UPSC Prelims Practice Questions — AYUSHEXCIL signs MoU with Zepto

Q1. In the context of the AYUSHEXCIL-Zepto MoU of January 2026, which one of the following best describes the 'Ayush Quality Mark (AQM)'?

  • A. A statutory excise levy imposed on imported herbal raw materials used by Ayush manufacturers
  • B. A quality certification mark for AYUSH products to which manufacturers must adhere for digital onboarding under the MoU
  • C. A geographical indication tag granted exclusively to Ayurveda products of Kerala origin
  • D. A foreign-exchange entitlement scrip issued by the DGFT to certified Ayush exporters

Q2. How many distinct traditional healthcare systems fall within the sectoral mandate of AYUSHEXCIL, the nodal Export Promotion Council for the AYUSH sector?

  • A. Four
  • B. Five
  • C. Six
  • D. Seven

Q3. With reference to the institutional role of AYUSHEXCIL before and after the January 2026 MoU with Zepto, consider the following statements: 1. Prior to the MoU, AYUSHEXCIL was notified by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade as the nodal Export Promotion Council for the AYUSH sector. 2. The MoU extends AYUSHEXCIL's role beyond its export-promotion mandate into facilitating domestic digital distribution of Ayush products. 3. As a consequence of the MoU, AYUSHEXCIL has been transferred from the administrative oversight of the Ministry of Ayush to that of the Ministry of Commerce & Industry. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. Prior to the MoU, AYUSHEXCIL was notified by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade as the nodal Export Promotion Council for the AYUSH sector.
  2. The MoU extends AYUSHEXCIL's role beyond its export-promotion mandate into facilitating domestic digital distribution of Ayush products.
  3. As a consequence of the MoU, AYUSHEXCIL has been transferred from the administrative oversight of the Ministry of Ayush to that of the Ministry of Commerce & Industry.
  • A. 1 and 2 only
  • B. 2 and 3 only
  • C. 1 and 3 only
  • D. 1, 2 and 3

Q4. Which one of the following is the primary administrative ministry in consultation with which AYUSHEXCIL functions?

  • A. Ministry of Commerce and Industry
  • B. Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
  • C. Ministry of Ayush
  • D. Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises

Q5. Consider the following traditional medicine systems: 1. Sowa-Rigpa 2. Siddha 3. Reiki 4. Unani Which of the above is/are correctly identified as systems covered under the sectoral mandate of AYUSHEXCIL?

  1. Sowa-Rigpa
  2. Siddha
  3. Reiki
  4. Unani
  • A. 1 and 2 only
  • B. 2 and 4 only
  • C. 1, 2 and 4
  • D. 1, 2, 3 and 4
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