14 February 2026, Questions & Answers

Explanation

The Ministry of Labour and Employment is the nodal agency responsible for formulating and implementing policies related to labour welfare, including the consolidation and execution of the four Labour Codes. Other ministries handle tangential aspects like finance for schemes or social justice for specific groups, but the core labour policy rests with this ministry.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article: the wage definition is reformed to ensure wages are at least 50% of remuneration. Statement 2 is incorrect: the new provision reduces the gratuity eligibility for fixed-term employees to one year, not five. Statement 3 is correct: the Code on Social Security, 2020, formally brings gig and platform workers under a social security framework.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that establishments used to pay lower wages (basic pay, dearness allowance and retaining allowance) of just 30%-35% of the total remuneration to reduce their social security contribution liability. The new code raises this floor to 50%.

Explanation

The article argues that by increasing social security contributions (PF, gratuity) and extending coverage, the codes enhance workers' long-term financial security. This increased income security boosts their purchasing power, leading to higher consumption and savings, which circulates within the domestic economy to generate demand-led growth. This is highlighted as a key macroeconomic implication.

Explanation

The National Statistical Office (NSO) under the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) is responsible for the collection, compilation, and dissemination of CPI data. The RBI uses this data for monetary policy but does not compile it.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article. Statement 2 is incorrect; the weight of Food & Beverages has been reduced from 45.86% to 36.75%, not increased. Statement 3 is correct as the article mentions the inclusion of 12 online markets for data collection.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the weight of Food and Beverages has been reduced from the previous 45.86% to 36.75% in the new CPI series. This is a key data point reflecting changing consumption patterns.

Explanation

The core objective of the CPI revision is to reflect current consumption patterns accurately, leading to a less volatile and more realistic inflation measure. This directly aids the RBI's Monetary Policy Committee and government fiscal planning, making policy more effective. It does not directly control prices or replace WPI.

Explanation

The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) is responsible for India's IT policy, electronics, and promotion of emerging technologies like AI, making it the nodal ministry for this summit.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article. Statement 2 is incorrect; the article clarifies that forming a new permanent body is uncertain and not the intended model. Statement 3 is correct, as Bharat Mandapam is the venue and it hosted G20 in 2023.

Explanation

The article explicitly quotes the official stating "at least fifteen concrete ones". The other numbers are plausible distractors but not mentioned in the source.

Explanation

The core directive was to avoid a 'talking shop' and ensure the summit yields concrete results. This reflects India's intent to be an agenda-setter in pragmatic AI governance, moving beyond theoretical debates.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) approved the project. The CCEA is the apex body for approving major economic projects and infrastructure investments in India.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article. Statement 2 is incorrect; the article mentions the elimination of banking engines specifically in the 'Kasara-Igatpuri' section, not 'Kasara-Daund'. Statement 3 is directly mentioned as a benefit of the project. Hence, option C is correct.

Explanation

The headline and article clearly state the investment as ₹10,154 crore. This is a precise data point crucial for Prelims. The other options are plausible distractors based on other railway project costs.

Explanation

The article directly lists 'CO₂ saving: 54 cr kg every year equivalent to planting approx. 2.2 cr trees' as a key benefit. While other options are desirable environmental goals, they are not mentioned as specific outcomes of this project in the given news.

Explanation

The NGT was established by the National Green Tribunal Act, 2010. This act provides the tribunal's jurisdiction, powers, and procedures. The Environment (Protection) Act is a general environmental law, while the Water Act and Forest Act deal with specific domains.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect. The NGT affirmed a liberal interpretation of 'locus standi' for environmental matters, while cautioning against 'meddlesome bystanders'. Statement 2 is correct as per the article. Statement 3 is incorrect; the challenge was based on the land being forest land or within 250 metres of forest boundaries (not 500m or a wildlife sanctuary).

Explanation

The Madhya Pradesh State Environment Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA) mandated a 25-metre 'no mining zone' along the forest boundary as one of the significant restrictions in the environmental clearance. This is a specific data point from the article.

Explanation

The NGT did not change the liberal 'locus standi' principle. Instead, it cautioned courts to scrutinize cases to ensure genuine public interest and prevent frivolous or motivated litigation ('meddlesome bystanders'). This balances the need for open access to environmental justice with the need to protect the judicial process from abuse.

Explanation

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) is responsible for reviewing economic trends and approving major infrastructure projects and investments. As per the news, the CCEA approved this Rs 18,662 crore project. CCS deals with security matters, NITI Aayog is a policy think tank, and PMO provides executive support.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article: total length is 33.7 km with a 15.79 km underwater section. Statement 2 is incorrect: Gohpur is on NH-15, not NH-52. NH-52 is the location of the existing Kaliabhomora bridge. Statement 3 is incorrect: The article states it will be India's first but the second such tunnel in the world.

Explanation

The article explicitly states the total capital cost approved is Rs 18,662.02 crore. Rs 11,982.36 crore is the civil cost, and Rs 716.65 crore is the land acquisition cost, which together make up the total capital cost. The other figures are distractors.

Explanation

While boosting tourism (Kaziranga) is a benefit, the primary strategic objective is transformative connectivity. The project aims to cut travel time from 6 hours to 20 minutes, connect multiple economic, social, and logistic nodes, and facilitate faster movement of goods and passengers, thereby strengthening economic and strategic linkages in Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, and Nagaland.

Explanation

The Allahabad High Court has territorial jurisdiction over the state of Uttar Pradesh. The news article explicitly mentions the court directing the 'Uttar Pradesh government' to frame the policy.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the order explicitly mentions coverage for termination and welfare schemes. Statement 2 is incorrect; the court observed that 'despite the SOP being put in place, the flow of petitions has not come to an end.' Statement 3 is a verbatim correct statement of the legal limit mentioned in the court's order.

Explanation

The article states: 'The bench directed the state government to file a further affidavit within three weeks through the Medical Health and Family Welfare Department.' This is a specific timeline set by the court.

Explanation

The core issue identified by the court is the procedural and awareness gap that leads to victims turning up late, thus losing the opportunity for legal termination within the 20-24 week limit under the MTP Act. While evidence preservation (A) and compensation (D) are mentioned as parts of the policy, they are not the primary driver. Option C is an extreme distortion not suggested by the court.

Explanation

The National Statistical Office (NSO) under the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) is responsible for compiling and releasing key economic indices like the Consumer Price Index (CPI) and Wholesale Price Index (WPI). The RBI uses this data for monetary policy.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect. The new CPI is based on the Household Consumption Expenditure Survey 2023-24, not 2022-23. Statement 2 is incorrect as the weightage of food and beverages has been reduced from 45.86% to 36.75%, not increased. Statement 3 is correct as per the article which mentions inclusion of data from 12 online marketplaces.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the weightage of food and beverages in the overall CPI has been reduced to 36.75% from the earlier 45.86%. The other options are close distractors: 45.86% is the old weight, 40.50% and 33.25% are plausible but incorrect figures.

Explanation

The core objective of the CPI revision is to reflect current consumption patterns (like reduced food spending due to free grains and rise of services), leading to a more accurate and less volatile inflation measure. This directly aids the RBI's Monetary Policy Committee in making informed interest rate decisions to achieve its inflation target.

Explanation

The Hukou (household registration) system in China is a function of public security and is managed by the Ministry of Public Security. It is a tool for controlling internal migration and access to social services, not just a demographic or civil registry.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: The OCP was launched in 1979. Statement 2 is correct: The Hukou system was weaponized to deny services to 'heihaizi'. Statement 3 is incorrect: The 'Four Modernizations' were in agriculture, industry, national defense, and science & technology, not space technology.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that out-of-pocket medical expenses rose from 20% to 60% between 1980 and 2001. This data point is crucial for understanding how market reforms increased the cost of raising children, reinforcing the OCP's effects.

Explanation

The 'Double Reduction' policy banned private tutoring to reduce family costs. However, it failed because the competitive 'Key Schools' system remained, simply pushing tutoring demand underground and increasing costs by 18-22% by 2025. This highlights the challenge of reversing deep-seated structural incentives.

Explanation

DPIIT, under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, is the nodal department for the Startup India initiative. It formulates policies and frameworks, including the definition and recognition of startups for availing various benefits.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the news. Statement 2 is incorrect; a Fund of Funds (FoF) invests in other funds (Alternative Investment Funds - AIFs), not directly in startups. Statement 3 is correct as the news mentions 'higher government contribution in AIFs funding deep tech and high-tech manufacturing'.

Explanation

The article clearly states that the Government in 2016 had constituted a Fund of Funds worth ₹10,000 crore. The recently approved second tranche is also of the same amount. This is a direct factual recall from the news.

Explanation

The fund aims to encourage a long-term investing culture ('patient capital') and specifically targets deep tech and manufacturing, which require sustained funding. By investing through AIFs, it seeks to catalyze larger private sector investment into these strategic sectors, aligning with goals of technological self-reliance.

Explanation

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) is the apex body for approving significant public investment projects, infrastructure schemes, and economic policies. The news explicitly mentions approval was given by the CCEA chaired by the Prime Minister.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the projects are for third and fourth lines on Kasara-Manmad, Delhi-Ambala, and Ballari-Hosapete routes. Statement 2 is factually correct as per the article. Statement 3 is incorrect; while improved tourism connectivity is a benefit, the primary objective is to enhance line capacity, operational efficiency, and freight movement, not specifically to promote religious tourism.

Explanation

The government statement in the article clearly mentions that the capacity augmentation works will result in additional freight traffic of 96 MTPA (Million Tonnes Per Annum). This is a precise data point often asked in Prelims.

Explanation

The article states that the projects are planned under the PM-Gati Shakti National Master Plan. This plan focuses on enhancing multi-modal connectivity through integrated planning. While other options are related to infrastructure, Gati Shakti is the specific framework mentioned for these railway projects.

Explanation

The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) is the nodal ministry for all policies and schemes related to urban development in India, including the Smart Cities Mission, AMRUT, and the newly approved Urban Challenge Fund. Ministry of Finance deals with budgetary allocations, while Rural Development focuses on rural areas.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: The UCF was announced in Budget 2025-26. Statement 2 is incorrect: The central assistance covers only 25% of the project cost, provided at least 50% is mobilized from the market. Statement 3 is correct: The coverage includes all capital cities and cities with a population over 1 lakh (specifically major industrial cities with >1 lakh population).

Explanation

The government statement specifies that the Rs 1 lakh crore central assistance under the UCF is expected to lead to a total investment of Rs 4 lakh crore in urban infrastructure projects over the next five years. The central outlay is the catalyst, not the total investment.

Explanation

The article explicitly states the UCF 'marks a paradigm shift in India’s urban development approach from that of grant-based financing to a market-linked, reform-driven and outcome-oriented infrastructure creation.' The other options are distortions: it does not exclude metros, prioritize FDI exclusively, or replace all state schemes.