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.
The Union Cabinet has increased the mandatory wage ceiling for Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) coverage from Rs.15,000 to Rs.25,000 per month to expand social security protection.
The Government has exempted export consignments up to ₹3 lakh from the mandatory Registration-cum-Membership Certificate (RCMC) requirement to ease compliance for small exporters.
3. Third BIMSTEC Conference on Traditional Medicine and IP Rights
India hosts the third BIMSTEC conference in Goa to strengthen regional cooperation on traditional medicine, genetic resources, and intellectual property rights.
6. World Circular Economy Forum 2026 Concludes in Gandhinagar
The World Circular Economy Forum 2026 concluded in Gandhinagar, emphasizing the shift from commitments to actionable, scalable circular economy solutions.
Held in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, with ~2,700 delegates and 260 speakers from over 60 countries.
Minister of State Pravinbhai Mali and Finland’s Cabinet Minister Sari Multala addressed the closing session.
Featured four plenary and 16 parallel sessions covering financial, technical, social, and economic aspects.
Columbia University, USA, will host the next edition, WCEF 2027.
Launch of the Ecomark logo and an exhibition with 135 exhibitors took place during the event.
Key terms
Circular Economy
— An economic system aimed at eliminating waste and the continual use of resources through reuse, sharing, repair, refurbishment, remanufacturing, and recycling.
Ecomark
— A certification label in India indicating that a product meets specific environmental standards regarding energy consumption, water usage, and recyclability.
SITRA
— The Finnish Innovation Fund, which organizes the World Circular Economy Forum and promotes sustainable innovation.
7. India Launches Net Zero Portal and NAPCC Dashboard on World Ozone Day
India launched digital platforms for tracking climate commitments and reaffirmed its leadership in ozone protection and sustainable cooling during the 32nd World Ozone Day celebrations.
Launched India's Net Zero Portal to track voluntary industry progress towards net-zero emissions.
Unveiled the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) Dashboard for centralized mission tracking.
Adopted 248 Industrial Training Institutions by 12 RAC manufacturers under a 4-Party MoA.
GIZ and India target training 25,000 AC technicians by 2030 under HCFC Phase-out Stage III.
Theme: 'Global Action for a Cooler Planet'; India has been a Party to Montreal Protocol since 1992.
Key terms
Net Zero Portal
— A central digital repository launched by MoEF&CC to track, coordinate, and showcase India’s climate commitments and voluntary industry progress towards net-zero emissions.
NAPCC Dashboard
— A centralized digital gateway providing tracking and insights across the eight national missions of the National Action Plan on Climate Change.
HCFC Phase-out Management Plan
— A strategy under the Montreal Protocol to gradually eliminate Hydrochlorofluorocarbons, with Stage III (2025–2030) focusing on the refrigeration and air-conditioning servicing sector.
Mission LiFE
— Lifestyle for Environment, a global initiative promoting mindful consumption and simple everyday actions to protect the environment.
9. CAQM Inspects Hapur Industries; Issues Notices for Non-Compliance
The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) inspected industrial units in Hapur, Uttar Pradesh, finding widespread non-compliance with emission norms and issuing show cause notices.
10. Ministry of Coal Launches 16th Round of Commercial Coal Mine Auctions
The Ministry of Coal initiates the 16th round of commercial coal mine auctions to boost domestic production, attract investment, and reduce import dependence under liberalized policy terms.
11. PM Chairs Semiconductor Roundtable with Global Industry Leaders
Prime Minister Modi met with leading semiconductor CEOs to discuss scaling India's chip ecosystem, emphasizing policy predictability and talent development under ISM 2.0.
12. APEDA Signs MoU with Gulfood Organiser for India's Partner Country Status
APEDA and InD Events Dubai signed an MoU to secure India's role as the Official Partner Country at Gulfood 2027, aiming to boost agri-food exports under CEPA.
India will be the Official Partner Country at Gulfood 2027 for the second consecutive year.
The MoU was signed between APEDA Secretary Dr. Saswati Bose and InD VP Mr. Mark Napier.
Gulfood 2027 is scheduled from March 15-19, 2027, in the UAE.
The partnership aims to deepen trade engagement under the India-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA).
Focus areas include showcasing value-added products and supporting MSMEs, FPOs, and women-led exporters.
Key terms
APEDA
— Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority, responsible for promoting exports of agricultural and processed food products.
CEPA
— Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, a free trade agreement between India and the UAE aimed at boosting bilateral trade.
FPO
— Farmer Producer Organization, a collective body of farmers formed to improve their bargaining power and access to markets.
MSME
— Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, which are key contributors to employment and exports in the manufacturing and service sectors.
With reference to the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO), consider the following statements:
1. The wage ceiling for mandatory coverage was recently enhanced from Rs. 15,000 to Rs. 25,000 per month.
2. The EPFO administers only the Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) and does not manage pension or insurance schemes directly.
3. The enhancement is expected to bring more than 51 lakh additional employees within the ambit of mandatory EPFO coverage.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
Answer: (b)
Statement 1 is correct: The Union Cabinet approved raising the wage ceiling for mandatory coverage from Rs. 15,000 to Rs. 25,000.
Statement 2 is incorrect: The release explicitly states that EPFO administers the Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF), Employees’ Pension Scheme (EPS), and Employees’ Deposit Linked Insurance Scheme (EDLI).
Statement 3 is correct: The decision is expected to bring more than 51 lakh additional employees under mandatory coverage.
a Statement 2 is factually incorrect.
c Statement 2 is factually incorrect as EPFO manages EPS and EDLI in addition to EPF.
With reference to the de minimis exemption from Registration-cum-Membership Certificate (RCMC) for small export consignments, consider the following statements:
1. The exemption applies to export consignments with a Free-on-Board (FOB) value of up to ₹3 lakh.
2. Exporters availing this exemption are permanently barred from obtaining membership in Export Promotion Councils or Commodity Boards.
3. The measure is primarily aimed at facilitating exports through traditional bulk shipping channels rather than postal or courier services.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Answer: (a)
Statement 1 is correct: The DGFT amended Para 2.57 of the Foreign Trade Policy, 2023 to exempt RCMC requirements for consignments with an FOB value up to ₹3 lakh.
Statement 2 is incorrect: The release explicitly states that as exporters scale up beyond the threshold, they can obtain membership in EPCs or Commodity Boards to access institutional support; it is not a permanent bar.
Statement 3 is incorrect: The measure is specifically aimed at reducing compliance burden for new/small exporters using Postal, Courier, and other emerging channels, not just traditional bulk shipping.
b Both Statements 2 and 3 are incorrect. Statement 3 misidentifies the target channel (postal/courier vs. bulk).
c Statements 2 and 3 are incorrect.
d Statement 2 is incorrect because the exemption does not bar future membership; it encourages scaling up and subsequent registration.
Consider the following statements regarding the recent revision of the EPFO wage ceiling:
1. The proposal was recommended by the Expenditure Finance Committee before being approved by the Union Cabinet.
2. The annual Government outgo for this measure is estimated at approximately Rs. 11,339 crore.
3. The wage ceiling had remained unchanged since its inception in 2004 until it was raised to Rs. 25,000 in 2026.
How many of the above statements are correct?
Answer: (b)
Statement 1 is correct: The text notes the proposal underwent inter-ministerial consultations and was recommended by the Expenditure Finance Committee on 16 June 2026.
Statement 2 is correct: The annual Government outgo is estimated at about Rs. 11,339 crore.
Statement 3 is incorrect: The ceiling was raised to Rs. 15,000 in September 2014; it did not remain unchanged from 2004 until 2026.
a Statements 1 and 2 are both correct, so 'Only one' is wrong.
c Statement 3 is incorrect because the ceiling was revised to Rs. 15,000 in 2014, not kept constant since 2004.
Consider the following statements regarding the impact of the RCMC exemption on India's export data and policy framework:
1. Historical data indicates that low-value exports account for a significant share of shipping bills but a very small proportion of overall export value.
2. The exemption modifies the requirement for RCMC for all export consignments regardless of their value, provided they are sent via postal channels.
3. The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) implemented this change by amending the Foreign Trade Policy, 2023.
How many of the above statements are correct?
Answer: (b)
Statement 1 is correct: The text cites historical data showing consignments up to USD 3,000 account for 43% of shipping bills but only 0.86% of total merchandise export value.
Statement 2 is incorrect: The exemption is strictly limited to consignments with an FOB value up to ₹3 lakh. Consignments exceeding this limit continue to require a valid RCMC, irrespective of the channel used.
Statement 3 is correct: The DGFT amended Para 2.57 of the Foreign Trade Policy, 2023 to introduce this provision.
a Two statements (1 and 3) are correct, not just one.
c Statement 2 is incorrect because the exemption is value-based (up to ₹3 lakh), not universal for postal channels.
With reference to the institutional framework for cooperation on Traditional Medicine within BIMSTEC, consider the following statements:
1. The BIMSTEC Task Force for Traditional Medicine (BTFTM) is proposed to facilitate cooperation in research, standardisation, and pharmacopoeial development.
2. The BIMSTEC Centre of Excellence in Traditional Medicine was announced during the Sixth BIMSTEC Summit held in Bangkok.
3. The All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA), Goa, serves as the nodal institute for organizing conferences related to traditional medicine knowledge under the Ministry of Ayush.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
Answer: (d)
Statement 1 is correct: Ms. Monalisa Das highlighted that the BTFTM Working Group can accelerate cooperation in research, education, capacity building, standardisation, and pharmacopoeial development.
Statement 2 is correct: The release states the Centre of Excellence was announced by PM Modi during the Sixth BIMSTEC Summit in Bangkok in April 2025.
Statement 3 is correct: The conference is organised by the Ministry of Ayush with AIIA, Goa serving as the nodal institute.
With reference to the Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference (CPC), consider the following statements:
1. The CPC is an annual gathering that brings together parliamentarians from Commonwealth member countries to discuss issues of mutual interest.
2. The 69th session of the CPC was held in Cape Town, South Africa, with India represented by a parliamentary delegation led by the Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha.
3. The primary objective of the CPC is to facilitate direct legislative harmonization and binding treaty-making among member states.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Answer: (c)
Statement 1 is correct: The CPC is indeed a forum for dialogue among Commonwealth parliamentarians, as evidenced by the discussions on trade, inequality, and inclusivity mentioned in the text.
Statement 2 is correct: The text explicitly states the 69th CPC was held in Cape Town, South Africa, and Shri Harivansh, Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha, attended the main session, leading the Indian delegation's participation.
Statement 3 is incorrect: The CPC focuses on 'inter-parliamentary dialogue', 'exchange of legislative experiences', and 'constructive engagement'. It does not have the mandate for 'binding treaty-making' or direct legislative harmonization, which are functions of executive governments or specific international treaties.
a Statement 3 is incorrect.
b Statement 3 is incorrect as the CPC is a consultative body, not a treaty-making one.
d Statement 2 is also correct based on the venue and leadership details provided.
With reference to the official visit of General Dhiraj Seth, Chief of the Army Staff (COAS), to Russia in September 2026, consider the following statements:
1. The COAS is scheduled to hold discussions with Colonel General Andrei Nikolayevich Mordvichev, who serves as the Deputy Minister of Defence dealing with defence industry and procurement.
2. During the visit, the COAS will pay tribute at the ‘Tomb of the Unknown Soldier’ in Moscow and visit the Mikhailovskaya Military Artillery Academy in Saint Petersburg.
3. The primary objective of the visit is to negotiate a new long-term contract for the procurement of S-400 air defense systems.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Answer: (c)
Statement 1 is incorrect: Colonel General Andrei Nikolayevich Mordvichev is identified in the text as the Commander-in-Chief of the Russian Land Forces. Mr Vasily Sergeyevich Osmakov is the Deputy Minister of Defence dealing with defence industry and procurement.
Statement 2 is correct: The text explicitly mentions paying tribute at the ‘Tomb of the Unknown Soldier’ in Moscow and visiting the Mikhailovskaya Military Artillery Academy in Saint Petersburg.
Statement 3 is incorrect: The text states the aim is strengthening defence partnership and military-to-military cooperation; it does not mention negotiating a specific new contract for S-400 systems.
a Statement 1 is factually wrong regarding the designation of Col Gen Mordvichev.
b Statement 3 is incorrect as the specific outcome mentioned is not supported by the text.
Consider the following themes discussed during the Indian Coast Guard Commanders’ Conference:
1. Current and emerging maritime security challenges
2. Roadmap for capability enhancement and force modernisation
3. Organisational priorities aligned with national maritime strategy
How many of the above themes are explicitly mentioned as focus areas for the deliberations?
Answer: (c)
The source text lists four specific focus areas for the three-day deliberations.
All three themes listed in the question ('Current and emerging maritime security challenges', 'Roadmap for capability enhancement...', and 'Organisational priorities...') are explicitly present in the text.
Therefore, all three are correct.
a Undercounts the number of valid themes; all three are present.
b Undercounts the number of valid themes; all three are present.
d Incorrectly suggests none are present when all are explicitly listed.
Consider the following statements regarding the proceedings and outcomes of the World Circular Economy Forum 2026:
1. The forum featured four plenary sessions and sixteen parallel sessions covering various aspects of the circular economy.
2. The Ecomark logo was launched during the closing session of the forum.
3. Accelerator sessions were conducted concurrently with the main forum events to translate ideas into practical pathways.
How many of the above statements are correct?
Answer: (b)
Statement 1 is correct: Dr. Amandeep Garg informed that the forum witnessed four plenary sessions and 16 parallel sessions.
Statement 2 is correct: The programme featured the launch of the Ecomark logo during the closing session.
Statement 3 is incorrect: The release states that 80 accelerator sessions would be organized during 17th-18th September 2026 (implying post-forum or distinct timing for taking forward ideas), whereas the exhibition was organized concurrently. More critically, the text says accelerator sessions take forward ideas that emerged during the forum, suggesting they follow the main deliberations rather than being part of the concurrent schedule described for the exhibition.
a Statements 1 and 2 are both correct.
c Statement 3 is incorrect because accelerator sessions are described as taking forward ideas emerging from the forum, distinct from the concurrent exhibition.
With reference to the 'Net Zero Portal' and the 'National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) Dashboard' launched by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, consider the following statements:
1. The Net Zero Portal is designed as a mandatory regulatory mechanism for all industries to report their carbon footprint.
2. The NAPCC Dashboard serves as a centralised digital gateway to track insights across national missions under the overarching National Action Plan on Climate Change.
3. Both portals were launched in conjunction with the celebration of World Ozone Day to highlight India's climate commitments.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Answer: (c)
Statement 1 is incorrect: The source text explicitly states that the Net Zero portal enables industries, organisations, and government bodies to voluntarily register and display their progress, not mandatorily.
Statement 2 is correct: The text describes the NAPCC Portal/Dashboard as a centralised digital gateway showcasing the plan with tracking across national missions.
Statement 3 is correct: The launch occurred during the national celebration of the 32nd World Ozone Day.
a Statement 1 is incorrect.
b Statement 1 is incorrect because registration is voluntary, not mandatory.
d Statement 1 is incorrect due to the 'mandatory' claim; Statement 2 is correct but missing from this option.
With reference to the Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and Adjoining Areas (CAQM), consider the following statements:
1. CAQM has the authority to issue Show Cause Notices to industrial units found non-compliant with applicable norms.
2. The sealing of non-conforming industrial units is exclusively carried out by CAQM officials during inspection drives.
3. CAQM conducts special inspections in coordination with District Administrations and concerned authorities.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Answer: (a)
Statement 1 is correct: The text explicitly states that CAQM issued 12 Show Cause Notices (SCNs) to concerned units based on observations made during the inspection drive.
Statement 2 is incorrect: The text mentions that specific units were sealed by the Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board (UPPCB), not exclusively by CAQM officials.
Statement 3 is correct: The text confirms that the inspection drive was carried out by Flying Squads of CAQM in coordination with the District Administration and concerned authorities.
b Statement 2 is incorrect as noted above.
c Statement 2 is incorrect because UPPCB performed the sealing, not CAQM exclusively.
Consider the following outcomes attributed to the first fifteen rounds of Commercial Coal Mine Auctions in India:
1. Approximately Rs 47,500 crore in annual revenue generation.
2. Capital investment of nearly Rs 55,000 crore.
3. Creation of around 4.9 lakh employment opportunities.
How many of the above statements are correct?
Answer: (c)
All three figures are directly cited in the source text as expected outcomes from the 147 mines auctioned across the first fifteen rounds.
The text specifies: annual revenue ~Rs 47,500 crore, capital investment ~Rs 55,000 crore, and employment ~4.9 lakh.
Therefore, all three statements are factually accurate according to the provided data.
a Incorrect; more than one statement is true.
b Incorrect; all three statements are true.
d Incorrect; the statements match the source data exactly.
Consider the following statements regarding India’s participation in Gulfood 2027:
1. India will participate as the Official Partner Country for the second consecutive year.
2. The event is scheduled to be held in March 2027 in the UAE.
3. The participation strategy excludes Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) to focus solely on large commodity boards.
How many of the above statements are correct?
Answer: (b)
Statement 1 is correct: The text notes this marks the 'second consecutive year of the partnership'.
Statement 2 is correct: The text specifies Gulfood 2027 is 'scheduled from 15-19 March 2027 in the UAE'.
Statement 3 is incorrect: The text explicitly mentions a key focus on 'widening participation from MSMEs, FPOs, startups...'.
a Statements 1 and 2 are both correct.
c Statement 3 is incorrect because MSMEs are included.
With reference to the Semiconductor Roundtable chaired by the Prime Minister, consider the following statements:
1. The meeting emphasized that India's semiconductor ecosystem is transitioning from foundational efforts to a phase of greater scale and opportunity.
2. The Prime Minister highlighted a specific target of training one crore people in Quantum Computing as part of the skilling initiative.
3. Industry leaders expressed confidence in opportunities emerging under ISM 2.0 across the semiconductor value chain.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Answer: (a)
Statement 1 is correct: The release notes that the PM stated the ecosystem is moving from foundational efforts to a phase of greater scale.
Statement 2 is incorrect: The target of training one crore people was specifically for AI, not Quantum Computing. While Quantum Computing was mentioned as an emerging technology for participation, the numerical target was linked to AI.
Statement 3 is correct: CEOs expressed confidence in opportunities under ISM 2.0 and building capabilities across the value chain.
b Statement 2 is incorrect because the training target applies to AI, not Quantum Computing.
c Statement 2 is incorrect, making this option invalid.
d Statement 2 is incorrect due to the misattribution of the training target.
Consider the following statements regarding the Government's stance on policy and industry collaboration as discussed at the Semiconductor Roundtable:
Statement I: The Prime Minister reiterated the commitment to a predictable and responsive policy environment but noted that policies must evolve in line with technological advancements.
Statement II: The Prime Minister invited industry leaders to share suggestions on policy measures, assuring them that their inputs would be considered to strengthen the sector.
Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?
Answer: (b)
Both statements are factually correct based on the text. The PM emphasized evolving policies (Statement I) and actively sought industry input to do so (Statement II).
However, Statement II describes the action taken (inviting suggestions), while Statement I describes the principle or stance (policies must evolve). Seeking input is a mechanism to achieve the goal, but it does not logically 'explain' why policies need to evolve; rather, the need for evolution explains why input is sought. In UPSC assertion-reason logic, this is often treated as two related but distinct facts where one does not strictly cause/explain the other in a definitional sense, or simply both are independent true observations from the same event.
a Statement II is not the causal explanation for Statement I; they are parallel actions/statements made during the meeting.
c Statement II is true; the PM did invite suggestions.
d Statement I is true; the PM did reiterate the need for evolving policies.
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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