1 June 2026, Questions & Answers

Explanation

The judgment explicitly states that the 'right to be forgotten' is a broader manifestation of the right to privacy, which itself is derived from Article 21 of the Constitution as established in the Puttaswamy case.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the Court stated de-indexing must operate globally. Statement 2 is incorrect as the judgment specifically prohibits de-indexing in cases involving conviction for offences against children. Statement 3 is correct as the judgment roots the right in Article 21.

Explanation

The article explicitly states: "All aforesaid directions shall be complied with within two weeks from today." This directive applied to both the search engine operators and the Union of India through MeitY.

Explanation

The judgment reasoned that since the fundamental right to informational privacy under Article 21 is not limited to a territory, the remedy (de-indexing) must also operate globally to be effective. This addresses the borderless nature of the internet.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the Union Home Ministry is preparing a fresh delimitation Bill. The Delimitation Commission operates under the administrative control of the Ministry of Home Affairs.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article. Statement 2 is incorrect; the JPC's tenure was extended until the Monsoon session, not the Budget session. Statement 3 is correct, as Union Home Minister Amit Shah proposed this formula during the debate.

Explanation

The article specifically mentions seven states: Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Goa, Manipur, Himachal Pradesh, and Gujarat. This factual detail is crucial for understanding the logistical challenge of synchronizing elections.

Explanation

The DMK leader stated the party's concern is that states which successfully implemented population control measures should not be penalised in parliamentary representation. This reflects the core federal issue in delimitation: balancing population-based representation with incentives for population stabilization.

Explanation

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is India's central bank, entrusted with managing the country's foreign exchange reserves and intervening in the market to stabilize the rupee's value, as detailed in the article.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect. The largest income component was ₹1.69 lakh crore from 'exchange gain on foreign exchange transactions', not interest on bonds. Statement 2 is correct as selling forex returns rupees to RBI, reducing market liquidity. Statement 3 is correct as provisions were for losses on securities and forward contracts due to rising yields.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the RBI sold $195 billion of foreign currency on a gross basis in 2025-26 as part of its operations to defend the rupee.

Explanation

When the RBI sells dollars, it receives rupees, thereby withdrawing rupees from the market. This reduction in rupee liquidity, if unaddressed, would push up interest rates. The RBI countered this by buying government bonds to inject rupees back into the system.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the CBSE issued the circular mandating the study of three languages for Class 9 students. CBSE is the national board that affiliates a large number of schools across India and abroad.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect as the article says the Supreme Court declined to grant an immediate stay. Statement 2 is correct as the article states 'At least two of the three must be native Indian languages.' Statement 3 is incorrect because the article clarifies that the third language is exempt from the Class 10 Board exam and will be assessed through internal evaluation.

Explanation

The article clearly mentions that the CBSE circular mandates the three-language formula for Class 9 students 'from July 1, 2026'. July 15, 2026, is the date of the next Supreme Court hearing, and 2029-30 was the earlier deferred timeline.

Explanation

The article directly states that 'The petitioners argue that language is a matter of personal choice and cannot be imposed by the state.' This forms the core of their constitutional challenge, focusing on individual liberty versus state mandate in educational policy.

Explanation

Lok Adalats are statutory forums established under the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987, to promote the settlement of disputes through conciliation and compromise.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect. The court ruled that Lok Adalats cannot grant divorce decrees at all, as their role is limited to facilitating settlements. Statement 2 is correct as the judgment interprets these statutes. Statement 3 is correct as the court affirmed that Family Courts have exclusive jurisdiction over divorce.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the Division Bench which passed the verdict comprised Justice Shekhar B Saraf and Justice A.K. Chaudhary of the Allahabad High Court's Lucknow Bench.

Explanation

The court's core reasoning, as per the article, is that the authority of Lok Adalats is statutorily limited to facilitating settlements. The power to render a judicial decision and dissolve a marriage rests exclusively with the Family Courts, making any Lok Adalat order on divorce a jurisdictional overreach.

Explanation

Article 25 of the Indian Constitution guarantees freedom of conscience and free profession, practice, and propagation of religion. The article is explicitly mentioned in the news as the basis for Adivasis' right to choose their religion without affecting their tribal status.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect as the article states that, unlike for SCs, neither the Constitution nor the law links ST identity to religion. Statement 2 is correct as per the 1963 Patna HC judgment cited. Statement 3 is incorrect because the 1950 Order applies to SCs, and the article highlights the JSM's demand to extend this principle to STs, which is currently not the case.

Explanation

The article explicitly mentions that the Patna High Court gave its ruling in 1963. This is a key factual data point from the news, crucial for prelims. The other years are distractors: 1950 is the year of the Presidential Order for SCs, 1976 is linked to the 42nd Amendment, and 1992 is related to the 73rd Amendment and PESA.

Explanation

The article argues that by splitting Adivasis on religious lines, the JSM campaign serves the interests of companies dispossessing them of jal, jangal, zameen (water, forest, land). This is presented as a strategic criticism of the campaign's impact, diverting focus from substantive rights issues.

Explanation

The POCSO Act, 2012, mandates the establishment of Special Courts for the speedy trial of offences related to child sexual abuse. The article mentions cases being heard in 'POCSO special courts'.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect. The article states the MTP Act 'does not allow abortions beyond 24 weeks even in exceptional circumstances.' Statement 2 is correct as per the empirical data cited. Statement 3 is correct as the court rejected the AIIMS doctors' argument in strong terms.

Explanation

The article explicitly states: 'Empirical studies on the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012 in India have repeatedly shown that nearly 10-15% of all cases before the POCSO special courts involve de-facto consensual relationships.'

Explanation

The article argues that the state's 'blanket criminalisation' under POCSO treats all sexual activity involving minors as a criminal offence, regardless of coercion or consensuality. It calls for a nuanced conversation that does not conflate 'de-facto consensual sexual interactions involving adolescents' with 'child rape and exploitation'.

Explanation

The article explicitly states the Padma Barrage is on the Padma river, which is Bangladesh's stretch of the Ganga.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article mentions the barrage is in Rajbari district. Statement 2 is correct as it mentions 113 MW of hydropower generation. Statement 3 is incorrect; the article describes its primary purposes as irrigation and addressing drought, not flood control.

Explanation

The article provides the specific data point that the barrage will be 2.1-km-long. The other options are plausible but incorrect distractors.

Explanation

The article states that 'Some environmental groups have also criticised the speed of approval and called for greater public scrutiny.' The other issues, while potential concerns, are not mentioned in the provided text.

Explanation

The article explicitly mentions the team of United States Trade Representative (USTR) officials led by chief negotiator Brendan Lynch. USTR is the primary agency responsible for developing and coordinating U.S. international trade policy.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article states the new Section 301 tariffs will come into effect on July 24. Statement 2 is incorrect; the timeline is reversed: tariffs were 50% in August 2025 and reduced to 18% in February 2026. Statement 3 is correct as mentioned in the article that India has ratified both conventions.

Explanation

The article specifically states: 'India saw gross Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) inflows rise to a new record high of $94.53 billion in 2025-26'. $7.65 billion is the net FDI figure, while $84.53 and $104.53 billion are distractors.

Explanation

The article emphasizes that 'finalisation of an interim trade deal is seen as important in restoring confidence among investors' and discusses the depreciation of the domestic currency (breaching Rs 95 per dollar) linked to trade tensions. The other options are not the primary drivers mentioned.

Explanation

Trade agreements, including Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements (CEPAs) and Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), are negotiated and implemented under the Department of Commerce, which is part of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article. Statement 2 is incorrect; the automatic marketing authorisation within 90 days is for Indian medicines (pharma), not agricultural products. Statement 3 is correct as the agreement provides for acceptance of India's NPOP certification.

Explanation

The article states: 'Goods from India that currently face a 5 per cent import duty in Oman, worth about $3.64 billion in exports, will become more competitive.' $2 billion is annual remittances, $7.75 million is current marine product exports, and $119 million is Oman's total marine product imports.

Explanation

The article explicitly states: 'In an era of growing global instability, the CEPA offers Indian exporters a crucial opportunity to diversify markets and reduce dependence on traditional destinations facing economic slowdown and rising trade barriers.' The other options are not mentioned as primary objectives in the provided content.

Explanation

The article states that the Reserve Bank of India’s annual report for 2025-26 expressed this concern. The Chief Economic Advisor also commented, but the primary institutional warning came from the RBI.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article's explanation for Japan's negative yields. Statement 2 is incorrect; the article cites the return of inflation and the end of Quantitative Easing as primary reasons, not fiscal deficits in developing nations. Statement 3 is correct as the article mentions net capital outflows of $580 million in that period.

Explanation

The article explicitly states: "Currently, 10-year government bond yields in India are at about 7%." The other options are plausible but incorrect distractors based on historical averages or other countries' yields.

Explanation

The article concludes that with the 'push' factor of cheap global money gone, foreign capital would require India to offer a more compelling 'pull' story based on higher GDP and earnings growth prospects. It shifts the onus onto domestic economic strength.

Explanation

The article states that TCPs are approved by the NTCA. The NBWL's Standing Committee deals with project clearance, the CWLW is a state-level officer, and FSI is for forest mapping.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect as the article states the government's claim was incorrect; maps showed the project was in a tiger corridor. Statement 2 is correct as per the dates mentioned. Statement 3 is correct as the article mentions NTCA's volte-face in August 2025 narrowing the scope.

Explanation

The article explicitly states the project involves diverting 9.4 sq km of forest land.

Explanation

In his letter, the Chief Wildlife Warden pointed out that corridors identified in TCPs by the NTCA under the Wildlife (Protection) Act 'carry statutory relevance' for scrutiny of project proposals.

Explanation

As per the article, the Online Gaming Authority of India (OGAI) is a unified regulator under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY). It was established after the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Rules, 2026, came into force.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect. In parole, the sentence is suspended and time spent does NOT count toward sentence completion. It is furlough where the period is treated as remission. Statement 2 is correct as per the article's comparison table. Statement 3 is correct as the SC upheld the 28% GST on May 27, 2026.

Explanation

The article states that the Supreme Court verdict revives tax demands of nearly Rs 2.5 lakh crore against gaming firms, fantasy sports platforms, and casinos. The other options are plausible but incorrect distractors.

Explanation

The article explicitly mentions that India and Cyprus agreed to elevate ties to a Strategic Partnership and unveiled a 5-year defence cooperation roadmap (2026–2031). While other pacts were signed, this was the key strategic upgrade.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the guidance was posted by the U.S. Department of Commerce's Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS). BIS is the agency within the Commerce Department responsible for export controls.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect: The article quotes a BIS spokesperson saying the guidance clarifies export license requirements that "have been in place since 2023", not newly created. Statement 2 is correct: The article mentions the guidance was posted after a paper about the loophole circulated, and a chip industry source estimated exports in the 'hundreds of thousands'. Statement 3 is incorrect: The article explicitly states, "the new guidance does not require data centers to stop using the chips or cut off servicing."

Explanation

The article states: "One chip industry source with deep supply-chain knowledge estimated it was in the hundreds of thousands." This is a specific data point directly from the source material.

Explanation

The article frames the action within "broader U.S. efforts to starve Chinese firms of semiconductors needed to develop critical AI capabilities." The core objective is technological containment for national security reasons, not revenue generation, market promotion, or attracting investment.

Explanation

The article explicitly states the convict was convicted and sentenced to rigorous imprisonment for life under Section 6 of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. The BNS was invoked for a separate offence of criminal intimidation.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article. Statement 2 is incorrect; the convict was sentenced under Section 6 of POCSO and Section 351(2) of the BNS for criminal intimidation, not Section 302 (murder). Statement 3 is correct as the case was instituted on May 21 and sentencing was on May 30, 2026.

Explanation

The court directed payment of ₹18.5 lakh as compensation under the victim compensation framework. Of this, ₹12 lakh was allocated for the minor girl and ₹6.5 lakh for her child.

Explanation

The court emphasized that the accused, being a former neighbour, enjoyed the trust of the victim's family and grossly abused that position to commit the crime inside her home. This betrayal of trust was a major aggravating factor, outweighing any mitigating circumstances.

Explanation

The National Family Health Survey (NFHS) is conducted under the stewardship of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW). The International Institute for Population Sciences (IIPS) is the nodal agency for its implementation.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article. Statement 2 is incorrect because the article states 'Close to 30 per cent of Indians are obese' – it refers to the general population, not specifically children. Statement 3 is correct as mentioned in the article.

Explanation

The article explicitly states: 'more than 31 per cent of children are still underweight.' The other figures are distractors; 35% is the figure from a different survey (Comprehensive Nutritional Survey) for children with adult-level triglycerides.

Explanation

The article states that 'a combination of government policies and people’s choices has led to a prioritisation of calorie intake at the cost of nutritional diversity.' It further critiques government programs for focusing 'excessively on supply-side interventions' without addressing family-level influences on diet.

Explanation

The Ministry of Commerce and Industry, under Minister Piyush Goyal, handles trade agreements and policies. FTAs and CEPAs fall under its purview, as mentioned in the article where the minister announced the agreement's entry into force.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article. Statement 2 is incorrect; the agreement entered into force on June 1, 2026, after completion of internal processes, not on the signing date. Statement 3 is correct as the article lists beneficiary sectors including textiles and marine products.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that bilateral trade reached $11.18 billion in FY 2025-26. $10.61 billion is the figure for FY 2024-25, making it a close distractor. The other options are not mentioned.

Explanation

The article states that Oman serves as a strategic gateway to the wider GCC market through its advanced port infrastructure. This is the strategic advantage mentioned. The other options are not supported by the article's content.

Explanation

As per the article, the Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation (MoSPI) is the nodal ministry that has revised and releases the Index of Industrial Production (IIP). This is a standard static GK fact.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article states the base year revision to 2022-23. Statement 2 is correct as the TAC-IIP committee's role is mentioned. Statement 3 is incorrect; the new series adds granularity to the energy sector (like separate indices for renewable energy) and does not drop all energy items.

Explanation

The article clearly states that India's industrial production expanded at a slower pace of 4.9% in April (2026). 5.7% was the growth rate in April 2025, and 6.2% was the manufacturing growth rate in April 2026, making them close distractors.

Explanation

The article states that an expanded item basket 'improves representativeness, captures diversification in industrial production, and reflects emerging industrial products and technologies.' While a reduced time lag (28 days) is a feature, it's not the primary objective of the base year revision. The IIP does not cover agriculture, and alignment with GDP is not mentioned as an objective.

Explanation

The Ministry of Labour and Employment is the nodal agency for formulating and implementing labour laws and policies in India, including the four labour codes mentioned in the article.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article. Statement 2 is correct as the article references Karl Marx's theory of surplus value. Statement 3 is incorrect because the reforms are proposed under the four labour codes, not five.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that most workers in Delhi earn only between Rs 25,000 and Rs 30,000 a month, despite exhausting schedules.

Explanation

The article emphasizes that workers have little clarity on how incentives are altered, performance metrics are determined, or why penalties appear, pointing to algorithmic opacity as a major challenge for worker protection.

Explanation

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) is the nodal ministry for India's foreign relations and diplomatic engagements. The article mentions the External Affairs Ministry spokesperson commenting on the meeting.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article. Statement 2 is incorrect because the talks focused on trade, connectivity, border security, and defence cooperation, not solely on trade. Statement 3 is correct as NSA Ajit Doval met the President on May 31, 2026.

Explanation

The article explicitly states the coup occurred on Monday (February 1, 2021). The other dates are close distractors.

Explanation

The article clearly states the talks focused on boosting bilateral cooperation in these four specific areas. While other areas might be part of broader relations, these were the primary focus of this meeting.

Explanation

The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) is a statutory body under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. As mentioned in the article, it approves the 10-year Tiger Conservation Plan for every tiger reserve.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article. Statement 2 is incorrect; the SC criticized the ITPA for NOT adequately distinguishing between voluntary sex work and trafficking. Statement 3 is correct as the article states CEPA gives 100% duty-free access on 98% of tariff lines.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that globally, 44% of households spend more than 30% of their income on rent. The 73% figure is the increase in India's price-to-income ratio from 2010 to 2023, making it a close distractor.

Explanation

The article's 'Do You Know' section emphasizes that Oman is India's closest defence partner in the Gulf and that India has secured access to the key Port of Duqm for military use and logistical support, which is crucial for Indian Ocean strategy.

Explanation

As mentioned in the article, the 'troika' that offered the bailout plan to Greece comprised the European Commission (EC), the European Central Bank (ECB), and the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect because austerity aims for fiscal balance through cuts (not increases) in public expenditure. Statement 2 is correct as per the article's explanation of Keynes's paradox of thrift. Statement 3 is incorrect; the Greek crisis showed austerity led to a 25% GDP contraction and increased debt, contradicting the guarantee of recovery.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that fiscal consolidation in Greece led to a drastic shrinking of the economy, with its economic output declining by 25 per cent.

Explanation

The article clearly links India's economic pressure to geopolitical tension in West Asia because India imports over 80 per cent of its crude oil requirements, making it vulnerable to external shocks like global inflation and fuel price hikes.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that for MSMEs, 100% of the additional credit is guaranteed by the government 'through the National Credit Guarantee Trustee Company Limited (NCGTC)'. NCGTC is the common trustee for government-backed credit guarantee schemes.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article states ECLGS 5.0 was launched 'to tackle the stress... as a result of the ongoing West Asia conflict'. Statement 2 is incorrect; the guarantee is 100% for MSMEs and 90% for non-MSMEs. Statement 3 is correct as the article mentions 'a specific carve-out of Rs 5,000 crore for the aviation sector'.

Explanation

The article clearly states: 'The Rs 2.55-lakh crore scheme, announced on May 5...'. Rs 1.71 lakh crore is the total loan amount applied for, Rs 35,194 crore is the amount sanctioned so far, and Rs 18,000 crore is the estimated cost to the government for providing the guarantees.

Explanation

The article's lead states the scheme was launched 'to tackle the stress being faced by Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and the aviation sector as a result of the ongoing West Asia conflict.' While digital processing is a feature, it is not the primary objective. The scheme is a liquidity support measure, not directly an NPA reduction tool.

Explanation

The Right to be Forgotten is derived from the broader Right to Privacy, which was recognized as an intrinsic part of the Right to Life and Personal Liberty under Article 21 by the Supreme Court in the Puttaswamy judgment.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect. The court ordered de-indexing (disabling name-based search), not removal of records. Statement 2 is correct as per the article. Statement 3 is incorrect; the article states the Supreme Court is 'dealing with' the larger takedown question, implying it is not yet settled.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the Delhi High Court decided 38 petitions through this order, with the oldest dating back to 2016.

Explanation

As clarified in the article, de-indexing does not erase the record. It prevents a person's name from being a search key, but the judgment remains accessible via case number, citation, or court details, thus balancing privacy with open justice.

Explanation

The Department of Commerce under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry is the nodal agency for formulating India's foreign trade policy and negotiating trade agreements like FTAs and CEPAs.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article. Statement 2 is correct; the deal was signed in December last year (2025) and entered force on June 1, 2026. Statement 3 is incorrect; Oman's share of India's total imports was 0.9% in FY25, not 8.8% (which was the UAE's share).

Explanation

The article states that energy shipments from Oman jumped 246.42% to $1.48 billion in April 2026, compared to $429.58 million in April 2025. $3.64 billion is the value of Indian exports to Oman that faced duties up to 5%, and $7.2 billion is the value of imports (crude oil, LNG, etc.) in FY2026.

Explanation

The article emphasizes that much of Oman's coastline is on the Gulf of Oman and Arabian Sea, outside the Strait of Hormuez. This makes ports like Salalah and Duqm accessible even when the strait is blocked, providing India a resilient trade route amidst regional conflict. Oman's population is only around 5.2 million.

Explanation

The court noted that the Supreme Court has held MTP as a right vested with the mother and equated it to the autonomy of her body under Article 21 (right to life and personal liberty).

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the court allowed termination at 32 weeks based on the medical board's opinion. Statement 2 is correct as the MTP Act permits termination up to 24 weeks without court interference. Statement 3 is incorrect because the court equated MTP to a right under Article 21.

Explanation

The bench noted in its order that 'the statute provides for medical termination of pregnancy without court interference so long as the foetus is 22 weeks old.' This is a specific data point from the article.

Explanation

The court's decision was based on the medical board's finding of severe neurological deficits and the principle that MTP is a right related to bodily autonomy under Article 21, especially when no statutory remedy is available beyond 24 weeks.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the GO activates the provisions of the Centre's Code on Wages, 2019, repealing the old Minimum Wages Act. The other acts are separate labor laws not mentioned in the context of this reform.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article says payouts via paper cash are banned and wages must be disbursed electronically. Statement 2 is incorrect because the article specifies the order categorizes 'non-agricultural, commercial, and industrial setups', excluding agriculture. Statement 3 is correct as the article states overtime on public holidays and rest days is compensated at double the rate.

Explanation

The article provides the revised wages for Zone 1: Unskilled (Rs 16,000), Semi-skilled (Rs 17,000), Skilled (Rs 18,500), and Highly Skilled (Rs 20,000). Rs 13,772 was the old wage for the Skilled category.

Explanation

The article states the zone distinction lets industrial developers set up labour-intensive projects in lower-overhead rural zones while managing corporate setups in urban centres. The other options are incorrect: wages are not uniform (they vary by zone), the article does not compare gig vs traditional worker wages, and cash wages are banned, not simplified.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that India and Australia, as co-leads of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) Working Group on Maritime Safety and Security, look forward to jointly hosting an exercise. IORA is the correct regional organisation mentioned.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article. Statement 2 is incorrect because the ministers agreed to progress maritime domain awareness activities AND to explore opportunities to enhance undersea domain awareness. Statement 3 is correct as mentioned in the article. Hence, option C is correct.

Explanation

The article specifies that the ministers reflected on the enhanced cooperation 'since the inaugural edition of the dialogue on October 9 last year'. Given the current article is dated June 2026, 'last year' refers to 2025. The other dates are close distractors.

Explanation

The article directly quotes the joint statement, noting that the ministers 'affirmed the importance of enhancing cooperation... to help maintain a free, open, peaceful, stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific'. This reflects their shared vision for the region's strategic architecture, not an alliance or nuclear deterrent.

Explanation

As per the article, the NFHS is conducted by the International Institute of Population Sciences (IIPS), under the supervision of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. This is a key static fact.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect: NFHS-6 factsheet has 101 indicators, which is fewer than the 131 in NFHS-5. Statement 2 is correct: The article lists cancer screening and out-of-pocket delivery expenditure among the omitted indicators. Statement 3 is correct: IIPS conducts the NFHS. Hence, option C is correct.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that NFHS-5 data showed 1.9% of people were screened for cervical cancer. For breast and oral cancers, the screening rate was 0.9%. This is a precise data point for prelims.

Explanation

As per the article, Health Ministry sources explained that the omissions were an attempt at 'data harmonisation' because several parameters were being reported independently by other surveys like the Sample Registration Survey (SRS) and scheme-specific reports.

Explanation

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) is the nodal agency for India's foreign relations and diplomatic engagements, including coordinating state visits and bilateral meetings. The Foreign Secretary, who briefed the media, is a senior officer of the MEA.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the President's assurance reported in the article. Statement 2 is incorrect; the delay is attributed to the security situation and active ethnic armed groups, not just financial constraints. Statement 3 is correct as explicitly mentioned by Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri.

Explanation

The article specifically mentions that stability in Myanmar is important for the security of people living along the '1,643-km-long border' that India shares with Myanmar. The other figures are close distractors representing India's borders with other countries.

Explanation

The Foreign Secretary explicitly stated that 'stability and peace in Myanmar is a major interest for India, not just for the security of the Northeast... but also for our interests, such as connectivity to Southeast Asia.' The other options either overstate or are not supported by the article's content.

Explanation

While rape is defined under the IPC, the POCSO Act is the special law enacted to deal specifically with sexual offences against children. It provides for stringent punishments and child-friendly procedures. The article mentions the victim was a 'minor disciple', placing the crime squarely under POCSO.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article states the Rajasthan HC pronounced its judgement on May 27, 2026, upholding the life term and cancelling bail. Statement 2 is incorrect because while the SC granted interim bail in Jan 2025, the Rajasthan and Gujarat HCs also extended his bail subsequently; he was not out solely on SC bail. Statement 3 is correct as per the article which mentions he served '12 years, 11 months and 27 days... including remission' and the actual custody was '11 years, 6 months and 3 days'.

Explanation

The article explicitly states in the summary and the detailed timeline that Asaram 'cited his deteriorating health to obtain court relief at least 15 times' over the past two years. The list provided also details around 15 specific instances.

Explanation

The article quotes the court's observation: 'his frail health "cannot justify ignoring the victim's voice. Quiet. Devastating. Irrefutable." To ignore it would be to shake society’s faith in the criminal justice system...'. This reflects the core judicial reasoning prioritizing the victim's justice and systemic integrity over compassionate grounds for the convict.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that both ministers underscored the importance of freedom of navigation and overflight consistent with international law, particularly the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article. Statement 2 is incorrect because the IPMSC initiative is to be implemented initially in the Indian Ocean Region, not the South China Sea. Statement 3 is correct as the article mentions the welcome for the defence trade mission and exploration of exchanges through the Joint Working Group on Defence Industry, Research, and Materiel.

Explanation

The article states: "The two Ministers welcomed the growing strategic convergence between Australia, India, Japan and the United States (U.S.) in the Indo-Pacific..." This grouping of four nations is commonly referred to as the Quad or Quadrilateral Security Dialogue.

Explanation

The article directly quotes the joint statement: "The Ministers affirmed the importance of enhancing cooperation with regional partners to help maintain a free, open, peaceful, stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific." This reflects the shared vision for the region's strategic architecture.

Explanation

The article states that NPCI runs the UPI system. It is an initiative of RBI and the Indian Banks' Association (IBA) but is operated by NPCI as the umbrella organisation for retail payments.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article. Statement 2 is incorrect because the 19% growth was in value terms, not volume; volume grew by 24%. Statement 3 is incorrect as the article mentions the average ticket size has declined from ₹1,848 in 2021 to ₹1,313 in 2025.

Explanation

The article explicitly states: "The UPI transaction in volume terms was 22.35 billion recorded in April, 2026." Option A is the volume for May 2025, C is for May 2026, and D is the value for April 2026 in lakh crore, not billion.

Explanation

The article quotes the Cashfree Payments CEO stating that the decline in average ticket size "is not a concern, it is a sign of a maturing ecosystem." It indicates UPI is being used more frequently for everyday, small-ticket purchases, deepening its penetration.

Explanation

The GST Council is the constitutional body established under Article 279A. It is chaired by the Union Finance Minister and includes state Finance Ministers. It recommends GST rates, exemptions, and laws.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as gross GST grew 3.2% to ₹1.94 lakh crore. Statement 2 is incorrect; taxable supplies of goods grew 26.9% while services grew 22.2%, meaning goods growth was higher. Statement 3 is correct as net GST revenue was about ₹1.67 lakh crore after adjusting refunds of ₹27,281 crore.

Explanation

The article states that 'IGST collection from imports rose 19.1% during May to ₹59,654 crore'. The other figures correspond to CGST (₹37,397 cr), SGST (₹45,143 cr), and IGST from domestic transactions (₹51,990 cr).

Explanation

GST is an indirect tax on consumption. Rising GST collections, especially when driven by growth in taxable supplies of goods (26.9%) and services (22.2%), directly reflect higher economic transactions within the formal sector and robust domestic demand.