1.  Consider the following statements regarding the BRICS grouping:

1. Nigeria has become the 9th full member of BRICS with voting rights.
2. BRICS was originally founded by five countries including South Africa.
3. The BRICS partnership framework allows non-member states to participate in summits and joint initiatives.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

• 1 and 2 only
• 2 and 3 only
• 1 and 3 only
• 1, 2 and 3

2. Which of the following features are part of the Sanchar Saathi Mobile App?

1. Verification of handset genuineness before purchase
2. Real-time monitoring of mobile data consumption
3. Viewing and managing all mobile numbers issued in one’s name
4. Reporting spam emails and internet fraud websites

Select the correct answer using the code below:

• 1 and 3 only
• 2 and 4 only
• 1, 2 and 3 only
• 1, 2, 3 and 4

3. The Wallace Line, recently seen in news in the context of the Lombok Strait, is significant because:

• It marks the political boundary between Indonesia and Australia.
• It is an ancient maritime trade route.
• It separates distinct ecozones of Asia and Australasia.
• It is the international maritime boundary for naval exercises in the Indo-Pacific.

4. Consider the following benefits of the Interest Equalisation Scheme (IES) for MSMEs:

1. Enables exporters to explore new international markets.
2. Helps MSMEs invest in product innovation and value addition.
3. Reduces logistics costs through government-provided subsidies.

Which of the above are correct?

• 1 and 2 only
• 1 and 3 only
• 2 and 3 only
• 1, 2 and 3

5. Ratnagiri flourished prominently during the reign of which dynasty?

• Maurya
• Satavahana
• Bhauma-Kara
• Shunga