats marital rape as a criminal offense equivalent to rape.
 
Explanation: (C)
As of late 2025, the Supreme Court is currently examining the constitutionality of the marital rape exception (retained in BNS Section 63), balancing it against fundamental rights like equality and dignity (Articles 14, 19, 21). Options A and B are contrary to the pending status, and Option D is incorrect as PWDVA provides civil remedies, not criminal rape charges for this act.
 
 
Question 5. The National Digital Livestock Mission (NDLM) utilizes the INAPH platform for creating digital identities for animals. What is the primary governance outcome achieved through the issuance of Pashu Aadhaar IDs?
 
Select your answer:
A) It automatically links livestock insurance claims directly to farmer bank accounts via Aadhaar seeding, bypassing intermediaries.
B) It facilitates robust systems for traceability, improved breeding management, and targeted surveillance of zoonotic diseases.
C) It exclusively mandates the use of genetically superior imported semen for artificial insemination across the country.
D) It centralizes the management of all fodder procurement under the Ministry of Agriculture, removing state-level autonomy.
 
Explanation: (B)
The NDLM aims to create a technology-enabled ecosystem for livestock. The unique digital IDs (Pashu Aadhaar) are crucial for traceability (for trade/markets), monitoring breeding records, and enhancing disease surveillance and vaccination compliance.
 
 
Question 6. The recent successful transport of military equipment via a special train on the Chenab Rail Bridge highlights its strategic importance primarily for which of the following reasons?
 
Select your answer:
A) It validates the completion of the dedicated freight corridor (DFC) connecting Northern India to the western ports.
B) It enhances rapid, all-weather operational readiness and deployment along the northern borders by replacing vulnerable road convoys.
C) The bridge establishes the world's first railway link capable of sustained speeds exceeding 150 km/h in high-altitude regions.
D) It significantly reduces the travel time between the Indian mainland and the island territories of Lakshadweep.
 
Explanation: (B)
The strategic impact of the Chenab Rail Bridge, part of the USBRL project, is primarily noted for enabling rapid deployment of military assets like tanks and artillery, ensuring all-weather connectivity, and enhancing operational readiness on the northern borders.
 
 
Question 7. The ancient Sanskrit treatise Natyashastra is often described as the 'fifth Veda'. Which concept forms the aesthetic cornerstone of this text regarding audience experience?
 
Select your answer:
A) The theory of Pratibha, emphasizing immediate creative genius.
B) The doctrine of Alankara, focusing solely on poetic embellishments.
C) The Rasa theory, seeking to evoke transcendent emotional experiences via Abhinaya.
D) The principle of Dhvani, where the suggested meaning overrides the explicit statement.
 
Explanation: (C)
The central aesthetic concept in the Natyashastra is the Rasa theory, which aims to evoke specific emotional experiences (Rasas) in the audience through precise expression techniques known as Abhinaya.
 
 
Question 8. Recent regulatory action by FSSAI concerning food safety relates to the testing of eggs for residues of Nitrofurans. Why are these substances a major concern?
 
Select your answer:
A) They are persistent organic pollutants (POPs) that bioaccumulate in human adipose tissue and cause immediate neurological damage.
B) They are synthetic antibacterial agents whose residues, such as AOZ, are linked to potential carcinogenicity and organ toxicity in humans.
C) They are naturally occurring toxins requiring specific processing (like deep freezing) to be rendered harmless before consumption.
D) They are growth promoters whose presence indicates the use of genetically modified feedstocks in poultry farming.
 
Explanation: (B)
Nitrofurans are banned synthetic antibiotics; their residues (like AOZ) persist even after cooking and are concerning due to potential long-term health effects, including cancer, liver, and kidney harm, leading to zero-tolerance policies globally.
 
 
Question 9. The development of the Arun-3 Hydropower Project in Nepal, constructed by an Indian PSU under a BOOT model, is significant for India because it primarily:
 
Select your answer:
A) Secures India's access to Himalayan river water resources under a revised Indus Waters Treaty framework.
B) Strengthens cross-border energy security cooperation and imports clean energy to meet domestic demand.
C) Establishes India's sole control over the transmission grid of Nepal in exchange for project financing.
D) Facilitates the export of Indian coal-based power generation capacity to South Asian markets.
 
Explanation: (B)
The Arun-3 project is a key element of India-Nepal energy diplomacy, allowing India to invest in and secure clean hydropower imports, thereby diversifying and strengthening its energy portfolio.
 
 
Question 10. The Indian Army recently showcased SAMBHAV. This technology is strategically important as it provides:
 
Select your answer:
A) A fully AI-driven analytical engine for real-time satellite imagery processing.
B) Portable, satellite-based mobile connectivity, crucial for deployment in remote or disaster-affected zones.
C) A high-speed quantum-encrypted link for command and control between operational headquarters.
D) An integrated unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) network for border surveillance operations.
 
Explanation: (B)
SAMBHAV is described as a portable satellite-based communication system designed to provide rapid mobile connectivity in remote or disaster-hit areas, supporting command and control for both military and civilian needs.
 
 
Question 11. India is actively promoting its AYUSH systems globally. Which major international health body recently agreed with India to include a Traditional Medicine module in its standard classification system?
 
Select your answer:
A) The World Trade Organization (WTO)
B) The World Health Organization (WHO)
C) The International Monetary Fund (IMF)
D) The South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC)
 
Explanation: (B)
India signed an agreement with the WHO (World Health Organization) in May 2025 to incorporate a Traditional Medicine module into the International Classification of Health Interventions (ICHI).
 
 
Question 12. Both DHRUV64 microprocessor and Ekam AI platform are significant milestones in India's drive towards technological self-reliance. What fundamental technology underpins the development of DHRUV64?
 
Select your answer:
A) The proprietary ARM architecture adapted for high-performance computing.
B) The fabrication process utilizing Gallium Nitride (GaN) on 14nm nodes.
C) The open-source RISC-V instruction set architecture fabricated on a 28nm node.
D) The development of a novel quantum computing interface for data sovereignty.
 
Explanation: (C)
DHRUV64 is specifically highlighted as India's first 64-bit microprocessor developed using the open-source RISC-V architecture and fabricated on a 28nm node, aligning with the DIR-V Programme.
 
 
Question 13. In the context of India's recent fiscal consolidation efforts, what is the significance of maintaining the Debt-to-GDP ratio below the threshold often cited for developed economies?
 
Select your answer:
A) It primarily signals the success of the FRBM Act mandate for the Finance Ministry to increase indirect taxation substantially.
B) A lower ratio ensures that India can sustain Debt-to-GDP ratios exceeding 150%, similar to Japan, without external market concerns.
C) It indicates stronger fiscal health, potentially leading to cheaper borrowing costs and greater policy flexibility during economic downturns.
D) It restricts the government's ability to fund infrastructure projects using external commercial borrowings (ECBs).
 
 
Explanation: (C)
A lower Debt-to-GDP ratio (projected around 56.1% for India by FY 26) signals stronger fiscal health, which typically translates to lower investor perceived risk, cheaper interest rates for government borrowing, and retained policy flexibility for crisis management.
 
 

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