23 August 2026, Questions & Answers

Explanation

Article 174(2)(b) of the Constitution explicitly gives the Governor the power to dissolve the Legislative Assembly. Article 163 deals with the Council of Ministers, Article 356 with President's Rule, and Article 171 with the Legislative Council.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article. Statement 2 is incorrect because the second bill is the Union Territories Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2024, not the Representation of the People (Amendment) Bill. Statement 3 is correct: the committee's report is due in the winter session of 2026.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the NDA is considering dissolution of assemblies in 22 states/UTs where it has a majority. Options 11 and 18 are distractors; 25 is not mentioned.

Explanation

The article states that the NDA plans to dissolve assemblies by Governors acting on the advice of their Council of Ministers, under Article 174(2)(b). This allows the states to hold elections alongside Lok Sabha 2029. President's Rule or Supreme Court directive are not proposed.

Explanation

The article states that the School Education and Sports Department has released the draft Bill and invited suggestions. This is a state-level administrative department responsible for school education, not higher education or law.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: the draft explicitly bans integration with schools (dummy-school) and prohibits basement classes. Statement 2 is incorrect: the threshold is >25 students, not >50. Statement 3 is correct: the Bill bars hiring anyone with a registered cognizable offence under BNS or IPC. Hence option C is correct.

Explanation

The article states that major violations, including operating without registration, false advertising, and enrolling an underage child, attract fines from ₹10 lakh to ₹50 lakh. The maximum limit is ₹50 lakh. The other options are lower amounts applicable to minor violations or other states.

Explanation

The dummy-school model involves students being enrolled in school but spending most of their time at coaching centres, effectively missing school. The ban aims to enforce that students attend school as per the RTE Act and receive a balanced education, not just coaching. The other options are not stated or directly opposite to the intent.

Explanation

The article states that the Supreme Court-constituted Central Empowered Committee (CEC) pulled up the Assam Government. The NGT is a statutory body, but the CEC is a committee constituted by the Supreme Court specifically for this case.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect – CEC is not a statutory body; it is constituted by the Supreme Court. Statement 2 is correct – the SC order of April 12, 2019, restrained all mining along the southern boundary. Statement 3 is correct – the article mentions that KAAC administers Karbi Anglong, the southern boundary district.

Explanation

The article clearly states that the default ESZ is 10 km, and the Assam government had a plan to reduce it. This is a standard rule for national parks under the Environment Protection Act guidelines.

Explanation

The CEC repeatedly emphasized that mining undermines the protection of wildlife (especially rhinos and elephants) and the natural drainage system of the entire landscape, even noting that the Karbi Anglong hills serve as a refuge during floods. The core issue is ecological, not financial.

Explanation

As per the article, FCNR(B) deposits can be maintained by Non-Resident Indians, Overseas Citizens of India, and Persons of Indian Origin. The interest earned is tax-exempt for non-residents under Indian tax laws.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: IOC will supply entire import requirement of petrol, diesel, and ATF. Statement 2 is incorrect: the agreement was signed during Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri's visit, not the Prime Minister. Statement 3 is correct: nearly 70% of Mauritius' 1.2 million population is of Indian origin.

Explanation

The RBI reported total inflows of $72.85 billion under the special swap facility till August 21. The sub-components were FCNR(B) deposits ($65.397 billion), OFCBs ($4.86 billion), and ECBs ($2.591 billion). The facility was closed early on August 31.

Explanation

The article states that the second track sets aside a separate incentive structure for Indian smartphone brands, offering higher support for companies that manufacture in India and keep their intellectual property, management control, design, and R&D capabilities in India. This marks an effort to build a domestic handset company with its own technology and brand.

Explanation

PM-SSY is a renewable energy scheme, and the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) is the nodal ministry for all solar energy initiatives in India, including floating solar.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: the scheme targets 5,000 MW with ₹5,070 crore outlay. Statement 2 is incorrect because the article mentions additional CFA of up to ₹0.5 crore per project for feasibility studies. Statement 3 is correct: the scheme mandates co-located energy storage of at least 2 hours (10,000 MWh cumulative). Hence option B is correct.

Explanation

The article states: 'The current installed capacity of floating solar in India, however, stands at only 700 MW.' This is contrasted with the 102 GW potential, highlighting the vast scope for expansion.

Explanation

The article emphasises that floating solar does not require land, addressing the challenge of land scarcity for solar projects. PM-SSY aims to mainstream this technology as a complement to ground-mounted and rooftop solar, easing pressure on land resources.

Explanation

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) handles India's foreign relations, including diplomatic negotiations with other countries. The SR-level talks are a diplomatic mechanism, and the MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal is quoted in the article, confirming the ministry's role.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article states Doval is travelling to Beijing for the 25th round of SR-level talks. Statement 2 is incorrect because the SR mechanism was established in 2003, not 2010. Statement 3 is correct as the MEA spokesperson emphasized that maintenance of peace along the LAC is of 'utmost importance'.

Explanation

The article explicitly mentions that the SR-level talks mechanism was established in 2003 to comprehensively address the longstanding boundary dispute between the two countries. The other options are common distractors related to other events in India-China relations.

Explanation

The article states that the SR mechanism was established to 'comprehensively address the longstanding boundary dispute between the two countries'. While other issues like visas and naming of places are mentioned, the core purpose of the SR-level talks is the boundary dispute.

Explanation

The article states that NSA Ajit Doval is the designated Indian Special Representative for the boundary talks mechanism established in 2003. The SR is a high-level official appointed to lead discussions on the boundary dispute.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect because the 25th round of SR talks was held in Beijing, not New Delhi. Statement 2 is correct as Jaishankar made this remark at the Economic Times World Leaders Forum. Statement 3 is correct as the article mentions the border length is 3,488 km.

Explanation

The article explicitly mentions that the SR mechanism was 'established in 2003 to comprehensively address the vexed boundary dispute.' Options 2001 and 2005 are common distractors related to other bilateral agreements.

Explanation

The article states that while 'success eluded it in resolving the boundary dispute, officials on both sides regard the structured mechanism as a useful tool in addressing the recurring tensions between the two countries.' This highlights its role as a crisis management and diplomatic channel.

Explanation

ISRO is India's national space agency, responsible for space research and exploration. NSIL is its commercial arm, Antrix is a marketing arm, and PRL is a research institute under ISRO.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: National Space Day is on August 23, marking Chandrayaan-3's landing. Statement 2 is incorrect: the article mentions 'over 400' start-ups, not 500. Statement 3 is correct: PM Modi assured stable space policy support.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that 'Over 400 space start-ups — like Agnikul, Skyroot and GalaxEye — have come up in the last few years.' This is a direct data point for prelims.

Explanation

The PM's assurance of stable policy is aimed at reducing regulatory risk for start-ups, thereby encouraging investment and innovation. The goal is to make India a global hub for space talent and technology, not just revenue generation or cutting ISRO's budget.

Explanation

The USMCA (United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement) replaced NAFTA in 2020 and is the current framework for North American trade. The article mentions that the US and Canada still have to agree on revisions to the USMCA, which Trump declined to renew in its current form.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: US tariffs of 50% on $20 billion of Canadian goods were put into force after talks broke down on August 21, 2026. Statement 2 is incorrect: Canada's retaliatory tariffs will take effect on September 8, 2026, not immediately. Statement 3 is correct: PM Carney described the US terms as 'uneconomic, unfair and undermined the net benefits for Canada'.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the new US tariffs impact about $20 billion worth of goods, or 5.5% of Canadian exports to the United States. The other options are close distractors, but only 5.5% is correct as per the news.

Explanation

Canada's retaliatory tariffs are a direct response to US tariffs, aimed at pressuring the US to return to negotiations and secure a better deal. PM Carney stated the US proposed 'uneconomic, unfair' terms, and Canada walked away from a 'bad deal'. The goal is to force the US to offer more acceptable terms, not to sever ties or comply with WTO mechanisms.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that in 2018, the U.S. imposed tariffs under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974 for unfair trade and tech practices. This is a key legal provision in U.S. trade law.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: the report accused about 40 countries. Statement 2 is incorrect: India was among the top enablers, not the only one; other top enablers included Mexico, Canada, EU, Japan, South Korea. Statement 3 is correct: $67 billion in goods transshipped in 2025. Hence option C.

Explanation

The report states that $67 billion in goods were transshipped, producing an estimated $28 billion in lost tariff revenue. Option B is the value of goods transshipped, not lost revenue. Option C is the additional tariff percentage for forced labour, and D is the 2017 value of U.S. imports from China.

Explanation

The article explains that India's 'Make in India, For the World' strategy relies heavily on Chinese inputs. If India is forced to curb those imports, manufacturing costs will rise, reducing global competitiveness. Options A and C are mentioned but are separate issues; option D is not mentioned.

Explanation

The article mentions that elephant corridors have been well defined and identified by the Environment Ministry. MoEFCC is the nodal ministry for wildlife conservation, including elephant corridors, as per the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the SC order of August 17, 2026. Statement 2 is correct: the 2023 mapping documented 150 corridors across 15 states, and West Bengal has 26 corridors, the highest. Statement 3 is correct: the Charmar-Jingol corridor is 20 km long, 2.5 km wide, and used by 80-100 elephants.

Explanation

The article states: 'More than 50% of India’s 22,446 elephants are distributed in the Western Ghats...' This figure is from the last all-India elephant population estimation report released last year. The other options are plausible distractors but not mentioned in the article.

Explanation

The article identifies 'infrastructure construction, and industrial and mining activity' as the major issues disrupting elephant corridors. Linear infrastructure like highways, railways, canals, and power lines push elephants towards farmlands, triggering human-elephant conflict. While climate change and drought also play a role historically, the primary current disruption is human-induced infrastructure and mining.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the committee was constituted by the Centre (MHA) and the Home Minister chaired the meeting. The MHA is the nodal ministry for internal security and governance matters including regional issues.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article mentions Pankaj Kumar Singh was appointed as interlocutor and now leads the panel. Statement 2 is incorrect because no timeline for report submission is given. Statement 3 is correct as CM Suvendu Adhikari attended the meeting.

Explanation

The article explicitly states 'demand for ST status for 11 Gorkha communities'. This is a direct data point from the news.

Explanation

The article states the committee was formed to find a 'permanent political solution' and that the Home Minister promised a solution 'under the umbrella of the Constitution'. Immediate ST status was a demand, not the committee's objective.

Explanation

The article mentions the 'Petroleum Ministry' sending letters to Chief Secretaries. The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas oversees oil and gas policies, including PNG and LPG distribution.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the letter to Chief Secretaries. Statement 2 is correct: the orders prohibit dual connections. Statement 3 is incorrect because domestic LPG supplies were also disrupted, though they were prioritized.

Explanation

The article explicitly states 'In an August 21 letter to State Chief Secretaries, Petroleum Secretary Neeraj Mittal...' The other options are distractors based on the publication date (August 23) or wrong year.

Explanation

The article states that accelerated PNG adoption 'contributes to reducing the logistics burden associated with LPG distribution, enhancing consumer convenience, and improving utilisation of CGD infrastructure.' The other options are not mentioned as primary objectives.

Explanation

The ruling was given by the Lucknow Bench of the Allahabad High Court, comprising Justice Shekhar B Saraf and Justice Abdhesh Kumar Chaudhary, as per the article.

Explanation

Statement 1 is false because the court explicitly ruled that government cannot force private landowners to execute sale deeds. Statement 2 is correct as the court said the government must follow the LARR Act, 2013 for compulsory acquisition. Statement 3 is correct as the land was in Devipatan Tulsipur village, Balrampur district, for road widening.

Explanation

The State government informed the court that nearly 80% of the required land had been purchased through sale deeds, with around 104 registrations executed by different landowners.

Explanation

The court stated that in the absence of consent, the State would have to issue a notification under the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013, and acquire the land in accordance with law.

Explanation

The PM CARES Fund was registered as a public charitable trust under the Registration Act, 1908, as per the article. The Indian Trusts Act, 1882 applies to private trusts, while the Societies Registration Act is for societies. The Companies Act is for corporate entities.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: PM is ex-officio chairman. Statement 2 is incorrect: PM CARES is audited by an independent auditor, not by CAG. Statement 3 is correct: donations qualify for 100% exemption under Section 80G. Hence option C is correct.

Explanation

According to the audited statement, total contributions to PM CARES in FY2024-25 were ₹479.96 crore. ₹8,452.06 crore is the closing balance, ₹87.85 lakh is the spending, and ₹475.14 crore is the interest income.

Explanation

The PMO reasoned that the corpus of PM CARES, like PMNRF and NDF, is constituted entirely with voluntary public contributions and not from any allocation out of the Consolidated Fund of India. Therefore, under Rule 41(2) of Lok Sabha, questions on such funds are not admissible.

Explanation

The Department of Space (DoS) directly under the PMO oversees the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the overall space policy. The news mentions government policy support, which is executed by this department.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect because National Space Day commemorates the Chandrayaan-3 lunar landing (August 23, 2023), not Chandrayaan-2. Statement 2 is correct per the article: Skyroot Aerospace became the first private Indian company to conduct an orbital launch. Statement 3 is correct as PM Modi emphasized creating an ecosystem to draw global talent using India's cost-efficiency and risk tolerance.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that Skyroot Aerospace has secured eight launch contracts, mostly from foreign clients. This data point is crucial for Prelims factual recall.

Explanation

PM Modi's statement about drawing global talent is directly linked to turning India into a global space hub, leveraging its cost-efficiency, deep talent pool, and risk tolerance. The other options are either too narrow (importing engineers) or not the primary objective as stated in the news.

Explanation

The article mentions 'figures from the US Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control' showing sanctioned entities. OFAC is the primary agency for administering and enforcing economic sanctions based on US foreign policy and national security goals.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: the article states OFAC has sanctioned more than 1,000 entities since Trump's second term. Statement 2 is incorrect: the article says independent refiners ('teapots') handle much of that trade, not state-owned refiners. Statement 3 is correct: the Treasury warned two unnamed larger Chinese banks.

Explanation

The article explicitly mentions 'digital exchanges holding an estimated $500 billion in Iran-linked cryptocurrency' as a target of recent US sanctions. The other options are plausible distractors but not mentioned in the source.

Explanation

The article states that a land blockade could 'increase pressure on the Iranian population by disrupting imports of food, energy, and textiles' and might lead to unrest. This is a coercive economic warfare tactic distinct from the naval blockade already in place.

Explanation

The article specifically mentions that the Haplo-cord transplant and CAR T-cell therapy were conducted by doctors at Narayana Health in West Bengal. This institution is a private healthcare provider known for advanced medical procedures.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article: the child received a Haplo-cord transplant using sibling cord blood and father's stem cells. Statement 2 is incorrect: the therapy used was dual-target CAR T-cell therapy targeting CD19 and CD22, not single-target CD20. Statement 3 is correct: primary CNS lymphoma is described as a rare, aggressive type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

Explanation

The article clearly states that a 62-year-old male patient from Myanmar was treated for brain cancer using dual-target CAR T-cell therapy. The other options are close distractors not mentioned in the article.

Explanation

Dual-target CAR T-cell therapy targets two different antigens (CD19 and CD22) on cancer cells, making it harder for cancer cells to evade the immune response through antigen loss. This reduces the risk of relapse compared to single-target therapies. The article highlights this as a key advancement.

Explanation

The article states that the contract for the Thilamale Bridge project was awarded to India's Afcons Infrastructure on August 26, 2021. The other options are entities involved in the broader project but not the implementing contractor.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article identifies Thilamale Bridge as the GMCP, funded by India. Statement 2 is incorrect because India provided $100 million as a grant and $400 million as a Line of Credit, not the reverse. Statement 3 is correct as the project connects Male with Villingili, Gulhifalhu and Thilafushi.

Explanation

The article clearly mentions that the GMCP will build a 6.74-km-long bridge and causeway link. The 8.177 km option is a distractor based on the height of the tallest precast segments (8.177 metres), not the project length.

Explanation

The article states that enhancing regional connectivity is a key priority for India and Maldives, and India considers Maldives a key maritime neighbour and partner in the Neighbourhood First policy and Vision MAHASAGAR. The other options are not supported by the article.

Explanation

The article states that the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) recently wrote to all states and various central agencies. ANTFs and drug controllers are implementation partners mentioned in the action plan, not the agency that issued the communication.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct because the article says the awareness program for students in schools and colleges is ongoing since August 16, 2026. Statement 2 is incorrect because enforcement drives begin in September, while medical store inspections begin in October. Statement 3 is correct because the second fortnight of January 2027 is earmarked for detection and destruction of illicit cultivation. Hence option C is correct.

Explanation

The article clearly states that the NCB has asked states and central agencies to undertake 24 different special drives, each running for a fortnight till August next year.

Explanation

The article quotes the NCB as saying these campaigns will strengthen inter-agency collaboration and enhance public awareness, contributing significantly to the vision of Nasha Mukt Bharat. The other options are individual components of the action plan, not the stated overall purpose.

Explanation

MGNREGA is a flagship rural employment scheme under the Ministry of Rural Development. The new VB-G RAM G scheme also falls under the same ministry. Other ministries handle different sectors like finance, labour, or agriculture.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article states VB-G RAM G replaced MGNREGA from July 1. Statement 2 is incorrect because 61.48 lakh person-days was generated under MGNREGA in July 2025, not under VB-G RAM G. Statement 3 is correct as 805 of 5,958 gram panchayats recorded nil expenditure.

Explanation

The article specifically mentions that 61.48 lakh person-days were generated in July 2025 under MGNREGA. The other options are distractors: 17.98 lakh is July 2026 under VB-G RAM G, 26.27 lakh is August 2026, and 36.15 lakh is August 2025.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that officials attribute the slow implementation to lack of clarity over implementation and the need for prior clearances from the Centre. Unlike the demand-driven MGNREGA, the new scheme requires allotment and clearances, causing delays.

Explanation

The article describes Shola forests as high-altitude tropical montane forests that hold their own weather and support epiphytic communities. They are a key ecosystem in the Western Ghats, often tested in environment and geography sections.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: the study used satellite imagery from 2000-2020. Statement 2 is incorrect: the temperature rise was 0.01°C per year, not 0.1°C. Statement 3 is correct: Phase II showed advanced SOS across all forest types. Hence option C is correct.

Explanation

The article states that the average amount of rainfall decreased by 3.97 millimeters every year during the period 1950-2018. The other options are distractors: 0.01°C is the temperature rise, 4.37 days is the lengthening of season for moist deciduous forests in Phase I.

Explanation

The article explains that shifts in flowering and fruiting times cause mismatches with pollinators and seed dispersers, leading to reduced pollination and seed set. This desynchronization is a key threat to biodiversity, whereas increased greening or expansion is not supported by the evidence.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the US invoked Section 338 of the Tariff Act of 1930 (part of the Smoot-Hawley legislation) to impose the tariffs. IEEPA was struck down by the Supreme Court, and Section 301 was used for India and other countries on forced labour grounds.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: the article says the US Supreme Court struck down much of Trump's earlier tariff programme under IEEPA in February. Statement 2 is correct: the US imposed 50% tariffs on about $20 billion of Canadian goods. Statement 3 is correct: Canada's retaliation targets sectors including steel, dairy, appliances, agricultural equipment, pulp and paper, and electronics. Hence all three are correct.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that 'about 72% of its goods exports went to the US last year.' The other options are plausible distractors but not supported by the data. This high dependence makes Canada particularly vulnerable to US tariffs.

Explanation

The article explains that Section 338 allows the President to impose tariffs of up to 50% on countries deemed to discriminate against US businesses. This law had never been used before. Option B is incorrect because Section 301 (not 338) was used for forced labour. Option C is incorrect because the Supreme Court struck down IEEPA, not Section 338. Option D is incorrect; no Congressional vote is required for this provision.

Explanation

The article states that the vaccine was administered along with the popular immunotherapy drug Keytruda. Keytruda is a PD-1 inhibitor, and the combination showed significant reduction in risk of death from melanoma.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect because intismeran is a therapeutic vaccine for existing cancer, not a preventive vaccine. Statement 2 is correct: the vaccine is designed by identifying neoantigens from the patient's tumour. Statement 3 is incorrect: the risk reduction for recurrence was 49%, not 59% (59% is for spread). Hence only statement 2 is correct.

Explanation

The article explicitly cites Globocan data stating that melanoma accounts for only 0.26% of all cancer cases in India and 0.17% of deaths. The 1.6% figure refers to the percentage of patients who can afford immunotherapy, not incidence.

Explanation

The article specifically mentions two reasons: (1) melanoma is rare in India (0.26% of cancers), and (2) the cost of Keytruda is prohibitive, with only 1.6% of patients needing immunotherapy able to afford it. Other options introduce factors not mentioned in the article.