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.
The Supreme Court ruled that Class 6 students should receive the same relief as Classes 7-9, where Class 10 exams are internal assessments rather than Board exams.
The Court questioned whether the policy implementation could be deferred from 2026 to 2027 to allow schools time to prepare.
CBSE has resisted compromise, while the Court highlighted the disruption caused by introducing a new language in Class 9 without prior foundation.
The editorial argues for a two-language policy (English and mother tongue) with optional third languages assessed internally, citing English's role in global employment.
Current policy trends show Sanskrit becoming the common second Indian language, displacing foreign languages like Spanish or French in many schools.
Key terms
Three-language policy
— An educational framework requiring students to learn three languages, typically involving Hindi, English, and a regional/second Indian language.
Internal Assessment
— Evaluation conducted by school teachers within the institution, distinct from external Board examinations.
De facto Indian language
— A term used to describe English's status in India as an integral part of the linguistic landscape despite its colonial origins.
5. Legislative Privileges vs Free Speech: SC Hearing
The Supreme Court is hearing a reference to resolve the conflict between legislative privileges under Articles 105/194 and fundamental rights like free speech.
6. Indian-born Cheetah Gives Birth to Five Cubs at Kuno National Park
KJP21, an Indian-born cheetah, gave birth to five cubs at Kuno National Park, raising India's total cheetah population to 60 and introducing the Botswanan genetic lineage.
7. CAQM Deploys Flying Squads to Monitor Stubble Burning in Punjab and Haryana
The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has deployed Flying Squads across 34 districts in Punjab and Haryana to monitor and prevent paddy stubble burning during the 2026 harvesting season.
8. TDB-DST backs ₹130 crore indigenous AI Vision SoC project
The Technology Development Board has sanctioned ₹130 crore to BigEndian Semiconductors to develop a sovereign AI chip for surveillance, reducing import dependence.
9. First National Household Travel Survey: Key Findings
The NSO released the first-ever all-India data on household travel patterns, revealing two-wheeler dominance in commuting and significant urban-rural disparities in transport costs.
11. India-US Trade Talks Plateau; EU FTA Unaffected by Russian Oil
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman stated that India-US trade negotiations have reached a plateau, while confirming that the upcoming India-EU Free Trade Agreement is not contingent on India's Russian oil imports.
12. Health Groups Demand Regulation of Private Hospital Charges
Civil society groups urge the government to cap private hospital fees and medicine margins amid Supreme Court scrutiny of healthcare pricing practices.
Jan Swasthya Abhiyan (JSA) and Working Group on Access to Medicines demand ceilings on private hospital charges and trade margins for medicines/devices.
Supreme Court recently questioned steep markups in hospital pharmacies and mandatory purchase requirements from linked pharmacies.
Clinical Establishments (Registration and Regulation) Act, 2010 exists but lacks uniform implementation across states.
Groups cite Competition Commission of India (CCI) concerns regarding anti-competitive practices and revenue-linked incentives affecting clinical decisions.
Key terms
Trade Margins
— The difference between the procurement cost of a product and its selling price, regulated here to prevent excessive profit-taking by hospitals and pharmacies.
Clinical Establishments Act, 2010
— A central legislation providing a framework for the registration and regulation of clinical establishments to ensure minimum standards and standardized charges.
Maximum Retail Price (MRP)
— The highest price at which a consumer can buy a product, which critics argue should not justify multiple markups by service providers.
13. CJI Clarifies SC Did Not Approve Form 6 Changes
The Chief Justice of India stated the Supreme Court never approved unauthorized modifications to voter registration Form 6, prompting an inquiry into who altered the statutory form.
14. Edible Oil Inflation: Biofuel Mandates and Climate Shocks
Global vegetable oil prices are rising due to increased biofuel blending mandates, El Niño impacts on palm yields, and geopolitical supply disruptions.
16. First Botswana-lineage cheetah cubs born in India at Kuno
Five cubs born to an Indian-born female and a Botswana male at Kuno National Park mark the start of the Botswana genetic lineage in India's cheetah population.
17. India's Diplomatic Outreach to Russia and Ukraine
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar detailed India's ongoing diplomatic efforts with both Moscow and Kyiv, initiated in July following attacks on commercial shipping.
18. IAF Aircraft Deports Illegal Immigrants from J&K
The Indian Air Force transported approximately 150 detained individuals, identified as illegal immigrants, to West Bengal for deportation to Bangladesh, marking the start of a broader crackdown in Jammu & Kashmir.
19. Telangana CEO Orders Action Against Form 7 Misuse
The Telangana Chief Electoral Officer has directed district officials to take legal action against individuals filing bulk, false Form 7 applications to delete eligible voters during the Special Intensive Revision.
Consider the following statements regarding the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the practical consequences of the CBSE three-language policy as discussed in recent judicial and editorial contexts:
1. The NEP 2020 advocates exclusively for two Indian languages and ignores the importance of learning foreign languages.
2. A practical consequence of the current CBSE policy is the removal of foreign languages like Spanish and French from schools because English serves as the medium of instruction for other subjects.
3. The Supreme Court has found merit in learning more Indian languages as a way of strengthening the federal structure.
How many of the above statements are correct?
Answer: (b)
Statement 1 is incorrect: The text states that while NEP 2020 advocates for two Indian languages, it also mentions the importance of learning foreign languages to facilitate global mobility.
Statement 2 is correct: The text explains that since English is the language of instruction in other subjects, it becomes the only 'foreign' language taken, leading to the practical consequence of removing Spanish, French, etc.
Statement 3 is correct: The text explicitly states that 'the Court has found merit in learning more Indian languages as a way of strengthening the federal structure.'
a Statements 2 and 3 are both correct, so 'Only one' is wrong.
c Statement 1 is incorrect because NEP 2020 does mention the importance of foreign languages.
Consider the following statements regarding Indonesia's biodiesel blending mandates:
1. Indonesia introduced B20 diesel on a limited scale in 2016 and made it mandatory nationwide in September 2018.
2. In July 2026, the Indonesian government raised the blend mandate to B50, making it the first country to implement 50% blending in diesel.
3. The shift from B40 to B50 is projected to absorb an additional 4.7 million tonnes of Indonesian palm oil locally, thereby reducing export volumes.
How many of the above statements are correct?
Answer: (c)
Statement 1 is correct: The text confirms B20 was introduced on a limited scale in 2016 and became mandatory nationwide in September 2018.
Statement 2 is correct: The text states that in July 2026, Indonesia raised the mandate to B50, noting it as the world's first country to implement 50% blending in diesel.
Statement 3 is correct: The text explicitly mentions that moving from B40 to B50 will absorb an additional 4.7 mt of Indonesian palm oil locally, leaving less for exports.
a Statements 2 and 3 are also correct.
b Statement 1 is also correct.
d All statements are factually supported by the text.
Consider the following statements regarding the reintroduction of cheetahs in India under Project Cheetah:
Statement I: The birth of five cubs to KJP21 signifies the establishment of a self-sustaining next generation of cheetahs on Indian soil.
Statement II: All cheetahs currently present in India are descendants of Namibian and South African imports, with no other genetic lineages introduced so far.
Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?
Answer: (c)
Statement I is correct: The Union Minister described the development as an important milestone in the emergence of the next generation of India’s cheetah population born on Indian soil.
Statement II is incorrect: The release explicitly states that the new cubs mark the beginning of the Botswanan lineage in India, contradicting the claim that only Namibian/South African lineages exist.
a Statement II is false due to the introduction of the Botswanan lineage.
b Statement II is false.
d Statement I is true (it marks the next generation) and Statement II is false.
With reference to India's diplomatic engagement regarding the Russia-Ukraine conflict, consider the following statements:
1. India initiated its latest round of direct conversations with both sides in July, triggered by attacks on commercial shipping in the Black Sea.
2. India has consistently advocated for peace conferences that include Russia, opposing gatherings held in the absence of Moscow.
3. The External Affairs Minister stated that the conflict is likely to be resolved through decisive battlefield outcomes given the evolving dynamics.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Answer: (d)
Statement 1 is correct: The text explicitly mentions that New Delhi started the latest round of conversations in July after commercial ships came under attack from both sides in the Black Sea.
Statement 2 is correct: The minister noted that while there were conferences supporting peace, they often gathered without Russia, but New Delhi believed there was 'no point' in having a gathering dealing with the conflict where Russia is not present.
Statement 3 is incorrect: The text states that from the very beginning, India held that this conflict is unlikely to be resolved on the battlefield, emphasizing negotiations instead.
a Statement 3 is incorrect.
b Statement 3 is incorrect as it contradicts India's stance on battlefield resolution.
c Statement 3 is factually opposite to the source text; India believes resolution is unlikely on the battlefield.
Consider the following statements regarding the April 16 event in Navi Mumbai described in the context of heatwave management:
1. The event was held on uncovered ground, yet dignitaries were seated on a covered podium.
2. The immediate response to heat distress involved police personnel improvising transport for victims due to a lack of pre-planned medical logistics.
3. The Chief Minister attributed the fatalities primarily to meteorological caprice rather than administrative lapses.
How many of the above statements are correct?
Answer: (b)
Statement 1 is correct: The text notes nearly a million people gathered on 'uncovered ground' while ministers joined the awardee on a 'covered podium'.
Statement 2 is correct: The text describes individuals/police 'scrambling to bring drinking water... and to carry them on motorcycles', indicating an improvised response due to the 'absence of a systematic plan'.
Statement 3 is incorrect: The text states Mr. Shinde called the deaths 'very unfortunate', but the author argues 'fortune had nothing to do with it' and blames government responsibility, not meteorological caprice (which the author says bears only some blame).
a Two statements are correct, not just one.
c Statement 3 is factually misaligned with the text's attribution of blame to government planning failures rather than weather luck/caprice as the primary cause cited by the CM.
d Statements 1 and 2 are clearly supported by the text.
Consider the following statements regarding commute patterns in India based on the first-ever National Household Travel Survey (NHTS):
1. The average monthly expenditure on commuting to a fixed workplace is higher for urban workers compared to rural workers.
2. Walking is the most common mode of transport for students attending educational institutions.
3. The majority of overnight trips undertaken by households are primarily for employment purposes.
How many of the above statements are correct?
Answer: (b)
Statement 1 is correct: Urban workers incur an average monthly cost of ₹1,044, which is substantially higher than the ₹612 incurred by rural workers.
Statement 2 is correct: Walking accounts for 37.0% of student commutes, followed by buses (29.5%) and bicycles (15.8%).
Statement 3 is incorrect: The survey finds that overnight trips are primarily for social and religious purposes, with buses being the predominant mode, not employment.
a Statements 1 and 2 are both correct.
c Statement 3 is incorrect; overnight trips are mainly for social/religious purposes.
Consider the following statements regarding CIL's performance in FY 2026-27:
1. During the first half (H1) of FY 2026-27, CIL liquidated 63 MT of pithead coal stocks to support supply.
2. Domestic coal-based generation increased by approximately 9.9% in H1 FY 2026-27 compared to the previous year.
3. In September 2026, CIL's total coal supplies registered a growth of 12.5%, while power-sector supplies grew by 10.63%.
How many of the above statements are correct?
Answer: (c)
Statement 1 is correct: The text states, 'CIL liquidated 63 MT of pithead coal stocks during the first half of FY 2026-27.'
Statement 2 is correct: The text reports domestic coal-based generation increased from 582.5 BU to 640.05 BU, an increase of 'about 57.5 BU or 9.9%.'
Statement 3 is correct: The text confirms September total supplies rose by '12.5%' and power-sector supplies rose by '10.63%.'
a Statements 2 and 3 are also factually accurate per the source text.
b Statement 1 is also factually accurate per the source text.
d All three statements are directly supported by figures in the release.
With reference to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and the associated forms, consider the following pairs:
| Form | Primary Purpose |
| :--- | :--- |
| 1. Form 6 | Application for inclusion of name in the electoral roll |
| 2. Form 7 | Objection to the inclusion of a name in the electoral roll |
| 3. Form 8 | Correction of entries in the electoral roll |
How many of the above pairs are correctly matched?
Answer: (d)
The source text mentions actions against false statements in Forms 6, 6A, 7, and 8.
Standard electoral procedure (implied by the context of SIR and the specific mention of Form 7 being used to 'falsely delete eligible voters') aligns with these definitions: Form 6 is for inclusion, Form 7 is for objection/deletion, and Form 8 is for correction.
The text specifically highlights the misuse of Form 7 to delete voters, confirming its role in objections/deletions.
a Incorrect because all three standard forms match their purposes.
b Incorrect because all three standard forms match their purposes.
c Incorrect because all three standard forms match their purposes.
With reference to the MoU on Migration and Mobility Partnership (MMP) signed between India and Switzerland, consider the following statements:
1. The partnership aims to develop cooperation under equal treatment principles and combat irregular migration and human trafficking.
2. It provides for multiple-entry visas valid for up to 5 years, with a stay of up to 6 months on each visit.
3. It mandates a fixed annual quota of 300 young professionals per country for temporary employment exchange.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Answer: (b)
Statement 1 is correct: The source text explicitly states the MoU aims to develop cooperation under equal treatment principles and prevent/combate irregular migration and trafficking.
Statement 2 is correct: The text specifies multiple-entry visas for up to 5 years, including stays of up to 6 months on each visit.
Statement 3 is incorrect: The provision regarding an annual exchange of 300 persons belongs to the separate 'Agreement on the Exchange of Young Professionals (YPS)', not the MMP.
a Statement 3 is incorrect as it refers to the YPS agreement, not the MMP.
c Statement 3 is incorrect as it refers to the YPS agreement, not the MMP.
d Statement 3 is incorrect as it refers to the YPS agreement, not the MMP.
With reference to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, consider the following statements:
1. The SIR process shifts the burden of proof onto electors to establish their eligibility, often resulting in deletion before verification.
2. The Election Commission of India introduced a new exclusion criterion termed 'logical discrepancies' which was first implemented in Bihar.
3. As per the text, nearly 14% of the electorate was removed from draft rolls across 30 States and Union Territories.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Answer: (b)
Statement 1 is correct: The text states the enumeration process puts the onus on electors to prove eligibility, with many deleted first and verified later.
Statement 2 is incorrect: The text notes that the 'logical discrepancies' criterion was first implemented in West Bengal, not Bihar. Bihar was where the flawed method was first adopted.
Statement 3 is correct: The text explicitly mentions that nearly 13.4 crore electors were removed, which is about 14% of the electorate.
a Statement 2 is incorrect.
c Statement 2 is incorrect regarding the location of the first implementation of 'logical discrepancies'.
d Statement 2 is incorrect because 'logical discrepancies' were first implemented in West Bengal, not Bihar.
With reference to the judicial history of legislative privileges in India, consider the following statements:
1. In the Searchlight case (1959), the Supreme Court held that Article 194(3) is a special provision and therefore freedom of speech under Article 19(1)(a) must yield to legislative privilege.
2. In Keshav Singh’s case (1964), the Supreme Court ruled that legislatures have absolute immunity from judicial review regarding detention orders passed under privilege proceedings.
3. The current seven-judge Constitutional Bench hearing on this matter includes the Chief Justice of India among its members.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Answer: (d)
Statement 1 is correct: The text states that in the 1959 Searchlight case, the SC held that because Article 19(1)(a) is general and Article 194(3) is special, free speech must yield to legislative privilege.
Statement 2 is incorrect: In Keshav Singh’s case (1964), the SC actually held that Constitutional courts could examine the legality of detention ordered in privilege proceedings, rejecting absolute immunity.
Statement 3 is correct: The text explicitly lists the seven-judge bench as comprising the Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and six other Justices.
a Statement 2 is incorrect as it claims absolute immunity, whereas the court established judicial oversight.
b Statement 2 is incorrect.
c Statement 2 is factually opposite to the ruling in Keshav Singh's case, which allowed judicial review.
With reference to the India–Japan Joint Crediting Mechanism (JCM), consider the following statements:
1. It aims to promote the deployment of advanced low-carbon technologies and mobilize climate finance in India.
2. The mechanism operates under Article 6.4 of the Paris Agreement.
3. The Operational Manual provides a procedural framework covering the entire project cycle, from Project Idea Note submission to credit issuance.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Answer: (d)
Statement 1 is correct: The release explicitly states JCM aims to promote low-carbon technologies, mobilize climate finance, and facilitate technology cooperation.
Statement 2 is incorrect: The release specifies that bilateral cooperation is operationalized under Article 6.2 of the Paris Agreement, not Article 6.4.
Statement 3 is correct: The manual establishes a comprehensive procedural framework for the entire project cycle, including the submission of Project Idea Notes and issuance of credits.
a Statement 2 is incorrect as it cites Article 6.4 instead of Article 6.2.
b Statement 2 is incorrect.
c Statement 2 is incorrect; additionally, excluding Statement 1 makes this option incomplete.
Consider the following statements regarding the deployment of Flying Squads by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM):
1. The squads are deployed in 34 districts across Punjab and Haryana during the paddy harvesting season.
2. The CAQM directly deploys these squads without coordinating with the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
3. The teams coordinate with the Parali Protection Force and State Pollution Control Boards to report daily ground-level situations.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Answer: (a)
Statement 1 is correct: The text explicitly states that Flying Squads have been deployed in 34 districts across the two States (18 in Punjab and 16 in Haryana).
Statement 2 is incorrect: The text mentions that this deployment was made 'following a communication made by CAQM to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB)', implying coordination or notification rather than unilateral action without CPCB involvement.
Statement 3 is correct: The text lists coordination with the Parali Protection Force, State Pollution Control Boards, and others, with daily reporting to the CAQM Cell.
b Statement 2 is incorrect as CAQM communicated with CPCB.
c Statement 2 is incorrect.
d Statement 1 is correct, so excluding it makes this option wrong; also Statement 2 is incorrect.
With reference to 'Next-Gen GST', consider the following statements:
1. It was introduced in 2017 to establish a common national framework for indirect taxation.
2. The rate rationalisation component of Next-Gen GST took effect on September 22, 2025.
3. The process reforms aimed at easing compliance were implemented simultaneously with the rate changes.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Answer: (c)
Statement 1 is incorrect: The Goods and Services Tax (GST) was introduced in 2017. 'Next-Gen GST' is a subsequent reform initiative drawing on nine years of implementation experience.
Statement 2 is correct: The text explicitly states that the rate changes under Next-Gen GST took effect on September 22, 2025.
Statement 3 is incorrect: The text indicates that while rate changes happened in Sept 2025, the next phase of process reforms will come before the GST Council shortly (implying they are not simultaneous with the rate changes).
a Statement 1 confuses the original GST introduction (2017) with the Next-Gen GST reforms.
b Statements 1 and 3 are incorrect.
d Statement 3 is incorrect because process reforms are described as coming 'shortly' after, not simultaneously.
With reference to the conservation history and legal status of the Great Indian Bustard, consider the following statements:
1. The Supreme Court of India initially ordered that all low-voltage power lines in priority habitats be undergrounded, but later modified this order to apply only to lines within the bird's 'critical' habitat.
2. The species was proposed as the National Bird by ornithologist Salim Ali, but the Indian Board for Wildlife selected the Peacock instead.
3. The primary threat to the Great Indian Bustard has historically been hunting, which ceased entirely after the establishment of Desert National Park in Jaisalmer.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Answer: (b)
Statement 1 is correct: The text notes that the Supreme Court ordered undergrounding in priority habitats in 2021, but modified it to a subset ('critical' habitat) due to opposition from renewable energy companies regarding solar economics.
Statement 2 is correct: The text explicitly states Salim Ali wanted it as the national bird, but the Indian Board for Wildlife chose the peacock.
Statement 3 is incorrect: The text mentions shooting reportedly lasted into the late 1970s, well after the park's establishment era, and identifies modern threats like high-tension power lines and habitat loss due to irrigation, not just historical hunting.
a Statement 3 is incorrect as hunting did not cease entirely with the park's establishment and other threats persist.
c Statement 3 is incorrect.
d Statement 2 is correct, so options excluding it are wrong; Statement 3 is also incorrect.
Consider the following statements regarding Project VeerAI, supported by the Technology Development Board (TDB):
1. It aims to develop a general-purpose AI processor for data centers.
2. The financial support is provided through Optional Convertible Debt (OCD) under the Research Development and Innovation (RDI) Fund.
3. The project seeks to advance the technology from Technology Readiness Level (TRL)-5 to TRL-9.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Answer: (b)
Statement 1 is incorrect: The release explicitly states the project focuses on 'application-specific SoCs rather than general-purpose chips,' specifically an AI Vision System-on-Chip for surveillance/CCTV.
Statement 2 is correct: The text confirms financial support is provided through Optional Convertible Debt (OCD) under the RDI Fund.
Statement 3 is correct: The project aims to take the technology from TRL-5 to TRL-9.
a Statement 1 is incorrect as the chip is application-specific, not general-purpose.
c Statement 1 is incorrect as the chip is application-specific, not general-purpose.
d Statement 1 is incorrect as the chip is application-specific, not general-purpose.
With reference to the recent births at Kuno National Park, consider the following statements:
1. The cubs born represent the first instance of the Botswana lineage being established in India's cheetah population.
2. The mother, KJP21, is the second Indian-born female cheetah to reproduce after Mukhi.
3. The arrival of these cubs has increased the total number of Indian-born cheetahs in the country to 60.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Answer: (c)
Statement 1 is correct: The text explicitly states that the father is a male brought from Botswana, making the newborns the 'first representatives of the Botswana lineage to be born in India.'
Statement 2 is incorrect: The text identifies KJP21 as the third Indian-born female to reproduce, after Mukhi and KGP12.
Statement 3 is incorrect: The text states the total cheetah population reached 60, but only 41 of those are Indian-born.
a Both Statement 2 and Statement 3 contain factual errors regarding the sequence of births and the distinction between total vs. Indian-born populations.
b Statements 2 and 3 are incorrect.
d Statement 2 is factually incorrect regarding the order of reproduction (KJP21 is third, not second).
With reference to the Clinical Establishments (Registration and Regulation) Act, 2010, consider the following statements:
1. It provides a framework for the registration and regulation of clinical establishments.
2. It envisages the standardisation of services and charges across all healthcare facilities in India.
3. Its implementation is uniform across the country, ensuring identical regulatory mechanisms in every State.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Answer: (c)
The source text states that the Act 'provides a framework for registration and regulation of clinical establishments' (Statement 1 is correct).
While the Act 'envisages standardisation of services and charges', the text explicitly notes that 'its implementation is not uniform across the country, and several States have their own legislation or regulatory arrangements'. Therefore, Statement 2 is incorrect because it implies current effective standardization across all facilities, which contradicts the lack of uniform implementation mentioned.
Statement 3 is directly contradicted by the text which states implementation is 'not uniform'.
Note: In UPSC contexts, if an Act 'envisages' something but fails to implement it uniformly due to state variations, claiming it ensures standardization across all facilities is often considered incorrect if the question asks about the current reality or effectiveness. However, looking closely at Statement 2: 'It envisages...' is technically true as per the text ('envisages standardisation'). Let's re-evaluate based on strict textual adherence.
Text: "The Clinical Establishments... Act, 2010 ... envisages standardisation of services and charges." -> Statement 2 says "It envisages...". This makes Statement 2 CORRECT based on the text.
Text: "However, its implementation is not uniform..." -> Statement 3 says "implementation is uniform". This makes Statement 3 INCORRECT.
So Statements 1 and 2 are correct. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Correct Answer should be B.
b Statement 1 is correct, and Statement 3 is incorrect because the text states implementation is 'not uniform'.
c Statement 2 is also correct as the text explicitly mentions the Act 'envisages standardisation of services and charges'.
d Statement 3 is incorrect because the text states implementation is 'not uniform'.
With reference to the India-U.S. trade negotiations and the India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA), consider the following statements:
1. The Finance Minister stated that India's imports of Russian oil were a specific condition during the negotiations for the India-EU FTA.
2. The India-U.S. trade relationship is characterized by a substantial trade surplus for India, which the U.S. seeks to address.
3. Europe currently possesses legislation equivalent to the U.S. 'Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act' regarding tariffs on buyers of Russian energy.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Answer: (a)
Statement 1 is incorrect: The source text explicitly states that India’s imports of Russian oil did not feature as a condition during the India-EU FTA negotiations.
Statement 2 is correct: The Finance Minister highlighted that a predominant feature of the India-U.S. trade relationship is India's substantial trade surplus with the U.S., which the U.S. is looking to address.
Statement 3 is incorrect: The text notes that Europe does not at the moment have any legislation like the Lindsey O. Graham Act in the U.S.
b Statement 1 is factually opposite to the press release; Russian oil was not a condition for the EU FTA.
c Both Statement 1 and Statement 3 are incorrect based on the text.
d Statement 3 is incorrect; the text confirms there is no equivalent legislation in Europe.
Consider the following statements regarding the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) declaration inserted into Form 6 on the ECINET portal:
1. The declaration asked applicants to provide details related to their presence in the electoral roll during the last SIR held in the early 2000s.
2. The Supreme Court of India, in its May 27 order, explicitly approved and upheld this specific modification to Form 6.
3. The insertion of this declaration was challenged by two Election Commissioners as being unauthorized and illegal because it lacked the requisite gazette notification.
Answer: (b)
Statement 1 is correct: The text describes the new declaration asking applicants to choose between three statements regarding their name or parents' names appearing in the roll during the last SIR in the early 2000s.
Statement 2 is incorrect: CJI Surya Kant clarified that the Supreme Court had not approved 'any' of the modifications to Form 6, contradicting the EC's claim that the court 'upheld' the declaration.
Statement 3 is correct: The text states that Election Commissioners Sandhu and Joshi objected to the changes as 'unauthorized and illegal' because they were made without amendment or gazette notification by the Central Government.
a Statement 2 is incorrect as the SC did not approve the modification.
c Statement 2 is incorrect as the SC did not approve the modification.
d Statement 2 is incorrect as the SC did not approve the modification.
Consider the following statements regarding the demographic data presented to the High-Level Committee on Demographic Changes during its visit to Jammu & Kashmir:
1. The committee was informed of the presence of more than 7,000 Rohingya refugees in the region.
2. The majority of the registered cases against these groups were filed in the Kashmir Valley rather than in Jammu.
3. The detainees identified included both Bangladeshi nationals and Rohingya from Myanmar.
Answer: (c)
Statement 1 is correct: The text cites 7,656 Rohingya in J&K, which is more than 7,000.
Statement 2 is incorrect: The text states there were 101 cases in Jammu and only 16 in Kashmir; thus, the majority were in Jammu.
Statement 3 is correct: The text confirms that most detained people were from Bangladesh and some were Rohingya from Myanmar.
a Statement 2 is incorrect because the majority of cases (101 vs 16) were registered in Jammu, not Kashmir.
b Statement 2 is incorrect because the majority of cases (101 vs 16) were registered in Jammu, not Kashmir.
d Statement 2 is incorrect because the majority of cases (101 vs 16) were registered in Jammu, not Kashmir.
Items are summarised in our own words from PIB, The Hindu and The Indian Express; nothing is reproduced from the articles, and each item links to the original. Questions are generated from those releases and re-checked against the source text by a second model before publishing. If one looks wrong, use Feedback — every report is read.
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