27 August 2026, Questions & Answers

Explanation

The article specifically mentions the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957 (MMDR) and its amendment in 2026. The other acts are related to specific minerals but are not the subject of this amendment.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the Act gives the Centre control over mineral taxation. Statement 2 is incorrect—the article states it was discussed for only 5 minutes in Lok Sabha and 40 minutes in Rajya Sabha, not extensive debate. Statement 3 is correct as the Act bypasses the 2024 SC ruling. Hence option C is correct.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the Bill was discussed for 'a princely total of five minutes in the Lok Sabha'. The 40 minutes refers to the Rajya Sabha debate.

Explanation

The article says the Act 'gives the central government control over all mineral and mineral land taxation' and 'turns what was once a fiscal right of states into a discretionary allocation'. This directly reduces states' fiscal autonomy, potentially costing them 10-20% of annual revenues.

Explanation

The article states that 'National Security Adviser Ajit Doval and China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi' represented their respective sides as Special Representatives for the boundary talks.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article mentions an 'eight-point consensus' to advance boundary delimitation. Statement 2 is incorrect because the new hotlines were established in the Eastern and Middle Sectors, not Western. Statement 3 is correct as the article says 'both sides in Beijing reaffirmed the 2005 agreement'. Hence option C is correct.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that 'Two additional meeting points to hold talks between top military commanders will be set up.' The other options are not mentioned.

Explanation

The article says 'both countries have agreed to hold next month a meeting of an expert-level mechanism on trans-border rivers and to maintain communication on sharing hydrological data, which India has been pushing for.' The objective is clearly data sharing and communication, not resolution of the dispute or dam construction.

Explanation

HAL is the state-owned Indian aerospace and defence company that has partnered with Safran Helicopter Engines of France to form the 50:50 joint venture SAFHAL for developing the Aravalli engine.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect because the engine is being jointly developed by HAL and Safran through their JV SAFHAL, not entirely indigenously. Statement 2 is correct as the Aravalli engine will power the IMRH and DBMRH. Statement 3 is correct as the engine will be manufactured at Tumakuru, Karnataka.

Explanation

The article specifies that the Aravalli engine will have a power rating of 3,500-4,000 shaft horsepower. The other options are distractors that are either lower or higher than the actual specification.

Explanation

The program represents India's first high-power indigenous helicopter engine development, moving from licensed production (like Shakti engine) to co-design and co-development, giving HAL access to core technologies and intellectual property for future programs.

Explanation

The study was led by Rosa Pietroiusti and Wim Thiery from Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), as mentioned in the article. The findings were published in the journal Science Advances.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: the study defines heat stress days as having a wet-bulb globe temperature >28°C in the shade. Statement 2 is correct: globally, 560 million children (43% of 0-9 age group) are affected. Statement 3 is incorrect: the study specifically focuses on children aged 0-9 and states they are more vulnerable than older age groups, not that older children are at higher risk.

Explanation

The study projects that in a 2°C warmer world, 169 million Indian children (96% of those aged 0-9) could experience at least one additional month of heat stress. 145 million is the current number, and 166 million is the projection for 1.5°C warming.

Explanation

The article explains that humid heat is more dangerous because high humidity prevents sweat from evaporating efficiently, making it harder for the body to cool itself. This is especially critical for children, whose bodies heat up faster and sweat less efficiently than adults.

Explanation

UPI was launched by NPCI in 2016. NPCI is an umbrella organisation for retail payment systems in India, under the oversight of RBI and IBA.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: UPI launched with 21 banks in 2016. Statement 2 is correct: daily transactions are about 66 crore, recognised by IMF. Statement 3 is incorrect: UPI's value share in retail payments is only 9-10%, not over 50%. Hence option C.

Explanation

The article states annual UPI transactions scaled from 1.78 crore in FY17 to more than 24,162 crore in FY26. 66 crore is the daily transaction count, and 129.3 billion is India's total real-time payment volume for a year (ACI report).

Explanation

The article notes that the zero-MDR model helped adoption but raises sustainability questions. The Parliamentary Standing Committee flagged a mismatch between ₹2,000 crore allocation and estimated operational cost of ₹20,700 crore, indicating a significant gap.

Explanation

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) is the nodal ministry for disaster management in India, including the notification of natural calamities. On August 4, 2026, the MHA informed the Lok Sabha that heatwaves and lightning had been added to the list of notified calamities.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: FC-XVI recommended ₹2.04 lakh crore for state disaster funds, a 28% increase. Statement 2 is incorrect: SDRF is for immediate response and relief, not long-term mitigation (that is the role of SDMF). Statement 3 is correct: FC-XVI recommended ₹79,406 crore for national disaster funds. Hence option C is correct.

Explanation

The article states that between March 1 and July 26, 2026, India recorded 4,853 heatstroke cases and 20 confirmed heatstroke deaths. The 45,000 figure refers to heat-related illnesses in 2024, and 51,000 refers to the number of reporting units under the surveillance system.

Explanation

The SDMF is specifically meant for long-term mitigation projects to reduce the risk of a climate event turning into a disaster, such as cooling shelters, early-warning systems, blue-green infrastructure, and cool roofs. Immediate compensation is covered by the SDRF.

Explanation

COPPA is the specific US law that imposes requirements on websites and online services regarding the collection of personal information from children under 13. The article explicitly states Meta was accused of violating COPPA. Section 230 is about platform liability for user content, not privacy.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article mentions the $17 billion settlement with 47 states. Statement 2 is incorrect; the initial daily limit imposed is 2 hours, not 60 minutes. A 60-minute limit is a stricter provision that would apply only if all 'Core Industry Members' (including TikTok and YouTube) adopt similar safeguards. Statement 3 is correct as the article states an independent auditor will assess compliance for five years.

Explanation

The article explicitly states: 'A December 2025 Pew study found that 36% of US teens use at least one of YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat and Facebook 'almost constantly'.' The other options are close distractors.

Explanation

The article highlights that previously, only 1.1% of teens used voluntary safety tools. The settlement mandates changes like the 2-hour limit and midnight block as default, built-in features. This shift from opt-in to default is the key architectural change, as it doesn't rely on the teenager to activate the safety measure.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC) released satellite images of before and after the event. NRSC is the primary government agency under ISRO for satellite data processing and applications. While ISRO is the parent organization, NRSC is the specific agency mentioned for this task.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: USGS initially reported a 4.4 magnitude earthquake. Statement 2 is correct: Anil Kulkarni mentioned the 1.5-2 km vertical drop. Statement 3 is incorrect: The programme covers four hilly states (Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh) and two Union Territories (Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh), not all Himalayan states.

Explanation

The article states that ISRO revealed 'of 2,431 glacial lakes larger than 10 hectares... 676 had expanded notably between 1984 and 2023.' Option A (2,431) is the total number of such lakes, not the expanded ones. Option C (359) is the Nepal flood death toll. Option D (5.2) is the revised seismic magnitude.

Explanation

The article explicitly states the programme 'seeks to strengthen the boundaries of these glacial lakes... and equip them with early warning systems.' Option A is incorrect as the programme is for India, not Nepal. Option C is too broad. Option D is a scientific action by USGS, not the objective of the programme.

Explanation

The article states that COPPA, a 1998 US law, was a key part of the states' case, alleging Meta collected children's data without parental consent. The other options are not mentioned or are from different jurisdictions.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect because the article explicitly says 'Meta has not admitted wrongdoing.' Statements 2 and 3 are directly mentioned in the article: default 2-hour daily limit and blocked access between midnight and 6 am. Hence option C is correct.

Explanation

The article states 'the payout, which is up to $17.1 billion'. The other options are close distractors not mentioned in the article.

Explanation

The article discusses India's concerns around young users' exposure to social media and the need for age-based restrictions, daily usage caps, and parental consent to limit potentially harmful or compulsive use. Revenue or universal screen time reduction are not mentioned.

Explanation

The article states that the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India is the administrative Ministry of FSSAI. FSSAI is an autonomous statutory body established under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as FSSAI was established under the 2006 Act. Statement 2 is incorrect because businesses with turnover above ₹50 crore require a Central FSSAI licence, not a State licence. Statement 3 is correct as the article mentions the revised categories effective April 1 this year.

Explanation

The article quotes FAO: ‘With an estimated 600 million cases of foodborne illnesses annually, unsafe food is a threat to human health and economies.’ The other options are plausible but incorrect distractors.

Explanation

The article states that according to WHO, unsafe food creates a vicious cycle of disease and malnutrition, particularly affecting infants, young children, elderly and the sick. A safe food supply also supports national economies, trade and tourism.

Explanation

The article states that US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced the sanctions. The Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), which issued the sanctions, is a part of the US Treasury Department.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: the article mentions the date and operation name. Statement 2 is incorrect: the sanctions target digital assets, technology, gold, aviation, and shipping, not just oil. Statement 3 is correct: Secretary of State Marco Rubio reportedly said Washington was pivoting from strikes to sanctions.

Explanation

The article explicitly states: 'The currency has now fallen to around 2 million rial per US dollar.' This is a key data point for prelims.

Explanation

The article argues that Iran's 'resistance economy' normalises living under sanctions, and its control over the Strait of Hormuz gives it economic counter-leverage, making the new sanctions unlikely to force regime change or alter Iran's strategic calculus.

Explanation

The article clearly states that the Allahabad High Court dismissed the plea. The other options are distractors; the Karnataka High Court is known for the earlier hijab case, but the current judgment is from Allahabad HC.

Explanation

Statement 1 is false because the article mentions the student was from a private CBSE school, not a government school. Statement 2 is false because the court ruled that wearing a headscarf is NOT an essential religious practice. Statement 3 is correct as the court called the claim a 'bare assertion' with no authoritative religious text.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the court termed the assertion as a 'bare assertion' and noted that no pleading, authoritative religious text or other material on record established that wearing a scarf inside the classroom was obligatory.

Explanation

The test is used to decide whether a practice is fundamental to the faith, thereby qualifying for constitutional protection. The court concluded that wearing a headscarf is not essential, so it is not protected. This is the core of the ruling.

Explanation

The news article specifically mentions the 'Karnataka Government Parks (Preservation) (Amendment) Bill, 2026', which amends the 1975 Act. This Act was originally designed to protect government parks and gardens from being diverted to other uses. The other options are incorrect: the BMLTA Act is a different law, and the other acts are not directly mentioned in this context.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: the amendment allows use of up to 5% of park land. Statement 2 is incorrect: the amendment explicitly restricts the transfer of land to state government departments, statutory authorities, government companies, or local authorities, NOT private developers. Statement 3 is correct: the amendment replaced the project-specific list of exceptions with a general committee-based mechanism.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that between 2022 and 2026, Bengaluru saw projects including Tunnel Roads, Sancharayukta, and the Hebbal Short Tunnel, whose total value is over ₹1.1 lakh crore. The other options are distractors: ₹65,000 crore is close but incorrect, and the other figures are not mentioned in this specific context.

Explanation

Critics argue that the BMLTA amendment is designed to shield the Tunnel Road project by giving retrospective approval to projects initiated between 2022-2026. This defeats the legal challenges raised in the PILs regarding the lack of BMLTA approval for the project. Option A describes the original purpose of the BMLTA Act, not the amendment. Option D is the opposite of what the amendment does (it exempts projects from needing approval).

Explanation

The Act specifically requires a 60-day advance notice to the District Magistrate. This is a key procedural detail that distinguishes the law from other state anti-conversion statutes and is a likely point for prelims questions.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: conversion must be registered within 25 days or becomes null and void. Statement 2 is incorrect: first violation carries up to 7 years imprisonment, not 10 years (10 years is for repeat offense). Statement 3 is correct: Maharashtra is the 13th state to pass such a law, as per the Archdiocese of Bombay press note.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that a repeat offense under the Act draws up to 10 years' imprisonment, while a first violation carries up to 7 years. This distinction is a common examiner trap.

Explanation

Minority communities fear that the law's broad language (coercion, fraud, inducement, allurement) could be interpreted to cover conduct that has nothing to do with coercion, such as personal relationships or attendance at religious services, as highlighted by the article.

Explanation

Article 25 guarantees the right to freedom of conscience and free profession, practice, and propagation of religion. Anti-conversion laws are often challenged under this article. The Supreme Court has held that propagation does not include forced conversion, thus such laws are valid restrictions.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: the Bill proposes life imprisonment. Statement 2 is incorrect: marriages are declared void only if found to be done solely for religious conversion, not automatically. Statement 3 is correct: Hindu priests and Muslim clerics (offenders) face minimum 10 years imprisonment. Hence option C is correct.

Explanation

The Bill proposes fines of at least ₹50,000 for general unlawful conversions, in addition to compensation up to ₹5 lakh to victims. For special categories (minors, disabled, women, SC/ST), the minimum fine is ₹1 lakh. Option C (₹1 lakh) applies only to special categories, not general cases.

Explanation

Anti-conversion laws are justified as reasonable restrictions under Article 25(1) for maintaining public order and morality. The Supreme Court has upheld such laws on the ground that they prevent conversions through force, fraud, or inducement, which can threaten social harmony. Option A is incorrect because the laws do not ban all conversions. Option C and D are not the stated primary rationale.

Explanation

According to the article, South Africa officially joined the group in December 2010, and BRICS emerged. The other options are original BRIC members from 2009.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: BRICS+ accounts for 55% of world population. Statement 2 is correct: the 2026 summit is in New Delhi with those four priorities. Statement 3 is incorrect: the IMF predicts BRICS+ will grow nearly three times faster than the G7, not at the same rate.

Explanation

The article mentions that BRICS and BRICS+ are rapidly closing in on 35% to 45% of global GDP (by PPP). For BRICS alone, the specific figure is 35% (the lower end). The other options are close distractors: 45% is for BRICS+ population, and 55% is for BRICS+ population share.

Explanation

The article emphasizes that BRICS+ provides an inclusive platform for dialogue and cooperation among emerging markets and developing economies, and that its collective voice cannot be neglected. It is not a military alliance, nor does it aim to replace the UN. While economic cooperation is a focus, the primary significance is amplifying the influence of the Global South.

Explanation

The FSSAI, established under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, is the statutory body under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare responsible for regulating food safety, including labelling standards. The article mentions that FSSAI did not respond to queries on the matter.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: Nestle CEO said the company supports front-of-pack labelling and wants industry consultation. Statement 2 is incorrect: The government dropped a proposal in March 2026, not implemented it. Statement 3 is correct: Activists mentioned Nestle has used warning labels in Europe since 2013.

Explanation

The article states that 'Nearly 80% of products made by India's more than $100 billion packaged food and beverages market could be regarded as high in fat, sugar and salt, according to industry estimates.'

Explanation

Activists like Dr. Arun Gupta argue that Nestle's call for industry participation is a clear attempt to weaken public health policy, especially since the company already uses warning labels in Europe. The core issue is the conflict between public health and corporate interests.

Explanation

The article states that the 22 boxes were handed over to the museum of Banaras Hindu University’s Department of Ancient Indian History, Culture and Archaeology (AIHC).

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect: Rajghat is at the confluence of Ganga and Varuna, not Yamuna. Statement 2 is correct: first remains discovered in 1939 during railway expansion. Statement 3 is correct: ASI and BHU jointly excavated between 1957 and 1969.

Explanation

The article mentions 'around 3,000 glass slides and more than 5,000 photographic negatives' were found. 5,000 is the number of negatives, not slides.

Explanation

The article states that archaeologists divided the history into six cultural periods beginning around 800 BC and continuing up to the medieval period, revealing continuous settlement. The other options are not supported by the article.

Explanation

The article states that NHAI launched the MLFF system. IHMCL is NHAI's tolling implementation agency, but NHAI is the overarching body. VAHAN is the vehicle registry database. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways is the parent ministry, but not the implementing agency.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: Choryasi had the highest violation rate at 11.97%. Statement 2 is incorrect: Mundaka had the highest absolute number of e-notices (4.54 lakh), but its violation rate (11%) was lower than Choryasi's; thus it does not have the highest violation rate. Statement 3 is correct: cars and jeeps account for over 91% of e-notices.

Explanation

The article states that nearly one in every 10 vehicles (10%) crosses a barrier-less toll plaza with a faulty or invalid FASTag. The data shows 10.52 lakh e-notices for 1.10 crore crossings, confirming ~10% non-payment.

Explanation

The article explicitly states the government's push is to reduce travel time, ease congestion near toll plazas, improve fuel efficiency, and lower vehicular emissions. While revenue and compliance are additional benefits, the core objective is decongestion and efficiency.

Explanation

The court held the 2025 amendment was in violation of UGC Regulations, 2018 and directed fresh selection strictly under Clause 7.3 of those regulations. ICAR is only an optional additional nominee, not the controlling framework.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct because the court struck down provisions giving the state government a decisive role in V-C appointments. Statement 2 is incorrect because only the amended provisions and Rules 2-4 of the 2026 Rules were struck down, not the entire 1986 Act. Statement 3 is correct as the court mandated the UGC Chairman's nominee and exclusion of university-connected persons.

Explanation

The article states that the 2025 amendment inserted the words 'on the aid and advice of the government' into Section 23(4) and substituted Section 24. This was held to be beyond the state's legislative competence and ultra vires.

Explanation

The court directed the State and Chancellor to initiate fresh selection strictly in accordance with UGC Regulations, 2018, including the UGC Chairman's nominee and excluding persons connected with the university; ICAR nominee may be added if desired.

Explanation

The ethanol blending program falls under the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, which oversees oil marketing companies (OMCs) and fuel quality standards. The Ministry of Environment handles emission norms, but the policy itself is petroleum-driven.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: India reached 20% ethanol blending in 2025, ahead of the 2030 target. Statement 2 is incorrect: the government claims mileage drop is only 3-5%, not more than 10%. Statement 3 is correct: vehicles sold after April 2023 are E20-compliant as per auto industry insiders. Hence option C is correct.

Explanation

The article explicitly states: 'about 43 million tonnes of petrol was consumed in the country in the last financial year.' This is a key data point for understanding the scale of fuel demand and the impact of blending policies.

Explanation

The article details that offering E10 alongside E20 would require OMCs to manage duplicate supply chains – separate blending at refineries, dedicated road tankers, and dual underground tanks at retail outlets to avoid cross-contamination. This is a significant infrastructure and cost challenge.

Explanation

The US Department of State manages visa issuance through its embassies and consulates worldwide. The news explicitly mentions the State Department coordinating with the Department of Homeland Security, but the visa pause itself is a State Department action.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect: employer-sponsored immigrant visa applicants are NOT affected by the pause. Statement 2 is correct: the pause began in early August and is expected to last until early to mid-September 2026. Statement 3 is incorrect: the B1/B2 visa revocation plan is a separate measure aimed at asylum applicants, not part of the immigrant visa pause.

Explanation

The article, citing AP and State Department documents, reports that the number of B1/B2 visas potentially affected could reach 200,000. This would be the largest single mass revocation of visas in US history.

Explanation

The public charge doctrine is a long-standing US immigration law concept used to evaluate if an applicant is likely to become primarily dependent on government assistance programs like welfare or Medicaid. The article mentions this framework as the basis for the temporary pause and officer training.

Explanation

The article explicitly states 'According to data from Grid India, India imported 963.4 MW from Nepal at the day’s peak on August 26.' Grid India is the national grid operator responsible for real-time power system monitoring and data.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the floods were triggered by a collapsing glacier. Statement 2 is correct: Nepal slashed its power supply to India by half (~800 MW to ~400 MW). Statement 3 is incorrect—the Devighat plant supplies power to India, not Bangladesh. Plants supplying Bangladesh are Chilime and Trisuli.

Explanation

The article states, 'The death toll from the devastating flash floods surged to 359 on Thursday, Aug. 27, 2026.' The other options are distractors: 236 MW is the operational capacity affected in Rasuwa, and 342.42 MW is the under-construction capacity affected in Rasuwa.

Explanation

The article explains that 'Electricity trade between Nepal and India is seasonal, with Nepal exporting surplus power to India during the monsoon and importing electricity during the dry winter months when domestic hydropower generation declines.' This is driven by Nepal's dependence on hydropower, which varies with rainfall and snowmelt.

Explanation

The Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal is the key figure in the article, handling trade deals, investment commitments, and industrial policy. This ministry oversees FTAs, FDI, and export promotion.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: Japan committed $70 billion, with $10 billion realized in 10 months. Statement 2 is correct: EFTA committed $100 billion with a clawback provision. Statement 3 is incorrect: New Zealand committed $20 billion, not $50 billion.

Explanation

The Commerce Minister mentioned that the EFTA countries (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland) have committed $100 billion investment to India. If they fail to bring this investment, India can claw back concessions.

Explanation

The article specifically mentions that Tokyo Electron, a semiconductor company, raised concerns about the herculean task of getting BIS certification for over 13,000 parts. The exemption aims to remove this barrier to attract high-tech investments to India.