10 September 2026, Questions & Answers

Explanation

The article states that the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) proposed the new constitutional provision. The MHA is the nodal ministry for internal security and Union Territories, including Ladakh.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article: the proposed body would be elected and have legislative powers over subjects like land, culture, forest, etc. Statement 2 is incorrect: Article 371 currently has chapters from A to J (not A to K), and applies to 12 states, not 13. Statement 3 is correct: Ladakh became a UT without a legislature in 2019 following the abrogation of Article 370.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that 'four people were killed in police firing' during the protests on September 24, 2025, in Leh city. The protest was demanding constitutional safeguards for the region.

Explanation

The article explains that the MHA's proposal aims to create a sui generis governance model with an elected UT-level body that would have legislative powers over land, culture, language, forest, environment, and natural resources. Statehood is a separate demand, and Article 370 restoration is not on the table.

Explanation

The article states that MoTA was made the nodal agency for FRA by amending the Government of India (Allocation of Business) Rules 1961, and it is responsible for implementing the Act, including issuing directions on all matters within its purview.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: the Committee proposed 70-75% consent. Statement 2 is incorrect: MoTA opposed the proposal by stating the FRA has no provision for gram sabha consent. Statement 3 is correct: the SC in Niyamgiri reaffirmed mandatory gram sabha consent.

Explanation

The article explicitly mentions the Committee suggested that gram sabha consent 'from 70-75% of villages should be made sufficient for large hydropower infrastructure projects of national importance'.

Explanation

The article highlights that the committee's proposal aims to prevent delays in large hydropower projects, and the overall trend reflects prioritizing infrastructure development over forest-dwellers' rights, as also noted in PM Modi's emphasis on reducing delays that defer benefits to the economy.

Explanation

The news explicitly states that the IAEA's 35-member Board of Governors voted on the resolution. The IAEA is the UN watchdog for nuclear activities. UNSC is the recipient of the report, not the voting body.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct – the article says it is the first referral in 20 years. Statement 2 is incorrect – France voted in favour (resolution put forward by US, UK, France, Germany), not opposed. The opposing nations were China, Russia, and Niger. Statement 3 is correct as per the IAEA chief's data.

Explanation

The article states 'Iran maintains a stockpile of 440.9 kilograms (972 pounds) of uranium enriched up to 60% purity'. Option A is half that amount, C is the pound equivalent (972 pounds) but not the kilogram figure asked, D is a distractor.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that while reporting opens the country to possible sanctions, such measures are 'unlikely because Iran's allies Russia and China hold veto power on the panel'. Options A and D are incorrect as the article does not mention automatic sanctions or expulsion. Option B is not mentioned – Iran continues to deny access.

Explanation

The Sixth Schedule is provided under Article 244 of the Constitution. It applies to tribal areas in Assam, Meghalaya, Mizoram, and Tripura. Article 371 contains special provisions for states, not the Sixth Schedule.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: Ladakh became a UT in August 2019. Statement 2 is incorrect: Article 371(K) proposes a directly elected UT-level body, not a district council under the Sixth Schedule. Statement 3 is correct: NCST recommended Sixth Schedule for Ladakh in September 2019.

Explanation

The Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act was passed in August 2019, bifurcating the state into two Union Territories: Jammu and Kashmir (with legislature) and Ladakh (without legislature). This act triggered Ladakh's demand for constitutional safeguards.

Explanation

The proposed Article 371(K) aims to establish a directly elected body at the UT level with authority over land, culture, language, forests, environment, and natural resources. It is not about statehood, nor is it an extension of the Sixth Schedule, which operates at the district level.

Explanation

The Loss and Damage Fund was established by the Conference of the Parties (COP) under the UNFCCC. COP27 (2022) agreed to create it, and COP28 (2023) officially launched it. The World Bank may host the fund but the governing body is the UNFCCC.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: COP27 (2022) agreed to create the fund. Statement 2 is incorrect: contributions are voluntary, not mandatory. Statement 3 is correct: the fund is designed to help vulnerable countries offset damage from climate-induced disasters.

Explanation

The article states that 'around $822 million has been pledged to the UN’s loss and damage fund'. Option A ($350 million) is the amount allotted for disbursement, not pledged. Option D ($17 million) was the US pledge which was withdrawn.

Explanation

The article repeatedly states that the fund is for 'compensation', 'offset the damage', and 'rescue and rehabilitation' of countries facing climate change impacts. It is distinct from adaptation or mitigation funds. The fund's focus is on loss and damage after the event, not prevention.

Explanation

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) handles India's diplomatic engagements, including multilateral platforms like BRICS. While commercial aspects involve the Ministry of Commerce, overall coordination lies with MEA.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as Xi last visited India in Oct 2019 (Mamallapuram). Statement 2 is correct: BRICS Summit in New Delhi (Sept 12-13) and Wang Yi is part of delegation. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Corps Commander meeting in the Eastern Sector (Arunachal) was held on Sept 6, 2026, not the Western Sector. The Western Sector meetings have been ongoing since 2020.

Explanation

The article states: 'The trade deficit reached $67.1 billion after the first half of the year.' $91.72 billion is total trade, $116.12 billion was the 2025 full-year deficit, and $155.62 billion was total trade in 2025.

Explanation

The article mentions tensions in the Taksing area of Upper Subansiri district (Arunachal Pradesh) and that the first Corps Commander meeting in the Eastern Sector was held on Sept 6, 2026, indicating an expansion of the military dialogue mechanism beyond Ladakh to manage disputes in Arunachal.

Explanation

The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India is the constitutional authority responsible for auditing the accounts of the Union and State governments. The article specifically mentions that the CAG conducted the audit of Tamil Nadu's state finances for 2024-25.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article states a 309% increase in public debt over the decade. Statement 2 is incorrect — the article mentions that interest payments (₹48,852 crore) exceeded principal repayments (₹38,470 crore). Statement 3 is correct as 43% of debt is due within 0-7 years. Hence option C is correct.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the ratio of interest payments to revenue receipts increased to 21.18% during 2024-25. This ratio measures the affordability of debt servicing. The other options are distractors: 15.16% is the increase in outstanding public debt during 2024-25 alone, while 34% and 28% refer to utilisation of borrowed funds for revenue expenditure and debt repayment respectively.

Explanation

The CAG pointed out that a substantive portion of borrowed funds (public debt) was utilised towards revenue expenditure (34%) and repayment of debt (28%), leaving less fiscal space for capital creation and developmental activities. This is an unhealthy trend as borrowed funds should ideally be used for capital creation.

Explanation

The article specifically cites data from the Petroleum Planning and Analysis Cell (PPAC) regarding India's crude oil import volumes and values. PPAC is the statistical and analytical arm of the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: The Strait of Hormuz accounted for a fifth (20%) of global oil and LNG flows before the war. Statement 2 is correct: India depends on imports to meet over 88% of its crude oil requirement. Statement 3 is incorrect: The article states every $1/barrel increase bumps up India's oil import bill by up to $2 billion on an annualised basis, not $1 billion.

Explanation

The article mentions that Brent crude spot prices averaged at about $85 per barrel in June, around $83 in July, and almost $91 in August 2026. The $100 threshold was breached on September 10, 2026.

Explanation

The article highlights that high oil prices widen India's current account deficit (every 10% increase widens CAD by 0.4% of GDP), increase the import bill (potentially exceeding $200 billion), and put pressure on the rupee's exchange rate. This acts as an 'external tax' on the economy.

Explanation

ISRO is India's national space agency, responsible for all space exploration and satellite programs including the proposed space station. DRDO handles defence research, NASA is American, and DoS is the parent department but ISRO executes the program.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per PM Modi's announcement. Statement 2 is correct based on the article. Statement 3 is incorrect: the article states Xi Jinping's trip will be his first visit to India in seven years, meaning his last visit was in 2019, but the article is from 2026, so his last visit was in 2019, not 2026. However, the statement 'last visit was in 2019' is not explicitly mentioned; the article says 'first-ever visit in seven years' implying the last was around 2019, but the statement as written is ambiguous and not directly supported. Therefore, only 1 and 2 are correct.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that daily bookings on the PRS crossed the 22-lakh mark for the first time on September 7, 2026. The other options are close distractors.

Explanation

BRICS is primarily an economic and political grouping. The summit aims to enhance cooperation in trade, finance, and global governance. While space and security may be discussed, the core objective remains economic and diplomatic coordination among Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa.

Explanation

The article mentions that the meeting was between representatives from Ladakh and officials of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). The MHA handles Union Territory administration and internal security, making it the nodal ministry for this negotiation.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: the model will be added via a constitutional amendment under Article 371(K) requiring a two-thirds majority. Statement 2 is correct: the Sixth Schedule is for tribal areas within states (North East), not for a UT like Ladakh. Statement 3 is incorrect: the article explicitly says the model is 'not going to be a state'.

Explanation

The article quotes Chief Secretary Ashish Kundra stating that a 'two-thirds majority is needed' for the constitutional amendment. While some amendments require state ratification, the article specifically mentions only the two-thirds majority requirement for this amendment.

Explanation

The article explains that the Sixth Schedule is a constitutional construct for the North East where 'certain districts within a state are minority tribes' needing protection from the majority. Ladakh, being a UT without a state structure, does not fit this framework. The Centre instead offered a new Article 371-based model.

Explanation

The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) is the nodal ministry for compiling national accounts, including GDP estimates. The Ministry of Finance handles fiscal policy, while the Ministry of Commerce deals with trade. NITI Aayog is a policy think tank.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct — MoSPI Secretary confirmed that better informal sector data drove the revision. Statement 2 is incorrect — the Input PPI is at trial stage; MoSPI uses Output PPI for double deflation. Statement 3 is correct — direct surveys (ASUSE, PLFS) now replace proxies like corporate growth rates.

Explanation

The new PPI series has a base year of 2022-23, matching the new GDP base year. The old WPI series had base 2011-12. The exam may try to confuse with the old GDP base year (2011-12) or other base years.

Explanation

MoSPI Secretary explicitly stated that the single largest driver of the revision is improved measurement of India's informal services sector. ASUSE and PLFS now provide empirical data, replacing proxy-based estimates. This is a data quality improvement, not an economic slowdown.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the NDB provides loans without political conditionalities, unlike the IMF and World Bank. AIIB is led by China but not BRICS-specific; ADB and World Bank are traditional Western-led institutions.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect because the article clearly states BRICS is 'reformist in character' and 'non-Western, not an anti-Western organisation'. Statements 2 and 3 are directly from the article: NDB financed 120 projects ($39 billion) and intra-BRICS trade grew 13x to $1.17 trillion.

Explanation

The article states: 'the NDB committed 30 per cent of its financing in local currencies in the last few years.' This is a specific data point testable in Prelims. The other options are close distractors but only 30% is correct.

Explanation

The article states BRICS allows India to position itself as 'a leading voice of the Global South, working as a bridge between the West and developing economies.' This dual role enhances India's strategic autonomy and diplomatic leverage, avoiding the binary choice of aligning with either bloc.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that 'as the current BRICS chair, India will host the 18th BRICS Summit on September 12 and 13 in New Delhi'. India holds the rotating chair for the year 2026.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: Xi's last visit was in 2019 for the Mamallapuram informal summit. Statement 2 is false: the summit is in New Delhi, not Goa (Goa hosted the 2016 summit). Statement 3 is correct: Putin will reportedly arrive on September 11. Hence option C is correct.

Explanation

The article states that Xi made his first visit to India in September 2014, when he held extensive talks with PM Modi. This was during the first terms of both leaders. Options 2016 and 2019 are subsequent visits, while 2026 is the current BRICS visit.

Explanation

The article highlights that the visit is significant for stabilising bilateral ties between the two Asian powers. It also notes that BRICS' role assumes more significance amid the West Asia conflict and Russia-Ukraine war. Border tensions and global conflicts are the core context, not trade deals or military alliances.

Explanation

ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation) is India's national space agency, responsible for all space missions including satellite launches and payload deployment. DRDO handles defence research, BARC is nuclear research, and CSIR is industrial research.

Explanation

Statement 1 and 2 are correct as per PM Modi's address. Statement 3 is incorrect because the article states 430 payloads from 34 countries, not 40 countries. The number of countries is a common trap.

Explanation

The article specifically states '430 payloads from 34 countries'. The other options swap the numbers to create confusion. This data point is highly testable in prelims.

Explanation

PM Modi explicitly invoked Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (world is one family) as the guiding philosophy for space activities. Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah is a Vedic prayer for well-being, Ahimsa is non-violence, and Satyameva Jayate is the national motto meaning truth alone triumphs.

Explanation

The IBBI is the regulator under the IBC, 2016. It issued the circular on September 10, 2026, directing insolvency professionals to be vigilant about misuse of the bankruptcy law. RBI, SEBI, and NCLT are different bodies; NCLT is an adjudicatory tribunal, not a regulatory body.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: the single-member bench approved Rs 6.25 crore repayment against Rs 22,006.57 crore claims. Statement 2 is incorrect: the IBBI circular explicitly says that no indicator by itself should be treated as conclusive of misuse. Statement 3 is correct: the five non-bank entities held nearly 62% of the voting share and pushed the repayment plan.

Explanation

The article states that in FY26, the recovery against admitted claims was 20%, the lowest in the last five years. The average recovery for FY22-26 was 29%. The other options are close distractors: 29% is the average over five years, 25% and 15% are not mentioned.

Explanation

The circular explicitly asks insolvency professionals to stay vigilant to signs that the bankruptcy law is being misused for purposes other than resolution or liquidation, such as tax evasion, asset ring-fencing, or regulatory avoidance. The other options are not the primary objective; the circular does not directly aim to increase liquidation value, reduce time, or guarantee full recovery.

Explanation

The article specifically mentions the 18th BRICS Summit being hosted by India in New Delhi. BRICS stands for Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. Other groupings like SCO, G20, and Quad are different multilateral forums.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: Putin was received by Union Minister Kirti Vardhan Singh. Statement 2 is incorrect: The focus is on strategic trade resilience, cross-border payments, and energy security, not cultural exchange. Statement 3 is correct: Putin will address the BRICS Business Forum and meet President Ramaphosa on Sept 11.

Explanation

The article clearly states that the 18th BRICS Summit is being hosted by India this weekend. The other options are close distractors; the 17th summit was held previously, and the 19th and 20th are future summits.

Explanation

The article states that discussions will focus on strategic trade resilience, cross-border payment mechanisms, energy security, and conflict-resolution pathways. This reflects the need to strengthen the economic partnership and navigate sanctions-related challenges, making option B the most accurate.

Explanation

The Allahabad High Court, through a Division Bench of Justices Atul Sreedharan and Achal Sachdev, quashed the NSA detention. The High Court has jurisdiction over Uttar Pradesh, where the detention occurred in Noida.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the court used that exact language. Statement 2 is incorrect because the compensation is to be deducted from the salaries of the officers concerned, not from the state treasury. Statement 3 is correct as per the article: 'Ms. Chaudhary was already in the custody of the police when the violence that she is accused of took place.' Hence option C is correct.

Explanation

The Division Bench ordered compensation of ₹5 lakh for Ms. Chaudhary, to be deducted from the salaries of the officers responsible. Other options are plausible distractors but only ₹5 lakh matches the article.

Explanation

The court quashed the NSA detention, calling it 'despotic' and an 'abuse' of the law, thereby exercising judicial review over executive action. This signifies a check on arbitrary use of preventive detention, not a strengthening of executive power. Options A, C, and D are contrary to the judgment's spirit.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the Karnataka Cabinet approved the policy. This is a static fact about state governance and policy-making bodies.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article: capital subsidy 30% in zone 1 and 25% in zone 3. Statement 2 is incorrect because the policy includes silk industries for the first time, not excludes. Statement 3 is correct: the Start-Up Policy focuses on 'government-first initiative'.

Explanation

The article states the Textile and Apparel Policy is expected to attract about ₹20,000 crore investments. ₹60,000 crore is for the Aerospace Policy, ₹4,000 crore is government spending on assistance, and ₹42.83 crore is for the drone facility.

Explanation

The article explicitly says the policy aims 'to encourage private sector investments and to provide capital subsidy'. The other options are not mentioned or contradict the policy's intent.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that India is the chair of BRICS in 2026, hosting the summit in New Delhi. The other options are not mentioned in the article.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: Washington's attention was absorbed by Iran, causing the US peace initiative to lose momentum. Statement 2 is correct: Russia's demands are described as the '3+2' formula (Crimea, Donetsk, Luhansk plus Zaporizhzhia, Kherson) and Russia insists on the whole Donbas. Statement 3 is incorrect: The article says India did NOT propose a branded peace framework, unlike China, Switzerland, and Turkey.

Explanation

The article states: 'After more than four-and-a-half years, the war may at last be edging towards its endgame.' This is the exact duration mentioned.

Explanation

The article repeatedly emphasizes that India's role is to 'keep nudging' and 'keep insisting there be a table'—not to mediate directly or propose a framework. India works within the US track and amplifies Global South voices.

Explanation

The article clearly states that the 18th BRICS Summit is being held in New Delhi on September 12-13, 2026. The UN chief has been invited to address the Open Session. BRICS is the correct grouping.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article mentions the theme of India's chairship is 'Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability'. Statement 2 is correct as Guterres is invited to address the Open Session on Sept 13. Statement 3 is correct as India held chairship in 2012, 2016, and 2021 (2026 is the fourth). Hence all three are correct.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that Guterres has been invited to address the Open Session on the theme 'Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability: Shaping the Future for Inclusive Global Growth'. Option A is the theme of India's overall chairship, not the Open Session. The other options are not mentioned.

Explanation

The article quotes the UN chief's spokesperson saying that today's economic, demographic, and geopolitical realities are not those of 1945, and that reform of institutions like the UNSC and Bretton Woods system is needed to reflect contemporary realities. This aligns with the push for multipolarity.

Explanation

The National Testing Agency (NTA) was established in 2017 as an autonomous organisation to conduct entrance examinations for higher education institutions, including NEET-UG and JEE (Main). CBSE previously conducted these exams.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: The article notes most NTA Board members are ex-officio by virtue of positions like Director or Vice-Chancellor. Statement 2 is incorrect: The article argues that technology like CCTV and AI surveillance cannot detect leaks originating at the source (question setting). Statement 3 is correct: The article calls for the Nandan Nilekani Committee to focus on implementation and independent verification of SOPs.

Explanation

The article specifically mentions NEET-2026, where extensive AI-enabled CCTV surveillance across centres and a central control room could not detect the alleged leakage of questions before the examination.

Explanation

The article argues that NTA's hybrid structure pairs bureaucrats focused on procedural compliance with academics who rely on professional autonomy. This creates anomalies where a bureaucratically compliant system can be academically deficient, and an academically autonomous system can lack institutional controls. The core issue is not security but structural accountability.

Explanation

The article states the Supreme Court ruling in K.C. Cinema vs State of Jammu and Kashmir case in 2023, which upheld the right of multiplex owners to fix food prices and ban outside food as private property owners.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the SC judgment that cinema halls are private properties. Statement 2 is incorrect because the Legal Metrology Department cannot fix prices; it can only check MRP and weight compliance. Statement 3 is correct as the court permitted infants/young children to carry reasonable food.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that a 90g serving of regular salted popcorn costs ₹340 at a multiplex in Kochi. ₹380 is for the cheese/caramel variants, ₹240 for a vegetable sandwich, and ₹290 for a 540ml cold drink.

Explanation

The Supreme Court held that cinema halls are private properties of their owners, who are entitled to stipulate terms and conditions and determine their business model, including food pricing, as long as it is not contrary to public interest, safety, or welfare.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the flight will be part of the first private astronaut mission to the ISS that NASA awarded to Vast, a private American aerospace company. ESA and ISRO are mentioned as participants, but not as the awarding agency.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the summit began on September 9, 2026, at the Grand Palais with 90 countries participating. Statement 2 is incorrect because IRIS² is a major European programme, not an Indian programme. Statement 3 is correct as Adrianos Golemis was announced as the first astronaut from Greece to go on a private ISS mission.

Explanation

Macron said "More than 50 projects are expected to be signed during the summit." 90 is the number of participating countries, not projects. 40 and 60 are distractors not mentioned in the article.

Explanation

IRIS² stands for Infrastructure for Resilience, Interconnectivity and Security by Satellite. Macron described it as a very important big programme for Europe, indicating its role in strengthening European space capabilities rather than a purely consumer internet service or an India-France project.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that NIRF rewards 30% weightage to Research and Professional Practice, including publications and patents. The other options are names of rankings or sources mentioned in the article, but they are not identified with this 30% weightage.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct because the article reports 1.6 million Scopus-indexed papers during 2020–25. Statement 2 is incorrect because India ranks 19th by h-index, not first. Statement 3 is correct as the article gives India’s aggregate h-index as 925 and America’s as 3,213. Hence option C is correct.

Explanation

The article states university patent filings multiplied four times, from 11,150 in 2020–21 to 45,776 in 2024–25. The other options are close distractors with incorrect base or terminal figures.

Explanation

The article argues that NIRF’s 30% weightage to Research and Professional Practice counts papers, citations and patent filings without penalising institutions for failing to progress from one stage to the next, creating a skewed incentive for volume regardless of subsequent results. Hence option B is correct.

Explanation

The article says the Indian government is considering a recommendation by the SFIO that Xiaomi be investigated for alleged irregularities in its business in India and breach of foreign investment laws. SFIO is a corporate fraud investigating agency in India.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: the article says Xi's visit is his first to India in seven years. Statement 2 is correct: it mentions the 1962 war and that ties soured after a 2020 border skirmish. Statement 3 is wrong because India only eased some restrictions, not fully lifted them.

Explanation

The article explicitly states the 2020 border skirmish killed 20 Indian and four Chinese soldiers. Option B swaps the casualty figures, a common examiner trap.

Explanation

The article says hold-ups of visas and equipment 'reflects more than administrative friction' and shows China's willingness to use India's trade and technology dependence as leverage. Direct flights were resumed, India remains engaged in BRICS, and U.S. restrictions are not cited as the reason for Chinese investment decisions.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the government wants to empower eSafety, a government agency responsible for the regulation of online safety, to send removal notices to apps and websites.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: the draft legislation is the 'Digital Duty of Care' and includes the 'My Feed, My Way' initiative. Statement 2 is correct: fines can be up to $79 million (₹750 crore). Statement 3 is incorrect: the EU Digital Services Act was introduced in 2022, not 2023.

Explanation

The article explicitly states 'Non-compliance with these rules may attract fines to the tune of $79 million (₹750 crore).' The other options are close distractors not mentioned in the article.

Explanation

The article says the initiative 'will allow users to make decisions about their algorithms' and 'choose between their default feed... and a feed without the algorithm-prescribed content.' It is about user choice, not banning or pre-approval.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement was signed by Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Turkey on August 7, 2026. The other options include countries not mentioned as signatories.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article (signed Aug 7, 2026). Statement 2 is incorrect because the pact's text is unpublished and does not specify automatic troop deployment; activation is ambiguous. Statement 3 is correct as the Houthi attacks wounded 73. Hence option C is correct.

Explanation

The article states that the attacks wounded at least 73 people in cities like Abha, Khamis Mushait, Jazan, and Najran. The other options are close distractors not mentioned in the news.

Explanation

The article explicitly mentions that a wider conflict involving Saudi Arabia could affect India through oil price pressure, disruption of Red Sea shipping (a global trade corridor), and the safety of Indians in the Gulf. Options A, B, and D are contrary to the analysis presented.

Explanation

The article states that the Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S), implemented by the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF), reported the record. IPCC and WMO are related but not the reporting body in this news.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article. Statement 2 is incorrect because the article says this breach is the first since November last year, meaning a previous breach occurred in 2025. Statement 3 is correct as Europe had its warmest summer since 2003. Hence option C is correct.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the global-average surface air temperature remained 1.65 degrees Celsius higher than the estimated pre-industrial era values. 0.85°C is the anomaly relative to the 1991-2020 average, not pre-industrial.

Explanation

The article highlights this breach as a sign of climate change driving extremes. While a single month does not permanently negate the Paris target, it signals the need for enhanced mitigation and adaptation efforts. Option A is incorrect; the goals remain. Option C is false as impacts are global. Option D is contradicted by the link to El Niño and anthropogenic warming.

Explanation

The article quotes the Principal Secretary of the Bihar Disaster Management Department, Santosh Kumar Mall, indicating that this department is the nodal agency for disaster response in the state. The Water Resources Department (WRD) handles barrages and river management, but the overall disaster coordination is with the Disaster Management Department.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: the Ganga at Patna reached 50.58 m, above the 2016 HFL of 50.52 m. Statement 2 is incorrect: the article explicitly states that the Ganga rose first due to upstream rainfall in Uttar Pradesh, not Nepal, and that Nepal's disaster was not the primary reason. Statement 3 is correct: the article explains that the high Ganga level created a backwater effect, making it harder for tributaries to drain.

Explanation

The article states that Bihar received 601.1 mm of rain between June 1 and September 8, which was 27% below normal. Option B (30%) was the deficit as of September 1, while option C (31%) refers to the excess rainfall in September alone. Option D is a distractor.

Explanation

The article states that over five decades, the Farakka Barrage has trapped massive amounts of silt, making the riverbed shallower. As a result, even normal seasonal flows now spill over the banks, triggering annual floods. While other factors contribute, the article specifically highlights siltation from Farakka as a key structural cause.

Explanation

The DGCA is the statutory regulator for civil aviation in India, responsible for issuing Civil Aviation Requirements (CAR) and safety directives like the one-time drug test order.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: the current CAR mandates annual random testing of 10% of pilots and ATCs. Statement 2 is incorrect: a second positive test leads to a three-year licence suspension, not immediate cancellation. Statement 3 is correct: the DGCA has ordered a one-time test for all pilots by July 2027.

Explanation

The CAR mandated random testing of 10% of pilots and air traffic controllers annually. The new one-time test order expands this to cover all pilots once by July 2027.

Explanation

The DGCA protocol splits the sample: the first container is used for immediate screening. If the result is 'non-negative' (indicating possible drug presence), the second container is sent for confirmatory testing using high-complexity instrumentation to avoid false positives from medications or dietary substances.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that 'the FSB is a coordinating umbrella, not a research institute, and the two should complement, not duplicate each other.' Therefore, the IIRD is designed to fill this gap.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect because the article says IIRD should be 'not owned by BRICS' and 'chartered as an open institution'. Statement 2 is correct as the three functions are explicitly listed. Statement 3 is incorrect because IIRD would complement, not replace FSB (the article says 'complement, not duplicate').

Explanation

The article states: 'BRICS now spans eleven members and ten partners.' This is a testable data point for Prelims, especially with the recent expansion (Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, UAE, etc.).

Explanation

The article lists three core functions: research/early warning, exchange of practice, and proportionate standards feeding into FSB/Basel. The emphasis is on filling the gap for emerging markets that are vulnerable but underrepresented in current governance structures.

Explanation

According to the article, Gujarat is the only abode of the Asiatic lion. The last census recorded 891 lions across 11 districts in Gujarat. No other state has a wild Asiatic lion population.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the minister's comment that the CCC will be in Gandhinagar and use CCTV, drones, and AI-based cameras. Statement 2 is incorrect because the system will also cover wild ass, blackbucks, and sloth bears. Statement 3 is correct as the article says forest staff will receive body-worn cameras connected to the control centre. Hence option C is correct.

Explanation

The article states 'the last census showed 891 lions across 11 districts'. The other options are close distractors: 791 might be an older figure, 991 and 1091 are inflated.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the CCC follows frequent man-animal conflicts and aims to alert people in the vicinity of wildlife movement, speed up emergency action, and reduce road accidents and conflicts. While it may have secondary benefits for tourism or fire monitoring, the primary objective is conflict reduction.

Explanation

The article states that the Patna High Court, presided by Justice Harish Kumar, reinstated the SBI officer. This is a factual recall typical in prelims questions.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: the officer had over 30 years of service. Statement 2 is incorrect: the court explicitly said he would not receive salary for the period he did not work. Statement 3 is correct: Justice Harish Kumar was the judge. Hence option C is correct.

Explanation

The article states that the man claimed to have more than 270 days of earned leave and sick leave. This is a precise data point from the judgment.

Explanation

The court held that the bank did not afford a fair and meaningful opportunity to explain the alleged unauthorised absence before imposing the drastic consequence of voluntary vacation of service. This is a core principle of natural justice (audi alteram partem).

Explanation

The article explicitly states that Pezeshkian is coming to New Delhi to attend the BRICS Leaders' Summit. The SCO summit was held in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, not New Delhi.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: the article states this is Pezeshkian's first visit to India as President and the first by an Iranian President since Rouhani in 2018. Statement 2 is incorrect: they had already met on August 31 in Bishkek at the SCO summit. Statement 3 is correct: Pezeshkian asked Modi to use India's extensive contacts to help parties move away from war.

Explanation

The article explicitly mentions that the last visit by an Iranian President was President Hassan Rouhani in February 2018. Option C (August 2026) is the date of the SCO meeting in Bishkek, not a visit to India.

Explanation

The article states that PM Modi called for safeguarding the freedom of navigation and commerce so that civilians and commercial shipping are not harmed. India's concern about attacks on ships in the Strait of Hormuz is directly linked to its energy security and trade interests, as a significant portion of its oil imports pass through this strait.

Explanation

Malaysia is a BRICS 'partner country' (as of 2025), not a full member. Full members include Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa (original 5), plus Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, UAE, Saudi Arabia (joined 2024), and Indonesia (joined 2025).

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: PM Modi is hosting leaders from 32 countries and agencies. Statement 2 is incorrect: The Incubator Network is a 'digital interface/network', not a physical infrastructure project. Statement 3 is correct: The framework is described as 'voluntary, consensus-based'.

Explanation

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

Explanation

The framework aims to 'strengthen cross-sector transport logistics resilience and sustainability' by addressing fragmented supply chains and weak connectivity. It is not about tariffs (option A), a single currency (option C), or military alliances (option D).