30 August 2026, Questions & Answers

Explanation

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) oversees disaster management in India through the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA). It coordinates response to natural disasters like floods, including those with transboundary impacts.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: the disaster was triggered by a GLOF after a glacier collapse. Statement 2 is correct: Nepal has 570+ hydropower projects, and 13 were damaged. Statement 3 is incorrect: the Himalayan warming rate is 0.32°C per decade (double the global average of 0.16°C), not 0.16°C.

Explanation

The article explicitly states: 'over 734 people have died, and over 3,000 others remain missing, including nearly 320 Indians.' Options A, C, and D are incorrect as they misstate the numbers.

Explanation

Experts like Mirza Zulfiqur Rahman note that drilling and tunnelling for dams 'shake up the geology' and increase earthquake risk. Combined with climate change-induced glacial melting, this creates a higher vulnerability to disasters like GLOFs. Options A, C, and D are either secondary concerns or not directly stated as the primary reason.

Explanation

The article states that supplies came from the Vadinar refinery in Gujarat, operated by Nayara Energy, which is half-owned by Russia's Rosneft.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: Indian refiners supplied 1 million barrels of gasoline in the last two months. Statement 2 is correct: Russia extended its gasoline export ban through end of January 2027 and diesel export ban through September 1, 2026. Statement 3 is incorrect: around 55% (not all) of Russia's imported gasoline in August arrived on sanctioned tonnage.

Explanation

Vortexa data showed Russia's seaborne gasoline imports surged to a record around 125,000 barrels per day in August 2026, equivalent to a projected 470,000 tonnes for the month.

Explanation

The article highlights that 55% of Russia's imported gasoline arrived on sanctioned tonnage and involved dark STS transfers. India's supply chain thus risks exposure to secondary sanctions from Western nations, as it may be facilitating trade that bypasses existing sanctions regimes.

Explanation

The article states that Minister Bhupender Yadav, MoEFCC, launched the Guide to Grasslands and ONEs at CoP 17. This ministry is responsible for environmental conservation and forest management in India.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: UNCCD was established in 1994. Statement 2 is incorrect because the article says 197 Parties include 196 countries and the European Union, not 197 country Parties. Statement 3 is incorrect: The Bonn Challenge is a global initiative launched by Germany and IUCN, not under UNCCD, though it contributes to UNCCD goals.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that India restored 21.76 million hectares between 2011 and 2020. 13 Mha was the initial pledge, 26 Mha is the 2030 target, and 150 Mha is the global Bonn Challenge target for 2020.

Explanation

The article highlights that India called for a shift from reactive drought relief to proactive resilience, integrating early warning, mitigation, and community resilience. This aligns with India's coordinated multi-institutional approach.

Explanation

Venezuela holds the world's largest proven oil reserves, estimated at about 300 billion barrels, as mentioned in the article. Saudi Arabia and the US have large reserves but are not the largest. Iran also has significant reserves but ranks below Venezuela.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: the US gains majority control over 65 billion barrels (20% of proven reserves). Statement 2 is incorrect: Venezuelan crude is 'heavy sour', not 'light sweet'. Statement 3 is correct: the Strait of Hormuz crisis (Iran choking oil flows) is a key geopolitical reason for the deal. Hence option C is correct.

Explanation

Rystad Energy estimated that over $180 billion would have to be invested over the next 15 years to return Venezuelan oil production to late 1990s levels, assuming a new investment cycle starts as early as 2026. The other options are distractors: $209 billion refers to potential tax revenues, and $100 billion refers to potential private investment mentioned in the article.

Explanation

The article explains that US Gulf Coast refineries were built in the last century to process heavy sour crudes from Latin America and Canada. Retrofitting them to process light sweet shale oil is financially unviable. Therefore, the US must import heavy sour crude even as it exports its own light sweet oil.

Explanation

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) is the nodal ministry for formulating and implementing India's foreign policy, including bilateral agreements and strategic partnerships with other countries.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the ties were elevated to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Statement 2 is incorrect because the target was set for 2030, not 2027. Statement 3 is correct as a Coordination Council at the foreign ministers' level was established. Hence option C is correct.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that both sides set a target of $5 billion in annual bilateral trade by 2030. The current trade volume is over $1 billion.

Explanation

The article mentions that New Delhi has been looking at procuring Uranium from Uzbekistan to produce nuclear energy for civilian purposes. This directly supports India's energy security by securing fuel for its nuclear reactors.

Explanation

The article quotes MEA Secretary (West) Siby George and MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, indicating the Ministry of External Affairs is the nodal ministry for India-Uzbekistan diplomatic and strategic engagements.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article states elevation to Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Statement 2 is incorrect because current trade is ~USD 1 billion, not USD 2 billion. Statement 3 is correct as PM Modi was conferred the Oliy Darajali Do'stlik Order.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that both sides set a target of USD 5 billion bilateral trade by 2030. Current trade stands at about USD 1 billion. Other options are distractors.

Explanation

The article mentions that New Delhi has been looking to procure uranium from Uzbekistan for its civilian nuclear power programme. While countering China's influence is a broader strategic context, the direct objective of the uranium supply is to meet fuel requirements for India's nuclear reactors.

Explanation

The article states that the proposal was prepared by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and submitted to the White House Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: the current rule became effective January 2017. Statement 2 is incorrect: the rule has not yet taken effect and must still go through public comment. Statement 3 is correct: 71% of approved H-1B petitions in FY2024 were for Indian-born workers.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that in fiscal 2024, 71% of approved H-1B petitions were for workers born in India. The other options are close distractors.

Explanation

The 60-day grace period currently allows workers to stay and find new employment after job loss. Eliminating it would remove this buffer, forcing immediate departure. The fee hike is a separate issue.

Explanation

BRBNMPL, a wholly owned subsidiary of RBI, is responsible for printing banknotes. It issued the global EOI for polymer substrate. The article explicitly states that BRBNMPL set the August 18 deadline and issued the EOI.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: The article mentions polymer notes initially for Rs 10 and Rs 20. Statement 2 is incorrect: The article says bidders must 'firewall their operations in India from those they may have in China and Pakistan' – not that operations must be completely separate. Statement 3 is correct: The EOI indicates approx. 68,000 reams of polymer substrate, each ream of 500 sheets.

Explanation

The article states: 'an approximate requirement for 68,000 reams of polymer substrate for printing Indian banknotes. Each ream should consist of 500 sheets of polymer film.' The other options are distractors; 'sheets' and 'tonnes' are not the unit mentioned.

Explanation

The article mentions that controversies over animal tallow in banknotes in the UK caused RBI's hesitation. India, being a diverse country with religious sensitivities, requires animal-free substrate to avoid similar backlash. The other options are not directly supported by the article.

Explanation

The article states that the PPPAC is under the Ministry of Finance. It appraises and approves PPP projects, and in this case gave in-principle approval for the six railway lines under HAM.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: the article says Railways will bear traffic and tariff risks and the private party will not be penalised if targets are missed. Statement 2 is incorrect: the government provides 40% (not 60%) as grant. Statement 3 is correct: the bid project cost is ₹15,976 crore. Hence option C.

Explanation

The article clearly states that the total bid project cost of the six lines is ₹15,976 crore. The other options are distractors: ₹40,866 crore is the total capital cost covering the entire concession period, ₹16,686 crore is the cost of completed PPP projects, and ₹16,362 crore is the cost of projects under implementation.

Explanation

The article explains that based on market feedback, the ministry switched from DBFOT to HAM to make projects more attractive to private investors. Under HAM, the government bears traffic and tariff risk and provides 40% grant, reducing the private party's risk and upfront capital requirement. Options A and C are incorrect because Railways will operate trains and collect revenue, and the government still provides grant. Option D is not mentioned in the article.

Explanation

FSSAI, the apex food safety regulator, proposed the red hexagonal warning label in a compliance affidavit to the Supreme Court. ICMR provides dietary guidelines, but FSSAI is the regulatory body responsible for food labelling standards.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: Phase 1 requires high content of at least two nutrients. Statement 2 is correct: exemptions include single-ingredient foods like ghee, oil, sugar, jaggery, honey. Statement 3 is incorrect: the proposed label is only in English, and font size is one point larger, not two.

Explanation

Phase 1 applies only when a product is high in at least two specified nutrients. Phase 2 will extend to products high in any one nutrient. The other options are distractors: Phase 2 threshold is one nutrient, not all three, and not just added sugar.

Explanation

Experts, including Dr Arun Gupta, argue that many unhealthy packaged foods are high in just one nutrient (e.g., only sugar or only salt). The two-nutrient threshold in Phase 1 would exempt them. The proposal also lacks a timeline for Phase 2 and uses the difficult-to-estimate 'added' fat/sugar criterion.

Explanation

The Ministry of Commerce and Industry, through its Department of Commerce, handles India's foreign trade policy and trade negotiations. The article mentions the Commerce Secretary as the lead negotiator, confirming this linkage.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article states the CEPA will 'open new avenues for greater trade and investment'. Statement 2 is incorrect because the meeting was held in Santiago, Chile, not New Delhi. Statement 3 is correct as the article lists these sectors. Hence option C is correct.

Explanation

The article clearly states: 'India remains committed to concluding the CEPA negotiations within this year', referring to 2026 (the year of publication). Options 2025, 2027, and 2028 are distractors.

Explanation

The article emphasizes that the CEPA will 'open new avenues for greater trade and investment' and aims for a 'balanced and mutually beneficial framework'. While tariff reduction may be part of it, the core objective is broader trade and investment enhancement.

Explanation

SEBI is the regulator for securities markets in India. The article mentions that SEBI introduced the CAS mechanism to replace VWAP for determining closing prices. Other options are incorrect: RBI deals with monetary policy, IRDAI with insurance, and NSE is an exchange under SEBI's oversight.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: CAS replaces VWAP. Statement 2 is incorrect: the article says stop-loss orders are 'removed from the system' before CAS. Statement 3 is incorrect: derivatives continue trading until 3:40 pm, 10 minutes after CAS ends at 3:30 pm. Hence only statement 1 is correct.

Explanation

The article states: 'out of the last 15 minutes of trading, effectively, you have eight minutes to trade' due to the random end time between 3:27 and 3:30. The remaining time is used for order placement and matching without visibility.

Explanation

The article mentions that the new system does not allow big players enough time or visibility to hedge in the F&O market, and they do not run unhedged positions. This causes them to stay on the sidelines, leading to thin volumes.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) chaired the meeting with World Bank experts and is responsible for clearing legacy waste at Bhalswa, Okhla, and Ghazipur landfills. MCD is the nodal civic body for solid waste management in Delhi.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: Tokyo has 23 WtE facilities. Statement 2 is incorrect: New York uses an externalised model where private agencies handle transportation and processing outside the city. Statement 3 is correct: Barcelona's Zero Waste Plan moves towards decentralised facilities. Hence option C is correct.

Explanation

The article states that an average of 2,541 TPD was dumped at Ghazipur during the three-day period. The other options are distractors: 2,115 TPD is for Okhla, 3,382 TPD is the waste lifted at Ghazipur, and 4,243 TPD is for Bhalswa.

Explanation

The article mentions 'utility tariffs—to levy user charges for solid waste management along with property tax' as a recommendation. This was rolled out last year but put on hold due to public opposition. The aim is to achieve financial sustainability for waste management, not just penalise or fund new landfills.

Explanation

The award was conferred by Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev at the Kuksaroy Presidential Palace in Tashkent, as clearly mentioned in the article.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article. Statement 2 is incorrect: 'Do'stlik' means 'friendship', not 'brotherhood'. Statement 3 is correct as the article states India and Uzbekistan decided to elevate ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that PM Modi was conferred the award on Sunday, August 30, 2026. The other dates correspond to the SCO summit (Aug 31-Sep 1).

Explanation

A Comprehensive Strategic Partnership is the highest level of bilateral relationship, indicating deep cooperation across multiple domains. It does not automatically imply military bases, veto power, or zero tariffs.

Explanation

The article explicitly names Bharat Dynamics Limited as the entity that signed the MoU with the Javelin Joint Venture in February 2025. The other entities are mentioned in the article but are not the ones that signed this MoU.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: the 2010 announcement was made in Parliament by then Defence Minister A K Antony. Statement 2 is incorrect: the 2017 cancellation was due to concerns over performance, technology transfer, and progress in the indigenous man-portable ATGM programme. Statement 3 is correct: the government told Parliament about the emergency purchase of Spike-LR ATGMs in 2019.

Explanation

The article states that the procurement of Spike ATGMs from Israel led to cancellation of the $500 million order in 2017. Rs 287.51 crore was a separate 2023 order, over 8,000 Spike ATGMs were cleared in 2014, and 16 years is the overall Javelin procurement timeline.

Explanation

The article says the 2010 acquisition was shelved because Washington refused to share the core seeker technology under a 100% TOT model. India then dropped the Request for Proposal and pivoted to Israel's Spike system in 2014. The other options describe later or contrary developments.

Explanation

The article clearly states that the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) releases GDP data. RBI provides forecasts but does not release the official GDP numbers.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: the article says loan growth was 18.3% YoY and the last time higher was June 2012. Statement 2 is incorrect: personal loan growth was 15.8% while industry loans grew 19.2%. Statement 3 is correct: large‑industry credit rose from 2% to 16.6% as per Barclays economists.

Explanation

The article states 'outstanding non‑food loans of banks were up 18.3% year‑on‑year as at the end of June'. Option B (18.7%) is the June 2012 figure. Options C and D are industry and services credit growth respectively.

Explanation

The article quotes Kotak economists saying 'we are seeing a shift in credit offtake from personal loans towards industry and services, reflecting strong credit demand in the more productive sectors of the economy.' This shift is key for sustained economic growth.

Explanation

The International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD), headquartered in Kathmandu, Nepal, conducts research and publishes reports on the Hindu Kush Himalayas, including glaciology and climate change impacts. It is directly mentioned in the article as having warned about tipping points in the region's deteriorating glaciology.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: scientists confirmed the flood was caused by an avalanche and glacial collapse on the Chinese side near Langtang Lirung (GLOF type). Statement 2 is incorrect: the damaged hydro projects were along the Trishuli river, not the Sunkoshi. Statement 3 is correct: the article mentions the 2023 Sikkim GLOF as a parallel example, with damage over Rs 25,000 crore. Hence option C.

Explanation

The article states: 'Damage was estimated at over Rs 25,000 crore — nearly 60% of Sikkim's 2022-23 GDP.' This is a key data point for prelims. The other options are plausible distractors but the exact figure mentioned is Rs 25,000 crore.

Explanation

The article emphasises that damage to over 15 hydro projects along the Trishuli 'could disrupt cross-border energy trading and regional power pools, causing acute energy insecurity.' The key lesson is the need for transborder interdependence in data sharing, early warning, and joint studies—not simply avoiding construction. Options A, C, and D are too absolute and not supported by the article's nuanced analysis.

Explanation

The article states that NASA is the agency launching the Roman telescope, with SpaceX providing the Falcon Heavy launch vehicle. NASA's Science Mission Directorate oversees the project.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: Roman will travel to L2, 1.6 million km from Earth. Statement 2 is incorrect: Roman’s field of view is enormous – it ‘kicks the door down’ compared to Hubble’s narrow view. Statement 3 is correct: Roman will search for and directly image exoplanets. Hence option C.

Explanation

The article explicitly states: 'Roman will head towards the second Sun-Earth Lagrange point, or L2, nearly 1 million miles (1.6 million kilometres) from Earth.' The other options are plausible distractors.

Explanation

The article states: 'From this position, the telescope will have a wide and relatively unobstructed view of the sky, allowing it to survey vast regions of the universe.' L2 minimizes interference from Earth's thermal emission and light, ideal for infrared observations. Options A, C, and D are not supported by the article.