8 sourced news briefs · 14 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 ↓
Polity and Governance
1. Cabinet extends Fast Track Special Courts scheme through March 2031
The Union Cabinet approved continuation of the Centrally Sponsored Scheme for Fast Track Special Courts, including exclusive POCSO courts, from 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2031. The approval authorises funding and expansion of specialised courts; it does not mean that all 850 proposed courts are already operational.
Important exam facts
- The five-year extension has a total outlay of ₹3,788.04 crore: ₹2,353.15 crore as the Central share and ₹1,434.89 crore as the States and Union Territories share.
- The Central share will be financed from the Nirbhaya Fund.
- The scheme provides for up to 850 Fast Track Special Courts, compared with 779 functional courts at approval; 399 of the functional courts were exclusive POCSO courts.
- Each court is provided one Judicial Officer, one Special Public Prosecutor and six support staff.
- Since the scheme began on 2 October 2019, 4,02,457 cases had been disposed of; the Department of Justice implements it with States and Union Territories.
Static GK connection: Revise Centrally Sponsored Schemes, the Nirbhaya Fund, the POCSO Act, 2012, and the difference between ordinary fast-track courts and exclusive POCSO courts.
Source: PMO, Cabinet approval for continuation of Fast Track Special Courts, 4 November 2026
Environment and Economy
2. Cabinet approves ₹14,500 crore support for 92 GWh grid-scale energy storage
The Union Cabinet approved a Viability Gap Funding scheme for grid-scale energy storage during FY 2026-27 to FY 2030-31. It is designed to make yet-to-be-commissioned storage projects financially viable and strengthen renewable-energy integration; the 92 GWh is planned supported capacity, not capacity already commissioned.
Important exam facts
- The scheme provides ₹14,500 crore of financial support and envisages total investment of about ₹97,600 crore.
- The planned mix is 60 GWh of hydro pumped storage, 30 GWh of battery energy storage systems and 2 GWh of alternative storage technologies.
- Capacity will be allocated through tariff-based competitive bidding.
- Public and private electricity distribution companies are eligible for VGF support for battery and hydro pumped-storage projects.
- Battery projects must meet a minimum domestic content requirement of 40%; India is estimated to require 411 GWh of grid-scale storage by 2031-32.
Static GK connection: Connect viability-gap funding with renewable-energy variability, pumped-storage hydropower, battery energy storage, tariff-based bidding and domestic-content policy.
Source: PMO, Cabinet approval for grid-scale energy-storage VGF scheme, 4 November 2026
Economy and Data Governance
3. VISTAR scheme approved to modernise India’s official statistical system
The Union Cabinet approved the Central Sector Viksit Bharat Initiative for Statistical Transformation, Analytics and Research for FY 2026-27 to FY 2030-31. VISTAR consolidates statistical and data-management work under MoSPI and proposes new surveys, digital workflows and State-level capacity building; these outputs remain implementation targets.
Important exam facts
- VISTAR has an approved outlay of ₹4,371.10 crore for five financial years.
- Its three components are Comprehensive Statistical Operations and Strengthening of Ecosystem, Support for Statistical Strengthening, and Economic Census.
- MoSPI proposes 59 surveys during the Sixteenth Finance Commission cycle, compared with 43 major surveys previously.
- Planned new metrics include a Headline Index of Services Production and an Index of Unincorporated Sector Enterprises.
- The eighth Economic Census is intended to cover non-farm establishments and workers down to Gram Panchayat and Ward level and provide a baseline for a Statistical Business Register.
Static GK connection: Revise MoSPI, Economic Census, official sample surveys, State and district GDP, IIP and the role of a statistical business register.
Source: PMO, Cabinet approval for VISTAR scheme, 4 November 2026
Science, Technology and Industry
4. Critical-mineral processing receives ₹2,814 crore capital-support scheme
The Union Cabinet approved a five-year capital-expenditure support scheme for domestic processing of lithium and nickel ores or intermediary products into high-purity compounds. It seeks to reduce import dependence and strengthen downstream value chains; it is a support framework for facilities, not evidence that proposed capacity is already operational.
Important exam facts
- The approved financial outlay is ₹2,814 crore over five years.
- The target minerals are lithium and nickel, with cobalt expected to be recovered as a by-product of nickel production.
- The scheme addresses high capital costs, limited processing technology and constrained access to raw materials.
- Potential user sectors include electric mobility, battery energy storage, electronics, defence and speciality steel.
Static GK connection: Link critical-mineral processing to the National Critical Mineral Mission, battery supply chains, mineral beneficiation, import dependence and strategic manufacturing.
Source: PMO, Cabinet approval for Critical Mineral Processing Capex Support Scheme, 4 November 2026
Economy and Infrastructure
5. Indian Railways records its highest October freight loading
Indian Railways reported freight loading of 145.07 million tonnes in October 2026, its highest total for any October and 8.32% above October 2025. The operational data also showed stronger coal supply to power stations and cumulative freight growth during April–October 2026.
Important exam facts
- October 2026 freight loading was 145.07 million tonnes, against 133.93 million tonnes in October 2025.
- April–October 2026 loading reached 978.78 million tonnes, 4.67% above the corresponding 935.10 million tonnes a year earlier.
- Food-grain loading rose 26.3%, domestic coal 16.0% and domestic containers 6.3% year on year in October.
- Average daily coal supply to power houses rose from 393.2 to 469.8 rakes, an increase of 19.5%.
- Passenger traffic was 64.72 crore in October 2026 and 443.8 crore during April–October 2026.
Static GK connection: Relate railway freight to multimodal logistics, commodity flows, coal-based electricity supply and the distinction between million tonnes and tonne-kilometres.
Source: PIB, Indian Railways freight loading for October 2026, 4 November 2026
Science and International Relations
6. CSIR and DAKSHIN-RIS agree on technology cooperation for the Global South
CSIR and the DAKSHIN–Global South Centre of Excellence at RIS signed a Letter of Association on 3 November, announced by PIB on 4 November. It creates a framework for policy studies, capacity building and transfer of suitable technologies; concrete projects and outcomes depend on later implementation.
Important exam facts
- DAKSHIN is the Global South Centre of Excellence at the Research and Information System for Developing Countries.
- The partnership identifies healthcare, infrastructure, agriculture, the blue economy and the digital economy as potential fields.
- Its objectives include joint policy studies, scaling development interventions, human-resource development and sharing best practices.
- The arrangement seeks to support South–South cooperation and the Sustainable Development Goals through affordable, adaptable technologies.
Static GK connection: Revise CSIR’s role, South–South cooperation, the Global South, technology transfer and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Source: PIB, CSIR and DAKSHIN-RIS Letter of Association, 4 November 2026
International Relations and Economy
7. India and Poland explore deeper technology and investment cooperation
During an official visit to Poland on 2–3 November, reported on 4 November, Minister of State Jitin Prasada held talks on digital technologies, critical minerals, investment and resilient supply chains. References to opportunities under the India–EU Free Trade Agreement were forward-looking and do not mean it was already in force.
Important exam facts
- The Indian delegation included representatives of 12 companies.
- Talks covered artificial intelligence, semiconductors, data centres, cybersecurity, critical minerals and start-up partnerships.
- The two sides also discussed agri-technology, food processing and opportunities for small and medium enterprises.
- The India–Poland Strategic Partnership was established in 2024.
- The minister addressed the India–Poland Business Forum in Warsaw and encouraged co-development, co-production and technology transfer.
Static GK connection: Place Poland in Central Europe and the European Union; revise India–EU trade negotiations, strategic partnerships, semiconductor supply chains and economic diplomacy.
Source: PIB, Minister of State for Commerce and Industry visit to Poland, 4 November 2026
Economy and Public Finance
8. NLMC concludes second phase of RINL land e-auction
The National Land Monetization Corporation reported that the second phase of its Visakhapatnam e-auction, concluded on 3 November, sold 114 RINL land parcels for successful bids totalling ₹218 crore. The result is completed, while the proposed third round remains subject to approvals and later scheduling.
Important exam facts
- The successful Phase II bids were 17.96% above an aggregate reserve price of about ₹184.81 crore.
- Across both phases, 264 parcels fetched ₹584.33 crore against a combined reserve price of ₹497.29 crore.
- RINL is the corporate entity operating Visakhapatnam Steel Plant.
- NLMC is a wholly owned Government of India company under the Department of Public Enterprises, Ministry of Finance.
- The transaction was NLMC’s first end-to-end e-auction initiative; a third round was announced only as a plan.
Static GK connection: Revise asset monetisation, Central Public Sector Enterprises, reserve price and price discovery, and the institutional role of NLMC.
Source: PIB, NLMC Phase II RINL land e-auction results, 4 November 2026
Practice MCQs
1. The extended Fast Track Special Courts scheme is scheduled to continue until which date?
- 31 March 2029
- 31 March 2030
- 31 March 2031
- 31 December 2031
Show answer and explanation
C. 31 March 2031 — The Cabinet approved continuation from 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2031.
2. The Central share of funding for the Fast Track Special Courts scheme will come from which fund?
- Consolidated Sinking Fund
- Nirbhaya Fund
- National Investment Fund
- Central Road and Infrastructure Fund
Show answer and explanation
B. Nirbhaya Fund — The official approval says the Central share of ₹2,353.15 crore will be financed through the Nirbhaya Fund.
3. What is the planned capacity mix under the grid-scale energy-storage VGF scheme?
- 60 GWh BESS, 30 GWh hydro PSP and 2 GWh alternatives
- 60 GWh hydro PSP, 30 GWh BESS and 2 GWh alternatives
- 30 GWh hydro PSP, 30 GWh BESS and 32 GWh alternatives
- 92 GWh entirely in battery storage
Show answer and explanation
B. 60 GWh hydro PSP, 30 GWh BESS and 2 GWh alternatives — The scheme supports 60 GWh hydro pumped storage, 30 GWh battery storage and 2 GWh alternative technologies.
4. What minimum domestic-content requirement applies to battery energy-storage projects under the VGF scheme?
- 20%
- 30%
- 40%
- 50%
Show answer and explanation
C. 40% — Supported BESS projects must meet a minimum domestic-content requirement of 40%.
5. Which of the following is NOT one of VISTAR’s three components?
- Comprehensive Statistical Operations and Strengthening of Ecosystem
- Support for Statistical Strengthening
- Economic Census
- National Population Register
Show answer and explanation
D. National Population Register — VISTAR covers statistical operations, State statistical strengthening and the Economic Census, not the National Population Register.
6. Under VISTAR, which exercise is intended to cover non-farm establishments down to Gram Panchayat and Ward level?
- Population Census
- Agriculture Census
- Eighth Economic Census
- Livestock Census
Show answer and explanation
C. Eighth Economic Census — The eighth Economic Census is planned to provide granular data on non-farm establishments and workers.
7. The Critical Mineral Processing Capex Support Scheme primarily targets high-purity compounds of which minerals?
- Copper and zinc
- Lithium and nickel
- Iron and manganese
- Bauxite and chromium
Show answer and explanation
B. Lithium and nickel — The scheme targets lithium and nickel, with cobalt expected as a nickel-processing by-product.
8. How much freight did Indian Railways load in October 2026?
- 133.93 million tonnes
- 140.57 million tonnes
- 145.07 million tonnes
- 978.78 million tonnes
Show answer and explanation
C. 145.07 million tonnes — October loading was 145.07 million tonnes; 978.78 million tonnes was the April–October figure.
9. Which commodity recorded the highest percentage growth among the selected October 2026 railway freight categories reported?
- Domestic containers
- Domestic coal
- Food grains
- Mineral oil
Show answer and explanation
C. Food grains — Food-grain loading increased 26.3%, above domestic coal, domestic containers and mineral oil.
10. DAKSHIN, which signed a Letter of Association with CSIR, is housed at which institution?
- RIS
- NITI Aayog
- ICAR
- IIT Delhi
Show answer and explanation
A. RIS — DAKSHIN is the Global South Centre of Excellence at the Research and Information System for Developing Countries.
11. Which concept best describes the intended international orientation of the CSIR–DAKSHIN partnership?
- North–South tariff harmonisation
- South–South cooperation
- Collective defence
- Monetary union
Show answer and explanation
B. South–South cooperation — The association focuses on technology sharing and development cooperation among countries of the Global South.
12. The India–Poland Strategic Partnership was established in which year?
- 2022
- 2023
- 2024
- 2026
Show answer and explanation
C. 2024 — The bilateral Strategic Partnership was established in 2024.
13. In the second phase of the RINL land e-auction, how many parcels were successfully auctioned?
- 114
- 150
- 218
- 264
Show answer and explanation
A. 114 — Phase II sold 114 parcels; 264 is the combined total across both phases.
14. Under which Union government department does the National Land Monetization Corporation operate?
- Department of Expenditure
- Department of Economic Affairs
- Department of Public Enterprises
- Department of Investment and Public Asset Management
Show answer and explanation
C. Department of Public Enterprises — NLMC is under the Department of Public Enterprises in the Ministry of Finance.
← Back to all text editions