UPSC Essentials 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. 🚨 Click Here to read the UPSC Essentials magazine for May 2026. Share your views and suggestions in the comment box or at [email protected]🚨 1. Under the new SARTHAK-PDS framework, two existing schemes — financial support for intra-state movement of foodgrains and FPS dealer margins under the National Food Security Act (NFSA), and the SMART PDS programme focused on technology reforms — have been merged. 2. The scheme is intended to modernise the existing public distribution system instead of replacing it. 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: This is important for UPSC Prelims because food security and welfare delivery mechanisms can be asked in UPSC Prelims. UPSC often asks factual questions on scheme objectives, institutional reforms, and technology-driven governance initiatives. Explanation …

UPSC Essentials 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. Gear up for UPSC Prelims 2026—Practice smarter, revise faster, and succeed with our Special Quiz Magazine. (Click Here) With reference to the India and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) countries, consider the following statements: 1. The trade agreement between India and ASEAN countries was signed in 2009. 2. Bilateral trade between India and Vietnam has doubled over the past decade. 3. India’s trade deficit with the fast-growing ASEAN region has declined over the last decade. How many of the statements given above are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three (d) None Relevance: This topic is important for UPSC Prelims because ASEAN is central to India’s Act East Policy, regional connectivity, and Indo-Pacific strategy. It helps in understanding free trade agreements, regional economic integration, and India’s trade relations with major Southeast Asian economies. …