Answer: (C)
Statement 1 is Incorrect: While higher GST collections are often cited as a sign of economic health, they do not "mainly" indicate broad-based growth in domestic manufacturing. Recent economic data (e.g., June 2026) highlights that a significant portion of GST growth has been driven by import-related taxes (IGST), currency depreciation, and imported inflation, rather than strong domestic value addition or manufacturing activity. Relying on headline GST numbers without looking at the domestic-vs-import breakdown can lead to a misleading picture of domestic industrial health.
Statement 2 is Correct: Integrated GST (IGST) is levied on imports. When the rupee depreciates, the value of imports in rupee terms increases, which mechanically inflates the assessable value and, consequently, the IGST collected. Similarly, if global commodity prices (like crude oil or gold) rise, the tax base for import-linked GST expands. Thus, higher IGST collections can occur even if physical import volumes remain stagnant or grow slowly.
Statement 3 is Correct: The Index of Eight Core Industries (which includes sectors like coal, steel, cement, electricity, etc.) is a key lead indicator of industrial activity. A weak performance in these core sectors suggests a deceleration in infrastructure and construction activity. If these core sectors are underperforming while total GST collections remain high, it is a strong signal that the "headline" tax growth is not being supported by the real economy's underlying industrial momentum.
Therefore, Option C is the correct answer
Statement 1 is Incorrect: While higher GST collections are often cited as a sign of economic health, they do not "mainly" indicate broad-based growth in domestic manufacturing. Recent economic data (e.g., June 2026) highlights that a significant portion of GST growth has been driven by import-related taxes (IGST), currency depreciation, and imported inflation, rather than strong domestic value addition or manufacturing activity. Relying on headline GST numbers without looking at the domestic-vs-import breakdown can lead to a misleading picture of domestic industrial health.
Statement 2 is Correct: Integrated GST (IGST) is levied on imports. When the rupee depreciates, the value of imports in rupee terms increases, which mechanically inflates the assessable value and, consequently, the IGST collected. Similarly, if global commodity prices (like crude oil or gold) rise, the tax base for import-linked GST expands. Thus, higher IGST collections can occur even if physical import volumes remain stagnant or grow slowly.
Statement 3 is Correct: The Index of Eight Core Industries (which includes sectors like coal, steel, cement, electricity, etc.) is a key lead indicator of industrial activity. A weak performance in these core sectors suggests a deceleration in infrastructure and construction activity. If these core sectors are underperforming while total GST collections remain high, it is a strong signal that the "headline" tax growth is not being supported by the real economy's underlying industrial momentum.
Therefore, Option C is the correct answer
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Gain valuable insights from Mr. Israel Jebasingh (Ex IAS, AIR 59) on building the right mindset, habits, and roadmap for a successful Civil Services journey from an early stage.
📅 11th July 2026
⏰ 04:00 PM
📍 Venue: Officers IAS Academy, Chennai
We also invite parents to be a part of this session and understand the roadmap and commitment required for UPSC success. Don’t miss this chance to receive valuable guidance from one of the best mentors in the field!
To Register : https://forms.gle/K6NMyHAXYAch4HSd8
For any queries, reach us at +91 7845878226
Similipal Tiger Reserve is part of the UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserves and is known for its rich biodiversity and dense forests.
Important for UPSC: Tiger Reserves, Biosphere Reserves, biodiversity conservation, and Eastern Ghats–Chotanagpur ecological linkages.
Important for UPSC: Tiger Reserves, Biosphere Reserves, biodiversity conservation, and Eastern Ghats–Chotanagpur ecological linkages.
Mauritius is an island nation in the Indian Ocean, located about 800 km east of Madagascar, and forms part of the Mascarene Islands along with Réunion and Rodrigues.
The island is volcanic in origin, almost entirely surrounded by coral reefs, and is home to the third-largest coral reef system in the world.
Important for UPSC: Indian Ocean Region (IOR), Mascarene Islands, coral reefs, India–Mauritius relations, maritime security, and the Blue Economy.
The island is volcanic in origin, almost entirely surrounded by coral reefs, and is home to the third-largest coral reef system in the world.
Important for UPSC: Indian Ocean Region (IOR), Mascarene Islands, coral reefs, India–Mauritius relations, maritime security, and the Blue Economy.
Consider the following statements regarding the Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and
Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB-GRAM G):
1. The Central Government can notify different wage rates for different areas.
2. Wage rates for workers are revised by the Central Government based on the Consumer Price Index–Agricultural Labourers (CPI-AL).
3. State Governments may provide wages over and above the wage rate notified by the Central Government.
Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB-GRAM G):
1. The Central Government can notify different wage rates for different areas.
2. Wage rates for workers are revised by the Central Government based on the Consumer Price Index–Agricultural Labourers (CPI-AL).
3. State Governments may provide wages over and above the wage rate notified by the Central Government.
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Answer: (D)
Statement 1: Correct. The Central Government has the authority to notify different wage rates for different geographical areas, taking into account local conditions.
Statement 2: Correct. Wage rates are revised periodically by the Central Government based on the Consumer Price Index–Agricultural Labourers (CPI-AL) to account for changes in the cost of living.
Statement 3: Correct. State Governments may pay wages higher than the wage rate notified by the Central Government, provided the additional financial burden is borne by the respective State Government.
Hence, all three statements are correct.
Statement 1: Correct. The Central Government has the authority to notify different wage rates for different geographical areas, taking into account local conditions.
Statement 2: Correct. Wage rates are revised periodically by the Central Government based on the Consumer Price Index–Agricultural Labourers (CPI-AL) to account for changes in the cost of living.
Statement 3: Correct. State Governments may pay wages higher than the wage rate notified by the Central Government, provided the additional financial burden is borne by the respective State Government.
Hence, all three statements are correct.
Consider the following statements regarding the National Stock Exchange (NSE)
1. It is regulated by the Securities and Exchange Board of India under the Securities Contracts (Regulation) Act, 1956.
2. It is a public authority under the Right to Information Act, 2005.
3. It is the statutory regulator responsible for overseeing the securities market in India.
1. It is regulated by the Securities and Exchange Board of India under the Securities Contracts (Regulation) Act, 1956.
2. It is a public authority under the Right to Information Act, 2005.
3. It is the statutory regulator responsible for overseeing the securities market in India.
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Answer: (C)
Explanation
The NSE is a recognised stock exchange regulated by SEBI under the Securities Contracts (Regulation) Act, 1956. Hence, Statement 1 is correct. The Delhi High Court has held that the NSE is a "public authority" under the RTI Act, 2005, making it subject to the transparency obligations of the Act. Hence, Statement 2 is correct.
The NSE is not the statutory regulator of the securities market. It is a stock exchange that provides an electronic trading platform. The statutory regulator responsible for regulating the securities market is Securities and Exchange Board of India. Hence, Statement 3 is incorrect.
Therefore, option (c) is the correct answer.
Explanation
The NSE is a recognised stock exchange regulated by SEBI under the Securities Contracts (Regulation) Act, 1956. Hence, Statement 1 is correct. The Delhi High Court has held that the NSE is a "public authority" under the RTI Act, 2005, making it subject to the transparency obligations of the Act. Hence, Statement 2 is correct.
The NSE is not the statutory regulator of the securities market. It is a stock exchange that provides an electronic trading platform. The statutory regulator responsible for regulating the securities market is Securities and Exchange Board of India. Hence, Statement 3 is incorrect.
Therefore, option (c) is the correct answer.
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Use your existing knowledge of GS, Current Affairs, and CSAT to easily crack Banking, SSC, and Railways.
Massive Syllabus Overlap: Your core subjects (Economy, Polity, History, and CSAT) cover ≈ 75% of these exams.
3 Exams, 1 Prep: Get targeted training for Banking, SSC, and Railways without starting from scratch.
https://youtu.be/k-0Id4C7F5c
Course Starts on: 20.07.26
Course Duration: 5 Months
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For admission assistance,
contact: +91 7358301555 / +91 9363730226
Syama Prasad Mookerjee (6 July 1901 – 23 June 1953) was an educationist, freedom fighter, and statesman who founded the Bharatiya Jana Sangh in 1951.
His birth anniversary is observed every year on 6 July to remember his contributions to nation-building, education, and public life.
Important for UPSC: Modern Indian History (Post-Independence), Indian Polity, Integration of Princely States, and contributions of prominent national leaders.
His birth anniversary is observed every year on 6 July to remember his contributions to nation-building, education, and public life.
Important for UPSC: Modern Indian History (Post-Independence), Indian Polity, Integration of Princely States, and contributions of prominent national leaders.
Consider the following statements regarding the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) rules in
India:
1. They are issued under the Environment Protection Act, 1986.
2. In developed urban areas (CRZ-II), new construction is permitted only on the
landward side of existing roads.
3. Public utilities like roads on stilts can be permitted within mangrove buffer zones.
India:
1. They are issued under the Environment Protection Act, 1986.
2. In developed urban areas (CRZ-II), new construction is permitted only on the
landward side of existing roads.
3. Public utilities like roads on stilts can be permitted within mangrove buffer zones.
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Answer: (D)
● Statement 1 is correct: The CRZ notifications are issued and updated by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) under the statutory backing of the Environment Protection Act, 1986.
● Statement 2 is correct: CRZ-II covers developed urban areas. To prevent shoreline encroachment and hazard risks, new construction or reconstruction is legally restricted to the landward side of existing, authorized roads or structural lines.
● Statement 3 is correct: Although mangrove ecosystems are strictly protected under CRZ-I, the rules explicitly permit essential public utilities and linear infrastructure (like roads on stilts, pipelines, and transmission lines) within buffer zones, provided they do not obstruct tidal water flow.
● Statement 1 is correct: The CRZ notifications are issued and updated by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) under the statutory backing of the Environment Protection Act, 1986.
● Statement 2 is correct: CRZ-II covers developed urban areas. To prevent shoreline encroachment and hazard risks, new construction or reconstruction is legally restricted to the landward side of existing, authorized roads or structural lines.
● Statement 3 is correct: Although mangrove ecosystems are strictly protected under CRZ-I, the rules explicitly permit essential public utilities and linear infrastructure (like roads on stilts, pipelines, and transmission lines) within buffer zones, provided they do not obstruct tidal water flow.
Consider the following statements with reference to 'INS Mahendragiri':
1. There is an advanced stealth guided-missile frigate developed under the Indian Navy's Project 17A (Nilgiri-class).
2. It was designed by the Warship Design Bureau and constructed entirely by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE).
3. It is integrated with a modern Combined Diesel or Gas (CODOG) propulsion system for high-speed naval operations.
1. There is an advanced stealth guided-missile frigate developed under the Indian Navy's Project 17A (Nilgiri-class).
2. It was designed by the Warship Design Bureau and constructed entirely by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE).
3. It is integrated with a modern Combined Diesel or Gas (CODOG) propulsion system for high-speed naval operations.
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Answer: (C)
● INS Mahendragiri is an advanced stealth guided-missile frigate of the Project 17A (Nilgiri-class) programme, developed for the Indian Navy. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
● While the frigate was indeed designed by the Indian Navy's Warship Design Bureau (WDB), it was not constructed entirely by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE). INS Mahendragiri was built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), Mumbai. Under Project 17A, four ships are built by MDL and three by GRSE. Hence, statement 2 is incorrect.
● INS Mahendragiri is equipped with a Combined Diesel or Gas (CODOG) propulsion system, enabling high-speed operations and improved endurance. Hence, statement 3 is correct.
Therefore, option C is the correct answer.
● INS Mahendragiri is an advanced stealth guided-missile frigate of the Project 17A (Nilgiri-class) programme, developed for the Indian Navy. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
● While the frigate was indeed designed by the Indian Navy's Warship Design Bureau (WDB), it was not constructed entirely by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE). INS Mahendragiri was built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), Mumbai. Under Project 17A, four ships are built by MDL and three by GRSE. Hence, statement 2 is incorrect.
● INS Mahendragiri is equipped with a Combined Diesel or Gas (CODOG) propulsion system, enabling high-speed operations and improved endurance. Hence, statement 3 is correct.
Therefore, option C is the correct answer.