Governance

Q1. With reference to the VB-GRAM G Act and the right to work, consider the following statements:

  1. It replaced MGNREGA in December 2025.
  2. Its implementation began in July 2026.
  3. It has been criticised for retaining universal coverage of the MGNREGA framework.
  4. It has been criticised for placing an increased fiscal burden on States.

How many of the statements given above are correct?

(a) Only one

(b) Only two

(c) Only three

(d) All four

Answer: (c)

Explanation:

  1. The VB-GRAM G Act replaced MGNREGA in December 2025, with implementation beginning on July 1, 2026.
  2. MGNREGA was replaced by the VB-GRAM G Act in December 2025. Hence, Statement 1 is correct.
  3. Implementation began on July 1, 2026. Hence, Statement 2 is correct.
  4. The new Act contains provisions to denotify certain areas and exclude them, limiting the universality of the earlier framework. Hence, Statement 3 is not correct.
  5. The article highlights the disproportionate fiscal burden placed on States under the new law. Hence, Statement 4 is correct.

Hence, option (c) is correct.

Read More: https://www.thehindu.com/business/Economy/the-broken-promise-of-the-right-to-work/article71410754.ece



International Relations

Q2. With reference to the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), consider the following statements:

  1. The SCO is a permanent intergovernmental international organisation whose highest decision-making body is the Council of Heads of State.
  2. India and Pakistan became full members of the SCO in 2023, making the organisation a twelve-member grouping at that time.
  3. The 26th SCO Summit, held in Bishkek in 2026, marked the 25th anniversary of the organisation and adopted the Bishkek Declaration along with several decisions and statements.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 1 and 3 only

(c) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: (b)

Explanation:

  1. The 26th SCO Summit was held in Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic, from August 31 to September 1, 2026.
  2. The Council of Heads of State is the highest decision-making body of the SCO, which functions as a permanent intergovernmental international organisation. Hence, Statement 1 is correct.
  3. India and Pakistan became full members of the SCO in 2017, taking the membership from six to eight, not twelve. Hence, Statement 2 is not correct.
  4. The 26th SCO Summit was held in Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic, from August 31 to September 1, 2026, and marked the 25th anniversary of the SCO. The summit adopted the Bishkek Declaration, four MoUs and more than twenty decisions and statements. Hence, Statement 3 is correct.

Hence, option (b) is correct.

Read More: https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleaseDetail.aspx?PRID=2305735&reg=48&lang=1



Economy

Q3. With reference to India’s GDP performance, consider the following statements:

  1. Real GDP provides a better measure of the actual growth in economic output than nominal GDP by excluding the effect of price changes.
  2. India recorded 7.8% real GDP growth in Q1 of 2026–27, which was higher than the RBI’s estimate of 7.0% for the quarter.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: (c)

Explanation:

  1. India recorded 7.8% real GDP growth in Q1 2026–27, exceeding the RBI’s estimate of 7.0%, highlighting strong domestic demand, manufacturing and services activity.
  2. Real GDP is measured at constant prices, thereby removing the effect of price changes and providing a better indication of the actual change in the volume of economic output. Hence, Statement 1 is correct.
  3. India’s real GDP grew by 7.8% in Q1 2026–27, compared with the RBI estimate of 7.0%. Hence, Statement 2 is correct.

Hence, option (c) is correct.

Read More: https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleaseDetail.aspx?PRID=2305422&reg=48&lang=1



Environment

Q4. Consider the following:

  1. Ganga Swachhta Pakhwada
  2. University Ganga Clubs
  3. Ganga Praharis
  4. Ganga Seva Doots
  5. Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam

How many of the above are associated with public participation in river conservation under the Namami Gange Programme?

(a) Only two

(b) Only three

(c) Only four

(d) All five

Answer: (d)

Explanation:

  1. The PIB highlights how the Namami Gange Programme, through Jan Ganga and Jan Bhagidari, is shifting river conservation from government-led intervention towards community participation, ownership and long-term river stewardship. 
  2. Ganga Swachhta Pakhwada is a fortnight-long public participation initiative observed annually from 16th to 31st March. It involves students, volunteers, community groups and other stakeholders in coordinated river-cleanliness activities across the Ganga basin. Hence, 1 is correct
  3. University Ganga Clubs provide platforms for youth engagement through lectures, field visits, volunteering and outreach. Schools, colleges, eco-clubs and NCC units also contribute to sustained environmental awareness and participation. Hence, 2 is correct
  4. Ganga Praharis are grassroots community volunteers who work with local residents to promote environmental awareness, responsible practices and protection of local biodiversity. Their role reflects citizen-led conservation at the community level. Hence, 3 is correct
  5. Ganga Seva Doots complement the work of Ganga Praharis by extending river-conservation outreach through schools, institutions and neighbourhoods, helping integrate conservation into everyday community life. Hence, 4 is correct
  6. Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam encourages individuals, families and communities to participate in plantation activities, linking personal sentiment with collective environmental responsibility. Under Namami Gange, plantation is also important for riverbank stability and reduction of soil erosion. Hence, 5 is correct

Hence, option (d) is correct.

Read More: https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleaseDetail.aspx?PRID=2305540&reg=48&lang=1



Geography

Q5. Consider the following statements:

Statement I:

India's indigenous navigation system can contribute to reducing dependence on foreign satellite-based timing sources.

Statement II:

NavIC provides India with an independent regional navigation capability.

Statement III:

NavIC satellites carry atomic clocks and can provide time traceable to Indian Standard Time.

Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

(a) Both Statement II and Statement III are correct and both of them explain Statement I.

(b) Both Statement II and Statement III are correct but only one of them explains Statement I.

(c) Only one of the Statements II and III is correct and that explains Statement I.

(d) Neither Statement II nor Statement III is correct.

Answer: (a)

Explanation:

  1. India has sought to develop an independent navigation and timing capability partly because reliance on foreign satellite systems can create strategic vulnerabilities.
  2. NavIC was developed as an independent regional navigation capability for India and the surrounding region. Hence, Statement II is correct and explains Statement I.
  3. NavIC satellites carry atomic clocks, while its ground infrastructure is traceable to IST, allowing NavIC to provide time traceable to the Indian national reference. Hence, Statement III is correct and also explains Statement I.
  4. Thus, NavIC contributes not only to navigation autonomy but also to India's independent and resilient timing infrastructure.

Hence, option (a) is correct.

Read More: https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-sci-tech/indian-standard-time-ist-rules-2026-10858398/