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Home » UPSC Prelims Quiz » UPSC Prelims Quiz: August 7, 2025

UPSC Prelims Quiz: August 7, 2025

Q1. With reference to electric mobility governance in India, consider the following statements:
1. The India Electric Mobility Index (IEMI) includes “EV Research and Innovation Status” as one of its themes, tracking patents, localisation of advanced battery technology, and manufacturing capacity expansion.
2. Under the CAFE regulations, Phase I target was 130 g/km CO₂, applicable only to vehicles running on petrol and CNG.
3. Both IEMI and CAFE norms are monitored by the same nodal ministry at the Union level.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 2 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Explanation

  • Statement 1 – Correct: “EV Research and Innovation Status” is a theme; it includes patents and R&D. Manufacturing capacity is influenced by PLI/ACC schemes, but not directly a scoring parameter.
  • Statement 2 – Incorrect: Phase I CAFE target (130 g/km CO₂) applies to petrol, diesel, LPG, and CNG passenger vehicles — not only petrol & CNG.
  • Statement 3 – Incorrect: IEMI is under NITI Aayog; CAFE norms are under the Ministry of Power (BEE) with MoRTH monitoring — they are not monitored by the same nodal ministry.
Answer: (a)
Q2. In the India Electric Mobility Index (IEMI) 2024, which of the following factors directly influence a State/UT’s classification as a “Performer” or “Frontrunner”?
1. Rate of EV adoption per 1,000 registered vehicles
2. Density of public charging stations per 100 km of road length
3. Volume of FAME-II subsidy utilised for e-buses
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1, 2 and 3 only
(c) 2, 3 only
(d) 1 only

Explanation

  • 1 – Correct: Transport Electrification Progress includes adoption rate per registered vehicles.
  • 2 – Correct: Charging Infrastructure Readiness includes public charging station density.
  • 3 – Correct: EV adoption support through schemes like FAME-II is a measured indicator.
  • 4 – Incorrect: While ZEV adoption targets are recommended in policy, the IEMI methodology does not explicitly use “number of ZEV mandates” as a scoring criterion.
Answer: (b)
Q3. Which of the following policy instruments in India have a direct role in simultaneously achieving both CAFE compliance and EV penetration targets?
1. FAME-II Scheme
2. Bharat Stage VI emission standards
3. Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for Advanced Chemistry Cell (ACC) battery storage
4. Corporate Average Fuel Efficiency regulations
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1, 2 and 3 only
(b) 1, 3 and 4 only
(c) 2, 3 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Explanation

  • 1 – Correct: FAME-II increases EV share, helping fleet-average efficiency (CAFE).
  • 2 – Incorrect: Bharat Stage VI emission standards are about reducing vehicle pollution by tightening emission norms but are not directly aimed at EV penetration or CAFE compliance. They regulate emissions of fuel vehicles more strictly but do not incentivize fuel efficiency improvement or EV sales directly.
  • 3 – Correct: PLI (ACC) improves EV battery manufacturing, aiding EV penetration and helping CAFE compliance indirectly by shifting fleet mix.
  • 4 – Correct: CAFE is itself a regulatory driver for fuel efficiency and EV adoption.
Answer: (b)

India Electric Mobility Index (IEMI)

NITI Aayog introduced the India Electric Mobility Index (IEMI) along with its report “Unlocking a 200 Billion Dollar Opportunity: Electric Vehicles in India.”

Purpose of IEMI

The index measures how well Indian States and Union Territories (UTs) are moving towards their electric mobility targets.

How It Works
  • Evaluates performance using 16 indicators grouped under three main areas:
    • Progress in Transport Electrification – Tracks EV adoption and demand drivers.
    • Readiness of Charging Infrastructure – Assesses the number and quality of charging stations.
    • Research and Innovation in EVs – Reviews research work, patents, and sector innovations.
  • Each state or UT gets a score between 0 and 100 showing progress in building an EV-friendly ecosystem.
IEMI 2024 Rankings
  • Frontrunners (Score: 65–99): Delhi, Maharashtra, Chandigarh
  • Performers (Score: 50–64): Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Haryana
  • Aspirants (Score: 0–49): Odisha, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Ladakh, Andhra Pradesh, and others
Why It Matters

The index helps states compare themselves with others, identify gaps, and adopt better strategies, fostering healthy competition and data-based policy-making.

Highlights from NITI Aayog’s EV Report
  • EV Growth in India
    • In 2020, India’s EV share was one-fifth of the global average.
    • By 2024, it rose to over two-fifths of the global level.
    • Needs a 22% increase in 5 years to meet the 2030 target of 30% EV penetration (EV30@30).
  • Manufacturing Capacity
    • Expanded with:
      • PLI Scheme (Production Linked Incentive)
      • National Programme on Advanced Chemistry Cell (ACC) Battery Storage
  • EV Penetration Trends (2016–2024)
    • India: 0.23% → 7.6%
    • Global: 3.08% → 16.48%
  • Government Initiatives Supporting EV Adoption
    • Electric Mobility Promotion Scheme 2024
    • FAME-II
    • PM E-DRIVE

Corporate Average Fuel Efficiency (CAFE) in India

CAFE sets fleet-wide fuel consumption and CO2 limits for carmakers, encouraging a shift toward more efficient and electric vehicles.

What is CAFE?

Corporate Average Fuel Efficiency/Economy (CAFE) is a set of government standards that limit the average fuel consumption and corresponding CO2 emissions across a carmaker’s entire fleet of passenger vehicles in a given year, rather than for individual models. Manufacturers balance heavier, less efficient models with more efficient ones so the fleet average stays within limits.

Legal Basis and Scope
  • First notified in 2017 under the Energy Conservation Act, 2001, with the Bureau of Energy Efficiency and other agencies involved in implementation.
  • Applies to passenger vehicles under 3,500 kg GVW across fuel types — petrol, diesel, LPG, CNG, hybrids, and electric — converted to a gasoline-equivalent metric for averaging.
How the Averaging Works
  • “Corporate average” is computed as the sales volume–weighted average fuel consumption (L/100 km) and CO2 emissions (g/km) of all vehicles a manufacturer sells in the fiscal year.
  • Measured under standard test conditions in accredited labs.
  • Framework links allowable corporate-average fuel consumption to average kerb weight:
    • Heavier fleets allowed slightly higher CO2 target.
    • Lighter fleets face tighter targets.
Targets and Phases
  • CAFE Stage I — Effective 2017–18, target: 130 gCO2/km by 2022–23.
  • CAFE Stage II — From 2022–23, limit: ≤4.78 L/100 km or ≤113 gCO2/km; penalties for non-compliance.
  • Future Phases — Drafting CAFE-III/IV; discussions suggest ~91–95 g/km in next stage.
Why CAFE Matters
  • Reduces oil dependence.
  • Lowers CO2 emissions.
  • Encourages efficient technologies and electrification.
  • Weight-based curve raises fairness debates for small-car manufacturers.
Administration and Methodology
  • Methodology includes:
    • Gathering M1 category sales data.
    • Calculating standardized fuel consumption and CO2 under test conditions.
    • Deriving savings versus baselines.
    • Annual performance tracking via government portal.
Relation to BS-VI Norms
  • CAFE — fleet-average fuel consumption and CO2.
  • BS norms — pollutant emissions (NOx, PM, CO) per vehicle.
  • BS-VI nationwide: April 1, 2020; Stage II: April 1, 2023 (RDE + stricter OBD thresholds).
  • Operate in parallel and complement each other.
Q4. With reference to the Zeliang Community Reserve, consider the following statements:
1. It is located in Peren district of Nagaland.
2. It lies within the Indo-Burma biodiversity hotspot.
3. It was chosen for Asian Giant Tortoise reintroduction.
4. Released tortoises were tagged with VHF telemetry devices.
5. The Asian Giant Tortoise is the largest land tortoise in mainland Asia.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
(a) 1, 2, 3 and 4 only
(b) 1, 3, 4 and 5 only
(c) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5
(d) 2, 3 and 5 only

Explanation

  • Statement 1 – Correct: Located in Peren district, Nagaland.
  • Statement 2 – Correct: Part of the Indo-Burma biodiversity hotspot.
  • Statement 3 – Correct: Selected for Asian Giant Tortoise reintroduction after habitat assessment.
  • Statement 4 – Correct: Individuals tagged with VHF telemetry for monitoring.
  • Statement 5 – Correct: It is the largest land tortoise in mainland Asia.
Answer: (c) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5
Q5. Consider the following statements regarding Hepatitis viruses:
1. Hepatitis D requires Hepatitis B surface antigen for its replication.
2. Both co-infection and superinfection with Hepatitis D are possible.
3. Only Hepatitis B, C and D can cause chronic infection.
4. Hepatitis A and E are primarily transmitted through the fecal–oral route.
5. All hepatitis viruses are RNA viruses.
How many of the above statements are correct?
(a) Only two
(b) Only three
(c) Only four
(d) All five

Explanation

  • Statement 1 – Correct: HDV is an incomplete virus needing HBsAg for replication.
  • Statement 2 – Correct: HDV can infect with HBV simultaneously (co-infection) or infect HBV carriers later (superinfection).
  • Statement 3 – Correct: Chronicity is mainly seen with Hepatitis B, C, and D.
  • Statement 4 – Correct: Hepatitis A and E spread mainly via contaminated food or water.
  • Statement 5 – Incorrect: Not all hepatitis viruses are RNA viruses; Hepatitis B is a DNA virus (partially double-stranded).
Answer: (c) Only four
Q6. Consider the following statements regarding mountain ungulates in India:
1. Nilgiri tahr is the only mountain ungulate found in southern India.
2. Himalayan tahr and Nilgiri tahr occur in the same natural range.
3. Musk deer is a Himalayan mountain ungulate known for producing musk from a gland in males.
4. Bharal and argali are wild sheep adapted to high-altitude Himalayan grasslands.
How many of the above statements are correct?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) Only three
(d) All four

Explanation

  • Statement 1 – Correct: Nilgiri tahr is the sole mountain ungulate of southern India, endemic to the Western Ghats.
  • Statement 2 – Incorrect: Himalayan tahr occurs in the Himalayas; Nilgiri tahr occurs in the Western Ghats. Their natural ranges do not overlap.
  • Statement 3 – Correct: Male musk deer possess a musk gland used for scent marking and historically valued in perfumery.
  • Statement 4 – Correct: Both bharal and argali are high-altitude wild sheep adapted to cold Himalayan grasslands and rocky terrains.
Answer: (c) Only three