Context: The Department of School Education and Literacy (DoSEL), under the Ministry of Education, has flagged off a contingent of 56 Indian school students to Japan under the Sakura Science Programme 2026. The programme, originally launched as the Japan-Asia Youth Exchange Program in Science, is an international youth exchange initiative funded and implemented by the Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST), a leading public agency under Japan’s Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT). It invites bright young minds from across the world to Japan for short-term visits that combine hands-on experience of Japan’s cutting-edge science and technology with immersion in Japanese culture, history, and society. Key Highlights Aim of the programme: (a) Broaden the intellectual horizons of young learners. (b) Foster a spirit of scientific exploration. (c) Strengthen bilateral ties through youth and education diplomacy. (d) Expose students to Japan’s advanced science and technology ecosystem. (e) Offer immersion in Japanese culture and heritage. About the News What is the Sakura Science Programme? A Japan-funded international youth exchange initiative under which students from selected countries visit Japan for a week-long experiential learning programme combining advanced science exposure with cultural immersion. Who runs it and who participated this year? It is run by the Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST). The May 2026 batch has students from India, Ghana, Nigeria, and South Africa. India sent 56 students through the Department of School Education and Literacy (DoSEL), Ministry of Education. Background Concepts (Q&A) What is the National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship (NMMS) Scheme? The National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship (NMMS) Scheme is a Government of India centrally sponsored scholarship scheme launched in 2008, run by the Department of School Education and Literacy (DoSEL), Ministry of Education. Its purpose is to identify meritorious students from economically weaker sections and support them to continue education beyond Class 8, especially up to Class 12, reducing dropout rates during the secondary stage of school. Eligible students are those whose parental income is below ₹3.5 lakh per year (the income ceiling has been revised over time), and who clear a two-tier selection examination comprising a Mental Ability Test (MAT) and a Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT), conducted by State Education Departments. Successful candidates receive a scholarship of ₹12,000 per annum (revised from the earlier ₹6,000) for classes 9 to 12, paid directly into their bank accounts under the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) Mission Mode. The scheme is implemented at the school level, and the selection through NMMS is now also used as a benchmark of merit for programmes like Sakura Science, ensuring that opportunities go to bright children from disadvantaged backgrounds. Practice MCQs Q1. With reference to the Sakura Science Programme 2026, consider the following statements: How many of the above statements are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) Only three (d) All four (e) None Q2. Consider the following statements about the Sakura Science Programme: Which of the above are correct? (a) 1, 2 and 3 only (b) 1, 3 and 4 only (c) 2 and 4 only (d) 1 and 4 only (e) All four Q3. With reference to the National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship (NMMS) Scheme, consider the following statements: Which of the above are correct? (a) 1, 2 and 3 only (b) 1, 3 and 4 only (c) 2 and 4 only (d) 1 and 4 only (e) All four Q4. Consider the following statements about India-Japan cooperation in science, technology, and education: Which of the above are correct? (a) 1, 2 and 3 only (b) 1, 3 and 4 only (c) 2 and 4 only (d) 1 and 4 only (e) All four Answer Key
Union Minister Launches Logistics Port Performance Index (LPPI) and Four Digital Maritime Reforms
Source: PIB Context: The Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways has launched the Logistics Port Performance Index (LPPI) for FY 2024-25, along with four major digital governance platforms, during the 37th Foundation Day of the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA), India’s busiest container port. The reforms together mark a structural shift in India’s maritime administration, from paper-based, fragmented workflows to an integrated, AI-ready, and cloud-governed digital framework. The reforms have been developed mainly by the Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, and are linked to the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan and the Sagar Aankalan framework for port performance benchmarking Key Highlights Five reforms launched: # Initiative What it does 1 Logistics Port Performance Index (LPPI) Benchmarks Indian ports across three cargo segments 2 24×7 e-Navik Grievance Redressal Module Global grievance channel for Indian seafarers 3 e-Samudra Ship Registration Module Digitises ship registration under the Indian flag 4 Medical Practitioner Module Verified database of doctors certifying maritime crew fitness 5 Unified Ship Recycling Portal (Credit Note Module) Links eco-compliant ship recycling to new shipbuilding incentives About the News (Q&A) What was launched, and where? The Logistics Port Performance Index (LPPI) for FY 2024-25 and four major digital governance platforms were launched at the 37th Foundation Day of the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA). What is the Logistics Port Performance Index? A port-benchmarking index built under the Sagar Aankalan framework and aligned with PM Gati Shakti, that ranks Indian ports across Dry Bulk, Liquid Bulk, and Container Cargo using metrics like vessel turnaround time, berth idle time, pre-berthing waiting time, and ship berth day output, balancing absolute performance with year-on-year improvement. What is the e-Navik Grievance Redressal Module? A 24×7 global welfare interface for Indian seafarers, allowing them to raise grievances from anywhere in the world through the e-Navik portal, WhatsApp, dedicated emails, and international toll-free helplines. What does the e-Samudra Module do? It digitises and streamlines ship registration under the Indian flag, helping shipowners avoid administrative delays and bringing India closer to the ease of registration offered by open-registry maritime nations. What is the Medical Practitioner Module? A central digital database for registering and verifying medical professionals who issue fitness certificates to maritime crews, designed to stop fraudulent health certifications. What does the Unified Ship Recycling Portal offer? Under the ₹70,000 crore Maritime Development Package, shipowners who recycle aging vessels at Hong Kong Convention-compliant Indian yards automatically get a digital credit note worth 40 per cent of the ship’s scrap value, which can be redeemed against new shipbuilding projects in India. Background Concepts (Q&A) What is the Directorate General of Shipping (DGS), and What is Its Role? The Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) is the principal maritime administration agency of the Government of India, headquartered in Mumbai, and functions under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways. Set up under the Merchant Shipping Act, 1958, DGS is responsible for: (a) regulating merchant shipping in India; (b) ship registration under the Indian flag; (c) safety of life at sea (SOLAS) implementation; (d) seafarer recruitment, training, certification, and welfare; (e) enforcement of international maritime conventions (MARPOL, SOLAS, MLC 2006, Hong Kong Convention) in India; (f) port state and flag state control inspections; and (g) administration of laws like the Recycling of Ships Act, 2019. DGS is the regulator and developer of most of India’s maritime workforce, and it is the nodal agency for the four new digital modules launched alongside the LPPI. Practice MCQs Q1. With reference to the recent maritime digital reforms launched in India, consider the following statements: How many of the above statements are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) Only three (d) All four (e) None Q2. Consider the following statements about the new digital modules launched alongside the LPPI: Which of the above are correct? (a) 1, 2 and 3 only (b) 1, 3 and 4 only (c) 2 and 4 only (d) 1 and 4 only (e) All four Q3. With reference to the Hong Kong International Convention for Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships, consider the following statements: Which of the above are correct? (a) 1, 2 and 3 only (b) 1, 3 and 4 only (c) 2 and 4 only (d) 1 and 4 only (e) All four Q4. Consider the following statements about the Directorate General of Shipping (DGS): Which of the above are correct? (a) 1, 2 and 3 only (b) 1, 3 and 4 only (c) 2 and 4 only (d) 1 and 4 only (e) All four Answer Key
RBI Issues Master Direction on Expected Credit Loss (ECL) Provisioning
Context: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has issued a Master Direction on Expected Credit Loss (ECL) provisioning on 27 April, ending about three decades of rule-based provisioning in Indian banking. Until now, banks set aside provisions after a loan went bad, in fixed proportions that depended on how long the loan remained unpaid. Under the new approach, banks must provision before they incur a loss, by forecasting future losses based on loan health, economic stress scenarios, and recovery assumptions. Key Highlights: Old vs New approach at a glance: Feature Earlier Rule-Based New ECL Framework Trigger for provisioning Loan turns bad and stays unpaid for a certain period Forward-looking estimate, before actual loss Basis for amount Fixed proportions set by RBI norms Forecasts of future losses Inputs considered Mainly days overdue Loan health, stress scenarios, recovery assumptions Frequency of judgment Periodic and mechanical Continuous and analytical Earnings volatility Lower, but provisioning often delayed Higher, but more honest in real time Three-stage ECL classification: Stage What it means Provisioning Stage I Loans with low credit risk Minimal provisioning (12-month expected loss) Stage II Loans showing significant increase in credit risk (SICR) Higher lifetime expected loss provision Stage III Loans that have already become impaired (credit-impaired) Lifetime expected loss provision based on actual impairment About the News What has the RBI announced? A new Master Direction on Expected Credit Loss (ECL) provisioning, which replaces three decades of rule-based provisioning with a forward-looking, model-based approach, effective from April 2027. How is the new approach different? (a) Earlier, banks provisioned after a loan turned bad, based on how long it stayed unpaid. (b) Now, banks must predict losses in advance, using economic scenarios, loan health, and recovery assumptions. (c) The system shifts from reactive to forward-looking and analytical. What is SICR, and why is it crucial? Significant Increase in Credit Risk (SICR) is the trigger that moves a loan from Stage I (low risk) to Stage II (higher risk) in the ECL framework. Once a loan crosses SICR, banks must hold lifetime expected loss provisions, which are usually much higher than Stage I provisions. A 30-days-overdue rule is one common SICR trigger, but the authors warn that this may not work for all Indian loan types. Background Concepts (Q&A) What is Expected Credit Loss (ECL), and How is It Different from the Old “Incurred Loss” Approach? Expected Credit Loss (ECL) is a forward-looking accounting model for setting aside provisions for possible future credit losses on loans and other financial assets. It is based on the global accounting standard IFRS 9 (Financial Instruments), and its Indian counterpart Ind AS 109. Under ECL, banks must estimate possible future losses on all loans, even those that are still performing, based on probability of default, loss given default, and exposure at default, combined with forward-looking economic scenarios. In contrast, the older “Incurred Loss” approach required banks to wait for a loss event to actually happen, such as a default or sustained overdue period, before recognising the loss in their books. The big criticism of the Incurred Loss approach, especially after the 2008 global financial crisis, was that banks acknowledged losses too late, when problems had already become too large to manage smoothly. ECL fixes this by requiring banks to anticipate losses based on credit conditions, building up provisions gradually and proactively. India’s adoption of ECL aligns its banks more closely with global best practices, supports better financial stability, and reduces the chance of sudden, large NPA shocks. What is the “Three-Stage Classification” Under ECL, and What is SICR? Under the ECL framework, loans are placed into one of three “stages” based on their credit risk, and provisions are calculated differently for each stage: (a) Stage I, the performing stage, includes loans with low credit risk that are paying normally. Banks must hold a 12-month expected credit loss provision (losses that could occur in the next 12 months). (b) Stage II, the underperforming stage, includes loans that have shown a Significant Increase in Credit Risk (SICR) since their origination, even if they are not yet impaired. Banks must hold a lifetime expected loss provision, which is much higher than Stage I. (c) Stage III, the non-performing or credit-impaired stage, includes loans where actual default or impairment has occurred. Banks must also hold a lifetime expected loss provision, but the calculation is based on the actual impairment. Significant Increase in Credit Risk (SICR) is the trigger that moves a loan from Stage I to Stage II. SICR can be measured through several indicators: (i) 30-days-overdue rule as a common benchmark; (ii) deterioration in credit rating since origination; (iii) economic stress indicators in the borrower’s sector or region; and (iv) qualitative factors like restructuring or watch-list status. Because provisioning rises sharply the moment a loan crosses SICR, the calibration of the SICR threshold is one of the most important governance and risk decisions a bank’s board will make under the new ECL regime. Practice MCQs Q1. With reference to the RBI’s new Master Direction on Expected Credit Loss (ECL) Provisioning, consider the following statements: How many of the above statements are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) Only three (d) All four (e) None Q2. Consider the following statements about Expected Credit Loss (ECL) vs Incurred Loss approach: Which of the above are correct? (a) 1, 2 and 3 only (b) 1, 3 and 4 only (c) 2 and 4 only (d) 1 and 4 only (e) All four Q3. With reference to the three-stage classification under the ECL framework, consider the following statements: Which of the above are correct? (a) 1, 2 and 3 only (b) 1, 3 and 4 only (c) 2 and 4 only (d) 1 and 4 only (e) All four Q4. Consider the following statements about implementation challenges of the new ECL framework in India: Which of the above are correct? (a) 1, 2 and 3 only (b) 1, 3 and 4 only (c) 2 and 4 only (d) 1 and 4 only
RBI Explores Universal “Kill Switch” and “Switch On/Switch Off” Facility
Context: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI), in its Annual Report, has announced that it is exploring the implementation of a universal “Kill Switch” mechanism, along with a “Switch On/Switch Off” facility, across all digital payment channels in India. The Kill Switch is being designed as an emergency security protocol that allows a user to immediately freeze all financial operations and fund transfers from their bank account or digital wallet, the moment they realise they are caught in a scam, especially real-time frauds like the fake “digital arrest” video calls that have become increasingly common. What each facility does: Facility Function Kill Switch Instantly freezes all financial operations and fund transfers from a user’s account or wallet Switch On/Switch Off Lets users selectively enable or disable specific transaction channels (UPI, IMPS, international cards, etc.) How activation works: Channel Use Case Mobile banking app Single-tap emergency button built into native banking apps Designated SMS code Quick activation when app access is compromised Toll-free portal / call centre Alternative channel for non-tech users Internet banking portal Activation from any computer with credentials IVR (Interactive Voice Response) Voice-based emergency activation Payment systems to be covered: Payment Mode Coverage Debit and credit cards Already covered through existing card controls Unified Payments Interface (UPI) To be brought under the new framework Immediate Payment Service (IMPS) Covered National Electronic Funds Transfer (NEFT) Covered Internet banking Covered Digital wallets Covered About the News What is the RBI exploring? A universal Kill Switch and a Switch On/Switch Off facility across all digital payment channels in India, to give users emergency control over their accounts during cyber frauds. How will the Kill Switch work in practice? A user who suspects fraud can activate the Kill Switch through their mobile banking app, SMS code, toll-free portal, IVR, or internet banking. Once triggered, the bank instantly blocks all outward fund movements from the user’s account. What payments will it cover? Unified Payments Interface (UPI), IMPS, NEFT, internet banking, debit and credit cards, and digital wallets. Unlike current card-only blocking, this is a universal switch across the entire electronic payment spectrum. What is “Granular Channel Toggling”? The Switch On/Switch Off feature lets users disable specific transaction modules while keeping others working. For example, a user can turn off international transactions but keep domestic ATM withdrawals active. This adds everyday safety to regular usage, not just emergencies. Background Concepts (Q&A) What are “Mule Accounts”, and Why are They Central to Cyber Financial Fraud? Mule accounts are bank accounts used by criminals to receive, hold, and move fraudulently obtained money, often without the original account holder fully understanding their role. In a typical cyber fraud, the victim is tricked into transferring money to a mule account, after which the funds are rapidly moved through a chain of further mule accounts, often into wallets, gaming credits, or cryptocurrency, to make the money trail very hard to trace. Mule accounts are created in two main ways: (a) knowingly, when a person sells or rents out their bank account to fraudsters for a small fee (a serious offence in itself); or (b) unknowingly, when fraudsters open accounts using fake or stolen identity documents and forged KYC details. Tackling mule accounts is one of the biggest priorities for the RBI, banks, the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) under the Ministry of Home Affairs, and financial intelligence agencies. Tools like the Kill Switch help by stopping the original transfer before money even reaches the mule chain. Practice MCQs Q1. With reference to the RBI’s proposed Kill Switch facility, consider the following statements: How many of the above statements are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) Only three (d) All four (e) None Q2. Consider the following statements about the rationale behind the Kill Switch and Switch On/Switch Off mechanism: Which of the above are correct? (a) 1, 2 and 3 only (b) 1, 3 and 4 only (c) 2 and 4 only (d) 1 and 4 only (e) All four Q3. With reference to mule accounts and cyber financial fraud, consider the following statements: Which of the above are correct? (a) 1, 2 and 3 only (b) 1, 3 and 4 only (c) 2 and 4 only (d) 1 and 4 only (e) All four Q4. Consider the following statements about cyber fraud reporting and digital payment security in India: Which of the above are correct? (a) 1, 2 and 3 only (b) 1, 3 and 4 only (c) 2 and 4 only (d) 1 and 4 only (e) All four Answer Key
Daily Current Affairs (DCA) 29,30&31 May, 2026
Daily Current Affairs Quiz29,30&31 May, 2026 International Affairs 1. US President Calls on Six Muslim-Majority Nations to Sign the Abraham Accords Source: IE Context: The US President has issued a high-profile directive calling on several Muslim-majority nations, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Pakistan, Egypt, Turkey, and Jordan, to simultaneously sign the Abraham Accords. The Abraham Accords, named after Abraham, the biblical patriarch common to Judaism and Islam, are a series of US-brokered diplomatic agreements that normalise diplomatic relations between Israel and Muslim-majority countries, departing from decades of regional hostility. Signatory matrix: Phase Countries 2020 initial signatories UAE, Bahrain, Morocco Subsequent joinees Sudan, Kosovo, Somaliland, Kazakhstan 2026 target additions Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Pakistan, Turkey, Egypt, Jordan Key features: Feature Detail Full normalisation Embassies, ambassadors, direct commercial flights between Israel and partner countries Defence and intelligence interoperability Radar data sharing, military collaboration, defence-tech exports US diplomatic incentives Weapons sales, sovereign recognitions, strategic sweeteners for new signatories Economic frameworks Investments in clean energy, agri-food, tourism, digital infrastructure About the News What are the Abraham Accords? A series of US-brokered diplomatic agreements that normalise relations between Israel and Muslim-majority nations, starting with the UAE, Bahrain, and Morocco in 2020. Who are the 2026 target additions? Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Pakistan, Turkey, Egypt, and Jordan. What are the three core goals of the Accords? (a) Regional stability and Iran containment. (b) Economic and technological integration. (c) Bypassing the Palestinian statehood question to allow bilateral Israel-Arab progress. Why are they called the “Abraham” Accords? Because Abraham is the biblical patriarch considered a common ancestor in Judaism and Islam, symbolising shared roots despite long political and religious divisions. Background Concepts What is the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC)? The India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) is a multi-modal connectivity initiative announced at the G20 Leaders’ Summit in New Delhi in September 2023, with the United States, India, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, the European Union, France, Germany, and Italy as initial partners. The corridor envisions a rail-and-shipping link that runs from India to the UAE and Saudi Arabia by sea, across the Arabian Peninsula by rail, and then on to Europe via Israel and the Mediterranean Sea. IMEC is designed to: (a) provide an alternative to China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI); (b) shorten freight times and costs between India and Europe; (c) integrate energy and digital connectivity alongside trade; and (d) anchor a stable, rules-based corridor through some of the world’s most strategically sensitive regions. Its success depends partly on regional stability, which gives India a direct stake in the Abraham Accords’ trajectory. Practice MCQs Q1. With reference to the Abraham Accords, consider the following statements: How many of the above statements are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) Only three (d) All four (e) None Q2. Consider the following statements about the strategic and structural features of the Abraham Accords: Which of the above are correct? (a) 1, 2 and 3 only (b) 1, 3 and 4 only (c) 2 and 4 only (d) 1 and 4 only (e) All four Q1. Correct Answer: (b) Only two Q2. Correct Answer: (a) 1, 2 and 3 only National Affairs 1. SRS Statistical Report 2024 Context: The Office of the Registrar General and Census Commissioner, under the Ministry of Home Affairs, has released the Sample Registration System (SRS) Statistical Report 2024, India’s most authoritative source for annual fertility, birth, and mortality estimates. The report confirms a historic demographic shift: India’s Total Fertility Rate (TFR) has fallen to 1.9, below the replacement level of 2.1, meaning the average Indian woman now has fewer children than needed to replace the parent generation over time. Key Highlights of India’s 2024 Population and Vital Statistics Report Quick recap of the headline numbers: Indicator Value TFR (national) 1.9 (below 2.1 replacement level) CBR 18.3 (from 21.0 in 2014) CDR 6.4 IMR (national) 24 per 1,000 live births U5MR 28 per 1,000 live births Institutional deliveries 95.4 per cent Sex Ratio at Birth (2022-24 avg) 918 Mean age at marriage (women) 23.1 years (rural 22.6, urban 24.4) Median age 29.2 years Population 0-14 24.0 per cent Population 15-59 66.4 per cent Population 60+ 9.7 per cent Deaths without formal medical attention 45.5 per cent State-level extremes (very testable): Indicator High Performer Low Performer IMR Kerala: 8 Chhattisgarh: 36 TFR (lowest pockets) Delhi: 1.2, Kerala: 1.3 Among the lowest in India Rural IMR (national) About 27 per 1,000 Far higher than urban Background Concepts (Q&A) What is “Total Fertility Rate” (TFR), and Why is the 2.1 Replacement Level Important? The Total Fertility Rate (TFR) is the average number of children that a woman would have over her lifetime if she experienced the current age-specific fertility rates throughout her reproductive years (roughly 15-49 years). The replacement level of TFR is around 2.1, meaning that each woman, on average, needs to have about 2.1 children for the population to remain stable over the long run (a little above 2 because some children do not reach reproductive age). When TFR is above 2.1, the population is growing through natural increase; when it is below 2.1, the population will eventually stabilise and then start declining, even if it continues to grow for some years due to demographic momentum (a large young population already in childbearing age). India’s TFR falling to 1.9 is therefore a structural milestone, signalling that India is now on the same demographic path as most middle-income and high-income countries, with major long-term implications for the labour force, pension systems, healthcare needs, urbanisation, and family structures. Practice MCQs Q1. With reference to the Sample Registration System (SRS) Statistical Report 2024, consider the following statements: How many of the above statements are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) Only three (d) All four (e) None Q2. Consider the following statements about findings of the SRS 2024 Report on women’s health and demographic structure: Which of the above are correct? (a) 1, 2 and 3 only (b) 1, 3 and 4 only (c) 2 and 4 only (d)
Daily Current Affairs (DCA) 28 May, 2026
Daily Current Affairs Quiz28 May, 2026 National Affairs 1. SARTHAK-PDS Scheme Context: The Union Cabinet has approved the extension of the SARTHAK-PDS scheme for five years, up to March 2031, with a total outlay of ₹25,530 crore. The scheme has been conceived as an umbrella initiative by merging two existing programmes: (a) Assistance to State Agencies for Intra-State Movement of Foodgrains and Fair Price Shop (FPS) Dealers’ Margin under NFSA, and (b) the Scheme for Modernization and Reforms through Technology in Public Distribution System (SMART PDS). The aim is to bring financial assistance and technology modernisation under one administrative framework to strengthen the implementation of the National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013. Key Highlights Why it was needed? (a) Two separate schemes were running in parallel, one for finance (movement, dealer margin) and one for technology (SMART PDS). (b) This led to administrative fragmentation, with funds and tech reforms not always aligned. (c) A single umbrella allows integrated planning, integrated reporting, and integrated outcomes. Two merged schemes: Earlier Scheme What it covered Assistance to State Agencies for Intra-State Movement of Foodgrains and FPS Dealers’ Margin under NFSA Financial support for moving foodgrains within states and paying FPS dealer margins Scheme for Modernization and Reforms through Technology in PDS (SMART PDS) Technology modernisation of PDS: ration card digitisation, Aadhaar seeding, e-PoS, online allocation, supply-chain computerisation Six core features: Feature What it means Financial structural assistance Streamlined Central support for intra-state foodgrain handling, storage, and transport Enhanced FPS dealer economics Higher, standardised commissions tied to mandatory automation Advanced technology core AI, ML, NLP, Blockchain embedded in PDS operations Unified data architecture One interoperable system across all 36 states and UTs, integrating IM-PDS, Mera Ration, Anna Mitra, Anna Sahayata State Command Control Centres Real-time, data-driven oversight at state level ISO-certified process quality Standard operating procedures for transparency, safety, and accountability Three new AI-enabled modules: Module Focus NIRMAL Clean, integrity-focused operations ASHA Beneficiary services and grievance support SAKSHAM Empowerment of states, dealers, and citizens through digital tools Existing platforms integrated: Platform Function IM-PDS (Integrated Management of PDS) Central platform for portability and online tracking Mera Ration App-based beneficiary services Anna Mitra Dealer-side services Anna Sahayata Citizen grievance and support tools Background Concepts What was the SMART-PDS Scheme, and Why Was It Important? The SMART-PDS scheme (full form: Scheme for Modernization and Reforms through Technology in Public Distribution System) was a central-sector initiative under the Department of Food and Public Distribution, operational since 1 April 2023. It was designed to drive technology-led modernisation of the entire PDS chain. Its key deliverables included: (a) complete digitisation of ration cards so that every beneficiary has a single, verified digital record; (b) Aadhaar seeding to enable biometric authentication and reduce duplicate or ghost ration cards; (c) FPS automation through ePoS devices, where each ration sale is electronically authenticated and recorded; (d) online foodgrain allocation to states; and (e) computerised supply-chain management across all 36 states and UTs. SMART PDS provided the technical backbone on which One Nation One Ration Card (ONORC) runs, and now serves as the starting point for SARTHAK-PDS, which adds more advanced layers like AI, ML, NLP, and Blockchain. What is the National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013? The National Food Security Act, 2013 is the legal foundation of India’s right to food. It converted the PDS from a welfare programme into a legal entitlement by providing subsidised foodgrains to up to 75 per cent of the rural population and 50 per cent of the urban population, covering about two-thirds of India’s people. Beneficiaries are classified into two categories: Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) households (the poorest, who receive 35 kg of foodgrains per household per month) and Priority Households (PHH) (who receive 5 kg per person per month). The Act also includes provisions for maternity benefits, child nutrition under ICDS and Mid-Day Meal, grievance redressal, and ration card portability (later extended through ONORC). The NFSA forms the legal umbrella under which PMGKAY, PDS reforms, SMART PDS, and SARTHAK-PDS all operate. Practice MCQs Q1. With reference to the recently approved SARTHAK-PDS scheme, consider the following statements: How many of the above statements are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) Only three (d) All four (e) None Q2. Consider the following statements about the technology components of SARTHAK-PDS: Which of the above are correct? (a) 1, 2 and 3 only (b) 1, 3 and 4 only (c) 2 and 4 only (d) 1 and 4 only (e) All four Q3. With reference to the SMART PDS scheme that became operational on 1 April 2023, consider the following statements: Which of the above are correct? (a) 1, 2 and 3 only (b) 1, 3 and 4 only (c) 2 and 4 only (d) 1 and 4 only (e) All four Q4. With reference to the National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013, consider the following statements: Which of the above are correct? (a) 1, 2 and 3 only (b) 1, 3 and 4 only (c) 2 and 4 only (d) 1 and 4 only (e) All four Answer Key Exam Relevance Exam Relevance UPSC Prelims GS Paper II on Government Schemes and Food Security; GS Paper III on Indian Economy (PDS, FCI, NFSA) UPSC Mains GS Paper II on Welfare schemes, Food security, Hunger and malnutrition; GS Paper III on Indian Economy, Digital governance BPSC and State PCS Welfare schemes, Food security, Current Affairs Banking (RBI Gr B, NABARD) General Awareness on food security and welfare schemes NABARD Grade A Very high importance, food security, rural development 2. Quad Critical Minerals Initiative Framework Context: On the sidelines of the 11th Quad Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (QFMM) in New Delhi, the four Quad nations, India, the United States, Japan, and Australia, have unveiled a new Critical Minerals Initiative Framework, alongside a separate bilateral India-US Mineral Pact. The framework is a multilateral strategic economic and supply-chain pact designed to build stable, resilient, and diversified supply routes for critical minerals and rare earth elements (REEs) that are essential for electric
Daily Current Affairs (DCA) 27 May, 2026
Daily Current Affairs Quiz27 May, 2026 National Affairs 1. Government Launches PM-AJAY Portal and Mobile App Source: PIB Context of the News The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (MoSJE) has launched a centralised PM-AJAY Portal and the AJAY Mobile Application to make the Pradhan Mantri Anusuchit Jaati Abhyuday Yojana (PM-AJAY), the government’s main welfare scheme for Scheduled Castes (SCs), more transparent, faster, and easier to monitor. PM-AJAY is a 100 per cent Centrally Sponsored umbrella scheme launched in FY 2021-22 that brings three earlier SC welfare schemes under one roof: the Pradhan Mantri Adarsh Gram Yojana (PMAGY), the Special Central Assistance to Scheduled Castes Sub Plan (SCA to SCSP), and the Babu Jagjivan Ram Chhatrawas Yojana (BJRCY). The aim of the scheme is to reduce poverty among SC communities by creating sustainable livelihoods through skill development and income-generating assets. Key Highlights Three older schemes merged into PM-AJAY: Earlier Scheme Focus Pradhan Mantri Adarsh Gram Yojana (PMAGY) Integrated development of SC-dominated villages into model villages Special Central Assistance to Scheduled Castes Sub Plan (SCA to SCSP) Income-generating projects for SC households Babu Jagjivan Ram Chhatrawas Yojana (BJRCY) Hostels for SC students Three operational pillars of PM-AJAY: Pillar What it does Adarsh Gram (Model Village) development Targets villages with SC population over 40 per cent and total population of 500 or more; provides ₹2 lakh per village as a gap-filling infrastructure grant and ₹1 lakh for administrative costs; tracked through 50 socio-economic indicators in 10 developmental domains (including drinking water, sanitation, literacy, clean fuel, and financial inclusion) Grants-in-Aid for District and State-Level Socio-Economic Projects Funds skill development, livelihood programmes, and income-generating assets for SC households below the poverty line (BPL) Hostel Construction Builds secure hostels in high-quality schools and top-ranked NIRF-listed higher educational institutions for SC students Two new digital tools launched: Tool What it does PM-AJAY Portal Central Management Information System (MIS) to track state-wise allocations, fund flows, and implementation timelines in real time AJAY Mobile Application Lets field inspectors upload geo-tagged, time-stamped photos from project sites to verify construction milestones before the next fund instalment is released Why these tools matter: (a) Real-time tracking of where central money is going. (b) Photo-based proof of construction progress instead of paper certificates. (c) Geo-tagging prevents ghost projects and duplicate billing. (d) Time-stamped uploads create an audit trail that is hard to tamper with. (e) Faster fund releases for projects that are actually moving on the ground. About the News What has been launched? A centralised PM-AJAY Portal and the AJAY Mobile Application, two digital tools designed to make the PM-AJAY scheme more transparent and easier to monitor. What is PM-AJAY? It is the central government’s flagship welfare scheme for Scheduled Castes, launched in FY 2021-22, formed by merging three older schemes (PMAGY, SCA to SCSP, BJRCY) under one umbrella. It is 100 per cent funded by the Centre. What does PM-AJAY do, in simple terms? It works on three tracks: (a) Builds model villages in areas where more than 40 per cent of the population is SC and the total population is at least 500, with ₹2 lakh per village plus ₹1 lakh for administrative costs. (b) Funds skill training and livelihood projects for SC families below the poverty line. (c) Builds hostels for SC students in good schools and top-ranked institutions (NIRF list). Why does the scheme need a portal and an app? To end the old problem of paper-based reporting, which often hid delays and weak implementation. The portal tracks state-wise funds and timelines in real time, and the app lets field officers prove progress through geo-tagged, time-stamped photos before the next fund instalment is released. Background Concepts (Q&A) What is the SC Sub Plan (SCSP)? The Scheduled Caste Sub Plan (SCSP) is a planning and budgeting mechanism that requires central ministries and state governments to earmark a share of their development funds for the welfare of Scheduled Castes, broadly in proportion to the SC share in the population. The mechanism was first conceptualised in the late 1970s. The Special Central Assistance to Scheduled Castes Sub Plan (SCA to SCSP) was an earlier scheme under which the Centre provided additional, top-up funds to states to boost SCSP outcomes, especially income-generating projects for SC households below the poverty line. It has now been merged into PM-AJAY. Practice MCQs Q1. With reference to the Pradhan Mantri Anusuchit Jaati Abhyuday Yojana (PM-AJAY), consider the following statements: How many of the above statements are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) Only three (d) All four (e) None Q2. Consider the following statements about the Adarsh Gram component of PM-AJAY: Which of the above are correct? (a) 1, 2 and 3 only (b) 1, 3 and 4 only (c) 2 and 4 only (d) 1 and 4 only (e) All four Q3. With reference to the newly launched PM-AJAY Portal and AJAY Mobile Application, consider the following statements: Which of the above are correct? (a) 1, 2 and 3 only (b) 1, 3 and 4 only (c) 2 and 4 only (d) 1 and 4 only (e) All four Q4. Consider the following statements about Centrally Sponsored Schemes and the Scheduled Caste Sub Plan: Which of the above are correct? (a) 1, 2 and 3 only (b) 1, 3 and 4 only (c) 2 and 4 only (d) 1 and 4 only (e) All four Answer Key Exam Relevance Exam Relevance UPSC Prelims GS Paper II on Government Schemes, Welfare of vulnerable sections, Social Justice UPSC Mains GS Paper II on Welfare schemes for SC/ST, Government policies, Social justice BPSC and State PCS Welfare schemes, Social justice, Current Affairs Banking (RBI Gr B, NABARD) General Awareness on government welfare schemes NABARD Grade A 2. India Launches Its BRICS 2026 Tourism Agenda Source: PIB Context: India has officially kicked off its tourism agenda under its BRICS 2026 Chairship by hosting the first Tourism Working Group (TWG) meeting in virtual mode. The meeting brings together tourism ministers, officials, and industry experts from BRICS
Government Launches PM-AJAY Portal and Mobile App
Source: PIB Context of the News The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (MoSJE) has launched a centralised PM-AJAY Portal and the AJAY Mobile Application to make the Pradhan Mantri Anusuchit Jaati Abhyuday Yojana (PM-AJAY), the government’s main welfare scheme for Scheduled Castes (SCs), more transparent, faster, and easier to monitor. PM-AJAY is a 100 per cent Centrally Sponsored umbrella scheme launched in FY 2021-22 that brings three earlier SC welfare schemes under one roof: the Pradhan Mantri Adarsh Gram Yojana (PMAGY), the Special Central Assistance to Scheduled Castes Sub Plan (SCA to SCSP), and the Babu Jagjivan Ram Chhatrawas Yojana (BJRCY). The aim of the scheme is to reduce poverty among SC communities by creating sustainable livelihoods through skill development and income-generating assets. Key Highlights Three older schemes merged into PM-AJAY: Earlier Scheme Focus Pradhan Mantri Adarsh Gram Yojana (PMAGY) Integrated development of SC-dominated villages into model villages Special Central Assistance to Scheduled Castes Sub Plan (SCA to SCSP) Income-generating projects for SC households Babu Jagjivan Ram Chhatrawas Yojana (BJRCY) Hostels for SC students Three operational pillars of PM-AJAY: Pillar What it does Adarsh Gram (Model Village) development Targets villages with SC population over 40 per cent and total population of 500 or more; provides ₹2 lakh per village as a gap-filling infrastructure grant and ₹1 lakh for administrative costs; tracked through 50 socio-economic indicators in 10 developmental domains (including drinking water, sanitation, literacy, clean fuel, and financial inclusion) Grants-in-Aid for District and State-Level Socio-Economic Projects Funds skill development, livelihood programmes, and income-generating assets for SC households below the poverty line (BPL) Hostel Construction Builds secure hostels in high-quality schools and top-ranked NIRF-listed higher educational institutions for SC students Two new digital tools launched: Tool What it does PM-AJAY Portal Central Management Information System (MIS) to track state-wise allocations, fund flows, and implementation timelines in real time AJAY Mobile Application Lets field inspectors upload geo-tagged, time-stamped photos from project sites to verify construction milestones before the next fund instalment is released Why these tools matter: (a) Real-time tracking of where central money is going. (b) Photo-based proof of construction progress instead of paper certificates. (c) Geo-tagging prevents ghost projects and duplicate billing. (d) Time-stamped uploads create an audit trail that is hard to tamper with. (e) Faster fund releases for projects that are actually moving on the ground. About the News What has been launched? A centralised PM-AJAY Portal and the AJAY Mobile Application, two digital tools designed to make the PM-AJAY scheme more transparent and easier to monitor. What is PM-AJAY? It is the central government’s flagship welfare scheme for Scheduled Castes, launched in FY 2021-22, formed by merging three older schemes (PMAGY, SCA to SCSP, BJRCY) under one umbrella. It is 100 per cent funded by the Centre. What does PM-AJAY do, in simple terms? It works on three tracks: (a) Builds model villages in areas where more than 40 per cent of the population is SC and the total population is at least 500, with ₹2 lakh per village plus ₹1 lakh for administrative costs. (b) Funds skill training and livelihood projects for SC families below the poverty line. (c) Builds hostels for SC students in good schools and top-ranked institutions (NIRF list). Why does the scheme need a portal and an app? To end the old problem of paper-based reporting, which often hid delays and weak implementation. The portal tracks state-wise funds and timelines in real time, and the app lets field officers prove progress through geo-tagged, time-stamped photos before the next fund instalment is released. Background Concepts (Q&A) What is the SC Sub Plan (SCSP)? The Scheduled Caste Sub Plan (SCSP) is a planning and budgeting mechanism that requires central ministries and state governments to earmark a share of their development funds for the welfare of Scheduled Castes, broadly in proportion to the SC share in the population. The mechanism was first conceptualised in the late 1970s. The Special Central Assistance to Scheduled Castes Sub Plan (SCA to SCSP) was an earlier scheme under which the Centre provided additional, top-up funds to states to boost SCSP outcomes, especially income-generating projects for SC households below the poverty line. It has now been merged into PM-AJAY. Practice MCQs Q1. With reference to the Pradhan Mantri Anusuchit Jaati Abhyuday Yojana (PM-AJAY), consider the following statements: How many of the above statements are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) Only three (d) All four (e) None Q2. Consider the following statements about the Adarsh Gram component of PM-AJAY: Which of the above are correct? (a) 1, 2 and 3 only (b) 1, 3 and 4 only (c) 2 and 4 only (d) 1 and 4 only (e) All four Q3. With reference to the newly launched PM-AJAY Portal and AJAY Mobile Application, consider the following statements: Which of the above are correct? (a) 1, 2 and 3 only (b) 1, 3 and 4 only (c) 2 and 4 only (d) 1 and 4 only (e) All four Q4. Consider the following statements about Centrally Sponsored Schemes and the Scheduled Caste Sub Plan: Which of the above are correct? (a) 1, 2 and 3 only (b) 1, 3 and 4 only (c) 2 and 4 only (d) 1 and 4 only (e) All four Answer Key Exam Relevance Exam Relevance UPSC Prelims GS Paper II on Government Schemes, Welfare of vulnerable sections, Social Justice UPSC Mains GS Paper II on Welfare schemes for SC/ST, Government policies, Social justice BPSC and State PCS Welfare schemes, Social justice, Current Affairs Banking (RBI Gr B, NABARD) General Awareness on government welfare schemes NABARD Grade A
India Launches Its BRICS 2026 Tourism Agenda
Source: PIB Context: India has officially kicked off its tourism agenda under its BRICS 2026 Chairship by hosting the first Tourism Working Group (TWG) meeting in virtual mode. The meeting brings together tourism ministers, officials, and industry experts from BRICS member countries to co-create unified travel frameworks, share technology best practices, and expand the tourism workforce’s skills. Under India’s leadership, the 2026 TWG is focused on building a modern, digital, and sustainable intra-BRICS travel corridor, helping tourism economies recover from lingering pandemic effects and global supply shocks through green transitions and digital public integration. Key Highlights Five priority areas under the 2026 TWG: Priority Focus AI Integration AI-driven visitor advisory, predictive tourism flow algorithms, smart hospitality Sustainability & Responsible Tourism Low-carbon travel footprints, waste reduction in heritage zones, revenue flowing to indigenous communities Skilling & Capacity Building Collaborative certification networks, digital literacy, hospitality training Seamless Travel Facilitation Easier border checks, e-visas, visa-free models, intra-BRICS exchanges The Jaipur Roadmap Path to the 2nd TWG Meeting and the BRICS Tourism Ministers’ Meeting in Jaipur, where a joint ministerial declaration will be finalised BRICS 2026 Presidency, theme and pillars: Pillar What it covers Resilience Macroeconomic and supply-chain buffers; protection against unilateral sanctions, freight instability, and energy shocks Innovation Exporting India’s Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), fintech, and open-source assets to the Global South Cooperation Reforms in UN Security Council, World Bank, IMF, and multilateral trade platforms Sustainability Green finance, alternative energy storage, carbon reduction balanced with national priorities BRICS 2026 Visual Identity: About BRICS itself: Aspect Detail Origin BRIC (2006) with Brazil, Russia, India, China Expansion South Africa added in 2010, making it BRICS Recent expansion (BRICS+) Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, UAE, and others joined in 2024 onwards, with several more states in partner status Function Plurilateral economic and political alliance, counterweight to G7-led Western financial architecture Key institutions New Development Bank (NDB) based in Shanghai; Contingent Reserve Arrangement (CRA) Background Concepts (Q&A) What is BRICS? BRICS is a plurilateral grouping of major emerging economies, originally Brazil, Russia, India, and China (BRIC), formed as an informal forum in 2006. South Africa joined in 2010, making it BRICS. From 2024 onwards, the group has been expanding into BRICS+ with new members such as Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the UAE, and additional partner states. The group aims to serve as a counterweight to G7-led Western financial architectures by promoting emerging-economy interests, reforming multilateral institutions, and strengthening South-South cooperation. Its key institutions include the New Development Bank (NDB) headquartered in Shanghai, and the Contingent Reserve Arrangement (CRA) for liquidity support. What is Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI)? Digital Public Infrastructure refers to open, interoperable digital systems that act as foundational layers for government services, private innovation, and citizen interactions. India’s DPI stack includes Aadhaar (identity), UPI (payments), Account Aggregator (data sharing), DigiLocker (documents), CoWIN (vaccine certification), ONDC (commerce), Bhashini (language), and Unified Lending Interface (ULI). India has emerged as a global thought leader on DPI, with G20 endorsement of the DPI approach, and active export of its stack to countries across the Global South. The BRICS 2026 “Innovation” pillar specifically positions DPI as a key Indian export to other BRICS members. Practice MCQs Q1. With reference to the recent BRICS 2026 Tourism Working Group (TWG) meeting hosted by India, consider the following statements: How many of the above statements are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) Only three (d) All four (e) None Q2. Consider the following statements about India’s BRICS 2026 Presidency: Which of the above are correct? (a) 1, 2 and 3 only (b) 1, 3 and 4 only (c) 2 and 4 only (d) 1 and 4 only (e) All four Q3. With reference to BRICS, consider the following statements: Which of the above are correct? (a) 1, 2 and 3 only (b) 1, 3 and 4 only (c) 2 and 4 only (d) 1 and 4 only (e) All four Q4. With reference to Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) in India, consider the following statements: Which of the above are correct? (a) 1, 2 and 3 only (b) 1, 3 and 4 only (c) 2 and 4 only (d) 1 and 4 only (e) All four Answer Key Exam Relevance PSC Prelims GS Paper II on International Relations (BRICS, NDB, CRA); GS Paper III on Indian Economy (Tourism, Digital Public Infrastructure) UPSC Mains GS Paper II on India and the world, plurilateral groupings, BRICS, Global South Essay “India and the Global South”, “Tourism as soft power”, “Building a multipolar world” BPSC and State PCS International Affairs, Economy, Current Affairs Banking (RBI Gr B, NABARD) General Awareness, moderate to high importance SSC, Insurance, Railway Static and Current GK on BRICS, NDB, CRA, tourism
Jaishankar Hosts the Quad Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in New Delhi
Source: TH Context: External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar has hosted a landmark Quad Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (QFMM) at Hyderabad House in New Delhi, attended by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Japan’s Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi, and Australia’s Foreign Minister Penny Wong. The meeting reaffirmed the Quad’s core mission: a free, open, inclusive, and resilient Indo-Pacific built on sovereignty, freedom of navigation, and peaceful dispute resolution. Key Highlights The Quad in brief: Aspect Detail Members India, United States, Australia, Japan Nature Non-military, plurilateral strategic coalition Founding character Informal, consultative, no permanent secretariat or treaty Identity Coalition of maritime democracies Evolution of the Quad: Year Milestone 2004 Crystallised as the “Tsunami Core Group” after the Indian Ocean Tsunami for Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) 2007 Formalised as a diplomatic dialogue by Japanese PM Shinzo Abe at the ASEAN Regional Forum in Manila 2008-2017 Decade-long hiatus 2017 Revived at the senior officials’ level at the East Asia Summit in Manila 2021 First Quad Leaders’ Summit held virtually on 12 March 2021 Quad’s stated objectives: Four new initiative areas: Initiative What it does Quad Initiative on Indo-Pacific Energy Security Cooperation for open, stable energy markets, diversified supply chains, and strategic petroleum systems. US to host a Quad Fuel Forum this year. Indo-Pacific Maritime Surveillance Collaboration (IPMSC) Pool maritime surveillance and share real-time data on ship movements, including against “dark ships” Critical minerals cooperation Secure supply chains for minerals needed in tech and clean energy Port in Fiji Quad-supported port-building in the Pacific Islands About the News What is the Quad? The Quadrilateral Security Dialogue is a non-military, plurilateral group of four maritime democracies, India, the United States, Australia, and Japan, working together for a free, open, inclusive, and resilient Indo-Pacific. How did the Quad begin? It started as an informal “Tsunami Core Group” in 2004 to coordinate relief operations after the Indian Ocean tsunami, and was formalised as a diplomatic dialogue in 2007 by Japanese PM Shinzo Abe in Manila. When did the Quad become a Leaders’ Summit-level forum? The first Quad Leaders’ Summit was held virtually on 12 March 2021, elevating the grouping from a ministerial dialogue to a leader-level cooperation framework. What does the Quad work on? Six structured working groups cover climate change, critical and emerging technologies, cybersecurity, health security, infrastructure, and space cooperation. Three landmark initiatives include the IPMDA, the Quad STEM Fellowship, and the Unified Counter-Terrorism Grid. Is the Quad a military alliance? No. The Quad has no formal treaty, no permanent secretariat, and no binding military obligations. It is described as a non-military strategic coalition focused on cooperation, transparency, and rules-based order. Background Concepts What is the Indo-Pacific Partnership for Maritime Domain Awareness (IPMDA)? A Quad initiative launched at the Tokyo Summit in May 2022. The IPMDA uses commercial satellite tracking technology, including Automatic Identification System (AIS) data and other sensor inputs, to give regional coast guards and maritime agencies a near-real-time, integrated picture of ship movements in the Indo-Pacific. It is designed to help smaller countries detect illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, dark shipping (vessels that switch off transponders), and maritime piracy in their exclusive economic zones. India’s Information Fusion Centre, Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR) in Gurugram plays a key role as a regional information-sharing hub. What is the Financial Action Task Force (FATF)? The Financial Action Task Force is an inter-governmental body set up by the G7 in 1989, headquartered in Paris, that sets global standards for combating money laundering, terror financing, and the financing of proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. FATF issues recommendations that member jurisdictions are expected to follow, and evaluates countries through mutual evaluations. Countries that fall short can be placed on the “grey list” (Jurisdictions under Increased Monitoring) or the “black list” (High-Risk Jurisdictions subject to a Call for Action). The Quad’s Unified Counter-Terrorism Grid specifically calls for global compliance with FATF guidelines, which has direct implications for India’s regional security concerns. Practice MCQs Q1. With reference to the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad), consider the following statements: How many of the above statements are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) Only three (d) All four (e) None Q2. Consider the following statements about the evolution and structure of the Quad: Which of the above are correct? (a) 1, 2 and 3 only (b) 1, 3 and 4 only (c) 2 and 4 only (d) 1 and 4 only (e) All four Q3. With reference to landmark Quad initiatives, consider the following statements: Which of the above are correct? (a) 1, 2 and 3 only (b) 1, 3 and 4 only (c) 2 and 4 only (d) 1 and 4 only (e) All four Q4. With reference to the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), consider the following statements: Which of the above are correct? (a) 1, 2 and 3 only (b) 1, 3 and 4 only (c) 2 and 4 only (d) 1 and 4 only (e) All four Answer Key
