Answer: A

Explanation:

• According to Energy Statistics India 2026, a clear increase has been recorded in the total primary energy supply (TPES) in the country, which reflects rapidly increasing economic activities, urbanization, and the growing demand for energy; therefore, statement 1 is correct.


• In the same sequence, an increase has also been observed in total final energy consumption (TFC), which makes it clear that energy consumption is increasing in various sectors, such as industry, transport, and domestic use, therefore, statement 2 is incorrect.


• Along with this, the increase in per capita energy consumption indicates that there is improvement in the standard of living in the country, increase in income, and expansion of industrialization; therefore, statement 3 is correct.


• In the contemporary perspective, to balance India’s growing energy requirements, significant efforts are being made in the direction of energy transition. Under this, rapid expansion of renewable energy sources (solar and wind), improvement in energy efficiency, and promotion of clean energy technologies are being carried out, so that a balance can be established between economic development and environmental sustainability.

Answer: A

Explanation:

• The Nagoya Protocol is an important international agreement under the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), whose objective is to ensure fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from the use of genetic resources.


• This protocol recognizes the rights of local communities and custodians of biological resources and ensures their participation in benefit sharing, which promotes biodiversity conservation. Thus, Reason (R) directly explains Statement (A), because equitable sharing of benefits itself generates incentives for conservation. India has emerged as a global leader in issuing IRCCs (Internationally Recognized Certificates of Compliance), which reflects the effective implementation of the Nagoya Protocol.

Answer: A

Explanation:

• The objective of the PM E-DRIVE Scheme is to promote electric vehicles (EVs), reduce dependence on fossil fuels, and encourage a clean and sustainable transport system; therefore, statement 1 is correct.


• Under this scheme, the subsidy provided by the government is given directly to consumers in the form of an upfront discount, which reduces the initial cost of electric vehicles and increases their demand; therefore, statement 2 is also correct.


• To promote electric vehicles in India, various initiatives are being undertaken by the government, including battery manufacturing, expansion of charging infrastructure, and special emphasis on green energy transition.


• This initiative is also an important part of the strategy to achieve the net-zero target (2070) and to deal with climate change.

Answer: D

Explanation:

For Global Maritime Trade, the extremely important maritime chokepoints are

• Bab-el-Mandeb Strait - connects the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden; important for Europe–Asia trade
• Strait of Hormuz - a large portion of the world’s oil trade passes through it
• Strait of Malacca - the busiest trade route between the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean
• Bosphorus Strait - connects the Black Sea to the Mediterranean Sea

At present, due to increasing tensions in West Asia and the Red Sea region, maritime security challenges, and issues related to energy supply, all these chokepoints have become extremely important in global politics and economy.

Answer: A

Explanation:

• Jannik Sinner, in the year 2026, by winning the prestigious Miami Open title, demonstrated his world-class capability, therefore, statement 1 is correct.


• In the final match, he defeated Jiri Lehecka, due to which statement 2 is also proved correct.


• This victory is also of special importance because along with this, Sinner completed the “Sunshine Double,” which is considered a very rare achievement in tennis and is achieved only by selected top players.


• However, statement 3 is incorrect because the Miami Open is a tournament played on a hard court. This is an important fact because in competitive examinations, confusion is often created in questions related to court surfaces (hard clay, grass). Understanding the difference between clay courts (such as the French Open) and hard courts (such as the Australian Open, US Open, Miami Open) is essential.


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