Answer: A

Explanation:

• Recently, in Pilibhit, Uttar Pradesh, an initiative has been taken by APEDA (Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority) to establish a training-cum-demonstration centre for basmati rice and organic farming, with the objective of preparing farmers for export-oriented agriculture, international quality standards, and value addition. Therefore, statements 1 and 2 are correct.


• Statement 3 is incorrect, because APEDA is not a price-regulating body, but an institution that promotes agricultural exports.Similarly, statement 4 is also incorrect, because this centre is specifically meant for training, capacity building, and field demonstration for farmers, and not only for government officials.Thus, the correct answer is (a) Only 1 and 2.

Answer: A

Explanation:

Recently, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) launched an important initiative called Mission SAKSHAM, aimed at strengthening the institutional capacity of Urban Cooperative Banks (UCBs), which play a significant role in financial inclusion but have faced issues such as weak governance, poor compliance culture, and inadequate risk management in recent years.

Under this mission, around 1.4 lakh stakeholders (including board members, CEOs, IT staff, auditors, etc.) will be trained in modern banking practices, regulatory compliance, risk management, and digital systems. Therefore, statements 1 and 2 are correct, as it is a capacity-building initiative aimed at improving managerial efficiency, compliance culture, and institutional strength.

Statement 3 is incorrect, because this is not a regulatory or licensing framework, but a training and skill development programme (UPSC often creates confusion between regulation vs capacity building).

Answer: A

Explanation:

• A recently published analysis has made it clear that the issue of women’s health in India is not limited only to the availability of medical services, but is deeply linked to socio-cultural factors—especially patriarchy, economic dependence, and social inequalities. Therefore, statement 1 is incorrect, because health outcomes do not depend only on hospitals, doctors, or medicines, but also on social determinants (such as gender norms, inequality, and distribution of resources).Statement 2 is correct, because the patriarchal system affects women’s access to healthcare and their prioritisation within families, where resources are often distributed in favour of men, giving women lower priority.


• Statement 3 is also correct, because for a long time women’s health has been viewed only in terms of maternal and reproductive health, leading to the neglect of other important aspects such as non-communicable diseases and mental health. Statement 4 is correct, because women’s economic dependence and limited decision-making power affect their health-seeking behaviour, due to which they are often unable to take decisions regarding treatment independently or take them with delay.


• Thus, it is clear that women’s health in India is not only a public health issue but also a matter of social justice, where gender inequality directly affects health outcomes.

Answer: A

Explanation:

• Recently, the 17th Petersberg Climate Dialogue, held in Germany, attempted to revive global climate diplomacy, especially at a time when geopolitical tensions (such as the Russia–Ukraine war and the energy crisis) are weakening multilateral cooperation. This platform is essentially an informal ministerial dialogue aimed at preparing for the UN Climate Conferences (COP), with the objective of building trust among countries, reducing negotiation gaps, and accelerating climate action; therefore, statement 1 is correct.


• In this 17th edition, representatives from around 40 countries participated, indicating that it is a platform with broad global participation, hence statement 2 is correct.


• Statement 3 is incorrect, because this dialogue is not limited to developed countries only, but includes participation from both developed and developing countries, and discussions focus particularly on issues such as climate finance, equity, and CBDR-RC (Common But Differentiated Responsibilities and Respective Capabilities), which are crucial for the Global South.


• Statement 4 is correct, because the dialogue emphasized limiting global temperature rise to 1.5°C (Paris Agreement target), for which the need for renewable energy transition, reduction in fossil fuel use, and strengthening climate finance commitments was highlighted.


• Thus, it is clear that climate change is not only an environmental issue but also a geopolitical and economic issue, where multilateral platforms like this primarily aim at trust-building and consensus-building, while developing countries continue to demand climate justice and financial support.

Answer: A

Explanation:

• According to the recently released PIB information, the government is working towards the goal of “Insurance for All”, which aims to bring all sections of society—especially the unorganised sector—under the ambit of social security. This initiative is not only about providing insurance but also about strengthening economic security, risk management, and the social safety net, therefore statement 1 is correct.


• Statement 2 is also correct, because expansion of insurance coverage protects people from financial shocks such as illness, accidents, or natural disasters, thereby strengthening both financial inclusion and economic stability.


• Statement 3 is incorrect, because current policies are not limited to the formal sector, but specifically focus on including unorganised workers, rural populations, and vulnerable groups, which is the core objective of “Insurance for All”.


• Statement 4 is correct, because the government is enhancing the reach and efficiency of insurance schemes through digital platforms, data integration, and technology-based solutions, ensuring faster delivery of services to beneficiaries.


• Thus, it is clear that India is moving towards a universal social security system, where insurance is emerging not only as a welfare tool but also as a key instrument of economic stability and policy focus is shifting from targeted schemes to universal coverage.