Polity MCQs for UPSC Prelims — April 2026

Q1. Which of the following is the nodal Indian agency that negotiated and signed the India–New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (2026)?

  • A. Department of Commerce, Ministry of Commerce and Industry
  • B. Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT)
  • C. Department of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance
  • D. Ministry of External Affairs

Q2. Which one of the following is the nodal Union Ministry of the Government of India for negotiating and signing the India–New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (2026)?

  • A. Ministry of External Affairs
  • B. Ministry of Commerce and Industry
  • C. Ministry of Textiles
  • D. Ministry of Finance

Q3. In the context of the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM), the term 'Lakhpati Didi' refers to:

  • A. A Self Help Group whose total annual corpus exceeds Rs. 1 lakh through revolving fund and bank linkage
  • B. A Self Help Group member whose annual household income is at least Rs. 1,00,000, sustained over at least four agricultural seasons or business cycles
  • C. A woman entrepreneur who has received a Mudra loan of Rs. 1 lakh or more under the Tarun category
  • D. A village-level Community Resource Person whose monthly honorarium crosses Rs. 1,00,000

Q4. Under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana-IV (PMGSY-IV) approved by the Union Cabinet for FY 2024-25 to 2028-29, how many unconnected habitations are targeted to be provided with new road connectivity?

  • A. 15,000
  • B. 25,000
  • C. 62,500
  • D. 1,25,000

Q5. Which one of the following Union Ministries is the nodal ministry for implementation of the Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushalya Yojana (DDU-GKY)?

  • A. Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship
  • B. Ministry of Rural Development
  • C. Ministry of Labour and Employment
  • D. Ministry of Education

Q6. Following the recommendations of the Sub-Group of Chief Ministers (2015) on rationalisation of Centrally Sponsored Schemes, match List I with List II and select the correct answer using the code given below: List I (Category of scheme) — List II (Funding pattern between Centre and State for general category States)

  • A. A-4, B-2, C-3, D-1
  • B. A-1, B-2, C-3, D-4
  • C. A-4, B-3, C-2, D-1
  • D. A-1, B-3, C-2, D-4

Q7. Consider the following statements with reference to Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSS) and Central Sector Schemes in India: 1. While Central Sector Schemes are entirely funded and implemented by the Union Government, Centrally Sponsored Schemes require a financial contribution from the State Governments and are implemented through State machinery. 2. The Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) is implemented as a Central Sector Scheme by the Ministry of Rural Development. 3. On the recommendations of the Sub-Group of Chief Ministers (2015), Centrally Sponsored Schemes were rationalised into 'Core of the Core', 'Core' and 'Optional' categories with distinct funding patterns. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. While Central Sector Schemes are entirely funded and implemented by the Union Government, Centrally Sponsored Schemes require a financial contribution from the State Governments and are implemented through State machinery.
  2. The Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) is implemented as a Central Sector Scheme by the Ministry of Rural Development.
  3. On the recommendations of the Sub-Group of Chief Ministers (2015), Centrally Sponsored Schemes were rationalised into 'Core of the Core', 'Core' and 'Optional' categories with distinct funding patterns.
  • A. 1 only
  • B. 1 and 3 only
  • C. 2 and 3 only
  • D. 1, 2 and 3

Q8. With reference to the classification of Union Government schemes in India, which one of the following best describes a 'Central Sector Scheme'?

  • A. A scheme formulated by the Union Government but implemented by State Governments with cost shared in the ratio 60:40 between Centre and States
  • B. A scheme that is entirely funded by the Union Government and implemented directly by Central Government machinery on subjects within the Union List
  • C. A scheme financed out of the Consolidated Fund of India through Finance Commission grants and implemented by Panchayati Raj Institutions
  • D. A scheme jointly funded by the Centre and the State in equal proportion and implemented through District Rural Development Agencies

Q9. With reference to the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir constituted under the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019, consider the following statements: 1. Unlike the Union Territory of Ladakh, it has a Legislative Assembly. 2. As in the case of the National Capital Territory of Delhi, the entries 'Public Order' and 'Police' fall within the legislative competence of its Legislative Assembly. 3. The High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh functions as the common High Court for both Union Territories. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. Unlike the Union Territory of Ladakh, it has a Legislative Assembly.
  2. As in the case of the National Capital Territory of Delhi, the entries 'Public Order' and 'Police' fall within the legislative competence of its Legislative Assembly.
  3. The High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh functions as the common High Court for both Union Territories.
  • A. 1 only
  • B. 1 and 3 only
  • C. 2 and 3 only
  • D. 1, 2 and 3

Q10. The Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019, which bifurcated the State of Jammu and Kashmir into two Union Territories, was enacted by Parliament under the powers conferred by which one of the following Articles of the Constitution of India?

  • A. Article 2
  • B. Article 3
  • C. Article 239A
  • D. Article 370

Q11. Among the Union Territories of India as constituted after the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019, which one is the largest by geographical area?

  • A. Andaman and Nicobar Islands
  • B. Jammu and Kashmir
  • C. Ladakh
  • D. National Capital Territory of Delhi

Q12. Consider the following statements regarding the evolution of the 'Lakhpati Didi' target: 1. The original target of making 2 crore Lakhpati Didis was announced by the Prime Minister from the ramparts of the Red Fort on the 2023 Independence Day. 2. The target was subsequently enhanced from 2 crore to 3 crore by the Finance Minister in the Interim Budget 2024-25. 3. The Lakhpati Didi initiative is implemented as an outcome of the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihoods Mission. Which of the statements given above are correct?

  1. The original target of making 2 crore Lakhpati Didis was announced by the Prime Minister from the ramparts of the Red Fort on the 2023 Independence Day.
  2. The target was subsequently enhanced from 2 crore to 3 crore by the Finance Minister in the Interim Budget 2024-25.
  3. The Lakhpati Didi initiative is implemented as an outcome of the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihoods Mission.
  • A. 1 and 2 only
  • B. 2 and 3 only
  • C. 1 and 3 only
  • D. 1, 2 and 3

Q13. With reference to the 'Lakhpati Didi' initiative under DAY-NRLM, which one of the following best describes a 'Lakhpati Didi'?

  • A. Any rural woman whose self-help group has accumulated savings of at least Rs 1 lakh in the SHG bank account
  • B. An SHG woman member earning a minimum household income of Rs 1 lakh per annum on a sustainable basis, averaging at least Rs 10,000 per month for at least 4 agricultural seasons or business cycles
  • C. A woman entrepreneur who has availed a Mudra loan of exactly Rs 1 lakh under the Tarun category for a rural enterprise
  • D. A woman member of a Cluster-Level Federation whose annual turnover from collective enterprise is at least Rs 1 lakh, irrespective of household income

Q14. The 'Lakhpati Didi' initiative, frequently in the news, is operationalised as a focused outcome of which one of the following?

  • A. National Rural Livelihoods Mission of the Department of Rural Development, Ministry of Rural Development
  • B. Mission Shakti of the Ministry of Women and Child Development
  • C. Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana of the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship
  • D. Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan of the Ministry of Panchayati Raj

Q15. Match List I with List II and select the correct answer using the code given below:

  • A. A-1, B-2, C-3, D-4
  • B. A-2, B-1, C-4, D-3
  • C. A-1, B-3, C-2, D-4
  • D. A-2, B-1, C-3, D-4

Q16. The National Rural Livelihoods Mission (later DAY-NRLM) was launched in 2011 by restructuring which one of the following earlier centrally sponsored schemes?

  • A. Integrated Rural Development Programme (IRDP)
  • B. Sampoorna Grameen Rozgar Yojana (SGRY)
  • C. Swarnajayanti Gram Swarozgar Yojana (SGSY)
  • D. Jawahar Gram Samridhi Yojana (JGSY)

Q17. In the context of the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM), who qualifies as a 'Lakhpati Didi'?

  • A. Any rural woman entrepreneur availing a Mudra loan of ₹1 lakh or more under the Tarun category
  • B. A Self-Help Group member whose household earns an annual income of at least ₹1 lakh through sustainable livelihood activities
  • C. A Bank Sakhi posted at a Banking Correspondent outlet earning a monthly commission exceeding ₹10,000
  • D. A woman farmer cultivating land holding of more than one hectare and certified under the Mahila Kisan Sashaktikaran Pariyojana

Q18. Under PMGSY-IV approved by the Union Cabinet in September 2024, financial assistance is to be provided for new connectivity to how many unconnected habitations during FY 2024-25 to 2028-29?

  • A. 12,500 habitations
  • B. 25,000 habitations
  • C. 50,000 habitations
  • D. 62,500 habitations

Q19. With reference to the DAY-NRLM, which one of the following best describes a 'Lakhpati Didi'?

  • A. Any rural woman entrepreneur whose monthly business turnover exceeds ₹1,00,000
  • B. An SHG member whose household earns exactly ₹1,00,000 in a single financial year from a single livelihood activity
  • C. An SHG member with sustained annual household income of at least ₹1,00,000 (average ≥ ₹10,000/month) over 4 or more agricultural seasons/business cycles
  • D. An SHG office-bearer managing a Community Investment Fund corpus of ₹1,00,000 or more

Q20. Match List I (Phase of Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana) with List II (Year of Launch / Approval) and select the correct answer using the code given below:

  • A. A-1, B-2, C-3, D-4
  • B. A-1, B-3, C-2, D-4
  • C. A-2, B-1, C-3, D-4
  • D. A-1, B-2, C-4, D-3

Q21. Match List I (PMGSY Phase) with List II (Year of Launch / Approval) and select the correct answer using the code given below the Lists:

  • A. A-3, B-1, C-2, D-4
  • B. A-3, B-2, C-1, D-4
  • C. A-4, B-1, C-2, D-3
  • D. A-3, B-1, C-4, D-2

Q22. Which phase of the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana was the first to shift focus from providing new rural connectivity to consolidation and upgradation of the existing rural road network?

  • A. PMGSY-I
  • B. PMGSY-II
  • C. PMGSY-III
  • D. PMGSY-IV

Q23. Under PMGSY-IV approved by the Union Cabinet in September 2024, what is the targeted length of new rural road connectivity to be constructed during FY 2024-25 to 2028-29?

  • A. 40,000 km
  • B. 62,500 km
  • C. 1,25,000 km
  • D. 2,00,000 km

Q24. With reference to mechanisms protecting Indian seafarers and Indian-flagged merchant vessels in the West Asian waters, consider the following pairs: 1. Maritime Labour Convention, 2006 — an International Labour Organization instrument, ratified by India in 2015, prescribing minimum working and living standards for seafarers. 2. Directorate General of Shipping — the agency under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways that has set up a 24x7 Quick Response Team for Indian seafarers in the Persian Gulf. 3. Operation Sankalp — an Indian Navy maritime security operation launched in 2019 to ensure safe passage of Indian-flagged vessels through the Strait of Hormuz. 4. Sagarmala Programme — an inter-ministerial framework under which the Indian Navy provides anti-piracy escort to Indian merchant vessels in the Gulf of Aden. Which of the pairs given above are correctly matched?

  1. Maritime Labour Convention, 2006 — an ILO instrument, ratified by India in 2015, prescribing minimum working and living standards for seafarers.
  2. Directorate General of Shipping — agency under MoPSW that has set up a 24x7 Quick Response Team for Indian seafarers in the Persian Gulf.
  3. Operation Sankalp — Indian Navy maritime security operation launched in 2019 to ensure safe passage of Indian-flagged vessels through the Strait of Hormuz.
  4. Sagarmala Programme — inter-ministerial framework under which the Indian Navy provides anti-piracy escort to Indian merchant vessels in the Gulf of Aden.
  • A. 1 and 3 only
  • B. 2 and 4 only
  • C. 1, 2 and 3 only
  • D. 1, 2, 3 and 4

Q25. With reference to the Inter-Ministerial Briefings on Recent Developments in West Asia held at the National Media Centre in 2026, which of the following Ministries did NOT participate as a briefing Ministry?

  1. Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas
  2. Ministry of Home Affairs
  3. Ministry of Defence
  4. Ministry of Information & Broadcasting
  • A. 1 and 4 only
  • B. 2 and 3 only
  • C. 1, 2 and 4
  • D. 3 only

Q26. With reference to the Inter-Ministerial Briefing mechanism activated in 2026 on recent developments in West Asia, match List I (Participating Ministry/Department) with List II (Action / Update reported in its name at the National Media Centre briefings) and select the correct answer using the code given below:

  • A. A-3, B-1, C-2, D-4
  • B. A-2, B-1, C-3, D-4
  • C. A-3, B-2, C-1, D-4
  • D. A-4, B-1, C-2, D-3

Q27. Under which one of the following statutes was the Natural Gas (Supply Regulation) Order, 2026 — that mandates allocation of about 70% of past six-month average gas consumption to fertilizer plants — promulgated?

  • A. Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board Act, 2006
  • B. Oilfields (Regulation and Development) Act, 1948
  • C. Essential Commodities Act, 1955
  • D. Petroleum Act, 1934

Q28. Which one of the following Union Ministries notified the Natural Gas (Supply Regulation) Order, 2026, that prioritised gas allocation to fertilizer plants amid the West Asia crisis?

  • A. Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers
  • B. Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas
  • C. Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution
  • D. Ministry of Commerce and Industry

Q29. Consider the following statements regarding the BharatNet project: 1. Its three implementation phases were approved by the Telecom Commission in 2016. 2. The Amended BharatNet Programme (2023) envisages optical fibre connectivity to Gram Panchayats in a ring topology with an IP-MPLS network. 3. Under the Amended BharatNet Programme, BSNL has been designated as the single Project Management Agency for operation and maintenance. 4. The Amended BharatNet Programme is restricted to Gram Panchayats and explicitly excludes optical fibre connectivity to non-GP villages. Which of the statements given above are correct?

  1. Its three implementation phases were approved by the Telecom Commission in 2016.
  2. The Amended BharatNet Programme (2023) envisages optical fibre connectivity to Gram Panchayats in a ring topology with an IP-MPLS network.
  3. Under the Amended BharatNet Programme, BSNL has been designated as the single Project Management Agency for operation and maintenance.
  4. The Amended BharatNet Programme is restricted to Gram Panchayats and explicitly excludes optical fibre connectivity to non-GP villages.
  • A. 1, 2 and 3 only
  • B. 1 and 4 only
  • C. 2, 3 and 4 only
  • D. 1, 2, 3 and 4

Q30. With reference to the implementation architecture of the BharatNet / Amended BharatNet Programme, consider the following organisations: 1. Bharat Broadband Network Limited (BBNL) 2. Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) 3. CSC e-Governance Services India Limited 4. National Informatics Centre Services Inc. (NICSI) Which of the above has/have NOT been designated as an implementing or executing agency for BharatNet?

  1. Bharat Broadband Network Limited (BBNL)
  2. Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL)
  3. CSC e-Governance Services India Limited
  4. National Informatics Centre Services Inc. (NICSI)
  • A. 1 only
  • B. 4 only
  • C. 2 and 3 only
  • D. 1 and 4 only
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