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. Indo-French TRISHNA Satellite Nears Launch for High-Resolution Earth Observation
India and France are preparing to launch their joint thermal imaging satellite TRISHNA within 12 to 16 months to advance water resource management and surface energy monitoring.
Joint venture between ISRO and France's CNES, representing their third collaborative satellite mission after Megha-Tropiques and SARAL.
Targeted for liftoff using India's Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV).
Carries two distinct sensors: a CNES-built Thermal Infra-Red (TIR) instrument and an ISRO-developed Visible-Near Infra-Red Short Wave Infra-Red (VNIR-SWIR) payload.
Features an open data policy allowing unrestricted global access to collected scientific observations.
Key terms
TRISHNA
— An Indo-French satellite mission designed for high-resolution thermal and optical monitoring of Earth's natural resources.
Emissivity
— The measure of an object's ability to emit energy as thermal radiation compared to an ideal black body.
Thermal Infra-Red (TIR)
— Electromagnetic wavelengths used to remotely sense and quantify surface temperatures and heat dissipation.
2. Evolution of Election Commission of India into Multi-Member Constitutional Body
The Election Commission of India transformed from a single-member entity into a three-member body through political contestations, legislative changes, and judicial scrutiny.
4. Optogenetics: Nobel Breakthrough Applied to Parasitology at BITS Pilani
The Nobel Prize-winning technology of optogenetics, initially devised for brain research, is being employed by Indian researchers to decode parasitic infection mechanisms.
5. Rise of Platform Fees and Dark Patterns in Online Transactions
Online platforms across sectors are increasingly levying platform and convenience fees alongside deceptive dark patterns, raising significant consumer protection and pricing transparency concerns.
India has transitioned from passive advocacy to active mediation by floating a partial ceasefire proposal focused on maritime safety, food corridors, and energy infrastructure protection in the Black Sea.
Proposed framework focuses on a partial truce: halting Russian attacks on Ukraine's energy grid in exchange for Ukrainian restraints along frontline contact zones and Black Sea shipping routes.
Greater Odesa ports (Odesa, Chornomorsk, Pivdennyi) account for roughly 90% of Ukrainian farm exports, which plummeted from ~215,300 tonnes to ~14,000 tonnes daily cargo handling after July escalations.
The Azov-Black Sea maritime corridor carries approximately 77–81% (42–44 million tonnes) of Russia’s grain exports.
Indian nationals account for roughly 12% of commercial seafarers globally, directly exposing Indian citizens to Black Sea naval strikes.
Key terms
Black Sea Grain Corridor
— A vital maritime transit network connecting key deep-water ports in the Black Sea and Azov Sea, enabling the global export of Russian and Ukrainian agricultural products.
Line of Contact
— The active physical boundary or frontline delineating opposing military forces during an armed conflict where combat engagement occurs.
7. US Suspends Major IT Firms from Green Card Labour Certification Programme
The United States has barred prominent IT and tech companies, including several Indian outsourcing giants, from processing permanent labour certifications required for green cards.
8. Prime Minister Pays Tribute to Jayaprakash Narayan on Birth Anniversary
The Prime Minister honored socialist leader Loknayak Jayaprakash Narayan on his birth anniversary, emphasizing his democratic resistance during the Emergency and vision for citizen-centric governance.
9. Prime Minister Pays Tribute to Nanaji Deshmukh on His Birth Anniversary
The Prime Minister honored social reformer Nanaji Deshmukh on his birth anniversary, commending his grassroots models of rural self-reliance and community-led development.
10. INS Sahyadri Arrives in Vladivostok for Exercise INDRA 2026
INS Sahyadri reached Vladivostok to take part in the bilateral maritime Exercise INDRA 2026 with Russia, bolstering naval interoperability and broader strategic cooperation.
11. INS Trishul Reaches Plymouth for Exercise KONKAN-26
The Indian Navy's stealth frigate INS Trishul arrived in the United Kingdom to participate in the bilateral maritime drill Exercise KONKAN-26, bolstering maritime security collaboration and tactical interoperability.
12. White Paper Released on AI, Automation, and India's Workforce
India's Chief Economic Advisor released a white paper analyzing the vulnerability and opportunities for the domestic workforce amid advancing artificial intelligence and automation.
Karnataka accounts for over 70% of India's total coffee production, producing 2.5 to 2.8 lakh metric tonnes annually.
State coffee cultivation has remained flat at around 2.46 lakh hectares for the past 15 to 20 years.
Planters are burdened with ₹400 crore to ₹500 crore in outstanding debt, facing recovery actions under the SARFAESI Act.
Plantation crops remain excluded from the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) due to inter-ministerial administrative divisions.
Key terms
SARFAESI Act
— A financial law that allows banks and financial institutions to auction commercial or residential properties to recover non-performing loans without court intervention.
Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY)
— The central government's flagship crop insurance scheme offering financial support to farmers suffering crop loss or damage from unforeseen weather events.
Shade-grown coffee
— An agroforestry method of cultivating coffee under a multi-tier canopy of native forest trees, supporting biodiversity and ecological balance.
14. Navi Pillay Conferred the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize
South African jurist Navi Pillay has been awarded the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize, reinforcing global commitments to international law and multilateral judicial institutions.
Navi Pillay, an international jurist of Indian-Tamil origin from South Africa, has been awarded the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize.
Previously served on the International Criminal Court (ICC) and the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR).
Co-authored the landmark 1998 Jean-Paul Akayesu verdict, legally establishing sexual violence and rape as acts of genocide.
Headed the UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory.
Key terms
International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda
— An international court set up by the UN to prosecute persons responsible for genocide and humanitarian law violations committed in Rwanda.
International Criminal Court
— A permanent international judicial body established to prosecute individuals for international crimes such as genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity.
15. Amrit Bharat Station Scheme: Redevelopment of Tamil Nadu Railway Stations
Five newly modernised railway stations under Southern Railway were inaugurated in Tamil Nadu under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, enhancing regional accessibility and passenger infrastructure.
Amrit Bharat Station Scheme (ABSS) was launched in 2022 by Indian Railways for continuous station upgradation.
Tamil Nadu now has 26 redeveloped stations out of a targeted 77 under the initiative.
Five newly inaugurated stations: Ambasamudram, Palani, Namakkal, Paramakkudi, and Vellore Cantonment.
Key upgrades focus on Divyangjan-friendly features such as ramps, tactile tiles, lifts, and dedicated booking counters.
Key terms
Amrit Bharat Station Scheme
— An Indian Railways modernisation programme launched in 2022 to upgrade station infrastructure, accessibility, and passenger amenities through long-term master plans.
Multimodal Connectivity
— The seamless integration of different transportation modes, such as rail, road, and pedestrian pathways, to facilitate smooth transit.
16. Supreme Court Restricts Arbitrary Detentions and Transit Curbs During Delhi Protests
The Supreme Court directed authorities to stop illegal detentions, resume public transit, and ensure uninterrupted internet services amid massive political demonstrations in New Delhi.
Hearing conducted by a Supreme Court bench comprising Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana.
Court barred arbitrary detentions outside areas notified under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS).
Ordered immediate restoration of Delhi Metro, railway links, and removal of Section 163 notice boards around court premises.
Emphasised that any restraint on movement or assembly must strictly satisfy reasonable restriction criteria under Article 19(2).
Key terms
Section 163 of BNSS
— A statutory provision empowering magistrates to issue urgent prohibitory orders regarding assembly, movement, and public actions to prevent obstruction or nuisance.
Article 19(2)
— Constitutional clause authorising the state to impose reasonable restrictions on basic freedoms on specified grounds such as sovereignty, security, and public order.
17. IITM Pune Hosts APARC Early Career Workshop and Curtain-Raiser for ESTIC
IITM Pune hosted a global early career workshop and curtain-raiser for the upcoming Emerging Science, Technology, and Innovation Conclave to connect cutting-edge Earth sciences with policy and industry.
Hosted by the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), Pune, an autonomous institute under the Ministry of Earth Sciences.
Served as a prelude to both the APARC General Assembly and the national conclave ESTIC.
Included technical training on ESMValTool (Earth System Model Evaluation Tool) and panels on AI/ML applications in Earth sciences.
Brought together around 120 national and international early career researchers with bodies like WCRP/WMO and YESS.
Key terms
ESMValTool
— A community-based software diagnostic suite used to routinely evaluate and benchmark Earth System Models against observational datasets.
APARC
— Atmospheric Processes And their Role in Climate, a core international scientific project under the World Climate Research Programme focusing on atmospheric dynamics.
ESTIC
— Emerging Science, Technology, and Innovation Conclave, a national platform uniting government, academia, and industry to steer indigenous tech solutions.
18. Uttarakhand Youth Delegation Visits West Bengal Under Yuva Sangam Phase VII
The Ministry of Education conducted Yuva Sangam Phase VII, facilitating an educational and cultural exchange between Uttarakhand and West Bengal to advance national integration.
19. Deadly Attack on Riyadh Airport: Houthi Surge and Regional Repercussions
A fatal strike by Yemen's Houthis on Riyadh's international airport has claimed Indian and foreign lives, threatening regional aviation, energy corridors, and diplomatic stability in West Asia.
20. India Rejects UN Human Rights Office Remarks on Delhi Protests
India strongly refuted statements from the UN Human Rights Office concerning detentions during protests in New Delhi, categorizing the comments as unwarranted domestic interference marked by global double standards.
The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) raised concerns regarding detentions of protesters, lawyers, and journalists in Delhi.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs and its Permanent Mission in Geneva formally termed the OHCHR remarks an unacceptable interference in internal sovereign affairs.
OHCHR called for respecting peaceful assembly and ensuring state curbs meet the legal thresholds of necessity and proportionality.
India cited democratic constitutional guarantees while critiquing the UN body's selectivity and silence over police actions in countries like Pakistan and France.
Key terms
Right to peaceful assembly
— A fundamental civil freedom allowing individuals to gather collectively to express views, subject to legal public-order safeguards.
Multilateralism
— Cooperative diplomatic engagement involving multiple sovereign nations to address global issues through shared rules and institutions.
With reference to the contributions and legacy of Jayaprakash Narayan, consider the following statements:
1. He was popularly conferred the honorific title 'Loknayak'.
2. He played a prominent role in voicing resistance against the Emergency in India.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Answer: (d)
Jayaprakash Narayan is widely revered with the title 'Loknayak' (Leader of the People).
He was well known for his fearless opposition and public leadership during the period of the Emergency.
a Statement 2 is also correct as his opposition to the Emergency was a central facet of his public life.
b Statement 1 is also correct as he is addressed as Loknayak JP.
Consider the following statements regarding the contributions and life of Nanaji Deshmukh:
1. He focused on grassroots transformation by devoting his work primarily to rural development and community participation.
2. His public life was characterized by combining political conviction with constructive social action aimed at building a self-reliant India.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Answer: (a)
Nanaji Deshmukh demonstrated through thought and action that true transformation begins at the grassroots, focusing extensively on rural development and community participation.
His life effectively combined political conviction with constructive social action, advocating for a strong and self-reliant India.
b Both statements 1 and 2 are correct based on his recorded philosophy and contribution.
c Statement 1 is also correct as he emphasized grassroots transformation through rural development and community participation.
d Statement 2 is also correct as Nanaji Deshmukh integrated political conviction with constructive social work for a self-reliant India.
With reference to the maritime Exercise INDRA 2026, consider the following statements:
1. It is a bilateral naval exercise conducted between the Indian Navy and the Russian Federation Navy.
2. The exercise includes both harbour phase engagements and coordinated operational activities at sea.
3. The Indian Navy's participation is guided by the strategic vision termed 'MAHASAGAR'.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
Answer: (c)
Exercise INDRA 2026 is a bilateral naval exercise between the Indian Navy and the Russian Federation Navy.
It comprises both harbour phase engagements and coordinated operational activities at sea.
The deployment of INS Sahyadri is aligned with the Government of India's vision of MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions).
a Option b is incorrect because statement 1 is also correct.
b Option c is incorrect because statement 2 is also correct.
d Option a is incorrect because statement 3 is also correct.
With reference to maritime exercise 'KONKAN', consider the following statements:
1. It is an annual bilateral maritime exercise conducted between the Indian Navy and the French Navy.
2. The exercise encompasses complex operational drills across the air, surface, and sub-surface domains.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Answer: (d)
Statement 1 is incorrect: Exercise KONKAN is an annual bilateral maritime exercise conducted between India and the United Kingdom (Royal Navy), not the French Navy.
Statement 2 is correct: The Sea Phase of the exercise encompasses complex maritime operational drills across all three domains – air, surface, and sub-surface.
a Statement 2 is correct, so 'Neither 1 nor 2' is incorrect.
b Statement 1 is incorrect, making 'Both 1 and 2' incorrect.
c Statement 1 is incorrect because KONKAN is conducted between the Indian Navy and the UK's Royal Navy.
Consider the following statements regarding international tribunals and jurisprudence:
1. The 1998 judgment against Jean-Paul Akayesu at the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda legally recognised sexual violence and rape as acts of genocide.
2. The International Criminal Court (ICC) was established as a special ad hoc tribunal specifically to prosecute crimes committed during the Rwandan genocide.
Answer: (c)
The 1998 judgment against Jean-Paul Akayesu at the Rwanda war crimes tribunal established the precedent that rape and sexual violence constitute acts of genocide.
The ad hoc tribunal for Rwanda was the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR), which is distinct from the permanent International Criminal Court (ICC).
a Statement 2 is incorrect because the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda, not the ICC, was the ad hoc body for Rwanda.
b Statement 1 is factually correct, while Statement 2 conflates the ICC with the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda.
With reference to the constitutional framework and judicial observations concerning fundamental rights in India, consider the following statements:
1. The Constitution of India guarantees all citizens the fundamental right to peaceful assembly.
2. The Supreme Court of India has observed that a blanket ban on travel or assembly cannot be allowed.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Answer: (c)
Statement 1 is correct: The Constitution of India guarantees all citizens the fundamental right to peaceful assembly and protest under the framework of fundamental rights.
Statement 2 is correct: The Supreme Court observed that a blanket ban on travel or assembly could not be permitted.
a Both statements 1 and 2 are correct based on constitutional provisions and the Court's observations.
b Statement 2 is also correct as the Supreme Court specifically held that a blanket ban on travel or assembly cannot be allowed.
d Statement 1 is also correct as the Constitution guarantees the right to peaceful assembly to all citizens.
Consider the following pairs of geographic locations/terms and their regional contexts:
1. Bab al-Mandeb Strait: Connects the Red Sea to the Indian Ocean
2. Mocha: Key port city in Yemen along the Red Sea
3. King Khalid International Airport: Major transport hub located in Riyadh
How many of the above pairs are correctly matched?
Answer: (c)
Bab al-Mandeb Strait is a strategic choke point connecting the Red Sea to the Indian Ocean.
Mocha is a historic and strategic port city in Yemen captured by Houthi rebels.
King Khalid International Airport is located in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
a All three pairs are accurate; selecting only one is incorrect.
b All three pairs are accurate; selecting only two omits a valid match.
d None of the pairs are mismatched; all three are correct.
Consider the following statements regarding India's stated position on international commentary regarding domestic protests:
1. India maintains that external remarks by multilateral bodies on domestic law enforcement actions constitute interference in its internal affairs.
2. India has criticized the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) for maintaining a selective approach and double standards regarding law enforcement actions globally.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Answer: (c)
The Ministry of External Affairs noted that OHCHR's statements are unwarranted and constitute an unacceptable interference in the internal affairs of India.
The government also pointed out OHCHR's 'approach of extreme selectivity' and double standards, highlighting that violent crackdowns on protests in India's neighbourhood and in Europe went uncommented.
a Statement 2 is also correct as India explicitly accused the OHCHR of extreme selectivity and double standards.
b Both statements 1 and 2 are accurate representations of India's official diplomatic position.
d Statement 1 is also correct as India categorically rejected the remarks as an unacceptable interference in its internal affairs.
With reference to the 'Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses', consider the following statements:
1. It aims to achieve self-sufficiency in pulse production through a six-year roadmap.
2. The Mission specifically emphasizes enhancing the production of Tur, Urad, and Masoor.
3. The National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India Limited (NAFED) and the National Cooperative Consumers' Federation of India Limited (NCCF) are designated agencies for assured procurement.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
Answer: (d)
The Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses is a six-year plan (2025–26 to 2030–31) aiming to achieve self-sufficiency in pulses by 2030–31.
It focuses particularly on enhancing domestic production and yield of Tur (Arhar), Urad, and Masoor.
NAFED and NCCF are authorized to undertake assured procurement of Tur, Masur, and Urad from registered and willing farmers.
a Statement 3 is also correct as NAFED and NCCF are designated procurement agencies under the Mission.
b Statement 2 is also correct as Tur, Urad, and Masoor are the key focus crops.
c Statement 1 is also correct as the Mission spans six years (2025–26 to 2030–31).
With reference to the TRISHNA mission, consider the following statements:
1. It is a joint collaborative satellite mission between ISRO and CNES.
2. It will follow an open data policy under which scientific data is disseminated globally.
3. The satellite is designed to be launched aboard the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV).
How many of the statements given above are correct?
Answer: (c)
Statement 1 is correct: TRISHNA is a collaborative Earth observation endeavor between ISRO (India) and CNES (France).
Statement 2 is correct: The mission will operate with an open data policy to disseminate science data globally.
Statement 3 is correct: TRISHNA will be launched using India's Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV).
a Incorrect because all three statements (1, 2, and 3) are correct, not just one.
b Incorrect because all three statements (1, 2, and 3) are correct, not just two.
d Incorrect because all three statements are factually correct based on the release.
With reference to the Election Commission of India (ECI), consider the following statements:
1. Article 324 of the Constitution explicitly fixes the strength of the Commission at one Chief Election Commissioner and two Election Commissioners.
2. In the event of a difference of opinion among members of the Commission, the view of the Chief Election Commissioner overrides that of other Election Commissioners.
3. The Chief Election Commissioner and the Election Commissioners enjoy the same status, salary, and perks as judges of the Supreme Court of India.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Answer: (a)
Statement 1 is incorrect: Article 324 does not fix the exact number of members; it states that the ECI shall consist of the CEC and such number of other Election Commissioners, if any, as the President may from time to time fix.
Statement 2 is incorrect: Under the transaction of business provisions, decisions are intended to be unanimous, and in case of a difference of opinion, the majority view prevails.
Statement 3 is correct: The CEC and other ECs have the same status, salary, perks, and retirement age (65 years) as available to Supreme Court judges.
b Statement 1 is incorrect because Article 324 leaves the number to be fixed by the President from time to time; Statement 2 is incorrect because the majority view prevails rather than the CEC having a veto.
c Statements 1 and 2 are incorrect based on constitutional provisions and the governing Act.
d Statement 2 is incorrect because decisions in case of disagreement are determined by the majority view, not an override by the CEC.
With reference to optogenetics, consider the following statements:
1. It is a biological technique that enables scientists to control selected cells or biological processes using light-sensitive proteins.
2. Channelrhodopsin, an algal protein discovered in Chlamydomonas, opens an ion channel and allows charged ions to flow into the cell when illuminated by blue light.
3. The application of optogenetic techniques is strictly confined to mammalian neurons and cannot be applied to single-celled or intracellular parasites.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
Answer: (c)
Statement 1 is correct: Optogenetics enables researchers to control targeted cells or biological processes using light-sensitive proteins.
Statement 2 is correct: Channelrhodopsin is an algal surface protein from Chlamydomonas that opens a channel upon blue-light illumination, allowing charged ions to flow and generate electrical impulses.
Statement 3 is incorrect: Optogenetic approaches have been extended beyond neuroscience into parasitology, such as controlling cellular signaling in Toxoplasma gondii.
a Statement 1 is correct; optogenetics is accurately defined here, while Statement 3 is incorrect.
b Statement 3 is incorrect because optogenetics has been successfully used beyond neurons to study intracellular parasites.
d Statement 2 is correct and Statement 3 is incorrect because optogenetic approaches have been applied to parasites like Toxoplasma gondii.
In the context of digital commerce and consumer protection, which of the following best describes the term 'basket sneaking'?
Answer: (a)
Basket sneaking is a deceptive design tactic (dark pattern) where an e-commerce platform automatically adds an extra product or service to a user's shopping cart without their explicit consent.
This is typically done through pre-checked boxes, hidden line items, or forced bundles during the checkout process.
It is recognized as a dark pattern that manipulates consumer choices and inflates the final bill.
b This refers to data theft or digital skimming, not user-interface design tactics known as basket sneaking.
c This describes forced minimum purchase restrictions, not basket sneaking.
d This describes dynamic pricing or price surging, not basket sneaking.
With reference to the maritime trade dynamics of the Black Sea and Sea of Azov in the context of the Russia–Ukraine conflict, consider the following statements:
1. Ukraine’s three deep-water ports—Odesa, Chornomorsk, and Pivdennyi—handle approximately 90% of its agricultural exports.
2. The Kerch Strait connects the Black Sea directly to the Caspian Sea, serving as the primary corridor for grain transport.
3. The vast majority of Russia's total grain exports pass through the Azov–Black Sea maritime route.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
Answer: (b)
Statement 1 is correct: Odesa, Chornomorsk, and Pivdennyi are Ukraine's three major deep-water ports in the Greater Odesa region, handling around 90% of Ukrainian agricultural exports.
Statement 2 is incorrect: The Kerch Strait connects the Sea of Azov to the Black Sea, not the Caspian Sea.
Statement 3 is correct: Russia exports roughly 77–81% of its total grain exports through the Azov–Black Sea region.
a Statement 2 is incorrect; statement 1 is also correct.
c Statement 2 is incorrect.
d Statement 2 is incorrect because the Kerch Strait links the Sea of Azov with the Black Sea.
With reference to the impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and automation on India's workforce, consider the following statements:
1. The share of employment with a realistic chance of AI complementarity has declined steadily since 2012.
2. Work under AI substitution pressure continues to outweigh work under AI complementary pressure.
3. Exposure to AI in the workforce is concentrated primarily among older workers and increases with age.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Answer: (d)
The share of employment with a realistic chance of AI complementarity has actually risen since 2012, not declined.
Work under substitution pressure still outweighs complementary work by half, making statement 2 correct.
AI exposure is concentrated among workers in the early stages of their careers (e.g., ages 25 to 34) and declines steadily with age.
a Statement 3 is incorrect because AI exposure declines steadily with age rather than increasing with it.
b Statement 1 is incorrect because the share of employment with AI complementarity has risen since 2012.
c Statements 1 and 3 are incorrect based on workforce exposure dynamics.
With reference to the Supreme Court's directives regarding preventive restrictions and public assembly, consider the following statements:
1. Restrictions on peaceful assembly and public movement must strictly comply with the conditions laid down under Article 19(2) of the Constitution.
2. Preventive prohibitions on public assembly can be imposed under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS).
3. Any order to keep internet facilities undisturbed completely strips administrative authorities of their regulatory powers under the Information Technology Act.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
Answer: (c)
The Supreme Court observed that restrictions on public assembly and movement must comply with the conditions laid down under Article 19(2) of the Constitution.
Prohibitory orders and restrictions on assemblage were noted under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS).
Statement 3 is incorrect because the Court clarified that directing internet facilities to remain undisturbed does not take away the administration's powers to act under the Information Technology Act if the law requires.
a Statement 3 is incorrect as the Supreme Court did not strip authorities of their powers under the Information Technology Act.
b Statement 2 is correct, and Statement 3 is incorrect because the Court explicitly preserved administrative statutory powers under the IT Act.
d Statement 1 is correct, and Statement 3 is incorrect as administrative powers under the Information Technology Act are not removed.
With reference to the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme (ABSS), consider the following statements:
1. It envisions the continuous development and upgradation of railway stations across the Indian Railways network based on long-term master plans.
2. It prioritises multimodal connectivity and accessibility improvements specifically tailored for Divyangjan passengers.
3. The scheme uniformly mandates identical infrastructure upgrades, barring any variation based on station-specific requirements.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
Answer: (b)
Statement 1 is correct: Launched in 2022, the scheme focuses on ongoing development and upgradation across Indian Railways using long-term master plans.
Statement 2 is correct: Promoting multimodal integration, easy passenger access, and dedicated Divyangjan-friendly amenities (such as ramps, lifts, and accessible facilities) are core components of the scheme.
Statement 3 is incorrect: The scheme explicitly plans facilities according to the specific needs and requirements of each station rather than enforcing uniform, unvarying additions.
a Incorrect because two statements (1 and 2) are correct.
c Incorrect because statement 3 is false.
d Incorrect because statements 1 and 2 are correct.
With reference to the Emerging Science, Technology, and Innovation Conclave (ESTIC), consider the following statements:
1. It is designed to foster cross-sector collaboration by bringing together government ministries, academia, industry leaders, and deep-tech startups.
2. It is an initiative guided by the vision of technological self-reliance to drive India towards Viksit Bharat 2047.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Answer: (c)
Statement 1 is correct: ESTIC is India's premier platform that brings together government ministries, policymakers, academic institutions, industry leaders, and deep-tech startups to break down institutional silos and foster cross-sector collaboration.
Statement 2 is correct: ESTIC is guided by the vision of driving India's technological self-reliance, sustainable progress, and achieving the goal of Viksit Bharat 2047 under the theme 'Creative Minds, Catalyzing Science, Empowering Technologies.'
a Statement 2 is also correct as ESTIC focuses on technological self-reliance towards Viksit Bharat 2047.
b Statement 1 is also correct as ESTIC brings together ministries, academia, industry, and startups.
d Both statements 1 and 2 are factual and correct.
With reference to the 'Yuva Sangam' initiative, consider the following statements:
1. It is implemented by the Department of Youth Affairs under the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports.
2. It is conducted under the aegis of the 'Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat' programme.
3. It facilitates cultural exchange and exposure tours for youth across paired States and Union Territories.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
Answer: (d)
Yuva Sangam is implemented by the Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education, not the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports.
It is organized under the 'Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat' programme to foster national integration among Indian youth.
The initiative facilitates immersive experiential visits and interactions across paired States and Union Territories.
a Statement 1 is incorrect; the nodal ministry is the Ministry of Education.
b Statement 1 is incorrect because it is implemented by the Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education.
c Statement 1 is incorrect, making this option invalid.
With reference to the Permanent Labour Certification Programme in the United States, consider the following statements:
1. It allows employers to sponsor foreign workers on H-1B visas for permanent residency (green cards).
2. A suspension from the programme prevents the Department of Labour from accepting new applications as well as processing pending applications from the affected employers.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Answer: (b)
Statement 1 is correct: The Permanent Labour Certification Programme allows companies to apply for green cards for their H-1B visa workers.
Statement 2 is correct: As announced by the U.S. Department of Labour, suspension entails neither accepting any new applications nor processing any pending permanent labour certification applications involving the suspended companies.
a Both statements 1 and 2 accurately reflect the purpose and consequences under the programme.
c Statement 2 is also correct because suspension halts both incoming new applications and already pending applications.
d Statement 1 is also correct as the core objective of the programme is sponsoring H-1B workers for permanent residency (green cards).
Consider the following statements regarding plantation agriculture and credit recovery mechanisms in India:
Statement-I: Plantation bodies have sought explicit protection under Section 31(i) of the SARFAESI Act to prevent distress auctions of coffee holdings.
Statement-II: Under current interpretations of the SARFAESI Act, plantation lands are automatically granted identical absolute exemptions from coercive recovery as traditional agricultural lands.
Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?
Answer: (c)
Statement-I is correct: Planters have urged the Union government to resolve ambiguities under Section 31(i) of the SARFAESI Act so that coffee lands are shielded from distress auctions and coercive seizures.
Statement-II is incorrect: Plantation lands currently face ambiguities and lack explicit, automatic protections mirroring traditional agricultural holdings, leading to coercive actions and distress auctions by banks under the SARFAESI Act.
a Statement-II is incorrect as plantation lands face regulatory ambiguity and are not automatically granted identical protections.
b Statement-II is incorrect because coffee plantation lands currently suffer from lack of explicit exemption, leading to coercive bank actions.
d Statement-I is correct, making option d incorrect.
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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