PIB Policy Dossier: भगवान शाक्यमुनि बुद्ध के पवित्र अवशेष 8 नवंबर को बोमडिला स्थित थुबचोग गात्सेल लिंग (टीजीएल) मठ पहुंचे
Autonomous verified briefing of government policy notifications, Cabinet decisions, and high-yield Prelims MCQs for 2026-11-09.
Executive Summary
⚡ Today's Prelims Practice Quiz
🎯 UPSC Prelims Practice Drill
With reference to the financial structure and budgetary history of Indian Railways, consider the following statements: 1. The separation of the Railway Budget from the Union Budget in 1924 was originally instituted to ensure that the central government received an assured contribution from railway revenues. 2. Post-merger of the Railway Budget with the Union Budget, the Ministry of Railways lost its financial decision-making autonomy. 3. The discontinuation of the mandatory annual dividend payment on gross budgetary support provides financial relief to the Railways while central budgetary support continues. Which of the statements given above are correct?
- [A] 1 and 2 only
- [B] 1 and 3 only
- [C] 2 and 3 only
- [D] 1, 2 and 3
▶ Reveal Official Answer & Analytical Explanation
Statement 1 is correct: The separate Railway Budget (established in 1924) was designed to guarantee an assured revenue contribution to the central government. Statement 2 is incorrect: Even after the merger of the Railway Budget with the Union Budget, the Ministry of Railways retained its financial decision-making autonomy. Statement 3 is correct: The removal of the ~5% dividend payment saves the Railways around Rs 9,700 crore annually, while gross budgetary support from the central government continues.
🎯 UPSC Prelims Practice Drill
With reference to the 'Swachh Survekshan' initiative in India, consider the following statements: 1. It is an annual urban cleanliness evaluation program conducted under the Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs. 2. The 'Swachh City Jodi' initiative serves as a peer-mentorship framework pairing mentor cities with participating cities across States and Union Territories to improve waste and water management. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- [A] 1 only
- [B] 2 only
- [C] Both 1 and 2
- [D] Neither 1 nor 2
▶ Reveal Official Answer & Analytical Explanation
Statement 1 is correct as Swachh Survekshan is the annual urban cleanliness assessment under Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban administered by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs. Statement 2 is correct because the 'Swachh City Jodi' initiative is a peer-mentorship framework designed to pair established mentor cities with participating cities across 33 States and UTs to enhance door-to-door waste collection and used water management.
🎯 UPSC Prelims Practice Drill
With reference to Exercise 'Rahat Mitra', recently seen in the news, consider the following statements: 1. It is the inaugural bilateral tri-service Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) exercise conducted between India and Myanmar. 2. The exercise was conducted based on a simulated scenario of a severe cyclone to test joint disaster management protocols. 3. Naval assets including INS Bitra and Chetak helicopters participated in demonstrating maritime Search and Rescue (SAR) capabilities during the exercise. Which of the statements given above are correct?
- [A] 1 and 2 only
- [B] 2 and 3 only
- [C] 1 and 3 only
- [D] 1, 2 and 3
▶ Reveal Official Answer & Analytical Explanation
Statement 1 is correct: Exercise 'Rahat Mitra' is the first bilateral tri-service Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) exercise conducted between the armed forces of India and Myanmar in Chennai. Statement 2 is correct: A table-top exercise based on a severe cyclone scenario was utilized to discuss coordinated response mechanisms and joint disaster management protocols. Statement 3 is correct: Maritime Search and Rescue (SAR) capabilities were demonstrated during the exercise involving coordinated maneuvers by Chetak helicopters and INS Bitra.