What is the projected trend for India's retail inflation in the latter half of 2026, based on the July 2026 figures and prevailing economic conditions?
A A sharp increase due to anticipated monsoon failures impacting food supply.
B A gradual decline as supply chain disruptions are expected to fully resolve.
C Continued volatility with potential for both upward and downward movements, heavily influenced by food prices and global factors.
D A steady plateauing around the 5% mark, indicating a stable economic environment.
Answer: C
The July 2026 inflation data, combined with ongoing global uncertainties and the seasonal impact on food prices, suggests that retail inflation is likely to remain volatile in the second half of 2026. While some factors might push it down, food price fluctuations and external shocks remain key risks.
62.
Considering the retail inflation data for July 2026, which sector has shown a notable moderation in price rise, contributing to a slight easing of the overall inflation rate?
A Housing and rent prices.
B Fuel and light prices.
C Healthcare services.
D Clothing and footwear.
Answer: B
Data for July 2026 suggests that the fuel and light component of the CPI basket has experienced some moderation, possibly due to stable global energy markets or specific government interventions, helping to slightly offset the pressures from other categories.
63.
As per the latest available data for July 2026, what has been the primary driver contributing to the recent fluctuations in India's retail inflation (CPI)?
A A significant decrease in global crude oil prices.
B Persistent high food inflation, particularly in vegetables and pulses.
C A sharp decline in manufactured goods prices due to supply chain improvements.
D Government subsidies leading to a reduction in essential commodity prices.
Answer: B
In July 2026, reports indicate that food inflation, especially for items like vegetables and pulses, has remained a significant concern, exerting upward pressure on the overall Consumer Price Index (CPI). While other factors might play a role, food prices have been the most consistent contributor to inflationary trends.
64.
The European Free Trade Association (EFTA), which recently signed a Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA) with India, is a free trade area composed of which four European countries?
A Germany, France, Italy, Spain
B Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein
C Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Ireland
D Austria, Belgium, Netherlands, Luxembourg
Answer: B
EFTA is an intergovernmental organization established in 1960 to promote free trade and economic integration for the benefit of its four member states: Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland.
65.
The recently signed India-EFTA Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA) includes a significant commitment from EFTA countries regarding investment. What is this commitment?
A To invest USD 100 billion in India over the next 15 years
B To provide preferential market access for Indian agricultural products
C To reduce tariffs on all Indian manufactured goods to zero immediately
D To facilitate the movement of Indian skilled professionals to EFTA countries
Answer: A
A key feature of the India-EFTA TEPA is EFTA's commitment to promote investment of USD 100 billion in India over the next 15 years, aiming to create 1 million direct jobs in India. This is a first-of-its-kind binding investment promotion commitment in an FTA.
66.
In a significant development for India's trade relations with Europe, India recently signed a major Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA) with which European bloc in March 2024?
A European Union (EU)
B European Free Trade Association (EFTA)
C United Kingdom (UK)
D Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS)
Answer: B
India signed the Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA) with the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) – comprising Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein – on March 10, 2024. This landmark agreement aims to boost trade and investment between India and the EFTA states.
67.
The UN Security Council frequently addresses the critical challenge of protecting civilians in armed conflict, a core mandate for many peacekeeping operations. Which of the following is a key principle guiding UN peacekeeping missions in fulfilling their Protection of Civilians (POC) mandates?
A Non-interference in internal affairs at all costs
B Use of force only for self-defense of peacekeepers
C Proactive and robust measures to protect civilians under imminent threat
D Exclusive reliance on political solutions without military presence
Answer: C
The Protection of Civilians (POC) mandate often requires UN peacekeepers to take proactive and robust measures, including the use of force, to protect civilians under imminent threat, within their capabilities and rules of engagement. This is a frequently discussed and challenging aspect of peacekeeping.
68.
In recent years, the UN Security Council has faced significant challenges regarding the withdrawal and transition of major peacekeeping missions. Which UN peacekeeping mission in Africa, after operating for over a decade, completed its withdrawal from Mali by the end of 2023, highlighting complex exit strategies?
A UNMISS (South Sudan)
B MONUSCO (DR Congo)
C MINUSMA (Mali)
D UNAMID (Darfur)
Answer: C
The United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) completed its withdrawal from Mali by December 31, 2023, following a request from the transitional government. This withdrawal presented significant logistical and security challenges for the UN.
69.
Which of the following initiatives, launched by the UN Secretary-General, aims to strengthen UN peacekeeping operations by focusing on performance, accountability, and safety of peacekeepers, and is regularly reviewed by the UN Security Council?
A Agenda for Peace
B Action for Peacekeeping (A4P+)
C Responsibility to Protect (R2P)
D Sustaining Peace Agenda
Answer: B
Action for Peacekeeping (A4P) was launched in 2018, and its follow-up, A4P+, continues to guide efforts to enhance the effectiveness and impact of UN peacekeeping operations, with regular discussions and reviews by the Security Council on its implementation and challenges.
70.
The National Health Authority (NHA) is the apex body responsible for the implementation of the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM). Which government body is NHA a part of?
A NITI Aayog
B Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology
C Department of Pharmaceuticals
D Under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
Answer: D
The National Health Authority (NHA) was established as an autonomous body under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare to implement the Ayushman Bharat National Health Protection Mission, which includes the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission.
