1) With reference to the recently launched Xtreme Weather Grade (XWG) Diesel, consider the following statements:
It is designed to function effectively at temperatures as low as –42°C and requires modifications to existing vehicles before use.
It has been developed exclusively for military use and will not be made available to civilians.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
a.
b.
c.
d.
Answer : d
Explanation
Statement 1 is incorrect. While Xtreme Weather Grade (XWG) Diesel is indeed designed to function effectively at temperatures as low as –42°C, it is compliant with BS-VI standards and IS 1460:2025 specifications.
This allows it to be used seamlessly in existing fleets without requiring any engine modifications or re-homologation.
Statement 2 is incorrect. The specialized fuel was jointly developed by the Indian Army and domestic Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs).
While its primary deployment is to enhance the operational readiness of combat and logistics vehicles in high-altitude regions like Ladakh, the technology is not exclusive to the military.
2) With reference to the Market Distortions Performance Index 2026, consider the following statements:
The Index evaluates countries based on property rights protection, domestic competition, and international competition.
The report recommends increasing sector-specific investment restrictions to improve consumer welfare.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
a.
b.
c.
d.
Answer : a
Explanation
Statement 1 is correct. The Index assesses property rights protection, domestic competition, and international competition.
Statement 2 is incorrect. The report emphasizes that sector-specific investment restrictions should be assessed in light of consumer welfare, rather than recommending an increase in such restrictions.
3) With reference to Commercial Coal Mining in India, consider the following statements
Commercial coal mining allows companies to sell coal freely to any consumer at market-determined prices.
Under the commercial coal mining regime, successful bidders pay the government a fixed per-tonne amount for coal extracted.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
a.
b.
c.
d.
Answer : a
Explanation
Statement 1 is correct. Since the launch of commercial coal mining in 2020, companies are permitted to sell coal to any consumer at market-determined prices, ending the captive-use restriction.
Statement 2 is incorrect. The fixed per-tonne payment system was replaced by a revenue-sharing model, under which successful bidders pay the government a percentage of their revenue linked to the National Coal Index.
4) Which is the nodal agency for PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana?
a.
b.
c.
d.
Answer : a
Explanation
Option a is correct – The central nodal agency for the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana is the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), Government of India.
It oversees the implementation of the national rooftop solar program.
5) Which of the following are major disadvantages of natural diamond mining when compared to lab-grown diamonds?
High water and energy consumption
Land degradation through open-pit excavation and deforestation
Risk of unsafe working conditions and conflict-linked supply chains
Complete traceability of diamond origin
Select the correct answer using the code below:
a.
b.
c.
d.
Answer : c
Explanation
Statements 1, 2 and 3. Correct. Natural diamond mining is associated with high water and energy use, ecosystem degradation (including open-pit mining, topsoil erosion, and deforestation), and social issues such as unsafe working conditions and conflict-linked supply chains.
Statement 4 is incorrect. Complete traceability is an advantage of lab-grown diamonds, not natural diamond mining.
