31 August 2026, Questions & Answers

Explanation

The article clearly states that the Semicon 2.0 scheme was approved by the Union Cabinet on July 15, 2026. The Union Cabinet is the highest decision-making body of the government, headed by the Prime Minister.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article: silicon fabs get 40% fiscal support. Statement 2 is incorrect because startups get both grant and equity co-investment, not just grant. Statement 3 is correct: the notification was issued on August 31, 2026. Hence option C is correct.

Explanation

The article specifies that advanced packaging (ATMP) gets an incentive of 35% of capex. Conventional packaging gets 25%, while silicon fabs get 40% fiscal support. 30% is not mentioned.

Explanation

The article quotes IT Secretary S. Krishnan saying the objective is 'self reliance and fostering a globally competitive industry'. While FDI and reduced imports are secondary benefits, the core goal is building a full-stack semiconductor ecosystem within India.

Explanation

The Department of Food and Public Distribution under this ministry handles sugar policy, including the Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP) for sugarcane, sugar release orders, and import/export controls. The article mentions the government controls sugar imports and exports, which falls under this ministry's purview.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: the article states the price climbed from Rs 45/kg to Rs 65/kg, a 44% increase. Statement 2 is correct: initial estimate of 34.3 MT revised to 30.6 MT due to red rot and top borer. Statement 3 is incorrect: the article recommends reducing sugar-based ethanol, not maintaining the diversion, to protect food security.

Explanation

The article explicitly states the price climbed from Rs 45/kg on July 24 to about Rs 65/kg by August 24, a 44% increase. Option A is the price on July 24. Options B and D are not mentioned.

Explanation

The article discusses 'Atmanirbharta in fuel' and the ethanol programme as a way to reduce dependence on oil imports. While reducing emissions is a co-benefit, the primary objective is energy security. The article also notes that the programme competed with food markets, indicating its focus on fuel self-reliance.

Explanation

As mentioned in the article, IST is maintained by the CSIR-National Physical Laboratory (CSIR-NPL). ISRO provides traceability via satellite links, but NPL is the primary custodian.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the Rules make IST the single reference for legal, administrative, and commercial purposes. Statement 2 is incorrect; the Rules actually reduce dependence on foreign time sources like GPS and promote indigenous sources like NavIC. Statement 3 is correct as the policy enhances national security by eliminating reliance on foreign time sources.

Explanation

The article states that IST is disseminated with millisecond to microsecond accuracy via NTP servers. While ISRO gets nanosecond accuracy via satellite links, the general dissemination is at the millisecond level.

Explanation

The initiative aims to synchronize systems like banking, railways, telecom, and power grids using a single, accurate time reference (IST). This improves coordination and reduces vulnerabilities from foreign time sources, enhancing national security.

Explanation

The judgment was delivered by Justice D Bharatha Chakravarthy of the Madras High Court. Puducherry does not have its own High Court; it falls under the jurisdiction of the Madras High Court.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the court allowed claims based on the mother's nativity. Statement 2 is incorrect because the court rejected the patriarchal argument, calling it a misogynistic stereotype. Statement 3 is correct as the court examined and applied the SC's ruling in Rameshbhai Dabhai Naik v State of Gujarat.

Explanation

Justice D Bharatha Chakravarthy was hearing a batch of 28 petitions concerning community certificates and reservation benefits in education and employment under the Puducherry administration.

Explanation

The court held that the basis of reservation is social disadvantage and the sufferings and stigma attached to the child, not whether lineage is patrilineal or matrilineal. This aligns with the constitutional goal of substantive equality under Articles 14, 15, and 16.

Explanation

The article states that the Permanent Court of Arbitration at The Hague ruled on the treaty. The other options are common distractors: ICJ is a different court, UNSC is political, World Bank mediated the treaty but did not issue this ruling.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: the article mentions abeyance after Pahalgam attack on April 23, 2025. Statement 2 is incorrect: the Court was formalized in 2023, not 2025. Statement 3 is incorrect: India has never participated in its proceedings and rejects them as null and void.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that India announced the treaty would be held in abeyance on April 23, 2025, following the Pahalgam terror attack. The other dates are distractors: August 31, 2026 is the ruling date, July 2023 is when the court was formalized, and May 2026 is when India reiterated its position on a previous award.

Explanation

The article states India's consistent position that the Court of Arbitration is illegally constituted and that the treaty does not provide for parallel proceedings. India maintained the Neutral Expert process (appointed by World Bank) was the appropriate mechanism. Options B and C are not mentioned; D is incorrect because India did not terminate the treaty but put it in abeyance.

Explanation

The article states that the data was released by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI). The RBI provides forecasts but does not release GDP data.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: Real GDP growth was 7.8% vs RBI forecast of 7.0%. Statement 2 is incorrect: Manufacturing grew 9.2%, not 10%. Statement 3 is correct: Nominal GDP growth was 10.3%.

Explanation

The article clearly states that the RBI forecast was 7.0% for the April-June quarter. The actual growth of 7.8% beat this forecast.

Explanation

Economist Madhavi Arora noted that the stronger GVA growth reflected a sharp increase in net public-sector subsidies, which outpaced growth in net indirect taxes. This helped cushion the impact of higher input costs.

Explanation

The article states that the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) published the draft rules on July 22, 2026. MoRTH is the nodal ministry for vehicle regulations and road safety in India.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as V2V uses C-V2X in 5.875-5.925 GHz. Statement 2 is incorrect – the article states OBU cost is Rs 5,000 to Rs 7,000, not Rs 10k-12k. Statement 3 is correct – DoT exempted the band on June 10, 2026. Hence option C is correct.

Explanation

The article explicitly states: 'Usually, V2V systems have a range of 300 metres and can detect vehicles in this range.' The other options are plausible distractors but not mentioned in the article.

Explanation

The article highlights that road deaths rose to 1.83 lakh in 2025, and V2V is a road-safety intervention to alert drivers about sudden braking, black spots, obstacles, etc., beyond line of sight. While other benefits may exist, the core objective is accident reduction.

Explanation

The article mentions 'Election Commission's Special Intensive Revision (SIR)'. The Election Commission is the constitutional body under Article 324 responsible for the superintendence, direction, and control of elections and electoral rolls in India.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: 'The EC had started the SIR with Bihar in June last year' (2025). Statement 2 is incorrect: Delhi's deletion rate was 32.8%, not 33% (though the article title says 33% left out, the body states 32.8%). Statement 3 is correct: 'The Supreme Court upheld the SIR order in its judgment in May this year' (2026). Hence option C is correct.

Explanation

The article states: 'So far, the SIR has led to the deletion of 13.37 crore names in the draft rolls across the three phases'. 6.15 crore is only the third phase, 14.1% is the percentage deletion, and 9.78 crore is the pre-SIR elector count in Maharashtra.

Explanation

The SIR required all electors to submit fresh enumeration forms and documents to establish eligibility. The article highlights deletions due to deceased, shifted, and multiple enrolments, indicating the objective is to clean the rolls of ineligible electors, not to increase turnout or introduce e-voting.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that MoSPI is beginning the experimental monetary valuation of marine fish resources. MoSPI is the nodal ministry for statistics, not fisheries or environment.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect because the article says 77% of fish production was from inland and 23% from marine, not 77% marine. Statement 2 is correct: only a handful of countries compile monetary asset accounts for aquatic resources. Statement 3 is correct as per NITI Aayog's estimate and warning.

Explanation

The article states that in FY25, export of marine products was 1.7 MMT, valued at ₹62,408.45 crores. The other options are related but incorrect: ₹1.76 lakh crore is the sector's contribution to GVA, ₹2,500 crore is PMMSY allocation, and ₹2,761.8 crore is total annual support for PMMSY.

Explanation

The article's bottomline states that the real test is whether the valuation improves policy on better catch limits, sustainable harvesting, stronger coastal livelihoods, and a clearer estimate of changes in national wealth. The primary objective is sustainability assessment, not just export or GDP calculation.

Explanation

The article states that '1872 census is considered to be the first for the Indian subcontinent, though it covered only the tracts under British rule.'

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: the article mentions '13 new or modified questions compared with the 2011 Census.' Statement 2 is incorrect: the father/mother questions were part of the 2020 NPR schedule, not the 2011 Census. Statement 3 is correct: the article notes 'the introduction of a uniform houselisting schedule in 1961.' Hence option C is correct.

Explanation

The article states: 'the recognition of a category other than male and female in 2011, and the subsequent adoption of the category "transgender person"'. Hence 2011 is the correct answer.

Explanation

The article mentions household assets in 2001, caste in colonial censuses, and slum enumeration in 2001. However, it does not mention any removal of the religion question. In fact, religion continues to be enumerated in the census. Hence D is the correct answer.

Explanation

The article states that the demand is for Kunbi recognition, as Kunbi is a community already listed under OBC in Maharashtra. The other options are either the claimant community (Maratha) or other OBC sub-castes not mentioned.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: the article explicitly mentions the September 12 deadline. Statement 2 is false because the government only hinted at willingness to discuss 'legally valid' demands, not unconditional acceptance. Statement 3 is correct as per Shinde's rally speech. Hence option C is correct.

Explanation

The article states: 'Jarange has claimed that 58 lakh records were found of the Kunbi genealogical link of Marathas.' The other options are plausible distractors.

Explanation

The article emphasizes that Kunbi is an OBC community in Maharashtra, and the Maratha demand is to be recognized as Kunbi to avail OBC benefits in education and jobs. Options A, C, and D are either not the primary objective or not fully aligned with the demand.

Explanation

GDP data in India is released by the National Statistical Office (NSO), which functions under the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation. The Ministry of Finance handles fiscal policy, not statistical releases.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: GDP growth was 7.8% in Q1 FY27 vs 6.9% in Q1 FY26. Statement 2 is correct: manufacturing grew 9.2%, a three-quarter high. Statement 3 is incorrect: mining and quarrying contracted by 2.4%, not grew. Hence option C is correct.

Explanation

The article states that the tertiary sector cumulatively grew 10% in Q1 FY27 compared to 8% in the same quarter of the previous year. 12.1% is the growth of the sub-category 'Financial, Real Estate, IT & Professional Services'.

Explanation

The article quotes an economist warning that a deficient monsoon (El Niño) poses downside risks to agriculture and rural demand, and unfavourable base effects will weigh on growth from Q2. The other options are not explicitly mentioned as primary reasons.

Explanation

The article identifies Scott Bessent as the US Treasury Secretary who made the remarks ahead of a G20 finance leaders meeting. Janet Yellen was the previous Treasury Secretary under President Biden, Steven Mnuchin served under Trump earlier, and John Kerry is the climate envoy.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per US Census Bureau data. Statement 2 is incorrect: the IMF assessed the yuan to be undervalued, not overvalued. Statement 3 is correct because Bessent called the Plaza Accord idea misguided and an 'easy way to get around dealing with the real trade problem'.

Explanation

Bessent stated, 'The world cannot have a China with a $1.2 trillion trade surplus.' The other options are distractors: $73.9 billion is the US trade deficit with China for first half of 2026.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the Treasury launched 'Operation Economic Outcast' last week with the goal of increasing economic pressure on Iran by unveiling new secondary sanctions weekly, starting with banks. The other options are not related to this initiative.

Explanation

The article explicitly credits ICIMOD's report 'Changing Dynamics of Glaciers in the Hindu Kush Himalayan Region 1990-2020' as the source for glacier area decline charts. Other organizations like UNDP were mentioned for GLOF event data, not this specific report.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: the UNDP data says Nepal experienced 26 GLOF events since the 1970s. Statement 2 is incorrect: the article states the flash floods occurred on August 26, 2026 (not August 30). Statement 3 is correct: the finance minister told Reuters the rebuilding would require $4-5 billion, nearly a tenth of the economy. Hence option C.

Explanation

The article clearly states: 'Data show that the world has lost over 9,500 gigatonnes of its glacier mass since 1975.' The other options are close distractors but not the exact figure mentioned.

Explanation

The article repeatedly stresses the need to 'rethink preparedness' and highlights that low- and lower-middle-income countries are highly vulnerable and less ready. It calls for strengthening disaster resilience through better assessment and readiness, not relocation or delayed action.

Explanation

The article states that the Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh High Court, presided over by Justice M A Chowdhary, quashed the preventive detention order. The other courts are not mentioned in the article.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the court observed no subjective satisfaction regarding public outrage. Statement 2 is incorrect – the court found that the detainee was NOT informed of the right to make a representation to the detaining authority, which was a key flaw. Statement 3 is correct as the detention order relied on stale FIRs from 2023 and 2025 without immediate link to public order. Hence option C.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the order was pronounced on August 21. March 3 is the date of the detention order itself, not the court order. August 31 is the publication date of the news article. Hence the correct date is August 21.

Explanation

The court quashed the detention because the detainee was not informed of his right to make a representation to the detaining authority, which is a procedural safeguard under Article 22. The ruling reinforces that such safeguards are not optional but mandatory. The other options are incorrect: the court did not strike down the PSA, nor did it expand preventive detention powers.

Explanation

The Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, consolidated multiple food laws and established FSSAI. The Prevention of Food Adulteration Act was repealed. The other options are not the primary food safety law.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect – the article explicitly states that the biggest misconception is that FSSAI registration guarantees safety/purity. Statement 2 is correct as per the Bombay HC observation. Statement 3 is correct – the Maggi case showed the need for standardised testing procedures.

Explanation

The article states: 'over 5.18 lakh food samples were analysed between 2022 and 2025'. The other options are close distractors but not mentioned.

Explanation

The article mentions that FSSAI launched consumer-awareness initiatives, including campaigns on food adulteration and label literacy, such as '#NoToAdulteration'. The objective is to educate consumers, not to impose penalties or ban products.

Explanation

Indian Railways is a department under the Ministry of Railways. The Madhepura joint venture involves Indian Railways as a partner. The Ministry of Railways oversees all railway operations and policy in India.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: The locomotive is a single unit with two sections (four bogies) to achieve 120 kmph. Statement 2 is incorrect: The 6,000-tonne haulage at 120 kmph is specifically on a gradient of 1-in-150, not any gradient. Statement 3 is correct: The average speed on DFCC tracks is 50-60 kmph as mentioned by the MD. Hence option C is correct.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that 'more than 30% of Alstom’s engineering work globally is done in India' and that the Madhepura project has been an important part of that journey. The other options are close distractors but not supported by the text.

Explanation

The article states that condition-based monitoring, using digital tools, has cut maintenance time by almost 20% and material requirements by close to 15%. This efficiency gain is the direct benefit. Other options like speed or haulage are not mentioned as outcomes of this maintenance change.

Explanation

The article states that the committee of experts was constituted by the Telangana Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Commission, as mentioned in the chairman’s statement.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect because the merger happened in 2020, not 2014. Statement 2 is correct as the article mentions 90-95% farmers not getting water and depending on borewells. Statement 3 is correct: the panel recommended policy support for PR bodies and WUAs to collect water use tax (water cess). Hence option B is correct.

Explanation

The article explicitly states '90% to 95% of farmers under minor irrigation sources were not getting water for irrigation from the sources and were mostly depending on borewells.' The other options are close distractors but 90-95% is the exact figure mentioned.

Explanation

The article clearly states that improving pump-set efficiency could 'save at least ₹3,000 crore per annum energy consumption'. While reducing groundwater extraction is a related benefit, the direct and quantified objective mentioned is energy cost savings.

Explanation

As per the article, Tata Advanced Systems Limited signed a pact with Raytheon and Lockheed Martin (Javelin Joint Venture) to explore establishing a final assembly and integration facility for the Javelin missile in India.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: the Javelin uses an infrared guidance system (fire-and-forget). Statement 2 is incorrect: the effective range is 2.5 km, not 5 km. Statement 3 is correct: the article mentions it can be fired from a remote launcher on an unmanned ground vehicle.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the Javelin has a standard effective range of 2.5 km. The other options are common distractors; 1.5 km is too low, 3.5 km and 4.5 km exceed the actual range.

Explanation

The article states that localised production will 'ensure a reliable and steady supply of a proven weapons system, both for the US and its allies in the Indian Ocean Region as well as the wider South East Asia region.' Cost reduction is a secondary benefit, and full technology transfer or export rights are not mentioned.

Explanation

Section 25 of the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955 empowers courts to grant permanent alimony and maintenance to either spouse at the time of or after the decree of divorce. Section 13 deals with grounds for divorce, Section 24 with interim maintenance, and Section 26 with custody of children.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the HC ruled that an able-bodied husband must work and pay maintenance. Statement 2 is incorrect because the husband had only deposited Rs 7.5 lakh as per a November 2024 order, and the remaining Rs 7.5 lakh was directed to be paid within one month. Statement 3 is correct as the court reiterated that family courts must insist on affidavits of assets and liabilities as per Rajnesh vs Neha.

Explanation

The family court had directed the husband to pay Rs 15 lakh as permanent alimony, which the Karnataka High Court upheld. Rs 7.5 lakh was the amount already deposited, and Rs 15,000 was the monthly maintenance awarded earlier. Rs 30 lakh is not mentioned.

Explanation

The Rajnesh vs Neha guidelines require both parties to file detailed affidavits of assets, liabilities, income, and expenses. This enables courts to make a fair, objective, and realistic assessment of financial circumstances before awarding maintenance or alimony. The other options are not the primary purpose of these guidelines.

Explanation

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is the national space agency of India, responsible for all space missions including the launch of EOS-05 (GISAT-1A) from Sriharikota.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: EOS-05 is GISAT-1A, replacing the failed GISAT-1. Statement 2 is incorrect: the launch vehicle is GSLV-F17, not PSLV-C62 (the previous failure was PSLV-C62). Statement 3 is incorrect: the satellite will be placed in geosynchronous orbit, not low earth orbit.

Explanation

The article states that the launch is scheduled for September 4 at 02:55 am from Sriharikota. The other options are distractors not mentioned in the news.

Explanation

The article specifically states that the satellite is designed to image large areas of interest at frequent intervals for monitoring natural disasters, agriculture, and forestry. While it may have secondary uses, the primary purpose is earth observation.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the data was released by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). The RBI is the central bank responsible for monetary policy and regulation of the banking sector in India, and it regularly publishes sectoral credit growth data.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: non-food bank credit grew 19.1% YoY. Statement 2 is incorrect: services sector credit grew 22.9%, not 20%. Statement 3 is correct: loans against gold jewellery grew 88.1% YoY (slowing from 136.4% a year ago). Hence option C is correct.

Explanation

The article states that the medium industry segment reported a growth of 30.5% in credit offtake, compared to 15% a year ago. The other options are growth rates for other segments: 17.7% for large industry, 22.6% for micro and small industry, and 20% for overall industry.

Explanation

The article mentions that the sharp rise in industrial credit 'could indicate improving demand for working capital and investment financing by companies.' This reflects stronger economic activity and business confidence. The other options are not supported by the article.

Explanation

The article mentions that Jal Shakti Minister C R Patil was present at the signing. The Ministry of Jal Shakti is the nodal ministry for water resources, including inter-state river water sharing.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: the MoU was signed by the two CMs. Statement 2 is correct: Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Jal Shakti Minister C R Patil were present. Statement 3 is incorrect: the article mentions it is the fourth water agreement in 2026, after the Narmada Award (July 7), Yamuna Water Project (June 29), and Kishau Multipurpose Dam (June 16).

Explanation

The article explicitly lists eight districts: Bhojpur, Buxar, Rohtas, Kaimur, Aurangabad, Arwal, Gaya, and Patna. The other options are distractors; 8 is the correct count.

Explanation

The article quotes Union Home Minister Amit Shah stating that the agreement resolves a long-awaited water dispute and is an example of cooperative federalism and the 'Team Bharat' vision. The other options are not mentioned or are incorrect: no tribunal was established, water is for irrigation and drinking, not just industrial, and the Act remains in place.