9 July 2026

Quiz — 9 July 2026

Every prelims question from this edition. Tap an option to check it; what you answer is remembered on this device.

Questions

1. Which of the following best describes the 'right to be forgotten' as interpreted by the Delhi High Court?

   1. A A statutory right granted exclusively under the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023.
   2. B The right to have information erased or de-indexed when its continued accessibility is harmful and serves no public interest.
   3. C The right to remove all references to criminal proceedings from government databases regardless of public interest.
   4. D The absolute right to delete all judicial records from public archives.

2. In the context of the 'right to be forgotten', what is the significance of the K.S. Puttaswamy v. Union of India (2017) judgment?

   1. A It held that privacy is a fundamental right under Article 21, including informational privacy.
   2. B It declared that search engines are not liable for the content they index.
   3. C It established that judicial records are exempt from the right to privacy.
   4. D It mandated the creation of a Data Protection Board.

3. Which of the following best describes the current trend in welfare expenditure in India as per recent budgetary analysis?

   1. A The Union government accounts for the majority of the increase in social sector spending.
   2. B India's social security spending as a percentage of GDP is significantly higher than that of other middle-income countries.
   3. C State governments contribute a disproportionately higher share of welfare expenditure compared to the Union government.
   4. D The rights-based welfare regime has been completely replaced by unconditional cash transfers.

4. Which of the following was the last Census in India to officially tabulate caste data?

   1. A 1991 Census
   2. B 1931 Census
   3. C 2011 Census
   4. D 1951 Census

5. According to the AISHE 2023-24 report, what is the current Gender Parity Index (GPI) in higher education?

   1. A 1.00
   2. B 0.95
   3. C 1.08
   4. D 1.15

6. What is the primary methodology used for data collection in the All India Survey on Higher Education (AISHE)?

   1. A Direct data extraction from university examination boards
   2. B Voluntary self-reporting by institutions via a web-based portal
   3. C Random sampling of students across universities
   4. D Mandatory census-based door-to-door survey

7. Which of the following properties allows a qubit to exist in multiple states simultaneously, significantly increasing computational capacity?

   1. A Decoherence
   2. B Entanglement
   3. C Classical bit-flipping
   4. D Superposition

8. What is the primary objective of using 'logical qubits' in quantum computing?

   1. A To replace the need for cooling systems
   2. B To convert quantum data into classical binary bits
   3. C To perform error correction and suppress noise
   4. D To increase the physical size of the processor

9. What is the primary objective of the Pathogen Access and Benefit-Sharing (PABS) system currently being negotiated under the WHO pandemic treaty?

   1. A To establish a global fund for financing national healthcare infrastructure
   2. B To provide legal immunity to pharmaceutical companies during vaccine development
   3. C To mandate the closure of international borders during health emergencies
   4. D To facilitate rapid sharing of pathogens and equitable distribution of medical benefits

10. Which of the following statements regarding India's LNG regasification capacity in 2025 is correct?

    1. A The Dahej LNG terminal is the only ultra-large facility in India.
    2. B India is currently the world's largest market for LNG regasification capacity.
    3. C Regasification utilisation rates increased in 2025 compared to 2024.
    4. D All new global LNG regasification capacity in 2025 came from India.

11. According to the Global Status Report on Cancer, 2026, what is the projected number of annual cancer cases by 2050?

    1. A 50 million
    2. B 25 million
    3. C 20.6 million
    4. D 35 million

12. Which region accounts for the largest share of global cancer cases and deaths as per the recent WHO report?

    1. A Africa
    2. B Europe
    3. C North America
    4. D Asia

13. With reference to the kharif sowing season in India, consider the following statements: 1. The monsoon rainfall deficit in June was recorded at 33%. 2. Kharif sowing is currently higher than the corresponding period of the previous year. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    1. A Both 1 and 2
    2. B Neither 1 nor 2
    3. C 1 only
    4. D 2 only

14. Which of the following best describes the Madras High Court's stance on the 2024 Tamil Nadu government order regarding reservation for converts to Islam?

    1. A It mandated that all converts to Islam must be automatically classified as Scheduled Castes.
    2. B It declared the order unconstitutional, stating that caste status does not carry over upon conversion to Islam.
    3. C It referred the matter to the National Commission for Backward Classes for further deliberation.
    4. D It upheld the order as a valid exercise of state power to ensure social justice.

15. Which of the following best describes the funding pattern of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGS)?

    1. A Fully funded by the Central government
    2. B 90% Central and 10% State
    3. C Fully funded by the State government
    4. D 60% Central and 40% State

16. What is the standard width of the 'no-man's land' strip typically found on either side of the international border mentioned in the context of India's border management?

    1. A 100 metres
    2. B 50 metres
    3. C 137 metres
    4. D 200 metres

17. Which Article of the Indian Constitution directs the State to endeavor to secure a Uniform Civil Code for the citizens throughout the territory of India?

    1. A Article 44
    2. B Article 45
    3. C Article 40
    4. D Article 51A

18. Which of the following processes is primarily being used by the Municipal Corporation of Delhi for the remediation of legacy waste at its landfill sites?

    1. A Incineration
    2. B Composting
    3. C Sanitary Landfilling
    4. D Biomining

19. What was the approximate share of Russian oil in India's total oil imports by volume in May 2026?

    1. A 40.5%
    2. B 35.0%
    3. C 25.5%
    4. D 50.2%

20. Which of the following factors was identified as a key pillar of India's energy resilience during the recent West Asia crisis?

    1. A Whole-of-government coordination and strategic partnerships
    2. B Exclusively importing oil from a single strategic partner
    3. C Complete reliance on domestic oil production
    4. D Total deregulation of fuel prices to market rates

21. Following the recent SEBI amendment, what is the new registration fee for Category-I Foreign Portfolio Investors (FPIs)?

    1. A ₹2.0 lakh
    2. B ₹2.3 lakh
    3. C ₹2.5 lakh
    4. D ₹2.35 lakh

22. Which of the following bodies is primarily responsible for the regulation of telecom operators and the implementation of commercial communication preferences in India?

    1. A Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY)
    2. B Department of Telecommunications (DoT)
    3. C Telecom Disputes Settlement and Appellate Tribunal (TDSAT)
    4. D Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI)

23. Which of the following groupings includes both India and Australia as members, focusing on the Indo-Pacific security architecture?

    1. A Quad
    2. B ASEAN
    3. C BRICS
    4. D SCO

24. The 'White Australia Policy', which was dismantled in the mid-20th century, was primarily characterized by:

    1. A A policy promoting multiculturalism and diversity
    2. B A trade agreement focused on agricultural exports
    3. C An immigration regime that favored European migrants
    4. D A security pact between Australia and the Commonwealth

25. The National Commission for Women (NCW) was established under which of the following?

    1. A National Commission for Women Act, 1990
    2. B Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005
    3. C The Commissions for Protection of Child Rights Act, 2005
    4. D Article 338 of the Constitution of India

26. Which of the following statements accurately describes the mandate of the National Investigation Agency (NIA) in the context of the recent nationwide searches?

    1. A The NIA requires prior permission from the State Government to conduct searches in any part of the country.
    2. B The NIA is a state-level agency tasked with maintaining law and order during local elections.
    3. C The NIA is empowered to investigate terror-related cases, including those involving online radicalisation and ideologies of banned organisations.
    4. D The NIA is exclusively responsible for investigating crimes related to cyber-financial fraud.

27. Under which section of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, does the Enforcement Directorate derive the power to freeze bank accounts during an investigation?

    1. A Section 12(4)
    2. B Section 22(B)
    3. C Section 17(1A)
    4. D Section 45(2)

28. Which Article of the Indian Constitution prohibits religious instruction in educational institutions wholly maintained out of State funds?

    1. A Article 25
    2. B Article 29
    3. C Article 28(1)
    4. D Article 30

29. Which of the following authorities is responsible for the supervision and direction of the preparation of electoral rolls for elections to Parliament and State Legislatures in India?

    1. A Chief Secretary of the State
    2. B State Election Commission
    3. C District Magistrate
    4. D Election Commission of India

30. Which of the following best describes the legal framework under which the movement of high-security prisoners is restricted in India, as mentioned in the context of recent investigations?

    1. A The Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA)
    2. B Section 303 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita
    3. C The Prevention of Terrorism Act (POTA)
    4. D Section 144 of the CrPC

31. Which of the following best describes the primary objective of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the U.S. and Iran on June 17?

    1. A The immediate withdrawal of all U.S. forces from the Middle East
    2. B The establishment of a new regional trade bloc in the Persian Gulf
    3. C A permanent military alliance between the two nations
    4. D A ceasefire agreement including provisions for safe passage of tankers and nuclear non-proliferation

32. How do elevated crude oil prices primarily impact the Indian economy?

    1. A They decrease the fiscal deficit by reducing subsidy requirements
    2. B They result in an immediate appreciation of the Indian Rupee
    3. C They lead to a surplus in the balance of payments
    4. D They inflate the import bill and increase inflationary pressures

33. Which of the following is a primary objective of the PM POSHAN scheme?

    1. A Providing free uniforms to all primary school students
    2. B Standardizing the curriculum across all government schools
    3. C Improving nutritional status and preventing school dropouts
    4. D Providing direct cash transfers to households for education

34. With reference to Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) in industrial applications, consider the following statements: 1. They allow for the storage of excess energy generated during low-demand periods. 2. They contribute to the improvement of grid stability. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    1. A 1 only
    2. B 2 only
    3. C Neither 1 nor 2
    4. D Both 1 and 2

35. Which of the following provisions of the RTI Act, 2005, was invoked by the Central Information Commission to direct the CBSE to frame transparent, time-bound SOPs for assessment records?

    1. A Section 8(1)(j)
    2. B Section 19(8)
    3. C Section 25(5)
    4. D Section 4(1)(b)

36. Which of the following best describes the primary financial challenge currently faced by the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) as mentioned in the report?

    1. A Excessive investment in new electric bus technology
    2. B High competition from state-run metro rail projects
    3. C Accumulated losses and inability to ensure timely payment of salaries and pensions
    4. D Lack of demand for public transport in rural areas

37. What is the interest rate approved for the Employees' Provident Fund (EPF) deposits for the current period as per the recent government announcement?

    1. A 8.25%
    2. B 8.50%
    3. C 8.75%
    4. D 8.00%

38. Which of the following districts was reported as the worst-hit by the recent heavy rainfall and floods in Arunachal Pradesh?

    1. A Changlang
    2. B Kra-Daadi
    3. C East Kameng
    4. D Upper Siang

39. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), what is the threshold for 'extremely high' rainfall?

    1. A Above 150 mm
    2. B Above 100 mm
    3. C Above 500 mm
    4. D Above 200 mm

40. What is the primary meteorological cause identified for the recent extreme rainfall in Maharashtra?

    1. A The onset of the retreating monsoon
    2. B An active La Niña phase
    3. C A western disturbance from the Mediterranean
    4. D A depression originating in the Bay of Bengal

41. With reference to the Pinaka rocket system, consider the following statements: 1. It is developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). 2. The system is designed to fire only a single variant of rockets. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    1. A 1 only
    2. B Neither 1 nor 2
    3. C Both 1 and 2
    4. D 2 only

42. Ammonia is commonly used in industrial seafood processing units primarily for which of the following purposes?

    1. A As a bleaching agent for seafood preservation
    2. B As a disinfectant for wastewater treatment
    3. C As a catalyst for rapid protein synthesis
    4. D As a refrigerant in large-scale cold storage systems

43. The 'Fast Track Immigration–Trusted Travellers’ Programme (FTI-TTP)' is primarily aimed at:

    1. A Automating the baggage handling process at international terminals
    2. B Reducing the number of security personnel at airports
    3. C Expediting immigration clearance for pre-verified passengers
    4. D Standardizing the number of aerobridges at regional airports

44. What is the primary objective of installing an 'Automatic Tray Retrieval System (ATRS)' at airports?

    1. A To monitor the weight of luggage automatically
    2. B To provide automated check-in services for passengers
    3. C To reduce passenger wait times at security checkpoints
    4. D To increase the number of international flights handled

45. Which body is primarily responsible for the protection of child rights at the state level in Karnataka?

    1. A Karnataka State Human Rights Commission
    2. B State Department of Women and Child Development
    3. C Karnataka State Commission for Protection of Child Rights
    4. D National Commission for Protection of Child Rights

46. Which of the following plant species are identified as effective for slope stabilisation and landslide mitigation due to their extensive root and rhizome systems?

    1. A Acacia nilotica and Prosopis juliflora
    2. B Melocanna baccifera and Bambusa bambos
    3. C Mangifera indica and Azadirachta indica
    4. D Tectona grandis and Eucalyptus globulus

47. The revised Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) policy in Delhi is applicable within what radius of regional rapid transit systems and railway stations?

    1. A 200 metres
    2. B 1 kilometre
    3. C 2 kilometres
    4. D 500 metres

48. Which of the following Russian regions was identified as a location for the TANECO and TAIF-NK oil refineries recently targeted by drone strikes?

    1. A Voronezh
    2. B Bashkortostan
    3. C Siberia
    4. D Tatarstan

49. The Patriot air defence system, recently in the news regarding production licensing, is primarily designed for which of the following purposes?

    1. A Cyber-warfare defense
    2. B Deep-sea surveillance
    3. C Anti-submarine warfare
    4. D Intercepting tactical ballistic missiles and aircraft

50. Which of the following best describes the principle of collective defence as enshrined in the North Atlantic Treaty?

    1. A An agreement to share all military intelligence among member nations.
    2. B A commitment that an attack against one member is considered an attack against all members.
    3. C A requirement for member states to cede sovereignty of overseas territories to the alliance.
    4. D A mandate for all member nations to maintain equal troop numbers in Europe.

51. Which regulatory body is responsible for setting the investment limits for Indian mutual funds in overseas securities?

    1. A Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI)
    2. B Reserve Bank of India (RBI)
    3. C Ministry of Finance
    4. D Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA)

52. Which of the following best describes the primary objective of the partnership between UST and Anthropic?

    1. A To develop a new sovereign AI model for government surveillance
    2. B To replace human engineering roles with fully autonomous AI systems
    3. C To transition enterprises from isolated AI pilots to enterprise-scale AI integration
    4. D To provide cloud infrastructure services for public sector data storage

53. What percentage of BMW India's total sales in the first half of the year was comprised of electric vehicles?

    1. A 69%
    2. B 17%
    3. C 26%
    4. D 78%

54. What is the target annual sales volume set by Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles for the year 2031?

    1. A Over 0.8 million vehicles
    2. B Over 1.5 million vehicles
    3. C Over 1.2 million vehicles
    4. D Over 1.0 million vehicles

55. What percentage of total sales volume does Tata Motors aim to achieve through electric vehicles by 2031?

    1. A More than 50%
    2. B More than 30%
    3. C More than 20%
    4. D More than 10%

56. Which of the following acts provides the legal framework in India for addressing 'grave breaches' of the Geneva Conventions?

    1. A The Foreigners Act, 1946
    2. B The Indian Penal Code, 1860
    3. C The Extradition Act, 1962
    4. D The Geneva Conventions Act, 1960

57. According to the Consumer Council of India survey, which of the following factors is attributed to the lower prevalence of dental caries in rural areas compared to urban school children?

    1. A Higher consumption of processed foods
    2. B Access to modern dental clinics
    3. C Use of fluoride-based toothpastes
    4. D Practice of using datoons or herbs

58. Which of the following bodies is responsible for the assessment scheme of regular Class 12 students in overseas schools affiliated with the Indian education system?

    1. A University Grants Commission (UGC)
    2. B Ministry of External Affairs
    3. C Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE)
    4. D National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT)

59. The incident involving a building collapse at a waste-to-energy plant in Pune highlights the risks associated with proximity to waste mounds. Which of the following is a primary concern for structural stability in such environments during heavy rainfall?

    1. A Soil liquefaction due to excessive waste leachate
    2. B Thermal expansion of steel girders
    3. C Seismic activity induced by waste compaction
    4. D Increased lateral pressure from saturated waste mounds

60. In the context of the management of public religious institutions in India, which of the following best describes the role of a government-appointed temple committee?

    1. A To exclusively manage the religious rituals and theological practices of the deity.
    2. B To provide direct funding from the state exchequer for the maintenance of the temple structure.
    3. C To act as a judicial body for settling land disputes involving temple properties.
    4. D To ensure the transparent administration of temple assets, funds, and public donations.

61. In the context of internal security in Jammu and Kashmir, which of the following best describes the nature of the recent operation in Shopian?

    1. A A unilateral operation conducted solely by the Central Reserve Police Force
    2. B A joint operation based on specific intelligence inputs involving the Army and local police
    3. C A border management exercise conducted under the aegis of the Border Security Force
    4. D A humanitarian mission focused on civilian evacuation during civil unrest

62. Which agency is the lead Indian body responsible for the joint restoration project at the Prambanan Temple in Indonesia?

    1. A Indian Council for Cultural Relations
    2. B National Museum of India
    3. C Ministry of Culture
    4. D Archaeological Survey of India

63. The Economic Offence Wing (EOW) in Indian states primarily functions under the jurisdiction of which of the following?

    1. A The Central Bureau of Investigation
    2. B The Serious Fraud Investigation Office
    3. C The Ministry of Finance, Government of India
    4. D The State Police Department

64. Which of the following agencies is primarily responsible for specialized search and rescue operations during building collapses in India?

    1. A Border Security Force
    2. B National Disaster Response Force
    3. C Central Industrial Security Force
    4. D National Security Guard