9 sourced news briefs · 15 practice MCQs
This study edition contains original summaries of sources linked below. Updates described as proposals, plans or announcements are not presented as completed outcomes.
Practice MCQs ↓
Public Health & Regulation
1. FSSAI draft seeks to bar added sucrose and fructose in foods for infants up to six months
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India issued a draft amendment proposing that food products intended for infants up to six months must not contain added sucrose or fructose. The proposal remains open for public comments for 60 days and is not yet a final rule.
Important exam facts
- The draft Food Safety and Standards (Foods for Infant Nutrition) Amendment Regulations, 2026 was gazetted on 16 October 2026.
- It proposes a prohibition on added sucrose and fructose in products intended for infants up to six months of age.
- The existing 2020 regulations prefer lactose and glucose polymers as carbohydrates and allow sucrose or fructose only when needed and within prescribed limits.
- Stakeholders have 60 days to submit comments before FSSAI considers finalisation.
Static GK connection: Static GK: FSSAI is a statutory authority under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 and functions under the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
Source: FSSAI moves to strengthen infant nutrition standards by restricting addition of sucrose and fructose
Agriculture & Food Safety
2. FSSAI proposes science-based pesticide residue limits for tea
FSSAI published a draft amendment proposing maximum residue limits for acetamiprid and imidacloprid in tea. The proposed limits are 20 mg/kg for acetamiprid and 50 mg/kg for imidacloprid; they remain draft standards pending consultation and final notification.
Important exam facts
- The draft Food Safety and Standards (Contaminants, Toxins and Residues) Amendment Regulations, 2026 was gazetted on 16 October 2026.
- The proposed maximum residue limit for acetamiprid in tea is 20 mg/kg, equivalent to 20 parts per million.
- The proposed maximum residue limit for imidacloprid in tea is 50 mg/kg, equivalent to 50 parts per million.
- An MRL is the maximum legally permitted concentration of a pesticide residue in food, set after scientific assessment of residue and dietary-exposure data.
- FSSAI said the imidacloprid proposal refers to Codex standards, while India's proposed acetamiprid limit is below limits cited for Japan and the United States.
Static GK connection: Static GK: The Codex Alimentarius Commission, established by FAO and WHO, develops international food standards, guidelines and codes of practice.
Source: FSSAI proposes science-based pesticide residue limits for tea
Economy & Banking
3. Government clarifies legal position on dilution of public shareholding in IDBI Bank
The Department of Financial Services clarified that a 2003 proposal seeking to restrict dilution of the government's IDBI shareholding was rejected and did not become part of the IDBI (Transfer of Undertaking and Repeal) Act, 2003. It also cited a 2018 Delhi High Court ruling that found no statutory bar on dilution.
Important exam facts
- The clarification concerns the legislative history of the IDBI (Transfer of Undertaking and Repeal) Act, 2003.
- An amendment seeking to restrict dilution of government shareholding was rejected during the legislative process and was not enacted.
- The Delhi High Court delivered its decision in All India IDBI Officers' Association v. Union of India on 17 December 2018.
- The court held that parliamentary statements cited in the case did not create a statutory prohibition on dilution of government shareholding.
Static GK connection: Static GK: IDBI was created in 1964 as a development finance institution and was converted into a banking company under the 2003 repeal legislation.
Source: Clarification regarding legislative position on Government shareholding in IDBI Bank
Housing & Urban Development
4. More than 1.93 lakh additional houses approved under PMAY-U 2.0
The Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs announced approval of more than 1.93 lakh additional houses under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Urban 2.0 after the tenth Central Sanctioning and Monitoring Committee meeting. The approval raised total sanctions under the mission above 20 lakh houses; it does not represent completed construction.
Important exam facts
- More than 1.93 lakh additional houses were approved under PMAY-U 2.0.
- Total houses sanctioned under the mission consequently crossed 20 lakh.
- The approvals followed the tenth meeting of the Central Sanctioning and Monitoring Committee in New Delhi.
- Projects were approved under the Beneficiary-Led Construction and Affordable Housing in Partnership verticals.
- The approvals covered eleven states, including Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Gujarat, Karnataka, Odisha, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal.
Static GK connection: Static GK: PMAY-U 2.0 is implemented by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs to support eligible urban families in obtaining or constructing pucca houses.
Source: Government approves 1.93 lakh more houses under Urban PM Awas Yojana 2.0
Environment & Climate Services
5. IITM hosts first consultation for Climate Science into Services for India Forum
The Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology hosted the first stakeholder consultation for the Climate Science into Services for India Forum in Pune. More than 150 participants from over 80 institutions discussed how to convert climate research into operational, sector-specific services for policy and planning.
Important exam facts
- The consultation was held at IITM Pune on 17 October 2026.
- It brought together more than 150 participants representing over 80 institutions.
- Discussions highlighted the need for a national Climate Services Information System.
- Sectoral deliberations covered health and climate extremes, energy and finance, and climate projections and services.
Static GK connection: Static GK: IITM is an autonomous institute under the Ministry of Earth Sciences and conducts research on tropical meteorology, monsoons and climate systems.
Source: IITM hosts first stakeholder consultation meeting on Climate Science into Services for India Forum
Environment & Air Quality
6. Environment Ministry consults startups on scalable Delhi-NCR air-pollution solutions
The Union Environment Minister met startups and innovation companies to examine scalable and affordable technology-led responses to Delhi-NCR air pollution. The consultation covered monitoring, cleaner mobility, traffic management, crop residue, municipal waste and construction-and-demolition waste; it was a policy consultation, not the launch of a new scheme.
Important exam facts
- The consultation focused on technology that could be deployed at city scale and at affordable cost.
- Participants discussed artificial intelligence and real-time systems for understanding and monitoring pollution.
- Potential interventions included cleaner vehicles, traffic management and measures addressing crop-residue burning.
- Solid waste and construction-and-demolition waste were also identified as sources requiring practical solutions.
Static GK connection: Static GK: The Commission for Air Quality Management is a statutory body for coordinated air-quality management in the National Capital Region and adjoining areas.
Source: Environment Minister meets startups and innovation companies on air-pollution solutions
Science & Technology
7. Minister projects India's space economy at up to 45 billion dollars in seven to eight years
The Minister of State for Science and Technology said India's space economy is currently about 9 billion US dollars and could reach 40-45 billion dollars over the next seven to eight years. The figures are a policy projection, not an achieved outcome, and were linked to private investment, faster approvals and sustainable commercial demand.
Important exam facts
- The current size of India's space economy was stated as approximately 9 billion US dollars.
- The projected range is 40-45 billion US dollars over seven to eight years.
- The minister emphasised private investment, predictable demand, faster approvals and commercially sustainable business models.
- Space applications cited included infrastructure, agriculture and disaster management.
Static GK connection: Static GK: IN-SPACe is the single-window autonomous agency that promotes and authorises non-governmental space activities in India.
Source: India's space economy poised for major expansion with greater private participation
Polity & Judiciary
8. Supreme Court-constituted enquiry committee opens portal for Jantar Mantar violence complaints
A High Powered Enquiry Committee constituted by the Supreme Court opened an online portal to receive complaints and representations concerning violence at Jantar Mantar in Delhi and related incidents outside Delhi during July 2026. The channel is available to affected civilians as well as police personnel.
Important exam facts
- The High Powered Enquiry Committee was constituted by the Supreme Court of India.
- Its remit covers the July 2026 violence at Jantar Mantar and connected incidents at places outside Delhi.
- The portal accepts complaints and representations from affected members of the public and police personnel.
- The committee identified issues including pellet-gun use, targeted violence, harassment of women protesters, excessive force and destruction of property for examination.
Static GK connection: Static GK: Article 32 of the Constitution empowers the Supreme Court to enforce fundamental rights and issue constitutional writs.
Source: High Powered Enquiry Committee constituted by the Supreme Court invites complaints and representations
Governance & Social Welfare
9. Aadhaar authentication prescribed for PM CARES for Children scholarship with no-denial safeguard
The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment notified Aadhaar authentication or proof of possession of an Aadhaar number for scholarship benefits under the PM CARES for Children Scheme. The notification also states that no child may be denied assistance solely because authentication fails or an Aadhaar number has not been assigned.
Important exam facts
- The Special Scholarship Scheme supports continued education from Class 1 to Class 12 for eligible children under PM CARES for Children.
- Beneficiaries must undergo Aadhaar authentication or furnish proof of possession of an Aadhaar number.
- If authentication fails or Aadhaar has not been assigned, benefits are to continue after alternative identity and guardian-relationship verification.
- Separate document requirements apply to beneficiaries below 18 years and those aged 18 years or above.
- Alternative authentication can include biometric or one-time-password verification wherever feasible.
Static GK connection: Static GK: The Aadhaar Act, 2016 provides the statutory framework for Aadhaar-based identity authentication and targeted delivery of subsidies, benefits and services.
Source: Centre makes Aadhaar authentication mandatory for Children Scheme of PM CARES
Practice MCQs
1. What does the FSSAI infant-nutrition draft propose for products intended for infants up to six months?
- A ban on all carbohydrates
- No added sucrose or fructose
- Only sucrose may be added
- Mandatory artificial sweeteners
Show answer and explanation
B. No added sucrose or fructose — The draft proposes that products for infants up to six months must not contain added sucrose or fructose.
2. The public-consultation period announced for the draft infant-nutrition amendment is how long?
- 15 days
- 30 days
- 60 days
- 90 days
Show answer and explanation
C. 60 days — FSSAI allowed 60 days for stakeholder comments before considering the draft for finalisation.
3. What maximum residue limit did FSSAI propose for acetamiprid in tea?
- 2 mg/kg
- 10 mg/kg
- 20 mg/kg
- 50 mg/kg
Show answer and explanation
C. 20 mg/kg — The proposed acetamiprid limit is 20 mg/kg, which is equivalent to 20 parts per million.
4. The Codex Alimentarius Commission was established jointly by which two organisations?
- FAO and WHO
- IMF and World Bank
- UNEP and UNDP
- WTO and ILO
Show answer and explanation
A. FAO and WHO — FAO and WHO jointly established the Codex Alimentarius Commission to develop international food standards.
5. Which court's 2018 judgment was cited in the government's clarification on IDBI shareholding dilution?
- Bombay High Court
- Delhi High Court
- Madras High Court
- Supreme Court
Show answer and explanation
B. Delhi High Court — The clarification cited the Delhi High Court's 17 December 2018 decision in the IDBI officers' association case.
6. After the latest PMAY-U 2.0 approval, total houses sanctioned under the mission crossed which level?
- 5 lakh
- 10 lakh
- 20 lakh
- 50 lakh
Show answer and explanation
C. 20 lakh — Approval of more than 1.93 lakh additional houses took cumulative sanctions above 20 lakh.
7. Which PMAY-U 2.0 vertical refers to beneficiaries constructing or enhancing houses on their own land?
- Beneficiary-Led Construction
- Affordable Rental Housing
- Credit Risk Guarantee
- Smart Cities Mission
Show answer and explanation
A. Beneficiary-Led Construction — Beneficiary-Led Construction supports eligible families constructing or enhancing houses on land they own.
8. The first Climate Science into Services for India Forum consultation was hosted by which institute?
- IITM Pune
- NITI Aayog
- Forest Survey of India
- National Institute of Oceanography
Show answer and explanation
A. IITM Pune — The Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology in Pune hosted the first stakeholder consultation.
9. Which ministry is the administrative ministry for the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology?
- Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
- Ministry of Earth Sciences
- Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare
- Ministry of Education
Show answer and explanation
B. Ministry of Earth Sciences — IITM is an autonomous research institute under the Union Ministry of Earth Sciences.
10. The Environment Ministry's 17 October consultation sought technology solutions chiefly for which region's air pollution?
- Mumbai Metropolitan Region
- Delhi-NCR
- Chennai Metropolitan Area
- Bengaluru Urban District
Show answer and explanation
B. Delhi-NCR — The consultation focused on scalable and affordable responses to air pollution in Delhi-NCR.
11. What future size was projected for India's space economy over the next seven to eight years?
- 10-15 billion US dollars
- 20-25 billion US dollars
- 40-45 billion US dollars
- 80-90 billion US dollars
Show answer and explanation
C. 40-45 billion US dollars — The minister projected a possible expansion from about 9 billion dollars to 40-45 billion dollars.
12. Which agency serves as India's single-window body for authorising non-governmental space activities?
- IN-SPACe
- DRDO
- CSIR
- NABARD
Show answer and explanation
A. IN-SPACe — IN-SPACe promotes, facilitates and authorises private and other non-governmental space activities.
13. The High Powered Enquiry Committee's complaint portal concerns incidents centred on which Delhi protest site?
- Ramlila Maidan
- India Gate
- Jantar Mantar
- Rajghat
Show answer and explanation
C. Jantar Mantar — The committee is examining the July 2026 violence at Jantar Mantar and related incidents outside Delhi.
14. Under the PM CARES for Children scholarship notification, what happens if Aadhaar authentication fails?
- The child is permanently excluded
- Benefits stop for one year
- Assistance may continue after alternative verification
- Only a court can restore assistance
Show answer and explanation
C. Assistance may continue after alternative verification — The no-denial safeguard permits assistance after alternative identity and guardian-relationship verification.
15. The Special Scholarship Scheme under PM CARES for Children supports education across which classes?
- Class 1 to Class 5
- Class 1 to Class 8
- Class 6 to Class 12
- Class 1 to Class 12
Show answer and explanation
D. Class 1 to Class 12 — The scheme provides assistance for continuing education from Class 1 through Class 12.
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