1.Consider the following statements regarding the weather system associated with “Cyclone Arnab” in 2026:
The system originated over the Bay of Bengal and was expected to intensify into a cyclonic storm named Arnab.
The name “Arnab” has been contributed by Bangladesh under the North Indian Ocean cyclone-naming system.
The India Meteorological Department ultimately classified the system as a Deep Depression, rather than a Cyclonic Storm.
A Deep Depression has maximum sustained winds of 28–33 knots, whereas a Cyclonic Storm begins at 34 knots.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
a.
b.
c.
d.
Answer : b
Statement 1 – Incorrect: The system developed over the Bay of Bengal, but the IMD forecast that it would cross the north Andhra Pradesh–south Odisha coast as a Deep Depression, and it did not officially become Cyclone Arnab.
Statement 2 – Correct:“Arnab” is the next designated name contributed by Bangladesh in the North Indian Ocean cyclone-naming list.
Statement 3 – Correct: The IMD maintained that the system would remain a Deep Depression rather than intensifying into a cyclonic storm.
Statement 4 – Correct: A Deep Depression corresponds to maximum sustained winds of 28–33 knots, while a Cyclonic Storm starts at 34 knots.
2.Consider the following statements regarding the UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) Scheme:
It aims to improve regional air connectivity by making air travel affordable for the common citizen.
The scheme is implemented by the Ministry of Civil Aviation.
Under the scheme, airlines are provided financial support through Viability Gap Funding (VGF) for operating flights on selected regional routes.
Only airports that were fully operational before the launch of UDAN are eligible to participate in the scheme.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
a.
b.
c.
d.
Answer : a
Statement 1 – Correct:
UDAN was launched in 2016 to promote regional connectivity and make air travel affordable and accessible to a wider section of the population.
Statement 2 – Correct:
The scheme is implemented under the Ministry of Civil Aviation, with the Airport Authority of India (AAI) serving as the implementing agency for the Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS).
Statement 3 – Correct:
Selected airlines receive Viability Gap Funding (VGF) to support operations on routes where commercial viability may initially be limited. The scheme also provides incentives such as concessional airport charges and other support.
Statement 4 – Incorrect:
UDAN is not restricted to already fully operational airports. It seeks to connect underserved and unserved airports/airstrips, including the development or revival of air connectivity to such locations.
3.Consider the following statements regarding Exercise Tarang Shakti 2026:
It is a multilateral air exercise hosted by the Indian Air Force (IAF).
The exercise aims to enhance interoperability, operational coordination and exchange of best practices among participating air forces.
It is conducted exclusively with the air forces of QUAD countries.
The exercise reflects India's emphasis on strengthening international defence cooperation and air power capabilities.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
a.
b.
c.
d.
Answer : a
Statement 1 – Correct:Tarang Shakti is a multilateral air exercise hosted by the Indian Air Force, involving India and foreign air forces.
Statement 2 – Correct: The exercise provides an opportunity for participating forces to improve interoperability, operational coordination, tactical understanding and exchange best practices.
Statement 3 – Incorrect: It is not restricted to QUAD countries. The exercise involves a broader group of participating nations.
Statement 4 – Correct: The exercise strengthens India's defence partnerships, promotes interoperability and facilitates cooperation in modern air operations.
4. Consider the following statements regarding Exercise Varuna:
It is a bilateral naval exercise conducted between India and France.
It is conducted in the Indian Ocean Region to enhance maritime cooperation and interoperability between the two navies.
The exercise was initiated in 2001 as part of the India–France strategic partnership.
It is conducted exclusively by the Indian Army and the French Army.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
a.
b.
c.
d.
Answer : b
Statement 1 – Correct: Exercise Varuna is a bilateral maritime/naval exercise between the Indian Navy and the French Navy.
Statement 2 – Correct: The exercise aims to improve maritime cooperation, operational coordination and interoperability between the two navies, particularly in the Indian Ocean region.
Statement 3 – Correct: The exercise began in 2001 and has become an important component of the India–France strategic partnership.
Statement 4 – Incorrect: Varuna is a naval exercise, not an Army exercise. India and France also conduct other bilateral exercises involving their armed forces.
5. Consider the following statements regarding the FAO 100 Women Heroes in Agrifood Systems and Rural Development initiative:
It was launched by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) to recognise women making outstanding contributions to agrifood systems and rural development.
The initiative is associated with the International Year of the Woman Farmer 2026.
Z.T. Lalrithangi from Mizoram has been selected among the 100 Women Heroes for her contribution to agriculture, particularly strawberry cultivation.
The recognition ceremony is scheduled to be held at FAO Headquarters in Rome during the World Food Forum in October 2026.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
a.
b.
c.
d.
Answer : d
Statement 1 – Correct: FAO’s initiative recognises outstanding women whose leadership, expertise and innovation contribute to transforming agrifood systems and rural development.
Statement 2 – Correct: The initiative is part of the global focus associated with the International Year of the Woman Farmer 2026, which highlights the contribution of women to agrifood systems and rural development.
Statement 3 – Correct:Z.T. Lalrithangi, a farmer from Sangau in Lawngtlai district, Mizoram, has been selected among the FAO 100 Women Heroes; her work includes strawberry cultivation.
Statement 4 – Correct: The recognition is scheduled to be highlighted during the World Food Forum at FAO Headquarters in Rome in October 2026.
