UPSC CIVIL SERVICES PRELIMINARY EXAMINATION

UPSC Prelims 2026 PYQs

Explore the complete 2026 General Studies Paper-I Previous Year Questions with answers, explanations and topic-wise classification.

100Questions
100Published Questions
99Questions with Answer
1Dropped / No Answer
10Subjects
SUBJECT-WISE VIEW

2026 Question Distribution

Economy17
Science & Technology17
Polity & Governance13
International Relations13
History11
Geography10
Environment & Ecology9
Art & Culture8
Agriculture1
Current Affairs1
COMPLETE QUESTION BANK

2026 GS Paper-I Questions

100 Questions
Q3
Consider the following statements : I. Pali texts contain the first definite references to coins, e.g., kahapana, nikkha, kamsa, and kakanika. Il. The literary evidence from Pali texts is corroborated by archaeological evidence of punch-marked coins from many sites, most of them made of silver. The above statements have been associated 6 with which of the following ? 1, Emergence of urban life 2. Transition to money economy Select the answer using the code given below :
HistoryAncient IndiaAncient Indian Economymoderate
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Q7
Consider the following statements relating to T the use of the place-value system in India : 1. The earliest epigraphic use of the place-value system in India is found in the Mankani plates from Gujarat (AD 595 — 596), 2. In the ninth century, place-values become general in inscriptions all over India. 3. The place-values have been found in Sanskrit inscriptions in South-east Asia as early as the seventh century. Which of the statements given above are correct ?
Science & TechnologyEmerging Technologiesdifficult
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Q8
Consider the following statements about the archaeological findings in Harappan towns : L There is wide occurrence of 1 spindle-whorls in the houses but absence of spinning wheels. Il. Weights and measurement scales, complete with graduations have been : discovered. Til. There are houses built in large part with baked bricks, around relatively spacious courtyards, with their own wells, bathing platforms, and large rooms. Which of the following inferences can be drawn from the above statements ? 1. Statement I suggests that spinning was a laborious activity done at home. 2. Statement II suggests the extent of the scientific knowledge that the Harappans possessed. 3. Statement III suggests the emergence of a common property system. Select the answer using the code given below :
HistoryAncient IndiaAncient Science & Technologymoderate
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Q10
Consider the following statements about the t Rigvedic period : I. Irrigation from —_—wells_ allowed : agriculture to expand away from flood i plains and strips on river margins into the present Punjab and Haryana plains : having underground water _ levels reasonably close to the surface. 4 II. Draught-animal power was employed to . draw up water out of the wells. Which of the following —_ information support/supports the above statements ? e 1. There is evidence in the Rigveda of the use of ashma chakra (stone pulley 8 wheel) and ahava (strapped wooden pails) to draw up water. e 2. Mention has been made in the Rigveda e of the use of implements like parashu/ kulisha (axe) and datra /sreni (sickle). f 3. There is a history of the use of ox, even before the Rigveda, for ploughing the ; 1 and and pulling the carts. Select the answer using the code given below :
HistoryAncient IndiaVedic Agedifficult
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Q11
Consider the following assertion : In the Pleistocene period either the Yamuna once flowed into the Indus, or the Sutlej lowed into the Yamuna and one major tributary of either had shifted from the Ganga to the Indus or vice versa. Which of the following is/are the basis of the above assertion ? 1. The Nadi-Sukta of the Rigveda 2. The explorations of the Sutlej and the Yamuna by Robert Bruce Foote 3. The presence of the same species of dolphins in both the Indus and the Ganga river systems Select the answer using the code given below :
GeographyIndian GeographyIndian Riversdifficult
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Q16
Which of the following factors contributed to the formation of the Forward Bloc by Subhas Chandra Bose in 1939 ? 1. Bose failed to win the confidence of Mahatma Gandhi, 2. The Congress Left was disunited and failed to support Bose. 3. The Communists did not support Bose in his endeavours. 4. The supporters of MN. Roy and socialist leaders like Jayaprakash Narayan preferred Congress unity to supporting Bose. Select the answer using the code given below :
HistoryModern IndiaIndian National Congressdifficult
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Q17
Consider the following statements regarding the British policy in Awadh immediately after its annexation in 1856 : 1. The talugdars were dispossessed of their estates but allowed to retain their arms and forts. 2. A Summary Revenue Settlement was made in 1856 assuming that the taluqdars were outsiders. 3. The British believed in taking revenue directly from the peasants by removing the talugdars. Which of the statements given above is/are correct ? (a) 2and3 only (b) 1 and 3 only (ce) 1,2and3 (d) 2 only
HistoryModern IndiaLand Revenue Systemsdifficult
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Q18
Consider the following assertion : The genesis of political alliances based on community lay in the very nature of the Montague-Chelmsford Reforms, 1919. Which of the following _statements support/supports the above assertion ? 1. Reforms retained and extended the principle of separate electorates. 2. Separate electorates were supposed to counter Indian nationalism, which was growing stronger. 3. Deprived classes rallied around the favours inherent in separate electorates. Select the answer using the code given below :
HistoryModern IndiaSocio-Religious Reform Movementsdifficult
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Q21
Consider the following statements with bea’ reference to India’s response to climate 2 change : I. India’s Long-Term Low Emission Development Strategy (LT-LEDS) is a crucial tool for achieving net-zero emissions by 2070. Ml. India’s 4'* Biennial Update Report (BUR-4) submitted in December, 2024 recorded around 8% decrease in Greenhouse gas emissions in 2020 over 2019. Ill. Climate-resilient development necessarily depends on quick and short-term achievement of emission reduction targets. 23 Which of the following relationships among the above statements is/are correct ? 1. Statement I is empirically supported by statement II. 2. Statement III contradicts the approach implicit in statement I. 3. Statement I and statement III together establish the premise of long-term sustainability. Select the answer using the code given below : (a) 1 only (b) 1 and 2 (ce) Qand3 (d) 3 only
Environment & EcologyClimate ChangeGreenhouse Gasesdifficult
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Q22
With respect to the Western Hoolock Gibbons, which of the following statements is/are correct ? 1. A Sanctuary in North-east India is home to this ape species listed as Endangered in the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List. 2. They have specialized brachiation and can easily swing between trees. 3. They possess a strong and heavy build like gorillas, yet are remarkably agile tree climbers. Select the answer using the code given below : (a) 1 only (b) land2 (c) 2and3 (ad) 3 only
Environment & EcologyEcologyEcosystemmoderate
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Q23
Which of the following best explain(s) the rationale for protecting mangrove ecosystems in the context of climate resilience ? 1. Mangroves reduce tidal energy and store freshwater, making them ideal sites for paddy cultivation in saline estuarine belts. 2. Their _ salt-sensitive roots filter seawater, making mangroves key to converting coastal 1 and into freshwater aquaculture zones. 3. By withstanding tidal surges and offering biomass resources, mangroves function both as natural bio-shields and livelihood bases for rural communities. Select the answer using the code given below :
Environment & EcologyEcologyEcosystemmoderate
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Q24
In what way(s) does the Vizhinjam International Seaport represent a structural shift in India’s maritime trade and logistics policy ? 1. By functioning exclusively as a domestic cargo hub to reduce reliance on coastal shipping and eliminate the need for foreign collaborations. 2. By focusing primarily on passenger cruise tourism and heritage shipping to increase Kerala’s profile as a maritime heritage destination. 3. By leveraging its natural deep draft and strategic location to reduce dependence on foreign trans-shipment Ports, enhance revenue retention, and reposition India in regional maritime trade. 27 Select the answer using the code given below : (a) 1 only (b) 1 and 2 (c) 2and3 (dd) 3 only
GeographyEconomic Geographymoderate
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Q27
Which of the following statements with regard to the arrival of Amur Falcons at Doyang Lake in Nagaland each year from Mongolia is/are correct ? 1. It showcases how sustained local conservation efforts can contribute to the arrival and protection of 7 international migratory birds. 2. It reflects the global success of advanced tracking technologies that guide migratory birds back to their stopover sites. : 3. It confirms that Amur Falcons have adapted to permanent residency in India due to favourable habitat changes. Select the answer using the code given below :
Environment & EcologyConservationCommunity Conservationmoderate
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Q35
Consider the following statements with reference to the Sagarmala Programme of the Government of India : I. The Sagarmala Programme seeks to achieve port-led economic growth through cost-effective and sustainable coastal infrastructure. Tl. The success of the Sagarmala Programme is reflected in significant growth in coastal and inland waterway shipping, along with improved global port rankings. Til. Sagarmala 2.0 aims to position India as a global maritime innovation hub aligned with Atmanirbhar Bharat and Viksit Bharat 2047 visions. Which of the following relationships among the above statements is/are correct ? 1. Statement II validates the effectiveness of the strategies envisioned in statement I 2. Statement III extends the objectives of statement I by embedding them into a future-oriented innovation framework. 3. Statement I contradicts statement II by focusing only on traditional : infrastructure instead of modern innovation. Select the answer using the code given below :
EconomyIndustry & Infrastructuremoderate
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Q43
Which of the following statements with regard to stealth technology is/are correct ? 1, Stealth objects have a very small radar cross-section and are coated with Radar Absorbing Material. 2. Stealth objects can be detected using specific frequencies. 3. Stealth objects are coated with metamaterials to increase the scattering of electromagnetic radiation. Select the answer using the code given below : (a) 1 only (b) 2and 3 only (ec) 1 and 2 only (@) 1,2and3
Science & TechnologyDefence Technologymoderate
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Q45
Which of the following statements with regard to Green Hydrogen is/are correct ? 1. It is decarbonized hydrogen obtained from natural gas reforming combined with carbon capture and storage (CCS). 2. It is produced using electrolysis of water with electricity generated by renewable energy. 3. National Green Hydrogen Mission of India aims for abatement of nearly 50 MMT of annual greenhouse gas emissions by 2030. Select the answer using the code given below :
EconomyIndustry & Infrastructuremoderate
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Q46
Consider the following statements with regard to involvement of private entities in India’s space programme : 1. The Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) is an autonomous agency formed to facilitate participation of private entities. 2. Agnikul Cosmos launched the world’s first flight using 3D-printed rocket engine. 3. Skyroot Aerospace has developed liquid fuel for GSLV. Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?
Science & TechnologySpace Technologymoderate
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Q51
Mr. X, a senior officer, was overseeing a critical vaccination programme during a pandemic. He found that a private service provider responsible for vaccine distribution was compromising on quality to make profits. Despite immense pressure to manage the issue due to vested interests, he raised his voice based on the principles of public administration which he learnt during various training programmes attended across his career. He reported the issue to the appropriate vigilance authority and halted the contract to ensure citizen welfare. Which one among the following principles of public administration was most strongly demonstrated by Mr. X’s actions ?
Polity & GovernanceGovernancemoderate
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Q52
Ina multi-ethnic district where both economic competition and historical grievances c frequently led to community tensions, a flashpoint has arisen with a Government decision to allocate 1 and for a waste management facility near a tribal hamlet, sparking protests by the tribal community, which claimed that the 1 and was sacred and critical to their cultural identity, At the same time, urban residents and local industries supported the project, citing severe solid waste challenges and health concerns due to lack of a proper disposal site. The conflict has escalated with road blockades, social media campaigns, and allegations of police excesses. As a responsible Government official, you are tasked with resolving the situation through mediation, ensuring a sustainable outcome that balances environmental needs, tribal rights, and urban public health. Consider the following statements with reference to the above : 1. A successful conflict resolution process must begin with acknowledging the cultural concerns of the protesting tribal community before discussing technical alternatives. 2. The Government should move ahead with the project without delay to address urban health concerns, which outweigh the sentiments of a small group. . 3. Creating a multi-stakeholder dialogue platform — including tribal leaders, environmental experts, and municipal representatives —to build —_ mutual understanding and help de-escalate tensions. 4. Conducting an independent Environmental and Social Impact ‘Assessment (ESIA) and _ sharing findings transparently with both sides to facilitate evidence-based decision- making. Which of the statements given above would contribute to the resolution process 2
Polity & GovernanceGovernancedifficult
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Q53
Ms. X is a mid-level civil service official working in the urban development department of a major city. Recently, she was involved in approving a contract for a public infrastructure project —a new community park. During the approval process, she received a piece of confidential information indicating that one of the shortlisted contractors had a _ history of poor workmanship and allegations of corruption in other cities, though nothing had been legally proven. The Head of the Department, Mr. Y, advised her not to disclose this information to the project committee or the public because it could delay the project and damage the city’s reputation. However, Ms.X believed that withholding such information compromised transparency and public trust. What amongst the following should Ms. X do now ? 1. Immediately disclose the information to the project committee and the public 2. Recommend removing the contractor from the shortlist to protect the project’s integrity 3. Propose a ‘limited disclosure’ to an oversight committee, while keeping the information confidential from the public for the time being Select the answer using the code given below :
Polity & GovernanceGovernancedifficult
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Q54
X’ was addressing a seminar on the meaning of oe term ‘law’ as provided under Article 13, d Part III of the Constitution ‘of India. explained that the meaning of the term ‘law’ in the Constitution of India was very comprehensive. It included ordinances, orders and even rules and regulations. ‘Y pointed out that the term ‘law’ in Article 13 also included custom or usage having in the territory of India the force of law, to which ‘X’ was not convinced. Based on the above, select the correct conclusion from the options given below :
Polity & GovernanceRights & Welfaremoderate
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Q55
Consider the following statements with reference to the Constitution of India : 1. There is no Article in the Constitution of India that specifies that the Constitution of India will be officially called the ‘Constitution of India’. 2. There is no Article in the Constitution of India that specifies that the Indian Independence Act, 1947 and the Government of India Act, 1935 stand repealed. 3. There is no Article in the Constitution of India that mentions 26" January, 1950 as the date of the commencement of the Constitution of India. Which one of the following conclusions based on the above statements is correct ?
Polity & GovernanceConstitutionConstitutional Featuresdifficult
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Q56
Which of the following statements with regard < to the persons with disabilities in India is/are ; correct ? s d 1. The Rights of Persons with Disabilities i ‘Act, an Act passed by the Parliament of x India in 2018, mandates reservation in “ education and employment, places a legal duty on Governments to ensure i. accessibility and non-discrimination. a 2. The Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan focuses on achieving universal accessibility a for Persons with Disabilities across three key domains — built infrastructure, " transport systems and information and communication technology. on ne 3. The National Divyangjan Finance and ly Development Corporation (NDFDC) is - a public sector organisation set up by = the Ministry of Corporate Affairs as ad a not-for-profit company to promote entrepreneurship among Persons with - Disabilities (PwDs). he Select the answer using the code given below : ed (a) land2 (b) 2 only ai (c) “ 1and3 (ad) 1 only
Polity & GovernanceRights & Welfaremoderate
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Q57
Consider the following statements about the provisions pertaining to the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes in India : 1. _ Provisions regarding the administration of the Tribal Areas in the States of Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura and Mizoram are given in the Fifth Schedule of the Constitution of India. 2: Some tribes of India are entitled to exemption from paying Income Tax on certain incomes. 8. The Constitution of India provides for reservation of seats in Panchayats for women belonging to the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes. Which one of the following conclusions based on the above statements is correct ?
Polity & GovernanceRights & Welfaredifficult
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Q59
Consider the following statements about the Committee on the Welfare of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled ‘Tribes of the Parliament of India : 1. Although members of this Committee are clected from both Houses of Parliament, the Chairperson of this Committee is appointed by the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha. 2. Twenty members are elected by the Rajya Sabha and ten members by the Lok Sabha. 3. No Minister, except for the Union Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment, is eligible to be a member of this Committee. 4, Members are elected for a fixed term of two years from the date they enter their office. Which one of the following conclusions based on the above statements is correct ?
Polity & GovernanceParliamentParliamentary Committeesdifficult
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Q60
Consider the following statements about Mission Sudarshan Chakra of India : 1. It aims to enhance India’s air defence, ballistic missile defence and aerial offensive capabilities. 2. This Mission is being designed to enhance rapid, precise, and powerful defence responses, reinforcing India’s strategic autonomy. 3. One of the aims of this Mission is to cover all public places of India by an expanded nationwide security shield by 2035. Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?
Polity & GovernanceGovernancemoderate
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Q62
Which of the following statements about a Zero First Information Report (Zero FIR) under the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023 is/are correct ? 1. A Zero FIR can be lodged at a police station, even though the place of commission of a cognizable/non-cognizable offence is outside the territorial jurisdiction of that police station. ; 2. The Officer-in-Charge of the police station where a Zero FIR has been lodged may, with the permission of the competent authority, initiate a preliminary enquiry. . 3. Under Zero FIR, it is obligatory for the informant to furnish information electronically. Select the answer using the code given below : (a) 1,2and3 (b) 2and 3 only c) 1 only - @ 2 only ae
Polity & GovernanceGovernancedifficult
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Q63
With reference to the organisations under the Government of India, consider the following details : Sl. Organisation] Function Controlling No. Union Ministry 1. Central To coordinate Ministry of Economic between Home Intelligence various law Affairs Bureau enforcement (CEIB) agencies 2. Serious To Ministry of Fraud investigate Finance Investigation complex Office (SFIO) corporate frauds 3. Central To preserve Ministry of Bureau of values in Personnel, - Investigation public life Public (CBI) andensure Grievances the health of and Pension the national economy In how many of the above rows are the given details correctly matched ?
Polity & GovernanceStatutory & Regulatory Bodiesdifficult
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Q65
Consider the following statements with respect to the Al Impact Summit, 2026 held in New Delhi : L The Summit’s intellectual framework was based on three foundational Sutras : People, Planning, and Progress. 2. The Preamble of the Summit stresses Democratising AI Resources, which acknowledges the Charter for Democratic Diffusion of AI as a binding framework to support locally relevant innovation and strengthen resilient AI ecosystems while respecting national laws. 3. The New Delhi Declaration on AI Impact was structured around seven Chakras (Pillars), which included Access for Social Empowerment, AI for Science, and Secure and Trusted AI. Which of the statements given above is/are Correct ? (a) 1,2and3 ‘b) 1 and 2 only (c) and 3 only @) 3 only “
International RelationsGeopoliticsdifficult
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Q69
Consider the following statements about platforms for multilateral co-operation : 1. The ‘Colombo Process’ is a regional consultative process in which member states take binding decisions by consensus. 1 2. The ‘Abu Dhabi Dialogue’ is a voluntary non-binding consultative process among Asian countries of labour origin and destination to facilitate regional cooperation on contractual labour mobility. 3. The ‘Global Forum for Migration and Development’, created upon the proposal of a former UN Secretary General, is a voluntary forum whose decisions are non-binding in nature. Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?
International RelationsGeopoliticsdifficult
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Q74
Which of the following statements with respect to the Revamped Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan (RGSA) is/are correct ? 1. The period of its implementation is 1* April, 2021 to 31% March, 2026. 2. The key objective of the Revamped RGSA is to develop the governance capabilities of the Panchayati Raj Institutions to deliver on the Sustainable Development Goals. 3. The share of the Central funding for the Revamped RGSA is 100% for all States and Union Territories. Select the answer using the code given below :
Polity & GovernanceLocal Governmentmoderate
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Q78
qhe Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany visited India in January, 2026, ° which of the following is/are not correct in terms of outcomes of this visit ? 1. Signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the All India Institute of Ayurveda and the University of Hamburg 2. Signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on Youth Hockey Development between Hockey India and the German Hockey Federation 3. Establishment of a bilateral dialogue mechanism on the Indo-Pacific 4. Opening of an Honorary Consul of Germany in Lucknow Select the answer using the code given below :
International RelationsIndia & Major Powersdifficult
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Q80
The Bureau of Indian Standard (BIS) recently introduced a national standard to test and assess bomb disposal system. Which of the following statements with regard to this system is/are correct ? 1. The new standard is known as IS 19445 : 2025. 2. It will improve interoperability of equipment across agencies. 3. It was developed by TBRL, DRDO in collaboration with the 30 Central Scientific Research Institute, Russia. Select the answer using the code given below :
Science & TechnologyDefence Technologymoderate
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Q91
Which of the following statements about Real-World Assets (RWA) Tokenization are correct ? 1. Tokenization is the process of turning real world assets into digital tokens using blockchain technology, 2. Tokenization of real world assets offers 247 access, promoting financial inclusion. 3. a eion of real world assets will iniveatiiignt ee to high Srowth ia India, Pportunities for individuals ety anager using the code given below : (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 2 only (d) 1and3 only -A)
EconomyFinancial Marketsdifficult
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Q95
Which of the following statements about Rare Earth Blements (REEs) and Critical Minerals infare correct 7 1, Modern technological innovations including Artificial Intelligence, robotics and space exploration extensively utilise Rare Barth Elements (REE). 2, China has the highest share in mining of REEs followed by India. 3. The Government of India launched the National Critical Mineral Mission (NCMM) in 2025 to establish a robust framework for self-reliance in the critical mineral sector, 4, Rare Earth Elements are a set of 12 metallic elements. Select the answer using the code given below : (a) 1 and 3 only (b) only (ce) 1,3and4 (d),, 1,2and4
Science & TechnologyEmerging Technologiesmoderate
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Q96
Which of the following statements about insurance in aviation sector is/are correct ? J, ‘Aviation Hull Insurance’ covers the physical aircraft, including the body, engine, and on-board equipment. 2; Under the Montreal Convention, adopted in 1999 by over 130 countries, including India, airlines are strictly liable to pay compensation to the family/nominee of every deceased passenger without requiring the family to prove fault. Select the answer using the code given below :
EconomyFinancial Marketsdifficult
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Q98
With reference to different Committees in India, consider the following details ; SI. Committee Objective Organizatio: No. under which y it was formed : 1. IRN. Comprehensivd Insurance G Malhotra reforms of Regulatory ( Committee Insurance and Sector in India Development ( Authority of ( India 2 ILC, Gupta Preparing a Securities Committee roadmap for and 100. ( the Exchange } introduction of Board of derivatives India 1 trading in India 3. Unit R. Preparinga Reserve 2 Patel roadmap for Bank of Committee reforming bank] India 3 lending to the Housing sector YH. Preparinga Reserve Malegam roadmap for Bank of Committee reforms in India : Microfinance ; sector in India {2 Which of the above rows are all the details ( ety matched ? ( * 2 only Q 2and 3 ( 1,3and4 ( , d and 4 ly) MNAago (51-A)
EconomyFinancial Marketsdifficult
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Q99
Consider the following statements about the Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs) in India : 1. NBFCs cannot accept demand deposits. 2. All the NBFCs operating in India have to be registered with the RBI. 3. NBFCs form part of the payment and settlement system and can issue cheque drawn on itself. 4, Deposit insurance facility of Deposit Insurance and Credit Guarantee Corporation (DICGC) is not available to the depositors of deposit taking NBFCs. Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?
EconomyMoney & BankingDigital Paymentsdifficult
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