Answer: C

Explanation:

Under the IOS SAGAR initiative, India enhances its influence not through direct military confrontation or formal alliances, but through cooperation, capacity building, training, humanitarian assistance and maritime security measures. For this reason, it is referred to as a “Soft Balancing Strategy.”

According to recent news (2026), the Indian Navy has included naval personnel from 16 countries of the Indian Ocean Region in the new phase of IOS SAGAR. These personnel are being trained in India, engaged in joint maritime exercises aboard Indian naval ships and involved in port visits and enhanced interoperability (joint operational capability).

This clearly indicates that instead of projecting direct military power, India is promoting trust-building and partnership-based security. Through this approach, India is positioning itself as a “Net Security Provider” and a “Preferred Security Partner” especially at a time when China’s presence in the Indian Ocean Region is continuously expanding.

Answer: A

Explanation:

The Ladakh Magmatic Arc was formed directly due to the subduction of the oceanic plate of the Neo-Tethys Ocean. In this process, the oceanic lithosphere of the Neo-Tethys Ocean subducted beneath the Eurasian Plate, leading to the formation of magma and the development of a volcanic arc.

Whereas:

• The Indian Plate did not undergo subduction; instead, it later collided with the Eurasian Plate, resulting in the formation of the Himalayas.


• Similarly, the Eurasian Plate itself did not subduct, rather, it acted as the overriding plate.

Therefore, only the Neo-Tethys Ocean is directly related to this process.

Answer: A

Explanation:

The objective of the Bhavya Scheme is to simplify and streamline the process of establishing businesses for industries, thereby attracting investment and accelerating industrial development. Under this scheme, facilities such as pre-approved land, a single-window clearance system, and ready infrastructure are provided, which make the approval process easier and reduce both the time and cost required to set up industries. As a result, all these provisions directly promote ease of doing business.

Answer: D

Explanation:

Effective implementation of the Krishi Sakhi Initiative enhances the economic empowerment of women farmers, as they receive training, technical knowledge and new income opportunities. Additionally, Krishi Sakhis create awareness among farmers about various schemes, especially crop insurance, leading to an increase in insurance coverage and enrolment. Moreover, this initiative extends beyond agriculture by promoting awareness on health, nutrition and community-related issues, thereby contributing to overall social awareness in rural areas.

Answer: B

Explanation:

“Water bankruptcy” refers to a situation in which a region excessively exploits its water resources, leading to a severe impact on future water availability. It is not merely a short-term crisis but represents a long-term imbalance, where water demand consistently exceeds supply. This includes excessive extraction of groundwater, lack of effective water management, and usage exceeding the rate of recharge. As a result, the situation becomes analogous to economic bankruptcy, where resource expenditure is high and replenishment is low, thereby adversely affecting sustainable development.