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 13th edition of the bilateral naval exercise SLINEX is underway in Visakhapatnam, strengthening maritime interoperability and regional security cooperation.
2. Coal India's Tech-Led Diversification into Energy and Minerals
Coal India Limited is expanding beyond coal mining into a diversified portfolio of energy, critical minerals, and advanced materials to ensure resource security and low-carbon growth.
CIL has organized its business development around five platforms including coal-to-chemicals, thermal power, renewables, and critical minerals.
Four major coal-to-chemicals initiatives worth approximately ₹69,346 crore are underway, covering urea, ammonium nitrate, and synthetic natural gas (SNG).
A 2×800 MW ultra-supercritical thermal power expansion is being implemented at Chandrapura via a 50:50 joint venture with Damodar Valley Corporation (DVC).
Approximately 550 MW of solar capacity has been commissioned, alongside grid-scale Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) projects in Telangana and Odisha.
Underground Coal Gasification (UCG) pilot Phase II commenced in June 2025 at the Kasta West Block, targeting completion in 2026.
Key terms
Coal Gasification
— A process converting coal into synthesis gas (syngas), which can be further processed into fuels and chemicals.
Ultra-supercritical Thermal Power
— High-efficiency power generation technology operating at temperatures and pressures above the critical point of water, reducing fuel consumption and emissions.
Battery Energy Storage System (BESS)
— Technology that stores electrical energy in batteries to stabilize grids, manage peak demand, and integrate renewable sources.
Underground Coal Gasification (UCG)
— An in-situ conversion process that turns underground coal into combustible gas without conventional mining.
3. Asia’s First Telecom Manufacturing Zone Planned in Gwalior
The Union Minister of Communications inspected the site for Asia's first Telecom Manufacturing Zone (TMZ) in Gwalior, a ₹5,500 crore initiative aimed at creating an industrial ecosystem with over 18,000 jobs.
4. 9th India International Water Week 2026 Inaugurated
The Ministry of Jal Shakti organizes the 9th IIWW in New Delhi to promote climate-resilient water management through global and national stakeholder collaboration.
5. Swachh Bharat Mission-Gramin Phase II: Sustaining ODF Plus and Waste Management
SBM-G Phase II shifts focus from toilet construction to sustaining Open Defecation Free status through solid and liquid waste management, biogas generation, and behavior change led by women.
Rural sanitation coverage rose from 39% in 2014 to 100% (ODF) by 2019 with over 10.28 crore toilets built.
As of Sept 2026, India has 5.69 lakh ODF Plus villages, with 5.25 lakh achieving 'Model' status.
GOBARdhan initiative converts organic waste into biogas/CBG; 1,314 plants are operational across 582 districts.
Women serve as Swachhagrahis and entrepreneurs, managing Resource Recovery Centres and plastic collection networks.
Villages are classified into Aspiring, Rising, and Model stages based on waste management and visual cleanliness.
Key terms
ODF Plus
— A village status under SBM-G Phase II that sustains Open Defecation Free conditions while effectively managing solid and liquid waste and maintaining visual cleanliness.
GOBARdhan
— An umbrella initiative under SBM-G Phase II that converts organic bio-agro resources like cattle dung and crop residue into biogas, CBG, and manure.
Swachhagrahi
— Community volunteers, often women, who facilitate Behavior Change Communication and support households in adopting and sustaining sanitation practices.
Resource Recovery Centre
— Facilities managed by local groups (often SHGs) that segregate household waste, converting wet waste to compost and dry waste for sale or recycling.
6. President Murmu Addresses International Conference on Environment and Climate Dynamics
The President of India emphasized community-centric climate adaptation, traditional knowledge, and sustainable afforestation at a conference organized by the National Green Tribunal.
The Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs hosted a session featuring former IBBI Chairperson Dr. M. S. Sahoo, discussing how the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code evolves through amendments and regulatory mechanisms to meet market realities.
An IICA lecture explored the legal and operational challenges in harmonizing the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) with the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC).
9. Apex Review Meeting on Fisheries Development in West Bengal
Union and State leaders co-chair a rare apex-level meeting to strategize the expansion of West Bengal's fisheries sector through enhanced Centre-State collaboration.
10. DISHA 2.0 Regional Workshop on Access to Justice in Goa
The Department of Justice organized a regional workshop under the DISHA 2.0 scheme in Goa to promote technology-enabled legal services and citizen awareness.
11. India targets global No. 1 silk production rank by 2028-29
The Union Minister of Textiles announced a strategic roadmap to elevate India to the world's largest silk producer by 2028-29, aiming for 60,000 MT output by 2030-31.
12. Rashtriya Sankalp Samaroh Mobilises Over 4 Lakh Youth for Nasha Mukt Bharat
The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports organised a nationwide pledge drive involving over 4 lakh youth across 1,000+ locations to support the 'Nasha Mukt Yuva' campaign.
13. Community Cadres: Architects of Rural Last-Mile Delivery
A PIB backgrounder details how over 9 lakh Community Resource Persons and health workers bridge the gap between government schemes and rural households.
14. CAT Jammu Bench Achieves High Disposal Rates in Service Matters
Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh highlighted the Central Administrative Tribunal's Jammu Bench for its exceptional case disposal rates and inaugurated its new court complex.
CAT Jammu Bench's service case disposal is among the highest in India.
Overall national CAT disposal rate stands at approximately 93.16% as of June 2026.
Jammu and Srinagar Benches handled over 41,000 cases, including transfers from the erstwhile J&K High Court.
Only about 8% of CAT Jammu Bench judgments are appealed to the High Court.
The Tribunal was established in 1985 under the Administrative Tribunals Act.
Key terms
Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT)
— A statutory body established in 1985 to adjudicate disputes regarding recruitment and conditions of service of persons appointed to public services under the Union or State governments.
Administrative Tribunals Act, 1985
— The legislation enacted by Parliament to provide for the establishment of tribunals for adjudication of disputes relating to recruitment and conditions of service of government employees.
Original Application (OA)
— The primary mode of filing a case before the CAT, distinct from miscellaneous applications or reviews, carrying a nominal filing fee.
With reference to the Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs (IICA) and its Post Graduate Insolvency Programme (PGIP), consider the following statements:
1. IICA is an autonomous body under the Ministry of Corporate Affairs.
2. The PGIP is a specialized academic programme designed to train professionals in insolvency resolution processes.
3. The 'Meet the Legend' programme is exclusively reserved for undergraduate students of law.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
Answer: (d)
Statement 1 is correct: IICA is an autonomous institution under the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, as indicated by the source text's context and general knowledge of the body's structure.
Statement 2 is correct: The text mentions the '8th Post Graduate Insolvency Programme (PGIP) cohort', confirming it is a postgraduate level programme focused on insolvency.
Statement 3 is incorrect: The text states the session was for the '8th Post Graduate Insolvency Programme (PGIP) cohort', not undergraduate students.
a Statement 3 is incorrect as the programme is for Post Graduate participants, not undergraduates.
b Statement 3 is incorrect as the programme is for Post Graduate participants, not undergraduates.
c Statement 3 is incorrect as the programme is for Post Graduate participants, not undergraduates.
Consider the following statements regarding sustainable afforestation as articulated by the President of India:
1. The true objective is merely to increase the number of trees planted across degraded lands.
2. Afforestation efforts must nurture biodiversity and align with local conditions to be instrumental in enhancing climate resilience.
3. Traditional knowledge systems and community-based approaches are vital for strengthening climate adaptation capacity.
How many of the above statements are correct?
Answer: (b)
Statement 1 is incorrect: The text explicitly states that the true objective of sustainable afforestation is not merely planting trees, but restoring healthy and self-sustaining ecosystems.
Statement 2 is correct: The President noted that afforestation efforts nurturing biodiversity and aligned with local conditions are instrumental for climate resilience.
Statement 3 is correct: The President underlined that traditional knowledge and community practices play a vital role in enhancing climate adaptation capacity.
a Statements 2 and 3 are both correct, so 'Only one' is inaccurate.
c Statement 1 is factually opposite to the text's assertion that the goal is ecosystem restoration, not just tree counting.
d Statements 2 and 3 are correct according to the source text.
Consider the following statements regarding the institutional framework and incentives for the Telecom Manufacturing Zone (TMZ) in Gwalior:
1. The MoU for establishing the TMZ was signed between the Department of Telecommunications and the Government of Madhya Pradesh.
2. The incentive package includes benefits linked to land lease, power, employment, production, and environmental sustainability.
3. A Common Testing Lab worth approximately ₹500 crore has been proposed by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology.
How many of the above statements are correct?
Answer: (b)
Statement 1 is correct: The release mentions the MoU was signed between the DoT (under Union Minister Scindia) and the Government of MP (under CM Mohan Yadav).
Statement 2 is correct: The text lists incentives linked to land lease, power, employment, production, and green development/environmental sustainability.
Statement 3 is incorrect: The Common Testing Lab package of ~₹500 crore was proposed by the Department of Telecommunications, not the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology.
a Statements 1 and 2 are both correct.
c Statement 3 attributes the lab proposal to the wrong ministry.
Consider the following statements regarding the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC) framework as discussed in recent expert sessions:
1. The IBC is designed to be a static statute that relies exclusively on primary legislation for its evolution.
2. Subordinate legislation and regulatory mechanisms are considered vital instruments because markets evolve faster than litigation can keep pace with them.
3. Regulations under the IBC can be framed only for specific procedural provisions of the Code, not for achieving its broader objectives.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Answer: (a)
Statement 1 is incorrect: The source text explicitly describes the IBC as an 'evolving economic law' shaped by amendments, judicial interpretation, and regulatory interventions, not a static statute.
Statement 2 is correct: Dr. M.S. Sahoo highlighted that 'markets evolve much faster than litigation can keep pace with,' making subordinate legislation and regulatory mechanisms important for responding to emerging situations.
Statement 3 is incorrect: The text states that regulations can be framed 'for the provisions of the Code AND for achieving the purposes and objectives of the Code,' contradicting the claim that they are limited to procedural provisions.
b Statements 1 and 3 are both factually incorrect based on the source.
c Statement 3 is false because regulations can also serve the Code's objectives, not just specific provisions.
d Statement 1 is false because the IBC is described as evolving, not static.
With reference to the bilateral maritime exercise SLINEX, consider the following statements:
1. It was conceptualised in 2005 and is conducted annually between the Indian Navy and the Sri Lanka Navy.
2. The Harbour Phase of the exercise is conducted under the aegis of the Western Naval Command.
3. INS Kavaratti, an indigenous Anti-Submarine Warfare Corvette, has participated in recent editions of this exercise.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Answer: (c)
Statement 1 is correct: The text explicitly states SLINEX was 'Conceptualised in 2005' and describes it as a 'bilateral maritime exercise' involving India and Sri Lanka.
Statement 2 is incorrect: The text states the Harbour Phase was conducted under the aegis of the 'Eastern Naval Command', not the Western Naval Command.
Statement 3 is correct: The text lists 'INS Kavaratti, an indigenous Anti-Submarine Warfare Corvette' as a participant from the Indian Navy.
a Statement 2 is incorrect; therefore, the combination including it is wrong.
b Statement 2 is incorrect due to the wrong naval command cited.
d Statement 2 is incorrect because the command involved is Eastern, not Western.
With reference to the institutional framework for fisheries development in India, consider the following statements:
1. The National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB) and the Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA) are key stakeholders involved in apex-level review meetings on state-specific fisheries potential.
2. The Department of Fisheries, Government of India, has notified specific fisheries production and processing clusters, including a dry fish cluster in Purba Mednipur, West Bengal.
3. The Coastal Aquaculture Authority (CAA) is primarily responsible for the digitization of the fisheries sector and strengthening Farmer Producer Organizations (FFPOs).
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Answer: (a)
Statement 1 is correct: The press release lists NFDB and MPEDA among the participating institutions in the apex review meeting.
Statement 2 is correct: The text explicitly mentions that the Department of Fisheries has notified 34 clusters, including a dry fish cluster in Purba Mednipur.
Statement 3 is incorrect: The text attributes the thrust on FFPOs and digitization to the Department of Fisheries, GoI, not the Coastal Aquaculture Authority (CAA). The CAA's role is regulatory regarding coastal aquaculture.
b Statement 3 is incorrect as it misattributes the roles of FFPO strengthening and digitization to the CAA instead of the Department of Fisheries.
c Statement 2 is correct, so excluding it makes this option wrong.
Consider the following statements regarding the structure and participation in the 9th India International Water Week (IIWW) 2026:
1. Fourteen States have been invited to participate as Partner States to strengthen Centre-State collaboration.
2. Six Central Ministries and Departments are participating as Partner Ministries.
3. The event includes ten major forums, including a Startup Forum and a Youth Forum.
How many of the above statements are correct?
Answer: (c)
Statement 1 is correct: The release mentions fourteen States will participate as Partner States.
Statement 2 is correct: Six Central Ministries and Departments have been invited as Partner Ministries and Departments.
Statement 3 is correct: The programme features ten major forums, which include the Startup Forum and Youth Forum among others.
a Statements 2 and 3 are also correct.
b Statement 3 is also correct.
d All statements are factually supported by the text.
Consider the following components associated with the DISHA 2.0 ecosystem as described in recent regional workshops:
1. Tele-Law beneficiaries and Panel Lawyers are key stakeholders engaged in live interactions.
2. The Nyaya Bandhu Pro Bono Legal Services Programme involves collaboration with law schools and young legal professionals.
3. Common Service Centres (CSCs) play a role in delivering accessible and inclusive justice services.
How many of the above statements are correct?
Answer: (c)
Statement 1 is correct: The release mentions live interactions with Tele-Law beneficiaries, Panel Lawyers, Village Level Entrepreneurs (VLEs), and Nyaya Sahayaks.
Statement 2 is correct: The programme features interactions with students and faculty of law schools associated with the Nyaya Bandhu Pro Bono Legal Services Programme.
Statement 3 is correct: Representatives from Common Service Centres (CSCs) are listed among the stakeholders bringing together Central/State Government and other entities to ensure accessible justice delivery.
With reference to the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT), consider the following statements:
1. It was established under the Administrative Tribunals Act, 1985, with the objective of providing speedy justice in service matters and reducing the burden on constitutional courts.
2. A nominal fee of ₹50 is charged for filing an Original Application, while no fee is charged for Miscellaneous Applications or Review Applications.
3. Appeals against the orders of CAT lie directly before the Supreme Court of India.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Answer: (d)
Statement 1 is correct: The release states CAT was established in 1985 under the Administrative Tribunals Act, 1985, to provide speedy/affordable justice in service matters and reduce the burden on constitutional courts.
Statement 2 is correct: The release specifies a nominal fee of ₹50 for Original Applications and no fee for Miscellaneous Applications, Review Applications, etc.
Statement 3 is incorrect: The release mentions that appeals from the CAT Jammu Bench go to the High Court (specifically noting ~8% appeal rate to J&K High Court). Statutorily, appeals against CAT orders generally lie before the concerned High Court, not directly to the Supreme Court.
a Statement 3 is incorrect as appeals lie before the High Court, not directly to the Supreme Court.
Consider the following statements regarding the strategic initiatives for the Indian silk industry as outlined in recent government addresses:
1. Karnataka is identified as the leading state in India's total silk production.
2. The government aims to increase national silk production to 60,000 metric tonnes by 2030-31.
3. To achieve quality standards, the sector is integrating AI, GIS, and Machine Learning technologies.
How many of the above statements are correct?
Answer: (c)
Statement 1 is correct: Sushri Shobha Karandlaje remarked that Karnataka occupies the leading position in the country's total silk production.
Statement 2 is correct: Both the Union Minister and Joint Secretary (Silk) confirmed the target of scaling up production to 60,000 metric tonnes by 2030-31.
Statement 3 is correct: The release notes that high-yielding hybrids are being introduced alongside integrating AI, GIS, and Machine Learning technologies to inspect quality and enhance capacity.
a Statements 2 and 3 are also correct facts mentioned in the text.
b Statement 1 is also correct; Karnataka is explicitly named as the leader in production.
With reference to the 'Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat – 100 Weeks Nasha Mukt Yuva Abhiyan', consider the following statements:
1. The campaign is primarily driven by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare in collaboration with state governments.
2. The initial activity cycle focuses on three specific themes: My Health, My Pride; Fit Youth, Addiction-Free Youth; and Life Skills Month.
3. The Rashtriya Sankalp Samaroh event was organized exclusively within MY Bharat Districts without involvement from partner organizations or spiritual groups.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Answer: (c)
Statement 1 is incorrect: The text explicitly states that the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports facilitates this engagement, not the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
Statement 2 is correct: The release lists these three themes as the structure for the initial activity cycle of the 100 Weeks Abhiyan.
Statement 3 is incorrect: The text mentions the event was organized across MY Bharat Districts, partner organization locations, and locations by Spiritual Organisations, Industry Associations, and University Associations.
a Both Statements 1 and 3 are factually incorrect based on the source text.
b Statement 3 falsely claims exclusivity to MY Bharat Districts, ignoring other partners mentioned.
d Statement 1 attributes the campaign to the wrong ministry (Health vs. Youth Affairs).
With reference to the classification of ODF Plus villages under Swachh Bharat Mission-Gramin Phase II, consider the following statements:
1. An 'Aspiring' village is one that manages either solid or liquid waste.
2. A 'Rising' village must manage both solid and liquid waste streams.
3. A 'Model' village is defined solely by its ability to manage both waste streams effectively.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
Answer: (a)
Statement 1 is correct: The text states Aspiring villages manage either solid or liquid waste.
Statement 2 is correct: The text states Rising villages manage both solid and liquid waste.
Statement 3 is incorrect: Model villages not only manage both waste streams but also demonstrate visual cleanliness and display ODF Plus messaging.
b Statement 3 is incorrect.
c Statement 3 is incorrect.
d Statement 3 is incorrect as it omits the requirement for visual cleanliness and messaging.
With reference to Coal India Limited's (CIL) diversification strategy, consider the following statements:
1. CIL is implementing a 2×800 MW ultra-supercritical thermal power expansion at Chandrapura through a joint venture with Damodar Valley Corporation (DVC), where DVC facilitates the sale of power.
2. The Underground Coal Gasification (UCG) pilot project at Kasta West Block has been commercially proven globally and is currently in its final phase of operation.
3. CIL’s Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) initiatives include projects in Telangana and Odisha, both designed with a four-hour duration capacity.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Answer: (c)
Statement 1 is correct: The text confirms CIL and DVC are implementing a 2×800 MW ultra-supercritical brownfield expansion at Chandrapura via a 50:50 JV, with DVC facilitating power sales.
Statement 2 is incorrect: The text explicitly states that UCG technology 'has not yet been commercially proven globally' and describes it as a 'phased pilot project,' not a fully operational commercial entity.
Statement 3 is correct: The text mentions the TGGENCO Choutuppal project (Telangana) and the Odisha BESS portfolio, both specified as having a 'four-hour duration'.
a Statement 2 is factually incorrect regarding the global commercial status of UCG.
b Statement 2 is incorrect.
d Statement 1 is correct, but Statement 2 is incorrect.
Consider the following statements regarding CIL's coal-to-chemicals and renewable energy initiatives:
1. Talcher Fertilizers Ltd. is one of CIL's major coal-to-chemicals initiatives, focused on producing Ammonium Nitrate.
2. CIL has commissioned approximately 550 MW of solar capacity and is developing a 20 MW AC grid-connected floating solar project at Chilwa Taal.
3. The guiding principle of CIL's diversification is 'diversification with purpose', which includes supporting import substitution and low-carbon growth.
How many of the above statements are correct?
Answer: (b)
Statement 1 is incorrect: The text lists Talcher Fertilizers Ltd. as having a capacity for urea production. It is Bharat Coal Gasification & Chemicals Ltd. that is associated with ammonium nitrate production.
Statement 2 is correct: The text confirms ~550 MW of commissioned solar capacity and the development of a 20 MW floating solar project at Chilwa Taal, Gorakhpur.
Statement 3 is correct: The text explicitly identifies 'diversification with purpose' as the guiding principle, listing import substitution and low-carbon growth among its goals.
a Statements 2 and 3 are correct.
c Statement 1 is incorrect due to the mismatch between the company and the product.
Consider the following statements regarding the scale and composition of grassroots workers mentioned in the context of last-mile delivery:
Answer: (b)
Statement 1 is correct: The text states 'Out of the 9 lakh CRPs, nearly 4.08 lakh are livelihood CRPs supporting agriculture...'.
Statement 2 is correct: The text mentions 'over 10.40 lakh ASHAs' in health and nutrition.
Statement 3 is correct: The text specifies that the remaining nearly 5 lakh CRPs work as Bank Sakhis, Business Correspondent Sakhis, Financial Literacy CRPs, Bima Sakhis, and Gender Champions, covering financial inclusion, literacy, insurance, and gender awareness.
Therefore, all three statements in option (b) are correct.
a Statement 2 is incorrect; the text groups ANMs with AWWs in the count of 10.58 lakh trained Anganwadi Workers and ANMs, and does not state they work independently in a way that contradicts the grouping, but more importantly, Option B presents the most accurate reflection of the distinct categories described without conflating the specific role definitions provided in the text regarding the 5 lakh non-livelihood CRPs.
c Statement 1 is incorrect; the 4.08 lakh CRPs are for livelihoods, not sanitation.
d Statement 3 is incorrect; the remaining CRPs do not work exclusively in sanitation/drinking water (Swachhagrahis are separate frontline workers, but the 5 lakh CRPs are in finance/gender/etc.).
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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