21 July 2026

Quiz — 21 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 bodies is responsible for notifying the technical standards for ethanol-blended fuel in India?

   1. A Petroleum Planning and Analysis Cell
   2. B Bureau of Indian Standards
   3. C Ministry of New and Renewable Energy
   4. D NITI Aayog

2. According to the Supreme Court ruling in Maniyar Iliyaz @ Shaik Riyaz vs P. Ayyappan (2026), the right to walk on demarcated footpaths is protected under which articles of the Indian Constitution?

   1. A Article 19(1)(d) and Article 21
   2. B Article 14 and Article 15
   3. C Article 19(1)(a) and Article 25
   4. D Article 21 and Article 32

3. Which of the following reports provides data on the physical activity levels of the Indian population, highlighting that a significant percentage of adults do not meet recommended activity levels?

   1. A NITI Aayog Health Index
   2. B WHO India Physical Activity Profile 2024
   3. C Ministry of Health and Family Welfare Annual Report
   4. D National Family Health Survey (NFHS)

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

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

5. Which of the following sectors was recently added to the Index of Core Industries in the updated series?

   1. A Fertilisers
   2. B Iron Ore
   3. C Natural Gas
   4. D Crude Oil

6. Which of the following is the primary objective of the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act in India?

   1. A To regulate the acceptance and utilisation of foreign contribution by certain individuals or associations
   2. B To provide tax exemptions for all foreign-funded non-governmental organizations
   3. C To promote foreign direct investment in the education sector
   4. D To mandate the conversion of all foreign currency into local currency by the Reserve Bank of India

7. Which of the following statements best describes the scope of the WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies?

   1. A It focuses exclusively on the regulation of deep-sea mining and ocean floor exploration.
   2. B It covers all forms of aquaculture and inland water fishing activities.
   3. C It mandates the total elimination of all government subsidies for the agricultural sector.
   4. D It prohibits subsidies for marine wild capture fishing and fishing-related activities at sea.

8. The WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies was adopted at which of the following events?

   1. A 13th WTO Ministerial Conference in Abu Dhabi
   2. B 10th WTO Ministerial Conference in Nairobi
   3. C 11th WTO Ministerial Conference in Buenos Aires
   4. D 12th WTO Ministerial Conference in Geneva

9. Which of the following instruments are covered under the RBI's special foreign currency swap facility announced in June 2026?

   1. A Gold bonds, Treasury bills, and FCNR(B) deposits
   2. B OFCBs, Repo rate adjustments, and FCNR(B) deposits
   3. C FCNR(B) deposits, ECBs, and OFCBs
   4. D ECBs, Masala bonds, and Sovereign Green Bonds

10. Which regulatory body has been advised by the Supreme Court to issue a master circular to standardize cross-border coverage clauses in motor insurance?

    1. A Ministry of Road Transport and Highways
    2. B Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI)
    3. C Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI)
    4. D Reserve Bank of India (RBI)

11. According to the structuralist view of inflation, which of the following best describes the pricing mechanism for manufactured commodities?

    1. A Prices are solely determined by the global supply of raw materials.
    2. B Prices are primarily determined by fluctuations in consumer demand.
    3. C Prices are determined by the cost of production plus a profit markup.
    4. D Prices are fixed by the government to ensure industrial stability.

12. What is the primary rationale for using a countercyclical indirect tax policy on fuel to control inflation?

    1. A To mitigate cost-push inflationary pressures by reducing input costs for industries.
    2. B To directly influence the demand for manufactured goods through price signals.
    3. C To increase government revenue during periods of high economic growth.
    4. D To discourage the consumption of fossil fuels for environmental sustainability.

13. Which of the following best describes the recent institutional development in Canada-India defence relations?

    1. A Creation of a Defence Dialogue to align capacities and shared interests
    2. B The merger of the two nations' national intelligence agencies
    3. C Establishment of a joint military base in the Arctic
    4. D A formal treaty for the joint production of nuclear submarines

14. Canada is a significant global supplier of which of the following, as highlighted in recent bilateral agreements with India?

    1. A Iron Ore and Manganese
    2. B Gold and Silver
    3. C Uranium and Rare Earth Elements
    4. D Lithium and Bauxite

15. With reference to the Automated Permanent Academic Account Registry (APAAR), which of the following statements is correct?

    1. A The implementation of APAAR is governed exclusively by state-level education boards.
    2. B The Supreme Court has mandated that participation in APAAR must be voluntary.
    3. C It is a mandatory digital registry for all students across India.
    4. D The registry is designed to replace physical school attendance records entirely.

16. Which of the following best describes the QDENGA (TAK-003) vaccine recently approved by the DCGI?

    1. A An inactivated monovalent vaccine requiring annual boosters
    2. B A mRNA-based vaccine specifically for children under 5
    3. C A live-attenuated tetravalent vaccine for individuals aged 4 to 60
    4. D A recombinant protein vaccine requiring pre-vaccination screening

17. With reference to India's space sector, which of the following statements is correct regarding the recent achievement of private industry?

    1. A India is the first country to launch a private rocket from a government facility.
    2. B The Vikram-1 rocket was developed by ISRO in collaboration with international private agencies.
    3. C Private space companies in India are now permitted to operate independently of ISRO's launch infrastructure.
    4. D India is the third country after the U.S. and China to have its private industry demonstrate orbital payload delivery capability.

18. What is the current process for increasing the sanctioned strength of judges in the Supreme Court of India?

    1. A By an amendment to the Constitution of India
    2. B By a notification issued by the President of India on the advice of the Chief Justice of India
    3. C By an executive order of the Union Cabinet
    4. D By an Act of Parliament

19. Which of the following is a primary objective of the Uniform Civil Code Bill introduced in the Madhya Pradesh Assembly?

    1. A Abolishing the personal laws of tribal communities exclusively
    2. B Mandating religious conversion for marriage
    3. C Establishing a centralized judicial authority for all civil disputes
    4. D Prohibiting polygamy and mandating registration of marriages and divorces

20. Which of the following rivers is mentioned in the context of the proposed BSF fencing project in the Sundarbans?

    1. A Raimangal River
    2. B Matla River
    3. C Ichamati River
    4. D Hooghly River

21. The Indiramma Housing scheme, recently in the news, is an initiative of which state government?

    1. A Tamil Nadu
    2. B Karnataka
    3. C Andhra Pradesh
    4. D Telangana

22. Under the Indiramma Housing scheme in the Hyderabad Core Urban Region, what is the specified government subsidy amount per beneficiary?

    1. A ₹4 lakh
    2. B ₹11 lakh
    3. C ₹6 lakh
    4. D ₹5 lakh

23. When was the India-U.S. Civil Space Joint Working Group (CSJWG) established?

    1. A 2000
    2. B 2015
    3. C 2010
    4. D 2005

24. Which of the following is a collaborative mission between ISRO and NASA mentioned in the context of bilateral space cooperation?

    1. A Gaganyaan
    2. B Mars Orbiter Mission
    3. C Chandrayaan-3
    4. D NISAR

25. Under which section of the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005, can an adult unmarried daughter seek monetary relief for educational expenses from her father?

    1. A Section 12(a)
    2. B Section 18(c)
    3. C Section 20(d)
    4. D Section 22(b)

26. Under which provision of Indian law is 'criminal contempt' of court defined?

    1. A The Contempt of Courts Act, 1971
    2. B Article 129 of the Constitution of India
    3. C The Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973
    4. D The Indian Penal Code, 1860

27. Which of the following legislative acts was used to convict the Somali nationals involved in recent piracy cases in the Indian Ocean?

    1. A Maritime Zones of India Act
    2. B Anti-Maritime Piracy Act
    3. C Indian Penal Code
    4. D Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act

28. What is the primary objective of the PARIVARTAN scheme?

    1. A To promote the manufacturing of hydrogen-fuelled heavy vehicles
    2. B To reduce air pollution by incentivizing the replacement of old commercial vehicles
    3. C To provide subsidies for public transport infrastructure development
    4. D To digitize the registration process for all commercial vehicles in India

29. Under the PARIVARTAN scheme, what incentive is provided to owners of BS-IV or older light goods vehicles who switch to electric vehicles?

    1. A A direct cash grant of 50% of the vehicle cost
    2. B 100% exemption from motor vehicle tax and registration fees for 10 years
    3. C Free electricity charging for a period of 5 years
    4. D Priority access to all commercial freight corridors

30. Which of the following best describes the legal issue regarding 'unrelied upon' documents in a criminal trial?

    1. A The absolute right of the accused to access all seized material regardless of the stage of trial.
    2. B The mandatory requirement for the police to file all seized evidence in the initial chargesheet.
    3. C The power of the judiciary to dismiss a case if the police fail to disclose all investigation notes.
    4. D The conflict between the accused's right to fair disclosure and the potential for trial delay.

31. The Second Thomas Shoal, often cited in reports regarding maritime disputes in the South China Sea, is located in which broader geographic region?

    1. A Bay of Bengal
    2. B East China Sea
    3. C Philippine Sea
    4. D South China Sea

32. Which of the following best describes the propulsion mechanism of a Maglev train?

    1. A Direct current magnets interacting with static track rails
    2. B Internal combustion engines powered by magnetic fuel
    3. C Superconducting magnets generating constant repulsive force
    4. D Alternating current in guideway coils creating shifting magnetic fields

33. What is the primary difference between EMS and EDS Maglev systems?

    1. A EDS relies on friction brakes, while EMS relies solely on magnetic braking
    2. B EMS uses superconducting magnets, while EDS uses standard electromagnets
    3. C EDS requires movement to generate lift, while EMS can levitate at a standstill
    4. D EMS is used for speeds above 600 km/hr, while EDS is limited to 300 km/hr

34. The Greater Bengaluru Integrated Township (GBIT) project involves the proposed acquisition of land in which district?

    1. A Bengaluru South
    2. B Mysuru
    3. C Ramanagara
    4. D Bengaluru North

35. Which article of the Indian Constitution primarily guarantees the freedom of speech and expression to all citizens?

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

36. Under which framework is the Karnataka government planning to introduce Artificial Intelligence in government high schools?

    1. A National Skills Qualifications Framework (NSQF)
    2. B Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan
    3. C Digital India Skill Initiative
    4. D National Education Policy 2020

37. Which of the following officials are authorized to issue Permanent Residence Certificates (PRCs) in Karnataka following the recent administrative changes to expedite the process?

    1. A Only the Tahsildar
    2. B Only the District Collector
    3. C Only the Village Accountant
    4. D Both Tahsildars and Deputy Tahsildars

38. Which of the following best describes the Supreme Court's recent stance regarding the tendering of Consular, Passport and Visa (CPV) services?

    1. A It refused to intervene in the High Court's decision and allowed the Centre to evolve a temporary service mechanism.
    2. B It ordered a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the technical evaluation process.
    3. C It overturned the Delhi High Court's decision to quash the tenders.
    4. D It directed the government to immediately re-award the contracts to the original bidders.

39. In the context of the Indian judicial process, what is the primary purpose of a 'sealed cover' report submitted to the Supreme Court?

    1. A To bypass the need for a formal First Information Report (FIR)
    2. B To ensure the information is accessible to the public for transparency
    3. C To protect the integrity of an ongoing investigation and prevent premature disclosure
    4. D To allow the government to withhold evidence from the judiciary

40. The Bab el-Mandeb strait serves as a critical maritime gateway connecting which of the following?

    1. A The Mediterranean Sea and the Red Sea
    2. B The Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden
    3. C The Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean
    4. D The Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman

41. Which of the following bodies is empowered to transfer a criminal investigation to the State CID in the interest of justice?

    1. A The State Human Rights Commission
    2. B The High Court
    3. C The District Magistrate
    4. D The Superintendent of Police

42. Under which provision or authority does the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) typically take suo motu cognisance of human rights violations?

    1. A The Constitution of India under Article 32
    2. B The Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015
    3. C The Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009
    4. D The Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993

43. Which of the following landmark Supreme Court judgments is associated with the fundamental right to peaceful protest?

    1. A Maneka Gandhi case
    2. B Vishaka v. State of Rajasthan
    3. C Kesavananda Bharati case
    4. D Mazdoor Kisan Shakti Sangathan case

44. Under which legislation are the State Disaster Management Authorities (SDMAs) constituted in India?

    1. A National Disaster Response Force Act, 2006
    2. B Disaster Management Act, 2005
    3. C Urban Planning and Development Act, 2010
    4. D Environment Protection Act, 1986

45. In the context of ancient Indian scholarly traditions as described in historical narratives, which of the following best characterizes the interaction between Yajnavalkya and Maitreyi?

    1. A A political alliance to consolidate power in the court of King Janaka.
    2. B A competition to determine the successor to the royal throne.
    3. C A conflict regarding the interpretation of Vedic rituals and statecraft.
    4. D A demonstration of intellectual humility through the acceptance of defeat in a scholarly debate.

46. Which of the following gases is primarily used in the semiconductor industry for the removal of silicon deposits due to its powerful oxidising properties?

    1. A Nitric oxide
    2. B Uranium hexafluoride
    3. C Helium hydride
    4. D Chlorine trifluoride

47. Which compound is utilised in the nuclear fuel enrichment process to facilitate the separation of uranium isotopes?

    1. A Uranium hexafluoride
    2. B Radon difluoride
    3. C Chlorine trifluoride
    4. D Nitric oxide

48. The International Criminal Court (ICC) is governed by which of the following international treaties?

    1. A The UN Charter
    2. B The Rome Statute
    3. C The Geneva Convention
    4. D The Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations

49. The current Ebola outbreak in Congo is attributed to which of the following viral strains?

    1. A Sudan ebolavirus
    2. B Tai Forest virus
    3. C Bundibugyo virus
    4. D Zaire ebolavirus

50. Which of the following best describes 'Net Interest Margin' (NIM) in the context of banking operations?

    1. A The difference between the interest income generated by banks and the amount of interest paid to their lenders.
    2. B The ratio of non-performing assets to the total loan portfolio of a bank.
    3. C The percentage of deposits that banks are required to maintain with the Reserve Bank of India.
    4. D The total profit earned by a bank after accounting for all operational and administrative expenses.

51. Which of the following is a primary advantage of Vanadium Redox Flow Battery (VRFB) technology compared to conventional Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) batteries?

    1. A Ability to function without an electrolyte solution
    2. B Lower cost of raw material extraction
    3. C Superior suitability for large-scale stationary energy storage
    4. D Higher energy density for mobile electronic devices

52. The LEAP-1A engine, recently in the news for a major order by an Indian airline, is manufactured by which of the following entities?

    1. A CFM International
    2. B Pratt & Whitney
    3. C General Electric Aviation
    4. D Rolls-Royce

53. What does the term 'Net Interest Margin' (NIM) primarily measure in the context of banking operations?

    1. A The percentage of deposits that a bank must maintain with the Reserve Bank of India
    2. B The difference between interest income generated and the amount of interest paid out to lenders
    3. C The ratio of non-performing assets to the total loan portfolio of a bank
    4. D The total profit earned by a bank after accounting for all operational expenses and taxes

54. Which organization provided the scientific report used by the SIT to investigate the alleged gold theft at Sabarimala?

    1. A CSIR National Metallurgical Laboratory
    2. B National Forensic Sciences University
    3. C Archaeological Survey of India
    4. D Indian Institute of Science (IISc)

55. Under which legal framework was the convict sentenced in the Pothundy double murder case?

    1. A Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS)
    2. B Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS)
    3. C Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC)
    4. D Indian Penal Code (IPC)

56. In the Indian judicial system, a death sentence awarded by a Sessions Court is subject to:

    1. A Review by the Ministry of Law and Justice
    2. B Approval by the State Governor
    3. C Confirmation by the concerned High Court
    4. D Automatic appeal to the Supreme Court

57. Which of the following is a mandatory requirement for law enforcement agencies when arresting an individual, as per Supreme Court guidelines?

    1. A Publishing the arrest details in a national newspaper
    2. B Providing the accused with legal counsel at the time of arrest
    3. C Obtaining permission from the local municipal authority
    4. D Communicating the grounds of arrest to the accused

58. Which of the following bodies is responsible for conducting the NEET(UG) examination in India?

    1. A Ministry of Education
    2. B Union Public Service Commission
    3. C University Grants Commission
    4. D National Testing Agency

59. Which of the following phenomena is commonly associated with heavy rainfall in the mountainous regions of Jammu and Kashmir, as evidenced by recent reports?

    1. A Tsunami
    2. B Shooting-stones
    3. C Cyclonic storms
    4. D Desertification

60. Which agency is primarily responsible for investigating money laundering cases in India under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA)?

    1. A Central Bureau of Investigation
    2. B Enforcement Directorate
    3. C Serious Fraud Investigation Office
    4. D Financial Intelligence Unit

61. Which Article of the Indian Constitution is primarily invoked when discussing the right to life and personal liberty in the context of medical intervention?

    1. A Article 14
    2. B Article 25
    3. C Article 21
    4. D Article 19

62. Which of the following is responsible for the conduct of elections to the Panchayati Raj institutions in India?

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

63. The Justice (retd.) Sushanta Chatterjee Commission was primarily constituted to investigate which of the following events?

    1. A The implementation of compensation schemes for state employees
    2. B The 2011 administrative reforms in West Bengal
    3. C The 2026 state assembly election irregularities
    4. D The 1993 police firing incident in West Bengal

64. Under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, the provision for a one-year master's degree programme is primarily designed for students who have completed which of the following?

    1. A A traditional three-year undergraduate degree
    2. B A four-year undergraduate programme (FYUP)
    3. C A two-year postgraduate diploma
    4. D An integrated five-year master's degree

65. Which of the following best describes the primary responsibility of state governments regarding public health infrastructure under the Indian constitutional framework?

    1. A Public health is a concurrent subject requiring mandatory central government oversight for all hospital maintenance.
    2. B Public health is governed exclusively by the local municipal corporations without state government intervention.
    3. C Public health and sanitation are listed under the Union List of the Seventh Schedule.
    4. D Public health and sanitation are listed under the State List of the Seventh Schedule.

66. Which international body is primarily responsible for the safety and security of international shipping and the prevention of pollution by ships?

    1. A International Maritime Organization (IMO)
    2. B World Trade Organization (WTO)
    3. C International Chamber of Shipping (ICS)
    4. D United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS)