9 September 2026, Questions & Answers

Explanation

The Ministry of Defence is the nodal ministry for all defence-related cooperation including exercises, equipment transfer, and industrial collaboration. While the Ministry of External Affairs plays a role in strategic diplomacy, the implementation of defence agreements falls under the Ministry of Defence.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the visit occurred in August 2026. Statement 3 is correct as per the article: MoU for UNICORN masts signed in November 2024. Statement 2 is incorrect because UNICORN is an integrated communications antenna system, not a maritime surveillance radar.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that Japan's fighter aircraft are participating in the Veer Guardian exercise in India from September 9-22, 2026, for the first time.

Explanation

The article highlights that the new maritime framework emphasises information sharing and Maritime Domain Awareness to create a continuous strategic picture across the Indo-Pacific. While countering coercion is implied, the core objective is building interoperability and situational awareness.

Explanation

The article specifically mentions the 'Committee on Public Undertakings' suggestion regarding consent from most, rather than all, gram sabhas. This is a parliamentary committee that scrutinizes public sector undertakings and their policies.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect: The article states that 'the FRA does not include a clause requiring a no-objection certificate from every affected gram sabha', though legal intent implies such consent. Statement 2 is correct: The committee proposed that 'acquiescence of 70%-75% of affected gram sabhas to suffice'. Statement 3 is incorrect: The Tribal Affairs Ministry 'refused to claim jurisdiction over this issue'.

Explanation

The article clearly states that the Committee on Public Undertakings suggested 'the acquiescence of 70%-75% of affected gram sabhas to suffice'. This is a key data point for prelims.

Explanation

The article argues that the dilution would enable project developers to bypass consent of directly affected villages, leading to displacement and dispossession. This threatens the constitutional rights of forest-dependent communities, especially in projects like Teesta-IV. The other options are not supported by the article.

Explanation

IN-SPACe (Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre) is the single-window nodal agency under the Department of Space that promotes, handholds, and authorises private sector participation in space activities. ISRO focuses on research and development, while HAL is a PSU involved in aerospace manufacturing.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: Goenka said ISRO would eventually not manufacture launch vehicles. Statement 2 is correct: Narayanan clarified there is no move to privatise ISRO. Statement 3 is incorrect: The article only mentions transfer of SSLV technology to HAL (a PSU), not all technologies to private companies immediately.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that ISRO developed the small rocket SSLV over the years and has now transferred the technology to HAL, a public-sector unit. Other options are different ISRO launch vehicles not mentioned in the context of technology transfer.

Explanation

The article mentions that by stepping away from commercial launches, ISRO is foregoing an important source of revenue. Becoming entirely dependent on government budgets will constrain its capabilities for R&D and exploration projects. Other options are not raised as primary concerns in the article.

Explanation

The ICJ, the principal judicial organ of the UN, issued the Advisory Opinion. The ICC deals with individual criminal responsibility, not state obligations under international law. The PCA and ILC are not courts of binding jurisdiction for such opinions.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article. Statement 2 is also correct. Statement 3 is incorrect because the ban was announced by Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband, not the Prime Minister. Hence option C is correct.

Explanation

The UNCTAD report cited in the article estimated that settlements contributed about $30 billion annually to Israel's economy between 2000 and 2020. The other options are plausible distractors, but $30 billion is the exact figure mentioned.

Explanation

The article states that the decision is a response to Israel's approval of new construction projects in the E1 corridor, which would sever the territorial link between northern and southern West Bank, and that the UK government believes it is a clear attempt to bury the two-state solution. While other options may be related, the primary objective is to counter settlement expansion and preserve the two-state solution.

Explanation

The article mentions 'Ministry of External Affairs (MEA)' as the official source for summit details. The MEA is responsible for India's foreign relations and organizing international summits.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: the article says 'expanded in 2024 to include Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, the UAE and Saudi Arabia'. Statement 2 is correct: 'Indonesia joining in 2025'. Statement 3 is incorrect: the article says 'became BRICS partner countries last year' – since the article is from 2026, 'last year' refers to 2025, not 2026.

Explanation

The article states BRICS represents 'around 49.5 per cent of the global population'. The other options are close distractors: 40% is the GDP share, 26% is trade share, and 35% is not mentioned.

Explanation

The article repeatedly highlights the discord between Iran and UAE over the war, and India's efforts to bring them on the same page for a joint declaration. Other options are secondary or not mentioned as the primary challenge.

Explanation

The Census is conducted under the Census Act, 1948, and is administered by the Office of the Registrar General & Census Commissioner, which falls under the Ministry of Home Affairs. The other ministries are not directly involved in census operations.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect because the article says Aadhaar number is asked ‘if available’, not mandatory. Statement 2 is correct: the nationality question was included in 1951 and 1961 Censuses and discarded from 1971. Statement 3 is incorrect: UN Principle 6 mandates strict confidentiality and use only for statistical purposes, not administrative sharing.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that ‘the questionnaire for the population enumeration phase of the 2027 Census comprises 40 questions’. The other numbers are distractors not mentioned in the article.

Explanation

The article highlights that these personal identifiers are not useful for statistics and may be used to update the NPR, which states had previously objected to. This raises concerns about confidentiality (UN Principle 6) and the integrity of the census process. While cost, training, and time are practical issues, the core worry is about privacy and the backdoor creation of a citizen register.

Explanation

The CAG is the constitutional authority under Article 148 responsible for auditing government expenditure. The audit report was tabled in the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly on September 8, 2026.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct – CAG noted no justification for dropping eight projects included the Street Light Monitoring System. Statement 2 is incorrect – the actual paid-up capital was ₹10 lakh, not ₹10 crore. Statement 3 is correct – projects like biogas plant and crematorium lacked required approvals.

Explanation

The audit specifically found that 13 projects involving an expenditure of ₹76.32 crore were implemented outside the approved ABD zone. The other options refer to different figures: ₹189.66 crore is the value of unplanned projects, ₹248.47 crore is the dropped Street Light Monitoring System, and ₹279.03 crore is total value of dropped projects.

Explanation

The mission aims to create smart cities with core infrastructure, clean environment, and quality of life using ABD and ICT. The audit found violations like lack of citizen consultation, spending outside ABD zone, and unplanned projects – all undermining the core objective of inclusive and focused development.

Explanation

MoSPI is the nodal ministry for GDP estimation and release, as mentioned in the article. The Finance Ministry handles fiscal policy, NITI Aayog is a policy think tank, and RBI manages monetary policy.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: the new series uses 2022-23 as base year. Statement 2 is incorrect: the new series uses direct surveys like ASUSE and PLFS, not proxies. Statement 3 is correct: the new IIP series was released in May 2026 as per the article.

Explanation

The article states that MoSPI released Q1 2026-27 GDP data showing 7.8% growth, which was well above expectations. The other options are close distractors: 6.8% is last year's actual growth, 7.2% and 7.5% are common projections.

Explanation

Garg said the furore is surprising as it comes six months after the series was released, and all relevant data (PPI, IIP, methodology booklets) were already in the public domain. While other options are true, the primary reason given is that the methods were public.

Explanation

The article states that the Supreme Court Collegium recommended Justice Mishra and three other judges for appointment as chief justices on August 6, 2026. The Collegium is the body responsible for recommending senior judicial appointments.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect – the article says the CM's chair was empty at the oath-taking. Statement 2 is incorrect – the MoP fixes no deadline for state response. Statement 3 is correct as per the article: 'The SC has set the Centre a benchmark for names reiterated by the Collegium — they must be cleared within three to four weeks.'

Explanation

The article explicitly states: 'The Supreme Court Collegium recommended Justice Mishra and three other judges for appointment as chief justices of four high courts on August 6.'

Explanation

The editorial criticizes the Punjab government for treating adverse court orders as personal affronts and delaying the appointment. It warns that 'letting political bickering hijack judicial appointments sets a disturbing precedent', directly pointing to political interference.

Explanation

The article explicitly mentions the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) as being threatened by the trade war. NAFTA is its predecessor, and WTO/GATT are broader international trade frameworks not directly mentioned in this context.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: US banned alcohol, dairy, and motorcycles effective Sept 29. Statement 2 is incorrect: the US tariffs were 50%, not 25%. Statement 3 is correct: Trump threatened to increase auto tariffs to 50% by January 1. Hence option C is correct.

Explanation

The article states: '50% US tariffs charged on some $20 billion of Canadian goods'. The other options are distractors; $20 billion is the exact figure mentioned.

Explanation

The article states that Canadian PM Mark Carney indicated a shift away from Canada's 'biggest partner in trade' and that the trade war has 'cast a shadow on the viability of the USMCA'. This suggests Canada will seek alternative trade partners, not strengthen ties with the US.

Explanation

The judgment was delivered by the Jammu, Kashmir & Ladakh High Court, which is the successor to the Jammu and Kashmir High Court after the reorganization of the state in 2019. The court specifically noted that mere possession of books does not make a person a criminal.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect because the court ruled that mere possession of books does not make a person a criminal. Statement 2 is correct as the detention order indeed cited the father's militant links and international conference invitations. Statement 3 is correct because the court observed that the detaining authority did not derive satisfaction regarding prejudicial activity, indicating non-application of mind. Hence option C is correct.

Explanation

The detention was under the Public Safety Act (PSA), a state-level preventive detention law in Jammu and Kashmir. The UAPA case was a separate criminal case in which the scholar had already been granted bail. The PSA detention order was quashed by the High Court.

Explanation

The court emphasized that the detaining authority must show specific prejudicial activity and cannot rely on factors like family background or possession of books. This ruling limits the misuse of preventive detention laws and upholds the principle of personal liberty.

Explanation

The article explicitly mentions the European Space Agency (ESA) as the partner with ISRO. ESA is a multinational intergovernmental organization dedicated to space exploration.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: VOM approved by Union Cabinet. Statement 2 is incorrect: the launch vehicle is LVM-3 (Launch Vehicle Mark-3), not GSLV Mark III (though often referred similarly, the article specifically says LVM-3). Statement 3 is correct: 19 payloads total, 16 Indian, 2 collaborative, 1 international.

Explanation

The article clearly states that the Venus Orbiter Mission has been approved at a cost of ₹1,236 crore. Other options are distractors commonly used for other space missions.

Explanation

The article mentions that the TIP enables ESA to provide ground station support for Gaganyaan missions, ensuring continuous data flow and communication with the orbital module. The other options are not mentioned in the article.

Explanation

The petitioner argued that the Shariya court's order violated Section 2(c) of the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Divorce) Act, 1986, which provides for maintenance and rights of divorced Muslim women. The other acts are not mentioned in the article.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: the court observed that no religious institution can assume court authority. Statement 2 is incorrect: the court explicitly refrained from adjudicating on Talaq-e-Hasan as it is pending before the Supreme Court. Statement 3 is correct: the petitioner was a 38-year-old Muslim woman from Raipur.

Explanation

The article states the impugned order was dated January 18, 2022. September 09, 2026 is the date of the High Court judgment. The other dates are distractors.

Explanation

The court held that religious institutions cannot assume court authority and the rule of law remains paramount. It did not ban triple talaq (that was done earlier by SC) nor did it grant automatic divorce rights or legitimize Sharia courts.

Explanation

The ICJ, also known as the World Court, settles legal disputes between states. Nicaragua invoked the Genocide Convention which provides for ICJ jurisdiction. The ICC prosecutes individuals, not states.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: Nicaragua filed the case in 2024. Statement 2 is correct: the Convention was adopted in 1948. Statement 3 is incorrect: the article says 154 signatories, but it does not state that Israel is a signatory in that number (though Israel is a signatory). The phrase 'including Israel and India' is not explicitly stated in the article; the article says 'including Nicaragua, Germany and Israel. India is also a signatory.' So statement 3's phrasing is misleading. Thus only 1 and 2 are correct.

Explanation

The article states: 'Israeli strikes in Gaza have killed over 70,000 people'. 1,200 were killed in the October 7 attack on Israel, and 1,300 were killed after the ceasefire. The correct figure for total deaths in Gaza from Israeli strikes is over 70,000.

Explanation

Nicaragua argues that Germany's arms supply to Israel contributed to the commission of genocide against Palestinians, thus violating the 1948 Genocide Convention. The case is filed under the Convention's dispute resolution clause. The other options are not invoked in the article.

Explanation

The article states that the CCEA, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved the eight projects. The Ministry of Railways is the implementing ministry, while Indian Railways is the network operator. The PMO is not the approving body for such economic decisions.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct because the article says the eight projects will increase the existing network by 1,196 km. Statement 2 is incorrect because the other three projects span West Bengal, Jharkhand, Odisha, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh. Statement 3 is correct as the first five projects cover 2,121 villages with about 52 lakh population. Hence option C is correct.

Explanation

The article clearly states that the CCEA approved eight projects with a total cost of ₹20,804 crore. The other options are close distractors; ₹18,509 crore is not mentioned in the article.

Explanation

According to the article, the projects are planned on PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan with focus on enhancing multi-modal connectivity and logistics efficiency through integrated planning and stakeholder consultations. The other options are not mentioned or supported by the article.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the consortium formed a 'Section 8 company, MC2 Plus'. Section 8 companies are non-profit entities formed for promoting commerce, science, research, etc. The other options are different forms of companies under the Companies Act, 2013.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: MC2 Plus will operate as an incubator and accelerator. Statement 2 is incorrect: the AIF is 'expected to be launched shortly' and not yet operational. Statement 3 is correct: HPCL CMD said the company would establish an incubator at its Bengaluru research facility. Hence option C is correct.

Explanation

The article states that India's refining sector spends 'close to ₹1 lakh crore a year on energy used in the refining process alone'. The other options are distractors; ₹50,000 crore is half, ₹2 lakh crore and ₹5 lakh crore are higher than stated.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the initiative aims to solve 'the energy sector's biggest technology challenges' and specifically targets cutting the ₹1 lakh crore annual refining energy bill. Option D is incorrect because only 45% of energy startups are in EVs; the initiative focuses on core energy deep-tech. Options A and C are not mentioned.

Explanation

The Deep Ocean Mission is a flagship program of the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES). The article explicitly states that the vessel is being built for the National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR) under MoES, and the Earth Sciences secretary was present at the launch. The other ministries are not involved in this specific mission.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article states GRSE launched the vessel for NCPOR. Statement 2 is incorrect because the article explicitly says the vessel is capable of undertaking research in the equatorial Indian Ocean, Bay of Bengal, and the Southern Ocean including waters around Antarctica. Statement 3 is correct as the vessel will be capable of launching AUVs and ROVs being developed by NIOT under the Deep Ocean Mission.

Explanation

The article clearly states that the research vessel costs ₹840 crore. The other options are plausible distractors: ₹680 crore is close but incorrect, ₹1,020 crore and ₹950 crore are higher figures not mentioned in the article.

Explanation

The article emphasizes that the vessel will significantly enhance the country's ability to undertake scientific research in the Indian Ocean region and beyond, and will strengthen India's efforts to explore marine mineral resources including manganese nodules and polymetallic sulphides. It is not a defence vessel, nor a transport or monitoring ship.

Explanation

The policy was announced by Andhra Pradesh's Transport Minister Mandipalli Ramprasad Reddy, indicating the Transport Department as the nodal agency. Central ministries are involved in national schemes like FAME, but this is a state-level policy.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the Minister confirmed subsidy up to 5% on various EV types. Statement 2 is correct: the incentive is applicable until March 2027. Statement 3 is incorrect because the target is one charging station for every 30 km, not 50 km.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that around 2.98 lakh electric vehicles were sold nationwide in August 2026, registering a 52.9% growth compared to the previous year. The other percentages are plausible distractors.

Explanation

The policy offers buyer subsidies and tax exemptions to make EVs more affordable, and charging station incentives to address range anxiety. Revenue generation or FDI attraction are not mentioned. While national goals exist, the state's own commitment to transform AP into a leading EV state is the stated objective.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the US Department of Labour suspended Cognizant's PERM filings. The announcement was made by the department's Inspector General Anthony D'Esposito.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: the announcement was made by Inspector General Anthony D'Esposito. Statement 2 is incorrect: PERM is for permanent labour certification (green card), not H-1B. Statement 3 is correct: Cognizant announced hiring 1,500 US graduates on September 7, 2026. Hence option C is correct.

Explanation

The article states: 'Cognizant announced that it planned to hire 1,500 US college graduates.' The 15,000 figure refers to the target for its Frontier workforce, not the number of new graduates hired.

Explanation

The article quotes experts saying the development signals greater scrutiny of immigration-related compliance—wages, recruitment practices, and documentation. It warns that the era of treating sponsorship as an HR process is changing. The suspension is not an immediate ban on hiring but a warning for tighter compliance.

Explanation

The Clay Mathematics Institute (CMI) of Cambridge, Massachusetts, designated the seven Millennium Prize Problems in 2000, each with a $1 million prize. The other options are distinguished mathematics institutes but not the ones that set the Millennium Prize Problems.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: the problem asks whether the Navier-Stokes equations can develop a singularity (breakdown of smoothness). Statement 2 is incorrect: the article states 10,000 AI agents were used, not 1,000, and the time was 88 hours. Statement 3 is correct: the proof was formally verified using Lean, a computer proof checker. Hence option C is correct.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that 'around 10,000 AI agents worked on the problem simultaneously.' The other options are common distractors; 1,000 is too low, 100,000 and 1 million are not mentioned.

Explanation

Lean is a proof assistant that verifies mathematical proofs by checking each logical step. The article mentions that the proof was 'formally verified using Lean, which is a computer system used to check mathematical proofs step-by-step.' This ensures the proof is logically sound, independent of human interpretation.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that NCAP was launched in January 2019 by MoEFCC and that Swachh Vayu Sarvekshan is also an initiative of MoEFCC. SAFAR, by contrast, is administered by the Ministry of Earth Sciences.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: Swachh Vayu Sarvekshan is an annual assessment of 130 cities under NCAP launched in 2022-23. Statement 2 is false — Lucknow's annual PM10 concentration is 137 µg/m³, still above the 60 µg/m³ NAAQS. Statement 3 is correct: PM10 reduction is given only 2.5% weightage.

Explanation

The article states that Lucknow has yet to meet the PM10 annual ambient air quality standard of 60 µg/m³ prescribed under national standards. 137 µg/m³ is Lucknow's current PM10 level, 250 µg/m³ was Lucknow's 2017-18 level, and 15 µg/m³ is the WHO guideline for PM10.

Explanation

The article says 'improvements in the reduction of particulate matter 10 concentrations are given only a 2.5 per cent weightage.' The ranking mainly assesses waste management, road dust control, construction and demolition dust, and vehicular/industrial pollution. This tests the difference between outcome measurement and action measurement.

Explanation

The letter was written by Dr Rajiv Bahl, Director General of ICMR, as stated in the article. ICMR is the apex body for medical research in India, under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article: 'waste-water surveillance of 13 priority pathogens across 47 cities'. Statement 2 is incorrect – the expansion target is 75 cities, not 100. Statement 3 is correct: 'Five genomic and metagenomic hubs have been established'. Hence option C is correct.

Explanation

The article clearly states 'waste-water surveillance of 13 priority pathogens across 47 cities'. The other options are close distractors; 10 and 15 are common numbers used in other health surveillance contexts.

Explanation

The letter mentions 'syndromic surveillance, integrated animal-human-wildlife surveillance, and waste-water surveillance' as activities under the mission. The core of One Health is integration across species. While biosecurity is a related aspect, the mission's primary objective is integrated surveillance for early detection and response.