In 2026, which of the following is a primary tool used by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to monitor and respond to global inflationary pressures impacting the Indian economy?
A Directly controlling international commodity prices
B Adjusting the repo rate and managing foreign exchange reserves
C Imposing tariffs on all imported goods
D Mandating domestic production quotas for essential goods
Answer: B
The RBI primarily uses monetary policy tools like the repo rate to manage domestic liquidity and inflation. It also manages foreign exchange reserves to stabilize the rupee against external shocks, which can be influenced by global inflation.
1552.
Beyond tariff reductions, a comprehensive trade agreement like the India-EU pact typically includes provisions for which of the following to ensure fair competition and market access?
A Joint military exercises and defense procurement.
B Cooperation on space exploration and satellite launches.
C Intellectual Property Rights (IPR), investment protection, and dispute settlement mechanisms.
D Harmonization of educational curricula across all levels.
Answer: C
Modern comprehensive trade agreements go beyond mere tariff reductions. They often include chapters on Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) to protect innovations, investment protection to encourage cross-border investments, and robust dispute settlement mechanisms to resolve trade-related disagreements fairly and efficiently.
1553.
Which of the following sectors is expected to be a major beneficiary of the India-EU Bilateral Trade Agreement, given India's strong capabilities and the EU's market demand?
A Heavy machinery manufacturing
B Information Technology (IT) and IT-enabled services
C Coal mining and extraction
D Traditional agricultural commodities with high tariffs
Answer: B
India has a globally recognized strength in Information Technology and IT-enabled services. The EU, being a major market, would benefit from increased access to these services, while Indian companies would gain greater market access and opportunities, making this sector a significant beneficiary of such a trade agreement.
1554.
The recently signed major Bilateral Trade Agreement between India and the European Union primarily aims to achieve which of the following?
A Eliminate or significantly reduce tariffs and non-tariff barriers on goods and services.
B Establish a common currency for trade between the two entities.
C Form a military alliance for regional security.
D Promote cultural exchange programs exclusively.
Answer: A
Bilateral trade agreements, such as the one between India and the EU, are primarily designed to foster economic cooperation by reducing trade barriers like tariffs, quotas, and other non-tariff measures. This aims to increase market access, boost trade volumes, and facilitate investment flows between the signatory parties.
1555.
One of the most contentious issues in the ongoing UN Security Council reform discussions is the question of:
A The budget allocation for the UN Secretariat.
B The expansion of the veto power to more permanent members.
C The number of official languages used by the UN.
D The location of the UN headquarters.
Answer: B
The veto power held by the five permanent members (P5) is a major point of contention. Many countries argue that extending this power to new permanent members or reforming its use is crucial for a more democratic and effective Security Council, while others, including some P5 members, are reluctant to dilute their influence.
1556.
The 'G4' group of nations, actively advocating for permanent seats in a reformed UN Security Council, comprises which of the following countries?
A China, France, Russia, United Kingdom
B India, Germany, Japan, Brazil
C United States, Canada, Mexico, Australia
D South Africa, Nigeria, Egypt, Kenya
Answer: B
The G4 nations – India, Germany, Japan, and Brazil – are four countries that support each other's bids for permanent seats on the UN Security Council. They are among the largest economies in their respective regions and contribute significantly to the UN, arguing for a more representative and effective Security Council.
1557.
Which of the following is considered a primary reason for the intensified calls for reform of the UN Security Council in 2026?
A The current structure reflects the geopolitical realities of 1945, not the 21st century.
B Lack of funding for UN peacekeeping operations.
C The increasing number of non-permanent members.
D The declining relevance of the General Assembly.
Answer: A
The UN Security Council's structure, with its five permanent members and ten non-permanent members, largely reflects the power dynamics at the end of World War II. Critics argue that this structure is outdated and does not adequately represent the geopolitical realities of the 21st century, leading to calls for reform to include more diverse representation.
1558.
The new guidelines for NEP implementation in Higher Education in 2026 likely include provisions for academic bank of credits (ABC). What is the main purpose of the ABC?
A To provide financial aid to students.
B To allow students to choose courses from different institutions and get credits recognized.
C To standardize the grading system across all universities.
D To facilitate international student exchange programs.
Answer: B
The Academic Bank of Credits (ABC) is designed to facilitate flexible learning, allowing students to earn credits from various recognized institutions and have them digitally stored and redeemed for degree requirements.
1559.
Which regulatory body is primarily responsible for overseeing the implementation of NEP 2020 in Higher Education in India?
A University Grants Commission (UGC)
B All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE)
C National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT)
D National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC)
Answer: A
The University Grants Commission (UGC) plays a pivotal role in guiding and regulating higher education institutions and is central to the implementation of NEP 2020 in this sector.
1560.
The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 aims to bring about significant reforms in India's education system. What is a key focus area for NEP implementation in Higher Education as per the new guidelines released in 2026?
A Increasing the number of private universities.
B Promoting multidisciplinary education and research.
C Reducing the number of government-funded institutions.
D Focusing solely on vocational training.
Answer: B
The NEP 2020 emphasizes the integration of disciplines and the promotion of research to foster holistic development and innovation in higher education.
