3 June 2026, Questions & Answers

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the Boundary Commission was 'chaired by Sir Cyril Radcliffe'. Lord Mountbatten was the Viceroy, Lord Ismay was his adviser, and Jawaharlal Nehru was an Indian leader.

Explanation

Statements 1 and 2 are correct as per the article. Statement 3 is incorrect because the article mentions that Mahatma Gandhi, Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, and Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan (Frontier Gandhi) opposed the Partition.

Explanation

The article's title and opening clearly state that the Mountbatten Plan was announced on 'June 3, 1947'. May 16, 1946, is the date of the Cabinet Mission statement. August 15, 1947, is the date of independence.

Explanation

The article states the partition led to 'one of the worst partitions in history, resulting in communal violence and the displacement of millions.' The other options are incorrect: princely state integration was contentious, no federal union was established, and British legislative control ended.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the report was released by NITI Aayog's Frontier Tech Hub. While MeitY and ISM are involved in the sector, they were not the publishers of this specific report.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article. Statement 2 is incorrect; the report advises a shift AWAY from frontier chips towards mature and advanced nodes. Statement 3 is correct as the report lists these countries/regions as priority partners.

Explanation

The article clearly states that the ISM is a ₹76,000 crore corpus. The other figures are plausible distractors but are not mentioned in the provided content.

Explanation

The report emphasizes that geopolitical pressures, like a disaster in Taiwan, could disrupt supply chains and that dependence on imported chips for defence systems increases national security threats. This is cited as the core reason for pursuing local manufacturing.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the cornerstone of Special Representative negotiations is the 'Agreement on Political Parameters and Guiding Principles', signed on April 11, 2005. This agreement mandates a package settlement covering all sectors.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: The article confirms the three-step process ends with 'delineation and demarcation'. Statement 2 is correct: China's proposal inverts the sequence to begin with 'demarcation' in a 'ripe' sector like Sikkim. Statement 3 is incorrect: The article states that while China reads the 1890 Convention as placing the trijunction at Gipmochi, India and Bhutan hold that it lies at Batang La.

Explanation

The article's text directly mentions: 'the readout issued by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on the 24th round of the Special Representatives’ Dialogue on the Boundary Question... (on August 19, 2025)'. This is a factual data point from the news.

Explanation

The article's core argument is that a Sikkim-only settlement based on China's Gipmochi trijunction claim would hand China a legal instrument to press claims near the Siliguri Corridor. It also warns that abandoning the package approach lets China bank a concession in one sector while leaving others unresolved, weakening India's overall negotiating position.

Explanation

The article discusses Town Planning schemes under acts like the Gujarat Town Planning and Urban Development Act, 1976. Urban planning and development fall under the domain of State Urban Development Departments.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as it describes the core voluntary land pooling mechanism. Statement 2 is incorrect; the article states TP schemes in Gujarat date back almost 100 years, formalized in 1976, predating the 2013 Act. Statement 3 is correct as per the data provided in the article.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that under the TP scheme model, landowners voluntarily contribute about 25-40% of their land for infrastructure. Option A refers to the reduced contribution in Guwahati, and option D refers to the portion returned to the owner.

Explanation

The article directly states that compared with land acquisitions, TP schemes reduce displacement and ensure equitable benefit-sharing. The other options are not supported as primary advantages; TP schemes are voluntary and participatory, not focused on central revenue or compulsory acquisition.

Explanation

The article states the HPC is chaired by Kanchan Devi, Director General of the Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE). ICFRE is an autonomous council under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect. The HPC is chaired by Kanchan Devi, DG of ICFRE, which reports to the Environment Ministry, not an independent expert like Gadgil. Statement 2 is correct as the article mentions the SC's amicus curiae informed the court that the previous report 'completely suppressed' the FSI's views. Statement 3 is directly stated in the article.

Explanation

The article explicitly states: 'The HPC has been asked to submit its comprehensive report by August 31.' The other dates are distractors close to the actual deadline.

Explanation

The article quotes the Supreme Court's observation on the need for a 'fair, impartial, independent expert opinion... to resolve critical ambiguities.' The other options are contrary to the article's content, which highlights judicial oversight due to concerns about suppressed scientific views.

Explanation

As mentioned in the article's context, NFHS is conducted by the Ministry of Health with the International Institute for Population Sciences (IIPS) as the nodal agency. This is a standard static GK fact for health surveys in India.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: Adolescent pregnancy increased to 4.7% from 3.7%. Statement 2 is incorrect: Full immunisation coverage decreased from 85.3% to 75.0%. Statement 3 is incorrect: Wasting increased from 16.8% to 19.8%. The examiner traps by reversing the trends for key negative indicators.

Explanation

The article explicitly states: "the proportion of underweight children (low weight for age) has risen from 27.6% to 33.3%". The other options are close distractors, with 27.6% being the NFHS-5 figure.

Explanation

The article quotes Jan Swasthya Abhiyan stating that the indicators are key under NHM, Poshan Abhiyaan, and SDGs, and failure could "adversely impact maternal and child mortality, malnutrition levels and the burden of preventable diseases". The other options are not supported by the article's content.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) should consider an expedited pathway for innovative antibiotics. CDSCO is India's national regulatory body for pharmaceuticals.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect: Zaynich was approved by the US FDA, not the WHO. Statement 2 is correct as per the article which mentions development informed by resistance mechanisms in India. Statement 3 is correct as the article states accelerated approval should be linked to appropriate stewardship measures.

Explanation

The article clearly and repeatedly mentions the name 'Zaynich' as the novel antibiotic approved by the US FDA. The other options are names of other existing antibiotics, serving as plausible distractors.

Explanation

The article's core argument is that this approval marks a watershed, showing Indian firms are no longer confined to generics but can undertake the high-risk journey of discovering and developing new therapeutics for the global market. The other options are not supported by the article's content.

Explanation

CBSE is an autonomous organization under the Union Ministry of Education. It is responsible for conducting secondary and senior secondary level examinations and prescribing syllabi for affiliated schools.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the dry run was conducted over three days in mid-January 2026 with five Delhi schools. Statement 2 is incorrect; participants actually flagged glitches and suggested a delay, not immediate implementation. Statement 3 is correct as Chairman Rahul Singh and Secretary Himanshu Gupta were removed on June 2, 2026.

Explanation

The article states that students started complaining almost immediately after the CBSE declared the Class 12 results on May 13, 2026. February 17 is when exams began, and June 2 is when officials were removed.

Explanation

A key observation in the report was that the system 'does not provide opportunities for evaluators to interact, deliberate or arrive at a consensus while allotting marks, which is essential for fair and standardized assessment.' This is a fundamental flaw affecting fairness.

Explanation

The article states that data is available with the Ministry of Jal Shakti, which is the nodal ministry for water resources in India, responsible for policies and programs related to water conservation, including groundwater recharge.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article. Statement 2 is incorrect because the article clearly mentions the initiative uses resource support from both government and non-government resources like CSR funds. Statement 3 is directly mentioned in the article. Hence, option C is correct.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that a maximum of 31.45 lakh works have been reported from Andhra Pradesh, followed by Chhattisgarh (27.13 lakh) and Madhya Pradesh (24.69 lakh).

Explanation

The article emphasizes that the majority of the 1.5 crore works were created through community contribution, with resource support from government and non-government resources like CSR funds. This underscores the participatory model of the initiative.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the HSBC India Services PMI is compiled by Standard & Poor's (S&P) Global from responses to questionnaires sent to a panel of service sector companies.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article. Statement 2 is incorrect; the correct threshold is above 50 for expansion and below 50 for contraction, not 60 and 40. Statement 3 is correct as the Composite PMI rose to 59.3 from 58.2.

Explanation

The article clearly states the seasonally adjusted HSBC India Services PMI Business Activity Index rose to 59.8 in May 2026. 58.8 was the April value, 58.2 was April's Composite PMI, and 59.3 was May's Composite PMI.

Explanation

The article directly attributes the boost in new business growth to strengthening demand for services such as freight, digital solutions, e-commerce, entertainment, and IT. The other options are not mentioned as contributing factors in the provided content.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) has proposed the tariff. The USTR is the lead agency for U.S. trade policy and negotiations.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect. The article clarifies the investigation is NOT based on allegations about Indian exports, but on whether countries prohibit imports made with forced labour in third countries. Statement 2 is correct as the article states 'The 12.5% tariff exceeds the USA's WTO commitment.' Statement 3 is correct as the article mentions the USTR launched investigations covering 60 economies over forced labour and excess capacity.

Explanation

The article's title and content repeatedly state the proposed tariff is 12.5%. It also mentions a 10% tariff for a different group of six countries (Canada, Ecuador, EU, Indonesia, Mexico, Pakistan).

Explanation

The article quotes GTRI stating 'the current investigation exceeds the scope of Section 301' because it deals with import controls rather than market-access barriers for U.S. firms. This is presented as the core legal contention.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the 'U.S. Trade Representative' or USTR has proposed the action. The USTR is the lead agency for developing and enforcing U.S. trade policy.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article. Statement 2 is incorrect; the article states that 6 economies failed to effectively enforce existing prohibitions, but it does not specify a 15% duty for them. It mentions a 10% duty for economies with partial regimes. Statement 3 is correct as the article clearly states 'USTR will hold hearings... on July 7'.

Explanation

The article states: 'For all other economies, the U.S. Trade Representative proposes 12.5% as the rate of additional duty.' This applies to the 54 countries mentioned, which have failed to impose and enforce such a prohibition.

Explanation

The article states: 'India has denied the allegations under the forced labour clause and asked the U.S. to end the investigations, saying such matters should be addressed within the framework of ongoing bilateral trade negotiations.' This is the only course of action mentioned for India.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the committee is headed by Kanchan Devi, Director General of the Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE), which functions under the Environment Ministry.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article. Statement 2 is correct as the committee will examine if Aravalli hills with elevations of 100m and above form a continuous ecological formation. Statement 3 is incorrect because the stayed report was prepared by a committee chaired by the Secretary of the MoEFCC, not the Chief Justice of India.

Explanation

The article mentions the committee will assess if limiting the definition to areas within 500 metres between hills narrows the protected territory. The other distances are not mentioned in the provided content.

Explanation

The article states the HPC will examine whether limiting the definition to areas within 500 metres 'substantially narrows the extent of protected territory and could facilitate continued mining'. This reflects the Court's core concern. The other options are not supported by the article's content.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the APCNF programme is 'implemented by Rythu Sadhikara Samstha'. This is the specific implementing body mentioned in the news.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as APCNF won the prize. Statement 2 is incorrect because the prize is given by the 'Curt Bergfors Foundation', not the Earthshot Prize Foundation. Statement 3 is correct as the article mentions finalists 'Conscious Kitchen of the United States' and 'NoPalm Ingredients of the Netherlands'.

Explanation

The article clearly states the programme 'is being implemented across 8,168 villages'. This is a specific factual data point from the news.

Explanation

The article states APCNF 'helps them give up synthetic inputs' and 'cuts input costs'. It is aimed at 'small and marginal farmers, tenant farmers and landless farm workers'. The other options contradict the programme's philosophy of natural, community-led farming.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the results from the large international trial were presented at the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) annual meeting. ASCO is a prominent professional organization for physicians and oncology professionals involved in cancer care and research.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article describes Daraxonrasib as a once-daily oral pill that works by targeting the KRAS mutation. Statement 2 is correct as it states the drug nearly doubled survival time in the trial. Statement 3 is correct as the article mentions that mutations in the RAS gene family affect approximately 20% of all cancers. Hence, all three statements are correct.

Explanation

The article provides a specific figure, stating: "Approximately 80% of pancreatic cancers have alterations in the KRAS gene." Option C (70-90%) is a close distractor as it describes the percentage of patients diagnosed at an advanced stage, not the mutation prevalence.

Explanation

The article emphasizes that researchers have spent decades trying to effectively shut down KRAS. It describes Daraxonrasib as "the first drug of its class that has shown such successful results" and "a notable triumph in the era of precision oncology." This highlights its significance in overcoming a long-standing challenge, not in replacing other foundational therapies.

Explanation

As per the article, the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) releases the Index of Industrial Production (IIP) data. This is a key static fact about economic data dissemination in India.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per NASA's definition mentioned in the article. Statement 2 is incorrect; the revised IIP base year is 2022-23, not 2023-24. Statement 3 is correct as per NDMA's guidelines detailed in the article. Hence, option C is correct.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the Eight Core Industries comprise 40.27 percent of the weight of items included in the Index of Industrial Production. The other options are distractors: 28.04% is the weight of Petroleum Refinery Products within the Core Industries.

Explanation

As stated in the article, MoSPI revised the base year from 2011–12 to 2022–23 specifically to make the index more representative of the current structure and dynamics of the industrial sector. This is the core objective of such a revision.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the United States Trade Representative (USTR) started the Section 301 investigation in March and proposed the tariffs. While option D is similar, USTR is the official name of the agency.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article. Statement 2 is correct; Pakistan faces 10% for signing the ART. Statement 3 is incorrect; the tariffs are proposed and not final, with a public comment period until July 6, 2026.

Explanation

The article clearly states that written comments can be submitted until July 6, 2026. June 22 is the deadline for requests to participate in hearings, July 7 is the hearing date, and July 24 is when current tariffs expire.

Explanation

The article explains that Section 301 is more potent than IEEPA and grants USTR sweeping powers to impose duties, withdraw trade concessions, and restrict service sector access, making it a broader tool for retaliation.

Explanation

The article states that the Department of Higher Education under the Ministry of Education has invited applications for the PMRC Scheme 2026. This department handles higher education and research policies in India.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article's objective. Statement 2 is incorrect; the Empowered Committee is chaired by the Principal Scientific Advisor, not the NITI Aayog Chairman. Statement 3 is correct as the article mentions NIRF ranking criteria for host institutions.

Explanation

The article explicitly states: 'Seven premier institutions have been identified as lead Institutions under the scheme.' It then lists IIT Delhi, IIT Bombay, IIT Madras, IIT Kanpur, IIT Hyderabad, IIT Dhanbad, and IISc Bengaluru.

Explanation

The article's core theme is attracting accomplished Indian-origin researchers from leading global institutions to contribute to India's R&D landscape. While other options might be related to education policy, the scheme's direct objective is brain gain for national research capacity.

Explanation

The article specifically mentions the Departments of Defense, Commerce, Homeland Security, and Treasury as being expected to be involved. The Department of Energy is not mentioned in the provided content.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect as the article clearly states the framework is 'voluntary' and 'explicitly avoids creating any new licensing regime'. Statement 2 is correct as the final review period is 30 days. Statement 3 is correct as the article provides the exact title of the executive order.

Explanation

The article states that an earlier draft had proposed giving federal agencies up to 90 days to evaluate frontier AI models. The final version signed by President Trump reduced this review window to 30 days.

Explanation

The article explicitly states the review period was reduced from 90 to 30 days 'following concerns from industry and administration officials that a three-month process could slow innovation and weaken the competitiveness of US AI companies' in competition with China.

Explanation

The article explicitly states the marriage was declared void under the Hindu Marriage Act, and the maintenance considerations were framed within its context, specifically relating to Sections 11 and 25.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the HC upheld the family court's finding of a void marriage. Statement 2 is incorrect because the court granted maintenance despite the void marriage. Statement 3 is correct as the article specifies the ₹9,000 award and mentions the husband is a retired government employee drawing a pension.

Explanation

The article clearly states: 'The high court directed the husband to pay Rs 9,000 per month to the woman towards permanent alimony and maintenance.' ₹5,000 was the interim maintenance granted earlier in 2015.

Explanation

The court's order, as quoted in the article, explicitly states that denial of maintenance would result in 'grave hardship and injustice' to the appellant. The judgment was centered on securing her 'sustenance and dignity' given her destitute condition, not on punishing the husband or validating the divorce.

Explanation

The article explicitly states the ruling was delivered by the Supreme Court of Canada in the case of Kuldeep Kaur Ahluwalia versus Amritpal Singh Ahluwalia. The citation is Ahluwalia v. Ahluwalia (2026 SCC 16), where SCC stands for Supreme Court of Canada.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect. The Ontario Superior Court had recognized a 'novel tort of family violence', but the Supreme Court of Canada recognized a narrower 'tort of intimate partner violence'. Statement 2 is correct as per the article. Statement 3 is incorrect; the final award by the Supreme Court was Canadian $100,000, not $150,000 (which was the trial court award).

Explanation

The article states that the Ontario Court of Appeal reduced the compensation to Canadian $100,000, and the Supreme Court 'maintained the Canadian $100,000 award'. The initial trial court award was $150,000, which is a close distractor.

Explanation

The article explicitly states, 'The judgment paves the way for victims to seek monetary damages for harms caused by such conduct.' The other options are not mentioned as implications of this specific legal ruling.

Explanation

The International Criminal Court (ICC) is headquartered in The Hague, Netherlands. It is a permanent international tribunal for prosecuting genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes, distinct from the ICJ which is also in The Hague.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article which states '2,162 new Jewish homes' were approved. Statement 2 is incorrect; the article states the UAE 'has also publicly warned the Israeli government against annexation', not support. Statement 3 is incorrect; the article says most nations consider them 'illegal', not legal.

Explanation

The article specifies the breakdown: '1,006 units in a new settlement near Jerusalem, 922 near the Palestinian city of Nablus and 234 near Hebron.' The total of 2,162 is the sum of all three locations.

Explanation

The article clearly states: 'Most nations consider Israeli settlements there to be illegal under international law and a major obstacle to a two-state solution.' This is the core legal and diplomatic objection raised by the international community.

Explanation

The ACC PLI Scheme is part of India's broader PLI initiatives for the automotive sector and advanced chemistry cell battery storage, which are administered by the Ministry of Heavy Industries. This ministry oversees policies related to the automobile industry and manufacturing promotion.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect: The article states 40 GWh was 'awarded' under the PLI scheme, but only about 1 GWh has been 'installed'. Statement 2 is correct as per the article which highlights significant imports from China. Statement 3 is incorrect: The article argues that while reducing fossil fuel imports, the shift creates a 'new strategic vulnerability' due to dependence on imported batteries.

Explanation

The article explicitly states: 'Around 2.5 million vehicles were sold in FY26'. This is a key data point highlighting the growth phase of India's EV adoption. The other options are plausible distractors but do not match the figure provided in the source.

Explanation

The article's core argument is that India is 'moving away from imported fossil fuels, only to find itself becoming increasingly dependent on imported lithium-ion batteries,' which creates a new strategic vulnerability. The other options, while potential challenges, are not highlighted as the primary strategic risk in the analysis presented.

Explanation

As per the article, the fund will be implemented through an MoU between oil-marketing companies (OMCs) and the participating airlines. This MoU mandates airlines to procure ATF only from OMCs for a specified period.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect. The ₹10,000 crore is provided as interest-free advances to OMCs, not as a grant to airlines. It is a revolving fund to be recovered. Statements 2 and 3 are factually correct as per the article. The price cap is mentioned, and the surge in international ATF prices is explicitly stated.

Explanation

The article states that ATF accounts for nearly 40% of airline operating costs normally, but during periods of extreme fuel volatility, it can constitute up to 60% of total operating expenditure.

Explanation

The article's core objective, as stated by the Petroleum Minister, is that the fund will "help stabilise ATF prices" and "protect air passengers from fare spikes driven by the geopolitical conflict." The other options are not the primary aims mentioned in the provided content.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the 'Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR)' launched the Section 301 investigations. The USTR is the executive agency responsible for developing and coordinating U.S. international trade policy.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article. Statement 2 is incorrect because the USTR proposed a 10% tariff on some economies (like Canada, EU) and a 12.5% tariff on others, including India. Statement 3 is correct as the Commerce Ministry stated India remains engaged on Section 301 and is parallelly negotiating an interim trade agreement.

Explanation

The article clearly states that the USTR proposal includes 'a 12.5% tariff on imports from 54 other economies, including India and China.' The other options are plausible distractors but not the correct figure mentioned.

Explanation

The article states that 'India remains engaged with the U.S. on the matter as a part of Section 301 proceedings' and is 'parallelly engaged with the U.S. for finalisation of an interim trade agreement.' This reflects a strategy of contesting the specific issue while continuing broader economic cooperation.

Explanation

The article explicitly mentions 'Section 301 tariffs'. Section 301 of the US Trade Act of 1974 authorizes the President to take action against foreign practices deemed unfair or restrictive to US commerce.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article. Statement 2 is incorrect; the article states initial tariffs are 12.5% and 'could go up' when the probe on excess capacity is released, not that 25% is already final. Statement 3 is correct as mentioned in the 'Poison pill in trade deal' section.

Explanation

The article states: 'Indian imports across sectors have crossed $112 billion.' The other options are close distractors.

Explanation

The article describes this as a 'carrot-and-stick game' and states the tariffs aim 'to coerce countries into accepting uncomfortable US demands that have gone well beyond trade and have sought to forcefully align with American trade goals.' The other options are either not mentioned or are secondary effects.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the five-member HPC has 'the director general of the Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE) as the ex-officio chairperson'.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect. The Supreme Court accepted the definition in November 2025 and put it in abeyance in December 2025. Statement 2 is correct as the HPC members include Rajendra Kumar Sharma (retd. Director, GSI) and Brij Mohan Singh Rathore (former Joint Secretary, MoEFCC). Statement 3 is correct as per the Court's direction mentioned in the article.

Explanation

The article clearly states: 'A bench... directed the committee to submit its comprehensive report before August 31.' The other dates are distractors close to the actual deadline.

Explanation

The article quotes the HPC's mandate to examine 'whether this restrictive demarcation has inversely broadened the scope of "non-Aravalli" areas, thereby facilitating the continuation of unregulated mining and other disruptive activities in terrains that are ecologically contiguous but technically excluded by this definition.' The other options are not mentioned in the article.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that US negotiators, currently in New Delhi, were slated to meet Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal. The Ministry of Commerce and Industry is the nodal body for trade negotiations in India.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect: Ambassador Gor clarified the tariffs were applied globally to 54 countries, not targeted at India. Statement 2 is incorrect: The remaining 1% involves 'technical and legal' sticking points, not major market access issues. Statement 3 is correct: The article mentions the TRUST initiative was jointly launched back in February.

Explanation

The article states: 'Currently, the US levies a 10% tariff on Indian goods...' referring to the outcome of the interim deal. The 12.5% is a separate, proposed tariff for forced labor concerns. The 18% figure is the rate the US agreed to reduce reciprocal tariffs to, not the current applied rate.

Explanation

The article clearly states the US proposed tariffs 'for failure to impose a legal prohibition on "importation of goods produced wholly or in part with forced labor."' The other options, while potential trade issues, are not mentioned as the reason in this specific news report.

Explanation

As per the article, the budgetary support shall be in the form of interest-free advances to OMCs through the Demands for Grants of the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoPNG).

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect: The fund is an interest-free advance to OMCs (Oil Marketing Companies), not a grant to airlines. Statement 2 is incorrect: The fund compensates OMCs when prices exceed a benchmark, not when they fall below. Statement 3 is correct as mentioned in the article.

Explanation

The government stated that the West Asia crisis pushed up international jet fuel prices to ₹142 per litre in May from ₹60.50 per litre in March, which is an increase of 135%. The other options are close distractors.

Explanation

The article clearly states the fund's objective is to provide greater predictability in fuel costs and shield airlines from sudden price spikes arising from the West Asia crisis. It is a stabilization mechanism, not a permanent nationalization, direct passenger subsidy, or capacity expansion fund.

Explanation

The article states that India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) responded through its spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal, rejecting the references. The MEA handles India's foreign policy and diplomatic communications.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as CPEC is a $65B BRI project. Statement 2 is correct as it connects Xinjiang to Gwadar Port. Statement 3 is incorrect; India officially opposes CPEC on grounds of sovereignty as it passes through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that Gwadar Port sits just about 400 km from the Strait of Hormuz. This proximity is strategically significant as the strait is a critical chokepoint for global energy shipments.

Explanation

The article states Chabahar gives India direct access to Afghanistan and Central Asia, bypassing Pakistan completely. It was described as an 'alternative and reliable access route' in a 2016 Rajya Sabha answer, countering China's CPEC influence.

Explanation

Article 226 empowers High Courts to issue writs for the enforcement of fundamental rights and for any other purpose. The Madras High Court quashed the proceedings under its inherent powers, which are exercised through this constitutional provision. Article 32 is for the Supreme Court, Article 136 is special leave to appeal, and Article 142 deals with the Supreme Court's enforcement decrees.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect. The court held the opposite: verbal questioning does NOT automatically amount to assault under Section 353 IPC. Statement 2 is correct, as the judgment stressed the need for specific obscene words for Section 294(b). Statement 3 is incorrect; the court invoked Section 528 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, not Section 482 of the old CrPC.

Explanation

The article clearly states that the proceedings were pending before the judicial magistrate, Paramakudi, in Ramanathapuram district. Ramanathapuram is the district, while Paramakudi is the specific town where the magistrate's court is located.

Explanation

The core ruling of the judgment, as quoted in the article, is that "The criminal law cannot be used to silence a citizen merely because he questions the legality of police action." This principle safeguards citizens' rights to question authority, provided it does not cross into actual obstruction, assault, or intimidation as defined by law.

Explanation

The article explicitly states the 12.5% tariff is proposed 'under Section 301 investigations'. This provision allows the US to impose tariffs on countries for unfair trade practices.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article. Statement 2 is incorrect; the US Supreme Court declared reciprocal tariffs illegal, not upheld them. Statement 3 is correct as mentioned in the article. Hence, option C is correct.

Explanation

The article clearly states: 'The India-US joint statement requires India to purchase $500 billion of US goods and services over the next five years.' The other figures are distractors.

Explanation

The article details that concessions by India on products like almonds, apples, and dairy, along with US demands on health certificates for meat and poultry, would adversely impact Indian farmers. The other options are either contrary to the article's analysis or not mentioned as primary concerns.

Explanation

The CACP is an attached office of the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare. It recommends MSPs for 23 agricultural commodities based on cost of production and other factors. While the Ministry announces MSP, the recommendations come from CACP.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: The article states paddy area could exceed last year's 32.49 lakh ha. Statement 2 is incorrect: Cotton acreage has fallen sharply to 77,609 ha, not increased. Statement 3 is correct: The article mentions nearly 80% of groundwater blocks are overexploited. Hence, option C is correct.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that only 77,609 hectares could be brought under cotton this season, which is the lowest in the state's history. Option C (1.13 lakh ha) is last year's area, making it a close distractor.

Explanation

The article emphasizes that paddy enjoys an unmatched support system including assured procurement at MSP, timely payments, free electricity, and an established mandi network. This reduces risk for farmers, unlike cotton or maize which face marketing uncertainties. While soil and tradition play a role, the economic safety net is the primary driver.

Explanation

The Supreme Court constituted the HPC under Kanchan Devi, who is the Director General of the Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE). ICFRE is an autonomous council under the MoEFCC, making it the correct nodal body.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article. Statement 2 is incorrect; the 100-metre definition was proposed by a government panel, and the FSI had actually warned against it. Statement 3 is incorrect as the study found herbal cigarette emissions were comparable to or exceeded those from tobacco cigarettes.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the PMFME scheme was launched with an outlay of ₹10,000 crore for five years and has been extended. The other figures are plausible distractors for different government schemes.

Explanation

The SC's order states the HPC was constituted to 'resolve critical ambiguities' and obtain a 'fair, impartial and independent' opinion on the report defining the Aravalli hills. This judicial step aims to bring clarity to a contested ecological and legal issue, not to expedite mining or pre-decide the outcome.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that in 2025, India concluded its first trade agreement with the four non-EU members of EFTA: Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland. The other options list other European country groupings.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article. Statement 2 is incorrect: the partnership with Italy was elevated to a 'Special Strategic Partnership', not a 'Comprehensive Strategic Partnership' (which is with the UK). Statement 3 is correct as the Tata-ASML deal is mentioned as a key outcome in the Netherlands.

Explanation

The article specifically states that 'About 98 per cent of the country’s electricity is generated from renewable sources, primarily hydropower.' This high percentage is a key reason for Norway's leadership in green technology.

Explanation

The article explains that triangular development cooperation involves India and European countries like Italy and Norway working together on projects in third countries (e.g., Africa), focusing on areas like Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI). This leverages complementary strengths for sustainable development in the Global South.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the scheme will be funded through the National Capital Region Planning Board (NCRPB) under the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs. NCRPB is a statutory body responsible for regional planning in the NCR.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect: The outlay is ₹9,585 crore, but only ₹5,041 crore is from the Centre; states contribute via tax concessions. Statement 2 is incorrect: BS-IV vehicles may either be scrapped OR sold outside NCR in non-NCAP cities. Statement 3 is correct as per the article.

Explanation

The article states: "It is estimated that 2.07 lakh (1.91 lakh trucks and 16,329 buses) owners are present in Delhi-NCR." Option B is a close distractor, as it is the number of trucks only, not the total.

Explanation

The article highlights that trucks and buses account for 36% of PM 2.5 emissions from the transport sector while constituting only 3% of the total fleet. This disproportionate impact justifies the targeted policy intervention, as stated in the official statement.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the U.S. Treasury announced the sanctions. The Treasury Department's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) is the primary agency for administering and enforcing economic and trade sanctions.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article title and content. Statement 2 is correct as the article details accusations of facilitating transactions for Iran's central bank and IRGC. Statement 3 is incorrect; while a Reuters investigation was published on May 1, the sanctions were announced by the U.S. Treasury on June 2, 2026.

Explanation

The article states the sanctions were announced on Tuesday, June 2, 2026. The published date of the news article is also June 3, 2026, confirming the month.

Explanation

The core accusation, as stated in the article, is that Nobitex enabled the Iranian government and blacklisted institutions like the IRGC to circumvent Western sanctions, processing hundreds of millions of dollars for them. This is the central theme of the news.