11 September 2026, Questions & Answers

Explanation

The article clearly states that the 18th BRICS Summit is being held in New Delhi on September 12–13, 2026. The other options (G20, SCO, Quad) are other groupings India is part of, but this summit is specifically the BRICS summit.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: the article says Russian President Putin will arrive. Statement 2 is incorrect: no mention of US President attending; BRICS does not include the US. Statement 3 is correct: the article explicitly states UN Secretary-General Guterres will participate.

Explanation

The article states India previously held the role in 2012, 2016, and 2021 — three times before 2026. Option A (2) is too few, C (4) includes 2026, D (5) is incorrect.

Explanation

The article clearly states India advocates for 'increased utilisation of national currencies in trade'. Option A is opposite, C (common currency) is not mentioned, D (SDRs) is not discussed in the article.

Explanation

The article describes Sagarmala as 'the flagship national initiative to promote port-led development by harnessing India’s extensive coastline and navigable waterways'. PM GatiShakti is a GIS-based planning platform, Bharatmala focuses on road corridors, and the National Logistics Policy is broader but not mentioned.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: the WDFC runs from Dadri to JNPT. Statement 2 is incorrect: the EDFC strengthens the mineral-industrial axis, not the manufacturing-export axis (that is the WDFC). Statement 3 is correct: the article states DFC traffic rose to 443 trains/day in August 2026 from 247 in 2023-24.

Explanation

The article explicitly states: 'logistics costs were estimated at 7.97% of GDP in 2023-24, or about ₹24.01 lakh crore'. Options A, C, and D are close distractors but incorrect.

Explanation

The article highlights that the average freight cost per tonne-km is ₹1.96 for rail vs ₹11.03 for road, implying substantial cost savings. While other options are related benefits, the core economic gain is cost reduction, making exports more competitive.

Explanation

The article mentions 'Officials from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) did not confirm whether India would raise the immediate situation...' The MEA handles diplomatic negotiations, including the Special Representatives talks and border diplomacy.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: the article states 'this will be his first visit to Delhi since 2014'. Statement 2 is correct: 'India's trade deficit with China has trebled, from $38 billion to $113 billion'. Statement 3 is incorrect: they agreed to increase border personnel meeting points from present five points, not reduce.

Explanation

The article explicitly states: 'Since 2014, India and China have doubled bilateral trade, from $70 billion to about $150 billion last year.' Thus the correct figure is $150 billion. $70 billion is the 2014 figure.

Explanation

The article quotes China's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun saying they hope India provides a 'fair, just, transparent and non-discriminatory business environment' and earlier notes that 'Beijing has been raising what it sees as discriminatory treatment of its businesses in India.'

Explanation

According to the article, the European Commission acts as the EU's executive body and proposes new laws. It forwarded the FTA text to the European Council for signature.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect: The European Council, not the European Commission, is the top political body. Statement 2 is correct: The European Parliament gives its consent after the Council authorises the signature. Statement 3 is correct: The fast-track procedure was laid out by the EU Trade Commissioner to accelerate FTA implementation.

Explanation

The article explicitly states: 'Leaders on both sides have repeatedly expressed their confidence that the FTA will come into force in early 2027.' The other dates are distractors.

Explanation

The article quotes the Commission's statement that the fast-track procedure 'aims at speeding up the implementation of FTAs, which is crucial at a time of geopolitical uncertainty and growing pressure on the global trading system.' Options A, B, and D are not mentioned.

Explanation

The article repeatedly mentions the Bab el-Mandeb Strait as the strategic waterway where Houthis reached Perim Island. The Strait of Hormuz is also mentioned but as already closed. The question tests knowledge of the specific chokepoint involved.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article says Houthis reached Perim Island on Sept 11. Statement 2 is correct: Houthis captured Mocha on Thursday (Sept 10). Statement 3 is incorrect because the article states Saudi Arabia has been bombing Houthi targets but 'not the strategic areas the group has seized this week.' Hence option C.

Explanation

The article states: 'Global oil prices were on track to end the week above $100 a barrel for the first time since mid-May.' The other options are distractors; $90 was not mentioned, and 'exactly $100' is not stated.

Explanation

The article explicitly states: 'If the Houthis gain full control of the Bab el-Mandeb Strait... it could give their backer Iran a critical advantage... reducing supplies through a second major transit corridor.' Options B, C, and D are contrary to the article's analysis.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the European Commission, the EU's main executive body, forwarded the proposal for the India-EU FTA to the European Council. The European Parliament gives consent later, while the European Council takes the final decision.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the European Commission forwarded the proposal to the European Council. Statement 2 is a trap — the 96% tariff reduction applies to EU goods exports to India, not Indian exports to the EU. Statement 3 is correct because the EU said this would be the largest trade agreement ever concluded by both sides.

Explanation

The article states that 'tariff reductions will save around €4 billion per year in duties on European products.' The €180 billion figure refers to annual bilateral trade, 800,000 refers to EU jobs, and 35% is the EU tariff on Chinese EVs.

Explanation

The article identifies China's growing trade surplus and COVID-exposed vulnerabilities of China-centric supply chains as key reasons for restarting negotiations. The other options distort the facts: India continues to impose high duties, the deal covers 96% of EU goods exports, and the US report criticises, not supports, such manufacturing hubs.

Explanation

The article states that under the first phase of the free-trade agreement, ECTA, duties on Indian products entering Australia reached zero from January 1, 2026. PACTS is a separate partnership on cyber and critical technologies, while Quad is a strategic grouping and G'day Namaste is a cultural showcase.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct because PACTS was agreed during PM Modi's Melbourne visit. Statement 2 is a trap: ECTA removed tariffs on Indian goods entering Australia, not on Australian goods entering India. Statement 3 is correct as the article states ~140,000 Indian students and eight Australian university campuses.

Explanation

The article says India's exports to Australia have grown roughly 200% over five years, far outpacing the 40% growth to the rest of the world. The other options are close distractors not supported by the article.

Explanation

The article identifies the Northeast Indian Ocean (Bay of Bengal) as the area of greatest practical overlap for military, intelligence and foreign-policy cooperation, as it is vital for Australia's resource exports. Cocos and Andaman locations are facilities, while Pacific Island states relate to DPI deployment.

Explanation

The Bab el-Mandeb Strait connects the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden. It is one of the world's busiest shipping corridors and a strategic chokepoint for oil and trade. The Strait of Hormuz connects the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: Saudi Arabia shut the East-West pipeline after drone attacks. Statement 2 is incorrect: Mayun Island is in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, not the Strait of Hormuz. Statement 3 is correct: Oil prices crossed $100/barrel. Hence option C is correct.

Explanation

The article states that shipping traffic through Bab el-Mandeb had fallen by roughly 60% since Houthi attacks began in late 2023. The other options are close distractors but incorrect.

Explanation

The article mentions that with the Strait of Hormuz effectively closed off by Iranian strikes on shipping, the East-West pipeline became Saudi Arabia's lifeline for getting crude to international markets. The other options are not supported by the article.

Explanation

As mentioned in the article, the European Commission, the EU's main executive body, proposes the FTA legislation. The European Council defines general political direction and takes the final decision, while the European Parliament gives its consent. The Council of the EU is not mentioned in this context.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article states the European Commission forwarded the proposal to the European Council. Statement 2 is incorrect because the deal eliminates tariffs on 96% of EU goods exports to India, not 99%. Statement 3 is correct as the article highlights both India and the EU are pursuing de-risking strategies from China.

Explanation

The article explicitly states 'The EU and India already trade over Euro 180 billion ... worth of goods and services per year'. The other options are close distractors: €80 billion and €120 billion are lower, while €250 billion is higher than the stated figure.

Explanation

The article states 'One of the key reasons for India-EU to restart negotiations in 2022 was China's growing trade surplus' and both 'remain significantly dependent on China'. The COVID-19 pandemic exposed vulnerabilities of over-reliance on China. While other options may be secondary benefits, the primary driver is supply chain diversification away from China.

Explanation

As per the article, BRICS expanded in 2024 to include Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, UAE, and Saudi Arabia. Indonesia joined in 2025. Turkey is not listed as a member or partner country in the article.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article mentions support for India's UNSC bid. Statement 2 is incorrect because BRICS committed to be a 'stronger voice for the Global South', not the Global North. Statement 3 is correct as the article mentions over 50 tangible outcomes across resilience, innovation, cooperation, and sustainability.

Explanation

The article specifically states that BRICS brings together 11 major emerging economies representing around 49.5% of the global population. ~40% is the GDP share and ~26% is the global trade share.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that Indian officials are getting members to 'reposition BRICS as a complementary, development-oriented grouping' as an important signal at a time when China and Russia have sought to give a harder security and military edge to the grouping. This reflects India's strategic balancing within the bloc.

Explanation

UPI was developed by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), an umbrella organisation for operating retail payment and settlement systems. While RBI regulates payment systems, NPCI is the developer and operator of UPI.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: The joint statement by finance ministers and central bank governors called for practical solutions. Statement 2 is correct: The article states the US dollar accounted for 50.99% of global payments on SWIFT. Statement 3 is incorrect: The 8.14% figure is for April-June 2026 (first quarter of 2026-27), not 2025.

Explanation

The article specifically states that 8.14% of India's imports — amounting to Rs 1.58 lakh crore — were settled in rupees in the first three months of 2026-27. Option A (₹25,402 crore) is the value for April-June 2025, which is a distractor.

Explanation

The article states BRICS wants 'practical solutions' that are 'fast, low-cost, more accessible, efficient, transparent and safe'. They aim to offer a 'viable alternative' to the dollar, not replace it immediately. Creating a common currency or bypassing SWIFT entirely is not stated as the primary objective.

Explanation

As per NEP-2020, foreign universities are required to obtain permission from the UGC to set up campuses in India. UGC is the statutory body under the UGC Act, 1956 that coordinates and maintains standards of higher education in India.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect: earlier, foreign universities were not allowed to operate directly in India; they could only collaborate via research and exchange programs. Statement 2 is correct: MEA data shows a 40% drop in students going abroad. Statement 3 is correct: Karnataka withdrew NEP-2020 in higher education from 2025-26 and implemented its own State Education Policy.

Explanation

The article states that 'around 18 global ranking universities have been approved by the University Grants Commission (UGC) to open campuses in India.' Seven of these are from Australia. This is a key factual data point for prelims.

Explanation

Former VC of Bangalore University, A.N. Prabhu Dev, highlighted that public universities already face a 40-50% shortage of permanent staff. Foreign universities paying higher salaries could attract faculty away from public universities, further weakening them. This is a key analytical point for mains.

Explanation

The article clearly states that the two-day BRICS summit is hosted by India in New Delhi. Russia, China, and South Africa are other BRICS members but not the host for 2026.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: Putin began a three-day visit on Sept 11. Statement 2 is incorrect: the summit focuses on collective resilience in food, energy, health, disaster reduction, and critical supply chains, not just trade. Statement 3 is correct: the article mentions wide-ranging talks on defence, energy, technology, pharmaceuticals, and people-to-people exchanges. Hence option C.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that Putin began a three-day visit to India on Friday, September 11, 2026 to participate in the BRICS summit and meet PM Modi.

Explanation

The article states the summit is expected to focus on boosting collective resilience in these areas, with India positioning the bloc as an anchor to navigate geopolitical fragmentation. Options A, C, and D are not mentioned in the article.

Explanation

The article states that the exercise saw deployment of Arctic-trained soldiers from the US Army's 11th Airborne Division, based at Fort Wainwright, Alaska. The 11th Airborne Division specializes in cold-weather and high-altitude operations.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: the 3MDTF is participating for the first time. Statement 2 is incorrect: MLIDS is a counter-drone (defensive) system, not for offensive strikes. Statement 3 is correct: the exercise is conducted under Operation Pathways. Hence option C.

Explanation

The article explicitly states the 22nd edition of Yudh Abhyas. The exercise has been held annually since 2004, making 2026 the 22nd edition. Options 21st and 23rd are close distractors.

Explanation

The 3MDTF is designed for multi-domain operations. The article highlights that its participation brings advanced long-range precision fires and integrated command-and-control capabilities, aimed at strengthening interoperability and operational readiness across multiple domains.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) proposed the rule titled 'Eliminating the Discretionary 60-day Grace Period' and invited public comments.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect because the rule covers multiple categories (E-1, E-2, E-3, H-1B, H-1B1, L-1, O-1, TN). Statement 2 is correct as the grace period was added under Obama-era regulations. Statement 3 is correct as per the article: workers facing job loss would need to leave the US immediately unless they have separate authorization.

Explanation

The article states: 'primary beneficiaries who experienced either cessation of employment or voluntarily changed employers are 65,752 in 2025'. 40,959 was the low in FY 2021, 80,034 was the high in FY 2023, and 328,758 is the total from FY 2021 through FY 2025.

Explanation

The article clearly states: 'If the rule is finalised, foreign workers facing job loss before the expiry of their visas would need to leave the United States immediately, unless they have separate authorisation to remain.' Options A, C, and D are not supported by the article.

Explanation

The article states that the 1989 FTA was 'expanded into the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) about five years later.' NAFTA was signed in 1992 and came into effect in 1994, including Mexico. USMCA replaced NAFTA in 2020.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article: 'Canada accounts for 70% of the oil refined in the American Midwest.' Statement 2 is incorrect because the article says 'certain Canadian alcoholic spirits, some dairy goods, and motorcycles' will be banned, not all motorcycles. Statement 3 is correct: 'Malaysia also backed out of a deal it had signed with the U.S. It argued that once the U.S.'s reciprocal tariff system was deemed illegal...' Hence option C is correct.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that Canada 'supplies 60% of the nation's aluminium.' The other options are close distractors: 70% is the figure for oil refined in the American Midwest, while 50% and 80% are not mentioned.

Explanation

The article explicitly states the first lesson: 'if this is how the U.S. treats a next-door neighbour, alliance member, and long-standing trade partner, India should not take for granted any favourable treatment that it might receive from the U.S.' Options A and C are not suggested; option D is irrelevant as NAFTA is a regional pact.

Explanation

The article states that the urgent need to fill vacancies was recommended by the Fifth Tamil Nadu Police Commission, though its report has not been tabled yet. This is a state-level body responsible for police reforms in Tamil Nadu.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect: Tamil Nadu's ratio (171.98) was below the national average (194.40) in 2024. Statement 2 is correct: the new posts are expected to raise TN's ratio above the all-India average. Statement 3 is correct: the 2009 classification of police stations (Light, Medium, Heavy) formed the basis for sanctions in 2011, 2013, and 2018.

Explanation

The article clearly states that the allocation under Police Demand for 2026-27 is ₹4,477.58 crore, which is an 11.6 times increase over the average annual allocation of the last five years. ₹212 crore is for modernisation, ₹4,563 is the number of posts for special forces, and 29,108 is the total new posts sanctioned.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the sanction addresses acute shortage of manpower and the corresponding increase in workload impacting efficiency. While new commissionerates were created earlier, the core issue was insufficient personnel in existing ranks. The recommendation came from the Fifth Tamil Nadu Police Commission, not the Union Home Ministry.

Explanation

The article clearly mentions that Section 29A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951 specifies the requirements for registration of a political party with the Election Commission. Section 29C deals with submission of donor details, and Section 12 refers to the Income Tax Act.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article – RUPPs must maintain details of donors above ₹20,000. Statement 2 is incorrect – the 2002 Supreme Court judgment held that EC cannot de-register a party except in cases of fraud, loss of allegiance, or illegality; the Law Commission recommended de-registration after 10 years but it has not been implemented. Statement 3 is correct – donations above ₹2,000 must be through cheque or bank transfer.

Explanation

The BBC News Hindi investigation revealed that six RUPPs received around ₹1,700 crore in donations for 2023-24. The other options are distractors: ₹1,480 crore is the total for five national parties (except BJP), ₹2,800 is the approximate number of RUPPs, and ₹800 is the number of de-listed parties.

Explanation

The article discusses that RUPPs are often used as 'letter-pad parties' for illegal financial transactions. Imposing a vote threshold (similar to the 1% rule for common symbols) would ensure that only parties with genuine electoral participation can avail tax benefits, deterring misuse. Options A and C are not the primary rationale, and D is a possible outcome but not the main objective mentioned.

Explanation

The article clearly states that the 18th BRICS Summit is chaired by India and is being held in New Delhi on September 12-13, 2026. This is a direct factual detail from the news.

Explanation

Statement 1 is directly confirmed by the article. Statement 2 is wrong because the article gives the total as 10 member countries. Statement 3 is also directly stated — the meeting happened in August. Hence only statements 1 and 3 are correct.

Explanation

The article explicitly lists the 10 member countries: Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran and the UAE. Options 8 and 12 are distractors not supported by the article.

Explanation

The first paragraph states that reducing global dependence on the U.S. dollar is expected to be a key part of the summit discussions. The article mentions cross-border payments and strengthening national currencies, but not a single common currency or military alliance.

Explanation

The ANRF was enacted by Parliament in 2023 with a five-year outlay of ₹50,000 crore to act as a single-point coordinator for research activities. It is explicitly modeled after the US National Science Foundation (NSF).

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article: India's R&D spend has stagnated at 0.64–0.65% of GDP for two decades. Statement 2 is incorrect because the government carries roughly 64% of the load, while private industry chips in barely the remaining 36% (the reverse). Statement 3 is correct: NITI Aayog's audit found more than half of India's 1,815 public labs focus on agriculture alone.

Explanation

The article states: 'India currently funds only around 2,500 postdoctoral positions nationally.' The government roadmap aims to expand this to 10,000 soon and 25,000 within a decade.

Explanation

The article explicitly states: 'Uptake of the ANRF's National Post-Doctoral Fellowship scheme has been discouraging due to short tenures, slow and manual grant disbursal, and the career risk of stepping off the tenure track for a fellowship with no guaranteed landing spot afterward.'

Explanation

The report explicitly states that Chinese developers Moonshot and DeepSeek used Claude, which is an AI model developed by Anthropic. The other options are major AI labs but not mentioned in the article.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the report mentions targeting pro-democracy figures in Hong Kong, Tibetan and Falun Gong communities. Statement 2 is correct as it mentions chikungunya virus and a highly-pathogenic strain of bird flu. Statement 3 is incorrect because the report did not identify the actors in the biological research cases, stating they could not assert intent and did not identify them.

Explanation

The report explicitly states that Moonshot used a 'network of 5,380 fraudulent accounts' to relay almost 300,000 customer requests. The other options are numerical distractors.

Explanation

The report explicitly states the campaigns 'targeted the same diaspora and dissident communities these regimes have historically targeted', including pro-democracy figures, Tibetan and Falun Gong communities, and Iranian minorities. While economic espionage and model theft were also present (Moonshot/DeepSeek), the surveillance campaigns themselves were aimed at political repression.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that 'this year's Nobel Prize winner Joel Mokyr has argued that modern growth depends on the accumulation and diffusion of useful knowledge.' Hence, Joel Mokyr is the correct answer.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article: 'R&D spending at a paltry 0.65% of GDP.' Statement 2 is incorrect: the article says 'fewer than 3% of the workforce has any formal vocational education,' not 10%. Statement 3 is correct: 'Chief Economic Adviser, V Anantha Nageswaran, recently urged the youth to pursue trades such as welding and plumbing.' Hence option C is correct.

Explanation

The article states: 'Fewer than 3% of the workforce has any formal vocational education.' The correct figure is less than 3%, but option A '3%' is the closest and the only one matching the threshold. Note that the exact phrase is 'fewer than 3%'.

Explanation

The article describes Dani Rodrik's productivism as shifting attention 'from ex-post redistribution to creating productive employment' and emphasizes 'the dissemination of economic opportunity' with a role for government in shaping opportunities and investing in vocational education. Option A is closer to Keynesian redistribution, not productivism. Option C is free-market orthodoxy. Option D is opposite of productivism's focus on real economy.

Explanation

The article defines BRICS as the intergovernmental organisation named after its founding members Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa. The other options are also mentioned in the article but do not match the founding-members description.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article says India and South Africa sought the waiver in October 2020. Statement 2 is incorrect because TRIPS is administered by the WTO, not the United Nations. Statement 3 is correct as the waiver demand was turned down by developed countries at the pandemic's peak. Hence option C is correct.

Explanation

The article states that out of 1,325 global sanctions since 1949, 486 have been imposed by the US, which administers over 30 sanctions programmes. The other options use incorrect combinations as distractors.

Explanation

The article cites UNCTAD's 2021 study estimating that the EU's controversial carbon tax would reduce global carbon emissions by merely 0.1%, while substantially impeding developing countries' exports. This highlights the double standards in Western climate-trade policies.

Explanation

The article states the agreement was with Army Air Defence College, Gopalpur. The MoU of December 2022 was with the Army Training Command, but the specific MoA is with the college.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per article. Statement 2 is incorrect: the degree is MTech, not BTech. Statement 3 is correct: faculty are nominated as mentors for dissertations.

Explanation

The article specifies that the MoU for Academic and Research Cooperation was signed in December 2022. The MoA signed in September 2026 builds upon that.

Explanation

The article states that officers on the Long Air Defence Course receive formal accreditation through the MTech programme, enhancing their academic qualifications and career prospects.

Explanation

The article clearly states that Southern Railway achieved 100% electrification of its Broad Gauge network after 95 years. This is a zone-specific milestone for Indian Railways, highlighting the zonal structure asked in static GK.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect because Madras was the second city (after Bombay) to introduce electric traction. Statements 2 and 3 are correct as per the article: the Pattukkottai-Karaikkudi section is 71 km and was inspected on Sep 9, 2026; India's first electric train ran in 1925 on 1500 V DC from Bombay VT to Kurla Harbour.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that Southern Railway has achieved 100% electrification of its BG network covering 5,068 route kilometres (RKM). Other options are distractors to test precise recall of the number.

Explanation

The article explains that with the entire BG network electrified, trains can operate on electric traction without needing a traction change at relevant points. This improves operational flexibility and electric locomotive utilisation. Other benefits like reliability and speed are secondary; traction change elimination is the direct operational advantage.

Explanation

The article states that the pilot was conducted under SEBI's regulatory sandbox. SEBI regulates the securities market, and its sandbox allows testing of innovative products like tokenised bonds.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as FM urged RBI to advance CBDC. Statement 2 is incorrect – the pilot was by REC, not NTPC. Statement 3 is correct as FM proposed a federated industry platform. Hence option C is correct.

Explanation

The article mentions the date as September 11, 2026. The event was on Friday, and the article published on that date confirms it.

Explanation

The article states that tokenisation 'could eliminate unnecessary intermediaries and make asset transfers almost instantaneous'. The FM highlighted both benefits, though she also warned of risks from increased speed.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC), ISRO's centre in Hyderabad, recorded the chlorophyll-a observations from Oceansat-3.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: Oceansat-3 was launched in 2022. Statement 2 is incorrect: El Niño involves warming, not cooling, of sea surface temperatures. Statement 3 is correct: The article notes that during El Niño, winds reverse from easterlies to westerlies, reducing upwelling.

Explanation

The article explicitly mentions that observations were performed across the tropical Pacific Ocean for April, May and June of 2023, 2024, 2025 and 2026.

Explanation

During an El Niño event, weakened equatorial trade winds and steep sea-surface temperature variation reduce the upward transport of cooler, nutrient-rich subsurface waters. This nutrient deficit suppresses phytoplankton growth, leading to lower chlorophyll-a concentrations.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that Anthropic released the report. It is an AI safety company. Other options are prominent AI companies but not the one mentioned in the news.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct because the report specifically mentions the period from December 2025 to August 2026. Statement 2 is false: the report states that none of the cases involved advanced models like Fable or Mythos, except one distillation case. Statement 3 is correct as the report links GTG-20006 to Midnight Blizzard targeting military and diplomatic organisations. Hence option C is correct.

Explanation

The report introduces the threat actor as GTG-20006 and notes that public reporting links the group to Midnight Blizzard. However, the specific identifier used in the report is GTG-20006. APT28 and Kimsuky are other Russian-linked groups not mentioned in this article.

Explanation

The article emphasizes that attackers are increasingly using AI agents to carry out multiple stages of an attack, from reconnaissance to data theft, with limited human involvement. Option A is too narrow; option C is false because humans still set targets and review outcomes; option D contradicts the report's focus on misuse.

Explanation

The article states that Anthropic, the company behind Claude AI, published a report detailing blocked attempts to use its systems for biological and conventional weapons research.

Explanation

Statements 1 and 2 are correct based on the article. Statement 3 is incorrect because Anthropic did not name the scientist, institution, or country involved in the chikungunya case.

Explanation

The article explicitly mentions that the report covered eight months of misuse of Anthropic's AI tools, including Claude.

Explanation

The article quotes John Thickstun of Cornell University, noting that AI companies are left to decide safe/unsafe use without government oversight or public input, placing them in a difficult spot.

Explanation

The Ministry of Commerce and Industry is the nodal ministry for trade policy, including export promotion, import regulation, and negotiation of bilateral trade agreements. The Ministry of External Affairs handles diplomatic relations, not direct trade policy.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article says India's exports to Russia remain below $5 billion. Statement 2 is correct: bilateral trade reached about $151 billion in 2025-26 with a deficit of roughly $112 billion. Statement 3 is incorrect – the article states China exported about $103 billion of goods to Russia, not to India.

Explanation

The article states 'The trade deficit is nearly $59 billion' in context of India-Russia trade. Option B ($63.8 billion) is the value of India's imports from Russia, not the deficit. Option D ($5 billion) is India's exports to Russia. The correct deficit is nearly $59 billion.

Explanation

The article argues that diplomacy cannot substitute for weak manufacturing. It states that 'closing that gap requires much more than diplomacy: sustained economic reform, simpler regulation, greater competitiveness...'. Option A is contradicted; Option C is not suggested; Option D is not the primary argument – the article highlights the paradox of dependence on Chinese inputs.

Explanation

RBI is the central bank of India responsible for monetary policy, banking regulation, and oversight of payment systems including fintechs. SEBI regulates capital markets, IRDAI insurance, and PFRDA pensions.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: the RBI governor said data is more valuable than capital. Statement 2 is incorrect: he urged treating data as a fiduciary responsibility, not a business asset. Statement 3 is correct: he warned against exploiting regulatory gaps.

Explanation

The RBI governor used the phrase 'too significant to be careless' to describe the responsibility of fintechs that reach a size where their disruption could affect the financial system. 'Too big to fail' is a different concept applied to banks.

Explanation

The RBI governor explained that the Account Aggregator framework was built to formalize consent-based, purpose-limited data sharing so that no single entity (including the aggregator) can see or exploit the underlying data. It is not about monetization, direct RBI access, or government scheme aggregation.

Explanation

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) is responsible for India's foreign relations and issued the press note after the bilateral meeting. The MEA is the nodal ministry for diplomatic communications and international engagements.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the MEA quoted PM Modi saying 'dialogue and diplomacy was the way forward'. Statement 2 is a trap: the invitation was for the 24th India-Russia Annual Summit, not the 23rd. Statement 3 is correct as PM Modi gifted a Russian translation of Thirukkural. Hence option C is correct.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that both sides discussed increasing the bilateral trade target to $100 billion by 2030. The other options are distractors with incorrect amounts or deadlines.

Explanation

The article mentions that the spillover effect of the Russia-Ukraine conflict in the Black Sea region is affecting Indian seafarers, several of whom died following attacks on foreign flagged vessels. This humanitarian concern was part of the context for India's peace offer. The other options are not mentioned in the article.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the BRICS FMCBG reiterated support for a multilateral trading system with the WTO at its core. The WTO is the primary international body governing trade rules and dispute resolution.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: the first meeting was on Aug 12 in Jaipur, second on Sep 9-10 in Mumbai. Statement 2 is incorrect because the article says 'the joint statement did not mention the U.S.'. Statement 3 is correct: the FMCBG acknowledged the BPTF's work on cross-border interoperability. Hence option C is correct.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the joint statement was issued on Friday, September 11, 2026. The other dates correspond to the meeting dates (Aug 12, Sep 9-10) but not the statement release.

Explanation

The article directly quotes the joint statement: 'serious concerns with the unilateral imposition of trade- and finance-related actions, including the raising of tariffs and non-tariff measures, which distort trade'. This is the core trade concern raised by the BRICS FMCBG.

Explanation

FSSAI is an autonomous body under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, established under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. It sets standards for food products and regulates their manufacture, storage, distribution, sale, and import.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect because the Court did not order immediate implementation; it sought a clear timeline for the phased rollout. Statement 2 is correct as the Court suggested an alternative model based on highest nutrient levels. Statement 3 is correct as the Court asked for nutritional literacy in schools.

Explanation

The Supreme Court directed FSSAI to file an affidavit within 10 days setting out its responses and clarifications on the concerns raised. The next hearing was scheduled for September 28, 2026.

Explanation

The Supreme Court flagged that a strictly word-based warning label presupposes a certain level of comprehension and literacy, limiting accessibility. The Court suggested incorporating pictorial representations alongside words to make it truly accessible to India's diverse population.

Explanation

Anthropic, the developer of the Claude chatbot, identified a cell of threat actors in northern Yemen using Claude to develop guidance software for weapons. The company banned the accounts upon detection.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: the cell used Claude for GNC software. Statement 2 is incorrect: the test-fired guided rocket failed, and there is no evidence of an operational device. Statement 3 is correct: the article states Houthis are Iran-backed and launched an offensive towards the Bab al-Mandab strait.

Explanation

The article explicitly states the multi-stage ballistic missile had a 'stated range goal above 2,000 kilometres (1,250 miles)'. The other options are close distractors but not mentioned.

Explanation

The article highlights that the Bab al-Mandab strait is a strategic waterway 'which connects Europe to Asia'. Control or disruption of this strait threatens global trade and energy shipments. The Houthi offensive aims to control this area, as evidenced by their claim of a Red Sea island in the middle of the shipping lane.

Explanation

The article clearly states that the National Medical Commission (NMC) has approved an increase of 13,186 MBBS seats across 27 states and UTs. MCC released the allotment result, while MARB is the body for resolving discrepancies.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct because MCC released the provisional Round 2 allotment result. Statement 2 is incorrect as only 27 of 34 states/UTs recorded an increase; 7 recorded no increase. Statement 3 is correct because the total MBBS seats now stand at 1,40,214.

Explanation

The article states that the total number of MBBS seats in the matrix has now reached 1,40,214, compared with 1,27,028 before the increase. The other options are distractors built from the increase figure.

Explanation

The article states that if a counselling committee finds any discrepancy or deviation in the approved matrix, the matter should be referred to MARB. Counselling committees cannot permit admissions beyond the number approved and notified by MARB.

Explanation

The article explicitly mentions that the Supreme Court directed FSSAI to set up a 'scientifically justified and clearly defined timeline' for the second phase of FoPL. FSSAI is the food safety regulator involved in the case.

Explanation

Statements 1 and 2 correctly describe FSSAI's two-phase plan as outlined in the article. Statement 3 is wrong because the 'one point larger' font size was FSSAI's proposal, not the petitioner society's suggestion; the petitioner argued it was too small and suggested relative sizing.

Explanation

The article states that 'countries have used labels which occupy 15-20% area in relation to the principal area of the package'. This was cited in the context of the petitioner's suggestion on font size.

Explanation

The Supreme Court observed that in the absence of a timeline, 'the implementation might take a backseat or be indefinitely postponed'. Therefore, it asked FSSAI to provide a scientifically justified transition period.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that Bab el-Mandeb Strait connects the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden. The other options are other major chokepoints but not the correct one.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as Houthis seized Perim Island. Statement 2 is incorrect: Mocha was captured a day before Perim Island (the article says 'The takeover of Perim came a day after the Houthis captured Mocha'). Statement 3 is correct: Saudi Arabia carried out airstrikes against Mokha airport. Hence option C is correct.

Explanation

The article states: 'around 12 per cent of the world's goods typically pass through the waterway'. 20% refers to the oil share through the Strait of Hormuz, and 10% and 15% are distractors.

Explanation

The article emphasizes that Saudi Arabia depends on the Red Sea route after the Strait of Hormuz closure, and Houthi control threatens this alternative, potentially disrupting Saudi oil exports and global prices. The other options are not supported by the article.

Explanation

The article states that Russia's International Industrial Exhibition 'INNOPROM India' was held for the first time in India from 9-11 September 2026, underscoring its importance in expanding trade and industrial ties between India and Russia.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as PM Modi reiterated this during the BRICS Business Forum. Statement 2 is wrong; Putin said Russia is ready to work with the 'whole world', not against it. Statement 3 is incorrect; the invitation was for Modi to visit Russia for the summit, implying the summit will be held in Russia.

Explanation

The article explicitly mentions 'At least five Indian seafarers were killed in the tit-for-tat attacks between Russia and Ukraine in the Black Sea since July.' This is a precise fact for prelims style questions.

Explanation

PM Modi stated, 'Global trade can only progress if sea lanes are secure, supply routes remain open, and seafarers are safe.' This directly links security of sea lanes to India's trade interests, not tourism or naval promotion.

Explanation

The article explicitly defines BPTF as the BRICS Payment Task Force. It has been encouraged to continue discussions on practical solutions for cross-border payments among BRICS countries. The other options are plausible distractors but are not used in official BRICS documents.

Explanation

Statement 1 is wrong because the article says the joint statement acknowledged there is 'no one-size-fits-all approach' to using local currencies. Statement 2 is correct as Malhotra said linking fast payment systems and CBDCs is being discussed. Statement 3 is correct as SWIFT data showed the dollar's share at 50.99% in July.

Explanation

The article states 8.14% of India's imports — amounting to Rs 1.58 lakh crore — were settled in rupees in the first three months of 2026-27. Rs 25,402 crore was the corresponding figure for April-June 2025. The other options are not supported by the article.

Explanation

The joint statement encourages BPTF to facilitate practical solutions that are fast, low-cost, more accessible, efficient, transparent and safe, while acknowledging there is no one-size-fits-all approach. BRICS countries have repeatedly said they are not trying to replace the US dollar, only offer a viable alternative.

Explanation

BRICS was originally founded by Brazil, Russia, India, China, and later South Africa. Iran joined as a new member in 2024, making it a non-founding member. The question tests static knowledge of the grouping's composition.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: the article states India and Brazil share a strong instinct against turning the grouping into an anti-West alliance. Statement 2 is correct: Iran is described as closest to an anti-Western pole. Statement 3 is incorrect: Brazil has rejected the notion that BRICS must promote de-dollarisation or develop a common currency.

Explanation

The article's metadata and content clearly state the summit is in 2026. The article was published on September 11, 2026, and refers to the summit being held 'this weekend'.

Explanation

The article explicitly states India's political burden is to ensure the forum does not conflate autonomy from America with antagonism towards it, and to strengthen the perception of BRICS as seeking international reform rather than a rupture with the West.