1.With reference to India’s first Blue Bond, consider the following statements:
Which of the statements given above are correct?
Statement 1 – Correct:
Sagarmala Finance Corporation Limited (SMFCL), the maritime-focused financing institution under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, was associated with India’s maiden Blue Bond initiative. The proposed issue was intended to mobilise funds for maritime-sector projects.
Statement 2 – Correct:
Blue Bonds are thematic debt instruments that mobilise finance for sustainable activities connected with oceans, marine ecosystems, coastal areas and water resources. They are broadly analogous to Green Bonds, but have a specific focus on the blue economy.
Statement 3 – Incorrect:
Blue Bonds are not restricted only to ocean-based renewable energy. Their eligible areas can include sustainable fisheries, marine ecosystem conservation, cleaner ports, coastal infrastructure, water management and other ocean-related activities.
Statement 4 – Correct:
In 2018, Seychelles issued the world's first sovereign Blue Bond, with support from the World Bank. It was designed to support sustainable marine and fisheries-related activities.
2.With reference to the ASEAN-India Maritime Exercise (AIME-2026), consider the following statements:
Which of the statements given above are correct?
Statement 1 – Correct:
AIME is a maritime exercise involving India and ASEAN Member States, aimed at enhancing mutual understanding, maritime cooperation, operational coordination and interoperability.
Statement 2 – Correct:
The second edition of AIME-2026 commenced at Subic Bay, Philippines, on 28 September 2026. The exercise was co-hosted by India and the Philippines.
Statement 3 – Correct:
The Indian Navy participated with INS Sahyadri and INS Kulish. The exercise included harbour and sea phases with coordinated maritime exercises and operational activities.
Statement 4 – Correct:
AIME-2026 furthers India's Act East Policy and the MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions) vision.
3.With reference to Paraquat Dichloride, consider the following statements:
Which of the statements given above are correct?
Statement 1 – Correct:
Paraquat Dichloride is a non-selective contact herbicide. It is used to control a wide range of weeds and acts mainly on the plant tissues that it directly contacts.
Statement 2 – Correct:
Paraquat undergoes redox cycling in plant cells and generates reactive oxygen species (ROS). These cause oxidative damage to cell membranes and other cellular components, resulting in rapid desiccation and death of the treated plant tissue.
Statement 3 – Correct:
Paraquat is highly toxic to humans. Ingestion can cause severe poisoning and damage to multiple organs, including the gastrointestinal tract, kidneys and lungs. Severe poisoning can be fatal.
Statement 4 – Incorrect:
Paraquat is not a systemic herbicide. It is primarily a contact herbicide, meaning it causes damage at the sites of application and is not extensively translocated throughout the plant.
4.With reference to the Status of Policing in India Report (SPIR) 2026, consider the following statements:
Which of the statements given above are correct?
Statement 1 – Correct:
The Status of Policing in India Report (SPIR) 2026 is a collaborative initiative of Common Cause and Lokniti–CSDS. The SPIR series examines various dimensions of policing and access to justice in India.
Statement 2 – Correct:
SPIR 2026 examines access to justice in cybercrime cases, particularly the processes through which victims approach the police for redressal. It examines informal mechanisms such as bribery and personal networks/influence, alongside factors such as FIR registration, police response and bank–police coordination.
Statement 3 – Correct:
The 2026 study surveyed 8,306 citizens across 16 States.
Statement 4 – Incorrect:
The report found a correlation between informal interventions such as bribery/personal contacts and higher rates of fund recovery. However, it explicitly notes that correlation does not establish causation. Therefore, it cannot be concluded that bribery or personal influence causes better recovery outcomes.
5.With reference to a Motion of Confidence in the Indian Parliament, consider the following statements:
Which of the statements given above are correct?
Statement 1 – Correct:
A Motion of Confidence is normally moved by the government itself to establish that it continues to enjoy the support of the majority in the Lok Sabha.
Statement 2 – Correct:
It becomes particularly relevant when there is political uncertainty regarding the government's majority. The motion provides an opportunity for the House to determine whether the Council of Ministers retains its support.
Statement 3 – Correct:
The Council of Ministers is collectively responsible to the Lok Sabha under Article 75(3). Therefore, if the government loses a confidence vote, it cannot ordinarily continue in office and is expected to resign.
Statement 4 – Incorrect:
The Constitution does not expressly use the term “Motion of Confidence” or prescribe a detailed constitutional procedure for it. Confidence motions are dealt with under parliamentary rules and conventions, particularly the rules governing motions and the conduct of business in the Lok Sabha.
