11 sourced news briefs · 16 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 ↓
Economy and Social Justice
1. Cabinet extends Stand-Up India Scheme to March 2031
The Union Cabinet approved continuation of the Stand-Up India Scheme for five years up to 31 March 2031. The approved framework targets at least 2.5 lakh additional women, Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe entrepreneurs and provides a credit-guarantee corpus of ₹4,111 crore. This is an approved continuation, not merely a proposal.
Important exam facts
- Eligible borrowers are women and SC/ST entrepreneurs establishing new or greenfield enterprises.
- Loans may exceed ₹10 lakh and go up to ₹1 crore, covering up to 85% of project cost.
- Eligible activities include manufacturing, services, trading and agriculture-allied sectors.
- The standard guarantee fee is 0.50%, and credit-guarantee coverage is 85% of the loan amount.
Static GK connection: Revise financial inclusion, priority support for disadvantaged groups, greenfield enterprises and the distinction between a loan and a credit guarantee.
Source: PIB: Cabinet approves Continuation of Stand-Up India Scheme, 11 November 2026
Economy and Financial Inclusion
2. Credit Guarantee Fund for Micro Units continued through 2031
The Cabinet approved continuation of the Credit Guarantee Fund for Micro Units for five years up to 31 March 2031 with a ₹5,000-crore corpus. CGFMU provides default-risk cover to lending institutions through the National Credit Guarantee Trustee Company Limited; it is a guarantee mechanism rather than direct lending by the government.
Important exam facts
- The extension is expected to facilitate ₹12.6 lakh crore of Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana loans over five years.
- Coverage includes eligible PMMY loans up to ₹20 lakh and PMJDY overdrafts up to ₹10,000.
- The guarantee fee for applicable portfolios is reduced from 1% to 0.75% per year.
- The continued scheme applies during FY 2026-27 to FY 2030-31.
Static GK connection: Revise PMMY, PMJDY, collateral-free microcredit and NCGTC's role as trustee manager for government credit-guarantee funds.
Source: PIB: Cabinet approves continuation of Credit Guarantee Fund for Micro Units, 11 November 2026
Agriculture
3. Nutrient Based Subsidy rates approved for Rabi 2026-27
The Cabinet approved Nutrient Based Subsidy rates for phosphatic and potassic fertilisers for the Rabi 2026-27 period from 1 October 2026 to 31 March 2027. The tentative budget requirement is approximately ₹62,370.02 crore. Subsidy will be paid to manufacturers and importers under notified rates so covered fertilisers can be supplied at affordable prices.
Important exam facts
- The approval covers P&K fertilisers, including DAP and NPKS grades.
- The NBS Scheme has governed subsidy on P&K fertilisers since 1 April 2010.
- The government makes 28 grades of P&K fertilisers, including DAP, available at subsidised prices.
- The approved rates apply for the six-month Rabi period ending 31 March 2027.
Static GK connection: Revise fertiliser nutrients: N, P and K denote nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium; DAP is diammonium phosphate and MOP is muriate of potash.
Source: PIB: Nutrient Based Subsidy rates for Rabi 2026-27, 11 November 2026
Infrastructure and Urban Development
4. Cabinet approves 8.449-km extension of Noida Aqua Line
The Union Cabinet approved an 8.449-km elevated extension of the Noida Metro Aqua Line from Noida Sector 51 to Greater Noida Sector 4 with five stations. The corridor is approved for development; it is not yet operational. Once commissioned, the active metro network across Noida and Greater Noida is projected to reach 71.878 km.
Important exam facts
- The approved corridor will have five elevated stations.
- The plan includes an interchange with the Blue Line at Noida Sector 61.
- The extension is intended to connect residential, commercial, educational and employment hubs.
Static GK connection: Urban rail projects involve Union-state coordination, metropolitan planning, public transport integration and transit-oriented development.
Source: PIB: Cabinet approves Noida Aqua Line extension, 11 November 2026
Art and Culture
5. CCEA approves Yuge Yugeen Bharat Museum project
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs approved development of the Yuge Yugeen Bharat Museum at the North and South Block complex in New Delhi at an estimated project cost of ₹3,230 crore. The project will adaptively reuse the historic buildings as a public museum while preserving their architectural character; development remains to be carried out.
Important exam facts
- The proposed built-up area is approximately 1,78,509 square metres.
- The project includes galleries, collection storage, conservation facilities and visitor amenities.
- Its curatorial scope covers tangible and intangible aspects of India's civilisational heritage.
- The project was appraised by the Public Investment Board and approved by the CCEA.
Static GK connection: Revise the distinction between the Union Cabinet and CCEA, and the concepts of adaptive reuse, tangible heritage and intangible cultural heritage.
Source: PIB: CCEA approves Yuge Yugeen Bharat Museum, 11 November 2026
Economy, Environment and Critical Minerals
6. DGFT prohibits export of lithium-ion battery black mass
The Directorate General of Foreign Trade changed the export policy for lithium-ion battery black mass under ITC(HS) 85491400 from Free to Prohibited with immediate effect and until further orders. Notification No. 49/2026-27 was dated 10 November 2026, while PIB announced the measure on 11 November. The policy aims to retain recyclable critical-mineral feedstock in India.
Important exam facts
- Black mass is powder obtained by shredding end-of-life lithium-ion batteries and battery-manufacturing waste.
- It can contain recoverable lithium, cobalt, nickel and manganese.
- Transitional arrangements under Paragraph 1.05 of Foreign Trade Policy 2023 apply.
- The step complements the ₹1,500-crore incentive scheme for critical-mineral recycling.
Static GK connection: DGFT functions under the Department of Commerce; ITC(HS) is India's trade-classification system aligned with the Harmonized System.
Source: PIB: DGFT prohibits export of lithium-ion battery black mass, 11 November 2026
Defence
7. MoD signs ₹498.58-crore contract to refit INS Betwa
The Ministry of Defence signed a ₹498.58-crore contract with Cochin Shipyard Limited for the normal refit and re-powering of INS Betwa. The work will replace the Brahmaputra-class frigate's steam-based propulsion with diesel-engine propulsion and install a modernised weapon suite. The contract is signed, but the refit and capability upgrades are still to be completed.
Important exam facts
- INS Betwa is a Brahmaputra-class frigate of the Indian Navy.
- The project is expected to involve more than 50 MSMEs.
- Cochin Shipyard Limited is the contracted shipyard.
- The project combines propulsion-system transformation with combat-capability modernisation.
Static GK connection: Revise naval ship classes, the role of frigates, and India's indigenous shipbuilding, repair and maintenance ecosystem.
Source: PIB: MoD contract for refit and re-powering of INS Betwa, 11 November 2026
International Relations and Health
8. First BIMSTEC Health Ministers' Meeting adopts regional roadmap
The first BIMSTEC Health Ministers' Meeting in Colombo unanimously adopted a Joint Ministerial Statement and the revised BIMSTEC Plan of Action on Public Health for 2026-2030. The roadmap covers disease surveillance, pandemic preparedness, digital health, traditional medicine, One Health and health-workforce development.
Important exam facts
- India and Sri Lanka exchanged an MoU for 100 additional ambulances under Indian grant assistance of about USD 5.28 million.
- India announced support for 50 medical kiosks or Health ATMs in Sri Lanka.
- India will host the BIMSTEC Centre of Excellence in Traditional Medicine at ITRA, Jamnagar.
- BIMSTEC has seven members around the Bay of Bengal region.
Static GK connection: BIMSTEC comprises Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Thailand; its secretariat is in Dhaka.
Source: PIB: First BIMSTEC Health Ministers' Meeting outcomes, 11 November 2026
Polity, Governance and Health
9. NCAHP proposes provisional-registration regulations
The National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions released draft regulations for provisional registration of eligible allied and healthcare professionals. The proposed framework includes skill upgradation, bridge courses, competency assessment and pathways to regular registration. It is not yet final: public and stakeholder comments are invited up to 4 December 2026.
Important exam facts
- The draft is framed under the National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions Act, 2021.
- It proposes an integrated digital registration system.
- Registration pathways would link competency standards with transition to regular registers.
- The consultation deadline is 4 December 2026.
Static GK connection: Revise statutory commissions, delegated legislation, public consultation and the difference between draft regulations and notified final regulations.
Source: PIB: NCAHP proposes new registration framework, 11 November 2026
Science, Technology and Governance
10. DoT reports major expansion under 4G Saturation Project
The Department of Telecommunications reported that villages without 4G connectivity declined from 45,180 in 2022 to 11,372 in 2026, a reduction of nearly 75%. The 4G Saturation Project targets previously unconnected villages; reported progress does not mean that every village has already been connected.
Important exam facts
- The project was designed to provide 4G connectivity to 24,680 previously unconnected villages.
- BSNL had commissioned 18,291 sites under the 24,680-site rollout plan.
- The government has sanctioned an additional 26,000 mobile-network sites for the next expansion phase.
- Remote terrain, scattered settlements and high infrastructure costs remain implementation challenges.
Static GK connection: Revise universal service objectives, digital inclusion, telecom infrastructure and the role of the Department of Telecommunications and BSNL.
Source: PIB: Government strengthens rural 4G connectivity, 11 November 2026
Tamil Nadu and Banking
11. Tamilnad Mercantile Bank marks 105 years in Thoothukudi
The Vice-President attended the 105th Foundation Day of Tamilnad Mercantile Bank in Thoothukudi and highlighted financial inclusion, responsible lending, cybersecurity and support for MSMEs, farmers and women-led enterprises. The event was commemorative and did not announce a new government scheme or regulatory decision.
Important exam facts
- The bank originated in 1921 as Nadar Bank Limited.
- The official release reported 632 branches across 17 states and four Union territories.
- The bank's place of origin and continuing institutional base is Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu.
- The event linked banking expansion with cybersecurity and protection of customer data.
Static GK connection: Revise the evolution of Indian banking, private-sector banks, financial inclusion, MSME credit and Tamil Nadu's commercial history.
Source: PIB: Tamilnad Mercantile Bank 105th Foundation Day in Thoothukudi, 11 November 2026
Practice MCQs
1. The Stand-Up India continuation approved on 11 November 2026 extends the scheme up to which date?
- 31 March 2028
- 31 March 2029
- 31 March 2030
- 31 March 2031
Show answer and explanation
D. 31 March 2031 — The Cabinet approved a five-year continuation of Stand-Up India up to 31 March 2031.
2. Under the continued Stand-Up India framework, the maximum stated loan amount is:
- ₹20 lakh
- ₹50 lakh
- ₹1 crore
- ₹5 crore
Show answer and explanation
C. ₹1 crore — Eligible composite or term loans may exceed ₹10 lakh and go up to ₹1 crore.
3. CGFMU provides default-risk cover to lending institutions through which entity?
- NABARD
- NCGTC
- SIDBI Venture Capital
- Deposit Insurance and Credit Guarantee Corporation
Show answer and explanation
B. NCGTC — The National Credit Guarantee Trustee Company Limited manages the guarantee coverage described in the Cabinet release.
4. The approved corpus for continuation of the Credit Guarantee Fund for Micro Units is:
- ₹1,500 crore
- ₹4,111 crore
- ₹5,000 crore
- ₹12,600 crore
Show answer and explanation
C. ₹5,000 crore — The Cabinet approved a ₹5,000-crore CGFMU corpus; ₹4,111 crore relates to the Stand-Up India guarantee corpus.
5. The Rabi 2026-27 Nutrient Based Subsidy approval applies primarily to which fertiliser group?
- Only urea
- Phosphatic and potassic fertilisers
- Only biofertilisers
- Micronutrients alone
Show answer and explanation
B. Phosphatic and potassic fertilisers — The approved NBS rates cover phosphatic and potassic fertilisers, including DAP and NPKS grades.
6. The approved Noida Aqua Line extension has which combination of length and stations?
- 8.449 km and five stations
- 5 km and eight stations
- 18.449 km and four stations
- 71.878 km and five stations
Show answer and explanation
A. 8.449 km and five stations — The approved extension is 8.449 km long with five elevated stations; 71.878 km is the projected total active network after operationalisation.
7. The Yuge Yugeen Bharat Museum is approved for development through adaptive reuse of:
- Red Fort and Salimgarh Fort
- North Block and South Block
- Purana Qila and Humayun's Tomb
- Parliament House and Rashtrapati Bhavan
Show answer and explanation
B. North Block and South Block — The CCEA-approved project will adaptively reuse the historic North and South Block complex in New Delhi.
8. Lithium-ion battery black mass under ITC(HS) 85491400 was shifted to which export-policy category?
- Free
- Restricted
- Prohibited
- State-trading enterprise only
Show answer and explanation
C. Prohibited — DGFT Notification No. 49/2026-27 changed the item from Free to Prohibited with immediate effect.
9. Which mineral is NOT listed in the official release among recoverable materials in lithium-ion battery black mass?
- Lithium
- Cobalt
- Nickel
- Bauxite
Show answer and explanation
D. Bauxite — The release lists lithium, cobalt, nickel and manganese; bauxite is an aluminium ore and was not listed.
10. INS Betwa, covered by the refit and re-powering contract, belongs to which class?
- Brahmaputra class
- Kalvari class
- Kolkata class
- Shivalik class
Show answer and explanation
A. Brahmaputra class — INS Betwa is a Brahmaputra-class frigate of the Indian Navy.
11. The first BIMSTEC Health Ministers' Meeting was held in:
- Dhaka
- Bangkok
- Colombo
- Kathmandu
Show answer and explanation
C. Colombo — The inaugural meeting was held in Colombo, Sri Lanka, on 11 November 2026.
12. The revised BIMSTEC Plan of Action on Public Health adopted in 2026 covers which period?
- 2023-2025
- 2025-2028
- 2026-2030
- 2030-2035
Show answer and explanation
C. 2026-2030 — The member countries adopted the revised public-health plan for 2026-2030.
13. India will host the BIMSTEC Centre of Excellence in Traditional Medicine at:
- AIIMS New Delhi
- ITRA Jamnagar
- NIMHANS Bengaluru
- JIPMER Puducherry
Show answer and explanation
B. ITRA Jamnagar — The announced location is the Institute of Teaching and Research in Ayurveda at Jamnagar, Gujarat.
14. The NCAHP provisional-registration framework released on 11 November 2026 should be understood as:
- A final notified regulation
- A Supreme Court judgment
- A draft open for comments
- A constitutional amendment
Show answer and explanation
C. A draft open for comments — NCAHP invited public and stakeholder comments until 4 December 2026, so the framework remains a draft.
15. According to the DoT release, the 4G Saturation Project was designed to connect how many previously unconnected villages?
- 11,372
- 18,291
- 24,680
- 45,180
Show answer and explanation
C. 24,680 — The project was designed for 24,680 previously unconnected villages; the other figures describe remaining villages, commissioned sites or the 2022 baseline.
16. Tamilnad Mercantile Bank originally began in 1921 under which name?
- Tuticorin Bank Limited
- Nadar Bank Limited
- South India Mercantile Bank
- Pandyan Bank Limited
Show answer and explanation
B. Nadar Bank Limited — The Vice-President's Secretariat release records that TMB originated in 1921 as Nadar Bank Limited.
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