Current Affairs Quiz 29 May 2026

Q1. With reference to the SARTHAK-PDS Scheme, consider the following statements:

1. It integrates assistance for intra-state foodgrain movement under NFSA with the SMART-PDS programme.
2. The scheme seeks to create a unified and interoperable Public Distribution System architecture across India.
3. The scheme is implemented by the Union Government without involvement of State Governments.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1 only
D. 1, 2 and 3

Q1. (A) Explanation:

• Statement 1 is correct because SARTHAK-PDS merges two earlier schemes — assistance for intra-state movement and FPS dealer margins under NFSA, along with the SMART-PDS technology modernization initiative — into a single umbrella governance framework.
• Statement 2 is correct because the scheme aims to establish an intelligent, interoperable and citizen-centric PDS architecture using AI, blockchain, ML and integrated databases for real-time monitoring and transparency.
• Statement 3 is incorrect because implementation of PDS operates through cooperative federalism, where the Central Government procures and allocates foodgrains while State Governments identify beneficiaries and manage last-mile distribution systems.

Q2. Which of the following environmental principles implies that the State acts as a trustee of natural resources for public benefit?

A. Polluter Pays Principle
B. Precautionary Principle
C. Public Trust Doctrine
D. Intergenerational Equity Principle

Q2. (C) Explanation:

• The Public Trust Doctrine, evolved prominently through M.C. Mehta v. Kamal Nath (1996), holds that natural resources such as rivers, forests and minerals belong collectively to the public, while the State merely acts as a trustee.
• The doctrine limits arbitrary privatization or destructive exploitation of ecological resources and has become an important principle in Indian environmental jurisprudence.

Q3. With reference to the Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve, consider the following statements:

1. It is located in the southern Western Ghats across Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
2. It became part of UNESCO’s World Network of Biosphere Reserves in 2016.
3. It includes Kalakkad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve within its protected landscape network.

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

Q3. (D) Explanation:

• All three statements are correct because Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve spans Kerala and Tamil Nadu, was included in UNESCO’s World Network of Biosphere Reserves in 2016 and includes several protected areas including Kalakkad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve.
• The reserve is globally recognized for high endemism, medicinal plants and ecologically sensitive tropical evergreen forest ecosystems.

Q4. Which of the following technologies are increasingly associated with India’s coastal security modernization efforts?

1. AI-enabled surveillance systems
2. Drone-based maritime monitoring
3. GPS-enabled vessel tracking
4. Biometric identification systems for fishermen

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

A. 1, 2 and 3 only
B. 1 and 4 only
C. 2, 3 and 4 only
D. 1, 2, 3 and 4

Q4. (D) Explanation:

• All four technologies are increasingly integrated into India’s maritime surveillance architecture to strengthen monitoring of fishing vessels, suspicious maritime movement and unauthorized coastal access.
• Technological modernization is considered essential for improving Maritime Domain Awareness across India’s vast coastline and Exclusive Economic Zone.

Q5. Which of the following constitutional provisions empowers the Supreme Court to grant Special Leave to Appeal against judgments of any court or tribunal?

A. Article 32
B. Article 136
C. Article 141
D. Article 226

Q5. (B) Explanation:

• Article 136 grants the Supreme Court extraordinary discretionary jurisdiction to hear Special Leave Petitions (SLPs) against judgments, decrees or orders from any court or tribunal in India.
• The provision was intended for exceptional circumstances involving substantial injustice or important legal questions but has gradually become a major contributor to Supreme Court pendency.

---