1. Which statement best captures why the Strait of Hormuz matters strategically to India?
Answer: D. Around 20% of the world's oil moves through this waterway. India depends heavily on West Asian oil, which raises its importance.
2. What is Operation Urja Suraksha, launched by India, mainly designed to achieve?
Answer: A. The operation protects energy supply routes, notably through the Strait of Hormuz, so oil and gas keep arriving without a break.
3. In India's updated NDC for 2031-2035, what does cutting emissions intensity indicate?
Answer: C. Intensity is the emissions produced for each unit of GDP. A fall means the economy is growing in a more environmentally sustainable manner.
4. What is the IVFRT Scheme in India chiefly for?
Answer: E. This e-governance effort digitises visa, entry, stay and exit procedures, making immigration safer and more efficient.
5. What is SEBI's 'Verified App Label' initiative mainly aiming at?
Answer: B. The label helps investors spot genuine apps tied to registered intermediaries, which lowers the chance of being defrauded.
6. What is the probable consequence for the Indian economy of heavy selling by FPIs?
Answer: D. When foreign investors withdraw capital, share prices fall, the currency weakens and markets become more volatile.
7. What is the chief benefit of an 'opt-in' loan moratorium framework?
Answer: A. Only borrowers who really need relief choose it, so banks avoid needless strain and loan quality is better preserved.
8. Why has PAN linkage been made compulsory for credit card transactions under Income Tax Rules 2026?
Answer: C. Linking PAN lets authorities follow spending patterns and catch gaps between declared income and expenses, curbing evasion.
9. What is the Grameen Credit Score (GCS) mainly meant to do?
Answer: E. It evaluates people such as farmers and SHG members who have no formal credit record, which eases their access to institutional loans.
10. In what way do Credit Information Companies (CICs) assist financial inclusion in rural areas?
Answer: B. Credit scores from CICs let lenders gauge risk, so they can extend loans to underserved people.
11. In which constituency did Balendra Shah defeat former PM K. P. Sharma Oli?
Answer: B. Shah beat Oli in Jhapa-5 in the 5 March 2026 election.
12. Which diplomat did Periasamy Kumaran succeed as High Commissioner to the UK?
Answer: B. Vikram Doraiswami, who was reported to be moving as Ambassador to China, was his predecessor.
13. The Strait of Hormuz connects which two water bodies?
Answer: C. It lies between the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman.
14. Which organisation publishes the QS World University Rankings by Subject?
Answer: B. QS stands for Quacquarelli Symonds.
15. Which force executes Operation Urja Suraksha?
Answer: B. The Indian Navy is the executing agency.