Answer: A

Explanation:

IMEX TTX 2026 is a Table-Top Exercise, which was organized to develop strategies to deal with various maritime threats such as piracy, maritime terrorism, illegal smuggling and disaster response, therefore, statement 1 is correct.

This exercise was conducted under the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium, in which navies of several countries participated. Its main objective is to strengthen coordination, interoperability, and trust among countries in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), therefore, statement 2 is also correct.

In the contemporary perspective, the Indian Ocean Region is a very important route for global trade and energy supply, but maritime piracy, geopolitical tensions (especially in the Strait of Hormuz and Bab-el-Mandeb region) and other maritime security challenges are rapidly increasing here.

In such a situation, exercises like IMEX TTX 2026 strengthen India’s SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) policy and help in establishing India as a “Net Security Provider” in the region. Thus, this question tests not only factual knowledge but also the understanding of the contemporary global maritime security scenario.

Answer: A

Explanation:

Due to the rapid increase in space activities, the need for strong and effective regulations in space governance is continuously increasing; therefore, Statement (A) is correct.

At present, orbital debris in Earth’s orbit is increasing rapidly, which creates a serious risk of collision for active satellites.

Along with this, the increase in launches by private sector companies has increased both the expansion and complexity of space activities. Therefore, Reason (R) is also correct and it correctly explains Statement (A). In the contemporary perspective, increasing orbital debris may lead to dangers like the Kessler Syndrome in the future, in which a chain of collisions can disrupt the use of space.

At the same time, increasing participation of private companies such as SpaceX and Blue Origin has made space more commercial, which has further increased the need for a globally coordinated regulatory framework.

Answer: B

Explanation:

The primary objective of ASW (Anti-Submarine Warfare) vessels is to detect submarines and neutralize/destroy them; therefore, statement 1 is correct.

Along with this, waterjet propulsion technology provides high speed, shallow-draft operation, and better manoeuvrability in shallow water areas, due to which these vessels become highly effective in coastal security operations—therefore, statement 3 is also correct.

On the other hand, statement 2 is incorrect because Shallow Water Craft are specifically designed for coastal and shallow water areas, not for operations in deep seas.

In the contemporary context, considering increasing submarine activities, maritime infiltration, smuggling, and other maritime security challenges in the Indian Ocean Region, India is rapidly strengthening its coastal defence and anti-submarine capabilities. Indigenous ASW vessels like ‘Malvan’ are part of this strategy, which not only promotes the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative but also strengthens India’s maritime security architecture.

Thus, in modern naval strategy, the approach is no longer limited only to deep-sea operations, but special emphasis is also being given to coastal surveillance.

Answer: D

Explanation:

The objective of the Artemis II mission is not to land humans on the Moon, but to take astronauts around the Moon and bring them safely back to Earth; therefore, statement 1 is incorrect. Similarly, this mission is not limited only to Earth orbit, but is a deep space mission that goes up to the vicinity of the Moon; therefore, statement 2 is also incorrect.

In the contemporary context, Artemis II is an important phase of NASA’s Artemis program, whose long-term goal is to establish a sustained human presence on the Moon in the future (Artemis III) and to prepare for future missions to Mars.

This mission is essentially a testing phase, in which deep space navigation, life-support systems, and crew safety are being evaluated.

In the present global perspective, considering the increasing space competition and the race for lunar exploration among countries such as the United States, China, and others, this mission is highly significant. It shows that human space exploration is no longer limited only to Earth orbit, but is moving towards deep space expansion. Therefore, the correct answer is (d) both statements are incorrect.

Answer: A

Explanation:

Statements 1 and 2 are correct. CAPFs include forces such as CRPF, BSF, CISF, ITBP, and SSB and operate under the Ministry of Home Affairs. The Bill establishes a unified administrative framework for Group A officers across CAPFs.

Statement 3 is incorrect because the Bill mandates significant deputation of IPS officers to senior posts: 50% IG, 67% ADG, and 100% DG/Special DG positions, so CAPFs do not operate entirely independently of IPS officers.