30 September 2026, Questions & Answers

Explanation

Article 370 of the Indian Constitution granted special autonomous status to Jammu and Kashmir, allowing it to have its own constitution and limiting Parliament's legislative powers. Article 35A flowed from Article 370, while the Instrument of Accession was the legal document for accession, and the Delhi Agreement was a political accord for integration.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: The 2019 order superseded the 1954 order. Statement 2 is incorrect: The President used Clause (1) of Article 370, not Clause (3), and the phrase 'Constituent Assembly' was replaced with 'Legislative Assembly' (which was suspended, so the Governor acted). Statement 3 is correct: The Supreme Court in 2023 upheld the abrogation, stating Article 370 was meant for integration, not disintegration.

Explanation

Article 370 was adopted by the Constituent Assembly on October 17, 1949. October 26, 1947 is the date the Instrument of Accession was signed. July 24, 1952 is the Delhi Agreement date, and August 5, 2019 is the abrogation date.

Explanation

The government used a Presidential Order under Article 370(1) to modify the provision. By replacing 'Constituent Assembly of the State' with 'Legislative Assembly of the State' (which was suspended, so the Governor acted), the President could declare Article 370 inoperative. This was not a constitutional amendment by Parliament, nor a resolution by the state assembly, nor a Supreme Court judgment.

Explanation

The article states that DST is the administrative custodian of the RDI Fund. While the fund is housed under ANRF, the DST oversees its allocation and disbursal. The Ministry of Finance allocates funds but does not administer the scheme directly.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: TDB is the only SLFM currently selecting beneficiaries. Statement 2 is incorrect: the fund provides soft loans up to 50% of the project cost, not 100%. Statement 3 is correct: BIRAC is a Section 9 non-profit company under the Department of Biotechnology.

Explanation

The article clearly mentions the RDI Fund has a corpus of ₹1 lakh crore over six years. ₹23,000 crore is the allocation for the first two years, ₹2,192 crore was disbursed in the first round, and ₹2,000 crore was received by TDB earlier this year. Hence, ₹1 lakh crore is the correct total corpus.

Explanation

The article identifies two main bottlenecks: (1) the appointment of private SLFMs has been delayed despite recommendations being finalized, and (2) BIRAC has not started selecting companies due to tax-related procedural uncertainties. While conflict of interest was reported, it is not cited as the primary reason for the pause. Budget allocation is not the issue as ₹23,000 crore has been allocated.

Explanation

C. Rajagopalachari (Rajaji) was the Chief Minister of Madras State in 1952. After his government lost the Aruppukottai bypoll, he moved a Motion of Confidence in the Assembly, which was the first such motion in any Indian legislature.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: the motion was moved in the Tamil Nadu Assembly. Statement 2 is incorrect: the bypoll loss was for the Aruppukottai constituency, not Coimbatore (Congress won Coimbatore). Statement 3 is correct: the Speaker followed British rules and allowed no amendments. Hence option C is correct.

Explanation

The Forward Bloc (Marxist Group) candidate M.D. Ramasamy won with 69,126 votes, while Congress candidate Rajathi Kunjithapatham got 50,291 votes. The margin of victory was 18,835 votes. Option B (41,300) was the margin in the Coimbatore bypoll. Options C and D are the vote totals for the winner and loser respectively.

Explanation

After the defeat, C. Rajagopalachari took the result as a loss of personal confidence. Rather than resigning, his government innovated by moving a formal Motion of Confidence in the Assembly, which was passed 200-151, allowing the ministry to continue.

Explanation

The article focuses entirely on the withdrawal of U.S. forces from their last bases in Iraq by September 30, 2026, ending more than two decades of military presence.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article mentions the withdrawal was agreed in 2024 under Biden. Statement 2 is correct as the US killed Soleimani in 2020. Statement 3 is incorrect because the article explicitly states that many Iraqi officials and tribal leaders fear the withdrawal is premature and will create a security vacuum.

Explanation

The article states that '7 of the 18 U.S. service members listed as killed were in Iraq' during the 2026 war. 4,500 is the total number of Americans who died during the entire more than two decades of war in Iraq.

Explanation

The article highlights that the withdrawal gives Iran and its allies 'free rein' and also risks giving 'new life to Islamic State fighters', indicating a dual concern about a power vacuum benefiting both Iran and ISIS.

Explanation

The resolution was passed by the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly, which is the directly elected legislative body of the Union Territory. The article mentions that the resolution was moved by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and considered by the 90-member House. The Legislative Council does not exist in J&K.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the resolution was passed on September 28, 2026, as mentioned in the article. Statement 2 is incorrect because the 29 BJP legislators opposed the resolution. Statement 3 is correct: the 2024 elections saw 63.88% voter turnout. Hence option C is correct.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that 'Voters in Kashmir shunned boycott politics and J&K recorded 63.88% voting.' This is a key data point for prelims. Other options are plausible distractors but not mentioned in the article.

Explanation

The article states that the resolution called upon the Government of India for the 'immediate and urgent restoration of full Statehood' to the UT. Options B, C, D are related but not the primary demand. The resolution specifically seeks statehood, not the old special status (Article 370 was abrogated earlier).

Explanation

As per the NGT order, the Rajasthan State Pollution Control Board (RSPCB) has been designated as the nodal agency for the joint committee. The other bodies are part of the committee but are not the nodal agency.

Explanation

Statements 1 and 2 are correct as per the article. Statement 3 is incorrect because the case is being heard by the NGT's Central Zone Bench in Bhopal, not the Principal Bench in New Delhi.

Explanation

The NGT order dated September 28 mentioned that the matter will next be heard on December 9. The other dates are distractors: September 28 is the date of the order, and the committee has six weeks to submit its report.

Explanation

The petition specifically alleges that illegal salt pans, brine extraction, and groundwater withdrawal are altering the lake's natural salinity levels, affecting its hydrological regime and ecological character. The other options are not mentioned in the article.

Explanation

The article states that NDMA identified 13 high-risk glacial lakes in Uttarakhand, of which five were Category A. NRSC identified 344 total glacial lakes in 2023, but the risk classification was done by NDMA.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: This is Uttarakhand's first glacial lake early-warning system, installed at Vasundhara Tal. Statement 2 is incorrect: The US Geological Survey found the seismic energy was generated by a glacial collapse and debris flow, not an earthquake. Statement 3 is correct: Bathymetric surveys were completed at six lakes (Saraswati Tal, Vasundhara Tal, Kedartal, Mabang, Pyungru, Syunkti Yankti).

Explanation

According to the article, the National Remote Sensing Centre identified 344 glacial lakes in Uttarakhand in 2023. Option A (13) is the number of high-risk lakes identified by NDMA. Option C (5) is the number of Category A lakes. Option D (6) is the number of lakes where bathymetric surveys were completed.

Explanation

The system monitors water level, weather, snow conditions, and ground movement to detect abnormal changes and generate alerts before a GLOF occurs. While the data may also help study climate change, the core objective is disaster risk reduction through early warning.

Explanation

The NCRB is the nodal agency for collecting and analyzing crime data in India. It publishes the 'Crime in India' report annually, which includes data on cybercrime cases as seen in the article.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: the study surveyed 8,306 citizens across 16 states. Statement 2 is incorrect: wealthier and more educated respondents were more likely to be victims of financial fraud, not less. Statement 3 is correct: over eight in ten victims reported some financial loss.

Explanation

The article states that a quarter (23%) of victims lost upwards of ₹20,000. 8% lost up to ₹1,000, 25% lost between ₹1,001-₹5,000, and about 29% lost between ₹5,000 and ₹20,000.

Explanation

The article explains that fraudsters systematically track digital participation and target those with resources. Wealthier and more educated individuals have deeper integration into the digital ecosystem, creating a larger footprint for fraudsters to exploit, making them prime targets for financial fraud.

Explanation

As per the article, the Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and Adjoining Areas (CAQM) announced the tighter restrictions under a revised GRAP. CAQM is a statutory body created under the CAQM Act, 2021.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: the exemption for non-BS-VI trucks carrying essential commodities has been withdrawn. Statement 2 is correct: BS-IV diesel cars are banned in Sonipat (as well as other high-vehicle-density districts) during Stage 3. Statement 3 is correct: the article states that EVs, BS-VI compliant, CNG or LNG trucks will continue to be permitted during Stage 4. Hence all three are correct.

Explanation

The article specifically states that CAQM added Sonipat to the existing list of high-vehicle-density districts (Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad, Gautam Buddha Nagar). Ghaziabad, Faridabad, and Gautam Buddha Nagar were already in the list; only Sonipat is newly added.

Explanation

The article states that GRAP is "a set of short-term emergency measures taken to reduce air pollution" and is divided into four stages depending on current or predicted pollution levels. It is not a permanent ban or replacement programme, but a temporary response to high pollution episodes.

Explanation

The accord was released by President Donald Trump on his Truth Social platform. While Congress can pass laws, this was an executive action. The FTC and NIST are regulatory/standards bodies, not the releasers of this accord.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect because the accord is described as 'morally binding', not legally binding. Statement 2 is correct as the accord urges companies to partner with an external auditor for independent assessments. Statement 3 is correct as the document was signed by the bosses of Google, Meta, and NVIDIA among others.

Explanation

The accord urged four layers of controls: (1) external auditor/evaluator, (2) independent board committee, (3) internal controls for monitoring capabilities, and (4) an internal team to ensure all controls are operating as intended.

Explanation

The accord specifically states that the board committee should oversee and receive reports from internal and external auditors and from teams operating AI controls. This ensures top-level governance and accountability for AI safety, not financial or product goals.

Explanation

As per the news article, only the Central government, through the Ministry of Law and Justice, has the power to amend the Registration of Electors Rules, 1960, and by extension, Form 6. The EC can only add attachments but not amend the form itself.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect because the reversion applies only to non-SIR states, not all states. Statement 2 is correct: the Supreme Court upheld the EC's power to add the declaration on May 27, 2026. Statement 3 is correct: EC officials mentioned that the declaration was added with Form 6 and Form 8.

Explanation

The article states that on Saturday (September 26, 2026), the EC said in a press release that the declaration accompanying Form 6 would now be used only during the SIR period. May 27, 2026 is the date of the Supreme Court ruling. August 2026 is when Commissioner Sukhbir Singh Sandhu flagged the issue.

Explanation

The article mentions that during SIR, a declaration was added to Form 6, and online submission required completing it. This was problematic for applicants in non-SIR states where the declaration was not needed. The EC reverted to allow submission without the declaration in those states. No Supreme Court order or Ministry directive compelled this change.

Explanation

The article states that the MCD will receive a grant to procure the 30 machines and will deploy and operate them. This is part of the Delhi government's winter action plan.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article confirms the approval for 30 smaller EV-based MRSMs for roads with RoW <10 metres. Statement 2 is incorrect — the existing fleet covers only 20-30% of the Capital's roads, not 80%. Statement 3 is correct as per the CAQM norms mentioned in the article.

Explanation

The article specifically mentions that the IIT-Kanpur study found road dust accounts for about 56% of Delhi's annual PM10 emissions and 38% of its annual PM2.5 emissions. The other options are close distractors.

Explanation

The article states the existing MRSMs cover only 20-30% of roads, and the new smaller machines are meant for roads with RoW <10 metres which are 'difficult to cover with the existing fleet.' The core objective is reducing dust pollution, which is a major winter pollution source.

Explanation

The article mentions that Saudi Arabia repaired its East-West pipeline, which allows its crude oil to bypass the Strait of Hormuz and resume Red Sea exports.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: the article states Iran proposed a 7-day roadmap and Trump rejected it. Statement 2 is correct: the Strait of Hormuz is a well-known global oil chokepoint. Statement 3 is correct: the US sanctions are explicitly called 'Operation Economic Outcast' in the article.

Explanation

The article specifically mentions that shipments through the Strait and alternative routes have been carrying 'just under 80 per cent of their prewar flows as of last week, the highest since February.'

Explanation

The article states that Iran's chokehold on the Strait of Hormuz is declining (shipments rebounding) and its economy is being battered by US sanctions (Operation Economic Outcast). These factors explain Tehran's sudden willingness to cut a deal.

Explanation

The article explicitly mentions stubble burning in Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan. Madhya Pradesh is not mentioned in this context.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the plan is effective from November 1. Statement 2 is correct as the plan includes staggered office timings and work-from-home. Statement 3 is incorrect because the article says the Super El Niño could reduce western disturbances, not increase them.

Explanation

The article clearly states that the plan 'will come into effect from November 1'. The other options are distractors not mentioned in the article.

Explanation

The article states that 'bans and restrictions do not become the mainstay of the pollution-control strategy' and that a governance framework rewarding sustained reduction is needed. Options A, C, and D are not supported by the article.

Explanation

As a member of the WTO, India was obligated to comply with the TRIPS Agreement, which sets minimum standards for IP protection. This led to the revamping of national IP laws, including the Patents Act, 1970, to bring them in line with TRIPS commitments.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: The Commercial Courts Act, 2015 empowered state governments to constitute dedicated commercial courts. Statement 2 is incorrect: ADR was promoted to decongest civil courts, not increase their workload. Statement 3 is correct: The Delhi HC's parent statute allows it to act as a forum of first instance for civil suits above a certain pecuniary value.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that in 2022, to further streamline the handling of IP disputes, the Delhi HC framed its own IP Division Rules, which have resonated with litigants, investors, and IP bodies like the World Intellectual Property Organisation.

Explanation

The article concludes that to preserve investor confidence and inspire more investment for Viksit Bharat, India must create a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship, of which the legal system is an integral and critical component. This system must enforce rights and dispense justice effectively.