Q1. With reference to the 28th Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers of the Commonwealth (CSPOC), consider the following statements:
- The Conference emphasised the need for ethical frameworks for Artificial Intelligence and social media to safeguard democratic institutions.
- India showcased its experience of fully replacing legislative proceedings with AI-based systems.
- The Conference highlighted the role of Presiding Officers in maintaining the credibility and impartiality of Parliaments.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- 1 and 2 only
- 1 and 3 only
- 2 and 3 only
- 1, 2 and 3
Correct Option: 2. 1 and 3 only
Explanation:
• Statement 1 is correct:
Shri Om Birla stressed ethical AI and transparent, accountable social media frameworks to protect democratic values.
•
Statement 2 is incorrect:
India highlighted increasing use of AI and digital technologies and movement towards paperless legislatures, not a complete replacement of legislative proceedings by AI.
•
Statement 3 is correct:
The Conference agenda included impartiality and fairness of Presiding Officers to enhance public trust and parliamentary credibility.
Q2. With reference to the Womaniya initiative of the Government e-Marketplace (GeM), consider the following statements:
- It was launched to improve the participation of women-led Micro and Small Enterprises and Self-Help Groups in public procurement.
- Women-led enterprises account for less than the mandated minimum share of procurement on the GeM portal.
- The initiative provides a fully digital, transparent interface between government buyers and women entrepreneurs.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- 1 and 2 only
- 1 and 3 only
- 2 and 3 only
- 1, 2 and 3
Correct Option: 2. 1 and 3 only
Explanation:
• Statement 1 is correct:
Womaniya was launched in January 2019 to address limited access of women entrepreneurs and SHGs to government markets.
•
Statement 2 is incorrect:
Women-led enterprises account for 4.7% of GeM’s total order value, exceeding the mandated 3% procurement target.
•
Statement 3 is correct:
The initiative offers a direct, transparent and fully digital procurement interface, eliminating intermediaries and reducing entry barriers.
Q3. With reference to India’s Strategic Trade Control (STC) framework, consider the following statements:
- The SCOMET framework regulates the export of dual-use and sensitive goods, technologies, software, materials and equipment.
- The National Conference on Strategic Trade Controls (NCSTC) 2026 focused exclusively on export enforcement and penalties.
- Intangible Technology Transfer (ITT) and supply chain security were discussed as part of compliance mechanisms.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- 1 only
- 1 and 3 only
- 2 and 3 only
- 1, 2 and 3
Correct Option: 2. 1 and 3 only
Explanation:
• The SCOMET (Special Chemicals, Organisms, Materials, Equipment and Technologies) framework governs exports of dual-use and sensitive items under India’s Strategic Trade Control system.
•
Statement 2 is incorrect: NCSTC 2026 did not focus exclusively on enforcement; it aimed to balance compliance, awareness, coordination and facilitation of legitimate high-technology trade, alongside non-proliferation concerns.
•
Statement 3 is correct: Compliance-related discussions included Intangible Technology Transfer (ITT) and supply chain security mechanisms such as the Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) programme
Q4. Which of the following were key features or outcomes of the National Conference on Strategic Trade Controls (NCSTC) 2026?
- Release of the third edition of the Handbook on India’s Strategic Trade Control System
- Sector-specific discussions on chemicals & biotechnology, aerospace, space and defence exports
- Inclusion of emerging technologies such as quantum computing, semiconductors and additive manufacturing
- Announcement of India’s withdrawal from multilateral non-proliferation export control regimes
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
- 1 and 2 only
- 1, 2 and 3 only
- 2 and 4 only
- 1, 2, 3 and 4
Correct Option: 2. 1, 2 and 3 only
Explanation:
• Statement 1 is correct: The third edition of the Handbook on India’s Strategic Trade Control System was released during the inaugural session.
•
Statement 2 is correct: Sector-specific sessions covered chemicals & biotechnology, aerospace & space, and defence exports and munitions-related controls.
•
Statement 3 is correct: Discussions included emerging and frontier technologies such as quantum-related items, advanced computing, semiconductors, additive manufacturing and cybersecurity.
•
Statement 4 is incorrect: There was no announcement regarding withdrawal from multilateral non-proliferation regimes; rather, the Conference reaffirmed India’s commitment to effective and transparent strategic trade controls.
Q5. With reference to the Department of Posts’ onboarding on the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC), consider the following statements:
- The Department of Posts is functioning as a Logistics Service Provider (LSP) on ONDC.
- Under the “Click & Book” model, postage is collected digitally after successful delivery.
- Sellers on ONDC-enabled platforms can choose the Department of Posts for parcel pickup and delivery.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- 2 and 3 only
- 1, 2 and 3
- 1 and 3 only
- 1 only
Correct Option: 3. 1 and 3 only
Explanation:
• Statement 1 is correct: The Department of Posts is onboarded on ONDC as a Logistics Service Provider (LSP).
•
Statement 2 is incorrect: Postage is collected at the time of pickup, not after delivery.
•
Statement 3 is correct: Sellers can select the Department of Posts for pickup, booking, transmission and delivery.
Q6. The participation of the Bhairav Battalion contingents in the 78th Army Day Parade primarily symbolised:
- India’s focus on ceremonial military traditions
- Enhanced jointness between the three armed forces
- The Army’s transition towards agile, high-impact combat formations
- Expansion of United Nations peacekeeping commitments
Correct Option: 3. The Army’s transition towards agile, high-impact combat formations
Explanation:
The Bhairav Battalion contingents from RAJRIF and SIKH LI participated in the parade for the first time. These units represent a “lean and mean” force structure, designed for rapid deployment, high lethality and modern battlefield requirements. Their inclusion highlighted the Indian Army’s strategic shift towards technology-enabled, agile and future-ready warfare, aligning with emerging security challenges.
Q7. According to the ILO Employment and Social Trends 2026 report, which of the following statements about informal employment is correct?
- More than two billion workers globally are in informal employment.
- The global rate of informality declined steadily between 2015 and 2025.
- Informal employment primarily exists in developed countries.
- Informality is no longer a concern due to structural transformation.
Options:
- A only
- B only
- A and B only
- C and D only
Correct Option: 1. A only
Explanation:
• Option A is correct: The report states that over 2 billion workers globally remain in informal employment.
•
Option B is incorrect: The report notes a slight increase of 0.3 percentage points in global informality between 2015 and 2025.
•
Option C is incorrect: Informal employment is most prevalent in low- and middle-income countries, not primarily in developed countries.
•
Option D is incorrect: Informality remains a concern, even with structural transformation and digitalisation reshaping economies.