Prelims Test Morning Batch 23 Oct 2026

Q1. Consider the following statements regarding ‘Biofuels’ and ‘National Policy on Biofuels’:

1. First-generation biofuels are produced from food crops like sugarcane and corn.

2. Second-generation biofuels are derived from non-food biomass such as agricultural waste and wood residue.

3. Under India’s National Policy on Biofuels, the target of achieving 20% ethanol blending in petrol has been advanced to 2025-26.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct

Q2.Which of the following can be used as feedstocks for producing ‘Biodiesel’ in India?

1. Jatropha seeds

2. Used Cooking Oil (UCO)

3. Animal Fat

4. Sweet Sorghum

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

Q3. Consider the following statements regarding ‘Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Technology’ and ‘Concentrated Solar Power (CSP)’:

1. Solar PV panels convert sunlight directly into electricity using the photoelectric effect.

2. Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) uses mirrors or lenses to concentrate sunlight to heat a fluid, which generates steam to drive a turbine.

3. Unlike Solar PV, CSP systems can easily integrate thermal energy storage to generate electricity even when the sun is not shining.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Q4. Consider the following initiatives/schemes launched in India:

1. PM-KUSUM: Aimed at solarization of agricultural pumps and grid-connected solar power plants.

2. International Solar Alliance (ISA): Jointly launched by India and France at COP21 in Paris.

3. PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana: Scheme providing subsidies for installing rooftop solar units for households.

Which of the pairs/statements given above is/are correct?

Q5. Which of the following geological conditions are favorable for the presence of Geothermal Energy?

1. Regions with active or recent volcanism.

2. Plate tectonic boundaries, especially subduction zones and rift valleys.

3. Geologically active fault zones with hot springs and geysers.

Select the correct answer using the code given below

Q6. Consider the following statements regarding ‘Pumped Storage Hydropower (PSH)’ technology:

1. In PSH, water is pumped from a lower reservoir to an upper reservoir during periods of low electricity demand to store energy as gravitational potential energy.

2. Off-stream closed-loop PSH systems are isolated from natural perennial water bodies, making them environmentally less intrusive.

3. Unlike chemical batteries, PSH provides large-scale, long-duration energy storage capable of supporting grid frequency regulation and black-start capability.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

Q7. With reference to the ‘International Solar Alliance (ISA)’, consider the following statements:

1. The ISA framework agreement was opened for signature during the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP21) in Paris in 2015.

2. Membership in the ISA is restricted strictly to countries that lie fully between the Tropic of Cancer and Tropic of Capricorn.

3. The ‘One Sun One World One Grid’ (OSOWOG) initiative aimed at connecting regional energy grids was launched jointly by ISA and the World Bank.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Q8. Consider the following statements regarding ‘Ethanol Blending in Petrol’ in India:

1. Ethanol is an oxygenated hydrocarbon that increases the octane rating of petrol, leading to more complete combustion and lower carbon monoxide emissions.

2. Higher blends of ethanol (like E20) can cause corrosion in vehicle fuel systems and degrade standard rubber components unless engine parts are specifically adapted.

3. In India, ethanol for blending is derived exclusively from food grains like damaged rice and broken maize.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 

Q9. With reference to ‘Grey Hydrogen’ and ‘Blue Hydrogen’, consider the following statements:

1- Both Grey and Blue hydrogen are primarily produced using fossil fuels such as natural gas through the Steam Methane Reforming (SMR) process.

2-Unlike Grey hydrogen, the production of Blue hydrogen incorporates Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS) technologies to trap greenhouse gas emissions.

3.Blue hydrogen production is entirely carbon-neutral, leaving zero fugitive emissions or carbon footprint during its lifecycle.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Q10. Consider the following statements regarding the transition from Grey Hydrogen to low-carbon hydrogen alternatives:

1- Grey Hydrogen currently accounts for the largest share of commercial hydrogen produced globally and in India.

2-Blue Hydrogen is often regarded as a transition fuel because it leverages existing natural gas infrastructure while reducing direct carbon emissions compared to Grey Hydrogen.

3- The production cost of Grey Hydrogen is generally higher than that of both Blue Hydrogen and Green Hydrogen due to carbon tax mechanisms globally.

Which of the statements given above are correct