12 July 2026

Quiz — 12 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 was identified by the Supreme Court as a step in the process regarding the status of Jammu and Kashmir?

   1. A Delimitation
   2. B Direct presidential rule
   3. C Constitutional amendment of Article 371
   4. D International mediation

2. What is the primary function of the Quantum Advantage Tracker (QAT)?

   1. A To manufacture high-end quantum processors
   2. B To develop encryption standards for quantum networks
   3. C To verify and peer-review claims of quantum advantage
   4. D To provide funding for quantum startups

3. Which of the following best describes the 'quantum advantage' demonstrated by the BITS Pilani team?

   1. A Optimizing logistics for the National Quantum Mission
   2. B Simulating the behaviour of subatomic particles governed by the strong nuclear force
   3. C Breaking modern RSA encryption protocols
   4. D Solving complex arithmetic problems faster than supercomputers

4. Which of the following best describes India's current dependency on foreign shipping lines for its international trade?

   1. A India owns 50% of the vessels carrying its cargo.
   2. B India relies exclusively on state-owned shipping corporations for all EXIM trade.
   3. C Foreign shipping lines carry 90-95% of India's cargo.
   4. D India is self-sufficient in container shipping capacity.

5. What is the primary objective of the Bharat Container Shipping Line (BCSL) initiative?

   1. A To privatize all major ports in India.
   2. B To replace the role of the Ministry of Shipping in port regulation.
   3. C To exclusively handle domestic coastal shipping.
   4. D To reduce India's dependence on foreign container carriers.

6. What is the current annual cap on H-1B visa issuances in the United States?

   1. A 85,000
   2. B 75,000
   3. C 1,00,000
   4. D 50,000

7. Under the proposed changes by the U.S. Department of Labor, the entry-level wage benchmark for H-1B and PERM systems is set to increase to which percentile?

   1. A 34th percentile
   2. B 25th percentile
   3. C 17th percentile
   4. D 50th percentile

8. According to recent observations by the Supreme Court of India, which of the following is considered an appropriate use of Artificial Intelligence in the judicial process?

   1. A Weighing the equities between two opposing parties
   2. B Final adjudication of complex legal disputes
   3. C Determining the final verdict in criminal trials
   4. D Organizing evidence and drafting initial translations

9. With reference to the recent policy initiatives in Chhattisgarh regarding Maoist-affected areas, which of the following statements is correct?

   1. A The legal review is specifically targeted at cases that did not involve loss of life.
   2. B The government has announced a total amnesty for all individuals currently facing Maoist-related charges.
   3. C The initiative is exclusively focused on military operations rather than legal or developmental measures.
   4. D The state government has mandated that all villages must declare themselves free of Maoist influence to receive any state funding.

10. Under which Article of the Indian Constitution is the Uniform Civil Code mentioned as a Directive Principle of State Policy?

    1. A Article 44
    2. B Article 48
    3. C Article 40
    4. D Article 51

11. Which of the following is the primary authority responsible for the revision and maintenance of electoral rolls in India?

    1. A Office of the Registrar General of India
    2. B Ministry of Home Affairs
    3. C State Election Commissions
    4. D Election Commission of India

12. What is the primary purpose of the 'Special Intensive Revision' (SIR) of electoral rolls?

    1. A To conduct a census of the population
    2. B To redraw the boundaries of parliamentary constituencies
    3. C To implement the National Register of Citizens
    4. D To update voter lists by verifying the status of existing electors

13. Which Ministry is primarily responsible for the administration and regulation of the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA) in India?

    1. A Ministry of External Affairs
    2. B Ministry of Finance
    3. C Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment
    4. D Ministry of Home Affairs

14. Which international convention is specifically referenced in the joint statement between India and New Zealand regarding maritime navigation and the use of seas?

    1. A The Geneva Convention on the Territorial Sea and the Contiguous Zone
    2. B International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS)
    3. C United Nations Convention on the High Seas
    4. D United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) 1982

15. Which of the following best describes the stylistic characteristics of the Patna Kalam painting tradition?

    1. A Focus on mythological themes with dramatic play of light and shadow
    2. B Heavy use of gold leaf and elaborate floral backgrounds
    3. C Depiction of daily life with Mughal miniature detail and European naturalism
    4. D Strict adherence to traditional religious iconography and ornamentation

16. Patna Kalam paintings were historically known for being executed on which unique material, in addition to paper?

    1. A Palm leaves
    2. B Mica (abrak)
    3. C Terracotta tiles
    4. D Silk

17. Which of the following legal provisions is mentioned in the context of restricting the movement of incarcerated individuals in high-security prisons in India?

    1. A Section 144 of the CrPC
    2. B Section 303 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023
    3. C Section 124A of the Indian Penal Code
    4. D Section 41 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act

18. Under which legal provision is the Central Government empowered to block online content on grounds of sovereignty and integrity of India?

    1. A Rule 16 of the Information Technology Rules, 2000
    2. B Section 5 of the Cinematograph Act, 1952
    3. C Section 69A of the Information Technology Act, 2000
    4. D Article 19(2) of the Constitution of India

19. Which Supreme Court judgment upheld the constitutional validity of Section 69A of the IT Act while emphasizing the necessity of procedural safeguards?

    1. A Maneka Gandhi v. Union of India
    2. B Anuradha Bhasin v. Union of India
    3. C K.S. Puttaswamy v. Union of India
    4. D Shreya Singhal v. Union of India

20. Under which legislation does the FSSAI derive its authority to regulate the safety and standards of food products in India?

    1. A Essential Commodities Act, 1955
    2. B Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006
    3. C Consumer Protection Act, 2019
    4. D Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016

21. Which of the following is currently covered under the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971?

    1. A National Song
    2. B National Animal
    3. C National Flag
    4. D National Emblem

22. Who authored the National Song 'Vande Mataram'?

    1. A Rabindranath Tagore
    2. B Subramania Bharati
    3. C Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay
    4. D Sarojini Naidu

23. Under which primary legislation does the Directorate of Enforcement (ED) attach assets in cases of money laundering?

    1. A Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC)
    2. B Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA)
    3. C Companies Act, 2013
    4. D Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA)

24. The P17A-class stealth frigates, such as INS Mahendragiri, are primarily associated with which of the following initiatives?

    1. A Atmanirbhar Bharat
    2. B Project 75I
    3. C Make in India (Civilian Sector)
    4. D SAGAR Initiative

25. Which propulsion system is featured in the INS Mahendragiri stealth frigate?

    1. A Integrated Electric Propulsion (IEP)
    2. B Combined Diesel or Gas (CODOG)
    3. C Nuclear-powered steam turbine
    4. D Diesel-Electric Propulsion (DEP)

26. Which of the following best describes the philosophy of 'The Ugly Indian' movement as mentioned in the context of civic action?

    1. A Opposing government policies through public protests
    2. B Seeking political office to implement urban reforms
    3. C Solving problems through individual ownership and non-confrontational action
    4. D Defining success by challenging existing administrative structures

27. Which of the following historical texts or literary forms contains references to queer expression or gender fluidity in India?

    1. A The Manusmriti
    2. B The Arthashastra
    3. C The Natyashastra
    4. D Rekhti poetry

28. Which of the following sites in Delhi is historically associated with the hijra community?

    1. A Bagh-e-Nazir
    2. B Oval Maidan
    3. C Jamali Kamali
    4. D Hijron ka Khanqah

29. Which of the following routes is considered the traditional path for the Amarnath Yatra?

    1. A Gulmarg-Tangmarg route
    2. B Kupwara-Lolab route
    3. C Nunwan-Pahalgam route
    4. D Baltal-Sonamarg route

30. In which district of Jammu and Kashmir is the Amarnath cave shrine located?

    1. A Anantnag
    2. B Baramulla
    3. C Srinagar
    4. D Ganderbal

31. Which article of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) charter establishes the principle of mutual defence?

    1. A Article 5
    2. B Article 1
    3. C Article 12
    4. D Article 10

32. What is the current total membership of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO)?

    1. A 35
    2. B 32
    3. C 28
    4. D 30

33. Which of the following best describes the purpose of an Interpol Red Corner Notice?

    1. A It is a request to law enforcement worldwide to locate and provisionally arrest a person pending extradition.
    2. B It is an international arrest warrant issued by the UN Security Council.
    3. C It is a legal document that automatically grants the right to extradite a criminal from any member country.
    4. D It is a notice issued exclusively for the apprehension of individuals involved in cyber-crimes.

34. According to the recent IITM study, what is the primary mechanism by which mid-air raindrop evaporation influences local weather patterns?

    1. A It accelerates the speed of falling raindrops through isotopic enrichment.
    2. B It increases the humidity of the upper atmosphere significantly.
    3. C It prevents the formation of downdrafts by stabilizing the surface temperature.
    4. D It absorbs heat from the sub-cloud layer, creating cold pools of air.

35. Which scientific method was primarily used by researchers at IITM, Pune, to estimate the evaporation rate of monsoon rain?

    1. A Analysis of isotopic ratios in rainwater and atmospheric vapour.
    2. B Satellite-based infrared thermal imaging.
    3. C Direct measurement of cloud base pressure using weather balloons.
    4. D Ground-level radar tracking of individual raindrops.

36. Which of the following best describes the primary objective of the Mass Drug Administration (MDA) drive mentioned in the context of filariasis?

    1. A To eliminate filariasis as a public health problem by 2030
    2. B To conduct mandatory screening for all citizens in the country
    3. C To develop a new vaccine for the prevention of filariasis
    4. D To provide immediate surgical intervention for elephantiasis patients

37. Which agency is primarily responsible for investigating terror-related incidents across India, such as the recent car blast case in Ambala?

    1. A Serious Fraud Investigation Office (SFIO)
    2. B National Investigation Agency (NIA)
    3. C Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI)
    4. D Intelligence Bureau (IB)

38. What does the term 'E20' signify in the context of automotive fuel in India?

    1. A A fuel efficiency standard requiring 20% improvement in mileage
    2. B A fuel blend containing 20% methanol and 80% gasoline
    3. C A fuel blend containing 20% ethanol and 80% gasoline
    4. D A classification for vehicles with 20% higher emission reduction capacity

39. With reference to the implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) in higher education, which of the following best describes the 'cluster college' model proposed by some academic stakeholders?

    1. A A framework that mandates the merger of all private and public colleges into a single administrative unit.
    2. B A model where specific colleges are designated to offer certain courses based on faculty and demand to optimise resources.
    3. C A system where all colleges must offer identical courses to ensure standardisation.
    4. D A policy requiring students to complete their degree across four different colleges.

40. Which of the following is the primary body responsible for the construction and management of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya?

    1. A Archaeological Survey of India
    2. B Ministry of Culture
    3. C Ayodhya Development Authority
    4. D Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust

41. Which of the following initiatives is currently being employed in Mauritius to restore reef ecosystems and enhance biodiversity?

    1. A Introduction of non-native pollinator species
    2. B Deep-sea mining for mineral extraction
    3. C Coral farming and sea cucumber farming
    4. D Large-scale industrial desalination plants

42. Who received a patent on July 12, 1940, for a portable refrigeration unit that revolutionized the transport of perishable goods?

    1. A William Goodale
    2. B Ruben Rausing
    3. C Frederick McKinley Jones
    4. D Nicolas Appert

43. Corrugated cardboard was first patented in 1856 to serve as a liner for which item?

    1. A Victorian hats
    2. B Food containers
    3. C Book covers
    4. D Shipping crates

44. Which of the following works by Han Kang focuses on the 1980 Gwangju pro-democracy movement?

    1. A Human Acts
    2. B Light and Thread
    3. C The Vegetarian
    4. D The White Book

45. According to the historical analysis by Munis D. Faruqui, what was the primary motivation behind the early hagiographies written after Aurangzeb's death?

    1. A To record the administrative successes of the Mughal Empire
    2. B To create an unfavorable comparison between Bahadur Shah I and his father
    3. C To provide a neutral account of the transition of power
    4. D To document the religious piety of the emperor for future generations

46. Typhoon Bavi made landfall in which Chinese province according to the report?

    1. A Zhejiang
    2. B Guangdong
    3. C Fujian
    4. D Jiangsu

47. The Sea of Azov, recently in the news due to drone strikes on vessels, is connected to the Black Sea through which of the following straits?

    1. A Kerch Strait
    2. B Dardanelles Strait
    3. C Strait of Gibraltar
    4. D Bosporus Strait

48. Which of the following is a core principle of the Pancasila, the founding philosophy of the modern Indonesian state?

    1. A Abolition of religious education
    2. B Strict secularism
    3. C Faith in one supreme god
    4. D State-sponsored polytheism

49. What was the primary purpose of the Parisada Hindu Dharma Indonesia (PHDI) upon its founding in 1959?

    1. A To promote the expansion of Vedic rituals in Southeast Asia
    2. B To establish a new prophet-led religious movement in Indonesia
    3. C To challenge the constitutional validity of the Indonesian Ministry of Religion
    4. D To reframe Balinese Hindu practice to satisfy state monotheism requirements

50. With reference to the self-healing properties of Roman concrete, consider the following statements: 1. The process involves the formation of calcite cement. 2. It acts as a sink for carbon dioxide. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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

51. With reference to the recent rifting event in the Indian Ocean, which of the following observations was reported by researchers?

    1. A The event was accompanied by severe, high-magnitude earthquakes.
    2. B The eruption lasted for 16 months, releasing 160 million cubic meters of lava.
    3. C The seafloor sank by 1 meter and spread by 4 meters.
    4. D The seafloor sank by 4 meters and spread by more than 1 meter.

52. Based on recent satellite data studies regarding the impact of large dams on river health, which of the following statements is correct?

    1. A Dams with reservoirs are associated with the most extreme shifts in downstream water temperature.
    2. B Dams consistently lower the water temperature of rivers downstream.
    3. C The thermal impact of dams is usually limited to the immediate vicinity of the dam wall.
    4. D Satellite data shows that less than 20% of large dams have any measurable impact on downstream water temperature.

53. Proventricular Dilatation Disease (PDD), often associated with PaBV-4, primarily affects which systems in psittacine birds?

    1. A Muscular and Skeletal systems
    2. B Digestive and Nervous systems
    3. C Respiratory and Circulatory systems
    4. D Excretory and Reproductive systems

54. Which of the following bird families is referred to as 'psittacine'?

    1. A Phasianidae
    2. B Accipitridae
    3. C Psittacidae
    4. D Columbidae

55. Which of the following best describes the role of leucine in mitochondrial function as identified in recent research?

    1. A It prevents the formation of branched-chain amino acids in the cytoplasm.
    2. B It acts as a primary catalyst for the replication of mitochondrial DNA.
    3. C It directly synthesizes ATP within the mitochondrial matrix.
    4. D It inhibits the premature degradation of outer mitochondrial membrane proteins by interacting with SEL1L.

56. Based on the Q1 FY2026-27 financial results of Avenue Supermarts, what was the trend observed in the Profit After Tax (PAT) margin compared to the previous year?

    1. A It increased significantly
    2. B It remained constant
    3. C It declined from 5.5% to 4.6%
    4. D It declined from 4.7% to 4.6%

57. Which of the following factors were identified as potential risks to India's macroeconomic growth in the context of recent financial reports?

    1. A Reduction in global AI-related capital flows
    2. B Expansionary fiscal policy by the RBI
    3. C El-Nino and below-normal monsoon
    4. D Excessive domestic industrial production

58. The proposed alumina refinery expansion project by the Aditya Birla Group is located in which district of Odisha?

    1. A Angul
    2. B Kalahandi
    3. C Koraput
    4. D Rayagada

59. Girnar Hill, recently in the news for a human-wildlife conflict incident, is located in which Indian state?

    1. A Gujarat
    2. B Maharashtra
    3. C Madhya Pradesh
    4. D Rajasthan

60. Which of the following agencies are typically involved in large-scale disaster rescue operations in India, as seen in the recent Pune waste processing unit collapse?

    1. A Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) and local police
    2. B Border Security Force (BSF) and Municipal Fire Services
    3. C National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and the Army
    4. D National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and State Forest Department

61. Under the POCSO Act, which of the following is true regarding the nature of offences that may allow for release on personal bond if the punishment is less than seven years?

    1. A The POCSO Act does not distinguish between offences based on the duration of the potential sentence.
    2. B It is mandatory for all POCSO cases to be non-bailable.
    3. C The judiciary is prohibited from granting bail in any case involving minors.
    4. D The Act provides specific provisions for stalking and sexual harassment that may carry sentences under seven years.

62. Which of the following medical complications is often associated with severe pregnancy-related hypertensive disorders, as mentioned in recent clinical reports?

    1. A Rheumatoid Arthritis
    2. B Chronic Kidney Disease
    3. C HELLP syndrome
    4. D Type 1 Diabetes

63. Under the existing policy for guest or boarding houses in residential zones in Gurugram, which of the following is a prohibited activity?

    1. A Subdividing a residential building into separate 1RK or 1BHK rental units
    2. B Providing accommodation for stays of less than one month
    3. C Utilizing EWS plots for residential purposes
    4. D Operating a guest house with a total land area of 1 acre

64. The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) has initiated a microchipping drive for stray dogs primarily to:

    1. A Facilitate the adoption of stray dogs by private citizens
    2. B Enable identification and monitoring of dogs for a citywide survey
    3. C Replace the existing Animal Birth Control (ABC) sterilisation programme
    4. D Track the movement of stray dogs across state borders

65. Which of the following bodies is responsible for the development of the Jayaprakash Narayan Public Library in New Delhi?

    1. A Archaeological Survey of India
    2. B National Archives of India
    3. C Delhi Development Authority
    4. D New Delhi Municipal Council

66. Which organization is primarily responsible for the development and printing of school textbooks in the state of Odisha?

    1. A State Board of Secondary Education (SBSE)
    2. B State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT)
    3. C National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT)
    4. D University Grants Commission (UGC)