Prelims Mantra (Practice Questions) (19/02/2026)

Answer: B

Explanation:

• • Statement 1 is incorrect: Green hydrogen is classified as an energy carrier (or energy vector), not a primary source of energy. Primary energy sources are found in nature (like solar, wind, or coal), whereas green hydrogen must be “manufactured” by using primary renewable energy to split water through electrolysis.
  • Statement 2 is correct: Green hydrogen is highly relevant for “hard-to-abate” or hard-to-decarbonise sectors where direct electrification is technically or economically difficult. Examples include heavy industries like steel manufacturing (which requires high-grade heat), chemical production (ammonia), and long-haul transportation such as shipping and aviation.
  • Statement 3 is correct: Large-scale adoption is currently hampered by significant logistical hurdles. Hydrogen has a very low volumetric energy density, requiring it to be compressed to extreme pressures (350–700 bar) or liquefied at cryogenic temperatures (-253°C) for transport. Additionally, it can cause embrittlement in existing metal pipelines, necessitating specialized and expensive infrastructure.

Answer: A

Explanation:

• • The Global Stocktake (GST) is a fundamental mechanism of the Paris Agreement (Article 14) designed to assess the collective progress of all countries toward meeting the long-term goals of the agreement.
  • It operates in a five-year cycle (the first one concluded at COP28 in 2023).
  • The primary purpose is to identify gaps in climate action and “inform” parties so they can increase their ambition in their next round of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).

Answer: B

Explanation:

• • Statement 1 is incorrect: The Governor does not have an “absolute veto” or “pocket veto” that can be exercised permanently without constitutional limitation. Under Article 200, the Governor has only three primary options: grant assent, reserve the Bill for the President, or withhold assent and return the Bill for reconsideration. If the State Legislature re-passes the Bill (with or without amendments), the Governor is constitutionally bound to give assent and cannot withhold it again. Recent Supreme Court rulings (2023–2025) have clarified that Governors cannot sit on Bills indefinitely, as it would render the legislature powerless.
  • Statement 2 is correct: The discretionary powers of the Governor are restricted and context-specific. The Supreme Court has repeatedly held (e.g., Shamsher Singh and Nabam Rebia cases) that the Governor must generally act on the aid and advice of the Council of Ministers. Discretion is limited to specific constitutional situations, such as recommending President’s Rule, appointing a Chief Minister when no party has a clear majority, or reserving a Bill for the President if it endangers the position of the High Court.
  • Statement 3 is correct: Indefinite delay in granting assent has been identified by the Supreme Court as a threat to cooperative federalism and democratic principles. Such delays can cause “governance paralysis” and undermine the legislative supremacy of elected state governments. While the Constitution does not prescribe a rigid numerical timeline, the phrase “as soon as possible” in Article 200 is viewed as a mandate for prompt action to ensure the smooth operation of the state’s constitutional machinery.

Answer: A

Explanation:

• • Statement 1 is correct: Semiconductors (chips) are the “brains” of modern electronics. They are indispensable for both civilian infrastructure (smartphones, medical devices, power grids, EVs) and defence systems (missile guidance, radar, AI-driven autonomous systems, and secure communications).
  • Statement 2 is correct: The semiconductor supply chain is one of the most geographically concentrated in the world. For instance, Taiwan produces over 60% of the world’s semiconductors and over 90% of the most advanced chips. This concentration creates a single point of failure, making the supply chain vulnerable to geopolitical tensions or natural disasters.
  • Statement 3 is incorrect: Semiconductor manufacturing is one of the most capital-intensive industries globally. Building a single advanced fabrication plant (a “fab”) can cost between $10 billion and $20 billion. It requires highly specialized equipment (like EUV lithography machines), ultra-pure environments, and a massive ongoing investment in Research & Development (R&D).

Answer: D

Explanation:

• • Definition: Heat Action Plans (HAPs) are comprehensive policy frameworks designed to increase preparedness and reduce the health and economic impacts of extreme heat.
  • Adaptation vs. Mitigation: While mitigation focuses on reducing the causes of climate change (like greenhouse gas emissions), adaptation focuses on adjusting to the actual or expected future climate impacts. HAPs are categorized as adaptation measures because they aim to build resilience and enhance the adaptive capacity of cities and communities to survive rising temperatures.
  • Key Components: HAPs typically include early warning systems, public awareness campaigns, healthcare preparedness, and structural adjustments like cool roofs and increased green cover.

Answer: B

Explanation:

• • Statement 1 is incorrect: Fiscal consolidation is the process of reducing the fiscal deficit and debt-to-GDP ratio. It does not necessarily require a reduction in capital expenditure (Capex). In fact, India’s recent strategy has focused on “Capex-led consolidation,” where revenue expenditure (like subsidies) is rationalized to create room for productive investment.
  • Statement 2 is correct: Interest payments are a “committed expenditure.” In India, they account for nearly 20-25% of total expenditure. Even if tax revenues rise, these massive mandatory payments limit the “fiscal space” available for new developmental or social sector projects.
  • Statement 3 is correct: The Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management (FRBM) Act includes an “escape clause” (under Section 4(2)). This allow the government to deviate from fiscal deficit targets by up to 0.5% of GDP in exceptional circumstances such as national security, war, national calamity, or a severe economic downturn.