5 September 2026, Questions & Answers

Explanation

In the interview, Tommy Koh explicitly states that the dark fleet problem should be tackled at the IMO. The IMO is the UN specialized agency responsible for regulating shipping, maritime safety, and marine pollution. ITLOS handles disputes, ISA manages seabed mining, and UNSC deals with peace and security.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect: The U.S. is NOT a party to UNCLOS (as explicitly stated in the article). Statement 2 is correct: Iran is not a party but the article says transit passage is customary international law binding on Iran. Statement 3 is correct: The article states UNCLOS has a system of compulsory dispute settlement.

Explanation

Tommy Koh explicitly states in the interview: 'We have 172 countries which are parties to UNCLOS; this is near universal.' The other options are plausible distractors: 168 (close but incorrect), 170 (near miss), 174 (too high).

Explanation

Tommy Koh uses the term 'constitution' to emphasize that UNCLOS is the comprehensive, foundational legal framework governing all uses of the world's oceans, analogous to a national constitution. It is not a higher law overriding constitutions (A and D are incorrect), and it can be amended through protocols (B is too narrow).

Explanation

MoSPI is the nodal ministry for compiling and publishing national accounts statistics, including GDP. The article specifically mentions MoSPI as the ministry that unveiled the new GDP series on February 27, 2026.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: the base year was shifted from 2011-12 to 2022-23. Statement 2 is incorrect: single deflation uses a common deflator for both inputs and outputs, whereas separate deflation is double deflation. Statement 3 is correct: PPI is now used for double deflation to adjust nominal GDP to real GDP.

Explanation

The article states that MoSPI now has more than 300 deflators to arrive at various real GVA values, compared to around 180 under the old series. This allows for more accurate sectoral measurement.

Explanation

Double deflation separately adjusts inputs and outputs by their respective price indices, preventing underestimation or overestimation that occurs under single deflation when input and output price movements diverge. This is especially important for sectors like manufacturing where input costs (e.g., crude oil) may rise faster than output prices.

Explanation

As per the news, the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) releases GDP data through its National Statistical Office. RBI deals with monetary policy, NITI Aayog with policy planning, and Ministry of Finance with budget. This static fact is linked to the article discussing GDP base year revision.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect because EOS-05 is placed in geosynchronous orbit (36,000 km), not LEO. Statement 2 is correct: the article mentions weight >2,360 kg and launch by GSLV-F17. Statement 3 is correct: mission life 10 years, designed for real-time imaging from geosynchronous orbit.

Explanation

The article states that India’s forex reserves surged to a fresh all-time high of $740.8 billion in the week ending August 28, 2026. The previous week’s record was $729.33 billion. Option A is the earlier record, C and D are distractors not mentioned.

Explanation

The article mentions civil society groups allege migration from Myanmar has altered Manipur’s demographic composition and want an exercise to identify illegal immigrants before census. While delimitation is a related concern, the primary driver is citizenship determination. This tests understanding of NRC’s purpose.

Explanation

According to the article, the circulation of the draft 2015 model BIT in March 2015 allowed the Law Commission of India to assemble a team of experts to study it. The LCI subsequently made recommendations in its 260th report on improving the draft model BIT.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct because the article states India finally adopted the revised version in December 2015. Statement 2 is incorrect as the article says the 2015 model tilts heavily towards the state's right to regulate, not investment protection. Statement 3 is correct because the 2025 Budget speech by the Finance Minister mentioned considering a revamp of the 2015 Model BIT.

Explanation

The article explicitly mentions that India, in March 2015, circulated its draft 2015 model BIT for public comment. December 2015 was when the revised version was adopted, while 2008 and 2025 relate to other events mentioned in the article.

Explanation

The article defines 'democratic deficit' as insufficient oversight of the executive, including lack of parliamentary supervision and absence of external consultation with stakeholders. Options B, C and D are separate concerns mentioned in the article but are not the definition of democratic deficit.

Explanation

The 73rd Amendment (1992) added Part IX for Panchayats, and the 74th Amendment (1992) added Part IXA for Municipalities. The article explicitly refers to these as the constitutional basis for local self-government.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article says the amendments 'promised to make panchayats and municipalities real units of self-government'. Statement 2 is incorrect because the article states that real powers (3Fs) are 'often retained at higher levels', making the system 'decentralised on paper but centralised in spirit'. Statement 3 is correct as the article explicitly calls Kerala 'a leading example' of taking decentralisation seriously. Hence option C is correct.

Explanation

The article explicitly mentions that the 16th Finance Commission 'has a crucial window to act by explicitly tying state grants to the genuine empowerment of these local bodies'. The other options are not mentioned in the article.

Explanation

The article repeatedly emphasises that while the constitutional framework exists, the real powers (3Fs) are retained at higher levels. It states 'too often, responsibility has been devolved without genuine power' and that local bodies are asked to deliver without adequate funds, functions, or functionaries. The other options are either contradicted (elections are held, framework exists) or not mentioned (citizen resistance).

Explanation

The article states Bodhan AI is a Centre of Excellence in AI for Education incubated within IIT Madras. IIT Madras is also home to AI4Bharat research lab.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article. Statement 2 is incorrect because the models also include speech generation and optical character recognition. Statement 3 is correct as the article mentions support from the Union Ministry of Education.

Explanation

The article explicitly states 'four foundational AI models for Indian languages'. The models cover speech recognition, speech generation, machine translation, and optical character recognition.

Explanation

The article states EdTech companies can integrate these capabilities through APIs without having to develop foundational models from scratch. This reduces cost and time to market for vernacular education tools.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the SCO summit in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan adopted the Bishkek Declaration. BRICS is a different grouping, and the UNSC or EU are not mentioned.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the Bishkek Declaration called on the international community to combat terrorism, including cross-border movement. Statement 2 is incorrect because the article notes that the declaration was moderated and did not name the US or Israel. Statement 3 is correct—India became an SCO member in 2017.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the INSTC is a 7,200-km freight corridor comprising ship, rail, and road routes. The other options are close distractors.

Explanation

The article states that India has de jure access to Tajikistan through PoK but lacks de facto connectivity because the region is occupied by Pakistan. This is the key hindrance. While China's BRI and Iran's situation are relevant, the article specifically highlights the PoK issue as the immediate barrier.

Explanation

Nepal's demand tests the CBDR principle because it argues that major emitters (US, China, India) bear greater responsibility for climate damages, even though they are not all 'developed' nations. The polluter pays principle is related but CBDR is the core UNFCCC framework. The news article mentions shifting from charity to legal liability, which directly invokes differentiated responsibilities.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article (0.1% emissions, hydropower). Statement 2 is incorrect: the flood occurred on August 26, 2026, not September 1. Statement 3 is correct: the quote is attributed to Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal. Hence only 1 and 3 are correct.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that glaciers are melting at '10 times their historical norms'. The other options are plausible distractors but only 10 is mentioned. This data point is important for prelims questions on climate change impacts on the Third Pole.

Explanation

The article emphasizes that Nepal is moving beyond traditional aid requests to a 'diplomatic offensive' demanding direct compensation from the US, China, and India, thereby shifting the framework from charity to legal liability. Option A is the opposite, C and D are not mentioned in the article.

Explanation

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) publishes reports on the emissions gap and climate overshoot. The IPCC assesses climate science, while UNFCCC is the treaty body. UNDP focuses on development. Hence, option C is correct.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the report describes an 'overshoot, peak and decline' pathway. Statement 2 is incorrect because India is NOT among the over 155 countries that have joined the Global Methane Pledge. Statement 3 is correct as the report states methane is responsible for about 0.5°C of current warming. Hence option C is correct.

Explanation

The report states that if all countries deliver on their climate pledges, the globe is still poised to heat 1.8°C. Under current policies (without full pledge implementation), the warming would be 2.6°C. Option A (1.5°C) is the limit, not the projection. Option D (3.0°C) is not mentioned.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that in the aftermath of the Bhotekoshi disaster in Nepal, Nepal's Foreign Minister said major industrial emitters like China, the US, and India must consider the impact on small countries. This challenges India's traditional victim narrative and positions it as part of the problem. Options A, C, and D are not supported by the article.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the order was issued by the General Administration Department of Bihar. DoPT is the central department whose 1993 principal guidelines were referred to in the order, but it did not issue the state order.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article. Statement 2 is incorrect because the order does not explicitly mention the Rohith Nathan judgment. Statement 3 is correct because the Centre's applications to the Supreme Court argued that salary income may be the 'sole intelligible differentia' in some cases. Hence option C is correct.

Explanation

The article refers to the 'top court's March 11 Rohith Nathan judgment' in 2026, given the published date of September 5, 2026. September 1 is the date of the Bihar GAD order and September 5 is the publication date.

Explanation

The article states that the Centre argued it is 'extremely difficult' to apply the judgment retrospectively and sought clarity on the income test, even arguing that salary income might be the 'sole intelligible differentia' in some cases. Hence option C is correct.

Explanation

The article states that TCS data centre subsidiary HyperVault will develop the large-scale AI data centre campus. Hence, HyperVault is a subsidiary of TCS, a Tata Group company.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article: ₹70,000 crore investment and 1 GW capacity. Statement 2 is correct: the inauguration deadline is June 2, 2028 (Telangana Formation Day). Statement 3 is incorrect because the article says direct employment of 7,000, not 5,000.

Explanation

The article explicitly mentions that the 50-km Radial Road-1 connecting the Outer Ring Road with Future City through Kongara Kalan has been dedicated to Bharat Ratna award winner Ratan Tata.

Explanation

The article quotes CM Revanth Reddy saying that the government refrained from announcing the investment until the Tata Group formally made the announcement, indicating a policy of letting the investor lead the announcement timeline.

Explanation

The article states that the Act 'cleared the National Assembly in late August' and created the post of Chief of Defence Forces. The National Assembly is the lower house of Pakistan's Parliament.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct because the CDF has statutory operational command across all three services. Statement 2 is incorrect — the article says equivalent posts in the UK, Canada and Australia rotate, but Pakistan's CDF does not. Statement 3 is correct as the article names Field Marshal Asim Munir as Pakistan's first CDF while he remains army chief.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee was created in 1976 to coordinate between the services. 1997 was the last year the post went to a non-army officer, and 2026 is when the new Act was cleared.

Explanation

The article lists three goals: tighter coordination, ending service silos, and faster crisis decision-making. It does not list reducing army influence over nuclear forces; instead, the law makes the nuclear-forces command post come from the army by design.

Explanation

According to the article, the Waqf Board oversees all mosques, madrasas and associated properties in the State. It is a statutory body under the Waqf Act, 1995. The other options are not mentioned as having this specific role.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article states the Waqf Board is preparing a revised format to bring Muslim marriage registrations into conformity with UCC. Statement 2 is incorrect because the new process 'will do away with conversions carried out solely for marriage' and interfaith couples must register under the Special Marriage Act. Statement 3 is correct as only clerics authorised by mosque management committees with special appointment numbers can solemnise nikah. Hence option C is correct.

Explanation

The article clearly states: 'It is under consideration, and a meeting for the same is proposed on September 9.' The other dates are not mentioned in the article.

Explanation

The article states that the Waqf Board is 'preparing a revised format for the nikahnama ... to bring Muslim marriage registrations into conformity with the new law (UCC).' While the proposal includes provisions for interfaith couples (option C) and authorized clerics (option D), these are means to achieve the primary objective of UCC alignment, not the objective itself. Option A is not mentioned.

Explanation

The NCTE, established under the NCTE Act, 1993, is the statutory body for planned development and maintenance of standards in teacher education. NCERT focuses on curriculum and research, UGC regulates higher education, and CBSE conducts board exams.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as SC overturned the Delhi HC ruling and upheld NCTE's PAR power. Statement 2 is incorrect—the SC set aside the Delhi HC ruling, not affirmed it. Statement 3 is correct as NEP 2020 calls for the integrated teacher education programme (ITEP) as the minimum qualification.

Explanation

The article states that the West Bengal government issued show-cause notices to 450 B.Ed colleges after inspections revealed major lapses, including students buying degrees without attending classes.

Explanation

The PAR is a post-recognition tool under Section 12 of the NCTE Act for maintaining standards. It requires TEIs to submit annual data on faculty, infrastructure, enrolment, etc., enabling NCTE to take corrective action. It is not for initial recognition (A), curriculum setting (C), or TET (D).

Explanation

DFCCIL is the special purpose vehicle under the Ministry of Railways tasked with constructing and operating the Dedicated Freight Corridors. It is mentioned in the image credit of the article. CONCOR handles container logistics, RVNL undertakes rail infrastructure projects, and IR is the overall operator, but DFCCIL is specifically for DFCs.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article: EDFC from New Sahnewal to New Sonnagar. Statement 2 is correct: WDFC from New Dadri to New JNPT. Statement 3 is incorrect because the third DFC will connect six states (West Bengal, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Gujarat), not five. Hence both 1 and 2 are correct.

Explanation

The article clearly states that the proposed third DFC is 2,052 km long. 1,337 km is EDFC, 1,506 km is WDFC, and 2,843 km is the combined existing network. So the correct answer is 2,052 km.

Explanation

The article quotes an official saying the DFCs have helped in reducing the pressure of freight traffic on the existing rail network, which provides additional capacity for passenger trains and boosts logistics efficiency. The other options are not mentioned as primary benefits.

Explanation

The article states that the NIA took over the probe into the case and charged 39 cadres of the banned outfit. The NIA is a central agency under the Ministry of Home Affairs.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the attack was reported on May 25, 2013. Statement 2 is incorrect; the main target was Mahendra Karma, who led Salwa Judum. Statement 3 is correct as the convoy was returning from a Parivartan Yatra rally. Hence option C is correct.

Explanation

The article states that at least 27 people, including top Congress leaders, were killed. The other options are distractors: 24 were initially killed but later deaths raised the toll to 27; 35 is the number of injured; 39 is the number of accused charged by NIA.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the main target was Mr Karma, who was leading Salwa Judum, a movement later declared unconstitutional by the Supreme Court. The other options are incorrect: Nand Kumar Patel was the state Congress chief, and Vidya Charan Shukla was a former Union Minister.