18 July 2026

Quiz — 18 July 2026

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

Questions

1. What is the primary mechanism for disbursing manufacturing-linked incentives under the India Semiconductor Mission?

   1. A Per-unit incentives disbursed after sales are completed
   2. B Upfront grants based on project proposals
   3. C Direct equity participation by the government in private firms
   4. D Tax holidays for the first ten years

2. Which of the following best describes the primary concern raised by States regarding the original draft of the Viksit Bharat Shiksha Adhishthan Bill (VBSA), 2025?

   1. A Mandatory privatisation of all state-run colleges
   2. B Lack of funding for private universities
   3. C Centralisation of powers and erosion of State university autonomy
   4. D Exclusion of international accreditation standards

3. Under the Seventh Schedule of the Constitution of India, which entry is primarily cited regarding the Union government's power to coordinate and determine standards in higher education?

   1. A Entry 25 of the Concurrent List
   2. B Entry 63 of the Union List
   3. C Entry 32 of the State List
   4. D Entry 66 of the Union List

4. What is the new base year for the updated Index of Core Industries (ICI) as announced by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry?

   1. A 2015-16
   2. B 2022-23
   3. C 2011-12
   4. D 2020-21

5. The weights for the updated Index of Core Industries (ICI) are derived from which of the following indices?

   1. A Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI)
   2. B Consumer Price Index (CPI)
   3. C Wholesale Price Index (WPI)
   4. D Index of Industrial Production (IIP)

6. What is the primary function of the Vizhinjam port as described in the context of its upcoming EXIM operations?

   1. A Dedicated naval base for the Indian Ocean Region
   2. B Special Economic Zone for manufacturing and assembly
   3. C International trans-shipment hub and EXIM cargo handler
   4. D Exclusive domestic coastal shipping hub

7. According to the Supreme Court's ruling in Union of India vs Shri Gopal Chandra Misra (1978), what is the nature of a High Court judge's resignation?

   1. A It requires the formal acceptance of the President of India.
   2. B It is subject to the approval of the Parliament.
   3. C It is a unilateral constitutional act that takes effect immediately upon the judge's choice.
   4. D It must be ratified by the Chief Justice of the respective High Court.

8. Under the Indian Constitution, which Article restricts the discussion of the conduct of a Supreme Court or High Court judge in Parliament, except during a motion for removal?

   1. A Article 217
   2. B Article 121
   3. C Article 124
   4. D Article 142

9. Under the recent India-UK trade agreement, which of the following is true regarding the Double Contribution Convention?

   1. A It mandates that Indian companies in the UK must contribute to both Indian and British social security systems.
   2. B It applies only to Indian workers in the pharmaceutical sector.
   3. C It exempts Indian professionals and their employers from double social security payments for up to five years.
   4. D It provides permanent exemption from social security contributions for all Indian workers in the UK.

10. In the context of the preparation of electoral rolls in India, who are considered 'concurrent auditors'?

    1. A Chief Electoral Officers and observers
    2. B District Magistrates and Returning Officers
    3. C Booth-level officers and booth-level agents
    4. D Voters and civil society organizations

11. Under the Registration of Births and Deaths Act (as amended in 2023), which of the following is true regarding digital birth certificates for children born on or after October 1, 2023?

    1. A They are valid only if verified by the state election commission.
    2. B They are optional and can be replaced by manual certificates.
    3. C They are issued only upon request by the district magistrate.
    4. D They serve as the single document to prove the date of birth for various services.

12. What is the current total strength of the Lok Sabha as mentioned in the context?

    1. A 815
    2. B 552
    3. C 543
    4. D 545

13. The Constitution (One Hundred and Thirtieth Amendment) Bill, as discussed in the context of Parliamentary review, primarily seeks to address which of the following?

    1. A The disqualification of members of Parliament based on anti-defection laws
    2. B The governance vacuum created by public functionaries remaining in office during prolonged judicial custody
    3. C The limitation on the number of terms a Chief Minister can serve
    4. D The procedure for the impeachment of constitutional authorities

14. What is the primary strategic advantage of the electrification of the Indian railway network as highlighted in recent government reports?

    1. A Enhanced resilience against global fuel supply chain disruptions
    2. B Reduction in the number of railway employees
    3. C Increased dependence on imported coal
    4. D Complete privatization of the railway sector

15. Which entities are involved in the indigenous development of the high-speed train intended for the initial phase of the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail project?

    1. A BEML Limited and the Integral Coach Factory
    2. B Integral Coach Factory and Modern Coach Factory
    3. C Siemens India and BEML Limited
    4. D Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited and Rail Coach Factory

16. What is the planned operational speed for the indigenous high-speed train to be used on the MAHSR corridor?

    1. A 280 kmph
    2. B 200 kmph
    3. C 320 kmph
    4. D 250 kmph

17. According to the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, how many non-Muslim members are mandated to be included in the 11-member Waqf Board?

    1. A Two
    2. B One
    3. C Three
    4. D Four

18. The Ken-Betwa link project primarily aims to transfer surplus water from which river to the water-deficit Betwa river?

    1. A Narmada
    2. B Ken
    3. C Chambal
    4. D Son

19. Which of the following services are provided at Ayushman Arogya Mandirs?

    1. A Screening for non-communicable diseases
    2. B General OPD services and maternal healthcare
    3. C Free diagnostic tests and essential medicines
    4. D All of the above

20. The Chabahar port, which is being developed by India and Iran, is intended to be an integral part of which of the following connectivity projects?

    1. A Belt and Road Initiative
    2. B International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC)
    3. C Trans-Asian Railway
    4. D Ashgabat Agreement

21. The Strait of Hormuz, currently a focal point of regional tensions, connects which two bodies of water?

    1. A Red Sea and Gulf of Aden
    2. B Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman
    3. C Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal
    4. D Mediterranean Sea and Red Sea

22. Which of the following best describes the category of 'intersex' as highlighted in the recent Supreme Court petition?

    1. A Individuals who identify as non-binary in their social and personal identity development.
    2. B Individuals who have undergone gender reassignment surgery.
    3. C Individuals born with congenital variations in sex characteristics such as atypical chromosomal patterns or gonadal variations.
    4. D Individuals who identify as a gender different from their sex assigned at birth after puberty.

23. Which of the following articles of the Indian Constitution deal with citizenship rights?

    1. A Articles 5 to 8
    2. B Articles 14 to 18
    3. C Articles 9 to 12
    4. D Articles 1 to 4

24. Which of the following countries is a founding member of the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organisation (WAICO)?

    1. A Brazil
    2. B India
    3. C United States
    4. D Germany

25. What is the GDP growth projection for the current financial year as stated by the Reserve Bank of India?

    1. A 6.8%
    2. B 6.4%
    3. C 6.2%
    4. D 6.6%

26. What is the primary purpose of the NIDAAN database mentioned in the context of drug enforcement?

    1. A To provide real-time data on drug prices in the market
    2. B To provide financial aid to victims of drug abuse
    3. C To track and monitor arrested narco-offenders
    4. D To facilitate international cooperation on drug policy

27. Which of the following is a key component of the NCORD framework for drug control?

    1. A Mandatory rehabilitation for all first-time offenders
    2. B National intelligence-sharing and coordination systems
    3. C Direct intervention by the judiciary in police investigations
    4. D Privatization of drug enforcement agencies

28. The MH-60R Seahawk helicopter, recently inducted into the Indian Navy, is primarily designed for which of the following roles?

    1. A High-altitude reconnaissance in mountainous terrain
    2. B Anti-submarine warfare and maritime surveillance
    3. C Strategic heavy-lift transport
    4. D Air-to-air refueling support

29. In the context of the recent Supreme Court judgment regarding railway compensation, which of the following observations was made by the Court?

    1. A Compensation must be denied if a valid train ticket is not recovered from the victim's body.
    2. B The 'second-class' nomenclature for passengers is consistent with the egalitarian spirit of the Constitution.
    3. C The Railways is solely responsible for all instances of overcrowding and resulting accidents.
    4. D The Railways should avoid adopting purely technical approaches when determining compensation for victims.

30. The 'Vishwas 2026' scheme, recently launched by the EPFO, primarily aims to resolve disputes related to:

    1. A Administrative grievances against the Labour Ministry
    2. B Levy of damages or penalties on employers for provident fund defaults
    3. C Direct tax liabilities of small-scale industries
    4. D Disputes between employees regarding pension disbursement

31. Which of the following statements regarding the National Commission for Minorities (NCM) is correct?

    1. A The Commission has a sanctioned strength of seven members.
    2. B The Ministry of Home Affairs is the nodal ministry for the Commission.
    3. C It is a constitutional body established under Article 350B.
    4. D The Chairperson and members are appointed for a fixed tenure of five years.

32. Which of the following constitutional provisions primarily protects the freedom of the press in India?

    1. A Article 14
    2. B Article 21
    3. C Article 19(1)(a)
    4. D Article 32

33. Which of the following bodies is responsible for the exploration of atomic minerals in India?

    1. A Geological Survey of India
    2. B Atomic Minerals Directorate for Exploration and Research
    3. C National Mineral Development Corporation
    4. D Department of Atomic Energy

34. The drug 'Wegovy' (semaglutide), recently approved by the CDSCO for treating MASH, belongs to which class of medications?

    1. A GLP-1 receptor agonists
    2. B SGLT2 inhibitors
    3. C DPP-4 inhibitors
    4. D Insulin sensitizers

35. The 'Boss Scam', recently highlighted by SEBI, primarily involves which of the following activities?

    1. A Impersonation of senior executives to deceive finance teams into transferring funds
    2. B Illegal insider trading through encrypted messaging platforms
    3. C Cyber-attacks targeting the core banking infrastructure of public sector banks
    4. D Unauthorized manipulation of stock market indices by institutional investors

36. What is the primary objective of maintaining a specific volume of molasses for ethanol production in the context of the Indian sugar industry?

    1. A To reduce the domestic consumption of refined sugar
    2. B To provide raw material for the pharmaceutical industry
    3. C To support the national ethanol blending program
    4. D To increase the export value of sugar by-products

37. The 'E-Commerce Council of India' (ECCI) was recently unveiled by which of the following organizations?

    1. A Confederation of Indian Industry (CII)
    2. B Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI)
    3. C Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology
    4. D NITI Aayog

38. Which fundamental right has the Supreme Court of India interpreted to include the right to emergency medical care?

    1. A Article 21
    2. B Article 19
    3. C Article 14
    4. D Article 32

39. Which of the following organizations is the primary agency responsible for investigating terror-related activities at the state level in India?

    1. A Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI)
    2. B Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS)
    3. C Intelligence Bureau (IB)
    4. D National Investigation Agency (NIA)

40. Which of the following bodies is primarily responsible for the conduct of elections to municipal corporations in India?

    1. A Ministry of Panchayati Raj
    2. B Greater Bengaluru Authority
    3. C State Election Commission
    4. D Election Commission of India

41. Under the Indian legal framework, which of the following is the primary criterion for a High Court to transfer a criminal investigation from state police to a central agency?

    1. A The existence of widespread media coverage and public discourse regarding the case.
    2. B The involvement of a high-value financial sum in the alleged crime.
    3. C A formal request submitted by opposition political representatives.
    4. D Evidence that the local police have failed to conduct a proper and diligent investigation.

42. Manasbal Lake, recently in the news for its ecological recovery, is located in which of the following regions?

    1. A Jammu and Kashmir
    2. B Uttarakhand
    3. C Himachal Pradesh
    4. D Ladakh

43. Which fundamental right is primarily invoked when challenging prolonged pre-trial detention in the Indian judicial system?

    1. A Article 32
    2. B Article 14
    3. C Article 21
    4. D Article 19

44. Under which administrative jurisdiction does the Delhi Police primarily function?

    1. A Government of NCT of Delhi
    2. B Delhi High Court
    3. C Ministry of Home Affairs
    4. D Union Public Service Commission

45. Which of the following species is described as a 'living fossil' representing an evolutionary lineage dating back over 200 million years?

    1. A Tuatara
    2. B Takahē
    3. C Longfin eel
    4. D Northern royal albatross

46. What is the primary purpose of the pest-exclusion barriers used in New Zealand's ecological sanctuaries like Maungatautari?

    1. A To facilitate the growth of invasive flora
    2. B To prevent the migration of native birds
    3. C To regulate the temperature for bioluminescent larvae
    4. D To remove feral predators like stoats, rats, and possums

47. Which agency reported the 7.3 magnitude earthquake in Southern Mexico?

    1. A Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System
    2. B U.S. Geological Survey
    3. C World Meteorological Organization
    4. D International Seismological Centre

48. Which of the following is the primary focus of the newly inaugurated HCLTech Global Technology Centre in GIFT City?

    1. A Manufacturing of semiconductor hardware
    2. B Providing AI-led solutions for the financial services industry
    3. C Development of sustainable energy infrastructure
    4. D Expansion of domestic retail banking services

49. What was the consolidated net profit reported by JSW Steel for the quarter ended June 30?

    1. A ₹4,696 crore
    2. B ₹2,487 crore
    3. C ₹2,209 crore
    4. D ₹6,905 crore

50. United Breweries Ltd (UBL), which recently commissioned a new canning line in Telangana, is a subsidiary of which global entity?

    1. A Asahi Group Holdings
    2. B Carlsberg Group
    3. C Anheuser-Busch InBev
    4. D Heineken Company

51. Which organization is responsible for issuing the revised Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for the transmission of mutual fund units upon the death of an investor?

    1. A Association of Mutual Funds in India (Amfi)
    2. B Reserve Bank of India (RBI)
    3. C Ministry of Finance
    4. D Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI)

52. Which of the following methods is commonly cited by law enforcement agencies to conceal the origin of extortion calls made by criminal gangs?

    1. A Direct international roaming bypass
    2. B Physical interception of fiber optic cables
    3. C Satellite-linked encrypted messaging
    4. D Use of VPNs and dabba calling

53. Which of the following factors is currently identified as a primary driver for sectoral and stock-specific performance in the Indian equity market?

    1. A Foreign Direct Investment policy revisions
    2. B Global crude oil price fluctuations
    3. C Changes in the repo rate by the RBI
    4. D Q1 FY27 quarterly earnings results

54. Which of the following factors contributed to the growth in revenue for the Oil and Gas segment of Reliance Industries in Q1 FY2026?

    1. A Higher realisation on KG D6 oil and condensate
    2. B Government subsidies on domestic gas production
    3. C Increased production volumes from all offshore fields
    4. D Significant reduction in global crude oil prices

55. According to the International Apparel Federation, what is currently identified as the largest cost component for garment firms?

    1. A Raw material procurement
    2. B Manufacturing and labor
    3. C Selling and distribution
    4. D Logistics and shipping

56. The 'Navavidha Sambandham' refers to the ninefold relationship between the Supreme Lord and living souls. In which text is this concept compiled as the 11th secret?

    1. A Brahma Sutras
    2. B Bhagavad Gita
    3. C Yoga Sutras
    4. D Ashtadasa Rahasyangal

57. Which body is primarily responsible for the certification of films for public exhibition in India?

    1. A Ministry of Culture
    2. B Central Board of Film Certification
    3. C National Film Development Corporation
    4. D Supreme Court of India

58. Which of the following best describes the role of the Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee (BKTC) in the context of temple administration?

    1. A A private trust managing personal religious property
    2. B A judicial body tasked with settling land disputes in Uttarakhand
    3. C A statutory body responsible for the management and administration of designated temples
    4. D An autonomous NGO focused on heritage conservation

59. What is the primary purpose of the 'Special Intensive Revision' (SIR) conducted by the Election Commission of India?

    1. A To audit the expenditure of political parties during campaigns
    2. B To update and verify the accuracy of electoral rolls
    3. C To conduct fresh elections for the State Legislative Assembly
    4. D To re-demarcate the boundaries of electoral constituencies

60. In the context of banking and financial crimes, what is the primary function of a 'pass-through entity' as identified in recent financial investigations?

    1. A To provide legal consultancy for corporate mergers
    2. B To act as a conduit for the wilful diversion of funds
    3. C To facilitate legitimate international trade transactions
    4. D To serve as a government-mandated escrow account

61. Which of the following regions in Jammu and Kashmir is specifically mentioned as having experienced a recent civilian death and subsequent Internet suspension?

    1. A Baramulla
    2. B Chenab Valley
    3. C Poonch
    4. D Kupwara

62. Following the recent train accident in Murshidabad, what is the standard compensation announced by the Railways for the next of kin of each deceased?

    1. A ₹15 lakh
    2. B ₹5 lakh
    3. C ₹20 lakh
    4. D ₹10 lakh

63. Under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), which of the following best describes the judicial approach regarding the consideration of bail for an accused?

    1. A The trial court has absolute discretion to grant bail regardless of the nature of the charges.
    2. B The judiciary is bound by specific procedural conditions and statutory restrictions that often limit the scope of regular bail.
    3. C Bail is granted automatically after the completion of the investigation.
    4. D The Supreme Court has mandated that bail must be granted if the trial exceeds one year.

64. In the context of industrial safety in India, which body is primarily responsible for overseeing the safety standards and regulations of hazardous chemical handling and transport?

    1. A Ministry of External Affairs
    2. B Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organization (PESO)
    3. C National Human Rights Commission
    4. D Election Commission of India

65. Which of the following bodies is responsible for the deployment of Flying Surveillance Teams during an ongoing election in India?

    1. A Election Commission of India
    2. B District Magistrate Office
    3. C State Police Department
    4. D Central Vigilance Commission

66. Which of the following best describes the objective of 'Mission Samudra' as mentioned in the context of Kerala's development?

    1. A A state-led initiative exclusively focused on the expansion of the Vizhinjam International Seaport.
    2. B A central government scheme to modernize all major ports in Southern India.
    3. C A single large-scale investment agreement with a private conglomerate for a shipyard.
    4. D A comprehensive strategy to integrate maritime services, logistics, and shipbuilding infrastructure.

67. In the context of the NEET-UG examination process, which of the following is considered a primary source for preparation as emphasized by successful candidates?

    1. A Private coaching proprietary modules only
    2. B NCERT textbooks
    3. C General knowledge encyclopedias
    4. D Multiple international research journals

68. The Lyngdoh Committee, often cited in the context of student union elections in India, was primarily constituted to:

    1. A Oversee the implementation of the Right to Education Act
    2. B Regulate the funding of political parties in national elections
    3. C Recommend reforms for the conduct of student body elections
    4. D Draft the code of conduct for university faculty appointments