📢 Last Call: UPSC CSE Prelims Open Mock Test – 3
Gear up for the final showdown! Tomorrow is the day to fine-tune your strategy and test your readiness under real exam conditions.
🗓 Date: Tomorrow, 3rd May 2026
📍 Schedule:
* GS Paper – I: 10:30 AM
* GS Paper – II (CSAT): 02:00 PM
Treat this as the actual Prelims. Manage your time, stay calm, and give it your best shot!
See you at the test. Best of luck! 🚀

Let's start our Mega Quiz

Q . Consider the following statements regarding E-PRAAPTI Portal:
It enables Aadhaar-based authentication to access inactive EPF accounts.
It is designed primarily for employers to track employee contributions.

Q . Consider the following statements regarding newly discovered firefly species:
The species Diaphanes meghalayanus and Diaphanes mawlynnong were discovered in Meghalaya.
These species are adapted to brightly lit urban environments.

Q . Consider the following statements:
Assertion (A):
Mission SAKSHAM aims to strengthen the institutional capacity of urban cooperative banks.
Reason (R):
It provides structured training programs for management, compliance, and operational staff.

Q. Consider the following statements:
Assertion (A):
Exercise Pragati is a multilateral military exercise involving countries of the Indian Ocean region.
Reason (R):
It focuses exclusively on naval warfare training in open seas.

Mega Quiz Correct Answer with Explanation!

Q. Consider the following statements regarding E-PRAAPTI Portal:
It enables Aadhaar-based authentication to access inactive EPF accounts.
It is designed primarily for employers to track employee contributions.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (a) 1 only
Explanation:
The E-PRAAPTI Portal is a digital initiative launched by the Employees Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) to address the issue of inoperative or inactive EPF accounts. Statement 1 is correct because the portal specifically enables Aadhaar-based authentication, allowing individuals to securely access and reclaim their old EPF accounts.
Statement 2 is incorrect because the portal is not designed for employers, but for individual EPF members. Its purpose is to empower employees to track, identify, and link their old accounts with the Universal Account Number (UAN).
A major challenge in the EPF system has been the existence of multiple accounts due to job changes, leading to fragmentation of retirement savings. This portal attempts to resolve that issue through digitisation and identity linkage.
The use of Aadhaar enhances identity verification and reduces duplication or fraud, aligning with broader digital governance initiatives.
Initially, the portal operates on a member ID-based approach, and later phases aim to support users who may not even remember their old account details.
It also reflects the government’s push towards financial inclusion and transparency in social security systems.
Such platforms are crucial in improving ease of access and user experience in public financial systems.
Q. Consider the following statements regarding newly discovered firefly species:
The species Diaphanes meghalayanus and Diaphanes mawlynnong were discovered in Meghalaya.
These species are adapted to brightly lit urban environments.
Which of the statements given above is/are incorrect?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (b) 2 only
Explanation:
Statement 1 is correct. The two newly identified firefly species were discovered in the East Khasi Hills of Meghalaya, a region known for its biodiversity and relatively undisturbed ecosystems.
Statement 2 is incorrect because these species thrive in dark, humid environments with minimal human interference, not in urban or brightly lit areas. In fact, light pollution is a major threat to fireflies, as it disrupts their bioluminescent communication used for mating.
Fireflies produce light through a chemical reaction involving luciferin and luciferase, which is a highly efficient biological process.
The discovery is significant because it marks the first formal documentation of such species in Meghalaya, highlighting gaps in biodiversity documentation.
The naming of the species reflects local geography and cultural acknowledgment, such as Mawlynnong village, often known for its ecological conservation practices.
Fireflies are considered bioindicators, meaning their presence reflects healthy ecosystems.
Their decline globally is linked to habitat loss, pesticide use, and artificial lighting.
Q . Consider the following statements:
Assertion (A):
Mission SAKSHAM aims to strengthen the institutional capacity of urban cooperative banks.
Reason (R):
It provides structured training programs for management, compliance, and operational staff.
Which of the following is correct?
(a) Both A and R are correct and R is the correct explanation of A
(b) Both A and R are correct but R is not the correct explanation of A
(c) A is correct but R is not correct
(d) A is not correct but R is correct
Answer: (a)
Explanation:
The assertion is correct. Mission SAKSHAM is a capacity-building initiative launched by the RBI aimed at improving the functioning of urban cooperative banks (UCBs).

The reason is also correct because the mission focuses on structured training programs targeting key stakeholders such as board members, senior management, and operational staff.
The reason directly explains the assertion because capacity building is achieved through training and skill development, which enhances institutional efficiency and compliance.
The initiative adopts a blended learning approach, combining digital and in-person training, ensuring accessibility across regions.
It also emphasizes regional language delivery, making it inclusive and practical.
Urban cooperative banks often face challenges related to governance, compliance, and financial health. This mission aims to address those gaps systematically.
It reflects a shift towards preventive regulation rather than reactive correction in the banking sector.
The initiative also supports financial stability and resilience in the cooperative banking ecosystem.
Q. Consider the following statements:
Assertion (A):
Exercise Pragati is a multilateral military exercise involving countries of the Indian Ocean region.
Reason (R):
It focuses exclusively on naval warfare training in open seas.
Which of the following is correct?
(a) Both A and R are correct and R is the correct explanation of A
(b) Both A and R are correct but R is not the correct explanation of A
(c) A is correct but R is not correct
(d) A is not correct but R is correct
Answer: (c)
Explanation:
The assertion is correct. Exercise Pragati is a multilateral military exercise involving multiple countries, particularly from the Indian Ocean and surrounding regions.
However, the reason is incorrect. The exercise does not focus exclusively on naval warfare, but rather emphasizes counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism operations, along with broader defence cooperation.
The exercise is conducted in Umroi, Meghalaya, indicating a land-based operational focus rather than maritime.
It also includes elements such as joint training, interoperability, and defence diplomacy, which go beyond naval engagement.
Additionally, it features an industry exposition, showcasing defence capabilities and promoting collaboration.
This makes the exercise multidimensional rather than domain-specific.
Such exercises are crucial for building trust, coordination, and shared operational capabilities among participating nations.
Q. Which of the following best describes Kyrgyzstan?
(a) A coastal country located along the Caspian Sea
(b) A landlocked mountainous country in Central Asia
(c) A desert country dominated by arid plains
(d) A tropical island nation in Southeast Asia
Answer: (b)
Explanation:
Kyrgyzstan is a landlocked country in Central Asia, bordered by Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and China, making option (b) correct.
It is often referred to as the “Switzerland of Central Asia” due to its mountainous terrain, scenic landscapes, and alpine features.
A significant portion of the country is covered by the Tian Shan mountain range, which influences its climate and geography.
The climate is continental, with cold winters and warm summers, varying significantly with altitude.
Option (a) is incorrect because Kyrgyzstan has no coastline and is not connected to the Caspian Sea.
Option (c) is misleading; while some regions are dry, the country is not predominantly desert.
Option (d) is entirely incorrect as Kyrgyzstan is neither tropical nor an island.
The country is also rich in natural resources, including gold and rare earth elements, and plays a strategic role in Central Asian geopolitics.

Dear Aspirants,
The  GS I Test  has been activated.
You may start attempting the test.

All the best!

Dear Aspirants,
The CSAT Test  has been activated.
You may start attempting the test.

All the best!

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