Q.1) Solution (c)

Explanation:
Sikkim has been declared the first paperless judiciary state in India (May 1, 2026). 

• The initiative includes e-filing of court cases, digital case management systems, and elimination of physical paper movement within the judiciary. 
• Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang (Golay) termed it a historic step towards a faster, transparent, and technology-driven justice system. 
• The move aligns with the national vision of Viksit Bharat 2047. Sikkim has a history of pioneering e-governance – it was one of the first states to adopt online land registration and e-office for government departments. 

Options (a), (b), and (d) are incorrect. UPSC tests this first-state fact.

Why this question?
Tests the first state to achieve a fully paperless judiciary – a current affairs fact for Polity and Governance.

Why important for UPSC?
E-judiciary and e-Courts Mission appear in Polity and Governance (Prelims 2024, 2026 trend).

Q.2) Solution (b)

Explanation:
The MLFF (Multi-Lane Free Flow) system eliminates physical boom barriers and toll booths, allowing vehicles to pass at normal highway speeds (up to 80 km/h) without stopping. 

• It uses ANPR (Automatic Number Plate Recognition) – high-resolution cameras that read Vehicle Registration Numbers (VRN) – and FASTag (RFID) – advanced readers that capture tag details at high speed – to automatically deduct toll charges from the linked FASTag account. 
• For vehicles without a valid FASTag, ANPR captures the number plate and an e-notice is issued for toll evasion (double the applicable toll; if paid within 72 hours, only the original user fee applies). 
• The project was developed under an OpEx (Operating Expenditure) model by ICICI Bank with no upfront cost to the government, and the government has set a target to implement barrier-free tolling on 10,000 km of highways over the next two years. 

Option (a) GPS/Bluetooth are not used. Option (c) QR/UPI are used for other digital payments but not for MLFF. Option (d) biometrics is not relevant. UPSC tests this specific technological combination.

Why this question?
Tests the specific technologies (ANPR + FASTag) that enable barrier-less tolling – a direct factual recall question.

Why important for UPSC?
Highway modernization and digital payment technologies appear in Economy, Governance, and Science & Tech (Prelims 2024, 2026 trend).

PYQ Pattern Link
Similar to 2022 Prelims question on FASTag and National Electronic Toll Collection (NETC) programme

Q.3) Solution (a)

Explanation:
Both A and R are true, and R explains the structural resilience. 

• India retained its position as the world’s largest remittance recipient in FY25 with record USD 135.4 billion (approx. 3.5% of GDP). For April-December FY26, remittances were USD 110.9 billion (YoY growth of 10.1%). 
• The share of West Asia has declined to 40%, with the remittance pool now diversified (IT, hospitality, health, education, construction sectors). 
• This makes inflows stable even if one or two sectors are impacted. However, challenges remain: FPI outflows of USD 16.6 billion cumulative, BoP deficit in Q3 FY26 of USD 24.4 billion, and forex reserves down from USD 728.5 billion peak to about USD 698 billion. UPSC tests this diversification argument.

Why this question?
Tests the diversification of remittance sources away from Gulf – a key structural strength of India’s BoP.

Why important for UPSC?
Balance of Payments and remittances appear in Economy (Prelims 2018, 2020, 2022, 2024, 2026).

Q.4) Solution (c)

Explanation:

• Statement 1 is correct: Mission Drishti is the world’s first OptoSAR satellite combining optical and SAR imaging. 
• Statement 2 is correct: SAR (Synthetic Aperture Radar) is an active remote sensing technique using microwave signals that penetrate clouds – providing all-weather, day-and-night imaging. 
• Statement 3 is correct: It is the largest privately-built satellite in India , representing a major milestone for India’s private space sector. PM Modi congratulated GalaxEye on the successful launch. UPSC tests this private-sector role.

Why this question?
Tests the fact that the satellite is privately built, not by ISRO – a common misconception.

Why important for UPSC?
Private space sector and space reforms appear in Science & Tech (Prelims 2022, 2024, 2026 trend).

Q.5) Solution (a)

Explanation:

• Statement 1 is correct: Solar capacity grew from 2.82 GW to 150 GW – 53-fold increase. 
• Statement 2 is correct: Approximately 50% of installed electricity capacity is now from non-fossil fuels – achieved well ahead of 2030. 
• Statement 3 is correct: ISA was founded by India and France in 2015, launched at COP21; now over 120 member countries. 
• Statement 4 is incorrect: Under PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana, 30 lakh (3 million) rooftop installations have been completed, benefiting over 45 lakh households – not 3 crore (30 million). The highest single-month installations in April 2026 were 2.7 lakh. UPSC tests this 3 million vs 3 crore trap – a common numerical oversight.

Why this question?
Tests the actual number of PM Surya Ghar installations (30 lakh, not 3 crore) – a common reversal trap.

Why important for UPSC?
Renewable energy and government scheme targets appear in Economy and Environment (Prelims 2024, 2026).