The question asks to identify the first biosphere reserve established in India. This is a factual question requiring knowledge of the history of biosphere reserves in India.
A) Nilgiri: The Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve was indeed the first biosphere reserve established in India. It was designated in 1986. It encompasses parts of Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Karnataka, and is known for its rich biodiversity.
The question asks to identify the two companies that signed contracts with the Defence Ministry in March 2025 for the procurement of 155 mm/52 calibre Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS). This requires knowledge of recent defence procurement news in India.
Correct Option: A) Bharat Forge Ltd and Tata Advanced Systems Ltd
In March 2025, the Ministry of Defence signed contracts with Bharat Forge Ltd and Tata Advanced Systems Ltd for the procurement of 155 mm/52 calibre Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS). These contracts are part of India's push for indigenous defence manufacturing and modernization of its artillery.
The question asks about the exclusive legislative powers of the Central Government as defined in the Seventh Schedule of the Indian Constitution. This requires knowledge of the distribution of legislative powers between the Union and the States.
Correct Option: C) Union List — The Union List enumerates subjects on which the Central Government (Parliament) has exclusive power to legislate. This aligns directly with the question.
The question asks to identify the Indian state where Aguada Fort, a monument of Portuguese construction, is located. This requires knowledge of historical Portuguese presence in India and the geographical location of their significant forts.
B) Goa — Fort Aguada is a prominent historical fort built by the Portuguese in 1612. It is situated on Sinquerim Beach, north of Candolim, in the state of Goa, India. It was strategically important for defending the Portuguese holdings from invaders and for providing fresh water to passing ships.
The question asks to identify which dimension is NOT included in India's National Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) as published by NITI Aayog. The National MPI is based on the global MPI methodology but adapted to India's context, measuring poverty across various deprivations beyond just income.
B) Employment — Employment is not a direct dimension or indicator used in India's National Multidimensional Poverty Index. The MPI focuses on deprivations in health, education, and standard of living.
The question asks about a new electricity trading tool proposed by India in 2025 to assist companies in achieving their renewable energy targets. This requires knowledge of recent policy developments and energy market mechanisms in India.
Correct Option: D) Virtual Power Purchase Agreements (VPPAs) were proposed by India in 2025 as a new electricity trading tool to help companies meet their renewable energy targets. VPPAs are financial contracts that allow companies to support renewable energy projects and claim renewable energy credits without directly buying the physical electricity. This mechanism is crucial for companies that cannot physically procure renewable energy due to various constraints but still want to meet their sustainability goals.
The question asks to identify the Indian startup that unveiled a system to run AI without advanced chips in April 2025. This is a factual question related to recent technological advancements and startups in India.
Correct Option: A) Ziroh Labs
The question asks to identify the Schedule of the Indian Constitution that deals with the administration and control of Scheduled Areas and Scheduled Tribes. This requires knowledge of the specific provisions of the various Schedules of the Constitution.
B) Fifth Schedule — The Fifth Schedule of the Indian Constitution provides for the administration and control of Scheduled Areas and Scheduled Tribes in all states except Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Mizoram. This schedule outlines the powers of the Governor, the role of Tribes Advisory Councils, and the application of laws to these areas.
The Human Development Index (HDI) is a composite statistic of life expectancy, education, and per capita income indicators, which are used to rank countries into four tiers of human development. To determine a decent standard of living, HDI considers economic well-being, which is best represented by a specific measure of income.
Correct Option: C) GDP per capita in PPP US Dollars. While the HDI officially uses GNI per capita (PPP US\(), GDP per capita (PPP US\)) is often used interchangeably or as a close proxy in many discussions and calculations, as both aim to measure the economic output and income level adjusted for purchasing power. It is the most accurate representation among the given options for measuring a decent standard of living in HDI context.
The question asks to identify the specific multinational air combat exercise in which the Indian Air Force (IAF) participated at Al Dhafra Air Base in the UAE from April 21 to May 8, 2025. This requires knowledge of recent and upcoming international military exercises involving the IAF.
C) Desert Flag-10 is the correct answer. The Indian Air Force regularly participates in the 'Desert Flag' series of multinational air combat exercises hosted by the UAE Air Force at Al Dhafra Air Base. Desert Flag-10 is scheduled for the specified period in 2025, making it the appropriate choice.