1. The term “GST 2.0”, recently launched by the Government of India, primarily focuses on which of the following objectives?

1. Rationalisation of tax slabs and reduction of rates on goods and services
2. Simplification of compliance through digital reforms
3. Increasing indirect tax collection through higher sin taxes
4. Boosting consumption and investment

Select the correct answer using the code below:

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

2. The Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement (SMDA) builds upon which earlier bilateral framework between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan?

• 1965 Riyadh Security Pact
• 1979 Defence Collaboration Treaty
• 1982 Bilateral Security Cooperation Agreement
• 1991 Jeddah Military Accord

3. According to recent data (July 2025), India’s manufacturing growth was primarily driven by:

• Declining exports and public investment
• Increased global demand and domestic consumption
• Currency depreciation and import substitution
• Agricultural recovery and infrastructure spending

4. Which of the following sectors in India will be most affected by the U.S. H-1B fee hike?

• Agriculture
• Infrastructure
• Pharmaceuticals
• IT and software services

5. The Universal Postal Union (UPU) was established under which international treaty?

• Vienna Convention
• Treaty of Bern
• Paris Charter
• Geneva Protocol