29 August 2026, Questions & Answers

Explanation

The repo rate is the rate at which the RBI lends to commercial banks. The article mentions the RBI cutting the repo rate by 125 bps between December 2024 and December 2025.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: the article states a 125 bps repo rate cut. Statement 2 is incorrect: the CAD remained low at 0.3% of GDP, not 2%. Statement 3 is correct: the article explains that low services inflation and high services exports are keeping inflation and external deficits in check. Hence option C is correct.

Explanation

The article states: 'The headline c/a deficit is low at 0.3% of GDP as per RBI’s aggregated monthly data.' The other options are close distractors but not mentioned in the article.

Explanation

The article states: 'If services inflation goes up and services exports take a hit, the RBI may be forced to raise interest rates, which, in turn, will likely dampen India’s growth.' This is the direct risk mentioned. Other options are not supported by the text.

Explanation

FSSAI is a statutory body established under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and functions under the administrative control of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. The other ministries are not responsible for food safety regulation.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: the label is a red hexagonal warning. Statement 2 is incorrect: single-ingredient foods like ghee, oil, salt, sugar, jaggery, and honey are exempted. Statement 3 is correct: the proposal was a compliance affidavit filed in response to the Supreme Court's earlier direction. Hence option C is correct.

Explanation

The affidavit explicitly states that thresholds are based on the Dietary Guidelines for Indians, 2024, issued by the Indian Council of Medical Research-National Institute of Nutrition. The other options are not mentioned in the article.

Explanation

The affidavit explicitly states that the warning label is intended to provide a simple, prominent, and easily comprehensible warning to consumers, especially children and vulnerable groups, to facilitate informed food choices. The other options are not stated as objectives.

Explanation

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) handles India's foreign relations, including diplomatic visits, multilateral engagements, and policy formulation for international organizations like SCO, BRICS, and UNSC.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: the article states trade grew from $500 million to over $2 billion between 2010 and 2025. Statement 2 is correct: Kyrgyz President Japarov will hand over SCO presidency to Pakistan for 2027. Statement 3 is incorrect: the summit was held virtually in January 2022 due to COVID-19, not in-person.

Explanation

The article explicitly mentions that 'trade in goods has risen from $500 million in 2010 to more than $2 billion in 2025'. $106 billion is China's trade with Central Asia, a distractor.

Explanation

The article states that the agenda includes engagements aimed at the BRICS Summit, UNSC term, and planning for the India-Central Asia Summit. This is broader than just bilateral ties or connectivity, making C the most comprehensive and correct answer.

Explanation

The article states that the official statement was issued by the Ministry of Personnel. The Ministry of Education oversees NTA, but the statement on the task force came from the Ministry of Personnel.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: the task force was constituted by PM Modi after the NEET-UG 2026 leak. Statement 2 is incorrect: the chairperson is Nandan Nilekani, not K. Radhakrishnan (who headed an earlier committee). Statement 3 is correct: suggestions can be submitted in English, Hindi, or regional languages.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the task force has requested suggestions to be submitted by September 13, 2026. August 29 is the publication date, and the other dates are distractors.

Explanation

The task force's mandate is to recommend reforms in conduct, security, design, governance, and inclusion of public examinations, as stated in the article. It is not conducting exams, replacing NTA, or investigating past leaks (which was the Radhakrishnan committee's role).

Explanation

The article states the deal was negotiated by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, along with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Venezuela's interim President Delcy Rodriguez. The State Department leads foreign policy and treaty negotiations.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article mentions control of 65 billion barrels. Statement 2 is incorrect - the captured president was Nicolas Maduro, not Hugo Chavez (who died in 2013). Statement 3 is correct as Rubio posted that the deal would usher in $100 billion in private investment.

Explanation

The article explicitly states the average price of gas stood at about $4.09 a gallon on Friday (August 28, 2026) according to AAA. The price a year earlier was $3.21.

Explanation

Secretary Rubio posted that the agreement would lead to lower gas prices in the United States. While the deal also aims to bring investment and control reserves, the primary stated objective is to address high gas prices exacerbated by the Iran war.

Explanation

The 'Connect Central Asia' policy is a foreign policy framework aimed at deepening India's strategic, economic, and cultural ties with the five Central Asian republics. It is formulated and implemented by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), which oversees India's diplomatic engagements.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: India and Pakistan became full members of the SCO in 2017. Statement 2 is correct: The SCO comprises 10 member states including India, Belarus, China, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. Statement 3 is incorrect: The 26th SCO Summit was held in Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic, not Uzbekistan.

Explanation

The article states that India is among the top 10 trading partners of Uzbekistan, and the bilateral trade in 2025-26 stood close to $1 billion. The other options are plausible distractors but do not match the exact figure mentioned.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that Pakistan blocks India's overland access to Central Asia, and India wants to integrate the International North-South Corridor with the Chabahar port in Iran to access this resource-rich region. While countering China's influence is a secondary benefit, the primary objective is overcoming the connectivity barrier.

Explanation

The article states 'policy rates were cut effectively by 150 basis points' – this refers to the RBI's Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) decisions on repo rate and other policy rates. RBI is the central bank responsible for monetary policy in India.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: 'India's GDP growth for last quarter could print as high as 8 per cent'. Statement 2 is incorrect: Fixed investment remains at its decadal average of 32% of GDP, not increased. Statement 3 is correct: 'central capex... slowed to 1.6 per cent in 2025'. Hence option C.

Explanation

The article explicitly states: 'central capex... slowed to 11 per cent in 2024 and just 1.6 per cent in 2025'. Option A (30%) was the average growth between 2020 and 2023, option B (11%) was 2024 growth, and option D is not mentioned. Hence correct is 1.6%.

Explanation

The article states: 'With capacity utilisation stuck in the 75-76 per cent range over the last decade, and ever-increasing Chinese overcapacity flooding the world... it’s understandable why corporates remain cautious.' Only strong, sustained consumption and export demand will shake them out. Hence option B is correct.

Explanation

The article mentions that NCLT approves resolution plans and initiates insolvency processes. DRT handles debt recovery, SAT handles securities appeals, and CCI handles competition matters. Hence, NCLT is correct.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect because the article states the term 'haircut' is not defined under IBC. Statement 2 is correct as the government's opinion is that the primary objective is 'resolution, not recovery'. Statement 3 is correct as FY26 recovery was 20%, the lowest in five years. Hence, option C is correct.

Explanation

The article states 'the average recovery, however, was close to 29%.' Option A is FY26's rate, C is FY25's, and D is FY23's. Hence, 29% is correct.

Explanation

Banks, as mentioned, suggest that valuation systems should ensure reflection of enterprise value instead of liquidation value, and point to opacity in valuation. Option A is not mentioned, C is incorrect as HDFC Bank is considering an appeal, and D is not stated. Hence, B is correct.

Explanation

FSSAI operates under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, as per the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. The other ministries are not directly responsible for food safety regulation.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: Phase I requires high in two of three nutrients. Statement 2 is correct: single-ingredient and inherently rich products are exempt. Statement 3 is incorrect: the warning label will be on the front of the pack, not the back.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that Chile witnessed a 24% drop in sugary drink consumption. The other options are not mentioned in the article.

Explanation

The article states that the warning label is intended to ensure that people do not consume unhealthy foods without knowing. The primary goal is consumer awareness and informed choice, not revenue generation, cost reduction, or export promotion.

Explanation

FSSAI is a statutory body under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, administered by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. It is responsible for regulating food safety and standards in India.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct – the proposed label is red hexagonal. Statement 2 is incorrect – the warning is triggered only when high in two or more nutrients (the 'two or more' loophole). Statement 3 is correct – the next SC hearing is on September 10, 2026. Hence option C is correct.

Explanation

According to the article, FSSAI submitted a compliance affidavit on August 28, 2026, proposing the red hexagonal warning label. August 29 is the publication date of the article, and September 10 is the next hearing date.

Explanation

Dr. Arun Gupta argued that the 'two or more' nutrient threshold is a major loophole because a product high in sugar alone (or salt alone) would carry no warning. He advocates for a simpler rule: high in any one nutrient → warning.

Explanation

The article states: 'Unlike traditional vaccines, which prevent infection, these are therapeutic vaccines, developed after a disease has been diagnosed, to help trigger the body's immune system.' Therefore, mRNA tumour vaccines are therapeutic, not prophylactic.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the trial tested intismeran autogene plus pembrolizumab. Statement 2 is incorrect: the reduction in recurrence risk was 49%, not 59% (59% was for distant metastasis). Statement 3 is incorrect: patients had undergone complete surgical removal of visible disease before enrollment.

Explanation

The article explicitly states: 'Earlier studies of the same strategy had already shown roughly a 49% reduction in the risk of recurrence or death, and a 59% reduction in the risk of distant metastasis or death.' Thus, 59% is the correct figure for distant metastasis risk reduction.

Explanation

The article explains that unlike traditional vaccines that prevent infection, mRNA tumour vaccines are therapeutic, designed after diagnosis, and personalised to each patient's tumour mutations (neoantigens). They train the immune system to attack existing cancer cells, not prevent infection.

Explanation

The article states that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) published the proposal in the Federal Register. While USCIS is part of DHS, the formal proposer is DHS, as per the article.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: The fee is paid by the employer/petitioner at the time of filing. Statement 2 is incorrect: The proposal applies only to new cap-subject petitions, not existing H-1B holders. Statement 3 is correct: The earlier $100,000 fee was struck down in June 2026. Hence option C is correct.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that in FY2024, 71% of approved H-1B petitions were for people born in India. China is a distant second at just over 10%. The other options are close distractors not supported by the article.

Explanation

The article highlights that India's outsized share (71%) of H-1B approvals means any major change to the system has a disproportionate impact on Indian professionals. The proposed fee makes it more expensive for US employers to sponsor Indian workers, potentially reducing opportunities.

Explanation

Under the IBC, both corporate and personal insolvency matters are adjudicated by the NCLT. The article specifically mentions NCLT approving Subhash Chandra's personal insolvency repayment plan. DRT deals with debt recovery for banks, not insolvency resolution.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: the plan proposed Rs 6.25 crore against claims of Rs 22,006.57 crore. Statement 2 is incorrect: all banks voted against the repayment plan (they had only 19.186% vote share). Statement 3 is correct: NCLT found that 1,260 claims were admitted without due diligence. Hence option C is correct.

Explanation

The article states that 'the admitted claims amounted to approximately Rs 22,006.57 crore'. Rs 6.25 crore is the repayment amount (distractor), Rs 19,186 refers to the banks' vote share percentage (wrong amount), and Rs 28.49 is World Crest's vote share. Hence the correct amount is Rs 22,006.57 crore.

Explanation

Banks argued that five entities (Veena Investments, Direct Media, World Crest, Lemonade Capital, Corpcall Capital) were associates/related parties of Chandra, and their votes should not be counted. The article states that banks alleged these entities fall within the category of associate parties, and their inclusion vitiated the voting outcome.

Explanation

The article clearly states: 'In 2017, India also became a full member of the SCO.' 2015 was the year of PM Modi's visit to all five Central Asian republics, not the year of membership. 2001 is the founding year of SCO, and 2026 is the year of the Bishkek summit.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article: 'New Delhi has established strategic partnerships with all Central Asian countries except Turkmenistan.' Statement 2 is incorrect: the policy was announced in 2012, not 2015. Statement 3 is correct: 'At Tianjin last year, leaders adopted the SCO Development Strategy 2035' – since the article is dated 2026, 'last year' refers to 2025.

Explanation

The article explicitly states: 'the organisation has expanded to ten members and fifteen dialogue partners.' Therefore, the correct answer is 15. The other numbers are distractors – 10 is the number of members, not dialogue partners.

Explanation

The article mentions: 'Its earlier incarnation, the Shanghai Five, was established to promote peace and stability in Eurasia, with a particular emphasis on resolving border disputes through mutual trust among its members.' This aligns with the core of the Shanghai Spirit. While counter-terrorism is important, the foundational principle was mutual trust and border resolution.

Explanation

The article states that the Yoga Federation of Uzbekistan was 'nurtured by the Indian Council of Cultural Relations (ICCR) which had deputed a yoga teacher to it for four years.' ICCR is the nodal agency for cultural diplomacy.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect: PM Modi's visit to Uzbekistan is his fourth overall and second bilateral visit (earlier in July 2015). Statement 2 is correct: The SCO Summit was in Bishkek. Statement 3 is correct: The article explicitly says Uzbekistan became the first Central Asian country to conduct yoga certification under YCB.

Explanation

The article states: 'India is among the top 10 trading partners of Uzbekistan with bilateral trade in 2025-26 close to US$ 1 billion.' The other options are plausible distractors, but only $1 billion matches the data.

Explanation

The article explicitly mentions: 'to counter China’s influence in the strategically vital region, establish connectivity project including the INSTC, meet its growing energy needs (Kazakhstan uranium, TAPI pipeline).' While cultural and educational ties are important, the core strategic driver is geopolitical and energy security.

Explanation

Article 262 of the Constitution allows Parliament to provide for adjudication of disputes relating to inter-state rivers and river valleys, and to exclude such disputes from the jurisdiction of the Supreme Court. The Inter-State River Water Disputes Act, 1956, was enacted under this article.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: the SYL canal is 214 km long, with 122 km in Punjab and 92 km in Haryana. Statement 2 is incorrect: the Supreme Court struck down the Punjab Termination of Agreements Act in 2016, not upheld it. Statement 3 is correct: the Ravi-Beas Waters Tribunal (Eradi Tribunal) was set up in 1986 to re-verify water claims.

Explanation

The article states that roughly 73–76% of Punjab's blocks are overexploited, meaning groundwater extraction exceeds recharge. This is a key driver of Punjab's resistance to sharing water with Haryana.

Explanation

Punjab invokes the riparian principle, which grants states through which rivers flow primary rights to their waters. This principle is often used in inter-state water disputes in India, contrasting with the 'prior appropriation' doctrine used in some other countries.

Explanation

The article states that the compliance affidavit followed scathing comments on August 13 from a Bench headed by Justice J.B. Pardiwala on the state's obligations to protect public health.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: The FSSAI proposal includes a red hexagonal warning label. Statement 2 is incorrect: Phase I covers products high in two or more specified nutrients, not any one. Statement 3 is correct: Single-ingredient foods like ghee, edible oil, jaggery, and honey are exempted.

Explanation

As per the article, the warning label will be displayed in a font one point larger than that used in the nutrition information table on the back of the pack.

Explanation

The FSSAI affidavit explicitly states that the proposal is intended to provide a simple, prominent and easily comprehensible warning to consumers regarding food products high in specified nutrients of concern.

Explanation

CISF is a central armed police force under the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). It is not under Defence or Civil Aviation, though it secures airports and other critical infrastructure.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: The MoU is with DFI. Statement 2 is correct: CISF is the nodal agency for aerial threats (as per the article). Statement 3 is incorrect: Only 80 units use drones, not all 370 units.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the paramilitary force guards 370 units across the country, including sensitive sectors like aviation, nuclear power, space, and oil refineries.

Explanation

The MoU aims to leverage Indian drone startups for applied research and operational readiness, not offensive capabilities or foreign imports. It focuses on building indigenous counter-drone skills and partnerships.

Explanation

The article mentions that the deal was negotiated by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, indicating the Department of State's lead role in foreign policy and international agreements.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article says 'US to take partial control of 65 billion barrels'. Statement 2 is incorrect as the captured president was Nicolás Maduro, not Delcy Rodriguez (who is the interim president). Statement 3 is correct as the article states stockpiles fell below 300 million barrels in early August 2026.

Explanation

The article states that the US Strategic Petroleum Reserve fell below 300 million barrels in early August 2026, down more than 100 million barrels since the start of 2026.

Explanation

The article states that the deal 'would substantially cut gas prices for Americans long into the future', addressing domestic pressure on Trump to bring down high gas prices amid the Iran war disrupting global oil flows.