28 August 2026, Questions & Answers

Explanation

The Supreme Court used its writ jurisdiction under Article 32 and its plenary power under Article 142 to issue the Victim Protection Plan. Article 14 and 21 were not directly cited for the plan. Article 226 and 227 relate to High Courts, and Articles 136/141 deal with appellate jurisdiction and precedent. The judgment specifically mentions Article 32 and 142.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: the judgment says all women in sex work are victims including those coerced, those who normalized coercion, and those who choose it voluntarily. Statement 2 is correct: the Victim Protection Plan will act as law till Parliament passes a new law. Statement 3 is incorrect: the judgment says even voluntary sex workers can be rescued; they are not excluded.

Explanation

The judgment mandates that the magistrate must conduct a threshold inquiry within one week (7 days) of rescue to assess whether the victim's consent is genuine or manufactured by traffickers. This timeline is explicitly mentioned in the article. The other options are plausible distractors but incorrect.

Explanation

The threshold inquiry is specifically designed to evaluate the genuineness of consent, especially since traffickers may coach victims to claim voluntary participation. Option A is not mentioned; Option C is a separate investigative process; Option D is not the objective – the inquiry determines the next step for the victim's protection and rehabilitation.

Explanation

The FCNR(B) swap window is operated by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), which bears the full exchange rate risk on these NRI deposits. The Ministry of Finance coordinates policy but the operational mechanism is with RBI, as clearly stated in the article.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as forex reserves hit a record $729.33 billion. Statement 2 is incorrect because the window closed on August 31, 2026, one month earlier than the originally announced deadline of September 30. Statement 3 is correct as the article explicitly states that the central bank bears the full exchange rate risk.

Explanation

The article states that FCNR(B) deposits of $65.4 billion had come in as of August 21 since the window opened in June. $34.04 billion was the total outstanding FCNR(B) deposits at the end of May. $72.85 billion is the total inflow from all three swap windows combined, while $4.86 billion came from Overseas Foreign Currency Borrowings.

Explanation

The article highlights that India faced massive foreign fund outflows ($19 billion in 2025 and $24 billion in early 2026), weakening the rupee to nearly 97 per dollar. The FCNR(B) window was designed to attract NRI deposits, shore up forex reserves, and give RBI greater ability to defend the rupee. Higher forex reserves signal strength to foreign investors and help stabilize the currency.

Explanation

The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) is the nodal ministry for renewable energy policies and schemes, including PM Surya Ghar and overall renewable capacity targets. The article quotes Union Minister Pralhad Joshi, who is the Minister for New and Renewable Energy.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: 300.50 GW non-fossil capacity as of July 31, 2026. Statement 2 is incorrect: solar capacity is 164.59 GW, which is about 54.8% of 300.50 GW, not more than 60%. Statement 3 is correct: the article mentions 19 lakh beneficiaries received zero electricity bills under PM Surya Ghar.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that as of July 31, India had 300.50 GW of installed non-fossil fuel capacity. 300 GW is a rounded figure, 500 GW is the 2030 target, and 164.59 GW is the solar capacity alone.

Explanation

The article states that the PM Surya Ghar scheme 'provides subsidies to households for installing rooftop solar systems' and that 19 lakh beneficiaries have received zero electricity bills. The other options are potential benefits but not the primary stated objective in the article.

Explanation

The article states that the WMCC was set up in 2012 as an institutional mechanism for border management. The JWG was created in 1992, and the Expert Group (EG) followed the 1993 BPTA. The SR Talks were established in 2003.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: the article mentions the eight-point consensus includes establishing two hotlines in the Eastern and Middle sectors. Statement 2 is correct: the article mentions advancing 'early harvest' boundary delimitation. Statement 3 is incorrect: the talks were held in Beijing, China, not New Delhi.

Explanation

The article explicitly lists existing BPM venues as Daulat Beg Oldie (DBO), Tianwendian (TWD), Chushul-Moldo, Nathu La, Bum La, and Kibithu. Option A correctly includes DBO, Chushul-Moldo, Nathu La, Bum La, and Kibithu. Lipulekh and Dichu are mentioned as proposed but not successfully established BPM points.

Explanation

The article states that existing hotlines have 'provided the two militaries with channels for direct contact' and that additional hotlines 'could strengthen this capacity and help defuse local tensions.' The primary objective is military-to-military communication to manage and reduce tensions at the LAC, not trade or comprehensive delimitation.

Explanation

The Jal Jeevan Mission falls under the Ministry of Jal Shakti. The Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation within this ministry is responsible for its implementation, as highlighted by Secretary Ashok K.K. Meena's involvement.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: The VB-G RAM G Act, 2025 replaced MGNREGA. Statement 2 is correct: Water security is one of the four thematic focus areas. Statement 3 is incorrect: The geo-tagging is to be done on the Viksit Bharat National Rural Infrastructure Stack, not the PM Gati Shakti platform.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the VB-G RAM G Act, 2025 came into effect from July 1, 2025. June 18, 2026 is the date of the Joint Advisory, not the Act's effective date.

Explanation

The integration aims to ensure that investments collectively contribute to sustainable drinking water security, groundwater recharge, climate resilience, and improved rural livelihoods, as stated in the joint letter from the secretaries.

Explanation

The article specifically mentions the Bhote Koshi–Trishuli river system as the one affected. The other options are major Himalayan river systems but not mentioned in the news.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect because the article states evidence points to a glacier/rock collapse, not heavy rainfall. Statement 2 is correct as the article reports at least 389 deaths in Nepal. Statement 3 is correct as the article mentions 288 Indian nationals uncontactable and 84 rescued. Hence option C is correct.

Explanation

The article explicitly states the mass of glacier ice, rock and debris detached at about 5,200 metres. The other options are plausible distractors: 4,200 m is lower, 6,200 m and 7,200 m are higher but not mentioned in the news.

Explanation

The article states that 'authorities in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh monitoring downstream flood risks' as a direct implication because the Bhote Koshi-Trishuli system flows into India. The other options are not mentioned or are extreme measures not supported by the news.

Explanation

NIELIT is an autonomous society under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), Government of India, as explicitly mentioned in the article. The other options are incorrect: Ministry of Education oversees educational institutions like UGC, Ministry of Science and Technology handles DST and DBT, and Ministry of Finance deals with budgetary allocations.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: NIELIT is the implementing agency. Statement 2 is correct: the permanent campus will come up on 8.5 acres in Amaravati. Statement 3 is incorrect: the funding is from MeitY (Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology), not the Ministry of Education. Hence option C is correct.

Explanation

The article states the estimated investment is Rs 730.7 crore over five years. Option A (₹730 crore) is a close distractor, but the exact figure is ₹730.7 crore. Options C and D are not mentioned in the article.

Explanation

The article clearly states that the initiative is linked to the National Quantum Mission, IndiaAI Mission, and India Semiconductor Mission, and is intended to create a talent and research base in quantum technologies, AI, and other deep-tech fields. Options A, C, and D are not mentioned as primary objectives.

Explanation

The article mentions that the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) took 750 Indian passport holders in batches for the yatra in 2025. The MEA is the nodal ministry for coordinating the yatra with China and managing diplomatic arrangements.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: The USGS initially reported a 4.4 magnitude earthquake. Statement 2 is incorrect: The USGS later determined it was a glacial collapse and debris flow, not a GLOF. Statement 3 is correct: Glaciologist Anil Kulkarni said the collapse of a large chunk from a hanging glacier was the most likely cause. Hence option C is correct.

Explanation

The article states that under the Ethanol Blended Petrol Programme, ethanol blending increased from less than 1.5% in 2013-14 to 20% in 2025-26, achieving the target five years ahead of the original deadline.

Explanation

The article explains that the programme seeks to 'strengthen the boundaries of these glacial lakes in the four hilly states of Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh, and equip them with early warning systems.' This is a disaster risk reduction measure, not directly related to emissions, tourism, or hydropower.

Explanation

The article states that the Javelin is 'Made by the Javelin Joint Venture, a partnership between Raytheon and Lockheed Martin.' This is a specific joint venture, not a single company. Hence option C is correct.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the soft launch mechanism enables firing from confined spaces (article: 'enables fires from inside confined spaces and buildings'). Statement 2 is incorrect because the article specifies the altitude as 150 meters, not 200. Statement 3 is correct as the article states the missile is effective against 'heavily armored vehicles, fortifications, bunkers and helicopters.' Hence option C is correct.

Explanation

The article explicitly states: 'A standard effective range of 2.5 km.' The other options are close distractors but not mentioned in the article. Thus 2.5 km is the correct answer.

Explanation

The article explains that the fire-and-forget feature allows operators to 'fire and quickly move for cover, relocate to another fighting position, or reload to fire again.' It does not allow simultaneous engagement (A), nor does it increase speed or reduce weight significantly. Hence B is correct.

Explanation

The article states that the Javelin is produced by the Javelin Joint Venture, a partnership between RTX and Lockheed Martin. The other options are not mentioned in the article.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article mentions the LoA signed through FMS. Statement 2 is incorrect; the approval was for 100 rounds and 25 Launch Units. Statement 3 is correct as per the US Embassy statement and co-production discussions.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the US approved a possible sale of '100 FGM-148 Javelin rounds' at an estimated cost of $45.7 million. The other options are distractors.

Explanation

The article explains that 'fire-and-forget guidance' means soldiers don't have to remain exposed after the missile is launched. This reduces risk to the operator. The other options are not supported by the article.

Explanation

Article 217 of the Constitution deals with the appointment and conditions of the office of a High Court judge. Article 124 deals with the Supreme Court, Article 214 deals with High Courts for states, and Article 224 deals with additional and acting judges of a High Court.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the Collegium system established by the Supreme Court. Statement 2 is correct as the Collegium makes recommendations for appointments. Statement 3 is not entirely correct because while the Centre can return recommendations, the Collegium's reiteration is binding on the government. Hence, option C is correct.

Explanation

The article states that when Justice Dharmadhikari was Acting CJ of Bombay HC in 2020, he prepared a list of 22 names for appointment as High Court judges. The other options are close distractors: 18 were sent to the Centre, 12 were from Rajasthan HC in 2022, and 8 were cleared by the Centre.

Explanation

In the 2020 Bombay HC case, consultee judges Justices AM Khanwilkar and DY Chandrachud objected that no chief justice could properly vet 22 candidates in such a short tenure. This highlights the concern that Acting Chief Justices, due to their limited time, cannot conduct thorough consultations with the Bar, which is essential for proper evaluation.

Explanation

The article mentions that the Department of School Education and Literacy, under the Ministry of Education, is implementing Samagra Shiksha and PM SHRI to transform school education. The author is the Joint Director of this department.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: 28.3% of population (40.1 crore) is in the 15-30 age group. Statement 2 is incorrect: unemployment among illiterate youth is 1%, while among graduates it is 13.7% – graduates have higher unemployment. Statement 3 is correct: formal skilling reduces graduate unemployment from 17% to 9%.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that only about 5.1% of young people have received formal vocational or technical training. This highlights the critical skill gap in India's youth population.

Explanation

The article emphasizes that the objective is not to create separate academic and vocational tracks, but to provide multiple, flexible pathways. This aligns with NEP 2020's vision of mainstreaming vocational education alongside general education.

Explanation

The article states that following a Delhi NICU fire, the National Neonatology Forum called for mandatory fire safety certification, regular power audits, analogue addressable alarms, and an evacuation protocol (RACE). The other options are not mentioned in the context.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: ICUs are sealed compartments where smoke fills quickly. Statement 2 is incorrect: electrical harmonics silently overheat wiring without tripping breakers, not causing immediate tripping. Statement 3 is correct: RACE stands for Rescue, Alarm, Confine, Extinguish/Evacuate as mentioned in the article.

Explanation

The article states: 'The Amravati fire was put out in 30 minutes, but the smoke was too much for the three babies admitted because of complications.' Therefore, 3 newborns died. Option B (6) is the total affected across both incidents, C (18) is the Jhansi 2024 figure, D (2) is not mentioned.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that ICUs are especially vulnerable because of their oxygen-rich environments and increased appliance use leading to overloaded electrical systems. Option A is not mentioned, C is false, D is not the primary reason given.

Explanation

The article mentions that B-SMILE is the SPV set up by the state government to develop the twin-tunnel roads and four elevated corridors. Bengaluru Business Corridor Ltd. is handling the PRR, HUDCO is the lender for PRR, and NICE is a different private entity.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: the DPR estimates ₹19/km toll for the 16.7 km North-South tunnel. Statement 2 is incorrect: two-wheelers and autorickshaws are NOT allowed (only cars and buses). Statement 3 is correct: PRR Phase I is funded by a ₹27,000 crore HUDCO loan.

Explanation

The article states that the East-West Tunnel (19.2 km) has an estimated construction cost of ₹30,000 crore, which works out to approximately ₹1,500 crore per km. The North-South tunnel costs about ₹1,170 crore/km. The other options are distractors: ₹433 crore/km is for Mumbai Coastal Road, and ₹1,000 crore/km is a general figure mentioned in a PIL.

Explanation

Economists like Narendar Pani argue that since India relies heavily on indirect taxes (paid by all, including the poor), using public funds as VGF for car-only toll roads means the poor are subsidising the rich. This is the core equity argument against the projects, distinct from efficiency or traffic impact arguments.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that after the Sikkim disaster, the NDMA initiated the National GLOF Risk Mitigation Programme (NGRMP). The NDMA is the apex body for disaster management in India under the Disaster Management Act, 2005.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: USGS initially reported a 4.4 earthquake but later determined it was a landslide. Statement 2 is incorrect: The trigger is debated; it could be an ice avalanche or a supra-glacial lake breach, NOT a confirmed terminal moraine GLOF. Statement 3 is correct: Experts like Farooq Azam said the trigger mechanism (ice avalanche) was similar to the 2021 Chamoli disaster.

Explanation

The article explicitly states: 'The Rs 150-crore programme is targeting connecting 195 glacial lakes...' This is a direct data point for Prelims. The other options are plausible distractors.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that NGRMP seeks to 'install early warning systems at glacial lakes at high risk of facing a breach.' While relocation and regulation are mentioned as general mitigation strategies, the specific programme objective is early warning systems. Dams and blanket bans are not mentioned.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the 'State of the Economy' report was prepared by economists at the RBI. The Finance Ministry publishes its own monthly economic review. NITI Aayog and NSO are not mentioned in this context.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: the RBI MPC projected 7% growth for Q1. Statement 2 is incorrect: non-oil exports grew at 12.8% but were aided by currency depreciation (not appreciation). Statement 3 is correct: central capex grew by roughly 24% in the quarter. Hence option C is correct.

Explanation

The article states that 'the index of industrial production was up 5.8 per cent in the quarter, aided by the manufacturing sector.' The other options are close distractors: 5.2% and 6.1% are not mentioned, while 7.0% is the GDP growth projection.

Explanation

The article lists 'a strengthening El Niño' as one of the key risks to growth, along with geopolitical uncertainties, supply-chain pressures, and volatile energy prices. The other options are either not mentioned (rising domestic inflation, declining bank credit) or contradicted (public capex actually grew by 24%).

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the National Credit Guarantee Trustee Company (NCGTC) has informed banks about the implementation of ECLGS 5.0. NCGTC is the nodal agency for managing credit guarantees under the scheme.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: the scheme was announced in May 2026. Statement 2 is correct: NCGTC asked banks to stop non-MSME loans to prioritise MSMEs. Statement 3 is incorrect: the guarantee cover is limited and will be exhausted on a first-come-first-served basis, not unlimited. Hence, option C is correct.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the credit guarantees issued under ECLGS 5.0 will not exceed ₹2.5 lakh crore. The other options are distractors: ₹2.1 lakh crore is the additional cover demanded by MSME associations, not the allocated amount.

Explanation

The article states that since the scheme was intended to ensure credit availability to MSMEs, fresh sanctions for non-MSMEs were stopped. The guarantee cover was not fully exhausted, but a substantial portion was used, prompting the move to preserve funds for MSMEs. Option A correctly captures the reason.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that PNGRB has recently authorised approximately 1,800 km of new LPG pipelines across six States, involving around $0.7 billion. The other options are entities mentioned in the article but are not associated with this pipeline authorisation.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct because the article says India has no operating underground natural-gas storage facility. Statement 2 is incorrect because the proposal is for 28 MT of crude storage, 9 MT of LNG storage and 4 MT of LPG storage—the crude and LNG figures are swapped. Statement 3 correctly matches the article's data on SPR Phase I.

Explanation

The article states that against the ICF projection of roughly 58 MT of annual LNG imports, 9 MT represents about 56 days of imports, described as approximately two months. The 20-day option refers to the PNGRB-ICF stress scenario, not the 9 MT strategic reserve.

Explanation

The article concludes that the ultimate test of India's strategic fuel programme will be its ability to coordinate all these elements simultaneously when a crisis hits. Storage alone, LNG tanks alone, or ship acquisition alone are only partial components of energy security.

Explanation

CEPA is a type of trade agreement that is more comprehensive than an FTA, covering services, investment, and other areas. The article mentions India-Canada CEPA negotiations.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the joint statement. Statement 2 is correct as India expressed readiness to initiate BIT negotiations. Statement 3 is false because it was the inaugural (first) dialogue, not the second.

Explanation

The joint statement explicitly reiterated the commitment to complete the trade deal by the end of 2026, as mentioned in the article.

Explanation

The article highlights India's readiness to start BIT negotiations and its pitch for Canadian pension funds to invest in infrastructure and sunrise sectors. A BIT provides legal protection for investments, thereby encouraging more capital inflows.

Explanation

The article mentions the Kathmandu-based climate research group International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD), which provided analysis on the flood and glacier melt. UNEP, IPCC, and WMO are global bodies but not specifically mentioned in the article.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: USGS reported a magnitude 5.2 glacier collapse. Statement 2 is incorrect: the water rise was 9 metres in 30 minutes, not 1 hour. Statement 3 is correct: the article states over 63,000 glaciers in the HKH region. Hence only statements 1 and 3 are correct.

Explanation

The article cites UN reports finding that glaciers lost 267 gigatons of ice per year between 2000 and 2019. A gigaton is equivalent to 1 billion tonnes. The other options are incorrect units or magnitudes.

Explanation

The article explains that rising temperatures are melting glaciers and thawing permafrost, which destabilizes rock faces and slopes. Seismic activity, deforestation, and overgrazing are not cited as primary causes. The cascade of glacier collapse, debris flow, and flood is directly linked to climate change.

Explanation

The article states that the Data Protection Board of India became operational in November 2025, the same month the DPDP Rules were notified. This is the statutory body responsible for enforcing the DPDP Act.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: The DPDP Act was passed in August 2023. Statement 2 is incorrect: The article clearly mentions that compliance costs are recurring - employee training, audits, impact assessments - not one-time. Statement 3 is correct: Full compliance is mandatory by May 2027 as per the article.

Explanation

The article quotes compliance consultancies: startups/SMEs ₹3-8 lakh, mid-market firms ₹8-20 lakh, and large enterprises ₹20-50 lakh. Option B matches the mid-market range.

Explanation

The article focuses on the substantial compliance costs (₹3-50 lakh/month) and recurring expenses (audits, training, impact assessments) as the main challenge. The article does not mention technical expertise shortage, government opposition, or user resistance as primary issues.

Explanation

The article states that the Tamil Nadu Medical Services Corporation (TNMSC) will procure the gold rings and supply them based on the annual indent from the Director of Public Health and Preventive Medicine. TNMSC-empanelled vendors will supply directly to the hub hospitals.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: the scheme envisages providing a gold ring to all babies born in government hospitals. Statement 2 is incorrect: the article explicitly says 'regardless of birth order'. Statement 3 is correct: the front of the blister card carries the Government of Tamil Nadu logo, a portrait of the CM, and the scheme name.

Explanation

According to the government order issued on June 23, 2026, ₹755.83 crore will be earmarked annually to implement the scheme. This covers procurement of gold rings for 4,41,667 government hospital deliveries.

Explanation

The scheme, announced as a poll promise, aims to encourage deliveries in government hospitals by providing a tangible benefit. The article notes that Tamil Nadu already has a high institutional delivery rate (99.9%) and government facilities account for 53% of births. The scheme further reinforces this behavior.

Explanation

The article mentions the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA) as the agency warning of fresh floods in Nepal. NDMA is India's equivalent, NIDM is a training institute, and the Ministry of Home Affairs is the parent ministry in India, not the specific nodal agency for Nepal.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: the article says the procurement is through the U.S. Foreign Military Sales (FMS) route. Statement 2 is incorrect: the LOA is a binding legal document once signed. Statement 3 is correct: the U.S. Embassy welcomed the signing as demonstrating the U.S.-India Major Defence Partnership. Hence option C is correct.

Explanation

The article specifically states the death toll rose to 547 on August 28, 2026. Option A (500) is the approximate figure mentioned in the headline, while 575 and 600 are close distractors not mentioned in the text.

Explanation

The article states that the joint statement after the inaugural dialogue reiterated the commitment to conclude the trade deal by end of 2026, and India expressed readiness to begin negotiations on a Bilateral Investment Treaty. Options A, B, and D are not mentioned in the context of this specific dialogue.

Explanation

Vehicle Factory Jabalpur is a unit of Armoured Vehicles Nigam Limited (AVNL), which is a defence public sector undertaking (DPSU) under the Ministry of Defence. The T-Series Tanks Overhaul Project is a defence initiative, hence the Ministry of Defence is responsible.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article: the project is at Vehicle Factory Jabalpur, a unit of AVNL. Statement 2 is incorrect: the new facility has a capacity of 80 tanks per year, not 230. The Army requires ~230 tanks annually, and the rest are overhauled at HVF Avadi. Statement 3 is correct: the article highlights disruptions in supply chains due to the Russia-Ukraine conflict, making indigenisation strategically important.

Explanation

The article states that more than 15,700 defence items, including 3,204 PIL items, had been indigenised through the Srijan Portal over the preceding five years. Option A (3,204) refers to PIL items alone, Option B (5,012) refers to items covered under the five PILs notified, and Option C is not mentioned.

Explanation

The article emphasises that the facility boosts the Army’s capacity to maintain its T-72 and T-90 fleet, reduces vulnerability from disrupted Russian supply chains, and supports Aatmanirbhar Bharat. It is not about manufacturing new tanks (Option A), exporting (Option C), or phasing out T-72s (Option D).

Explanation

As stated in the article, the Javelin system is produced by the Javelin Joint Venture, which comprises RTX and Lockheed Martin. BDL-MBDA is associated with other missile systems, not Javelin.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the Javelin is described as a medium-range, fire-and-forget anti-tank guided missile. Statement 2 is incorrect because the system is operated by the U.S. Army, U.S. Marine Corps, and several international customers. Statement 3 is correct as India signed the LOA through the FMS route.

Explanation

The article explicitly states the deal was concluded through the U.S. Foreign Military Sales (FMS) route. DCS involves direct contracts between the buyer and company, while SPM is an Indian framework for partnership with foreign OEMs. FMS is a government-to-government program managed by the US DSCA.

Explanation

The U.S. Embassy statement highlighted that the LOA signing demonstrates the 'growing depth of the U.S.-India Major Defence Partnership' and 'would also facilitate discussions on mutually beneficial co-production'. It does not guarantee immediate full manufacturing rights or replace all other ATGMs.

Explanation

As per the article, the IIP data is released by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI). This is a standard static GK fact for exams.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: July IIP growth was 6.7%. Statement 2 is incorrect: June's provisional estimate was 7.3%, later revised upward to 8.8%. Statement 3 is correct: capital goods output increased 16.1% in July. Hence option C is correct.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that manufacturing output grew by 7.3% in July 2026. Other options are distractors: 9.5% was June's manufacturing growth, 5.1% was July 2025 manufacturing growth, and 6.7% is the overall IIP growth.

Explanation

The article notes that double-digit growth in capital goods suggests investments were strong, a positive sign for the economy waiting for the private sector capital expenditure cycle to take hold. This is a classic interpretation of capital goods data.

Explanation

The article states that international political economist Miles Kahler introduced the term 'minilateralism' in 1992. Stewart Patrick wrote about it later, and Jim O'Neill coined the BRICS idea, not minilateralism.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article mentions G20 was created in 1999 after the Asian financial crisis. Statement 2 is correct as the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami prompted Quad cooperation. Statement 3 is incorrect because the BRICS idea was first mooted by Jim O'Neill, not Stewart Patrick.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that Miles Kahler introduced the term 'minilateralism' in 1992. The other options are distractors: 1999 is the G20 creation year, and 2001 is when Jim O'Neill mooted BRICS.

Explanation

The article highlights that minilateral forums offer an opportunity to navigate political deadlock and geopolitical divergence, allowing quick responses to pressing issues. They are not meant to replace multilateral institutions but complement them.

Explanation

The article states that the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) has opened the public consultation through the official website examreforms-taskforce.dopt.gov.in. The DoPT is the nodal department for the task force, not the Ministry of Education or NTA itself.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: Ravi Kumar Singh (IPS) and Prasanna Venkatesh V (IAS) as directors, and Amit Samdariya (IRS) as joint director. Statement 2 is correct: the helpline number is 1800-180-4747. Statement 3 is incorrect: the article clarifies that the removal of more than 50 staff members was part of broader restructuring and was NOT linked to errors found in UGC-NET question papers.

Explanation

The article states: 'The agency has removed 600 experts from its examination panels and is onboarding new specialists.' The other options are distractors: 50 is the number of staff members removed (not experts), and 200 and 1000 are not mentioned.

Explanation

The article explicitly mentions that the four-tier checking system is being introduced 'to improve scrutiny and detect factual, language, translation and formatting errors before papers are finalised.' This is a quality control measure, not related to centre reduction, difficulty, or printing speed.

Explanation

The article states that Georges Lemaître, a Belgian cosmologist and Catholic priest, is considered the father of the Big Bang theory. Edwin Hubble discovered galactic recession, and Stephen Hawking contributed theoretical insights, but Lemaître proposed the theory.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: CosmoCube would orbit the Moon and use the far side as a shield. Statement 2 is correct: It aims to detect the 21-cm line from hydrogen. Statement 3 is incorrect: The cosmic dark age lasted about 150 million years, not 380,000 years (which is when CMB was released).

Explanation

The article states that the cosmic dark age lasted roughly 150 million years before the first stars formed. 380,000 years is when CMB was released, not the dark age duration. 13.8 billion years is the age of the universe.

Explanation

CosmoCube aims to detect the 21-cm line from hydrogen to study the period before the first stars, filling an observational gap. It does not focus on CMB (which is already well-studied) or lunar mapping/exoplanets.

Explanation

The project is being executed by Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL), a Public Sector Undertaking under the Ministry of Railways. Hence, the Ministry of Railways is the nodal ministry.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as RVNL is the implementing agency. Statement 2 is incorrect; the project was sanctioned in Union Budget 2010-11, not 2012-13. Statement 3 is correct as the article mentions 16 main tunnels covering 104 km. Hence option C is correct.

Explanation

The article explicitly states the project cost as Rs 37,000 crore. The other options are plausible distractors but not mentioned in the news.

Explanation

The article states that the project will improve access to the Himalayan region, support the Char Dham pilgrimage corridor, strengthen border connectivity, boost tourism, and reduce travel time. Option B captures the core objectives. Other options are either incomplete or not mentioned.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the meeting was chaired by Additional Secretary, Union Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, indicating that the SMILE scheme falls under this ministry. The other ministries are involved in similar social welfare schemes but not this one.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article says the plan is to make those four cities free of beggary. Statement 2 is incorrect because the shelter period is up to six months, not one year. Statement 3 is correct because Mona Khandhar, Additional Secretary, chaired the meeting. Hence option C is correct.

Explanation

The article clearly names four cities: Vadodara, Gir Somnath, Ekta Nagar, and Pavagadh. The other options are distractors; there is no mention of additional cities in this phase.

Explanation

The article mentions that Police Commissioner Narasimha Kumar suggested that family members should be accommodated together in shelters, as begging often involves whole families. This emphasises a humane and holistic approach, not punitive measures or cash transfers.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the Ministry of Defence issued the statement on Friday announcing the reforms. The Ministry of Defence is the nodal ministry for defence exports and related policies.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: the three existing SOPs were consolidated into one. Statement 2 is incorrect: OGEL validity was increased from 2 to 3 years, not the other way. Statement 3 is correct: stakeholder consultation was dispensed for non-lethal exports to most destinations. Hence option C is correct.

Explanation

The article states that OGEL validity has been increased from two to three years. Therefore, the previous validity was 2 years. Option C (3 years) is the new validity, not the old one.

Explanation

The article clearly states that the reforms are aimed at allowing the Indian defence industry to have easy access to the global market and respond more effectively to business opportunities. Options A, C, and D contradict the stated objectives.