14 September 2026, Questions & Answers

Explanation

The RBI is legally mandated under the RBI Act, 1934 to maintain CPI inflation at 4% with a tolerance band of 2-6%. This mandate is operationalized through the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC). The Ministry of Finance sets fiscal policy, while NITI Aayog is a policy think tank.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: CPI inflation rose to 4.82% in August from 4.45% in July, the highest in 8 months. Statement 2 is incorrect: Food inflation actually rose to 5.95% in August from 5.52% in July (the numbers are swapped). Statement 3 is correct: The government allowed duty-free imports of up to 10 lakh tonnes of raw sugar until October 31 to curb price rises.

Explanation

The article states that WPI inflation rose to 9.92% in August from 9.78% in July. Option A (9.78%) is the July figure, option B (9.81%) is the Output PPI inflation for August, and option D (10.0%) is a distractor not mentioned in the article.

Explanation

The MPC's primary mandate, as per the RBI Act, is to maintain price stability (inflation target of 4% ± 2%) while keeping in mind the objective of growth. A rate hike would aim to curb inflation, but the MPC also considers the impact on economic growth. The other options are not the MPC's objectives.

Explanation

On February 23, 2026, India unveiled 'PRAHAAR', its first comprehensive National Counter-Terrorism Policy and Strategy. The other options are military operations, not policy documents.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect because the first cross-border surgical strikes followed the 2016 Uri attack (not 26/11). Statement 2 is correct: Operation Sindoor destroyed LeT and JeM leadership. Statement 3 is correct: India declared that future attacks will be treated as an 'act of war' and nuclear blackmail will no longer be a restraint.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that India unveiled 'PRAHAAR' on February 23, 2026. The other options are dates of other significant events: May 6, 2025 (Operation Sindoor), September 28, 2016 (surgical strikes), February 14, 2019 (Pulwama attack).

Explanation

The article clearly outlines that India moved from a strategy of merely warning Pakistan without punitive action (passive restraint) to a bold strategy that classifies cross-border terror as an 'act of war', demonstrated by surgical strikes, Balakot, and Operation Sindoor.

Explanation

The Bar Council of India is a statutory body established under Section 4 of the Advocates Act, 1961. The Act governs the legal profession and legal education in India.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect because the Supreme Court in 2026 ruled that the BCI has no power to take disciplinary action against law students. Statement 2 is correct: the first AIBE was held in 2010. Statement 3 is correct as per the Advocates Act, 1961.

Explanation

According to the article, the first All India Bar Examination followed in 2010 after the Supreme Court's broader inquiry into diminishing legal education standards. The BCI described it as a mechanism for basic professional competence.

Explanation

The article states that the BCI was created with two primary purposes: to lay down standards for those who practise law and to lay down standards for institutions providing legal education. Student discipline was not part of its original mandate.

Explanation

The article states: 'The European Commission on Friday forwarded its proposal for the conclusion of a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between the European Union and India to the European Council.' The European Commission is the EU's executive body responsible for proposing legislation and trade agreements.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: India secured 1.64 million tonnes of steel export quota, with an FTA component of 0.69 MT and MFN component of 0.95 MT. Statement 2 is correct: EU won a first-year TRQ of 100,000 CBU cars, almost six times the 17,191 cars imported in 2025. Statement 3 is incorrect: The article says 'on electric vehicles (EVs), the draft deal said that concessions ... beginning in the 5th year' — not from the first year.

Explanation

The article states: 'The EU has won a first-year tariff-rate quota of 100,000 completely built-up internal-combustion and non-plug-in hybrid cars... The quota rises to 160,000 cars by the 10th year.' Option A is the Year 1 quota, Option C is the EV quota from Year 14, and Option D is the EV quota from Year 10.

Explanation

The article explicitly states: 'To protect Indian car manufacturers, India has given no concession to cars below €15,000.' This is a strategic move to shield the domestic auto industry, which is more competitive in the lower price segment, from cheaper EU imports. Options A, C, and D are not mentioned in the article.

Explanation

The Supreme Court Collegium, comprising the Chief Justice of India and the four senior-most judges, recommends appointments to the Supreme Court and High Courts. The National Judicial Appointments Commission was struck down by the Supreme Court in 2015. The Ministry of Law and Justice processes the recommendations but does not appoint.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: the Bill increases strength from 34 to 38. Statement 2 is correct: the article states the move aims to address pendency and experts hope it will bring diversity. Statement 3 is incorrect: the Bill does not introduce any quotas; the Constitution does not prescribe quotas for judicial appointments.

Explanation

The article states that women account for only 4.15% of the total judges in the apex court (12 out of 289). Option D (14.3%) is the percentage of women among sitting High Court judges, not Supreme Court. Options A and C are distractors not mentioned in the article.

Explanation

Senior Advocate Saurabh Kirpal warned that without diversity, the court risks becoming an 'elitist echo chamber'. Menaka Guruswamy also stated that increasing numbers alone may not address the reluctance to appoint diverse candidates. The article's central thesis is that diversity is crucial for institutional legitimacy.

Explanation

The New Delhi Declaration agreed to support a network of training hubs and centres of excellence for mental health, with Bengaluru-based National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences (NIMHANS) as the coordinating centre, as mentioned in the article.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: The 18th BRICS Summit concluded in New Delhi on September 13, 2026. Statement 2 is correct: Indonesia became the 11th full member in January 2025. Statement 3 is incorrect: The declaration steered clear of a common BRICS currency, focusing instead on local currency trade settlements.

Explanation

The article states that India provides over 12% of all trained seafarers around the world. The other options are close distractors – 10% is lower, 15% and 20% are higher than the actual figure.

Explanation

The mechanism was proposed to enable follow-up of all initiatives and outcomes through the Troika (past, current, and incoming chairs). The other options are either partially correct (Space Council was a separate item) or not mentioned (common currency was avoided; UNSC reform was reiterated but not the mechanism's purpose).

Explanation

The article states that the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) rejected Tata Sons' request to surrender its registration as a Core Investment Company. RBI regulates CICs under the NBFC framework.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct - the article says RBI's decision revives mandatory listing. Statement 2 is incorrect as the SP family holds 18.37%, not 13%. Statement 3 is correct - the article mentions increasing public shareholding to 15% in five years and 25% in ten years. Hence option C is correct.

Explanation

The article states: 'Recent conservative estimates have put Tata Sons' valuation around Rs 10 lakh crore'. Other estimates go up to ₹12 lakh crore, but the conservative estimate is ₹10 lakh crore.

Explanation

The article says listing 'would create a transparent and observable market price for the stake' and give shareholders 'greater flexibility to realise value'. While a public listing may reduce the holding company discount, it does not eliminate it entirely, and it does not increase control or reduce compliance.

Explanation

NCAP was launched by MoEFCC in January 2019. Swachh Vayu Sarvekshan is an annual assessment of 130 cities under NCAP to rank air quality improvement efforts.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: BRIC started in 2006 with four nations. Statement 2 is correct: The 18th Summit (2026) adopted New Delhi Declaration. Statement 3 is incorrect: Indonesia became the 11th full member in January 2025, not 2024.

Explanation

Lucknow topped the million-plus category, while Indore secured second and Jabalpur third. Last year Indore was first.

Explanation

Built for NCPOR under Ministry of Earth Sciences, Sagar Manthan will conduct oceanographic surveys, seabed sampling, and CTD profiling up to 6 km depth, supporting polar and deep-sea research.

Explanation

The Supreme Court held that the final determination of citizenship belongs to the Ministry of Home Affairs under the Citizenship Act, 1955, and not to the Election Commission. This clarifies the separation of powers between electoral roll management and citizenship adjudication.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: The SIR deleted over 13 crore names. Statement 2 is incorrect: The Supreme Court ruled that citizenship determination is under MHA, not EC. Statement 3 is correct: The article advocates for a voluntary Aadhaar-EPIC face-authentication app as an alternative. Hence option C is correct.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that Aadhaar covers 1.36 billion residents. The other options are close distractors; 1.2 billion and 1.5 billion are not mentioned. This data point is crucial for prelims understanding of Aadhaar coverage.

Explanation

The article states that SIR aims to achieve 'clean, accurate and inclusive rolls'. It does not aim to determine citizenship (that is MHA's role under SC ruling). Aadhaar-based verification is a proposed method, not the current objective. Option D is not mentioned. Hence B is correct.

Explanation

The article states that the Strait of Hormuz has been 'effectively closed to much traffic by Iran during the war', which pushed Saudi crude onto the East-West pipeline. The Strait of Hormuz is a crucial energy chokepoint between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct—the pipeline runs 1,200 km from the Gulf coast to Yanbu. Statement 2 is incorrect—Saudi Arabia shut the pipeline as a precaution, and it remained offline at the time of reporting. Statement 3 is correct—Saudi Arabia's Foreign Ministry said the drones were launched from Iraq. Hence option C is correct.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the shortfall 'could remove close to 4% of global oil supply from the market.' This is a key data point for prelims—examiners may test this exact percentage against distractors.

Explanation

The article states that the pipeline 'has for months allowed Saudi Arabia to sidestep the worst effects of the wartime closure of the Strait of Hormuz.' This strategic function made it a critical asset, and its targeting compounds the disruption to Saudi oil exports.

Explanation

The 19th India-Vietnam Joint Commission Meeting was co-chaired by External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, indicating that the Ministry of External Affairs is the nodal ministry for such bilateral commissions. Trade and economic aspects are covered under this umbrella diplomatic mechanism.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article: INS Kirpan was gifted in July 2023. Statement 2 is incorrect because the article does not claim Vietnam is the only ASEAN country with such a partnership; it says 'Vietnam is the first country in the region with which we have bilateral ties at that level', but it does not preclude others. Statement 3 is correct: the article says 'Two more Lines of Credit of USD 120 million and USD 180 million have been signed between the Exim Bank of India and the Finance Ministry of Vietnam in July 2024.' Hence option C is correct.

Explanation

The article explicitly states: 'Earlier, 12 high-speed guard boats, built by Indian manufacturer Larsen & Toubro under a bilateral line of credit of USD 100 million, were handed over to Vietnam in June 2022.' So the correct year is 2022. The other options are close distractors; 2023 and 2024 relate to other defence deals like INS Kirpan and the new lines of credit.

Explanation

The article frames the agreement within the context of 'eye on China’s assertive behaviour in the Indo-Pacific region' and 'deepen defence and security cooperation'. Co-production of Indian defence items aims to build Vietnam's indigenous defence capabilities while strengthening India's strategic footprint in ASEAN. Options A and D are secondary or unrelated; option C is not mentioned as a joint fleet.

Explanation

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) is the nodal ministry responsible for India's foreign policy, diplomatic outreach, and participation in multilateral groupings like BRICS, G20, and SCO. While other ministries support, the MEA leads the core strategic and diplomatic engagement.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct; the summit was the 18th BRICS Summit and produced the New Delhi Declaration. Statement 2 is incorrect; the declaration omitted specific references to the U.S.-Israel attacks on Iran as a compromise between members. Statement 3 is correct; the declaration made a call for the reform of the Security Council and support for a greater role for Brazil and India.

Explanation

The article clearly states this was the 18th BRICS Summit. The issue at hand was the adoption of the New Delhi Declaration during this summit. Other options are incorrect numerical distractors.

Explanation

The article highlights India's diplomatic success in forging consensus and facilitating a meeting between Iran and the UAE. This, combined with Prime Minister Modi's meetings with other leaders, bolstered India's reputation as a 'Global South balancer' with access to both sides of a divided world.

Explanation

The article says the BRICS joint declaration was adopted at the BRICS Summit in New Delhi, and that India's chairship produced the Iran-UAE consensus. SCO, G20 and WTO are mentioned in the article but not as the forum for this declaration.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the summit was held in New Delhi and the article was published on September 14, 2026. Statement 2 is incorrect because Iran and the UAE joined BRICS in 2024. Statement 3 is correct as it directly matches the text of Paragraph 28.

Explanation

The article explicitly says the second Sherpas' meeting was held from May 11 to 13 and that Iran and the UAE were unable to see eye-to-eye. February 9-11 was the first Sherpas meeting, May 14-15 was the Foreign Ministers' meeting, and August 30-September 1 was the SCO summit in Bishkek.

Explanation

The article says the central consensus was that neither the US nor Iran could be named. This compromise formula, focusing on restraint and protection of civilians, helped both Iran and the UAE accept the text.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that India's UPI architecture has great potential for linking payment systems among member states. China has its own systems like Alipay, but the article specifically credits India's UPI.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the declaration clearly focused on de-weaponising supply chains. Statement 2 is incorrect because the article explicitly says 'Rather than chasing the chimaera of a BRICS currency, the Declaration does well to focus on linking payment systems.' Statement 3 is correct as linking payment systems is a key focus.

Explanation

The article states: 'Over 130 paragraphs of the 45-page document focused on “unilateral coercive measures” and “unilateral sanctions”, “unilateral blockades”.' This is a key data point for prelims.

Explanation

The article highlights that the declaration focuses on linking payment systems as a practical alternative to the 'chimaera of a BRICS currency'. This is part of a broader push back against 'unilateral sanctions' and aims to create alternative financial channels, reducing dependence on the dollar. Options A, C, and D are not supported by the text.

Explanation

The New Development Bank (NDB) was established by BRICS in 2015. The article contrasts it with the AIIB, which was founded around the same time but has more members and a higher credit rating.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: the article states the NDB has approved 139 projects worth about $43 billion. Statement 2 is incorrect: only about $20 billion of approved loans had been disbursed, implying a slow rate. Statement 3 is correct: the 2022-26 General Strategy commits to 30% of lending/borrowing in local currencies.

Explanation

The article explicitly states 'It has secured commitments of nearly $10 billion across 32 projects, including metro rail systems and the Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut RRTS corridor.'

Explanation

The article describes local-currency lending as 'an alternative way to reduce reliance on the dollar without replacing it as a currency for trade invoicing.' This is distinct from the de-dollarisation crusade championed by Russia and China.

Explanation

Chinese President Xi Jinping made the proposal at the BRICS Summit in New Delhi. The article explicitly states that 'Chinese President Xi Jinping has proposed setting up a BRICS open-source artificial intelligence (AI) community.'

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as Xi Jinping proposed the community. Statement 2 is incorrect because the New Delhi Declaration does not mention the proposed open-source community. Statement 3 is correct as the article states China will take over the BRICS chairship in 2027. Hence option C is correct.

Explanation

The article states: 'At the World Artificial Intelligence Conference in Shanghai in July, Xi announced 5,000 AI training and seminar opportunities for developing countries over five years.' The other options are distractors not mentioned in the article.

Explanation

The article notes that any BRICS programme would 'sit alongside New Delhi's own effort to expand access to AI without relying entirely on foreign technology providers.' This implies potential conflict or duplication. Option D is mentioned as an unknown detail ('how data would be handled'), but option A is the primary strategic concern raised.

Explanation

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) handles India's diplomatic relations, including with neighboring countries like Bangladesh. The article discusses India's policies towards Bangladesh, which fall under MEA's purview.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: the Ganga Water Treaty was signed in 1996. Statement 2 is incorrect: the Teesta agreement has not been signed; it has been stalled since 2012. Statement 3 is correct: the treaty expires in December 2026 and requires renewal. Hence option C is correct.

Explanation

The article explicitly states 'Around 80% of Bangladesh's military hardware now comes from China.' The other options are close distractors but only 80% is correct as per the source.

Explanation

The article highlights that the release of Islamists and UN reports on Al-Qaeda revival in Bangladesh could spill over into India, and that Pakistan may exploit this. While other options are mentioned, the primary security concern is extremism.

Explanation

The news explicitly mentions that the Munshi–Ayyangar formula was incorporated into Articles 343–351 in Part XVII of the Indian Constitution. Part III deals with Fundamental Rights, Part VIII with Union Territories, and Part XX with Amendment.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct — RV Dhulekar made that aggressive remark. Statement 2 is incorrect because the Assembly designated Hindi as the 'official language of the Union', not a national language. Statement 3 is correct — the 1963 Act continued English as an associate official language after the 15-year transition period.

Explanation

The article states that on September 14, 1949, the Assembly adopted the language compromise known as the Munshi–Ayyangar formula. This date is now commemorated as Hindi Diwas. The other options are key dates in Indian constitutional history: Independence Day, Republic Day, and the date of signing the final Constitution.

Explanation

The article notes that it was argued that Hindi lacked the modern vocabulary to govern a modern state. Also, Maulana Azad stressed that a national language should be 'read and written in every part of the country' before replacing English. The 15-year transition was a practical compromise.

Explanation

Article 254 explicitly addresses inconsistency between Central and State laws on Concurrent List subjects. Article 246 deals with distribution of legislative powers, Article 368 is about amendment of the Constitution, and Article 370 grants special status to Jammu and Kashmir (now largely abrogated). The article specifically mentions Article 254 as the basis for UGC regulations prevailing over state acts.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article: the Bill allows the Governor to transfer teachers in consultation with the government. Statement 2 is incorrect: the Chief Minister said the Bill is intended to 'punish' employees, not reward them. Statement 3 is correct: the article explicitly calls this an example of the 'control model' and references the Radhakrishnan Commission's warning. Hence option C is correct.

Explanation

The 42nd Amendment to the Constitution, enacted in 1976 during the Indira Gandhi era, transferred education from the State List to the Concurrent List. The article explicitly mentions this amendment. The 44th Amendment dealt with right to property, 73rd with Panchayati Raj, and 86th with Right to Education as a fundamental right.

Explanation

The article argues that the bill treats university teachers as transferable government employees, undermines the contractual terms they agreed upon, and ignores the fact that universities are autonomous institutions. It is a 'control model' that stifles intellectual freedom. Option A is not discussed; option C is opposite (it gives Governor more power); option D is not a direct impact of the bill (UGC already regulates). Hence B is correct.

Explanation

The article explicitly refers to the 'Parliamentary Standing Committee on Health and Family Welfare' which highlighted the 1.43% GDP health spend and other issues like specialist shortages.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct (1.43% GDP). Statement 2 is incorrect; the article says more than 60% of hospitalisations are in the private sector, not government. Statement 3 is correct (43.4% OOP). Hence only 1 and 3 are correct.

Explanation

The article mentions 'Average hospitalisation expenditure is approximately Rs 6,631 in government hospitals against Rs 50,508 in private hospitals.' The private figure is ₹50,508.

Explanation

The article questions whether private investment 'creates capacity in under-served districts...or acquires existing businesses, consolidate markets and pursue the most profitable segments'. It does not guarantee improved rural access or lower costs.

Explanation

The article states that PM Modi and President Xi met in New Delhi 'on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit' and that Xi attended the '18th BRICS Summit'. Hence the meeting was associated with BRICS, not SCO, G20 or the UN.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article mentions the meeting on the sidelines of the 18th BRICS Summit. Statement 2 is incorrect because the resumption came after a 'six-year hiatus', not three years. Statement 3 is correct as Wang Yi said the leaders agreed to jointly maintain peace and tranquility in border areas.

Explanation

The article explicitly states, 'China takes over as the BRICS chair for 2027.' This is a direct factual detail often targeted in prelims.

Explanation

Wang Yi said the most important consensus was that China and India should be partners. The other options contain plausible but unmentioned outcomes; the article does not mention UNSC support or annual military exercises.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the EPA, under Administrator Lee Zeldin, is expected to announce the change. The EPA is the primary agency for environmental regulation in the US, including emission standards for power plants.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article: Biden's 2024 rules required elimination of nearly all carbon emissions. Statement 2 is correct: the EPA overturned the 2009 Endangerment Finding this year. Statement 3 is incorrect because the article states that under the new rules, power plants would still be subject to some limits on mercury, arsenic, and other contaminants.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the EPA overturned its 2009 Endangerment Finding this year. The year 2009 is the key date for this scientific determination, which is a foundational element of US climate regulation.

Explanation

The Endangerment Finding is the scientific determination that greenhouse gases threaten public health and welfare, which provides the legal foundation for the EPA to regulate them under the Clean Air Act. Overturning it removes that basis, as implied by the article's context of rolling back carbon limits. The other options are not supported by the article.

Explanation

The article mentions that the GTRI analyzed the legal text of the agreement and provided estimates on tariff and CBAM costs. WTO sets global trade rules but did not analyze this FTA text. The European Commission is the EU's executive body, not the analyst. The Ministry of Commerce represents India, not the analyst.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article: the agreement provides an additional preferential quota of 694,853 tons. Statement 2 is incorrect: the article explicitly states the quota does NOT exempt Indian steel from CBAM. Statement 3 is correct: steel above the quota faces a 50% EU tariff.

Explanation

The article states the additional preferential quota is 694,853 tons, on top of the existing WTO quota of 946,616 tons. The total combined quota is 694,853 + 946,616 = 1,641,469 tons (approximately 1.64 million tons). Option A is only the existing WTO quota, C is India's total steel exports to EU in 2025, D is only the additional quota.

Explanation

The article clearly states that the preferential quota does not exempt Indian steel from CBAM, which applies to all steel imports. GTRI estimates CBAM could add costs averaging ~35% of product value once fully phased in. This means even within the quota, exporters must pay carbon costs. Option A is false, C is false (50% tariff only above quota), D is false (quota covers flat products but not exclusively).