What mattered in the last day or two — from PIB, written in our own words — then 15 questions in UPSC's formats. +2 for a right answer, −0.67 for a wrong one, 0 for a blank.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a bilateral meeting with the African Union Chairperson and President of Burundi on the sidelines of the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi.
India’s BRICS presidency centered on four pillars: Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation, and Sustainability.
Key initiatives include the BRICS Integrated Early Warning System for infectious diseases and disaster management guidelines.
Innovation focus areas include a BRICS Startup Innovation Fund, Incubator Network, and Digital Agriculture Network.
Sustainability efforts feature a BRICS Digital Centre of Excellence for Smart Grids and Energy Storage.
The summit emphasized making BRICS solutions accessible to the Global South through inclusive growth.
Key terms
BRICS Integrated Early Warning System
— A proposed mechanism for sharing data to prevent and respond to infectious disease outbreaks among member nations.
Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI)
— Shared digital systems and platforms used to deliver public services, here applied to connect AI and geospatial tech with farmers.
Regenerative Agriculture
— Farming practices that restore soil health and biodiversity, linked here with traditional knowledge and modern science.
Global South
— A term referring to developing countries in Africa, Asia, Latin America, and Oceania, often highlighting their shared economic and political interests.
3. PM Chairs BRICS Session on Inclusive Global Governance
Prime Minister Modi led the 18th BRICS Summit session in New Delhi, advocating for greater Global South representation and proposing a Seafarers Emergency Support Network.
The 18th BRICS Summit was held in New Delhi with PM Modi chairing the session on 'Inclusive Global Governance'.
PM Modi proposed establishing a 'Seafarers Emergency Support Network' to aid maritime workers during crises.
The session concluded with the adoption of the 'New Delhi BRICS Leaders' Declaration'.
Key themes included transforming the 'pyramid of privilege' into a 'platform of partnership' and enhancing UN Security Council representation.
Key terms
Global South
— A term used to describe developing countries, primarily in Africa, Asia, Latin America, and Oceania, often characterized by lower income levels and historical marginalization in global governance.
Multilateralism
— An alliance of multiple countries pursuing a common goal or coordinating policy on transnational issues through international organizations.
UN Security Council
— One of the six principal organs of the United Nations, charged with ensuring international peace and security, currently criticized for lacking adequate representation of developing nations.
4. Gujarat Action Plan for Great Indian Bustard Conservation Released
Union Environment Minister released a science-based action plan to secure the Critically Endangered Great Indian Bustard in Gujarat, alongside updates on grassland restoration and Project Cheetah.
The Gujarat Action Plan aims to establish a minimum viable population of over 30 Great Indian Bustards (GIB) in Kachchh.
Targeted securing of 200–500 sq. km. of contiguous habitat, with immediate focus on the Lala–Rawa landscape.
Project Cheetah population has grown from 29 founders to 52 individuals, including 49 cubs born in India.
A 'jump-start' intervention successfully saw a wild GIB chick survive beyond three months after replacing infertile eggs with viable ones.
Grasslands cover nearly 24% of India's land area but are among the most degraded ecosystems.
Key terms
Great Indian Bustard (GIB)
— A large ground-dwelling bird classified as Critically Endangered, primarily found in arid grasslands of Rajasthan and Gujarat.
Jump-start Intervention
— A conservation strategy where infertile or failed wild nests are supplemented with viable eggs from captive breeding programs to boost wild population numbers.
Open Natural Ecosystems (ONE)
— Landscapes dominated by grasses and shrubs without tree canopy, crucial for species like bustards and cheetahs but often excluded from forest-centric conservation policies.
Minimum Viable Population (MVP)
— The smallest number of individuals required for a species to survive long-term in the wild without facing extinction due to genetic or demographic factors.
5. PM Modi Meets Philippine President at BRICS Summit
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. held a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi, reaffirming their Strategic Partnership.
Meeting occurred during the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi on September 13, 2026.
Philippines participated as the current ASEAN Chair.
Both leaders agreed to deepen cooperation under the Strategic Partnership established in August 2025.
India welcomed the Philippines' decision to join the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI).
Key areas for expanded collaboration include defence, space, fintech, and railway infrastructure.
Key terms
Strategic Partnership
— A formal diplomatic framework established between India and the Philippines in August 2025 to guide comprehensive bilateral cooperation.
Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI)
— An international partnership launched by India to promote resilience of infrastructure against natural disasters, which the Philippines has joined.
ASEAN Chair
— The rotating presidency of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, currently held by the Philippines, facilitating its participation in the summit.
6. PM Modi Meets Kazakhstan President at BRICS Summit
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev held a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi to strengthen strategic ties.
Meeting occurred during the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi.
Kazakhstan's President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev was the counterpart.
Discussions covered trade, defence, connectivity, energy, and critical minerals.
Leaders emphasized ancient civilizational linkages between India and Kazakhstan.
Key terms
BRICS Summit
— An annual meeting of heads of state or government of the BRICS nations (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, and new members).
Critical Minerals
— Minerals essential for national security, economic competitiveness, and clean energy technologies, often facing supply chain vulnerabilities.
Strategic Partnership
— A formal agreement between countries to cooperate closely on political, economic, and security issues without necessarily forming a military alliance.
7. BRICS New Delhi Declaration Establishes Expert Group on Traditional Medicine
The 18th BRICS Summit's New Delhi Declaration mandates a new Expert Working Group to foster evidence-based global cooperation in Traditional, Complementary and Integrative Medicine (TCIM).
8. Dryland Congress 2026 Concludes with Delhi Declaration
The Dryland Congress 2026 adopted the Delhi Declaration on Drylands, emphasizing South-South cooperation and innovation for sustainable dryland agriculture.
10. India to Host World Circular Economy Forum 2026 in Gandhinagar
India will host the inaugural South Asia edition of the World Circular Economy Forum in September 2026, focusing on sustainable resource loops and global cooperation.
First time the forum is held in South Asia; scheduled for Sept 15–18, 2026, in Gandhinagar.
Theme: 'Circular Economy: Transition for People and Prosperity'.
Jointly organized by CPCB, Finnish Innovation Fund Sitra, MoEF&CC, and Gujarat government bodies.
Expected participation of 2,000+ stakeholders from over 65 countries.
Includes an expo with 125+ exhibitors showcasing circular solutions and startups.
Key terms
Circular Economy
— An economic system aimed at eliminating waste and the continual use of resources via reuse, sharing, repair, refurbishment, remanufacturing, and recycling.
10 Year Framework of Programmes (10 YFP)
— A global framework under the UN Environment Programme promoting sustainable consumption and production patterns.
Finnish Innovation Fund Sitra
— An independent fund working for a sustainable future, co-organizing the WCEF with Indian agencies.
11. Indian Railways August 2026: Freight Growth and Connectivity Expansion
Indian Railways reported a 5.4% rise in freight loading and expanded passenger connectivity through new Amrit Bharat services and Gati Shakti Cargo Terminals in August 2026.
12. CAZRI Moth Bean Varieties Show Resilience in El Niño Year
New moth bean varieties developed by ICAR-CAZRI demonstrated high yield and survival during a severe 35-day dry spell in the El Niño year of Kharif 2026.
Four new varieties (CAZRI Moth-4 to 7) released in the last three years showed resilience during a 35-day rainless period in Kharif 2026.
Moth bean is cultivated over ~10 lakh hectares in western Rajasthan with low average productivity of 350 kg/ha.
The crop survived despite cumulative pan evaporation of 180 mm during the dry spell, aided by subsurface soil moisture retention.
Seed multiplication is underway via Saathi Portal indent for 23.32 quintals in 2026, up from 63.2 quintals in 2025.
Dr. M. L. Jat, DG ICAR, highlighted these varieties' potential to boost income in the Thar Desert and aid pulse self-reliance.
Key terms
Developmental Plasticity
— The ability of a plant variety to adjust its growth rate and maturity timing in response to varying environmental conditions like soil moisture availability.
Pan Evaporation
— A measure of the amount of water evaporated from a standard open water surface, used as an indicator of atmospheric demand for water.
Saathi Portal
— A digital platform used for indenting and distributing certified seeds to farmers, facilitating transparent supply chain management.
13. DAHD Reviews Lumpy Skin Disease Situation in Delhi
The Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying reviewed the controlled status of Lumpy Skin Disease in Delhi, emphasizing coordinated vaccination and biosecurity measures.
Consider the following statements regarding the International Solidarity for South-South Cooperation in Agriculture (ISSCA) Global Awards presented at the Dryland Congress 2026:
1. The inaugural edition received nominations from countries across Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and Latin America.
2. The Mega Award for Transformative Excellence was presented solely to Indian institutions for their contributions to dryland agriculture.
How many of the above statements are correct?
Answer: (c)
Statement 1 is correct: The text mentions nominations came from 34 countries across Asia, Southeast Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and Latin America and the Caribbean.
Statement 2 is incorrect: The Mega Award winners included ICARDA (Lebanon) and CIMMYT (Mexico), alongside Odisha Livelihoods Mission (India). It was not limited to Indian institutions.
a Statement 2 is factually wrong as non-Indian institutions won the top award.
b Statement 1 is correct.
d The facts are explicitly stated in the source text.
With reference to the India-African Union partnership, consider the following statements:
1. The African Union was granted permanent membership in the G20 during India's presidency in 2023.
2. The 4th India-Africa Forum Summit (IAFS-IV) has already been held under the current AU Chairpersonship.
3. India provided medical support to the Africa CDC specifically to help mitigate a recent Ebola outbreak.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Answer: (c)
Statement 1 is correct: The text explicitly recalls India’s role in bringing the African Union into the G20 fold during its 2023 presidency.
Statement 2 is incorrect: The text states that the leaders discussed the early convening of IAFS-IV, implying it has not yet taken place.
Statement 3 is correct: The text mentions the AU Chairperson appreciated medical support from India to Africa CDC to help mitigate the Ebola outbreak.
a Statement 2 is incorrect as IAFS-IV is being planned for early convening, not already held.
b Statement 1 is correct, so this option is incomplete.
With reference to the Strategic Partnership between India and the Philippines, consider the following statements:
1. The partnership was established during the State Visit of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to India in August 2025.
2. The Philippines joined the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) as part of its participation in the BRICS Summit as the current ASEAN chair.
3. Bilateral cooperation under this partnership is restricted primarily to defence and security sectors.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Answer: (b)
Statement 1 is correct: The release explicitly states that the Strategic Partnership was established in August 2025 during President Marcos's State Visit to India.
Statement 2 is incorrect: While the Philippines participated in the BRICS Summit as the current ASEAN chair, the decision to join CDRI was welcomed by the PM separately; the text does not link CDRI membership causally or procedurally to the BRICS summit participation itself, nor does it imply they joined because of the summit role. More importantly, statement 3 is clearly wrong, making 'only 1' the best fit if we scrutinize the nuance, but let's re-evaluate. Actually, looking at standard UPSC logic, if 2 is ambiguous, check 3. Statement 3 says cooperation is restricted to defence/security. The text lists many areas (trade, space, railway, fintech, etc.). So 3 is definitely false. Is 2 true? The text says 'Prime Minister welcomed the Philippines’ decision to join...'. It doesn't say they joined at the summit or because of the chairmanship. However, usually, these meetings happen on sidelines. Let's look closer. If 2 is considered correct contextually, then B would be the answer. But often 'joined as part of participation' implies a causal link not present. Let's stick to the most undeniable fact. Statement 1 is verbatim. Statement 3 is verbatim opposite. Statement 2 is a conflation of two separate sentences. In UPSC, conflating unrelated facts in one statement makes it incorrect. Therefore, only 1 is strictly supported.
a Statement 2 is incorrect because the text mentions the CDRI decision and the BRICS/ASEAN chair status as separate points; it does not state that joining CDRI was a consequence or part of the mechanism of their BRICS participation.
c Statements 2 and 3 are incorrect.
d Statement 3 is incorrect because the text lists numerous other areas of cooperation including trade, investment, space, and education, not just defence.
Consider the following statements regarding the scope of discussions between India and Kazakhstan as highlighted in their recent diplomatic engagements:
1. The dialogue included sectors such as the creative economy and people-to-people ties alongside traditional domains like defence and energy.
2. The leaders focused exclusively on bilateral issues and did not exchange perspectives on regional or international developments.
How many of the above statements are correct?
Answer: (c)
Statement 1 is correct: The release mentions reviewing cooperation in a range of fields including 'creative economy' and 'people-to-people ties' along with 'defence', 'energy', etc.
Statement 2 is incorrect: The text explicitly states that they 'exchanged perspectives on regional and international developments', contradicting the claim of exclusive focus on bilateral issues.
a The information required to verify both statements is present in the text.
b Statement 1 is factually correct based on the source text.
d Statement 2 is factually incorrect based on the source text.
With reference to the BRICS New Delhi Declaration and the proposed Expert Working Group on Traditional, Complementary and Integrative Medicine (TCIM), consider the following statements:
1. The Expert Working Group is established under the BRICS Health Track to serve as a platform for dialogue and exchange among Member States.
2. The Declaration mandates that all TCIM products must be regulated through a single, unified international regulatory framework applicable uniformly across all BRICS nations.
3. The initiative builds upon the consensus reached at the BRICS Meeting on TCIM held in Chandigarh in July 2026 regarding the Terms of Reference for the Working Group.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Answer: (b)
Statement 1 is correct: The release explicitly states the Working Group is established 'under the BRICS Health Track' as a 'platform for dialogue, collaboration and exchange'.
Statement 2 is incorrect: The Declaration calls for regulatory frameworks 'in accordance with the national contexts of Member States', not a single unified international framework.
Statement 3 is correct: The text notes the development follows the meeting in Chandigarh (July 21, 2026) which resulted in 'consensus on the Terms of Reference for the proposed BRICS Expert Working Group'.
a Statement 2 is incorrect, making this option invalid despite Statement 3 being correct.
c Statement 2 is incorrect.
d Statement 2 is incorrect because the declaration respects national contexts rather than imposing a uniform international regulation.
With reference to the moth bean varieties developed by ICAR-CAZRI, consider the following statements:
1. The varieties are specifically bred for developmental plasticity, allowing them to adjust growth and maturity based on soil moisture availability.
2. Seed multiplication of these varieties is undertaken exclusively by the National Seeds Corporation (NSC).
3. The release of four new varieties (CAZRI Moth-4 to 7) occurred in the last three years prior to the El Niño year of Kharif 2026.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Answer: (d)
Statement 1 is correct: The text explicitly identifies 'developmental plasticity' as an important adaptation characteristic, noting the varieties can adjust growth and maturity according to soil moisture availability.
Statement 2 is incorrect: The text states that seed is being multiplied by Rajasthan State Seeds Corporation, National Seeds Corporation, AND selected private players, not exclusively by NSC.
Statement 3 is correct: The text mentions that in the last three years, four varieties (CAZRI Moth-4, 5, 6, and 7) have been released.
a Statement 2 is incorrect.
b Statement 2 is incorrect because private players and RSC also participate in seed multiplication.
c Statement 2 is incorrect due to the word 'exclusively'.
With reference to the Gujarat Action Plan for Great Indian Bustard (GIB) Conservation, consider the following statements:
1. The plan was prepared by the Wildlife Institute of India in collaboration with the Gujarat Forest Department.
2. It aims to establish a minimum viable population of over 30 birds and secure 200–500 sq. km. of safe, contiguous habitat.
3. The immediate focus is on the approximately 200 sq. km. Lala–Rawa landscape, where interventions include grazing management and invasive species removal.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Answer: (d)
Statement 1 is correct: The release explicitly states the action plan was prepared by the Wildlife Institute of India in collaboration with the Gujarat Forest Department.
Statement 2 is correct: The Minister noted the roadmap aims to establish a minimum viable population of over 30 birds and secure 200–500 sq. km. of habitat.
Statement 3 is correct: The text identifies the Lala–Rawa landscape (~200 sq. km.) as the immediate focus area with specific interventions like grazing management.
With reference to the Mangrove Initiative for Shoreline Habitats & Tangible Incomes (MISHTI), consider the following statements:
1. It emphasizes community participation and technology-enabled monitoring alongside scientific management.
2. The Guneri Inland Mangroves, recognized under this initiative's framework in Gujarat, represent a rare ecosystem located away from the coast.
3. MISHTI is exclusively focused on coastal mangrove restoration and does not include inland mangrove conservation efforts.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Answer: (b)
Statement 1 is correct: The release notes that MISHTI emphasizes restoration, scientific management, community participation, and technology-enabled monitoring.
Statement 2 is correct: The text describes Guneri Inland Mangroves as a 'rare ecosystem thriving away from the coast' and highlights its conservation under the state's commitment linked to MISHTI.
Statement 3 is incorrect: While MISHTI focuses on shoreline habitats, the release explicitly links the conservation of Guneri inland mangroves to the broader context of Gujarat's efforts under MISHTI, contradicting the claim that it is 'exclusively' coastal or excludes inland efforts.
a Statement 3 is incorrect.
c Statement 3 is incorrect because inland mangrove conservation (Guneri) is highlighted within the context of these efforts.
With reference to the World Circular Economy Forum (WCEF) 2026, consider the following statements:
1. It is the first time South Asia is hosting this forum.
2. The forum is organized solely by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and the Finnish Innovation Fund Sitra.
3. One of its objectives is to facilitate the mobilization of circular finance and private-sector investment.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Answer: (a)
Statement 1 is correct: The release explicitly states that WCEF 2026 in Gandhinagar is a 'First for South Asia'.
Statement 2 is incorrect: The forum is jointly organized by multiple bodies including CPCB, Finnish Innovation Fund Sitra, Government of Finland, MoEF&CC, Government of India, Government of Gujarat, and Gujarat Pollution Control Board (GPCB), not solely by CPCB and Sitra.
Statement 3 is correct: The text lists facilitating the mobilizing of circular finance and private-sector investment as one of the key objectives.
b Statement 2 is incorrect because other agencies like GPCB and MoEF&CC are also organizers.
c Statement 2 is incorrect.
d Statement 2 is incorrect due to the exclusion of other organizing partners.
With reference to the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (DAHD) and its role in managing Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD), consider the following statements:
1. The DAHD is a department under the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying.
2. In the event of an LSD outbreak, the DAHD provides technical guidance on vaccination and biosecurity but leaves the operational management of stray cattle exclusively to State/UT governments without involving local municipal bodies.
3. The review of disease situations involves coordination with stakeholders such as gaushalas and Municipal Corporations for effective management of stray animals.
Answer: (c)
Statement 1 is correct: The press release identifies DAHD as part of the Government of India's Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying.
Statement 2 is incorrect: The text explicitly states that DAHD emphasized 'close coordination with the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD)... particularly for effective management and vaccination of stray cattle,' contradicting the claim that it excludes local municipal bodies.
Statement 3 is correct: The text mentions coordination with MCD, gaushalas, and other stakeholders for managing stray cattle.
a Statement 1 is correct, so any option excluding it is wrong; also Statement 2 is incorrect.
b Statement 2 is incorrect due to the exclusion of municipal bodies.
d Statement 2 is incorrect because DAHD actively coordinates with municipal bodies like MCD for stray cattle management.
With reference to the four pillars of India's BRICS Presidency, consider the following statements:
1. The pillar of Resilience focuses on strengthening supply chains and establishing an Integrated Early Warning System for infectious diseases.
2. The pillar of Sustainability is primarily driven by initiatives such as the BRICS Startup Innovation Fund and the Network on Digital Agriculture.
3. The pillar of Cooperation aims to engage non-state actors like entrepreneurs, farmers, and youth through platforms like BRICS CONNECT and the MSME Cooperation Portal.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Answer: (d)
Statement 1 is correct: The text explicitly links 'Resilience' with the BRICS Integrated Early Warning System for infectious diseases and the Logistics Supply Chain Cooperation Framework.
Statement 2 is incorrect: The BRICS Startup Innovation Fund and Network on Digital Agriculture are listed under the pillar of 'Innovation', not 'Sustainability'.
Statement 3 is correct: The text states that under 'Cooperation' (or friendship/partnership), efforts were made to include entrepreneurs, farmers, etc., citing BRICS CONNECT and the MSME Cooperation Portal.
a Statement 2 is incorrect, making this option invalid.
b Statement 2 is incorrect because it attributes Innovation initiatives to Sustainability.
c Statement 2 is incorrect, so all three cannot be correct.
With reference to the 'New Delhi BRICS Leaders' Declaration' adopted during the 18th BRICS Summit, consider the following statements:
1. The declaration was adopted at a session chaired by the Prime Minister of India on the theme of "Inclusive Global Governance and Strengthening Multilateralism".
2. It emphasizes transforming the "pyramid of privilege" into a "platform of partnership" to ensure greater representation for the Global South in institutions like the UN Security Council.
3. It proposes the establishment of a Seafarers Emergency Support Network to address the lack of adequate support for seafarers during crises.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Answer: (c)
Statement 1 is correct: The PM chaired the specific session on "Inclusive Global Governance..." which concluded with the adoption of this declaration.
Statement 2 is correct: The PM's remarks, which form the basis of the priorities set in the declaration, explicitly used the phrase "pyramid of privilege" to "platform of partnership" and called for UNSC reform.
Statement 3 is correct: The proposal for a Seafarers Emergency Support Network was a key part of the PM's intervention during this session.
a Statement 2 is also correct as it reflects the core thematic emphasis of the session.
b Statement 1 is also correct as it accurately describes the event where the declaration was adopted.
d Statement 3 is also correct as it was proposed in the same session context.
Consider the following initiatives proposed or established under India's BRICS Presidency:
1. BRICS Digital Centre of Excellence for Smart Grids and Energy Storage
2. BRICS Urban Mobility Hub
3. BRICS Incubator Network
4. Centres of Excellence for Agro-Ecology and Regenerative Agriculture
How many of the above are specifically categorized under the pillar of 'Sustainability' in the release?
Answer: (b)
The BRICS Digital Centre of Excellence for Smart Grids/Energy Storage and the Centres of Excellence for Agro-Ecology/Regenerative Agriculture are explicitly mentioned under the section discussing 'Sustainability'.
The BRICS Urban Mobility Hub is mentioned in the context of connecting cities and sharing best practices, which falls under the broader theme of Cooperation/Partnership involving citizens and local bodies, but notably, the text introduces it before the specific 'Sustainability' paragraph begins, grouping it with other people-centric initiatives like BRICS CONNECT.
The BRICS Incubator Network is explicitly listed under the pillar of 'Innovation'.
Therefore, only two items (1 and 4) are directly tied to the Sustainability pillar's description regarding environment and future generations.
a The Incubator Network is clearly under Innovation.
c There are two sustainability-specific centers mentioned, not one.
d The Urban Mobility Hub is grouped with cooperation/people-centric initiatives, not strictly under the environmental sustainability pillar defined later.
Consider the following statements regarding the Prime Minister's remarks at the 18th BRICS Summit session on Inclusive Global Governance:
Statement-I: The Prime Minister advocated for the Global South to transition from being a "rule-taker" to a "rule-shaper" through capacity building initiatives under BRICS.
Statement-II: The session resulted in the adoption of a declaration that sets shared priorities for BRICS cooperation, including reforms in multilateral institutions to reflect contemporary realities.
Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?
Answer: (b)
Both statements are factually correct based on the release. Statement I refers to the specific mechanism (training/skills) mentioned by the PM. Statement II refers to the outcome (Declaration) and its broader goal (institutional reform).
Statement II does not explain why or how the rule-taker to rule-shaper transition happens; rather, they are parallel outcomes/components of the same summit session. One is a strategic vision/method, the other is the formal document/outcome.
a Statement II (the declaration's existence) does not causally explain Statement I (the specific strategy of capacity building). They are distinct points made in the same context.
c Statement II is true; the declaration was indeed adopted.
d Statement I is true; the PM explicitly stated this goal.
Consider the following statements regarding Indian Railways' performance and initiatives in August 2026:
1. Freight loading recorded a year-on-year growth of 5.4 per cent, driven significantly by increases in Iron Ore and Clinker movement.
2. To meet festival season demand, Indian Railways regularised 144 special train services into permanent routes during this month.
3. Suburban passenger traffic showed robust growth, increasing by more than 9 per cent compared to the previous year.
How many of the above statements are correct?
Answer: (b)
Statement 1 is correct: The release confirms 5.4% growth in freight loading, highlighting Iron Ore (+12.1%) and Clinker (+10.4%) as key contributors.
Statement 2 is incorrect: 144 trips of Rakshabandhan Special trains were operated to meet demand, but they were not regularised. Only 14 Amrit Bharat services were regularised from special to regular status.
Statement 3 is correct: Suburban passenger traffic increased by 9.02%, which is indeed more than 9 per cent.
a Statements 1 and 3 are both correct, so 'Only one' is inaccurate.
c Statement 2 is factually wrong regarding the nature of the 144 services (operated vs. regularised).
d Statements 1 and 3 are correct facts from the source.
Items are summarised in our own words from PIB; nothing is reproduced from the articles, and each item links to the original. Questions are generated from those releases and re-checked against the source text by a second model before publishing. If one looks wrong, use Feedback — every report is read.
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