1 March 2026, Questions & Answers

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the temporary council includes 'one of the jurists of the Guardian Council'. The Guardian Council is a key constitutional body in Iran responsible for vetting legislation and election candidates.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article. Statement 2 is incorrect; the article states a temporary council of the President, Head of Judiciary, and a Guardian Council jurist assumes duties, not the Assembly of Experts. Statement 3 is correct as mentioned in the news. Hence, option C is correct.

Explanation

The article specifically mentions 'seven public holidays' were declared following the death. The other options are plausible distractors, but the correct factual data from the source is 7 days.

Explanation

The core constitutional mechanism triggered, as reported, is the formation of a temporary council comprising the President, the Head of the Judiciary, and a jurist of the Guardian Council to assume leadership duties. This is the established procedure to manage the transition until the Assembly of Experts selects a permanent successor.

Explanation

As mentioned in the article, the conference was organised by the state government's Department of Science and Technology. This is a static fact directly from the news content.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the Union Minister's speech. Statement 2 is incorrect; 'Semicon 2.0' aims to make India a global hub for design, machinery, and talent, not just manufacturing (which was the focus of Semicon 1.0). Statement 3 is correct as explicitly stated regarding policy certainty for data centres.

Explanation

The article clearly states that India has trained 85,000 engineers in just four years, against a target set for ten years. The other options are distractors with close numbers.

Explanation

The Minister emphasized that policy certainty till 2047 is crucial to attract the 'entire world's data' to India, allowing the strong IT industry to transition from software services to AI-based services. This is the core objective stated in the article.

Explanation

SEBI is the statutory regulator for the securities market in India, established under the SEBI Act, 1992. Its mandates include investor protection, market development, and regulation, as highlighted in the interview with its Chairman.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as SEBI Chairman stated they have removed 1,20,000 sites and increased monthly takedowns from 5,000 to 7,000. Statement 2 is incorrect; SEBI data shows 9 out of 10 retail investors lose money in options trading, not make profits. Statement 3 is correct as the AI tool is explicitly named 'Sudarshan'.

Explanation

In the interview, the SEBI Chairman stated that 'more than Rs 7 lakh crore has already been raised in debt and equity.' The other figures are plausible but incorrect distractors.

Explanation

The Chairman explicitly stated the philosophy of 'optimal regulation — not too much of a regulation or too little regulation, but just right regulation' to balance the three mandates of investor protection, market development, and market regulation.

Explanation

The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow channel that links the Persian Gulf (west) with the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea (east). It is a vital global oil transit route.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article states the tanker was Palau-flagged with a 20-person crew. Statement 2 is incorrect; the attack was 5 nautical miles north of Khasab Port, not Duqm (Duqm was mentioned as a site of other attacks). Statement 3 is correct, detailing the crew composition and injuries.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the 20-person crew consisted of 15 Indian and 5 Iranian citizens. This is a direct factual recall question.

Explanation

The attack occurred near the Strait of Hormuz, which is a narrow sea passage through which a significant portion of the world's seaborne oil passes. Any disruption here directly impacts global energy security and prices.

Explanation

Diego Garcia is a British Overseas Territory in the Indian Ocean, leased to the United States for a military base. This is a key static GK fact for international relations.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect as the article clarifies the permission is for a 'specific and limited defensive purpose' and the UK 'will not join offensive action'. Statement 2 is correct as Prime Minister Starmer stated the move was based on 'collective self-defence'. Statement 3 is correct, naming RAF Fairford and Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean.

Explanation

Prime Minister Keir Starmer is quoted in the article stating that 'around 200,000 British nationals are currently in the region'. This is a precise data point for factual recall.

Explanation

The article directly quotes PM Starmer: 'We have taken the decision to accept this request to prevent Iran firing missiles across the region, killing innocent civilians, putting British lives at risk.' This clearly states the defensive and protective objective.

Explanation

The article explicitly mentions that the University Grants Commission (UGC) issued its guidelines for the four-year model as part of its Curriculum and Credit Framework in December 2022. Faculty also appealed for extra funding from UGC.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as faculty at AMU stated there is 'no extra funding from UGC'. Statement 2 is incorrect because Karnataka announced its own implementation but later decided to abandon the four-year programme from 2024-25, not expand it smoothly. Statement 3 is correct as the article states about 13,000 of the 23,337 students in DU's fourth year chose to complete a dissertation.

Explanation

The article provides the exact figure: 'In Delhi University alone, 23,337 students are now in their fourth year, according to K. Ratnabali, Dean of Academic Affairs.' Option A refers to the subset of those doing research, and option D refers to the scenario at AMU for many subjects.

Explanation

The article quotes the Karnataka Education department's order, which stated that keeping the four-year programme 'would potentially reduce access to undergraduate education for the poor, the socially disadvantaged groups such as Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, women and students from rural areas.'

Explanation

The Election Commission of India (ECI), established under Article 324 of the Constitution, is vested with the superintendence, direction, and control of all elections. The SIR is an extraordinary exercise conducted by the ECI to ensure accurate electoral rolls.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: 60,06,675 electors are under adjudication by SC-appointed judicial officers. Statement 2 is incorrect: The SIR reduced the count from nearly 7.66 crore to about 7.04 crore (including those under adjudication). Statement 3 is correct: The deployment of over 8,000 micro-observers was an unprecedented step in the electoral revision process.

Explanation

The article states that over 63.66 lakh voters were deleted, which constitutes 9% of the total electorate. 8.5% is the percentage placed 'under adjudication'. 20% refers to the deletion in the Chief Minister's specific constituency, not the state-wide figure.

Explanation

The Supreme Court intervened to ensure an independent, fair adjudication process. It tasked around 500 judicial officers from three states to decide whether the 60 lakh voters—cleared by state EROs but flagged as 'doubtful' by micro-observers—should be restored or deleted from the rolls.

Explanation

The article's byline explicitly states: 'The writer is professor, School of International Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi'. This is a direct factual extraction from the source.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article mentions the strike was called 'Epic Fury'. Statement 2 is incorrect; the article states the crude oil price is $70 per barrel, not $80. Statement 3 is correct as per the line: 'Khamenei had appointed Ali Larijani as a de facto leader, bypassing President Masoud Pezeshkian.'

Explanation

The article specifically states: 'Over nine million people... live in different parts of West Asia.' The other options are plausible but incorrect distractors.

Explanation

The article explicitly lists priorities for India, stating: 'The priority should be to ensure the security of the Indian diaspora in West Asia.' While oil prices and regional strategy are mentioned, the security of citizens is highlighted as the foremost concern.

Explanation

The article explicitly mentions Cordula Droege as the chief lawyer for the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), which has called for global limits on AI weapons. This is a static fact from the provided content.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article. Statement 2 is incorrect; Anthropic wants to embed safeguards, not remove them. Statement 3 is correct as the article states Defense Secretary Hegseth threatened to invoke the rarely used Defense Production Act. Hence, option C is correct.

Explanation

The article states: 'Anthropic, a 5-year-old company worth about $380 billion...' The other options are plausible but incorrect distractors.

Explanation

The core conflict is about control over AI's application. Anthropic wants to embed safeguards to prevent use in autonomous weapons and mass surveillance, while the Pentagon insists a private company cannot dictate lawful national security use. This is the fundamental disconnect described in the article.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the 'U.S. Department of Defence has already quadrupled production orders for THAAD and PAC-3 MSE interceptors'. The Department of Defence (DoD) is responsible for the military and procurement of defence systems.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article mentions newer interceptors like those in Patriot are 'hit-to-kill'. Statement 2 is incorrect; Iron Beam is described as a defence against 'drone swarms', not primarily ballistic missiles. Statement 3 is correct as Cheongung II uses a 'Vertical Launch System' with a rotating radar for 360° coverage.

Explanation

The article states: 'The system’s PAC-3 Missile Segment Enhancement (MSE) interceptors however cost around $4 million per shot.' This is a key data point highlighting the high cost of advanced missile defence.

Explanation

The article explains that systems like Patriot need to be 'rationed' to 'keep costs down' because each PAC-3 MSE interceptor costs $4 million. This creates a vulnerability to 'saturation attacks' where an enemy fires many cheap missiles to exhaust the limited, expensive interceptors.

Explanation

As per the article, the Assembly of Experts, a panel of Shia clerics, is tasked with selecting a new supreme leader. The Guardian Council vets its candidates but does not make the selection.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect because members of the Assembly of Experts are popularly elected, not appointed by the Supreme Leader. Statement 2 is correct as per the article. Statement 3 is also correct, as the article mentions the 1989 transition was the only previous one.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the panel of Shia clerics in the Assembly of Experts is 'popularly elected every eight years'. This is a key factual detail for Prelims.

Explanation

The article directly states that a father-to-son transfer 'could spark anger... Some may see it as un-Islamic and in line with creating a new, religious dynasty'. This is the specific concern mentioned, not a procedural or external intervention issue.

Explanation

The article lists the V8 members as Saudi Arabia, Russia, Iraq, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Kazakhstan, Algeria, and Oman. Iran, while a major oil producer and OPEC member, is not part of this specific 'Voluntary Eight' subgroup mentioned in the context of the meeting.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article, which states 'through which around 20 million barrels of crude pass each day -- around 20% of global production.' Statement 2 is incorrect because the article mentions both Saudi Arabia and the UAE have such pipeline networks. Statement 3 is incorrect as analysts in the article suggest the impact of the increase will be limited, and the conflict's risk premium is a separate, larger factor.

Explanation

The article explicitly states: 'Last year, the V8 group... boosted production by around 2.9 million barrels per day (bpd) in total before announcing a three-month pause in output hikes.' Option D is the current proposed increase, making it a close distractor.

Explanation

The article directly states: 'the principal risk remains a prolonged blockade of the Straits of Hormuz.' It elaborates that this chokepoint handles 20% of global oil with few alternatives, making its blockade the most significant supply disruption threat mentioned.

Explanation

As per the UN Charter, the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) has the primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security. The article describes an emergency meeting of this 15-nation body following military strikes.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article states the meeting was held 'just hours after' the strikes on February 28, 2026. Statement 2 is incorrect because Guterres stated he was 'not in a position to confirm' Khamenei's death; it was U.S. President Trump who announced it. Statement 3 is correct as the Iranian envoy termed the aggression a 'war crime and a crime against humanity' and a violation of the UN Charter.

Explanation

The article explicitly states the emergency meeting of the UN Security Council was held on Saturday, February 28, 2026. March 01 is the article's publication date, and the other dates are not mentioned.

Explanation

Guterres explicitly warned that 'military action carries the risk of igniting a chain of events that no one can control in the most volatile region of the world,' referring to the Middle East. The other options, while potential consequences, were not the primary warning highlighted in his statement.

Explanation

The article explicitly mentions that the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) has revamped the GDP data. MoSPI is the nodal agency for national statistical data in India.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article states the new series has 2022-23 as the base year. Statement 2 is incorrect because the revision led to a reduction (not increase) in nominal GDP by 3-4%. Statement 3 is correct as the article mentions changes in data sources and methods as reasons.

Explanation

The article clearly states that the second advance estimate under the new series lowered the nominal GDP for 2025-26 by 3.3% to Rs 345 lakh crore.

Explanation

The article explains that a smaller nominal GDP (the denominator) increases the fiscal deficit and debt-to-GDP ratios. Specifically, it mentions the Centre's debt-to-GDP ratio rising from 56.2% to 58.1% in 2025-26 due to the revision.

Explanation

The article states that the 1953 regime change resulted from the British seeking U.S. assistance, leading to a joint operation by the CIA (U.S.) and MI6 (U.K.), known as Operation Ajax, to overthrow Mossadegh.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: Reza Shah founded the Pahlavi dynasty in 1925. Statement 2 is correct: Mossadegh nationalized oil and was subsequently arrested after the 1953 coup. Statement 3 is correct: The article mentions a 1979 referendum with 98% vote established the Islamic Republic under Ayatollah Khomeini.

Explanation

The article explicitly states the Shah and his family fled Iran in 1979, and a referendum that year established the Islamic Republic. 1953 is the year of the coup, 1925 is the founding of the Pahlavi dynasty, and 1980 is the year the Shah died.

Explanation

The article directly links the coup to Mossadegh's championing of "the need to nationalise Iran's massive oil reserves," which prompted the British to seek U.S. assistance for regime change. The other options are not mentioned as primary causes in the provided text.

Explanation

CENTO (Central Treaty Organization), formed in 1955, was a Cold War-era military alliance aimed at containing Soviet influence. The article mentions it was 'Western-sponsored' and included Iran, Turkey, and Pakistan.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect: Iran acted as a purchasing agent, buying ~90 F-86 jets from a West German dealer, not selling its own. Statement 2 is incorrect: The Shah refused to send Iranian pilots, proposing instead that Jordan send its planes. Statement 3 is correct: The article states the Shah 'could not send Iranian aircraft and pilots... He was not prepared to risk a confrontation with the Soviet Union.'

Explanation

The article explicitly states: 'Iran purchased around 90 F-86 jet fighters... from a West German arms dealer.' The other options are plausible but incorrect distractors.

Explanation

The article details US concerns about West Pakistan's fuel reserves and military standstill. Kissinger asked if fuel could be rushed 'so that West Pakistan could be saved from being captured by India after the successful conquest of East Pakistan.' The other objectives are not supported by the text.

Explanation

The judgment specifically directs the committee to refer to notifications from the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) dated 15.08.2018 and 17.05.2022 while framing relaxed norms for PwD candidates.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the judgment explicitly states relaxation is a constitutional obligation under Articles 14, 16, and 21. Statement 2 is incorrect; 'reasonable accommodation' is defined under Section 2(y) of the RPWD Act, 2016, not Section 34. Section 34 deals with reservation. Statement 3 is correct as the judgment draws from the Supreme Court's ruling in Jeeja Ghosh (2016).

Explanation

The RPWD Act, 2016 mandates 4% reservation in government jobs for Persons with Disabilities, which includes 1% for those with locomotor disability. This replaces the 3% reservation under the earlier Persons with Disabilities Act, 1995.

Explanation

The judgment emphasizes that treating unequals as equals (formal equality) renders reservation meaningless. It upholds the principle of substantive equality, which requires necessary modifications and accommodations (like relaxation in marks) to ensure PwD candidates can enjoy rights equally, as guaranteed under Articles 14, 16, and 21.

Explanation

As per the article and Iran's constitutional framework, the Assembly of Experts, comprising 88 senior clerics, is vested with the power to appoint, supervise, and dismiss the Supreme Leader.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article, which states the Supreme Leader must be a senior Shia cleric. Statement 2 is incorrect; the leader is appointed by the Assembly of Experts, not directly elected. Statement 3 is correct as the article mentions Khamenei had named three candidates, including his son Mojtaba.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that Iran announced '40 days of official mourning' along with a seven-day national holiday period following the death of Ayatollah Khamenei.

Explanation

The article states that father-to-son succession is 'frowned upon in the Shiite Muslim clerical establishment' and that an 'additional hurdle is that Mojtaba is not a high-ranking cleric'. This aligns with the constitutional principle that the Supreme Leader must be a senior cleric, a norm that discourages hereditary succession.

Explanation

The Semicon India Programme is implemented under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), which is responsible for policy and promotion of electronics and IT manufacturing in India.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article. Statement 2 is incorrect because the facility is set up by the US-based Micron Technology, not Tata Group. Statement 3 is correct as the article mentions the facility will manufacture SSD storage devices and RAM type DRAM and NAND products.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that Micron Technology has invested Rs 22,516 crore for its Sanand plant. The other figures are plausible distractors but not mentioned in the news.

Explanation

The PM emphasized that India is 'becoming an integral part of the global semiconductor value chain' and that securing this, along with the supply of critical minerals, is a goal. This is the primary strategic objective mentioned, moving beyond software to establish hardware capabilities.

Explanation

The article states that the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) received 20,160 doses and trained personnel for the drive. While the campaign is part of a national initiative, the on-ground implementation in Mumbai is being carried out by the BMC, the local urban governing body.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article specifies the target group is 'girls aged 14 but not yet 15'. Statement 2 is incorrect because the article states that in the first phase, 24,936 girls from municipal schools will be vaccinated, with private and aided schools joining in subsequent phases. Statement 3 is correct as health officials mentioned using 'Gardasil-4'.

Explanation

The article explicitly states: "The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation has received 20,160 doses of Gardasil-4...". 24,936 is the number of girls targeted in the first phase. 1,30,000 is the estimated total beneficiaries in Mumbai. 4,400 is the number of trained ASHA and health volunteers.

Explanation

The article details instances where parents were hesitant and consulted doctors after seeing online misinformation. A state official also assured there was no shortage of doses, eliminating option A. The drive is free, eliminating option B. The article mentions extensive training of personnel, eliminating option D.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the IEA is 'Paris-headquartered'. This is a key static fact about the organization, which was established in 1974.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article (~20% flow). Statement 2 is incorrect; the article states 50% of India's crude oil imports (not 54%) and 54% of LNG imports transit the Strait. Statement 3 is correct, as rerouting via the Cape of Good Hope is mentioned, adding 15-20 days.

Explanation

The article provides the exact data point: 'Brent Crude futures for April were trading near flat at $72.52 per barrel' at the specified time. $72.80 is a seven-month high mentioned later, and $90 is a projected price under a disruption scenario.

Explanation

The article's core analysis focuses on India's high import dependency (50% crude via the Strait). Experts warn elevated crude prices would increase the import bill, moderate OMC profits, and impact inflation and the twin deficits (fiscal and current account), which are key macroeconomic indicators.

Explanation

The 'Plus' in OPEC+ primarily refers to allies like Russia, which coordinates production cuts and increases with the OPEC cartel to manage global oil supply. The United States, China, and India are major consumers but not part of this production coordination framework.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article. Statement 2 is incorrect; the article states the Strait handles 'over 20%' of global oil transit, not 'over 30%'. Statement 3 is incorrect; analysts mentioned both Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have spare capacity, not Saudi Arabia alone.

Explanation

The article explicitly states: 'Oil prices jumped on Friday (February 27, 2026) to $73 per barrel, the highest level since July...'. $100 per barrel is a warned potential price in case of wider conflict, not the price on that date.

Explanation

Analyst Helima Croft is quoted saying 'the market impact from any large OPEC output increase will be limited due to a lack of actual production capabilities outside Saudi Arabia.' This is the direct reason given for the constrained effectiveness of the decision.

Explanation

The GST Council is the constitutional body established under Article 279A of the Constitution. It is chaired by the Union Finance Minister and includes state finance ministers, and its key function is to make recommendations on GST rates, exemptions, and thresholds.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article. Statement 2 is incorrect; net cess revenue was ₹5,063 crore, down from ₹13,481 crore in February last year. Statement 3 is incorrect; gross import revenue climbed 17.2%, while gross domestic revenue rose 5.3%, meaning import growth was higher.

Explanation

The article explicitly states: 'gross import revenue climbed 17.2% to ₹47,837 crore.' ₹1.36 lakh crore is the gross domestic revenue, ₹22,595 crore is the total refunds, and ₹1.61 lakh crore is the net GST collection.

Explanation

Deloitte India Partner M.S. Mani stated that the figures 'reflect the fact that there has been a consumption uptick that has more than compensated for the rate reductions.' The other options are not supported by the expert opinions presented in the article.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the 'Beat the Heat' initiative is launched by the Brazil COP30 Presidency and the UNEP-led 'Cool Coalition'. UNEP is the correct UN body responsible for environmental programs and setting the global environmental agenda.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article. Statement 2 is incorrect because the initiative targets 'cities worldwide', not specifically rural areas. Statement 3 is correct as the article mentions 'More than 230 cities across over 40 countries and 108 partner organisations have joined the initiative, including 44 Indian cities'. Hence, option C is correct.

Explanation

The article directly quotes Martin Krause stating that passive cooling measures 'can reduce indoor temperatures by around three degrees Celsius and cut energy used for cooling by about 35 per cent'. The other options are close distractors.

Explanation

The article explains that while international grants (Green Climate Fund, GEF) are available, 'the funds accessed internationally... are never sufficient given the scale of the challenges'. It further states that 'the bulk of financing needs to come from private sector investments and the reorientation of public expenditures'. This points to financing as the key challenge.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the 'friendship treaty' signed on March 15, 1950, reflected the then Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru's policy of non-alignment and mutual regional cooperation.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article. Statement 2 is incorrect; the article says the war forced India to shift oil purchases to other Gulf countries, but India 'continued to build working economic and political relations with Iran'. Statement 3 is correct as explicitly mentioned.

Explanation

The article states: 'in 2009, it imported about 22 million tonnes of crude oil worth $10 billion.' The other options are close but incorrect figures.

Explanation

The article quotes researcher Sandeep Bhardwaj stating that the US pressure campaign has "whittled India-Iran relations to a nub" and that most projects have stalled, with Chabahar failing to take off due to sanctions. The other options are contrary to the article's analysis.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that 'the RBI’s monetary policy committee began to cut interest rates'. The MPC is the statutory committee tasked with setting the policy repo rate in India.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: The article states the repo rate fell by 125 bps from 6.5% to 5.25%. Statement 2 is incorrect: The 10-year GSec yield was 'hovering just shy of 6.7%' in February 2026, not below 6%. Statement 3 is incorrect: The yield on Gujarat bonds was 7.38%, while Tamil Nadu bonds were at 7.52%, making Gujarat's yield lower.

Explanation

The article directly states: 'In February, it is averaging roughly 7.48 per cent (Data source: ICRA)' when referring to the AAA 10-year corporate bond yield. 7.38% was the Gujarat state bond yield, and 7.13% was the old Tamil Nadu yield from Jan 2025.

Explanation

The article explicitly lists 'The huge supply of government paper – the Centre has already budgeted to borrow Rs 17.2 lakh crore in 2026-27 – is putting upward pressure on yields' as a key explanation. The other options, while plausible in other contexts, are not mentioned as primary reasons in this article.

Explanation

As per the article, the 88-member Assembly of Experts is the body of clerics that will pick Khamenei's successor. This is its primary constitutional function in Iran's theocratic system.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article states the Strait is '21-km wide' and crucial for oil. Statement 2 is correct as the article mentions '70% of LNG imports'. Statement 3 is incorrect because the article describes the IRGC as instrumental in putting down protests and a key protector of the regime's interests, indicating a significant internal security and political role.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the Strait of Hormuz is 'a chokepoint through which about 20% of the global oil supply passes'. The other options are plausible but incorrect distractors.

Explanation

The article details a dual impact: the closure of the Strait threatens India's energy imports (50% oil, 70% LNG from the region), and the safety of 9 million Indian diaspora, who are crucial remittance senders (38% of India's remittances), is at risk.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) is an exercise conducted by the Election Commission of India (ECI). The ECI is the constitutional body under Article 324 mandated to superintend, direct, and control all elections.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: The article states the highest deletions in the second phase were in Dabgram-Fulbari (16,491). Statement 2 is incorrect: The total deletions were 63,66,952 (approx. 63.67 lakh), not over 70 lakh. Statement 3 is correct: Murshidabad district had 11,01,145 pending adjudication cases, the highest mentioned.

Explanation

The article clearly states: "After the second phase of the SIR, West Bengal now has 7,04,59,284 voters." Option B is the number before the SIR, option C is from the draft roll, and option D is a close distractor.

Explanation

The article explains that voters 'under adjudication' are cases pending a decision by judicial officers. This is a legal process to verify eligibility, and its outcome will decide if these individuals are finally added to or removed from the electoral roll. It is not a completion, a deletion, or a technical error.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that 87 stations in Gujarat have been selected to be made world class under the 'Amrit Station Scheme', which refers to the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme launched by the Ministry of Railways.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article. Statement 2 is incorrect and is the examiner's trap; the article says 'only Rs 589 crore was allocated to Gujarat in the railway budget' for the entire 5-year period (2009-14), not per year. Statement 3 is correct as mentioned. Hence, option C is correct.

Explanation

The article clearly states that 'a total of 87 stations in the state have been selected to be made world class under the ‘Amrit Station Scheme’.' The number 21 refers to stations where work has been completed, which is a close distractor.

Explanation

While other options might be indirect benefits, the article's core emphasis is on modernizing the railway network. The Minister's statement about 'Gujarat will achieve unparalleled achievements in modernising the state’s railway network' and the context of the Bullet Train and Amrit Stations all point towards enhancing overall connectivity and logistics infrastructure as the primary objective.