Should India restart dialogue with Pakistan?

The Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany visited India in January, 2026. Which of the following is/are **not** correct in terms of outcomes of this visit ?

1. Signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the All India Institute of Ayurveda and the University of Hamburg
2. Signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on Youth Hockey Development between Hockey India and the German Hockey Federation
3. Establishment of a bilateral dialogue mechanism on the Indo-Pacific
4. Opening of an Honorary Consul of Germany in Lucknow

Select the answer using the code given below :

1. A. 2 and 3
2. B. 1 and 4
3. C. 3 and 4
4. D. 1 only

The term "two-state solution" is sometimes mentioned in the news in the context of the affairs of -

1. A. China
2. B. Israel
3. C. Iraq
4. D. Yemen

Consider the following statements regarding the India-Africa Forum Summit (IAFS):
1. The summit held in 2015 marked the third edition of the IAFS.
2. The IAFS mechanism was instituted under the leadership of Jawaharlal Nehru in 1951.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1. A. 1 only
2. B. 2 only
3. C. Both 1 and 2
4. D. Neither 1 nor 2

In the Indian context, what is the implication of ratifying the 'Additional Protocol' with the `International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)'?

1. A. The civilian nuclear reactors come under IAEA safeguards.
2. B. The military nuclear installations come under the inspection of IAEA.
3. C. The country will have the privilege to buy uranium from the Nuclear Suppliers Group NSG.
4. D. The country automatically becomes a member of the NSG.

With reference to the United Nations General Assembly, consider the following statements:
1. The UN General Assembly can grant observer status to the non-member States.
2. Inter-governmental organisations can seek observer status in the UN General Assembly.
3. Permanent Observers in the UN General Assembly can maintain missions at the UN headquarters.

Which of the statements given above are correct ?

1. A. 1 and 2 only
2. B. 2 and 3 only
3. C. 1 and 3 only
4. D. 1, 2 and 3

Which of the following is not a member of ‘Gulf Cooperation Council’?

1. A. Iran
2. B. Saudi Arabia
3. C. Oman
4. D. Kuwait

In the Mekong-Ganga Cooperation, an initiative of six countries, which of the following is/are not participant/ participants?
1. Bangladesh
2. Cambodia
3. China
4. Myanmar
5. Thailand

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

1. A. 1 only
2. B. 2, 3 and 4
3. C. 1 and 3 only
4. D. 1, 2 and 5 only

The ‘Fortaleza Declaration’ recently in the news, is related to the affairs of:

1. A. ASEAN
2. B. BRICS
3. C. OECD
4. D. WTO

Which of the following statements about 'Exercise Mitra Shakti-2023' are correct?

1. This was a joint military exercise between India and Bangladesh.
2. It commenced in Aundh (Pune).
3. Joint response during counter-terrorism operations was a goal of this operation.
4. Indian Air Force was a part of this exercise.

Select the answer using the code given below :

1. A. 1, 2 and 3
2. B. 1, 2 and 4
3. C. 1, 3 and 4
4. D. 2, 3 and 4

Consider the following statements:
Statement-I :Israel has established diplomatic relations with some Arab States.
Statement-II :The 'Arab Peace Initiative' Mediated by Saudi Arabia was signed by Israel and Arab League.

Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

1. A. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement- II is the correct explanation for Statement-I
2. B. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement- II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I
3. C. Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect
4. D. Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct

"The reform process in the United Nations remains unresolved, because of the delicate imbalance of East and West and entanglement of the USA vs. Russo-Chinese alliance." Examine and critically evaluate the East-West policy confrontations in this regard.

"Energy security constitutes the dominant kingpin of India's foreign policy, and is linked with India's overarching influence in Middle Eastern countries." How would you integrate energy security with India's foreign policy trajectories in the coming years?

The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights has to address the challenges faced by children in the digital era. Examine the existing policies and suggest measures the Commission can initiate to tackle the issue.

Discuss the distribution and density of population in the Ganga River Basin with special reference to land, soil and water resources.

"In contemporary development models, decision-making and problem-solving responsibilities are not located close to the source of information and execution defeating the objectives of development." Critically evaluate.

How can Artificial Intelligence (AI) and drones be effectively used along with GIS and RS techniques in locational and areal planning?

According to the article, India and Pakistan have not engaged in dialogue since 2016 primarily due to which of the following reasons?

1. A. Frequent changes in Pakistan's civilian government.
2. B. Escalation of trade disputes and economic sanctions.
3. C. Major terror attacks at Pathankot and Uri.
4. D. International pressure to isolate Pakistan on global forums.

With reference to the debate on India-Pakistan dialogue, consider the following statements: 1. Mani Shankar Aiyar argues that engaging with Pakistan's military leadership has historically yielded more fruitful outcomes than with civilian governments. 2. Tara Kartha expresses concern that the current Pakistani military leadership under Field Marshal Asim Munir has a vested interest in maintaining conflict, making dialogue unproductive at this time. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1. A. 1 only
2. B. 2 only
3. C. Both 1 and 2
4. D. Neither 1 nor 2

Which of the following historical agreements or initiatives involving India and Pakistan were cited by Mani Shankar Aiyar as examples of successful interlocutions with Pakistani military leaders? 1. Indus Waters Treaty 2. Siachen deadlock resolution 3. Kashmir four-point solution 4. Simla Agreement Select the correct answer using the code given below:

1. A. 1, 2 and 3 only
2. B. 1, 3 and 4 only
3. C. 2 and 4 only
4. D. 1, 2, 3 and 4