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.
An editorial analyzes the tension between ISRO's new policy of focusing on exploratory missions and employee fears regarding job security and outsourcing.
2. Cabinet Approves Green Energy Corridor Phase-III with Battery Storage
The Union Cabinet has approved the Green Energy Corridor Phase-III scheme to strengthen intra-state transmission and integrate battery storage for renewable energy evacuation.
3. Guidelines for National Coastal Mission 2.0 Launched
The Union Environment Minister launched the implementation guidelines for the ₹767 crore Central Sector Scheme aimed at enhancing coastal resilience and promoting the Blue Economy.
4. UN Sea Level Declaration: Statehood and India's Coastal Risks
The UN General Assembly adopted its first declaration on rising sea levels, affirming statehood for nations losing territory to climate change while highlighting urgent adaptation needs for India's eroding coastline.
5. J&K Statehood Resolution and Constitutional History
A recent J&K Assembly resolution seeking statehood restoration highlights the historical evolution of Articles 370 and 35A, their abrogation in 2019, and the constitutional debates surrounding integration.
6. Centre Approves Rabi MSPs; Wheat Hike at 17-Year Low
The government announced Minimum Support Prices for six rabi crops for the 2027-28 season, with wheat receiving a marginal increase amidst political and stockpile considerations.
7. CCEA Approves MSP Hike for Rabi Crops for Marketing Season 2027-28
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs approved increased Minimum Support Prices for all six mandated Rabi crops for the 2027-28 season, ensuring margins well above the 1.5 times cost of production benchmark.
8. New Corporate Average Fuel Economy Norms Notified for Passenger Vehicles
The Ministry of Power notified stricter CAFE norms for passenger vehicles effective April 2027, aiming to reduce fuel consumption by ~16.7% through technology-neutral flexibility.
Fuel benchmark tightens from 3.996 L/100km (2027-28) to 3.3273 L/100km (2031-32).
Reference weight increased from 1,082 kg to 1,229 kg (~13.6% rise).
Recognized fuel-conservation technologies expanded from four to twelve.
Introduction of Carbon Neutrality Factor (CNF) for renewable fuels like ethanol and CBG.
Key terms
Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE)
— Regulatory standards that require automakers to meet average fuel efficiency targets across their entire fleet of new vehicles sold in a given year.
Carbon Neutrality Factor (CNF)
— A metric introduced in the new norms to recognize and reward the use of renewable and low-carbon fuels in improving overall fleet efficiency.
Super Credits
— Volume derogation factors granted to manufacturers producing cleaner technologies like BEVs and hybrids, helping them offset less efficient vehicles in their fleet average.
9. Ministry of Mines to Auction Offshore Mineral Blocks in Andaman Sea
The Ministry of Mines will auction two offshore mineral blocks in the Andaman Sea under the amended OAMDR Act, aiming to boost domestic resource security for critical minerals.
11. Bankers Books Evidence Act, 2026 Replaces Colonial Law
The Bankers’ Books Evidence Act, 2026 modernizes the admissibility of banking records as evidence by replacing the 1891 colonial law with a technology-neutral framework.
Replaces the Bankers’ Books Evidence Act, 1891 and comes into force on October 1, 2026.
Establishes a technology-neutral framework covering physical, electronic, and digital banking records.
Protects bank officials from routine appearance in proceedings where the bank is not a party.
Allows extension of provisions to specified financial sector entities beyond traditional banks.
Key terms
Technology-neutral framework
— A legal structure that applies equally to physical, electronic, and digital records without favoring one specific technology.
Special Cause
— Specific circumstances, such as doubts about authenticity or non-compliance, that allow a court to compel a bank officer to appear or produce original records.
Certified Copy
— A verified reproduction of a banking record that is legally admissible as evidence without needing the original document.
Total rainfall was 759.4 mm, which is 12.6% below the Long Period Average (LPA) of 868.6 mm.
East and Northeast India experienced their driest monsoon since systematic records began in 1901.
IMD forecasts aligned with global agencies predicting one of the strongest El Niño events in recent history.
June saw only 65% of normal rainfall, significantly lower than the predicted 92%.
Southern Peninsula recorded its fourth-lowest monsoon rainfall since 1901 at 542 mm.
Key terms
Long Period Average (LPA)
— The average rainfall over a long period (usually 50 years) used as a benchmark to measure current monsoon performance.
El Niño
— A climate pattern characterized by warming of ocean surface temperatures in the central and eastern Pacific, often leading to reduced monsoon rainfall in India.
Western Disturbances
— Extratropical storms originating from the Mediterranean region that bring winter precipitation to northern India.
13. India's Industrial Growth Accelerates to 8% in August
The Index of Industrial Production recorded an 8% growth in August 2026, driven by strong manufacturing and domestic consumption signals ahead of the festive season.
IIP growth reached 8% in August 2026, the second-fastest since April 2024.
Cumulative IIP growth for April-August stood at 6.8%, surpassing previous years.
Manufacturing sector grew nearly 9% in August, averaging 7.6% over five months.
Consumer durables production rose 11.1%, indicating expectations of a strong festive demand.
Electricity sector growth quickened to 12.3%, aligning closely with Core Industries data.
Key terms
Index of Industrial Production (IIP)
— A composite indicator that measures short-term changes in the volume of production of a basket of industrial products.
Index of Core Industries (ICI)
— An index measuring the performance of eight core industries: electricity, steel, coal, crude oil, natural gas, refinery products, fertilizers, and cement.
Consumer Durables
— Goods such as automobiles, electronics, and appliances that are expected to last for several years.
14. White House AI Safety Accord: Voluntary Pledge and Enforcement Gaps
US President Trump and six major tech firms signed a voluntary four-layer AI safety accord, but experts criticize the lack of enforcement mechanisms and standardized definitions.
15. India’s CAFE-III Fuel Efficiency Norms: Impact on Cars and EVs
New fleet-wide fuel efficiency standards starting April 2027 mandate portfolio-level compliance, favoring electric vehicles while removing specific concessions for small cars.
First phone call between leaders since the US law granting powers to impose 100% tariffs on countries importing Russian energy.
Discussed cooperation in trade, defence, energy, and critical technologies under the Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is scheduled to visit India in the third week of October.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar noted an 'understanding' on trade negotiations but highlighted complexities due to India's small producer economy.
Jaishankar emphasized that lack of US appreciation for terrorism emanating from Pakistan impacts Indo-US relations.
Key terms
Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership
— The overarching framework defining the multifaceted relationship between India and the United States across various sectors.
Russian Energy Imports
— The purchase of crude oil and other energy products from Russia, which has become a point of contention with Western sanctions policies.
17. Calcutta HC: Social Media Slurs Attract SC/ST Act
The Calcutta High Court ruled that casteist slurs on social media fall under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, redefining 'public view' to include digital spaces.
Justice Uday Kumar held that 'public view' under Sections 3(1)(r) and 3(1)(s) transcends physical space into the digital domain.
The ruling stems from a case where police closed an investigation into Facebook slurs citing lack of user data from Meta.
The court emphasized that cyber-forensic protocols must be exhausted before declaring 'no clue' in online atrocity cases.
This interpretation aligns with the Kerala High Court's 2022 stance that restrictive readings defeat the Act's purpose in tech-driven times.
Key terms
SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989
— A law enacted to prevent discrimination and violence against Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, including provisions against insult and intimidation.
Public View
— A statutory condition requiring that the offending act occurs in a place where members of the public can witness it; now interpreted to include digital domains.
Cyber Forensics
— The application of investigative and analytical techniques to gather and preserve evidence from computing devices and networks for use in legal proceedings.
18. Uttarakhand installs first real-time glacial lake early-warning system
Uttarakhand has initiated the installation of its first real-time monitoring system at Vasundhara Tal to mitigate risks from Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs).
Consider the following statements regarding the political developments in Jammu and Kashmir post-2019:
1. The J&K Assembly resolution demanding immediate restoration of Statehood was supported by all members except the BJP legislators.
2. The 2024 J&K Assembly elections recorded a voter turnout of approximately 63.88%.
3. The resolution moved by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah referenced past resolutions adopted in June 2000 and November 2024.
How many of the above statements are correct?
Answer: (c)
Statement 1 is correct: The text notes that other than the 29 BJP legislators, the members of the 90-member House broadly supported the resolution.
Statement 2 is correct: The text explicitly mentions J&K recorded 63.88% voting in the 2024 elections.
Statement 3 is correct: The resolution mentioned the greater autonomy resolution of June 26, 2000, and the special status resolution of November 6, 2024.
a Statements 2 and 3 are also correct.
b Statement 1 is also correct.
d All statements are correct based on the source text.
Consider the following statements regarding the procurement and payment statistics mentioned in the context of Rabi crop MSPs:
1. The total MSP amount paid to wheat-growing farmers between 2014-15 and 2025-26 was higher than the total MSP paid to farmers of six Rabi crops during the same period.
2. The procurement volume of wheat increased significantly in the period 2014-15 to 2025-26 compared to the previous decade (2004-05 to 2013-14).
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Answer: (c)
Statement 1 is incorrect: The release states MSP paid to wheat farmers (₹7.31 lakh crore) was less than the MSP paid for six Rabi crops (₹8.36 lakh crore) in the 2014-15 to 2025-26 period.
Statement 2 is correct: The text confirms wheat procurement increased to 3,715 LMT in 2014-15 to 2025-26, compared to an increase of 2,254 LMT in the prior period, indicating a significant rise.
a Statement 2 is correct.
b Statement 1 is factually inverted based on the figures provided (7.31 vs 8.36).
Consider the following statements regarding the legal framework governing offshore mineral auctions in India:
1. The Offshore Areas Mineral (Auction) Rules were notified in 2024.
2. The primary objective of developing domestic offshore mineral resources is to replace all imports of cobalt and nickel.
3. Minerals such as manganese and copper are identified as important inputs for electric mobility and renewable energy systems.
How many of the above statements are correct?
Answer: (b)
Statement 1 is correct: The release cites the 'Offshore Areas Mineral (Auction) Rules, 2024'.
Statement 2 is incorrect: The release states the goal is to 'strengthen the country’s long-term mineral resource security' and contribute to 'self-reliance', but does not claim an intent to replace all imports.
Statement 3 is correct: The text lists manganese and copper among minerals important for electric mobility and renewable energy.
a Statements 1 and 3 are both correct, so 'Only one' is wrong.
c Statement 2 is factually overstated compared to the source text.
Consider the following statements about the procedural requirements for establishing an offence under Sections 3(1)(r) and 3(1)(s) of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989:
1. The accused must be a member of a Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe community.
2. The act must be intended to humiliate the victim on their caste.
3. The incident must occur in a place 'within public view'.
How many of the above statements are correct?
Answer: (b)
Statement 1 is incorrect: The text states that to establish these offences, "the accused should NOT be a member of an SC or ST community." This is a crucial exclusionary criterion.
Statement 2 is correct: The text lists "the act must be intended to humiliate the victim on their caste" as one of the three required elements.
Statement 3 is correct: The text lists "the incident must occur in a place 'within public view'" as the third required element.
a Statements 2 and 3 are both correct, so 'Only one' is wrong.
c Statement 1 is factually opposite to the legal requirement stated in the text.
Consider the following statements regarding India's industrial performance in August 2026:
1. The manufacturing sector averaged a growth rate of 7.6% during the April-August period, which was faster than its growth in the first five months of the previous financial year.
2. Growth in consumer durables stood at 11.1% in August, indicating a recovery in domestic consumption alongside export-driven growth.
3. The Goods and Services Tax (GST) rate cuts implemented in September 2025 were cited as the primary driver for the surge in durables production in August 2026.
Answer: (b)
Statement 1 is correct: The text states manufacturing averaged 7.6% in April-August 2026, compared to about 4.2% in the first five months of the previous financial year.
Statement 2 is correct: The text confirms consumer durables grew by 11.1% in August, supplementing export-driven growth with a recovery in domestic consumption.
Statement 3 is incorrect: The text explicitly states that the effect of GST rate cuts from September 2025 'should have petered out by now,' suggesting the boost was due to expectations of a strong festive season rather than the tax cuts themselves.
a Statement 3 is incorrect because the text says the GST cut effects had petered out.
c Statement 3 is incorrect because the text says the GST cut effects had petered out.
d Statement 1 is correct, but Statement 3 is incorrect.
Consider the following statements regarding the 'White House Accord on Super Intelligence':
1. It is a legally binding treaty that mandates immediate statutory enforcement of safety controls for all AI developers.
2. The accord establishes a four-layer system of safety controls, including internal monitoring, independent external evaluations, and board-level oversight.
3. It was signed by the heads of six major technology companies, including Google, Meta, OpenAI, Anthropic, xAI, and Nvidia.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Answer: (d)
Statement 1 is incorrect: The text explicitly describes the accord as a "voluntary pledge" and notes that it does not set deadlines or specify consequences for non-compliance, raising questions about its effectiveness compared to statutory laws.
Statement 2 is correct: The text details a "four-layer system" comprising internal controls, an internal team for ensuring controls work, independent external auditors, and an independent board committee.
Statement 3 is correct: The text lists the signatories as Sundar Pichai (Google), Dario Amodei (Anthropic), Mark Zuckerberg (Meta), Greg Brockman (OpenAI), Elon Musk (xAI), and Jensen Huang (Nvidia).
a Statement 1 is false because the accord is voluntary, not legally binding.
b Statement 1 is false because the accord is voluntary, not legally binding.
c Statement 1 is false because the accord is voluntary, not legally binding.
Consider the following statements regarding the India-US trade negotiations and diplomatic engagements mentioned in the report:
1. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar stated that the two sides have reached 'more or less an understanding' on the trade agreement.
2. The complexity of the negotiations is attributed partly to the difference in the nature of production and society between India and the US.
3. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is scheduled to visit India in December to attend the G20 Summit.
How many of the above statements are correct?
Answer: (b)
Statement 1 is correct: The text quotes Jaishankar saying they have reached 'more or less an understanding on the trade agreement'.
Statement 2 is correct: Jaishankar highlighted the 'complexity' due to India being a society of small producers versus the US, noting the 'nature of production, nature of society is very different'.
Statement 3 is incorrect: The text states Rubio is expected to travel to India in the 'third week of October', while the G20 summit is in 'December' (which Modi attends in the US).
a Statements 1 and 2 are both correct.
c Statement 3 is incorrect regarding the month and purpose of Rubio's visit.
With reference to the Green Energy Corridor Phase-III (GEC-III) scheme, consider the following statements:
1. The scheme aims to strengthen Intra-State Transmission Systems (InSTS) for the evacuation of renewable energy.
2. Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) are mandated to be deployed exclusively at the State Transmission Utility end.
3. All projects under GEC-III, whether greenfield or brownfield, are to be implemented through the Tariff Based Competitive Bidding (TBCB) mode.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Answer: (c)
Statement 1 is correct: The release explicitly states GEC-III strengthens Intra-State Transmission System (InSTS) to enable evacuation of up to 135 GW of renewable energy.
Statement 2 is incorrect: The release states BESS deployment is at the 'Renewable Energy (RE) developer/generator end or any other location of importance', not exclusively at the STU end.
Statement 3 is incorrect: The release specifies that while Greenfield projects use TBCB, brownfield upgradation works are executed under 'Cost Plus Basis (CPB)', so not all projects use TBCB.
a Statement 2 is wrong because BESS is deployed at RE developer/generator end or other important locations, not just STU end.
b Statement 3 is wrong because brownfield works use Cost Plus Basis, not TBCB.
d Statements 2 and 3 are both factually incorrect based on the implementation details provided.
With reference to the Indian Space Policy of April 2023 and ISRO's strategic direction, consider the following statements:
1. The policy envisages a future scenario where ISRO ceases its role in manufacturing commercial satellites and launching rockets.
2. IN-SPACe has explicitly stated that ISRO will be privatised to facilitate greater private sector participation.
3. The current employee grievance centres primarily on the potential loss of jobs due to outsourcing core functions and changes in staff strength.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Answer: (d)
Statement 1 is correct: The text states that since the Indian Space Policy of April 2023, the message has been clear that ISRO would stop making commercial satellites and launch rockets in the unspecified future.
Statement 2 is incorrect: The text explicitly mentions that ISRO says it will 'not be privatised or reduced' and IN-SPACe says the agency will 'not be diminished', contradicting the claim of explicit privatisation.
Statement 3 is correct: The letter from employee associations seeks clarity on staff-strength, recruitment, and outsourcing, with the underlying concern being potential job losses.
a Statement 2 is incorrect as IN-SPACe denies privatisation/diminishment.
Consider the following statements regarding the UN General Assembly Declaration on Rising Sea Levels adopted in September 2024:
1. The declaration affirms that a State retains its sovereignty and seat at the UN even if it loses its defined territory due to rising sea levels.
2. The declaration mandates that nations must negotiate binding emission cuts under this specific framework, superseding the Paris Agreement.
3. According to the declaration, nautical boundaries such as the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) are recalculated dynamically based on the current coastline position.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Answer: (c)
Statement 1 is correct: The text states the declaration affirms a 'presumption in favour of continued statehood,' ensuring countries keep their sovereignty, rights, and UN seat despite territorial loss.
Statement 2 is incorrect: The text explicitly notes that the declaration 'leaves the negotiation of emission cuts to the UN climate convention and the Paris Agreement,' rather than mandating them within this framework.
Statement 3 is incorrect: The text states that crucially, such a country would 'keep its nautical boundaries... even when the coastline retreats,' implying they remain fixed rather than being dynamically recalculated from the new shoreline.
a Statements 2 and 3 are incorrect.
b Statement 2 is incorrect as the declaration does not handle emission negotiations; it defers to the Paris Agreement.
d Both statements 2 and 3 are incorrect; statement 2 misrepresents the scope of emissions talks, and statement 3 contradicts the principle of fixed maritime zones.
With reference to the National Coastal Mission (NCM 2.0), consider the following statements:
1. The mission covers nine coastal States and four Union Territories.
2. The guidelines emphasize promoting ease of doing business through a streamlined implementation framework.
3. The mission is primarily focused on inland waterway development rather than coastal sustainability.
How many of the above statements are correct?
Answer: (b)
Statement 1 is correct: The text specifies implementation across 'nine coastal States and four Union Territories'.
Statement 2 is correct: The Minister highlighted that the mission promotes 'ease of doing business through a clear and streamlined implementation framework'.
Statement 3 is incorrect: The text clearly states the aim is 'strengthening the resilience and sustainability of India’s coastal regions' and unlocking the 'Blue economy', not inland waterways.
a Statements 1 and 2 are both correct, so 'Only one' is wrong.
c Statement 3 is factually incorrect regarding the mission's focus.
With reference to the Minimum Support Price (MSP) policy for Rabi crops, consider the following statements:
1. The MSP is fixed at a level of at least 1.5 times the All-India weighted average Cost of Production.
2. The 'Cost of Production' used for this calculation excludes the imputed value of family labour and interest on working capital.
3. For the Marketing Season 2027-28, Safflower received the highest absolute increase in MSP among all mandated Rabi crops.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Answer: (d)
Statement 1 is correct: The release explicitly states that the MSP hike is in line with the Union Budget 2018-19 announcement of fixing MSP at at least 1.5 times the All-India weighted average Cost of Production.
Statement 2 is incorrect: The footnote defines 'Cost*' as including 'imputed value of family labour' and 'interest on working capital', along with other paid-out costs.
Statement 3 is correct: The text notes that the absolute highest increase was announced for Safflower at Rs.675 per quintal.
a Statement 1 is correct, so any option excluding it is wrong; also Statement 2 is incorrect.
b Statement 2 is incorrect because the cost definition includes imputed family labour.
c Statement 2 is incorrect because the cost definition includes imputed family labour.
With reference to the Minimum Support Price (MSP) policy for Rabi crops, consider the following statements:
1. The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) is the body responsible for announcing MSPs for six officially mandated Rabi crops.
2. Wheat is India’s largest crop by acreage and receives an MSP fixed at 106% of its cost of cultivation.
3. Among the six mandated Rabi crops, Safflower received the highest percentage hike in MSP for the 2027-28 season.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Answer: (a)
Statement 1 is correct: The text explicitly states that the CCEA announced MSPs for six rabi crops (Wheat, Safflower, Rapeseed/Mustard, Lentil, Barley, Gram).
Statement 2 is incorrect: The text identifies wheat as "India’s second-largest crop by acreage," not the largest. While the 106% figure is correct, the status of the crop is wrong.
Statement 3 is correct: The text notes that among the six crops, safflower saw the biggest hike in both absolute and percentage terms (10.32%).
b Statement 2 is incorrect due to the misidentification of wheat's acreage rank.
c Statement 1 is correct, so excluding it makes this option invalid; also, statement 2 is factually wrong regarding acreage rank.
d Statement 2 is incorrect because wheat is the second-largest crop by acreage, not the largest.
With reference to the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and its forecasting of the southwest monsoon, consider the following statements:
1. The IMD’s seasonal forecast for June-September rainfall was revised downwards from April to May, yet the final actual rainfall fell within the error window of the initial April forecast.
2. While the overall seasonal forecast was accurate, the IMD’s monthly forecasts for June and July showed significant deviations from the actual rainfall received in those months.
3. The subdued monsoon rainfall was attributed to a strong El Nino event, which the IMD had anticipated since April.
Answer: (c)
Statement 1 is correct: The text notes the April forecast was 92% LPA (±5%) and May was 90% (±4%). The actual result was 87% LPA. 87% falls within the April range (87-97%), so it corresponds to the initial forecast's error window.
Statement 2 is correct: June got 65% vs 92% forecast; July got ~95% vs <94% forecast. These are described as 'much farther off the mark'.
Statement 3 is correct: The text explicitly links the subdued rainfall to global agencies and IMD anticipating one of the strongest El Ninos since April.
With reference to the key highlights of the Annual Survey of Industries (ASI) for 2024-25, consider the following statements:
1. The Gross Value Added (GVA) of the registered manufacturing sector increased by approximately 9.59% over the previous year.
2. Maharashtra recorded the highest share in all-India manufacturing GVA, followed by Gujarat and Tamil Nadu.
3. The number of establishments in the registered manufacturing sector witnessed a decline compared to the previous survey period.
How many of the above statements are correct?
Answer: (b)
Statement 1 is correct: The text states that GVA increased from ₹2458.3 thousand crore to ₹2694.2 thousand crore, indicating sustained growth of 9.59%.
Statement 2 is correct: The text lists Maharashtra as having the highest GVA, followed by Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Uttar Pradesh.
Statement 3 is incorrect: The text reports that the total number of establishments increased from 2.60 lakhs in ASI 2023-24 to 2.67 lakhs in ASI 2024-25, representing a growth of 2.64%, not a decline.
a Statements 1 and 2 are both correct.
c Statement 3 is incorrect because establishment numbers grew.
With reference to the Bankers’ Books Evidence Act, 2026, consider the following statements:
1. It replaces the Bankers’ Books Evidence Act, 1891 and introduces a technology-neutral framework covering physical, electronic, and digital records.
2. The Act mandates that bank officials must always appear in court as witnesses to testify about banking records, even if the bank is not a party to the proceedings.
3. An electronic record of a banker’s book is admissible as evidence only if it is a true copy, has no unauthorized changes detected, and shows no tampering affecting system integrity.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Answer: (a)
Statement 1 is correct: The Act explicitly states it comes into force on October 1, 2026, replacing the 1891 Act and introducing a technology-neutral framework for all record types.
Statement 2 is incorrect: The Act specifically protects bank officials from routine appearance or testimony when the bank is not a party; they can only be compelled via a written court order recording a 'special cause'.
Statement 3 is correct: The text lists three specific conditions for the admissibility of electronic/digital records: being a true copy, no unauthorized changes, and no tampering/integrity issues.
b Statement 2 is factually incorrect regarding the protection of bank officials.
Consider the following statements regarding the historical context of Article 370 and the Kashmir issue:
1. UN Security Council Resolution 47 mandated immediate demilitarization by both India and Pakistan followed by a plebiscite.
2. N. Gopalaswami Ayyangar argued that Jammu and Kashmir was not yet ripe for full integration due to its entanglement with the United Nations and rebel-held territories.
3. The abrogation of Article 370 in 2019 was effected using Clause 3 of Article 370 itself.
How many of the above statements are correct?
Answer: (c)
Statement 1 is correct: The text states that UNSC Resolution 47 asked both sides to demilitarise so that a plebiscite could be held.
Statement 2 is correct: The text quotes Ayyangar saying the state was "not yet ripe for this kind of integration" because part was in hands of rebels and India was "entangled with the United Nations."
Statement 3 is correct: The text explicitly mentions that the government used "Clause 3 of Article 370" to render the article inoperative through the 2019 Order.
a Statements 2 and 3 are also correct based on the source text.
b Statement 1 is also correct as per the description of UNSC Resolution 47 in the text.
d All three statements are factually supported by the provided text.
Consider the following statements regarding the implementation of CAFE-III standards:
1. Electric Vehicles (EVs) receive the highest compliance benefit among different powertrain technologies under the new framework.
2. The Carbon Neutrality Factor (CNF) allows manufacturers to improve fleet-level performance through the use of renewable fuels like ethanol-blended petrol and biofuels.
3. The reference weight used in the final annual formula for calculating targets is fixed at 1,170 kg.
How many of the above statements are correct?
Answer: (b)
Statement 1 is correct: The text states that the framework 'gives electric vehicles the biggest compliance benefit among the different powertrains.'
Statement 2 is correct: The introduction of the Carbon Neutrality Factor (CNF) recognizes renewable and low-carbon fuels (ethanol, biofuels, CBG) as a pathway to improve CAFE performance.
Statement 3 is incorrect: The text specifies that the final formula uses a reference weight ('b') of 1,229 kg, whereas 1,170 kg was used in earlier versions/proposals.
a Statements 1 and 2 are both correct, so 'Only one' is wrong.
c Statement 3 is incorrect because the final reference weight is 1,229 kg, not 1,170 kg.
d Statements 1 and 2 are correct, so 'None' is wrong.
Consider the following statements regarding the features of the new CAFE Norms framework:
Statement-I: The framework allows manufacturers to meet their obligations over specified two-year or three-year compliance blocks.
Statement-II: This flexibility is provided because the new norms have significantly tightened the year-on-year fuel consumption benchmarks without offering any technological concessions or incentives.
Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?
Answer: (c)
Statement-I is correct: The explanatory note confirms that manufacturers may opt to meet obligations over specified two-year/three-year compliance blocks to facilitate ease of compliance.
Statement-II is incorrect: While the benchmarks are tightened, the statement claims there are no technological concessions or incentives. However, the text details multiple incentives, such as volume derogation factors ('super credits') for electric/hybrid vehicles, recognition of twelve fuel-conservation technologies with CO2 concessions, and the Carbon Neutrality Factor.
a Statement-II is factually incorrect as the framework does offer significant incentives and concessions.
b Statement-II is factually incorrect as the framework does offer significant incentives and concessions.
d Statement-I is actually correct according to the source text.
With reference to the Supreme Court's observation on drug pricing disparities, consider the following statements:
Statement-I: Private hospitals often force patients to purchase drugs from on-premise pharmacies, thereby undermining normal price competition.
Statement-II: This practice allows pharmaceutical companies to compete for the hospitals’ business rather than the patients’, leading to severe financial strain on patients with chronic conditions.
In the context of the above statements, choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below:
Answer: (b)
Statement-I is correct: The text notes that Competition Commission investigations established that private hospitals force patients to use on-premise pharmacies, preventing them from shopping around.
Statement-II is correct: The text confirms that this dynamic shifts competition to hospitals (via PTR/MRP gaps) rather than patients, causing financial strain.
Relation: Statement-II describes the broader market consequence and patient impact resulting from the structural incentives (low PTR/high MRP), whereas Statement-I describes a specific operational tactic (forced on-premise purchase). While related, Statement-II is not the direct causal explanation for why hospitals force on-premise purchases; rather, both are manifestations of the same underlying regulatory gap and profit motive.
a Statement-II explains the outcome of the pricing disparity (companies competing for hospital business), but Statement-I (forcing on-premise sales) is a separate mechanism that restricts patient choice. Statement-II does not explain why the forced sale happens, but rather the economic logic behind the brand selection.
c Statement-II is factually supported by the text.
Consider the following statements regarding glacial lake monitoring in Uttarakhand:
1. The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) identified 13 high-risk glacial lakes in the state, with five classified as Category A.
2. Bathymetric surveys have been completed for all 13 high-risk lakes to establish their depth and water-holding capacity.
3. Vasundhara Tal is located in the Chamoli district and was among the lakes classified as highest risk.
How many of the above statements are correct?
Answer: (b)
Statement 1 is correct: NDMA identified 13 high-risk lakes, five of which were Category A (highest risk).
Statement 2 is incorrect: The text states bathymetric surveys have been completed at six lakes (Saraswati Tal, Vasundhara Tal, Kedartal, Mabang, Pyungru, Syunkti Yankti), not all 13.
Statement 3 is correct: Vasundhara Tal is in Chamoli and was among the five Category A lakes.
a Statements 1 and 3 are correct, so 'Only one' is wrong.
c Statement 2 is wrong because surveys were done for only six lakes, not all thirteen.
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