Answer: (C)
Assertion is Correct: Article 23(1) of the United Nations Charter provides for five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC): China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom and the United States.
Reason is Incorrect: The criterion mentioned in the Reason corresponds to the definition of a Nuclear-Weapon State under Article IX(3) of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), not the criterion for permanent membership of the UNSC.
The permanent membership of the UNSC was established under the UN Charter in 1945.
For instance,
○ France became a permanent member before conducting its first nuclear test in 1960
○ China became a permanent member before its first nuclear test in 1964.
Therefore, option C is the correct answer.
Assertion is Correct: Article 23(1) of the United Nations Charter provides for five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC): China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom and the United States.
Reason is Incorrect: The criterion mentioned in the Reason corresponds to the definition of a Nuclear-Weapon State under Article IX(3) of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), not the criterion for permanent membership of the UNSC.
The permanent membership of the UNSC was established under the UN Charter in 1945.
For instance,
○ France became a permanent member before conducting its first nuclear test in 1960
○ China became a permanent member before its first nuclear test in 1964.
Therefore, option C is the correct answer.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the history of Gujarat’s Modhera Sun Temple during the September 2026 episode of Mann Ki Baat.
Modhera is now known as India’s first solar-powered village. The PM highlighted its use of solar energy as an example of sustainability and the connection between sunlight, science and energy.
Important for UPSC: Indian Art & Culture → Solanki Dynasty → Sun Temple Architecture → Gujarat → Renewable Energy → Solar Village → Sustainable Development.
Modhera is now known as India’s first solar-powered village. The PM highlighted its use of solar energy as an example of sustainability and the connection between sunlight, science and energy.
Important for UPSC: Indian Art & Culture → Solanki Dynasty → Sun Temple Architecture → Gujarat → Renewable Energy → Solar Village → Sustainable Development.
With reference to Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, consider the following statements:
1. AFSPA can be applied only in areas declared as “disturbed areas”.
2. The Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958 originally applied to the then Union Territories of Assam and Manipur.
3. AFSPA itself authorises the deployment of armed forces in every disturbed area.
1. AFSPA can be applied only in areas declared as “disturbed areas”.
2. The Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958 originally applied to the then Union Territories of Assam and Manipur.
3. AFSPA itself authorises the deployment of armed forces in every disturbed area.
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Answer: (B)
Statement 1 is Correct: AFSPA operates in areas that have been declared “disturbed areas.” The power to declare an area as a "disturbed area" lies with the Central Government, the Governor of a State, or the Administrator of a Union
Territory.
Statement 2 is Correct: It was initially enacted as the Armed Forces (Assam and Manipur) Special Powers Act, 1958. It specifically targeted growing unrest and insurgency in the Naga Hills (then part of Assam) and adjacent areas of Manipur. Over subsequent decades, particularly through amendments in 1972, the Act's geographic scope expanded to cover other parts of the Northeast, and it was renamed the general Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act.
Statement 3 is Incorrect: AFSPA creates a statutory framework for the exercise of specified powers when its conditions are met. It should not be read as meaning that the Act itself automatically deploys forces everywhere an area is declared disturbed.
Statement 1 is Correct: AFSPA operates in areas that have been declared “disturbed areas.” The power to declare an area as a "disturbed area" lies with the Central Government, the Governor of a State, or the Administrator of a Union
Territory.
Statement 2 is Correct: It was initially enacted as the Armed Forces (Assam and Manipur) Special Powers Act, 1958. It specifically targeted growing unrest and insurgency in the Naga Hills (then part of Assam) and adjacent areas of Manipur. Over subsequent decades, particularly through amendments in 1972, the Act's geographic scope expanded to cover other parts of the Northeast, and it was renamed the general Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act.
Statement 3 is Incorrect: AFSPA creates a statutory framework for the exercise of specified powers when its conditions are met. It should not be read as meaning that the Act itself automatically deploys forces everywhere an area is declared disturbed.
Consider the following statements with reference to PM Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (PM-RKVY)
1. Statement I: The PM Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (PM-RKVY) was approved in 2024 as an umbrella scheme to promote sustainable agriculture and provides flexibility to States to address their specific agricultural requirements.
2. Statement II: PM-RKVY includes components such as Soil Health Management, Rainfed Area Development, Agro Forestry, Per Drop More Crop, Crop Diversification Programme and an Accelerator Fund for Agri Startups.
3. Statement III: PM-RKVY is implemented directly by the Central Government without the involvement of State Governments, and its funds cannot be reallocated between different components according to State-specific needs.
1. Statement I: The PM Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (PM-RKVY) was approved in 2024 as an umbrella scheme to promote sustainable agriculture and provides flexibility to States to address their specific agricultural requirements.
2. Statement II: PM-RKVY includes components such as Soil Health Management, Rainfed Area Development, Agro Forestry, Per Drop More Crop, Crop Diversification Programme and an Accelerator Fund for Agri Startups.
3. Statement III: PM-RKVY is implemented directly by the Central Government without the involvement of State Governments, and its funds cannot be reallocated between different components according to State-specific needs.
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Answer:(C)
Statement I is Correct: The Union Cabinet approved the PM Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (PM-RKVY) in October 2024 as part of the rationalisation of Centrally Sponsored Schemes under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare. Its principal focus is sustainable agriculture, with flexibility for States to prepare agriculture strategies according to their specific requirements.
Statement II is Correct: PM-RKVY includes several components, including Soil Health Management, Rainfed Area Development, Agro Forestry, Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana, Agricultural Mechanization, Per Drop More Crop, Crop Diversification Programme, RKVY-DPR and the Accelerator Fund for Agri Startups. These components cover different aspects of sustainable and productive agriculture.
Statement III is Incorrect: PM-RKVY is implemented through State Governments, not directly by the Central Government alone. Further, States have flexibility to re-allocate funds from one component to another according to their State-specific requirements.
Therefore, option C is the correct answer
Statement I is Correct: The Union Cabinet approved the PM Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (PM-RKVY) in October 2024 as part of the rationalisation of Centrally Sponsored Schemes under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare. Its principal focus is sustainable agriculture, with flexibility for States to prepare agriculture strategies according to their specific requirements.
Statement II is Correct: PM-RKVY includes several components, including Soil Health Management, Rainfed Area Development, Agro Forestry, Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana, Agricultural Mechanization, Per Drop More Crop, Crop Diversification Programme, RKVY-DPR and the Accelerator Fund for Agri Startups. These components cover different aspects of sustainable and productive agriculture.
Statement III is Incorrect: PM-RKVY is implemented through State Governments, not directly by the Central Government alone. Further, States have flexibility to re-allocate funds from one component to another according to their State-specific requirements.
Therefore, option C is the correct answer
Consider the following statements with regard to the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO):
1. The SCO originated from the "Shanghai Five" mechanism, which was formed in 1996 prior to the official founding of the organization in 2001.
2. Belarus is the newest member to join the grouping, making it a 10-member organisation.
3. The 27th meeting of the SCO Council of Heads of State will be hosted by Pakistan, which holds the rotating presidency for 2026–27.
1. The SCO originated from the "Shanghai Five" mechanism, which was formed in 1996 prior to the official founding of the organization in 2001.
2. Belarus is the newest member to join the grouping, making it a 10-member organisation.
3. The 27th meeting of the SCO Council of Heads of State will be hosted by Pakistan, which holds the rotating presidency for 2026–27.
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Answer: (D)
Statement 1 is correct: The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) traces its origins back to the “Shanghai Five” mechanism, which was formed in 1996 (comprising China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan) to resolve border demarcation and demilitarization issues. It was later expanded and officially rechristened as the SCO in 2001 with the inclusion of Uzbekistan.
Statement 2 is correct: Belarus officially became the newest and 10th member state of the SCO during the Astana Summit, expanding the Eurasian bloc into a 10-member organization.
Statement 3 is correct: Pakistan holds the rotating presidency of the SCO Council of Heads of State for the 2026–27 term, succeeding the previous chair and gearing up to host high-level meetings and the forthcoming leaders' summit.
Therefore option D is the correct answer.
Statement 1 is correct: The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) traces its origins back to the “Shanghai Five” mechanism, which was formed in 1996 (comprising China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan) to resolve border demarcation and demilitarization issues. It was later expanded and officially rechristened as the SCO in 2001 with the inclusion of Uzbekistan.
Statement 2 is correct: Belarus officially became the newest and 10th member state of the SCO during the Astana Summit, expanding the Eurasian bloc into a 10-member organization.
Statement 3 is correct: Pakistan holds the rotating presidency of the SCO Council of Heads of State for the 2026–27 term, succeeding the previous chair and gearing up to host high-level meetings and the forthcoming leaders' summit.
Therefore option D is the correct answer.
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Answer: (B)
PRAGATI-50 is a targeted urban transformation initiative launched by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) under the framework of Swachh Bharat Mission–Urban 2.0 (SBM-U 2.0).
Core Objective: The initiative identifies 50 model cities across 24 States/UTs to demonstrate higher benchmarks in urban sanitation, scientific waste management, used water management, circular economy practices, and visible cleanliness.
Key Distinction: This program is distinct from the PRAGATI platform (Pro-Active Governance And Timely Implementation), which is an ICT-based multi-modal platform monitored directly by the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) to track major infrastructure projects and public grievances.
Therefore, option B is the correct answer.
PRAGATI-50 is a targeted urban transformation initiative launched by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) under the framework of Swachh Bharat Mission–Urban 2.0 (SBM-U 2.0).
Core Objective: The initiative identifies 50 model cities across 24 States/UTs to demonstrate higher benchmarks in urban sanitation, scientific waste management, used water management, circular economy practices, and visible cleanliness.
Key Distinction: This program is distinct from the PRAGATI platform (Pro-Active Governance And Timely Implementation), which is an ICT-based multi-modal platform monitored directly by the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) to track major infrastructure projects and public grievances.
Therefore, option B is the correct answer.
Consider the following statements:
1. India is the world's largest importer of edible oils, relying on imports for over half its consumption, led by palm oil.
2. Rajasthan is the largest oilseed-producing state in India, driven largely by rapeseed and mustard.
3. The National Mission on Edible Oils - Oil Palm (NMEO-OP) features a Viability Price mechanism for farmers linked to global crude palm oil prices.
1. India is the world's largest importer of edible oils, relying on imports for over half its consumption, led by palm oil.
2. Rajasthan is the largest oilseed-producing state in India, driven largely by rapeseed and mustard.
3. The National Mission on Edible Oils - Oil Palm (NMEO-OP) features a Viability Price mechanism for farmers linked to global crude palm oil prices.
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Answer: (D)
Statement 1 is correct: India imports over 50% of its edible oil needs, making it the top global importer, with palm oil constituting the largest share.
Statement 2 is correct: Rajasthan leads India's oilseed production, primarily driven by rapeseed and mustard.
Statement 3 is correct: NMEO-OP is a central mission providing a Viability Price safety net to protect oil palm farmers from international price volatility.
Therefore, option D is the correct answer.
Statement 1 is correct: India imports over 50% of its edible oil needs, making it the top global importer, with palm oil constituting the largest share.
Statement 2 is correct: Rajasthan leads India's oilseed production, primarily driven by rapeseed and mustard.
Statement 3 is correct: NMEO-OP is a central mission providing a Viability Price safety net to protect oil palm farmers from international price volatility.
Therefore, option D is the correct answer.
Hyderabad-based space startup TakeMe2Space announced that its PowerBank-50 satellite battery has achieved “flight heritage” after successfully operating in space.
Important for UPSC: Science & Technology → Space Technology → NewSpace India → Satellite Batteries → Private Space Sector → Flight Heritage → Atmanirbhar Bharat.
Important for UPSC: Science & Technology → Space Technology → NewSpace India → Satellite Batteries → Private Space Sector → Flight Heritage → Atmanirbhar Bharat.
With reference to Corporate Average Fuel Efficiency (CAFE) norms in India, consider the following statements:
1. CAFE norms apply to the fleet of vehicles sold by a manufacturer rather than to every individual vehicle model.
2. They are intended to reduce fuel consumption and associated CO₂ emissions from passenger vehicles.
3. They are applicable only to petrol and diesel vehicles
4. Super credits allow certain low-emission or zero-emission vehicles to be counted as more than one vehicle for compliance purposes.
1. CAFE norms apply to the fleet of vehicles sold by a manufacturer rather than to every individual vehicle model.
2. They are intended to reduce fuel consumption and associated CO₂ emissions from passenger vehicles.
3. They are applicable only to petrol and diesel vehicles
4. Super credits allow certain low-emission or zero-emission vehicles to be counted as more than one vehicle for compliance purposes.