5 February 2026, Questions & Answers

Explanation

CBIC is the apex body for administering indirect taxes in India and functions under the Department of Revenue within the Ministry of Finance. It is crucial for UPSC aspirants to distinguish between various finance ministry departments.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect: The duty exemption for nuclear power plants was announced without any capacity limit. Statements 2 and 3 are correct as per the article. This tests precise reading of policy details, a common UPSC trap.

Explanation

The article states the limit was raised by Rs 25,000 to Rs 75,000. The previous limit was Rs 50,000. Such exact numerical data is frequently asked in Prelims and Banking exams.

Explanation

The Chairman explicitly stated the cuts are a 'calibrated, nuanced approach' to help Indian industry 'stand up on its feet' and become competitive domestically and abroad, especially with multiple FTAs on the horizon. This tests understanding of policy intent beyond surface-level facts.

Explanation

The Supreme Court, in the Prakash Singh case (2006), mandated that the DGP shall be selected by the State Government from amongst the three senior-most officers empanelled for promotion to that rank by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). The UPSC is a constitutional body under Article 315.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the 2006 Prakash Singh judgment. Statement 2 is incorrect; as per the July 2018 refinement, states must send proposals at least three months (not six months) before the vacancy. Statement 3 is correct as per the recent 2026 Supreme Court order reported in the news, where the UPSC was directed to send reminders and move contempt applications.

Explanation

The Supreme Court, in July 2018, directed all states to send their proposals for DGP appointments to the UPSC at least three months before the serving DGP is due to retire. This was to ensure the UPSC has adequate time to prepare the panel and avoid ad-hoc arrangements.

Explanation

The Supreme Court explicitly deprecated the state practice of delaying regular DGP appointments and opting for 'ad-hoc' choices, noting that 'they do not want DGP, they want some acting DGP, ad-hoc DGP, that suits them.' The directive empowers the UPSC to enforce timelines, thereby ensuring regular appointments from the UPSC panel and upholding the police reforms aimed at insulating the police force from political interference.

Explanation

The Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (IBBI) was established under the IBC, 2016, as the regulator for overseeing insolvency proceedings, insolvency professionals, and information utilities. While NCLT is the Adjudicating Authority, the IBBI is the regulatory body.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the CJI explicitly mentioned misuse for undervaluation. Statement 2 is incorrect because the Solicitor General stated the government is 'seriously considering' the issue. Statement 3 is correct as the CJI expressed doubts on the conduct of RPs.

Explanation

The article states that Advocate Prashant Bhushan told the bench that a group company, which had dues of over Rs 47,000 crore, was sold for Rs 455 crore. This highlights the scale of the alleged undervaluation.

Explanation

A 'haircut' refers to the loss accepted by creditors. A 'phenomenal haircut' means creditors are recovering very little, which directly contradicts the IBC's core objective of maximizing the value of the debtor's assets for the benefit of all creditors.

Explanation

NDMA is the apex body for disaster management in India, established under the Disaster Management Act, 2005. It is responsible for formulating policies and guidelines on all aspects of disaster management, including victim identification.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect. The guidelines recommend a 'National Dental Data Registry', not a fingerprint registry. Statement 2 is correct as per the article. Statement 3 is correct; the guidelines were released on Republic Day 2026, marking 25 years since the 2001 Gujarat (Bhuj) earthquake.

Explanation

The guidelines were released on Republic Day (26th January) 2026 by Union Minister of State for Home Bandi Sanjay Kumar. This date was chosen as it marked 25 years since the devastating 2001 Gujarat earthquake.

Explanation

As per the article, forensic archaeology is included to aid in the identification of human remains long after a disaster event, such as in cases of landslides where bodies get buried and are recovered much later. It complements other forensic methods for degraded remains.