What mattered in the last day or two — from PIB, The Hindu and The Indian Express, written in our own words — then 21 questions in UPSC's formats. +2 for a right answer, −0.67 for a wrong one, 0 for a blank.
1. CTIL Webinar on WTO Fisheries Subsidies Agreement Implementation
A webinar by CTIL discussed the legal framework and implementation challenges of the WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies following India's recent ratification.
The Centre for Trade and Investment Law (CTIL) at IIFT organized a webinar on the WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies (AFS).
India ratified the AFS on July 20, 2026, coinciding with the event's timing during WTO Fish Week.
The AFS was originally adopted at the WTO’s Twelfth Ministerial Conference in 2022.
Key disciplines target subsidies linked to Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing, overfished stocks, and unregulated high seas fishing.
Discussions focused on data reliability, monitoring systems, and special and differential treatment (S&DT) for developing nations.
Key terms
WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies (AFS)
— An international treaty prohibiting specific government financial supports that lead to illegal fishing or overexploitation of marine resources.
IUU Fishing
— Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated fishing activities that undermine conservation efforts and sustainable management of fish stocks.
Special and Differential Treatment (S&DT)
— Provisions in WTO agreements that grant developing countries flexibility and extended timelines to implement commitments compared to developed nations.
Overcapacity
— A situation where the fishing fleet size exceeds what is needed to harvest available fish sustainably, often driven by subsidies.
2. India-New Zealand FTA Ratified, Effective October 20
The India-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement has been ratified and will come into effect on October 20, aiming to double bilateral trade and secure $20 billion in investment.
3. Jaishankar Raises SRIA Concerns with Rubio at UNGA
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar discussed India's concerns regarding the US Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act (SRIA) with Secretary of State Marco Rubio during their meeting on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly.
BRICS nations oppose the EU's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), arguing it is protectionist, while India faces significant export challenges due to high carbon intensity in its steel sector.
The New Delhi Declaration of September 12 opposes unilateral measures like the EU's CBAM.
CBAM covers six goods: iron/steel, aluminium, cement, fertilisers, hydrogen, and electricity.
Importers must pay for carbon certificates starting February 2027 for goods shipped in 2026.
Indian steel emits 2.54 tonnes of CO2 per tonne produced, versus a global average of 1.9 tonnes.
ICRIER estimates CBAM could reduce India’s steel exports to the EU by 24%.
Key terms
Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM)
— An EU policy imposing a levy on imports based on their embedded carbon emissions to level the playing field with domestic producers.
Carbon Leakage
— The phenomenon where stringent climate policies in one region cause businesses to relocate production to regions with weaker regulations, resulting in no net reduction in global emissions.
New Delhi Declaration
— The consensus document adopted by BRICS leaders opposing unilateral trade measures perceived as discriminatory or protectionist.
5. Supreme Court Refers EC Appointment Law Challenge to Larger Bench
A split verdict by a two-judge Supreme Court bench referred petitions challenging the 2023 Election Commissioner appointment law to the Chief Justice of India for constitution of a larger bench.
Justices Dipankar Datta and Satish Chandra Sharma differed on whether the current bench could decide the case or if a Constitution Bench was needed.
The challenge is against the Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service and Term of Office) Act, 2023.
The 2023 Act replaced the Chief Justice of India in the selection committee with a Union Cabinet Minister nominated by the Prime Minister.
Justice Datta argued that the Leader of Opposition's role becomes 'largely ornamental' due to collective responsibility binding the Cabinet Minister to the PM.
Both judges agreed to place the matter before the CJI to avoid delays associated with forming an intermediate three-judge bench.
Key terms
Article 324
— Constitutional provision vesting superintendence, direction, and control of elections in the Election Commission of India.
Anoop Baranwal Judgment
— A 2023 Supreme Court ruling that established an interim committee (PM, LoP, CJI) for EC appointments pending parliamentary legislation.
Collective Responsibility
— The principle that all members of the Council of Ministers stand together; used here to argue a Cabinet Minister will align with the PM's choice.
6. Supreme Court Strengthens Arrest Safeguards Under Article 22
The Supreme Court ruled that failure to provide written grounds of arrest renders detention unconstitutional, mandating judicial approval for re-arrest and allowing compensation.
7. Five Lesser-Known Changes in India's New GDP Series
The new 2022-23 base year GDP series introduces structural changes in sector classification, asset valuation, and data sources for household savings and renewable energy.
8. Ayushman Bharat Marks Eighth Anniversary with Expanded Coverage
Prime Minister Modi highlighted Ayushman Bharat's eight-year milestone, noting its status as the world's largest healthcare scheme with over 60 crore beneficiaries and significant primary care engagement.
9. MoD Signs Rs 811 Crore Contract for Indigenous SAT-SAAW Weapons
The Ministry of Defence contracted Bharat Dynamics Limited to supply 160 indigenous Satellite Smart Anti Airfield Weapons to the Indian Air Force, boosting Aatmanirbhar Bharat.
10. Indian Railways Commissions KAVACH 4.0 on South Central Railway
Indian Railways has commissioned the indigenous KAVACH 4.0 Automatic Train Protection system on a 108 km section of South Central Railway, marking a major upgrade in train safety technology.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared an article by Union Minister Bhupender Yadav emphasizing India's role as a key custodian of the Greater One-Horned Rhinoceros and the importance of habitat conservation.
Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav authored the article on rhino conservation efforts.
India is identified as one of the world's most important custodians of the Greater One-Horned Rhinoceros.
The species population in India is showing sustained growth, marking a remarkable recovery.
Conservation strategy focuses heavily on protecting grasslands and wetlands that sustain the species.
Key terms
Greater One-Horned Rhinoceros
— A large herbivorous mammal native to the Indian subcontinent, characterized by a single horn and thick skin folds resembling armor.
Custodianship
— The responsibility of holding and protecting something valuable, here referring to India's primary role in preserving the global population of this species.
Habitat Conservation
— The protection and management of natural environments (grasslands and wetlands) to ensure the survival of dependent species.
13. Former CEC Quraishi Declares SIR Illegal, Demands Reversal
Former Chief Election Commissioner S.Y. Quraishi asserts that the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls is illegal and must be reversed, citing procedural flaws and internal ECI disagreements.
S.Y. Quraishi labels the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) as 'illegal' and 'dubious', demanding its reversal.
The remarks were made during the launch of the book ‘The Delimitation Debate: The Union and its Units’.
Quraishi referenced reports of significant differences between CEC Gyanesh Kumar and Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi regarding SIR procedures.
Opposition leaders link SIR with upcoming delimitation exercises, alleging they are designed to favor the ruling BJP.
Congress leader Jairam Ramesh noted the government has not prorogued Parliament, signaling intent to introduce Delimitation Bills around October 11.
Key terms
Special Intensive Revision (SIR)
— A comprehensive review and updating of electoral rolls conducted by the Election Commission to ensure accuracy and remove ineligible entries.
Delimitation
— The process of redrawing boundaries of Lok Sabha and State Assembly constituencies to account for population changes.
Prorogue
— To suspend a session of Parliament indefinitely, ending all pending business without dissolving the House.
FSSAI informs the Supreme Court of a single-phase rollout plan for mandatory front-of-pack warning labels on packaged foods, seeking four months to finalize regulations.
15. Germany Ready to Sign $8 Billion Submarine Deal with India
German Ambassador confirms readiness for an $8 billion submarine deal with India, citing a forward-leaning inter-governmental agreement and awaiting final Indian security clearance.
Deal involves six submarines worth approximately $8 billion.
Contractors are Germany's Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems and India's Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders.
The Inter-Governmental Agreement (IGA) is described as 'forward-leaning' and ambitious regarding Indian requests.
Final approval from India's Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) is currently awaited.
Ambassador Jasper Wieck urged India to mediate the Ukraine crisis given its ties with both Kyiv and Moscow.
Key terms
Inter-Governmental Agreement (IGA)
— A formal treaty between two sovereign states governing the terms of a specific project or transaction, here covering the submarine deal.
Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS)
— The highest decision-making body in India for national security matters, responsible for approving major defence acquisitions.
Forward-leaning deal
— A diplomatic term indicating that one party (Germany) has made significant concessions or advanced positions to meet the other party's (India's) demands.
16. US-Denmark-Greenland Security Pact and Arctic Geopolitics
A new security agreement grants the US permanent military access to Greenland, reinforcing Western Hemisphere dominance while preserving Danish sovereignty.
17. Super El Niño to Drive 16,000 Heat Deaths in India
A Climate Impact Lab study projects that the upcoming Super El Niño will cause approximately 15,800 excess heat-related deaths in India between September 2026 and February 2027.
India is projected to see ~15,800 excess heat deaths from Sept 2026 to Feb 2027 due to Super El Niño.
The study estimates global land temperatures will rise 1.2°C above normal, increasing 'extremely hot' days by 44%.
India ranks fourth globally for projected winter heat deaths, behind Nigeria, Indonesia, and Sudan.
Southern India faces higher mortality risk than Northern India because its baseline winter temperatures are already warm enough to cause heat stress.
The Climate Impact Lab (University of Chicago) modeled these risks across 24,378 regions considering local vulnerability and adaptive capacity.
Key terms
Super El Niño
— An extreme phase of the El Niño-Southern Oscillation characterized by abnormal warming of the equatorial Pacific Ocean, leading to suppressed monsoons and elevated global temperatures.
Excess Deaths
— The number of deaths above what would be expected in a normal year, attributed here to heat-related causes exacerbated by climate anomalies.
Climate Impact Lab (CIL)
— A research initiative at the University of Chicago’s Energy Policy Institute that models the economic and human costs of climate change using granular regional data.
18. Jaishankar Highlights Global South's Exclusion from Decision-Making
EAM S. Jaishankar criticized the structural exclusion of the Global South from global governance despite their disproportionate exposure to crises, urging institutional reform and solidarity.
Spoke at the High-Level Meeting of Like-Minded Global South Countries during the 81st UNGA in New York.
Asserted that while the Global South is in the 'front row' of crises, it remains in the 'back row' of decision-making.
Identified key challenges: supply chain disruptions, trade barriers, climate shocks, and pressure on international law.
Emphasized that energy security must not be manipulated for political ends via chokepoints.
Held bilateral talks with leaders from Italy, UAE, France, G4 nations, Nepal, Qatar, Philippines, and Germany.
Key terms
Global South
— A term referring to developing countries primarily located in Africa, Asia, Latin America, and Oceania, often characterized by lower income levels and historical marginalization in global governance.
Multilateralism
— The practice of coordinating national policies in groups of three or more states, typically through international organizations like the UN, to address common problems.
G4 Nations
— An alliance of four countries—Brazil, Germany, India, and Japan—that mutually support each other's bids for permanent seats on the United Nations Security Council.
IMEC
— India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor, a proposed rail and shipping network aimed at linking India to Europe via the Middle East to boost trade and connectivity.
19. ECI Clarifies Unanimous Decisions on SIR and Electoral Reforms
The Election Commission of India asserts that all recent decisions, including the Special Intensive Revision (SIR), were unanimous outcomes of the full multi-member Commission.
How many of the following statements about the strategic and economic implications of the India-New Zealand FTA are correct?
1. Bilateral goods trade between India and New Zealand currently accounts for less than 1% of India’s total goods trade.
2. Textiles constitute approximately 14% of India’s exports to New Zealand.
3. Nearly 30% of India’s import lines have been kept outside the tariff concessions to protect sensitive sectors.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
Answer: (c)
Statement 1 is correct: The text states bilateral trade is $1.1 billion, which is 'less than 1% of India’s total goods trade'.
Statement 2 is correct: The text specifies that 'Textiles make up about 14% of India’s exports'.
Statement 3 is correct: The text confirms that 'nearly 30% of India’s import lines have been kept outside the tariff concessions'.
a Statements 2 and 3 are also factually supported by the text.
b Statement 1 is also factually supported by the text.
d All three statements are explicitly mentioned in the source text.
Consider the following statements regarding the achievements of Ayushman Bharat as highlighted in its eighth-anniversary review:
1. It has been recognized as the largest healthcare scheme in the world.
2. More than 60 crore beneficiaries are covered under the scheme.
3. Ayushman Arogya Mandirs have recorded over 500 crore visits, indicating high utilization of secondary care facilities.
How many of the above statements are correct?
Answer: (b)
Statement 1 is correct: The text describes it as 'the largest healthcare scheme in the world'.
Statement 2 is correct: The text mentions 'more than 60 crore beneficiaries'.
Statement 3 is incorrect: While the visit count (500 crore) is accurate according to the text, the conclusion that these are 'secondary care facilities' is wrong. The text explicitly links these visits to strengthening primary healthcare.
a Statements 1 and 2 are both correct.
c Statement 3 is incorrect due to the mischaracterization of the facility type (primary vs secondary).
Consider the following statements regarding the recent contract signed by the Ministry of Defence for the procurement of SAT-SAAW:
1. The contract was signed with Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) under the Buy (Indian - Indigenously Designed, Developed and Manufactured) category.
2. The total cost of the contract is approximately Rs 811 crore for the procurement of 160 units.
3. The delivery schedule for these weapons extends up to the financial year 2029-2030.
How many of the above statements are correct?
Answer: (b)
Statement 1 is correct: The contract was inked with BDL under the 'Buy (Indian - IDDM)' category.
Statement 2 is correct: The text states the total cost is Rs 810.79 crore (approx Rs 811 crore) for 160 weapons.
Statement 3 is incorrect: The delivery is scheduled between 2027-2028 and 2028-2029, not extending to 2029-2030.
a Statements 1 and 2 are both correct.
c Statement 3 is incorrect regarding the end year of delivery.
Consider the following statements regarding the procedural steps outlined by FSSAI for finalizing the draft regulations for Front-of-Pack Nutrition Labelling:
1. The draft amendment regulations must be published for 60 days to invite comments from stakeholders through domestic consultation and the WTO platform.
2. After examining the comments received, the final notification is forwarded directly to the Supreme Court for approval before publication in the official gazette.
How many of the above statements are correct?
Answer: (d)
Statement 1 is correct: The text states the draft is 'mandatorily required to be published for a period of 60 days for inviting comments from stakeholders through domestic consultation and the WTO platform.'
Statement 2 is incorrect: The text says the final notification is forwarded to the 'Ministry for publication in the official gazette' after approval by the Food Authority, not to the Supreme Court for approval.
a Statement 1 is correct.
b The facts are clearly stated in the source text.
c Statement 2 is factually wrong regarding the approving body and destination of the notification.
Consider the following statements regarding the strategic significance and provisions of the US-Denmark-Greenland security agreement:
1. The Pentagon has transferred command of Greenland from the European Command to the Northern Command.
2. The agreement grants the US permanent basing rights and bans non-NATO nations from building bases or making sensitive investments without US approval.
3. The primary focus of the agreement is the immediate commercial exploitation of Greenland’s rare earth minerals by US companies.
How many of the above statements are correct?
Answer: (b)
Statement 1 is correct: The text notes, 'The Pentagon recently redrew its theatre command maps, taking Greenland out from the European Command and placing it under the Northern Command.'
Statement 2 is correct: The text states the pact entails 'US permanent basing... and ability to do what is necessary to defend Greenland' and 'bans non-NATO nations from building bases or making sensitive investments without US approval.'
Statement 3 is incorrect: The text explicitly mentions, 'minerals have not been mentioned prominently in the agreement, the focus being primarily on security,' suggesting economic dimensions might be covered in separate arrangements later.
a Two statements (1 and 2) are correct, not just one.
c Statement 3 is incorrect as the current agreement focuses on security, not mineral exploitation.
d Statements 1 and 2 are clearly supported by the text.
In the context of the geopolitical stance taken by the German Ambassador regarding the Ukraine crisis, which of the following best characterizes his view on India's role?
Answer: (b)
The ambassador explicitly stated that India enjoys positive relations with both Kyiv and Moscow.
He emphasized that India has 'all the possibilities also to mediate and to bring in your diplomatic skills in bringing this war to an end' due to these long-term contacts.
a The text does not suggest India should impose sanctions; rather, it highlights India's unique position as an interlocutor.
c The ambassador condemned Russia's 'revisionist policies' and called it the 'aggressor', making this option factually opposite to the source.
d The ambassador praised India as a 'powerful country' whose voice is heard, contradicting this option.
With reference to the Election Commission of India (ECI), consider the following statements:
1. The ECI functions under the mandate of Article 324 of the Constitution and operates as a multi-member constitutional body.
2. All official orders and administrative directions issued by the Commission follow statutory procedures under The Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service and Term of Office) Act, 2023.
3. Differing views among Commissioners are considered irregularities that compromise the legal validity of final decisions taken by the full Commission.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Answer: (d)
Statement 1 is correct: The text explicitly states the ECI is a constitutional body functioning under Article 324 and operates as a multi-member body.
Statement 2 is correct: The text confirms that official orders follow established statutory procedures under the CEC and ECs (Appointment, Conditions of Service and Term of Office) Act, 2023.
Statement 3 is incorrect: The text clarifies that differing views are a 'normal part of deliberation' and part of the decision-making process before a final unanimous decision is taken; they do not compromise legal validity.
a Statement 3 is incorrect because the release defends internal observations as standard practice, not as flaws affecting validity.
b Statement 3 is incorrect as differing views are described as normal deliberative practices, not irregularities.
c Statement 3 is incorrect for the same reason; additionally, Statement 1 is correct, making this option incomplete.
With reference to the 'High-Level Meeting of Like-Minded Global South Countries and Friends' held on the sidelines of the 81st United Nations General Assembly, consider the following statements:
1. The meeting was chaired by India's External Affairs Minister under the theme ‘Navigating Together Towards a Brighter Future’.
2. A key objective highlighted during the meeting was the urgent need for comprehensive reforms in multilateral institutions, particularly the United Nations.
3. The meeting explicitly called for the dismantling of existing supply chain chokepoints by establishing new bilateral trade barriers among Global South nations.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Answer: (c)
Statement 1 is correct: The MEA statement confirms EAM S. Jaishankar chaired the meeting under the specified theme.
Statement 2 is correct: Representatives expressed concern over weakening multilateral institutions and emphasized the need for UN reforms.
Statement 3 is incorrect: The text states that countries must 'not accept or legitimise' chokepoints and calls for solidarity against increasing trade barriers, not the establishment of new ones.
a Statement 3 is incorrect; the meeting sought to remove barriers, not create them.
b Statement 3 is factually incorrect as the meeting opposed trade barriers and chokepoints rather than advocating for their creation.
With reference to the WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies (AFS), consider the following statements:
1. The Agreement was adopted at the WTO’s Twelfth Ministerial Conference in 2022.
2. It establishes disciplines on subsidies linked to illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing and fishing of overfished stocks.
3. The Agreement currently includes binding disciplines on subsidies contributing to overcapacity and overfishing.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Answer: (b)
Statement 1 is correct: The text explicitly states the AFS was adopted at the WTO’s Twelfth Ministerial Conference in 2022.
Statement 2 is correct: The text lists subsidies linked to IUU fishing and fishing of overfished stocks as key areas where the Agreement establishes disciplines.
Statement 3 is incorrect: The text refers to 'ongoing negotiations' on additional disciplines concerning overcapacity and overfishing, implying these are not yet part of the established disciplines of the current Agreement.
a Statement 3 is incorrect.
c Statement 3 is incorrect for the same reason; additionally, Statement 2 is correct.
d Statement 3 is incorrect because disciplines on overcapacity and overfishing are still under negotiation, not established.
Consider the following statements regarding recent diplomatic engagements between India and the United States:
1. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio at the sidelines of the 81st session of the UN General Assembly.
2. The U.S. administration claimed to have negotiated the India-Pakistan ceasefire in May 2025, a claim denied by the Indian government.
3. India successfully hosted the Quad Summit in 2026, marking a breakthrough in regional cooperation.
How many of the above statements are correct?
Answer: (b)
Statement 1 is correct: The meeting took place in New York on September 23, 2026, during the UNGA (specifically the 81st session mentioned later in the text).
Statement 2 is correct: The text notes that Mr. Trump repeated a claim that he negotiated the India-Pakistan ceasefire in May 2025, which 'has been denied on several occasions by the Modi government'.
Statement 3 is incorrect: The text states, 'This is the third year in succession that India has failed to host the Quad Summit,' and there has been no breakthrough on a date.
a Statements 1 and 2 are both correct.
c Statement 3 is incorrect as India failed to host the Quad Summit.
With reference to the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), consider the following statements:
1. The mechanism applies charges on imports of iron and steel, aluminium, cement, fertilisers, hydrogen, and electricity.
2. Importers are required to purchase carbon certificates starting from January 1, 2026, for goods shipped in that year.
3. Under Article 9 of the CBAM regulation, carbon prices already paid by domestic manufacturers in the exporting country can be deducted from the border charge.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Answer: (b)
Statement 1 is correct: The text explicitly lists these six sectors as covered by CBAM.
Statement 2 is incorrect: While the EU began applying the charge on January 1, 2026, importers start paying (purchasing certificates) from February 2027, covering goods shipped during 2026.
Statement 3 is correct: The text states that Article 9 allows European importers to subtract amounts if a domestic mill has already been charged for carbon at home.
a Statement 2 is incorrect regarding the payment start date.
c Statement 2 is incorrect regarding the payment start date.
d Statement 2 is incorrect regarding the payment start date.
With reference to the conservation of the Greater One-Horned Rhinoceros in India, consider the following statements:
1. India is recognized as one of the world's most important custodians of this species due to sustained population growth.
2. The long-term survival of the species is primarily dependent on the protection of dense tropical evergreen forests.
3. The Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change authored an article highlighting government efforts in strengthening this conservation journey.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Answer: (d)
Statement 1 is correct: The text explicitly states that with sustained growth, India is now one of the world's most important custodians of the Greater One-Horned Rhinoceros.
Statement 2 is incorrect: The text identifies 'grasslands and wetlands' as central to the species' future, not dense tropical evergreen forests (which are more associated with tigers or elephants).
Statement 3 is correct: The Prime Minister shared an article written by Union Minister Shri Bhupender Yadav, who holds the portfolio of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
a Statement 2 is incorrect because the habitat specified is grasslands and wetlands, not evergreen forests.
b Statement 2 is factually inconsistent with the source text regarding the specific habitat requirements.
c Statement 2 is incorrect; while Statements 1 and 3 are correct, option C excludes Statement 1.
With reference to the Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service and Term of Office) Act, 2023, consider the following statements:
1. The Act replaced the Chief Justice of India on the selection committee with a Union Cabinet Minister nominated by the Prime Minister.
2. Under the interim mechanism laid down in Anoop Baranwal v. Union of India, appointments were made by a committee comprising only the Prime Minister and the Leader of Opposition.
3. The current selection committee consists of three members: the Prime Minister, the Leader of Opposition, and a Union Cabinet Minister.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Answer: (c)
Statement 1 is correct: The text explicitly states that the 2023 law replaced the CJI on the selection committee with a Union Cabinet Minister nominated by the PM.
Statement 2 is incorrect: The interim mechanism from Anoop Baranwal v. Union of India involved a committee comprising the Prime Minister, the Leader of Opposition, AND the Chief Justice of India (three members), not just two.
Statement 3 is correct: The new panel is a three-member body consisting of the PM, LoP, and the nominated Cabinet Minister.
a Statement 3 is also correct, so '1 only' is incomplete.
b Statement 2 is factually incorrect regarding the composition of the interim committee.
d Statement 2 is incorrect as it omits the CJI from the interim mechanism.
Consider the following statements regarding the changes in India's new GDP series (base year 2022-23):
1. The classification of multi-activity enterprises is now based on the 'major activity' principle, where the entire Gross Value Added (GVA) is assigned to the sector contributing the highest turnover.
2. The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) utilizes data from MGT-7 and MGT-7A forms filed with the Ministry of Corporate Affairs to allocate GVA across different activities within a single enterprise.
3. In the new series, household savings in financial assets are compiled using data from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), replacing the previous source used by MoSPI.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Answer: (b)
Statement 1 is incorrect: The old series (2011-12 base) used the 'major activity' principle. The new series allocates GVA proportionally based on the share of turnover from each activity.
Statement 2 is correct: The text states that MoSPI uses details from MGT-7 and MGT-7A forms (filed with the Ministry of Corporate Affairs) which list business activities contributing at least 10% of turnover, to accurately compute GVA allocation.
Statement 3 is incorrect: The text explicitly mentions that data on financial savings is now taken from the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) instead of the RBI.
a Statements 1 and 3 are incorrect.
c Statement 3 is factually reversed; SEBI replaced RBI as the source.
d Statement 1 describes the old method, not the new one.
With reference to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, consider the following statements:
1. The SIR exercise is conducted by the Election Commission of India to ensure the purity of electoral rolls, a practice maintained for the last 75 years.
2. Former Chief Election Commissioner S.Y. Quraishi has stated that the current SIR procedure is illegal and needs to be reversed due to internal disagreements among Election Commissioners regarding the methodology.
3. The SIR process is legally distinct from the Delimitation exercise, with no political or procedural linkage between the two as per statutory requirements.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Answer: (a)
Statement 1 is correct: The text notes that 'purity of the electoral roll is a legal requirement' and the ECI has been doing this for the last 75 years.
Statement 2 is correct: S.Y. Quraishi declared the SIR illegal, citing revelations about major differences between CEC Gyanesh Kumar and other ECs regarding procedures.
Statement 3 is incorrect: The text explicitly mentions that politicians like John Brittas and Jairam Ramesh argue that SIR and delimitation are 'interlinked' and tailored for political advantage, contradicting the claim of no linkage.
b Statement 3 is incorrect because the source text highlights allegations of interlinkage between SIR and delimitation.
c Statement 3 is incorrect.
d Statement 3 is incorrect; additionally, Statement 2 is correct, making this option incomplete.
Consider the following statements regarding the outcomes of the BRICS Heads of Tax Authorities Meeting held in New Delhi:
1. Two new Working Groups on International Taxation and Transfer Pricing, and on Revenue Statistics were established, both to be led by India.
2. The BRICS Young Tax Professionals Capacity Building Programme was institutionalized as a biennial feature of BRICS tax cooperation.
3. The meeting concluded with the formal signing of the BRICS Tax Progress Report 2026, marking the end of China's Chairship of the BRICS tax track.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Answer: (a)
Statement 1 is correct: The release explicitly states that two new Working Groups (on International Taxation/Transfer Pricing and Revenue Statistics) were established and both will be led by India.
Statement 2 is incorrect: The programme was institutionalized as an annual feature, not biennial.
Statement 3 is incorrect: The report marks the conclusion of India’s Chairship, not China's. China was welcomed as the incoming Chair for 2027.
b Statement 2 is incorrect because the programme is annual, not biennial.
c Both Statements 2 and 3 are incorrect due to frequency error and attribution of chairship respectively.
d Statements 2 and 3 contain factual errors regarding the frequency of the programme and the current vs. incoming chair.
With reference to the KAVACH Automatic Train Protection (ATP) system, consider the following statements:
1. It is an indigenously developed system designed primarily to prevent Signal Passing at Danger (SPAD) and control train speed.
2. The system requires a Safety Integrity Level-4 (SIL-4) certification due to its technology-intensive nature.
3. KAVACH Version 4.0 was first commissioned on the Western Railway zone over a stretch of 1,465 Route Kilometres.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Answer: (b)
Statement 1 is correct: The text states KAVACH is an indigenously developed ATP system designed to help prevent SPAD, control train speed, and reduce collision risks.
Statement 2 is correct: The text explicitly mentions that as a highly technology-intensive safety system, KAVACH requires SIL-4 certification.
Statement 3 is incorrect: KAVACH 4.0 was first commissioned on South Central Railway (SCR), not Western Railway. Additionally, the 1,465 RKM figure refers to the deployment experience of Version 3.2 on SCR, while Version 4.0 was commissioned over 108 RKM.
a Statement 3 is incorrect regarding the railway zone and the specific mileage for V4.0 commissioning.
c Statement 3 is incorrect regarding the railway zone and the specific mileage for V4.0 commissioning.
d Statement 3 is incorrect regarding the railway zone and the specific mileage for V4.0 commissioning.
With reference to the study on heat-related mortality in India by the Climate Impact Lab (CIL), consider the following statements:
1. The study projects that India will experience roughly 15,800 excess heat-related deaths between September 2026 and February 2027 compared to a normal year.
2. The report estimates that globally, approximately 4,51,000 excess deaths are tied to the current El Niño episode within the specific six-month forecast window of September 2026 to February 2027.
3. According to the study, India's projected heat-related mortality is expected to peak early in the forecast period and then taper off, unlike other regions.
Answer: (a)
Statement 1 is correct as the text explicitly states the projection of 15,800 excess deaths for India in the specified period.
Statement 2 is incorrect because while 4,51,000 is the global estimate for the entire El Niño episode, only 2,39,000 of those occur within the specific six-month window (September 2026–February 2027).
Statement 3 is incorrect because the text notes that India's death toll is expected to build over time rather than peak early, and its risk does not taper off like other regions.
b Statement 2 is incorrect regarding the time frame, and Statement 3 contradicts the finding that India's risk continues to climb.
c Statement 2 incorrectly attributes the total global episode deaths to the specific six-month window.
d Statements 2 and 3 contain factual errors regarding the global death count timeframe and the trend of mortality in India.
With reference to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in India, consider the following statements:
1. The SIR process places the burden of proving eligibility on the citizen rather than the state.
2. Form 6 applications for new electors can be altered by the Election Commission without amending the relevant rules.
3. In West Bengal, a majority of appeals against voter deletion resulted in the restoration of the electors' names.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Answer: (d)
Statement 1 is correct: The text notes that the SIR design 'places the burden of proving eligibility on the citizen rather than the state,' which defeats the constitutional guarantee of universal adult franchise.
Statement 2 is incorrect: The text states that Election Commissioner Vivek Joshi warned that 'Form 6... could not be altered without the government amending the rules,' yet alterations were made anyway, which was called 'unauthorised and illegal.'
Statement 3 is correct: The text mentions that 'over nine in 10 appeals against deletion decided so far have restored the electors' in West Bengal.
a Statement 2 is incorrect as altering Form 6 requires rule amendments by the government.
b Statement 2 is incorrect; while 3 is correct, the combination excludes the correct statement 1.
Consider the following statements regarding the provisions and context of the India-New Zealand FTA:
Statement-I: Wellington has committed $20 billion worth of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) into India as part of the deal.
Statement-II: The FTA is expected to benefit Indian micro, medium and small enterprises, farmers, and handloom artisans by providing them access to global markets through India's preferential trade agreements.
In the light of the above statements, which one of the following is correct?
Answer: (b)
Statement-I is true: The text explicitly mentions that "Wellington has committed $20 billion worth of foreign direct investment into India as part of the deal."
Statement-II is true: The Minister noted the deal benefits MSMEs, farmers, and artisans, and highlighted that investors can use India to export to two-thirds of the global economy via other FTAs.
Relation: While both are facts about the FTA, the benefit to MSMEs/artisans (Statement-II) does not explain why NZ committed $20 billion FDI (Statement-I). The FDI commitment is linked to NZ's technological expertise and desire to set up manufacturing in India, not directly explained by the beneficiary list of the trade deal itself.
a Statement-II describes beneficiaries and broader market access logic, which does not causally explain the specific $20bn FDI pledge made by NZ.
Consider the following statements regarding the legal framework governing arrest safeguards in India:
1. Article 22(1) mandates that an arrested person must be informed of the grounds of arrest, while Article 22(2) requires production before a magistrate within 24 hours.
2. In Pankaj Bansal v. Union of India (2023), the Supreme Court ruled that oral communication of grounds of arrest is sufficient compliance with statutory requirements.
3. The judgment in Mihir Rajesh Shah v. State of Maharashtra (2025) established that the requirement to communicate grounds of arrest in writing applies to arrests under all statutes.
How many of the above statements are correct?
Answer: (b)
Statement 1 is correct: It accurately describes the distinct mandates of Article 22(1) and 22(2) as cited in the text.
Statement 2 is incorrect: In Pankaj Bansal, the SC ruled that a written copy must be furnished 'as a matter of course and without exception', rejecting mere oral reading as sufficient.
Statement 3 is correct: The text states that in Mihir Rajesh Shah (2025), the SC settled the position that the constitutional requirement applies to arrests under all statutes.
a Two statements (1 and 3) are correct, not just one.
c Statement 2 is incorrect because Pankaj Bansal mandated written grounds, not oral sufficiency.
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