Q1. With reference to the revised Startup India recognition framework, consider the following statements:
- The turnover threshold for general startup recognition has been increased to ₹200 crore.
- The age limit for Deep Tech Startups has been extended to 15 years from the date of incorporation.
- The turnover limit for Deep Tech Startups has been enhanced to ₹300 crore.
- Cooperative societies registered under State Cooperative Acts are now eligible for startup recognition.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
- 1 and 3 only
- 1, 3 and 4 only
- 2 and 4 only
- 1, 2, 3 and 4
Correct Option: 2. 1, 3 and 4 only
Explanation:
• Statement 1 – Correct:
The turnover limit for startup recognition has been increased from ₹100 crore to ₹200 crore.
•
Statement 2 – Incorrect:
The age limit for Deep Tech Startups has been extended to 20 years, not 15 years.
•
Statement 3 – Correct:
The turnover limit for Deep Tech Startups has been enhanced to ₹300 crore, recognizing their capital-intensive and long-gestation nature.
•
Statement 4 – Correct:
Cooperative societies registered under State and UT Cooperative Acts, as well as Multi-State Cooperative Societies, are now eligible for recognition.
Q2. The introduction of a dedicated “Deep Tech Startup” category primarily aims to address which of the following challenges?
- Long gestation periods before commercialization
- High research and development intensity
- Need for short-term working capital support
- Capital-intensive operational requirements
Select the correct answer using the code below:
- 1 and 2 only
- 2, 3 and 4 only
- 1, 2 and 4 only
- 1, 2, 3 and 4
Correct Option: 3. 1, 2 and 4 only
Explanation:
• Statement 1 – Correct:
Deep tech startups often require extended timelines before commercialization due to technological complexity.
•
Statement 2 – Correct:
They are characterized by high R&D intensity and scientific innovation.
•
Statement 3 – Incorrect:
The framework does not primarily address short-term working capital needs; rather, it focuses on enabling long-term patient capital and structural support.
•
Statement 4 – Correct:
Deep tech enterprises are capital-intensive and require substantial infrastructure and investment.
Q3. With reference to the Sanchar Saathi initiative, consider the following statements:
- The Chakshu facility allows citizens to report suspected fraud communications even if no financial loss has occurred.
- Cases involving actual financial loss due to cyber fraud are handled by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT).
- The data reported through Chakshu is used for analytical purposes to detect misuse of telecom resources.
- Action against suspected mobile numbers is taken without giving an opportunity for re-verification to the user.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
- 1 and 3 only
- 1, 2 and 3 only
- 2 and 4 only
- 1, 3 and 4 only
Correct Option: 1. 1 and 3 only
Explanation:
• Statement 1 – Correct:
Chakshu enables reporting of suspected fraud communications where fraud was attempted but not necessarily committed.
•
Statement 2 – Incorrect:
Cases involving actual financial loss are handled by the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) under the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), not DoT.
•
Statement 3 – Correct:
DoT uses crowd-sourced data to analyze patterns and detect misuse of telecom resources rather than acting on individual complaints directly.
•
Statement 4 – Incorrect:
Action is generally taken after giving an opportunity for re-verification to the mobile user.
Q4. With reference to the Digital Intelligence Platform (DIP) established by DoT, consider the following statements:
- DIP facilitates bi-directional information sharing among telecom operators, banks, security agencies and other stakeholders.
- The Mobile Number Revocation List (MNRL) contains details of disconnected numbers along with reasons and date of disconnection.
- The Financial Fraud Risk Indicator (FRI) classifies mobile numbers based on their likelihood of involvement in financial fraud.
- DIP directly prosecutes individuals involved in cyber fraud.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
- 1, 2 and 3 only
- 1 and 4 only
- 2 and 3 only
- 1, 2, 3 and 4
Correct Option: 1. 1, 2 and 3 only
Explanation:
• Statement 1 – Correct:
DIP is a secure online platform for bi-directional information sharing among over 1200 stakeholders including police, banks, TSPs, UPI providers, and WhatsApp.
•
Statement 2 – Correct:
MNRL includes disconnected mobile numbers along with reasons and date of disconnection.
•
Statement 3 – Correct:
FRI is a risk-based metric categorizing mobile numbers as medium, high, or very high risk for financial fraud.
•
Statement 4 – Incorrect:
DIP does not prosecute offenders. It shares information so that stakeholders can initiate action within their respective domains.
Q5. Which of the following cities is the headquarters of a Zonal Cultural Centre (ZCC) established by the Government of India to preserve Intangible Cultural Heritage?
- Bhopal
- Patiala
- Jaipur
- Lucknow
Correct Option: 2. Patiala
Explanation:
The Government of India has established seven Zonal Cultural Centres (ZCCs) to promote and preserve folk art and culture. Their headquarters are located at:
•
Patiala
•
Nagpur
•
Udaipur
•
Prayagraj
•
Kolkata
•
Dimapur
•
Thanjavur
Q6. Mount Aconcagua, recently flagged off for a joint Indian expedition, is located in which country?
- Chile
- Peru
- Argentina
- Bolivia
Correct Option: 3. Argentina
Explanation:
Mount Aconcagua is located in Argentina. It stands at 6,961 metres, making it:
• The highest peak in South America
• The highest mountain outside Asia
It is also the tallest mountain in the Western Hemisphere.
Q7. Under the Carbon Credit Trading Scheme (CCTS), which of the following entities is responsible for providing regulatory support for trading of Carbon Credit Certificates (CCC)?
- Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE)
- Grid Controller of India Limited
- Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC)
- Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
Correct Option: 3. Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC)
Explanation:
The regulatory framework of the Indian Carbon Market (ICM) clearly assigns different roles to institutions:
• Bureau of Energy Efficiency – Acts as the Administrator of the scheme and manages implementation.
• Grid Controller of India Limited – Functions as the Registry for the carbon market.
• Central Electricity Regulatory Commission – Provides regulatory support for trading activities, including matters relating to Carbon Credit Certificate (CCC) trading.
Q8. The ‘Development of Homestays in Tribal Areas’ scheme has been launched as a sub-scheme under which of the following initiatives?
- PRASHAD Scheme
- Swadesh Darshan
- Dekho Apna Desh
- National Rural Livelihood Mission
Correct Option: 2. Swadesh Darshan
Explanation:
The ‘Development of Homestays in Tribal Areas’ scheme has been introduced as a sub-scheme of the Swadesh Darshan initiative by the Ministry of Tourism.
It is being implemented under the broader umbrella of the Pradhan Mantri Janjatiya Unnat Gram Abhiyan (PM-JUGA).
• PRASHAD Scheme focuses on pilgrimage tourism infrastructure.
• Dekho Apna Desh is a promotional campaign.
• National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM) focuses on self-employment and SHGs, not tourism infrastructure.
Q9. Which is the tallest flying bird in the world?
- Ostrich
- Sarus crane
- Wandering albatross
- Emu
Correct Option: 2. Sarus crane
Explanation:
The Sarus crane is the tallest bird capable of sustained flight, reaching a height of up to 1.8 meters (5 feet 11 inches). It has a large wingspan (about 2.4–2.6 meters) and is native to South Asia, Southeast Asia, and Australia. Despite its great height, it is a strong and graceful flyer.
Let’s examine the other options:
1. Ostrich – Although the ostrich is the tallest bird overall (up to 2.7 meters), it is flightless, so it does not qualify.
3. Wandering albatross – This bird has the largest wingspan of any living bird (up to 3.5 meters), but it is not the tallest in height.
4. Emu – The emu is also a tall bird but is flightless, similar to the ostrich.