Notes: The Republic of the Congo observes Independence Day on 15 August. North Korea marks Liberation Day on 15 August, commemorating liberation from Japanese rule in 1945. South Korea also observes Liberation Day on the same date for the same historical reason. Since all three countries have a national observance on 15 August, the correct answer is 1, 2 and 3.
2. Which among the following crops made their way from New World to the Old World:
Notes: Maize, potato, tobacco, and tomato are all crops native to the New World (the Americas) that were introduced to the Old World (Europe, Asia, Africa) after the Columbian exchange. These crops became important staples and cash crops in various Old World regions, transforming agriculture and cuisines globally.
New World to the Old World
Old World to the New World
Maize (corn)
Wheat
Cayenne pepper
Rice (initially red rice from Africa; later Asian white rice)
Bell peppers
Coffee
Potato
Apples
Tomato
Citrus
Manioc (tuber also known as yuca or casava)
Horses
Tobacco
Cattle
Rubber
Hogs
Peanuts
Chickens
Cacao (chocolate)
Sheep
Turkeys
Goats
3. At present, India has active cross-border passenger-train services with which of the following neighbours?
Pakistan
Bangladesh
Nepal
Bhutan
Select the correct option from the codes given below:
Notes: Among the listed neighbours, Nepal has an operational cross-border passenger service from Jaynagar in Bihar to Bijalpura via Janakpur. Passenger services linking India and Bangladesh remain suspended, while the Samjhauta Express passenger service to Pakistan is not operating. Bhutan has no operational rail connection with India. Therefore, only statement 3 is correct.
4. Consider the following statements:
The Sittwe Port is located on the estuary of the Kaladan River.
Paletwa serves as an inland water transport terminal along the project route.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
[A] 1 only [B] 2 only [C] Both 1 and 2 [D] Neither 1 nor 2
Notes: Sittwe Port is strategically situated at the mouth/estuary of the Kaladan River in Rakhine State, Myanmar, facilitating smooth transition of cargo from maritime shipping to river barges. Paletwa functions as the inland water terminus where goods are transferred from river barges to road transport heading toward the Indian border, making both statements correct.
5. Consider the following statements about the National Hydrology Project (NHP), which concluded on September 30, 2025:
It was implemented by the Department of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation under the Ministry of Jal Shakti, with World Bank assistance.
The Central Water Commission provided central technical coordination for the project.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
[A] 1 Only [B] 2 Only [C] Both 1 & 2 [D] Neither 1 nor 2
Notes: Both statements are correct. The National Hydrology Project was a World Bank-assisted initiative implemented by the Department of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation under the Ministry of Jal Shakti. It aimed to improve the availability and accessibility of water-resources information and strengthen relevant institutions. The Central Water Commission provided central technical coordination, alongside its role in project activities related to hydrological data and flood forecasting. The project concluded on September 30, 2025.
