Source: Business Standard Context Markets regulator SEBI has issued guidelines to permit Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs) to retain liquidation proceeds beyond their permissible fund life under specified circumstances. The regulator has also introduced an “Inoperative Fund” framework for wound-up funds with residual obligations. The move follows amendments to the SEBI (Alternative Investment Funds) Regulations on 18 April 2026, aimed at providing operational flexibility to AIFs during the winding-up process and surrender of registration. Under the new framework, AIFs may retain proceeds if they receive litigation notices, obtain 75 per cent investor consent for anticipated liabilities, or need to meet residual operational expenses (capped at 3 years from the end of permissible fund life). The Guidelines Three Circumstances When AIFs Can Retain Proceeds 1. Litigation Notices or Regulatory Demands 2. Anticipated Liabilities (with Investor Consent) 3. Residual Winding-Up Operational Expenses Introduction of “Inoperative Fund” Status What is an Alternative Investment Fund (AIF)? Category I AIFs Category II AIFs Category III AIFs About SEBI SEBI’s Regulatory Framework for AIFs Practice MCQs Q1. With reference to SEBI’s recent guidelines on AIFs, 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 (Statement 4 is wrong; retention for residual operational expenses CANNOT exceed 3 years from the end of permissible fund life.) Q2. With reference to AIFs 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 (Statement 4 is wrong; Category III AIFs require minimum investment of ₹1 crore and are for sophisticated investors, NOT retail investors.) Q3. With reference to the “Inoperative Fund” 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 (Statement 4 is wrong; the Inoperative Fund framework is for wound-up funds, NOT for new investment activity.) Q4. With reference to the AIF industry 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 (Statement 4 is wrong; AIFs are regulated by SEBI, NOT the RBI.) Q5. With reference to SEBI, 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 Answer Key Exam Relevance SEBI Grade A Very high importance, core area on SEBI, AIFs, capital markets
ANNAM.AI and Syngenta Partnership for AI-Driven Climate-Smart Agriculture
Source: Business Line Context At the Bharat Innovates platform in France, inaugurated by PM Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron, IIT Ropar’s ANNAM.AI and Syngenta announced a strategic collaboration to advance AI-powered climate-smart agriculture in India. The partnership aims to develop accurate crop health, pest forecasting, and heat-stress models, alongside AI-driven decision-support solutions to enable Indian farmers to make more informed, resilient, and data-driven decisions. ANNAM.AI is a Centre of Excellence (CoE) for Artificial Intelligence in agriculture hosted at IIT Ropar. Syngenta, a global agritech leader, brings deep agronomic expertise to the partnership. The announcement reflects the India-France Innovation Roadmap 2030, highlighting industry-academia partnerships for next-generation agricultural technologies. The Announcement Focus Areas of the Partnership ANNAM.AI’s Showcased Innovations What is ANNAM.AI? About Syngenta What is Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA)? About Bharat Innovates Platform India-France Cooperation on Agriculture Allied Indian Schemes Supporting AI in Agriculture Practice MCQs Q1. With reference to the ANNAM.AI-Syngenta partnership, 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 (Statement 4 is wrong; Syngenta is a global agritech company headquartered in Basel, Switzerland, owned by ChemChina, NOT an Indian company.) Q2. With reference to Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA), 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 (Statement 4 is wrong; CSA is highly relevant to Indian agriculture given climate vulnerability.) Q3. With reference to IIT Ropar, 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 (Statement 4 is wrong; IIT Ropar is an Institute of National Importance under the IIT Act.) Q4. With reference to India’s AI in Agriculture ecosystem, 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 (Statement 4 is wrong; ANNAM.AI at IIT Ropar is India’s CoE for AI in Agriculture.) Q5. With reference to India’s agricultural sector context, 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 (Statement 4 is wrong; about 52 per cent of India’s net sown area is RAINFED, NOT irrigated.) Answer Key Exam Relevance NABARD Grade A Very high importance, AI in agriculture, climate-smart agriculture
RBI Issues Master Directions on Authorisation to Operate a Payment System
Context The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has issued the Master Directions on Authorisation to Operate a Payment System, consolidating existing guidelines on the authorisation of Payment System Operators (PSOs). The directions, which come into effect immediately, provide a unified framework covering eligibility criteria, authorisation, perpetual validity of licences, voluntary surrender, and cooling-off requirements. New PSO authorisations will be perpetually valid, while existing operators may receive perpetual validity at renewal subject to regulatory compliance. The framework retains FATF-based restrictions on investment from non-compliant jurisdictions, capping aggregate voting rights below 20 per cent for such investors. Authorisation remains on-tap, allowing entities to apply throughout the year. The Framework Key Features Perpetual Validity of Licences On-Tap Authorisation Fit and Proper Criteria FATF Restrictions Voluntary Surrender of Authorisation Cooling-Off Period What is a Payment System Operator (PSO)? What is the Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007 (PSS Act)? India’s Payment Systems Landscape FATF-Based Restrictions in India’s Financial System What is NPCI? About RBI Why is This Important? Key Terms (Simple) Practice MCQs Q1. With reference to the RBI’s Master Directions on Authorisation to Operate a Payment System (June 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 (Statement 4 is wrong; the directions take effect immediately, NOT from 1 January 2027.) Q2. With reference to FATF-based restrictions under the new 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 (Statement 4 is wrong; the directions RESTRICT investment from FATF non-compliant jurisdictions.) Q3. With reference to the Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007 (PSS Act), 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 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 (Statement 4 is wrong; FATF’s current black list includes North Korea, Iran, and Myanmar, NOT the US or UK.) Q5. With reference to NPCI and India’s payment systems, 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 (Statement 4 is wrong; NPCI is promoted by the RBI and IBA, NOT a private foundation.) Answer Key
RBI’s Responsible Business Conduct Second Amendment Directions, 2026
Source: Business Standard Context The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has tightened rules governing the sale of financial products by banks and other regulated entities. The final Responsible Business Conduct (Second Amendment) Directions, 2026 were released on 15 June 2026 and will come into effect from 1 January 2027. The amendments ban compulsory bundling of third-party products, mandate explicit customer consent, introduce a full refund mechanism for mis-selling, ban dark patterns in digital interfaces, expand the agent regulation scope to DSAs, DMAs, sub-agents, and TPPS representatives, and require upfront disclosure of fees, risks, lock-ins, and exit penalties. The framework also allows NBFCs to distribute insurance products without prior RBI approval, subject to IRDAI nod. This is a major shift to a prescriptive regulatory regime focused on customer protection. Ban on Compulsory Bundling Explicit Consent Protocol Mis-Selling Definition and Compensation No Employee Incentives From Third Parties Customer Feedback Mechanism Mandatory Upfront Disclosures Banks must clearly inform customers about: These must be disclosed BEFORE obtaining consent. Ban on Dark Patterns What is the Responsible Business Conduct Framework? What is a Bundled Product? What is a Third-Party Product or Service (TPPS)? What is Mis-Selling? What are Dark Patterns? India’s Financial Consumer Protection Architecture Allied Recent RBI Reforms Practice MCQs Q1. With reference to the RBI’s Responsible Business Conduct (Second Amendment) Directions, 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 (Statement 4 is wrong; the directions explicitly BAN dark patterns and manipulative interfaces.) Q2. With reference to the mis-selling and compensation mechanism under the new RBI framework, 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 Q3. With reference to the dark patterns banned by the RBI’s framework, 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 Q4. With reference to the expanded agent scope under the new RBI 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 (Statement 4 is wrong; the agent regulation has been WIDENED to cover BCs, LSPs, sub-agents, and TPPS representatives.) Q5. With reference to NBFCs and insurance distribution under the new 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 (Statement 4 is wrong; NBFCs are regulated by the RBI, NOT SEBI.) Answer Key Exam Relevance Banking (RBI Gr B, SBI PO, IBPS, NABARD) Very high importance, RBI norms, mis-selling, BC, LSP, DSA, dark patterns, bundling RBI Grade B Core area on banking regulation and consumer protection
RBI’s OFCB Swap Facility to Cut Banks’ Funding Costs by 200-250 bps
Source: Business Standard Context: The Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI’s) concessional swap facility for Overseas Foreign Currency Borrowings (OFCBs) is expected to provide banks with a cheaper source of funding at a time of sluggish domestic deposit growth. The facility is available to all Authorised Dealer Category-I banks, including private-sector lenders, for OFCBs with a minimum maturity of 3 years. The swap is at a fixed rate of 1.5 per cent per annum, compounded semi-annually, until 31 December 2026. Banks save 200-250 bps compared to market hedging costs of 3.5-4 per cent, with OFCB funds 40-50 bps cheaper than domestic deposits of similar maturity. SBI estimates banks may raise USD 5-8 billion through the OFCB route in FY27. Banks can raise up to 100 per cent of their Tier 1 capital through this window. What is OFCB? What is ECB (External Commercial Borrowing)? What is a Currency Swap? Authorised Dealer Category-I (AD-I) Banks What is Tier 1 Capital? About Certificates of Deposit (CDs) and Commercial Papers (CPs) Practice MCQs Q1. With reference to the RBI’s OFCB Swap 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 (Statement 4 is wrong; the minimum maturity is 3 years, NOT 1 month.) Q2. With reference to the cost and benefit of the OFCB swap 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 Q3. With reference to the Indian banking system context (May-June 2026), 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 (Statement 4 is wrong; the banking system has been facing significant funding pressure, with credit growth outpacing deposit growth by about 550 bps.) Q4. With reference to the broader RBI-government package for dollar inflows, 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 Answer Key Exam Relevance Banking (RBI Gr B, SBI PO, IBPS, NABARD) Very high importance, OFCB, ECB, CD, CP, Tier 1 capital, AD-I banks RBI Grade B Core area on external sector and banking SEBI Grade A and IRDAI Grade A Capital markets and banking awareness
Centre Announces 16 Winners of 29th National Awards for e-Governance (NAeG) 2026
Source: Indian Express Context: The Union government has named 16 projects of the Central, state, and local governments across India as winners of the 29th National Awards for e-Governance (NAeG) 2026. Of these, 10 will receive Gold Awards and 6 will receive Silver Awards at a ceremony on 2 July 2026. The awards are administered by the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions through the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG), recognising excellence in e-governance initiatives across seven categories, including the new “Gram Panchayats” category that recognises grassroots digitisation. The Awards Notable Winners What is Agri Stack? What is e-Jagriti? What is the Mahakumbh 2025? What is eSanjeevani? About the National e-Governance Awards (NAeG) Theme of NAeG 2026 Practice MCQs Q1. With reference to the 29th National Awards for e-Governance (NAeG) 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 (Statement 4 is wrong; NAeG has been an annual event since 1996-97, with the 2026 edition being the 29th.) Q2. With reference to specific NAeG 2026 winners, 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 (Statement 4 is wrong; the winners are e-governance projects, NOT defence missile testing platforms.) Q3. With reference to Agri Stack, 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 (Statement 4 is wrong; Agri Stack is managed by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, NOT the Ministry of Defence.) Q4. With reference to eSanjeevani, 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 (Statement 4 is wrong; eSanjeevani is a Government of India telemedicine service under the MoHFW, NOT a private one.) Answer Key Exam Relevance Exam Relevance UPSC Prelims GS Paper II on Government Schemes (NAeG, Agri Stack, e-Jagriti, eSanjeevani); GS Paper III on Science and Technology UPSC Mains GS Paper II on Government policies, e-Governance; GS Paper III on Digital Public Infrastructure BPSC and State PCS Schemes, e-Governance, Current Affairs Banking and NABARD General Awareness on digital governance RBI Grade B Digital economy and governance NABARD Grade A Agri Stack, rural digital initiatives SEBI Grade A and IRDAI Grade A Digital governance awareness
Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw Inaugurates 20-kW FM Transmitter in Jaisalmer
Source: News on Air Context: In June 2026, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), virtually inaugurated a 20 kilowatt (kW) Akashvani FM Transmitter at Ramgarh in Jaisalmer, during a programme held at Akashvani Jaipur in Rajasthan. With this addition, Rajasthan now has 39 FM transmitters. The new transmitter will provide radio coverage in an 80 km radius, covering nearly 20,000 sq km of Jaisalmer district, strengthening information dissemination and national integration in this border region. During his visit to Malaviya National Institute of Technology (MNIT), Jaipur, the Minister also announced an Advanced Quantum Lab, an Artificial Intelligence (AI) Lab, and a Makers Lab. The FM Transmitter About Akashvani (All India Radio) About Prasar Bharati Why are Border-Area FM Transmitters Important? What is Quantum Key Distribution (QKD)? What is Quantum Computing? What is Quantum Sensing? India’s National Quantum Mission Practice MCQs Q1. With reference to the recent FM transmitter inauguration in Jaisalmer, 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 (Statement 4 is wrong; Akashvani is India’s national public service broadcaster under Prasar Bharati, NOT a private entity.) Q2. With reference to Akashvani and Prasar Bharati, 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 (Statement 4 is wrong; Prasar Bharati is a statutory body under the Government of India, NOT a private foundation.) Q3. With reference to MNIT Jaipur and the announcements there, 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 (Statement 4 is wrong; MNIT Jaipur is an Institute of National Importance under the NIT Act, 2007.) Q4. With reference to India’s National Quantum Mission, 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 (Statement 4 is wrong; the National Quantum Mission is implemented by the Department of Science and Technology (DST), NOT the RBI.) Q5. With reference to quantum technologies, 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 (Statement 4 is wrong; quantum technologies have wide applications in cybersecurity, defence, finance, healthcare, navigation, and drug discovery.) Answer Key
Global Peace Index 2026
Source: TOI Context The Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP) has released the 20th edition of the Global Peace Index (GPI) 2026 in June 2026. Iceland has retained its position as the world’s most peaceful country for the 19th consecutive year, with an overall score of 1.161. However, India dropped to 127th position in 2026 with a score of 2.409, from 115th position in 2025, marking a 2.9 per cent decrease in its overall score. The GPI assesses 163 independent states and territories, covering 99.7 per cent of the world’s population, using 23 qualitative and quantitative indicators across three domains: Societal Safety and Security, Ongoing Domestic and International Conflict, and Militarisation. Russia ranked last at 163rd as the least peaceful country. The Report The Three Domains Measured Top 5 Most Peaceful Countries (2026 GPI) Rank Country Score 1 Iceland 1.161 2 New Zealand 1.343 3 Switzerland 1.363 4 Slovenia 1.369 5 Ireland 1.371 Bottom 5 Least Peaceful Countries (2026 GPI) Rank Country 163 (last) Russia (overall score 3.367) 162 Sudan 161 Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) 160 Ukraine 159 Israel India’s Position Why India’s Rank Dropped The score deterioration reflects: Iceland’s 19-Year Run at the Top What is the Global Peace Index (GPI)? About the Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP) Practice MCQs Q1. With reference to the Global Peace Index (GPI) 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 (Statement 4 is wrong; Russia was ranked LAST (163rd) as the least peaceful country, NOT the most peaceful.) Q2. With reference to the GPI methodology, 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 (Statement 4 is wrong; lower scores indicate MORE peaceful countries, NOT less peaceful.) Q3. With reference to the top 5 most peaceful countries in GPI 2026, consider the following statements: Which of the above are correct? (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 1, 2 and 4 only (c) 1, 3 and 4 only (d) 2 and 4 only (e) All four (Statements 3 and 4 are wrong; India is at 127th, NOT in the top 10; the bottom 5 include Russia, Sudan, DRC, Ukraine, Israel, NOT the United States.) Q4. With reference to the Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP), 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 (Statement 4 is wrong; IEP is an independent international think tank, NOT a UN government organisation.) Q5. With reference to Iceland’s position in the GPI, 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 (Statement 4 is wrong; Iceland is NOT a member of the EU or the Eurozone; it is a member of EFTA.) Answer Key
India-France Strategic Partnership
Source: Times of India Context India and France unveiled 13 major outcomes during PM Narendra Modi’s visit to Nice, France, aimed at deepening cooperation in technology, AI, defence, trade, space, education, and digital infrastructure. The India-France Strategic Partnership, established in 1998, is one of India’s oldest and most comprehensive strategic partnerships, covering defence, space, civil nuclear energy, technology, trade, climate action, education, and people-to-people ties. Key outcomes include the India-France Innovation Roadmap 2030, a Joint AI Working Group, expansion of UPI to France, incubation of 10 Indian startups at Station F, an Economic Security Dialogue, and enhanced space cooperation including the Gaganyaan mission and the Bharatiya Antariksh Station. The 13 Major Outcomes 1. India-France Innovation Roadmap 2030: Long-term framework for AI, critical technologies, startups, innovation ecosystems, academic mobility; promotes industry-academia partnerships. 2. Joint India-France AI Working Group: Dedicated mechanism for AI governance; covers research collaboration, startup partnerships, capacity building, policy coordination. 3. National Centre of Excellence for Skilling in Aeronautics: To be established at the National Skill Training Institute, Kanpur; strengthens aerospace manufacturing, aviation maintenance, workforce development. 4. Expansion of UPI in France: UPI services extended to Paris Airport and Nice; benefits Indian tourists, students, businesses, diaspora. 5. Startup Collaboration through Station F: 10 additional Indian startups to be incubated at Station F, Europe’s largest startup hub in Paris. 6. India-France Centre of Digital Sciences: Joint establishment by DST (India) and INRIA (France); supports digital technology research, talent mobility. 7. ICCR India Chair at Universite Paris-Saclay: New academic chair on AI, Innovation and Culture. 8. Health Data and AI Research Collaboration: Partnership between ICMR (India) and France’s Health Data Hub; focus on secure health-data sharing, AI-driven medical research. 9. Mechanism to Double Bilateral Trade: Annual high-level mechanism to double bilateral trade in 5 years. 10. Economic Security Dialogue: New platform covering critical minerals, semiconductors, energy security, cybersecurity, strategic technologies. 11. Railway and High-Speed Rail Cooperation: Declaration of Intent signed for railway modernisation, technology transfer, infrastructure. 12. Agreement on Classified Information Protection: Secure legal framework for exchanging sensitive information; strengthens defence-industrial cooperation and Make in India. 13. Enhanced Space Cooperation: Letter of Intent between ISRO and CNES; covers human spaceflight, microgravity research, Gaganyaan mission, Bharatiya Antariksh Station. What is UPI’s International Expansion? Where is UPI Now Available Internationally? What is Station F? What is INRIA? What is ICCR? What is ISRO-CNES Cooperation? What is the Gaganyaan Mission? What is the Bharatiya Antariksh Station? Practice MCQs Q1. With reference to the recent India-France summit outcomes (PM Modi’s visit to Nice), 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 (Statement 4 is wrong; the India-France Strategic Partnership was established in 1998, NOT 2026.) Q2. With reference to UPI’s international expansion, 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 (Statement 4 is wrong; UPI has been expanded internationally to multiple countries.) Q3. With reference to ISRO-CNES cooperation, 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 Q4. With reference to India’s Gaganyaan Mission and Bharatiya Antariksh Station, 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 (Statement 4 is wrong; India has plans to launch the Bharatiya Antariksh Station by 2035.) Q5. With reference to India-France bilateral relations, 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 (Statement 4 is wrong; France is a founding member of the European Union (EU).) Answer Key
BRICS Indore Declaration
Source: Times of India Context India’s BRICS Presidency culminated in the adoption of the BRICS Indore Declaration during the Agriculture Ministers’ Meeting held in Indore, Madhya Pradesh in June 2026. The Declaration is a unanimous joint agricultural charter adopted by BRICS member countries, serving as a farmer-centric framework for strengthening cooperation on food security, sustainable agriculture, agricultural trade, innovation, and climate resilience. India will lead several major initiatives, including a Global Forum on Farmers’ Rights in Seed Systems, a BRICS Network of Centres of Excellence on Agro-Ecology and Regenerative Agriculture, a BRICS Network on Digital Agriculture, and BRICS AgriN (a network for agro inputs, genetic resources, and information). The Declaration Stated Aims Key Features of the Declaration 1. BRICS Network of Centres of Excellence on Agro-Ecology and Regenerative Agriculture 2. BRICS Network on Digital Agriculture 3. Global Forum on Farmers’ Rights in Seed Systems 4. BRICS AgriN (Agro Inputs, Genetic Resources and Information Network) What is BRICS? Recent Expansion (BRICS Plus) What is BRICS Presidency? Recent BRICS Presidencies India’s BRICS Presidency 2026 Theme What is the New Development Bank (NDB)? What is the Contingent Reserve Arrangement (CRA)? Practice MCQs Q1. With reference to the BRICS Indore Declaration, 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 (Statement 4 is wrong; the Declaration was unanimously adopted by all BRICS members, NOT unilaterally by India.) Q2. With reference to the key features of the BRICS Indore Declaration, 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 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 (Statement 4 is wrong; India is a founding member of BRICS, NOT an observer.) Q4. With reference to the New Development Bank (NDB), 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 Q5. With reference to India’s farmers’ seed rights 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 (Statement 4 is wrong; India has a strong PPV&FR Act, 2001 for farmers’ seed rights.) Answer Key
