25th April 2025

Consider the following statements regarding the legal and diplomatic framework governing the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) between India and Pakistan after the suspension of the treaty in April 2025:

1. The IWT contains explicit provisions for unilateral withdrawal or suspension by either India or Pakistan in cases of national security threats.
2. In the event of suspension, the dispute resolution mechanisms under Article IX and Annexures F and G become inoperative, leaving Pakistan with no peaceful legal recourse under the treaty framework.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

With reference to the recent surge in gold prices in India, examine the following statements:

1. The weakening of the US dollar has contributed to the increased demand for gold in global markets, thereby influencing gold prices in India.
2. The rise in gold prices has led to a significant decline in gold loan disbursements across India, as borrowers find gold loans less attractive.
3. Higher gold prices have resulted in an increased current account deficit for India due to the country’s status as a major gold importer.
4. The surge in gold prices has had no impact on the Indian jewelry industry’s production costs or consumer preferences.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

Consider the following statements:

1. The SPC was established to institutionalize high-level dialogue between India and Saudi Arabia, with its purview limited exclusively to energy and trade cooperation.
2. The expansion of the SPC in 2025 included the creation of new working groups on defence technology, space, and semiconductor manufacturing.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

With reference to Article 355 of the Indian Constitution, which of the following statements is/are correct?

1. Article 355 empowers the Union to protect every State against external aggression and internal disturbance.
2. Invocation of Article 355 allows the Centre to take full control of a State’s administration, including dismissal of the State government.
3. Article 355 is part of the emergency provisions contained in Part XVIII of the Constitution.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

Consider the following statements regarding the role of nitrogen in the environment:

1. Atmospheric nitrogen (N₂) is directly usable by most plants and animals for synthesizing proteins and nucleic acids.
2. Nitrifying bacteria play a crucial role in converting ammonia into nitrites and subsequently into nitrates, which are absorbable by plants.
3. The Haber-Bosch process enabled the industrial fixation of nitrogen, revolutionizing global agriculture but also contributing to environmental risks.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?