UPSC Lifebloods brings to you its initiative of subject-wise quizzes. These quizzes are designed to help you revise some of the most important topics from the static part of the syllabus. Attempt today’s subject quiz on the Economy to check your progress.

QUESTION 1

With reference to the aviation fuel, consider the following statements:

1. Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) is a high-quality petrol-based fuel.

2. The sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) is produced from feedstocks.

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

Relevance: The question tests basic understanding of fuel types and classifications. It is important due to increasing focus on sustainable fuels and decarbonisation.

Explanation:

— Even as the prices of aviation turbine fuel (ATF), or jet fuel, have surged globally due to the raging West Asia war, the price of the fuel for domestic scheduled flights in India has been hiked only partially by the public sector oil marketing companies (OMCs), according to the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoPNG).

— Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF), sometimes known as jet fuel, is a specialised, high-quality kerosene-based fuel that is refined specifically to power aircraft gas turbine engines. Hence, statement 1 is not correct.

— The sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) is a biofuel that is produced from sustainable feedstocks and has chemistry similar to conventional aviation turbine fuel (ATF) or jet fuel, which is derived from crude oil. Hence, statement 2 is correct.

— The year 2027 will be an important one for adoption of SAF globally with the mandatory phase of CORSIA kicking in. CORSIA, which applies to international flights, would require airlines globally to offset any growth in carbon dioxide emissions beyond the 2020 levels. India, too, will have to comply with the mandatory phase starting 2027. In line with the CORSIA framework, India’s National Biofuel Coordination Committee (NBCC) has set the initial indicative targets for blending of SAF with jet fuel 2027 onwards, starting with international flights. The indicative targets are: 1 per cent blending in 2027 and 2 per cent in 2028.

Therefore, option (b) is the correct answer.

QUESTION 2

With reference to the Special Economic Zones (SEZs), consider the following statements:

1. The functioning of the SEZs is governed by a three tier administrative set up.

2. All the proposals for setting up of units in the SEZ are approved at the Zone level.

3. The state governments cannot offer concessions for SEZs.

4. The performance of the SEZ units are periodically monitored by the Ministry of Finance.

How many of the statements given above are correct?

(a) Only one

(b) Only two

(c) Only three

(d) All four

Relevance: The question is important for understanding Centre–State roles and approval mechanisms. Aspirants must read about SEZ in brief. It is frequently in current affairs, which makes this topic crucial for UPSC prelims.

Explanation:

— As the West Asia war entered its fifth week, the government on Wednesday implemented concessions for Special Economic Zones (SEZs) announced during the Union Budget 2026-27. SEZ manufacturers have been facing pressures amid global geopolitical tensions and the US tariff impact from last year. This “one-time concession” will remain in place from April 1, 2026, to March 31, 2027, the government said.

— According to the sezindia.gov.in –

— “The functioning of the SEZs is governed by a three tier administrative set up. The Board of Approval is the apex body and is headed by the Secretary, Department of Commerce. The Approval Committee at the Zone level deals with approval of units in the SEZs and other related issues. Each Zone is headed by a Development Commissioner, who is ex-officio chairperson of the Approval Committee. Hence, statement 1 is correct.

— Once an SEZ has been approved by the Board of Approval and Central Government has notified the area of the SEZ, units are allowed to be set up in the SEZ. All the proposals for setting up of units in the SEZ are approved at the Zone level by the Approval Committee consisting of Development Commissioner, Customs Authorities and representatives of State Government. Hence, statement 2 is correct.

— All post approval clearances including grant of importer-exporter code number, change in the name of the company or implementing agency, broad banding diversification, etc. are given at the Zone level by the Development Commissioner.

— The performance of the SEZ units are periodically monitored by the Approval Committee and units are liable for penal action under the provision of Foreign Trade (Development and Regulation) Act, in case of violation of the conditions of the approval.” Hence, statement 4 is not correct.

— While SEZs are administered by central law, state governments play an important supportive role. They can offer extra incentives like subsidised land, stamp duty exemptions, electricity duty waivers, and municipal tax breaks. Hence, statement 3 is not correct.

Therefore, option (b) is the correct answer.

QUESTION 3

With reference to the power generation, consider the following statements:

1. Power generated from gas-based units is cheaper than coal and renewable energy.

2. Coal-based power plants dominate India’s electricity generation mix, contributing over 70%.

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

Relevance: The question checks conceptual clarity on energy economics. It is important for students to understand India’s energy mix and dependency patterns. Aspirants must also read about the contribution of renewable energy.

Explanation:

— As India heads into a “hotter-than-normal” summer, with forecasts pointing to an above-average number of heatwave days, the government plans to rely more on coal-based power to meet peak summer demand.

— Coal-based power plants already dominate India’s electricity generation mix, contributing over 70%. Gas contributes around 1-2% in the country’s overall power generation. Hence, statement 2 is correct.

— Power generated from gas-based units is typically more expensive than coal and renewable energy. However, due to their flexibility, they are generally used during high-demand periods, such as peak summer months when cooling demand surges, to meet evening peak demand. Hence, statement 1 is not correct.

— In the past, the government has invoked emergency measures to ensure utilities operate both gas and coal plants at full capacity when soaring temperatures push electricity consumption to record levels.

Therefore, option (b) is the correct answer.

QUESTION 4

The Ways and Means Advances (WMA) is:

(a) a long-term concessional loan provided by the International Monetary Fund to member countries for balance of payments crises.

(b) a grant-in-aid released by the Ministry of Finance to states for infrastructure development without repayment obligations.

(c) a mechanism through which the Reserve Bank of India directly finances fiscal deficits of the government on a permanent basis.

(d) a short-term interest-bearing advance – to the Governments, to meet temporary mismatches in their receipts and payments.

Relevance: The WMA is an important finance tool. The question tests conceptual clarity on government financing instruments and fiscal management tools. UPSC may ask questions on specific terms, which are frequently in news. Aspirants must read about these terms in detail.

Explanation:

— The Reserve Bank has well defined obligations and provides several banking services to the Governments. As a banker to the Government, the Reserve Bank receives and pays money on behalf of the various Government Departments. It provides Ways and Means Advances – a short-term interest-bearing advance – to the Governments, to meet temporary mismatches in their receipts and payments.

Therefore, option (d) is the correct answer.

(Source: http://www.rbi.org.in)

QUESTION 5

With reference to the MGNREGS in the 2025–26, consider the following statements:

1. The number of households that availed MGNREGS in the 2025–26 fiscal year was higher than last year.

2. The figure for the 2025-26 fiscal year does not include Assam’s beneficiaries.

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

Relevance: The question tests awareness of recent trends in flagship schemes like MGNREGA. Aspirants must focus on data interpretation and exceptions in official reporting. As it is linked with current affairs, which makes it an important pick for UPSC.

Explanation:

— As the NDA government moves to replace the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) with the Viksit Bharat–Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (GRAMIN).

— The official data shows that 5.32 crore households availed the scheme in the 2025–26 fiscal year, an 8 per cent decline from the previous year. The number of households that availed MGNREGS in the 2025–26 fiscal year was lower than last year’s 5.78 crore. Hence, statement 1 is not correct.

— The figure for the 2025-26 fiscal year does not include West Bengal’s beneficiaries, as no work was taken up under MGNREGS in the state. In 2025-26, MGNREGS demand was higher only during May-June compared to the corresponding months of the previous fiscal year, while it was lower in the other months. Hence, statement 2 is not correct.

Therefore, option (d) is the correct answer.

Don’t miss | UPSC Current Affairs Pointers of the past week (23–29 March 2026) | UPSC Lifebloods | Hunk of Knowledge

The post UPSC Lifebloods | Daily subject-wise quiz : Economy MCQs on aviation fuel, Ways and Means Advances and more appeared first on Rma News: Latest News, Live Breaking News, Today News, Political News Updates.

Governor Gehlot was supposed to fly to Hyderabad from the newly inaugurated Terminal 2 of the Bengaluru International Airport. He was flying to Hyderabad to attend a convocation ceremony in Raichur. However, the AirAsia flight took off without the governor boarding the plane. 

As per the report, as soon as the AirAsia flight arrived, Gehlot’s luggage was loaded in it. However, there was said to be a delay in Gehlot reaching the terminal, the sources added. By the time he could reach from the VIP lounge to take the flight, the plane took off for Hyderabad, sources said.

The Governor had to take another flight after 90 minutes to reach Hyderabad, the sources added. Meanwhile, the Governor House officials were tight-lipped on the issue. AirAsia officials were not available for comment. An official of the Bangalore International Airport Limited, which operates KIA, said, “We usually do not comment on airline related matters. Please check with AirAsia.”

A plane taking off without the Governor is seen as a breach of protocol, and action can be taken against AirAsia India for the incident. Meanwhile, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) on Thursday gave its go ahead to the Tata Group’s initiative to merge the budget airline AIX Connect (previously known as AirAsia India) with Air India Express. 

AIXL currently operates flights from 20 Indian cities to 14 regional international destinations, while AIXC serves 19 domestic destinations, complementing each other’s networks to provide more extensive travel options for passengers.

Source: Bureau

The post AirAsia Flight Leaves Karnataka Governor Behind At Bengaluru Airport appeared first on Rma News: Latest News, Live Breaking News, Today News, Political News Updates.

The post Go First Flight Cancellation Extended Till June 19, Refunds Initiated appeared first on Rma News: Latest News, Live Breaking News, Today News, Political News Updates.

“As a result of this intervention, prices have seen up to 60 percent decline. This is being monitored daily by the Minister himself,” as per ministry sources on data by DGCA’s Tariff Monitoring Unit. The official source further stated, “Airfares internationally have remained firm on account of various factors like the opening of markets after the pandemic and the resultant surge in demand, rise in ATF prices globally, supply chain disruptions on account of both Covid and Ukraine-Russia conflict… The rise in airfares has been mostly seen on select routes that were earlier being serviced by GoFirst.

A meeting with the airlines was held on June 5, 2023, where airlines were strictly advised to self-regulate fares on certain select routes that have seen considerable surge pricing of late. A mechanism for ensuring reasonable pricing within the high reservation booking designator (RBD) will be devised by airlines.”

“The DGCA is monitoring this. During any calamity, airlines need to keep a tight check on the pricing of air tickets in view of the humanitarian situation and monitor and control any surge in ticket prices to/from that region. In the case of the unfortunate Odisha tragedy, airlines were advised to provide free carriage (cargo) services to the families of the deceased,” it stated.

Even in the case of Delhi – Ahmedabad, the Minimum D1 fares, which were as high as 60 percent till Monday, have come down to 20 percent, the report said.

Earlier on June 7, Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia said that airfares on certain routes from Delhi have been considerably reduced by 14 to 61 percent following the airlines’ advisory group meeting.

Scindia explained that airlines have the authority to determine airfares, and various factors are considered, including market dynamics and season. The aviation industry employs an algorithm for pricing decisions.

“The airlines have been given rights to fix airfares which are market controlled. The aviation market in the country is season based. The rates are also fixed accordingly. If capacity is low and demand is high, and input costs are not reduced, then rates will be high. There is an algorithm to decide the fare,” he said.

He further said that private airline companies also have their own social responsibility and there should be a limit to increasing fares across sectors. Further, clarifying and explaining the role of the aviation Ministry, he said, “The role of the ministry is that of a facilitator and not a regulator.”

Scindia chaired the high-level meeting, which was called on June 5 by the airline’s advisory group, where he urged airlines to self-regulate airfares and maintain reasonable price levels. “There have been some unforeseen incidents in Manipur, and now in Odisha, fare rates should be strictly monitored by airlines,” Ministry advised airlines

Source: ANI

The post Airlines Reduce Airfares By 60 Percent On Several Routes After Government’s Instructions appeared first on Rma News: Latest News, Live Breaking News, Today News, Political News Updates.

The broadcaster showed footage of jets from Taiwan’s Eva Airways and Thai Airways on the ground. Part of the wing of the Thai Airways plane looked to be broken, and what appeared to be fragments could be seen near the runway.

Thai Airways said its Bangkok-bound flight was on a taxiway preparing for takeoff when a winglet – a part at the tip of its plane’s right wing – collided with the rear of an Eva aircraft that was also on a taxiway

The collision damaged the Thai airplane’s winglet, meaning it was unable to operate the flight, the airline said. The Airbus A330 aircraft carried 250 passengers and 14 crew members.

Eva was not available for comment immediately. Japan’s transport ministry did not respond immediately to a request for comment. Thai Airways said Japan’s civil aviation authority was investigating the incident.

Source: Reuters

The post Thai Airways Plane Carrying 250 Passengers Collides With Eva Airways Aircraft At Tokyo Airport appeared first on Rma News: Latest News, Live Breaking News, Today News, Political News Updates.

The airline, which is to be merged with Air India, is expanding its fleet as well as staff strength. Against this backdrop, the carrier on Friday said due to an unforeseen issue with the supply of material, it is experiencing limited availability of cabin crew uniforms.

“In the coming days, some of our cabin crew may be seen performing their duties in black-coloured trousers and polo T-shirts with the Vistara logo instead of our standard aubergine uniform,” it said in a tweet. Vistara expects to add a total of 10 planes as well as hire more than 1,000 people in the current financial year.

Source: PTI

The post Vistara Airlines Cabin Crew Faces Shortage Of Uniform Amid Supply Chain Issues appeared first on Rma News: Latest News, Live Breaking News, Today News, Political News Updates.

Air India has cancelled its flight scheduled to fly from San Francisco to Mumbai due to a technical issue in the Boeing 777 aircraft. While regretting the disruption to its customers, Air India said the affected people have been offered the option of alternative flights or a full refund for the cancelled flight.

Flight AI180 was scheduled to operate from San Francisco to Mumbai on June 8 and was cancelled due to an “unforeseen technical issue”. Sources said the flight was initially delayed by a few hours due to some issues with an aircraft tyre, and subsequently, the flight was cancelled. Details about the number of passengers who had booked the flight could only be ascertained after a period of time.

On June 6, an Air India flight from Delhi to San Francisco carrying 216 passengers and 16 crew on board was diverted to the Magadan port city in far east Russia following a mid-air glitch in one of the Boeing 777-200LR aircraft engines. All were stranded in the port city for two days, and the replacement aircraft ferried them to San Francisco on June 8.

Source: PTI

The post Air India San Francisco-Mumbai Flight Cancelled Due To Technical Snag appeared first on Rma News: Latest News, Live Breaking News, Today News, Political News Updates.

The post Go First Airline Cancels All Flight Operations Till June 12, Assures Full Refund appeared first on Rma News: Latest News, Live Breaking News, Today News, Political News Updates.

As per ANI, the incident occurred on June 7, after a female passenger on the Dubai-bound flight raised a complaint to one of the flight attendants about the man talking about a bomb. However, nothing was found after Delhi Police initiated an investigation into the matter.

The person accused of creating the hoax bomb threat at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport was booked under section 341 (punishment for wrongful restraint) and 268 (public nuisance). 

Recently, there have been multiple instances of a hoax bomb threat. Recently, a flight from Kolkata’s Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport was grounded because of a threat. 

The Qatar Airways flight from Kolkata to London via Doha was delayed after a passenger began shouting that there was a bomb in the plane. At the time of the incident, the flight had 541 passengers on board and was getting ready to take off at 3.29 am on Tuesday. However, the passenger was off-loaded after the threat on flight.

Source: Bureau

The post Delhi Airport: UP Man On Dubai-Bound Vistara Flight Arrested Over Bomb Threat appeared first on Rma News: Latest News, Live Breaking News, Today News, Political News Updates.

“We will be inducting 10 B737 aircraft between September-October. The induction of these planes, which coincides with the peak travel season in India, will help us launch new routes and strengthen our presence on existing ones,” said Ajay Singh, Chairman, and Managing Director of SpiceJet. The airline said it has already signed a lease agreement for these 10 planes, which will start joining the fleet in September to cater to the rising demand.

“There has been a significant surge in passenger demand, and we are hopeful that this trend will continue in the latter part of the year as well,” said Singh. Accordingly, SpiceJet has been planning capacity addition to cater to the growing needs of the Indian aviation market, he said.

Source: PTI

The post SpiceJet To Induct 10 Boeing 737 Narrow-Body Aircraft, Launch New Routes appeared first on Rma News: Latest News, Live Breaking News, Today News, Political News Updates.