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. Justice Bhuyan: Mass Voter Deletion Violates Constitution
A Supreme Court judge criticized the Election Commission's mass voter deletions as arbitrary and unconstitutional, emphasizing that voting is a basic structure right.
2. India’s Rising Supercomputing Ecosystem and NSM Progress
The National Supercomputing Mission has deployed 40 systems delivering 68 PF, fostering indigenous HPC capabilities for scientific and societal applications.
3. India Mediates Grain and Maritime Safety Talks Between Russia and Ukraine
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar revealed India is actively facilitating dialogue between Moscow and Kyiv on Black Sea shipping safety and grain exports, marking a shift from passive advocacy to active mediation.
EAM S. Jaishankar stated India is 'going beyond advocacy' by conveying messages between Russia and Ukraine.
Key discussion areas include Black Sea maritime safety, grain export agreements, energy exports, and non-attack possibilities.
India maintains strong ties with Russia, citing historical support during the 1971 war, despite potential US sanctions on Russian oil.
Russian oil currently accounts for over 50% of India’s total oil imports.
Ukraine Foreign Minister Andre Sybiha acknowledged India has the 'broadest' proposal among countries offering conflict resolution help.
Key terms
Middle Power Cooperation
— Collaboration among nations that are not superpowers but have significant regional influence, aimed at addressing global issues like peace and supply chains.
Black Sea Grain Initiative
— Agreements facilitating the safe export of Ukrainian grain through the Black Sea, crucial for global food security.
Strategic Autonomy
— A foreign policy approach where a nation pursues its own national interests independently, without being aligned strictly with any major power bloc.
5. India's First Free-Space Quantum Key Distribution Link
IIT-Gandhinagar and BISAG-N demonstrated India's first free-space quantum key distribution link over 5.56 km, marking a significant step toward satellite-based secure communications.
A marine heatwave in 2024 destroyed nearly all coral reefs in Tuvalu, accelerating sea-level rise threats to the Pacific nation ahead of a pre-COP summit.
7. Kerala Reopens Probe on CEC Gyanesh Kumar Amid Protests
Kerala has reopened a 2006 corruption probe against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, triggering nationwide protests demanding his resignation and the halt of voter list revisions.
Kerala Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala ordered a Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau (VACB) reinvestigation into alleged graft by CEC Gyanesh Kumar from 2006.
The case stems from the suicide of Malaysian engineer Lee See Been, who alleged Kumar sought bribes for clearing payments in a World Bank-funded road project.
Opposition parties including Shiv Sena (UBT) and MNS held joint protests in Mumbai demanding Kumar's resignation and scrapping of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR).
Delhi Police detained hundreds of protesters at Jantar Mantar, while Maharashtra police allowed peaceful gatherings, highlighting divergent administrative responses.
Key terms
Special Intensive Revision (SIR)
— A comprehensive revision of electoral rolls conducted by the Election Commission to ensure accuracy and remove ineligible voters.
Chief Election Commissioner (CEC)
— The head of the Election Commission of India, responsible for administering federal and state elections.
Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau (VACB)
— The agency in Kerala responsible for investigating corruption among public servants.
The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear petitions seeking the suspension of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over allegations of unilateral decision-making.
9. First captive-bred Great Indian Bustards released in Rajasthan
Two male great Indian bustards were released into the Desert National Park, marking the start of rewilding efforts for this critically endangered species.
10. Two Male Great Indian Bustards Released into Wild at Desert National Park
Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav released two male Great Indian Bustards into the wild at Sam, marking a shift from captive breeding to rewilding efforts.
Two male Great Indian Bustards (GIB) were released at Sam in Desert National Park, Jaisalmer, Rajasthan.
The release signifies a transition from establishing conservation-breeding populations to augmenting species in natural habitats.
Current GIB facilities house 97 birds: 40 from wild eggs and 57 bred in captivity.
Captive reproduction yielded 24 live chicks in 2025 and 29 in 2026.
The programme is supported by MoEFCC, Rajasthan Forest Department, WII, and funded by National CAMPA.
Key terms
Rewilding
— The process of restoring ecosystems by reintroducing species that have been lost or depleted, aiming to increase biodiversity and ecological resilience.
Jumpstart Approach
— A conservation technique where eggs laid in captivity are transferred to wild nests to be incubated and raised by wild females, facilitating integration into natural populations.
Conservation Breeding
— Managed breeding programs for endangered species in captivity to maintain genetic diversity and produce individuals for eventual release into the wild.
11. First International Cargo Voyage from Dibrugarh via Brahmaputra
Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal flagged off the first international cargo shipment from Dibrugarh to Bangladesh, reviving historic river trade links in Northeast India.
12. Day 3 Protests for CEC Exit: 500 Detained in Delhi, Marches in Mumbai
Opposition-led protests demanding the removal of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and halting the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) entered their third day, marked by police detentions in Delhi and large marches in Mumbai.
13. Constituent Assembly Debates on Election Commission Appointments
Revisits 1949 Constituent Assembly debates warning against executive bias in appointing Election Commissioners, relevant to the current controversy over the 2023 appointment law.
Saved 255 elephants between January and September 2026 across four NFR divisions.
Deployed AI-based Intrusion Detection System (IDS) using Distributed Acoustic System (DAS) technology for real-time alerts.
Implemented 'Plan Bee' system, which uses amplified honeybee sounds to deter elephants from tracks.
Constructed wildlife underpasses and enforced temporary night-time speed restrictions in vulnerable zones.
Sensitized staff and passengers against throwing food waste that attracts elephants to railway lines.
Key terms
Intrusion Detection System (IDS)
— A security system that monitors network traffic for suspicious activity and issues alerts when such activity is discovered; here adapted for wildlife monitoring.
Distributed Acoustic System (DAS)
— Technology that converts fiber-optic cables into arrays of microphones to detect vibrations and sounds, used here to identify elephant movements near tracks.
Plan Bee
— An acoustic deterrent method that plays amplified sounds of angry honeybees to discourage elephants from approaching railway tracks.
15. RBI Likely to Hike Repo Rate Amid Inflation and Global Pressures
The RBI is expected to raise the repo rate by 25 bps in October due to broad-based inflation, high crude prices, and global interest rate differentials.
MPC meeting scheduled for October 7; likely 25 bps hike to 5.50% repo rate.
Retail inflation projected to peak at 6% in Q3 FY27, driven by food and energy.
US Fed raised rates to 3.75-4%, narrowing India-US yield differential.
El Niño effects causing drought in 74% of Maharashtra's talukas and low reservoir levels.
Q1 FY27 GDP growth recorded at 7.8%, exceeding expectations.
Key terms
Repo Rate
— The rate at which the central bank lends money to commercial banks; a primary tool for monetary policy transmission.
MCLR
— Marginal Cost of Funds based Lending Rate; the minimum interest rate below which banks cannot lend, revised periodically based on internal factors.
El Niño
— A climate pattern characterized by warming of ocean surface temperatures, often leading to reduced monsoon rainfall and agricultural stress in India.
WPI/CPI Wedge
— The divergence between Wholesale Price Index and Consumer Price Index inflation, indicating potential future pass-through of producer costs to consumers.
16. India Engages Russia and Ukraine for Conflict Resolution
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar confirmed India is actively engaging with both Moscow and Kyiv to facilitate dialogue on Black Sea security, grain exports, and energy stability.
17. 3 Lakh Houses Handed Over; First 3D Printed Housing Project Begins
Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan handed over 3 lakh houses under PMAY-G 2.0 to Andhra Pradesh and inaugurated India's first pilot 3D concrete-printed housing project.
3 lakh houses worth ₹3,600 crore handed over under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Gramin (PMAY-G) 2.0.
Foundation laid for India’s first 3D concrete-printed housing pilot: 177 houses at ₹14 crore in Guntur district.
Housing allocation increased from initial proposal of 76,000 to 3 lakh units following state government request.
3D printing technology aims to reduce construction time to six months and lower costs/labour needs.
Centre reaffirmed support for Amaravati capital development with ₹15,000 crore assistance and Polavaram project funding.
Key terms
Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Gramin (PMAY-G)
— A government scheme aimed at providing pucca houses with basic amenities to all houseless families and those living in kutcha/dilapidated houses in rural areas.
3D Concrete Printing
— An additive manufacturing technology that uses robotic arms to extrude concrete layer-by-layer to construct structures rapidly and with less waste.
Lakhpati Didi
— A designation for women members of Self-Help Groups (SHGs) who earn more than ₹1 lakh per annum, symbolizing economic empowerment.
Polavaram Irrigation Project
— A major multi-purpose irrigation project on the Godavari river in Andhra Pradesh, designated as a National Project.
18. CCI and CSB Reforms for Cotton and Silk Value Chains
The Ministry of Textiles is showcasing digital and institutional reforms by CCI and CSB to enhance farmer-centricity, transparency, and efficiency in India's cotton and silk sectors.
The Ministry of Road Transport & Highways is convening a two-day conclave in Gujarat to address implementation challenges and enhance highway quality, safety, and Centre-State coordination.
20. CAQM Inspects Delhi Ring Road for Dust Mitigation
The Commission for Air Quality Management conducted an inspection drive on Delhi's Ring Road to assess road dust levels and the effectiveness of cleaning operations.
Consider the following statements regarding the ecological significance and habitat restoration measures associated with the Great Indian Bustard (GIB):
1. The GIB serves as an important stopover for migratory birds traveling along the Central Asian Flyway.
2. Habitat restoration under Project GIB involves the establishment of fenced grassland enclosures inside the Desert National Park.
How many of the above statements are correct?
Answer: (d)
Statement 1 is correct: Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav stated that the GIB works as an important stopover for migratory birds that travel from the Central Asia flyway.
Statement 2 is correct: The text mentions that besides captive breeding, the project includes habitat restoration by the Rajasthan forest department, specifically the establishment of around 200 square kilometres of fenced grassland enclosures inside the Desert National Park.
a Both statements are supported by the text.
b The information is explicitly provided in the text.
Consider the following statements regarding the composition and decision-making mechanism of the Election Commission of India (ECI):
1. The Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) has the authority to take decisions unilaterally without the concurrence of other Election Commissioners.
2. The ECI functions as a multi-member body where collective approval is required for major administrative decisions, guidelines, and software changes.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Answer: (b)
Statement 1 is incorrect: The source text explicitly mentions pleas challenging decisions taken by the CEC 'without the concurrence of the other two election commissioners,' implying that such unilateral action is contested and contrary to the expected collective mechanism.
Statement 2 is correct: The petitions seek to declare decisions made without 'collective approval' as unauthorized, highlighting that the standard operating procedure for the ECI involves consensus among its members.
a Statement 1 contradicts the premise of the legal challenge described in the text.
c Statement 1 is factually inconsistent with the context of the plea.
d Statement 2 accurately reflects the requirement for collective approval mentioned in the text.
Consider the following statements regarding the geopolitical consequences of the toppling of Saddam Hussein's regime in Iraq:
1. Saddam’s Iraq served as a buffer between the Arab Gulf countries and Iran despite hostile relations with Gulf monarchies.
2. Following the removal of Saddam’s regime, Iran extended its influence across Iraq through Shia parties and militias.
3. The war on Iraq led to the immediate dissolution of all armed militias in the region, stabilizing West Asia.
How many of the above statements are correct?
Answer: (b)
Statement 1 is correct: The text notes Saddam's Iraq was a buffer between Gulf countries and Iran.
Statement 2 is correct: The text confirms Iran extended influence via Shia parties and militias after Saddam was toppled.
Statement 3 is incorrect: The text describes the rise of powerful militias (like PMFs) and jihadists, stating the war destabilized parts of West Asia rather than stabilizing it.
a Two statements (1 and 2) are correct, not just one.
c Statement 3 is incorrect as the text highlights the rise of militias and instability.
Consider the following statements regarding India's first free-space Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) link demonstrated recently:
1. The link was established between BISAG-N and IIT-Gandhinagar using equipment supplied by QNu Labs.
2. The demonstration achieved a quantum bit error rate of under 5%, which is considered desirable.
3. This event marked the first time ISRO had demonstrated a QKD link over free air.
How many of the above statements are correct?
Answer: (b)
Statement 1 is correct: The text confirms the connection between BISAG-N and IIT-Gandhinagar with equipment from QNu Labs.
Statement 2 is correct: The Ministry of Electronics and IT reported a quantum bit error rate of under 5%.
Statement 3 is incorrect: ISRO had previously demonstrated a QKD link over 300 m four years prior; this recent demo was conducted by scientists connecting BISAG-N and IIT-Gandhinagar, not ISRO.
a Statements 1 and 2 are both correct.
c Statement 3 is factually incorrect as ISRO's earlier test predates this specific free-space milestone described.
Consider the following statements regarding the mechanism of road dust pollution as highlighted by the CAQM:
1. Accumulation of Construction and Demolition (C&D) waste contributes to ambient air quality degradation through the resuspension of dust caused by vehicular movement.
2. Regular sweeping operations are deemed critical primarily to prevent the generation of new dust particles from construction activities.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Answer: (b)
Statement 1 is correct: The release explicitly links C&D waste accumulation and visible road dust to the resuspension of dust due to vehicular movement, adversely impacting ambient air quality.
Statement 2 is incorrect: The release emphasizes that regular cleaning/sweeping is critical for controlling existing road dust and preventing its resuspension, not for preventing the generation of new dust from construction activities (which requires source control at construction sites).
a Statement 2 is incorrect.
c Statement 2 misidentifies the primary function of sweeping; it manages existing dust/resuspension, not the generation of dust at source.
Consider the following statements regarding the nature of India-Russia relations as described by the External Affairs Minister:
1. The relationship has historically been strong since the 1950s, particularly when Russia supported India during threats to its territorial integrity.
2. The current relationship is characterized exclusively by military and nuclear cooperation, with trade and investment playing a negligible role.
3. The minister acknowledged that while the legacy of past support shapes the relationship, the dynamics have changed significantly since the 1970s and 80s.
How many of the above statements are correct?
Answer: (b)
Statement 1 is correct: Jaishankar highlighted the historical bond since the 1950s, noting Russia stood by India when security and territorial integrity were under threat.
Statement 2 is incorrect: The minister explicitly stated the relationship is 'very much more today an economic relationship as well,' citing significant trade, investment, energy, and resources alongside military/nuclear/space components. It is not exclusive to military/nuclear.
Statement 3 is correct: He admitted the world and relationships have changed since the 70s/80s, requiring the relationship to be 'refreshed' and rebalanced.
a Statements 1 and 3 are both correct, so 'Only one' is wrong.
c Statement 2 is incorrect because the relationship includes significant economic dimensions.
Consider the following statements regarding the protests seeking the removal of the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC):
1. In New Delhi, police detained nearly 500 people while stopping a march towards Jantar Mantar.
2. In Mumbai, the 'Virat Garjana Morcha' was organized solely by the Shiv Sena (UBT) without participation from other opposition parties.
3. Protesters alleged that the CEC was being used as a 'weapon' by the ruling party to disenfranchise voters.
How many of the above statements are correct?
Answer: (b)
Statement 1 is correct: The text states that Delhi Police stopped the march on Ashoka Road and detained nearly 500 people.
Statement 2 is incorrect: The text mentions that leaders from Congress and NCP-SP also participated in the 'Virat Garjana Morcha', indicating it was not organized solely by Shiv Sena (UBT).
Statement 3 is correct: Uddhav Thackeray described the CEC as a 'weapon' in the hands of the BJP, claiming this was done to take away voting rights.
a Statements 1 and 3 are correct.
c Statement 2 is incorrect due to multi-party participation.
With reference to the National Supercomputing Mission (NSM), consider the following statements:
1. It is jointly steered by the Department of Science and Technology (DST) and the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY).
2. The implementation agencies for the mission are C-DAC, Pune, and IISc, Bengaluru.
3. The mission follows a 'Build approach' consisting of three concurrent phases: assembly, manufacturing, and design and manufacturing support.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Answer: (d)
Statement 1 is correct: The release explicitly states NSM is jointly steered by DST and MeitY.
Statement 2 is correct: The text identifies C-DAC, Pune, and IISc, Bengaluru as the implementing bodies.
Statement 3 is correct: The 'Build approach' is described in the text as having three concurrent phases: assembly, manufacturing, and design and manufacturing support.
With reference to the constitutional status of the right to vote in India, consider the following statements:
1. The right to be a voter is merely a statutory right derived from the Representation of the People Act.
2. Universal adult suffrage is subject to qualifications based on wealth, education, or social status.
3. The deletion of a voter's name from the electoral roll requires notice and hearing, except in the case of a deceased voter.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Answer: (c)
Statement 1 is incorrect: Justice Bhuyan explicitly stated that the right to be a voter is not merely a statutory right but a constitutional right within the framework of the Basic Structure.
Statement 2 is incorrect: Universal adult franchise is defined as the right to vote free of qualifications such as sex, race, religion, wealth, education, or social status.
Statement 3 is correct: The judge noted that except for dead voters, names cannot be deleted from electoral rolls without notice and hearing.
a Statement 1 is factually wrong as the right is constitutional, not just statutory.
b Statement 1 is factually wrong as the right is constitutional, not just statutory; Statement 2 is wrong as universal suffrage excludes wealth/education qualifications.
d Statements 1 and 2 are both factually incorrect regarding the nature of the right and its qualifications.
Consider the following statements regarding the protests demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar:
1. In Mumbai, opposition parties Shiv Sena (UBT) and MNS held a joint rally where they displayed their respective party flags to assert political identity.
2. The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) organized a protest at Shivaji Park after receiving formal permission from the Mumbai Police.
3. Delhi Police detained hundreds of protesters at Jantar Mantar and temporarily closed several metro stations in central Delhi.
How many of the above statements are correct?
Answer: (a)
Statement 1 is incorrect: The text notes that in a break from past protests, the rally saw neither party's flag or symbol on display; cadres were instructed to carry only the tricolour to make the agitation more inclusive.
Statement 2 is incorrect: The text states that the Mumbai Police had denied permission to gather for the CJP protest, yet the CJP went ahead with the demonstration anyway.
Statement 3 is correct: The text confirms that Delhi Police blocked protests at Jantar Mantar, detained hundreds of people, and the Delhi Metro temporarily closed entry and exit at 12 stations in central Delhi.
With reference to the Great Indian Bustard (GIB) conservation efforts in India, consider the following statements:
1. The 'jumpstart' approach involves placing captive-laid eggs into wild nests for incubation by wild females.
2. The Bustard Recovery Programme is implemented solely by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change without external technical collaboration.
3. The Supreme Court of India has issued a judgement guiding the conservation actions for the species based on recommendations from an Expert Committee.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Answer: (d)
Statement 1 is correct: The text describes the 'jumpstart' approach as placing captive-laid eggs in wild nests, which were accepted by incubating females.
Statement 2 is incorrect: The programme is a collaborative initiative involving the Rajasthan Forest Department, Wildlife Institute of India (WII), International Fund for Houbara Conservation, and National CAMPA funding, not solely MoEFCC.
Statement 3 is correct: The text explicitly states that conservation actions are guided by the Judgement of the Supreme Court of India, based on recommendations of the Expert Committee.
a Statement 2 is incorrect due to the exclusion of collaborative partners mentioned in the release.
b Statement 2 is incorrect; it falsely claims the programme lacks external technical collaboration.
c Statement 2 is incorrect because the programme involves multiple agencies including WII and international collaborators.
Consider the following statements regarding the implementation and review of the Agnipath scheme:
1. The first batch of Agniveers enrolled in 2023 is scheduled to complete their contractual tenure in October 2026.
2. The Army, Navy, and Air Force have submitted recommendations to the Department of Military Affairs for improving the scheme's implementation.
3. The government has announced a move to alter the existing permanent retention ratio of 25% based on these recommendations.
How many of the above statements are correct?
Answer: (b)
Statement 1 is correct: The text notes that the first batch (enrolled in 2023) completes its tenure in October 2026.
Statement 2 is correct: The text confirms that the three services shared suggestions with the Department of Military Affairs.
Statement 3 is incorrect: The text explicitly states that the government continues to maintain that there is no move to alter the existing permanent retention ratio.
a Statements 1 and 2 are both correct, so 'Only one' is wrong.
c Statement 3 is incorrect because the retention ratio remains unchanged.
With reference to the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Gramin (PMAY-G) 2.0 and recent housing initiatives in Andhra Pradesh, consider the following statements:
1. The Union Ministry of Rural Development is the nodal ministry for the implementation of PMAY-G.
2. In a pilot project at Guntur, 3D concrete printing technology was used to construct houses with an estimated completion time of six months.
3. The initial allocation of houses for Andhra Pradesh under this scheme was fixed at 6 lakh units before being revised downwards due to fiscal constraints.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Answer: (d)
Statement 1 is correct: The release identifies Shivraj Singh Chouhan as the Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare and Rural Development, indicating that the Ministry of Rural Development oversees PMAY-G.
Statement 2 is correct: The text explicitly states that the first pilot housing project using 3D concrete printing comprises 177 houses and construction is expected to be completed within six months.
Statement 3 is incorrect: The release states the initial allocation proposed by officials was only 76,000 houses, which was increased to 3 lakh houses upon the Chief Minister's request, not decreased from 6 lakh.
a Statement 3 is factually incorrect regarding the direction of the change in allocation numbers.
b Statement 3 is incorrect, making option 'd' invalid.
c Statement 3 is factually incorrect; the allocation increased from 76,000 to 3 lakh, it did not decrease from 6 lakh.
With reference to the Cotton Corporation of India (CCI) and its recent reforms, consider the following statements:
1. The Kapas Kisan digital platform integrates farmer registration, slot booking, procurement communication, and Aadhaar-enabled payments into a single interface.
2. The Kasturi Cotton Bharat initiative is primarily aimed at promoting High-Density Planting System (HDPS) to address the productivity gap in Indian cotton.
3. CCI operates as a Public Sector Undertaking under the Ministry of Textiles to make the cotton procurement ecosystem more transparent and technology-driven.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Answer: (b)
Statement 1 is correct: The release explicitly lists farmer registration, slot booking, communication, and Aadhaar-enabled payments as components of the Kapas Kisan platform.
Statement 2 is incorrect: The release distinguishes between initiatives; Kasturi Cotton Bharat focuses on quality improvement, traceability, and market positioning of premium cotton, while HDPS is a separate productivity-oriented intervention promoted in collaboration with agricultural institutions.
Statement 3 is correct: The text identifies CCI as a Public Sector Undertaking under the Ministry of Textiles aiming for transparency and efficiency.
a Statement 2 is incorrect for the same reason as above.
c Statement 2 is incorrect because it conflates the objective of Kasturi Cotton Bharat (quality/traceability) with HDPS (productivity).
d Statement 2 is incorrect for the same reason as above.
With reference to the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of India, consider the following statements:
1. The MPC is responsible for determining the policy interest rate required to achieve the consumer price index inflation target.
2. A hike in the repo rate immediately impacts all outstanding loans, including those linked to the Marginal Cost of Funds based Lending Rate (MCLR).
3. The RBI's decision to raise rates is influenced by both domestic inflationary pressures and global factors such as US Federal Reserve actions and commodity prices.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Answer: (d)
Statement 1 is correct: The primary mandate of the MPC is to decide the policy rate (repo rate) to maintain CPI inflation within the target range.
Statement 2 is incorrect: As per the source text, loans directly linked to the repo rate see immediate impact, whereas MCLR-based loans rise later depending on banks' funding costs and liquidity conditions; they are not 'immediate' in the same mechanical sense.
Statement 3 is correct: The text explicitly cites domestic inflation (food, energy) and global backdrop (US rates, bond yields, commodity prices) as drivers for the RBI's potential rate hike.
a Statement 2 is incorrect.
b Statement 2 is incorrect.
c Statement 2 is incorrect because MCLR revisions are not immediate upon a repo hike but depend on bank-specific factors.
With reference to the ecological crisis in Tuvalu, consider the following statements:
1. The massive coral mortality observed in Tuvalu is primarily attributed to pollution and overfishing rather than climatic factors.
2. A marine heatwave in 2024 resulted in the death of an estimated 99.9% of the coral responsible for building the Tuvalu islands.
3. The pre-COP gathering mentioned in this context was hosted by Tuvalu ahead of the UN climate conference in Turkey.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Answer: (d)
Statement 1 is incorrect: Marine biologist Austin Bowden-Kerby explicitly stated that the devastation was 'not pollution' or 'overfishing,' but a direct result of climate change (marine heatwave).
Statement 2 is correct: Scientists reported that a marine heatwave in 2024 wiped out approximately 99.9% of the coral ecosystem.
Statement 3 is incorrect: The pre-COP gathering was hosted by Fiji, not Tuvalu.
a Statement 1 is factually opposite to the source text which denies pollution/overfishing as causes.
b Both Statement 1 and Statement 3 are incorrect.
c Statement 3 is incorrect because the host nation was Fiji.
Consider the following statements regarding the objectives and structure of the Chintan Shivir 2026:
1. One of its primary goals is to identify implementation challenges and propose innovative approaches for project delivery.
2. The session on 'Designing Safe Highways' focuses primarily on contractual aspects of concession agreements.
3. The event aims to contribute towards developing safer, higher-quality, and future-ready highway infrastructure.
How many of the above statements are correct?
Answer: (b)
Statement 1 is correct: The release mentions focusing on identifying implementation challenges and deliberating on innovative and replicable approaches.
Statement 2 is incorrect: The 'Designing Safe Highways' session addresses road safety considerations, while 'Model Concession Agreements' handles contractual aspects.
Statement 3 is correct: The concluding paragraph states the aim is contributing towards safer, higher-quality, and future-ready infrastructure.
a Statements 1 and 3 are both correct.
c Statement 2 is incorrect as it conflates two different thematic sessions.
With reference to the measures adopted by Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) to prevent train-elephant collisions, consider the following statements:
1. The 'Plan Bee' system utilizes amplified honeybee sounds to discourage elephants from approaching railway tracks.
2. The AI-based Intrusion Detection System (IDS) relies on Distributed Acoustic System (DAS) technology to provide real-time alerts.
3. NFR has implemented permanent speed restrictions across all divisions irrespective of elephant movement reports.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Answer: (b)
Statement 1 is correct: The release explicitly states that 'Plan Bee' uses amplified honeybee sounds to keep elephants away from tracks.
Statement 2 is correct: The text confirms that the AI-based IDS uses Distributed Acoustic System (DAS) technology for real-time alerts.
Statement 3 is incorrect: The release mentions 'temporary speed restrictions' and 'night-time speed restrictions' specifically when elephant movement is reported, not permanent restrictions across all divisions.
a Statement 2 is correct, but Statement 3 is incorrect.
c Statement 3 is incorrect as restrictions are temporary and conditional, not permanent.
In his address at the Munich Leaders Meeting, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar characterized the current global landscape by describing the United States as a 'lonelier power' and China as a 'unique country'. Which of the following best explains the context of this characterization?
Answer: (d)
The source text explicitly links the 'lonelier power' description to a 'radical repositioning' of the US posture of choice.
It links the 'unique country' description to China's self-view and the resulting 'sharp competition' and 'weaponisation of any leverage'.
This analysis serves as a backdrop for Jaishankar's argument that other countries (middle powers) should build their own coalitions.
a The statement refers to bilateral/multilateral dynamics and power positioning, not specifically UNSC voting records.
b Jaishankar advocated for middle-power cooperation with each other, not joining US-led military coalitions; he defended ties with Russia.
c The text does not claim withdrawal from forums; rather, it discusses changing postures and competition within existing frameworks.
With reference to the recent flag-off of the first international cargo voyage from Dibrugarh, consider the following statements:
Statement-I: This marks the first time since Independence that a cargo consignment has sailed from Dibrugarh to a foreign port.
Statement-II: The Brahmaputra river system was historically the primary link for Upper Assam's trade with global markets prior to Independence.
In the context of the above two statements, which one of the following is correct?
Answer: (b)
Statement-I is true: The press release confirms this is the 'first time since Independence' for such a voyage from Dibrugarh.
Statement-II is true: The text notes that 'For generations before Independence, the Brahmaputra was Upper Assam's main link to the markets of the world.'
Relation: While both are true, Statement-II provides historical context for why the route is significant, but it does not logically explain the specific factual claim in Statement-I (that no such voyage happened between 1947 and now). The break in connectivity was due to geopolitical changes (Partition), not just the historical nature of the river itself.
a Statement-II describes historical utility, not the causal reason for the gap in voyages since Independence.
Consider the following statements regarding the debates in the Constituent Assembly on the appointment of Election Commissioners:
1. Shibban Lal Saxena proposed that the appointment of an Election Commissioner should require a two-thirds majority in Parliament to prevent one party from installing its own nominee.
2. H N Kunzru argued that provincial governments were kept out of election administration because they might be politically biased, but questioned why the Central Government would be any less capable of bias.
3. B R Ambedkar dismissed the concerns about political bias in appointments, stating that the American model of Senate confirmation was perfectly suitable for India.
How many of the above statements are correct?
Answer: (b)
Statement 1 is correct: Saxena proposed a two-thirds majority requirement to make it impossible for one party to install its own nominee, though this proposal was voted down.
Statement 2 is correct: Kunzru highlighted the parallel between provincial and central government bias, warning that democracy could be 'poisoned at the source' if integrity was not guaranteed.
Statement 3 is incorrect: Ambedkar called it one of the Drafting Committee's 'greatest headaches'. He considered the American model but worried it would import its own political games, leading to the compromise of leaving the mechanism to Parliament.
a Statements 1 and 2 are both correct.
c Statement 3 is incorrect as Ambedkar did not dismiss the concern nor endorse the US model fully.
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Score the daily set, see your rank, and let Guru explain what you missed.