{"id":2870,"date":"2026-02-04T11:02:02","date_gmt":"2026-02-04T11:02:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/iasquest.com\/?p=2870"},"modified":"2026-02-04T11:02:54","modified_gmt":"2026-02-04T11:02:54","slug":"daily-current-affairs-03-02-2026","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/kingmakersiasacademy.com\/current-affairs\/daily-current-affairs-03-02-2026\/","title":{"rendered":"DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS \u2013 03.02.2026"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-1 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>1. Which among the following are the recommendations of the 16th Finance Commission?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-2 wp-block-paragraph\">1. It has recommended the share of states in the divisible pool of central taxes at 41%.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-3 wp-block-paragraph\">2. It has recommended that the Centre should bring down the fiscal deficit to 3.5% of GDP by 2030-31.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-4 wp-block-paragraph\">3. It recommended the annual fiscal deficit limit for states to be 3% of GSDP.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-5 wp-block-paragraph\">4. It also recommended strictly discontinuing the practice of off-budget borrowings for states.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-6 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Select the correct answer using the code given below:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-7 wp-block-paragraph\">(a) 1, 2 and 4 only<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-8 wp-block-paragraph\">(b) 1, 3 and 4 only<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-9 wp-block-paragraph\">(c) 2 and 3 only<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-10 wp-block-paragraph\">(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-11 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Answer: (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-12 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Explanation:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-13 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>In NEWS:<\/strong> The Report of the 16th Finance Commission (Chair: Dr. Arvind Panagariya) was tabled in Parliament on February 1, 2026. The recommendations will apply for the five-year period between 2026-27 and 2030-31.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-14 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Key recommendations of the Commission include:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-15 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Share of states in central taxes:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-16\">\n<li>The 16th Commission (FC) has recommended the share of states in the divisible pool of central taxes at <strong>41%.<\/strong> <strong>Hence statement 1 is correct.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Divisible pool<\/strong> is arrived at after excluding cost of collection and cesses and surcharges from the gross tax revenue collected by the central government.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The share remains <strong>unchanged <\/strong>from the 15th Finance Commission award period (2021-26).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-17 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Devolution Criteria:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-18\">\n<li>To determine distribution of central taxes among states, the Finance Commissions come up with a formula with weightage for certain parameters. The 16th FC has given the highest weightage to income distance (Table 9).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Income distance<\/strong> is the distance of a state\u2019s per capita GSDP from the state with the highest per capita GSDP.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>On this parameter, a state with lower per capita GSDP will have a higher share in devolution to maintain equity among states. The 15th FC had also used this criterion with a comparatively higher weightage.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The 16th FC has introduced a new parameter which accounts for the contribution to national GDP. This replaces the tax and fiscal efforts parameter used by the 15th FC which rewarded states with a higher tax collection efficiency. Contribution to GDP has also been given a comparatively higher weightage.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Other parameters include <strong>population, area, and forest cover<\/strong>. These parameters are similar to the 15th FC. Weightage for area has been reduced.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-19 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Grants-in-aid:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-20\">\n<li>The 16th FC has recommended grants worth Rs 9.47 lakh crore over the five-year period. These comprise grants for:<ul><li>(i) urban and rural local bodies, and<\/li><\/ul>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>(ii) disaster management.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The 16th FC has <strong>discontinued <\/strong>the following grants recommended by the 15th FC:<ul><li>(i) revenue deficit grants,<\/li><\/ul><ul><li>(ii) sector-specific grants for education, justice, statistics, and agriculture, and<\/li><\/ul>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>(iii) state specific grants.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A certain percentage of grants to local bodies will be performance-linked with an aim to incentivise growth in revenue from own sources.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A special infrastructure component aims to facilitate interventions in comprehensive wastewater management.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Urbanisation premium<\/strong> is aimed at incentivising rural to urban transition.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-21 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Fiscal roadmap:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-22\">\n<li>The 16th FC has recommended that the Centre should bring down the fiscal deficit to 3.5% of GDP by 2030-31. <strong>Hence statement 2 is correct.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It recommended the annual fiscal deficit limit for states to be 3% of GSDP. <strong>Hence statement 3 is correct.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It also recommended strictly discontinuing the practice of off-budget borrowings for states and bringing all such borrowings onto their budgets. <strong>Hence statement 4 is correct.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The definition of fiscal deficit and debt should be expanded to uniformly include all off\u2011budget borrowings.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"682\" height=\"466\" src=\"https:\/\/iasquest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/image.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2871\" srcset=\"https:\/\/kingmakersiasacademy.com\/current-affairs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/image.png 682w, https:\/\/kingmakersiasacademy.com\/current-affairs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/image-300x205.png 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 682px) 100vw, 682px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"726\" height=\"577\" src=\"https:\/\/iasquest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/image-1.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2872\" srcset=\"https:\/\/kingmakersiasacademy.com\/current-affairs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/image-1.png 726w, https:\/\/kingmakersiasacademy.com\/current-affairs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/image-1-300x238.png 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 726px) 100vw, 726px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color\" style=\"background-color:#c9dde9\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>PYQ REFERENCE: (2025)<\/strong> <br><br><strong>Q. Which of the following statements with regard to recommendations of the 15th Finance Commission of India are correct?<\/strong> <br><br>I. It has recommended grants of Rs 4,800 crores from the year 2022-23 to the year 2025-26 for incentivizing States to enhance educational outcomes.\u00a0 <br>II. 45 % of the net proceeds of Union taxes are to be shared with States.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <br>III. 45,000 crores are to be kept as performance-based incentive for all States for carrying out agricultural reforms.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<br>IV. It reintroduced tax effort criteria to reward fiscal performance.\u00a0\u00a0 <br><br><strong>Select the correct answer using the code given below.\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong> <br><br>(a) I, II and III\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<br>(b) I, II and IV\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <br><strong>(c) I, III and IV\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong> <br>(d) II, III and IV\u00a0<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-23 wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#000cf9\"><strong>Source: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/prsindia.org\/files\/budget\/budget_parliament\/2026\/Union_Budget_Analysis-2026-27.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>https:\/\/prsindia.org\/files\/budget\/budget_parliament\/2026\/Union_Budget_Analysis-2026-27.pdf<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-24 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>2. Consider the following statements with respect to Classical Languages in India:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-25 wp-block-paragraph\">I. As of October 2024, there are 11 recognized classical Languages in India.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-26 wp-block-paragraph\">II. As per the Census of India 2011, the top five most spoken languages in the country are classical languages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-27 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Which of the statements given above are correct?&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-28 wp-block-paragraph\">(a) I only\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-29 wp-block-paragraph\">(b) II only\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-30 wp-block-paragraph\">(c) Both I and I\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-31 wp-block-paragraph\">(d) Neither I nor II\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-32 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Answer: (a) I only<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-33 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Explanation:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-34 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>In NEWS: <\/strong>Information given by Union Minister for Culture and Tourism Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat in a written reply in Lok Sabha<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-35 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Government of India recognized the following eleven languages as the Classical Language:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-36 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Hence statement I is correct.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color\"><tbody><tr><td>Sl. No.<\/td><td>Classical Language<\/td><td>Date of Recognition<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>i.<\/td><td>Tamil<\/td><td>12.10.2004<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>ii.<\/td><td>Sanskrit<\/td><td>25.11.2005<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>iii.<\/td><td>Telugu<\/td><td>31.10.2008<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>iv.<\/td><td>Kannada<\/td><td>31.10.2008<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>v.<\/td><td>Malayalam<\/td><td>08.08.2013<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>vi.<\/td><td>Odia<\/td><td>01.03.2014<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>vii.<\/td><td>Marathi<\/td><td>04.10.2024<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>viii.<\/td><td>Assamese<\/td><td>04.10.2024<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>ix.<\/td><td>Bangla<\/td><td>04.10.2024<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>x.<\/td><td>Pali<\/td><td>04.10.2024<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>xi.<\/td><td>Prakrit<\/td><td>04.10.2024<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-37 wp-block-paragraph\">As per the Census of India 2011, (Office of the Registrar General &amp; Census Commissioner, India). Estimate number of people in India speaking 9 classical languages are as follows:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Sl. No<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Language<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Number of People speaking (Approximately in Lakh)<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>1.<\/td><td>Tamil<\/td><td>690<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>2.<\/td><td>Kannada<\/td><td>437<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>3<\/td><td>Telugu<\/td><td>811<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>4.<\/td><td>Sanskrit<\/td><td>0.24<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>5.<\/td><td>Malayalam<\/td><td>348<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>6.<\/td><td>Odia<\/td><td>375<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>7.<\/td><td>Marathi<\/td><td>830<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>8.<\/td><td>Assamese<\/td><td>153<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>9.<\/td><td>Bengali<\/td><td>972<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-38 wp-block-paragraph\">It is estimated that part of 1038 Lakh population of Bihar speak in Pali.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-39 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>As per the Census of India 2011, (Office of the Registrar General &amp; Census Commissioner, India), the top five most spoken languages in the country are as follows:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-40 wp-block-paragraph\">I. Hindi <strong>Hence statement II is incorrect.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-41 wp-block-paragraph\">II. Bengali<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-42 wp-block-paragraph\">III. Marathi<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-43 wp-block-paragraph\">IV. Telugu<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-44 wp-block-paragraph\">V.Tamil<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color\" style=\"background-color:#aaf8de\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>PYQ REFERENCE: (2024)<\/strong> <br><br><strong>Q. The Constitution (71st Amendment) Act, 1992 amends the Eighth Schedule to the Constitution to include which of the following languages?<\/strong> <br><br>1. Konkani <br>2. Manipuri <br>3. Nepali <br>4. Maithilis <br><br><strong>Select the correct answer using the code given below:<\/strong> <br><br><strong>(a) 1, 2 and 3<\/strong> <br>(b) 1, 2 and 4 <br>(c) 1, 3 and 4 <br>(d) 2, 3 and 4<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-45 wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#0105ff\"><strong>Source: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pib.gov.in\/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2222111&amp;reg=3&amp;lang=1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>https:\/\/www.pib.gov.in\/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2222111&amp;reg=3&amp;lang=1<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-46 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>3. Which of the following statements best describes the Bio-RIDE initiative?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-47 wp-block-paragraph\">(a) A centrally sponsored scheme aimed at promoting digital health infrastructure through public\u2013private partnerships.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-48 wp-block-paragraph\">(b) A Union Cabinet approved initiative to strengthen biotechnology research, innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustainable biomanufacturing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-49 wp-block-paragraph\">(c) A mission-mode programme exclusively focused on agricultural biotechnology and genetic modification of crops.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-50 wp-block-paragraph\">(d) A regulatory framework for biosafety and ethical approval of biotechnology research in India.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-51 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Answer: (b) A Union Cabinet approved initiative to strengthen biotechnology research, innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustainable biomanufacturing.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-52 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Explanation:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-53 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>In NEWS: Transforming India into a Global Biopharma Hub<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-54 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Bio-RIDE:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-55\">\n<li>The Biotechnology Research Innovation and Entrepreneurship Development (Bio-RIDE) scheme, approved by the Union Cabinet, is a \u20b99,197 crore initiative for 2021-22 to 2025-26 designed to boost India\u2019s bioeconomy, targeting $300 billion by 2030.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It promotes cutting-edge R&amp;D, innovation, and entrepreneurship, specifically supporting sustainable biomanufacturing and biofoundry to address healthcare, agriculture, and environmental challenges. <strong>Hence option (b) is correct.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-56 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>The scheme has three broad components:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-57 wp-block-paragraph\">a) Biotechnology Research and Development (R&amp;D);<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-58 wp-block-paragraph\">b) Industrial &amp; Entrepreneurship Development (I&amp;ED)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-59 wp-block-paragraph\">c) Biomanufacturing and Biofoundry<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-60 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Implementation of Bio-RIDE Scheme will<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-61\">\n<li><strong>Promote Bio-Entrepreneurship:<\/strong> Bio-RIDE will nurture a thriving ecosystem for startups by providing seed funding, incubation support, and mentorship to bio-entrepreneurs.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Advance Innovation:<\/strong> The scheme will offer grants and incentives for cutting-edge research and development in areas like synthetic biology, biopharmaceuticals, bioenergy, and bioplastics.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Facilitate Industry-Academia Collaboration:<\/strong> Bio-RIDE will create synergies between academic institutions, research organizations, and industry to accelerate the commercialization of bio-based products and technologies.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Encourage Sustainable Biomanufacturing:<\/strong> A significant focus will be placed on promoting environmentally sustainable practices in biomanufacturing, aligned with India\u2019s green goals.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Support researchers through Extramural funding:<\/strong> Bio-RIDE will play a critical role in advancing scientific research, innovation, and technological development across diverse fields of biotechnology by supporting extramural funding to research institutions, universities, and individual researchers in areas such as agriculture, healthcare, bioenergy, and environmental sustainability.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Nurturing Human Resource in Biotechnology sector:<\/strong>&nbsp; Bio-RIDE will provide holistic development and support to students, young researchers and scientists working in the multidisciplinary areas of Biotechnology. The integrated programme of Human Resource Development will contribute towards the capacity building and skilling of the manpower and make them competent to leverage the newer horizon of technological advancements.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Further, to enable <strong>Circular-Bioeconomy<\/strong> in the country a component on Biomanufacturing and Biofoundry is being initiated in alignment with \u2018Lifestyle for the Environment (LiFE)\u2019.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color\" style=\"background-color:#a9f0f5\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>PYQ REFERENCE: (2015)<\/strong> <br><br><strong>Q. \u2018BioCarbon Fund Initiative for Sustainable Forest Landscapes\u2019 is managed by the<\/strong> <br><br>(a) Asian Development Bank <br>(b) International Monetary Fund <br>(c) United Nations Environment Programme <br><strong>(d) World Bank<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-62 wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#0026ff\"><strong>Source: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pib.gov.in\/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2222079&amp;reg=3&amp;lang=1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>https:\/\/www.pib.gov.in\/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2222079&amp;reg=3&amp;lang=1<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-63 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>4. Consider the following statements:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-64 wp-block-paragraph\">1. Article 262 of the Constitution empowers the President to adjudicate disputes relating to inter-State river waters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-65 wp-block-paragraph\">2. Under the Inter-State River Water Disputes Act, 1956 tribunal decisions are final and binding on the states.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-66 wp-block-paragraph\">3. Though Article 262 bars jurisdiction of the Supreme Court, it can hear appeals under Article 136.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-67 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Which of the statements given above is\/are correct?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-68 wp-block-paragraph\">(a) 1 and 2 only<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-69 wp-block-paragraph\">(b) 2 and 3 only<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-70 wp-block-paragraph\">(c) 1 and 3 only<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-71 wp-block-paragraph\">(d) 1, 2 and 3<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-72 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Answer: (b) 2 and 3 only<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-73 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Explanation:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-74 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>In NEWS:<\/strong> Supreme Court directs Centre to constitute tribunal to settle Pennaiyar river dispute between T.N. and Karnataka<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>\u201c262. Adjudication of disputes relating to waters of inter-State rivers or river valleys:<\/strong> <strong>\u00a0<\/strong><br><br>(1) Parliament may by law provide for the adjudication of any dispute or complaint with respect to the use, distribution or control of the waters of, in any inter-State river or river valley. <br>(2) Notwithstanding anything in this Constitution, Parliament may, by law, provide that neither the Supreme Court nor any other court shall exercise jurisdiction in respect of any such dispute or complaint as is referred to in clause (1)\u201d<br> [It should be noted that the \u201cdispute\u201d need not be between States, as such].<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-75 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Constitutional Basis<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-76\">\n<li>Article 262 of the Constitution empowers <strong>Parliament <\/strong>to:<ul><li>Adjudicate disputes relating to inter-State river waters. <strong>Hence statement 1 is incorrect.<\/strong><\/li><\/ul>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Exclude jurisdiction of the Supreme Court and other courts over such disputes.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-77 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Inter-State River Water Disputes Act, 1956 (ISRWD Act)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-78 wp-block-paragraph\">This is the <strong>primary legal mechanism<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-79 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Key features:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-80\">\n<li>A state can request the <strong>Union Government<\/strong> to intervene in a water dispute.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>If negotiations fail, the Centre may constitute a <strong>Water Disputes Tribunal<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Tribunal decisions are <strong>final and binding<\/strong> on the states. <strong>Hence statement 2 is correct.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Jurisdiction of courts is barred as per Article 262.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-81 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Examples of tribunals:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-82\">\n<li>Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Krishna Water Disputes Tribunal<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Ravi\u2013Beas Tribunal<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-83 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Inter-State River Water Disputes (Amendment) Act, 2002<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-84\">\n<li>The tribunal must give a decision within <strong>3 years<\/strong> (extendable by 2 years).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Publication of tribunal awards in the <strong>Official Gazette<\/strong> makes it enforceable.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-85 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Institutional \/ Administrative Mechanisms<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-86 wp-block-paragraph\">Negotiation and Mediation by the Union Government<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-87\">\n<li>The Ministry of Jal Shakti facilitates talks between states.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Used as a <strong>first step<\/strong> before tribunal formation.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-88 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Supreme Court\u2019s Limited Role<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-89\">\n<li>Though Article 262 bars jurisdiction, the Supreme Court:<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Can hear <strong>appeals<\/strong> under <strong>Article 136<\/strong> (Special Leave Petition). <strong>Hence statement 3 is correct.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Plays a role in <strong>interpretation and implementation<\/strong> of tribunal awards<br>\u00a0<em>(e.g., Cauvery dispute)<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-90 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Federal and Cooperative Mechanisms<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-91 wp-block-paragraph\">River Basin Management Authorities<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-92\">\n<li>Created for <strong>implementation and regulation<\/strong> of tribunal awards.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Example: <strong>Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA)<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color\" style=\"background-color:#f4eaba9c\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>PYQ REFERENCE: (2012)<\/strong> <br><br><strong>Q. Which of the following are included in the original jurisdiction of the Supreme Court?<\/strong> <br><br>1. A dispute between the Government of India and one or more States. <br>2. A dispute regarding elections to either House of the Parliament or that of Legislature of a State <br>3. A dispute between the Government of India and a Union Territory <br>4. A dispute between two or more States. <br><br><strong>Select the correct answer using the codes given below:<\/strong> <br><br>(a) 1 and 2 only <br>(b) 2 and 3 only <br><strong>(c) 1 and 4 only<\/strong> <br>(d) 3 and 4 only<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-93 wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#0702ff\"><strong>Source: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thehindu.com\/news\/national\/sc-directs-centre-to-constitute-tribunal-to-settle-pennaiyar-river-dispute-between-tn-and-karnataka\/article70581842.ece\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>https:\/\/www.thehindu.com\/news\/national\/sc-directs-centre-to-constitute-tribunal-to-settle-pennaiyar-river-dispute-between-tn-and-karnataka\/article70581842.ece<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-94 wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#1500fd\"><a href=\"https:\/\/legalaffairs.gov.in\/sites\/default\/files\/Article%20262%20and%20Inter-State%20Disputes%20relating%20to%20Water.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>https:\/\/legalaffairs.gov.in\/sites\/default\/files\/Article%20262%20and%20Inter-State%20Disputes%20relating%20to%20Water.pdf<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-95 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>5. With reference to Miniratna Category-I CPSEs, consider the following statements:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-96 wp-block-paragraph\">1. They must have made profits continuously for the last three years or earned a net profit of \u20b930 crores or more in all the three years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-97 wp-block-paragraph\">2. They are permitted to invest up to \u20b9500 crore or an amount equal to their net worth, whichever is lower.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-98 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Which of the statements given above is\/are correct?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-99 wp-block-paragraph\">(a) 1 only<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-100 wp-block-paragraph\">(b) 2 only<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-101 wp-block-paragraph\">(c) Both 1 and 2<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-102 wp-block-paragraph\">(d) Neither 1 nor 2<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-103 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Answer: (b) 2 only<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-104 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Explanation:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-105 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>In NEWS: <\/strong>Raksha Mantri approves grant of \u2018Miniratna\u2019 Category-I status to Yantra India Limited<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-106 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Public Sector Undertakings:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-107\">\n<li>Public Sector Undertakings (PSU) in India are government-owned entities in which at least 51% of stake is under the ownership of the Government of India or state governments.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>These types of firms can also be a joint venture of multiple PSUs. These entities perform commercial functions on behalf of the government.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Depending on the level of government ownership, PSUs are officially classified into two categories: Central Public Sector Undertakings (CPSUs), owned by the central government or other CPSUs; and State Public Sector Undertakings (SPSUs), owned by state governments.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>CPSU and SPSU are further classified into Strategic Sector and Non-Strategic Sector.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Depending on their financial performance and progress, CPSUs are granted the status of Maharatna, Navaratna, and Miniratna (Category I and II).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-108 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Guidelines for awarding <em>Ratna <\/em>status are as follows:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Category<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Eligibility<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Benefits for investment<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Maharatna (transl.\u2009<strong>&#8220;Great Jewel&#8221; or &#8220;Mega Jewel&#8221;<\/strong>)<\/td><td>Three years with an average annual net profit of over \u20b92,500 crores, OR The average annual Net worth of \u20b910,000 crores for three years, OR Average annual Turnover of \u20b920,000 crore for three years (against Rs 25,000 crore prescribed earlier)<sup><\/sup><\/td><td>\u20b91,000 crore \u2013 \u20b95,000 crores, or free to decide on investments up to 15% of their net worth in a project<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Navaratna (transl.\u2009<strong>&#8220;Nine Jewels&#8221;<\/strong>)<\/td><td>A score of 60 (out of 100), based on six parameters which include net profit, net worth, total manpower cost, the total cost of production, cost of services,&nbsp; PBDIT (Profit Before Depreciation, Interest, and Taxes), capital employed, etc., AND A PSU must first be a Miniratna and have 4 independent directors on its board before it can be made a Navratna.<\/td><td>up to \u20b91,000 crore or 15% of their net worth on a single project or 30% of their net worth in the whole year (not exceeding \u20b91,000 crores).<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Miniratna Category-I (transl.\u2009<strong>&#8220;Small Jewel&#8221; or &#8220;Mini Jewel&#8221; Category-I<\/strong>)<\/td><td>Have made profits continuously for the last three years or earned a net profit of \u20b930 crores or more<strong> in one of the three years<\/strong> <strong>Hence statement 1 is incorrect.<\/strong><\/td><td>up to \u20b9500 crore or equal to their net worth, whichever is lower. <strong>Hence statement 2 is correct.<\/strong> &nbsp;<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Miniratna Category-II (transl.\u2009<strong>&#8220;Small Jewel&#8221; or &#8220;Mini Jewel&#8221; Category-II<\/strong>)<\/td><td>Have made profits continuously for the last three years and should have a positive net worth.<\/td><td>up to \u20b9300 crores or up to 50% of their net worth, whichever is lower.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color\" style=\"background-color:#d8dfeb\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>PYQ REFERENCE: (2011)<\/strong> <br><br><strong>Q. Why is the Government of India disinvesting its equity in the Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs)?<\/strong> <br><br>1. The Government intends to use the revenue earned from the disinvestment mainly to pay back the external debt. <br>2. The Government no longer intends to retain the management control of the CPSEs. <br><br><strong>Which of the statements given above is\/ are correct?<\/strong> <br><br>(a) 1 only <br>(b) 2 only <br>(c) Both 1 and 2 <br><strong>(d) Neither 1 nor 2<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-109 wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#2b01fe\"><strong>Source: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pib.gov.in\/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2222169&amp;reg=3&amp;lang=1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>https:\/\/www.pib.gov.in\/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2222169&amp;reg=3&amp;lang=1<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-110 wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#0105ff\"><a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Public_Sector_Undertakings_in_India\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Public_Sector_Undertakings_in_India<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-111 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>6. The Yettinahole Project aims to divert water from streams that are tributaries of which river system?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-112 wp-block-paragraph\">(a) Cauvery<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-113 wp-block-paragraph\">(b) Krishna<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-114 wp-block-paragraph\">(c) Netravati<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-115 wp-block-paragraph\">(d) Godavari<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-116 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Answer: (c) Netravati<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-117 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Explanation:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-118 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>In NEWS: <\/strong>CAG flags serious irregularities in tendering, financial management of Yettinahole project<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-119 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Yettinahole Project:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-120\">\n<li>The Yettinahole Integrated Drinking Water Project is implemented by the <strong>Karnataka government<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It aims to supply drinking water to <strong>drought-prone districts in eastern Karnataka<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The project draws its name from the Yettinahole stream, one of the headwater tributaries of the <strong>Netravathi River<\/strong>, originating in the Western Ghats near Sakleshpur in Hassan District. <strong>Hence option (c) is correct.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The project plans to divert water from <strong>west-flowing streams in the Western Ghats<\/strong>, including Yettinahole, Kadumane Hole, Keri Hole, and Hongada Halla.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The project will benefit <strong>over 75 lakh people<\/strong> across <strong>7 districts and 6,657 villages and 38 towns<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Total estimated cost has escalated to <strong>over \u20b923,000 crore<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The first phase (initial lifting and canals) has been <strong>inaugurated<\/strong>, full project expected by <strong>2027<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"798\" height=\"449\" src=\"https:\/\/iasquest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/image-2.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2874\" srcset=\"https:\/\/kingmakersiasacademy.com\/current-affairs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/image-2.png 798w, https:\/\/kingmakersiasacademy.com\/current-affairs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/image-2-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/kingmakersiasacademy.com\/current-affairs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/image-2-768x432.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 798px) 100vw, 798px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color\" style=\"background-color:#94e9c8\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>PYQ REFERENCE: (2001)<\/strong> <strong>\u00a0<\/strong><br><br><strong>Q. Consider the following information :<\/strong> <strong>\u00a0<\/strong> <br><strong>S.no<\/strong> &#8211; <strong>Waterfall<\/strong> &#8211; <strong>Region<\/strong> &#8211; <strong>River<\/strong> <br>1. &#8211; Dhuandhar &#8211; Malwa &#8211; Narmada <br>2. &#8211; Hundru &#8211; Chota Nagpur &#8211; Subarnarekha <br>3. &#8211; Gersoppa &#8211; Western Ghats &#8211; Netravati <strong>\u00a0<\/strong> <br><br><strong>In how many of the above rows is the given information correctly matched?<\/strong> <br><br><strong>(a) Only one<\/strong> <br>(b) Only two <br>(c) All three <br>(d) None<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-121 wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#0004fe\"><strong>Source:<\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thehindu.com\/news\/national\/karnataka\/yettinahole-project-cag-flags-irregularities-in-tendering-financial-management\/article70565215.ece\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>https:\/\/www.thehindu.com\/news\/national\/karnataka\/yettinahole-project-cag-flags-irregularities-in-tendering-financial-management\/article70565215.ece<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-122 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>7. Which of the following statements best describes MICE tourism?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-123 wp-block-paragraph\">(a) Travel undertaken primarily for religious and pilgrimage purposes, focused on visiting sacred sites and participating in faith-based rituals and festivals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-124 wp-block-paragraph\">(b) Tourism associated with sports tournaments and mega events, involving travel by athletes, officials, spectators and support staff for competitive sporting activities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-125 wp-block-paragraph\">(c) Business-oriented travel involving organized meetings, incentive tours, conferences and exhibitions, aimed at networking and promotion of trade and professional collaboration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-126 wp-block-paragraph\">(d) Tourism aimed at ecologically sensitive areas, emphasizing nature conservation, minimal environmental impact and sustainable interaction with local ecosystems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-127 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Answer: (c) Business-oriented travel involving organized meetings, incentive tours, conferences and exhibitions, aimed at networking and promotion of trade and professional collaboration.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-128 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Explanation:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-129 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>In NEWS: <\/strong>Promotion of MICE Tourism<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-130 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>MICE tourism:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-131\">\n<li>MICE is an acronym for Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions. The main purpose<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>of MICE events is to create a networking platform for business, industry, government, and<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>academic communities and engage in meaningful conversations. Generally, they bring large<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>groups together for a specific purpose. MICE is also known as the \u2018Meetings industry\u2019 or<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u2018Events industry\u2019. MICE is a sub-segment of business travel, but it can also involve a leisure component.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>MICE tourism (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, Exhibitions) in India is a rapidly growing, high-revenue sector, leveraging improved infrastructure, diverse venues (from tech hubs like Bangalore to heritage cities like Jaipur), and government support like the &#8220;Meet in India&#8221; initiative to attract global business events, positioning India as a major player in the global MICE landscape.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-132 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Hence option (c) is correct.<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-133 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Key Aspects of MICE Tourism in India:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-134\">\n<li><strong>Growth Drivers:<\/strong> Post-liberalization economic growth, increased foreign investment, development of world-class convention centers, and government promotion.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Infrastructure:<\/strong> Boasts numerous 5-star hotels, modern convention centers, and excellent connectivity, capable of hosting large international events, as shown by G20 meetings.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Key Destinations:<\/strong> Major cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, Hyderabad, and Chennai are established MICE hubs, while cities like Jaipur, Udaipur, and Kochi offer unique cultural backdrops.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Economic Impact:<\/strong> High-spending delegates contribute significantly to GDP, boost employment, and drive investment in hospitality and related sectors.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Government Initiatives:<\/strong> Programs like &#8220;Incredible India&#8221; and &#8220;Meet in India&#8221; actively market the country as a prime MICE destination.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-135 wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#2000ff\"><strong>Source: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pib.gov.in\/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2222138&amp;reg=3&amp;lang=1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>https:\/\/www.pib.gov.in\/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2222138&amp;reg=3&amp;lang=1<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-136 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>8. Which of the following best describes the term \u2018Orange Economy\u2019, recently insisted in the union budget 2026?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-137 wp-block-paragraph\">(a) Economic activities related to agricultural value chains and food processing<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-138 wp-block-paragraph\">(b) Sectors driven by creativity, culture, intellectual property, and digital content creation<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-139 wp-block-paragraph\">(c) Industries focused on renewable energy and environmental sustainability<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-140 wp-block-paragraph\">(d) Manufacturing activities based on high-technology and automation<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-141 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Answer: (b) Sectors driven by creativity, culture, intellectual property, and digital content creation<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-142 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Explanation:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-143 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>In NEWS: <\/strong>Nirmala Sitharaman\u2019s \u2018orange economy\u2019 bet: Turning gen Z hobbies into lucrative jobs<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-144 wp-block-paragraph\">The 2026 Budget has quietly engineered a vibe shift for the GenZ, as it placed high stakes bets on the digital Orange Economy. While the headlines focus on macro-stability, the fine print reveals some good news for the Gen Z.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-145 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Orange Economy:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-146\">\n<li>The <strong>Orange Economy<\/strong> refers to economic activities based on <strong>creativity, culture, intellectual property, and digital content creation<\/strong>. <strong>Hence option (b) is correct.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It includes sectors such as <strong>animation, gaming, films, music, design, fashion, digital media, advertising, and comics<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The Orange Economy derives value primarily from <strong>ideas, creativity, and IP rights<\/strong>, rather than physical capital.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-147 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Orange Economy in India<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-148\">\n<li>India\u2019s Orange Economy is largely embedded within the <strong>services sector<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>India has a <strong>demographic advantage<\/strong> for the Orange Economy due to its large youth population and digital adoption.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The AVGC sector is a <strong>key pillar<\/strong> of India\u2019s Orange Economy.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>AVGC<\/strong> stands for <strong>Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming and Comics<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>India is one of the world\u2019s largest <strong>consumers of digital content<\/strong>, strengthening domestic demand for the Orange Economy.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-149 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Policy &amp; Institutional Support<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-150\">\n<li>The Union Budget 2026 formally identified the <strong>Orange Economy as a driver of future services growth<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Budget 2026 proposed the establishment of <strong>AVGC Content Creator Labs<\/strong> in schools and colleges.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>These labs will be anchored by the <strong>Indian Institute of Creative Technologies (IICT)<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The policy focus aims to integrate <strong>creative skills with formal education systems<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The Orange Economy aligns with the government\u2019s emphasis on <strong>youth-centric and first-job creation<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-151 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Economic &amp; Strategic Significance<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-152\">\n<li>The Orange Economy contributes to <strong>export of services and soft power projection<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Creative industries strengthen India\u2019s <strong>cultural diplomacy and global branding<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The Orange Economy has relatively <strong>low entry barriers<\/strong> compared to heavy manufacturing.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Digital platforms enable Indian creators to access <strong>global markets without physical relocation<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-153 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Employment &amp; Skilling<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-154\">\n<li>The AVGC sector in India is projected to require <strong>around 2 million skilled professionals by 2030<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The Orange Economy supports <strong>freelance, gig, and platform-based employment models<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Skill requirements emphasise <strong>digital literacy, storytelling, design, and AI-assisted creativity<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color\" style=\"background-color:#b2def9\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>PYQ REFERENCE: (2025)<\/strong> <br><br><strong>Q. Consider the following statements:<\/strong> <br><br><strong>Statement I: <\/strong>Circular economy reduces the emissions of greenhouse gases.\u00a0\u00a0 <br><strong>Statement II: <\/strong>Circular economy reduces the use of raw materials as inputs.\u00a0\u00a0 <br><strong>Statement III: <\/strong>Circular economy reduces wastage in the production process.\u00a0\u00a0 <br><br><strong>Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong> <br><br><strong>(a) Both Statement II and Statement III are correct and both of them explain Statement I\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong> <br>(b) Both Statement II and Statement III are correct but only one of them explains Statement I\u00a0\u00a0 <br>(c) Only one of the Statements II and III is correct and that explains Statement I\u00a0\u00a0 <br>(d) Neither Statement II nor Statement III is correct<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-155 wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#2a00ff\"><strong>Source: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.financialexpress.com\/money\/insights\/nirmala-sitharamans-orange-economy-bet-turning-gen-z-hobbies-into-lucrative-jobs\/4129125\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>https:\/\/www.financialexpress.com\/money\/insights\/nirmala-sitharamans-orange-economy-bet-turning-gen-z-hobbies-into-lucrative-jobs\/4129125\/<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-156 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>9. Consider the following statements:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-157 wp-block-paragraph\">1. Non-Debt Capital Receipts<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-158 wp-block-paragraph\">2. Union Excise Duties<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-159 wp-block-paragraph\">3. Civil Pension<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-160 wp-block-paragraph\">4. Central Sector Scheme<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-161 wp-block-paragraph\">5. Major Subsidies<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-162 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>How many of the above are the source of income for the government that rupees comes from?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-163 wp-block-paragraph\">(a) Only two<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-164 wp-block-paragraph\">(b) Only three<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-165 wp-block-paragraph\">(c) Only four<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-166 wp-block-paragraph\">(d) All five<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-167 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Answer: (a) Only two<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-168 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Explanation:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-169 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>In NEWS: Union Budget &#8211; 2026<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"891\" height=\"611\" src=\"https:\/\/iasquest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/image-3.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2876\" srcset=\"https:\/\/kingmakersiasacademy.com\/current-affairs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/image-3.png 891w, https:\/\/kingmakersiasacademy.com\/current-affairs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/image-3-300x206.png 300w, https:\/\/kingmakersiasacademy.com\/current-affairs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/image-3-768x527.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 891px) 100vw, 891px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Hence 1 and 2 are correct.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"869\" height=\"641\" src=\"https:\/\/iasquest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/image-4.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2877\" srcset=\"https:\/\/kingmakersiasacademy.com\/current-affairs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/image-4.png 869w, https:\/\/kingmakersiasacademy.com\/current-affairs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/image-4-300x221.png 300w, https:\/\/kingmakersiasacademy.com\/current-affairs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/image-4-768x566.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 869px) 100vw, 869px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color\" style=\"background-color:#f7ce8657\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>PYQ REFERENCE: (2025)<\/strong> <br><br><strong>Q. Which of the following are the sources of income for the Reserve Bank of India?\u00a0<\/strong> <br><br>I. Buying and selling Government bonds\u00a0 <br>II. Buying and selling foreign currency\u00a0 <br>III. Pension fund management\u00a0\u00a0 <br>IV. Lending to private companies\u00a0 <br>V. Printing and distributing currency notes <br><br><strong>Select the correct answer using the code given below.\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong> <br><br>(a) I and II only <br>(b) II, III and IV <br>(c) I, III, IV and V <br><strong>(d) I, II and V<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-170 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Source: The Hindu<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-171 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>10. Fa-hien (Faxian), the Chinese pilgrim, travelled to India during the reign of<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-172 wp-block-paragraph\">(a) Samudragupta\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-173 wp-block-paragraph\">(b) Chandragupta II\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-174 wp-block-paragraph\">(c) Kumaragupta I\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-175 wp-block-paragraph\">(d) Skandagupta<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-176 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Answer: (b) Chandragupta II<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-177 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Explanation:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-178\">\n<li>Fa-hien (Faxian), the Chinese Buddhist pilgrim, traveled to India during the reign of Chandragupta II (also known as Vikramaditya) of the Gupta dynasty. <strong>Hence option (b) is correct.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>He arrived in India around 399 CE and remained until 412 CE, leaving detailed records of the Gupta empire&#8217;s prosperity, social life, and Buddhism.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>He visited the sacred Buddhist sites and collected authentic Buddhist manuscripts.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>His records stated a peaceful and well-administered empire, praising the reign of Chandragupta II.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Which among the following are the recommendations of the 16th Finance Commission? 1. It has recommended the share of [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":1359,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","ast-disable-related-posts":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"default","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":""},"categories":[1,68,71,11,42],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-2870","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-blog","category-daily-current-affairs","category-good-morning-test","category-prelims","category-prelims-current-affairs-gmt"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/kingmakersiasacademy.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2870","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/kingmakersiasacademy.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/kingmakersiasacademy.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kingmakersiasacademy.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kingmakersiasacademy.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2870"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/kingmakersiasacademy.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2870\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2879,"href":"https:\/\/kingmakersiasacademy.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2870\/revisions\/2879"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kingmakersiasacademy.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1359"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/kingmakersiasacademy.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2870"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kingmakersiasacademy.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2870"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kingmakersiasacademy.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2870"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}