3 March 2026, Questions & Answers

Explanation

Article 51 of the Indian Constitution is a Directive Principle of State Policy that promotes international peace and security. It directs the State to endeavor to foster respect for international law and treaty obligations, and to encourage settlement of international disputes by arbitration, as referenced in the article.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article's core argument is the critique of India's silence on the assassination. Statement 2 is incorrect; the article specifies the effort was at the 'UN Commission on Human Rights (UNCHR)', not the UN General Assembly. Statement 3 is incorrect; the article explicitly states non-alignment was 'not as passive neutrality, but as a conscious assertion of strategic autonomy'.

Explanation

The article states: 'Nearly 10 million Indians live and work across the Gulf.' This demographic fact is used to argue that India's ability to safeguard its citizens depends on its credibility as an independent actor.

Explanation

The article's central thesis is that India's silence undermines its credibility and strategic autonomy. It argues that for a country seeking to represent the Global South, such acquiescence carries real costs and makes its advocacy for a rules-based order 'ring hollow'. The other options are not the primary risks discussed.

Explanation

The POCSO Act, 2012 mandates the establishment of Special Courts specifically for the trial of offences under this Act. These courts are required to complete trials in a time-bound manner and follow child-friendly procedures.

Explanation

Statements 1 and 2 are correct as per the judgment. Statement 3 is incorrect because the court specifically noted that the 2019 amendment increasing the minimum punishment to 10 years did NOT apply retrospectively; the offence occurred in 2014, so the pre-amendment minimum of 7 years was applicable.

Explanation

The Kerala High Court upheld the sentence of seven years' rigorous imprisonment imposed by the special POCSO court. The court noted that this was the statutory minimum punishment at the time of the offence in 2014, before the 2019 amendment raised it to 10 years.

Explanation

The judgment's core significance is that it clarifies that proof of penetrative sexual assault does not depend on medical evidence like hymen rupture. It reinforces that a child's consistent testimony about penetration is sufficient, preventing acquittals based solely on the absence of physical injury.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that India's first census of water bodies was released by the Ministry of Jal Shakti in 2023. This ministry is responsible for water resources, river development, and Ganga rejuvenation.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect: The Falkenmark Index defines 'water stress' as below 1700 m³ per capita, and 'water scarcity' as below 1000 m³. Statement 2 is correct as per the NITI Aayog report mentioned. Statement 3 is correct as per the Central Water Commission's estimate provided in the article.

Explanation

The article directly states that about 70 per cent of India’s surface water is contaminated. This is a critical data point highlighting the severity of water quality issues alongside quantity scarcity.

Explanation

As per the article, 'Water Bankruptcy' is a distinct post-crisis state where terms like 'water stress' and 'water crisis' are inadequate because water withdrawal in many basins has exceeded their renewable replenishment levels, indicating a more severe and structural deficit.

Explanation

The article states that 'THE CENTRE has unveiled India’s first counter-terrorism policy, ‘Prahaar’'. This policy is built on pillars like prevention, coordinated response, and denying safe havens to terrorists.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article mentions a 'landmark deal for long-term uranium supply'. Statement 2 is correct as it states 'Canada has decided to join the International Solar Alliance and the Global Biofuel Alliance'. Statement 3 is correct as per the text: 'decided to establish the India-Canada Defence Dialogue, and agreed to conclude a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement by the end of the year'.

Explanation

The article specifically states: 'The age-standardised mortality rate (ASMR) also climbed from 8.9/per lakh in 1990 to 15.5 per lakh in 2023.' 29.4 per lakh is the age-standardised incidence rate (ASIR) for 2023, not the mortality rate.

Explanation

The article states that with shipments through Hormuz suspended, 'Russian oil—available in ample volumes—could come to India’s aid' and that India could 'draw on the strategic reserves, accelerate spot procurement from non-Hormuz regions, and deepen supply contracts with alternative suppliers'. The other options are extreme measures not mentioned.

Explanation

As mentioned in the article, the Supreme Court clarified its direction was passed under Article 142 of the Constitution. Article 142 grants the Supreme Court unique powers to pass any order necessary for doing complete justice. Article 32 is for writs, Article 136 for special leave to appeal, and Article 226 empowers High Courts.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect: The article explicitly states the Court used Article 142, not Article 136. Statement 2 is incorrect: The penalty was ₹10 lakh each, not ₹5 lakh. Statement 3 is correct as per the article: the university was directed to identify deprived candidates and release the penalty amount to them.

Explanation

The article clearly states that the Supreme Court directed the two graduates to deposit Rs 10 lakh each with the vice-chancellor of the Maharashtra University of Health Sciences (MUHS) within three months.

Explanation

The article quotes the Court observing that 'the country lacks enough qualified doctors' and that enabling them to serve the public would outweigh the flaws in the admission process. The other options are incorrect: the Court did not uphold 'void ab initio' strictly, the non-precedent clause was a consequence not the rationale, and the university was not punished.

Explanation

Bilateral defence dialogues and cooperation on military matters, including joint development projects like FCAS, fall under the purview of the Ministry of Defence. The dialogue mentioned was co-chaired by India's Defence Minister.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as FCAS aims to develop a 6th generation system. Statement 2 is incorrect; FCAS was launched by France and Germany in 2017, with Spain joining later in 2019. Statement 3 is correct as per the article where India expressed its intent to join. Hence, option C is correct.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that India's defence exports have reached a record high of ₹23,620 crore. ₹50,000 crore is the government's future export target for 2029, making it a close distractor.

Explanation

The article highlights India's intent for 'co-development and co-manufacture' under FCAS, indicating a move up the value chain from a mere importer. The AMCA program continues in parallel, and the move deepens, not ends, the partnership with France.

Explanation

The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) is the nodal agency for the Central Statistical Office (CSO), which is responsible for compiling and releasing India's national income data, including GDP and GVA estimates.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the base year is updated to 2022-23. Statement 2 is incorrect; the new series projects a higher growth rate of 7.6% for 2025-26, not lower. Statement 3 is correct as the article mentions using GST data, a goldmine of consumer data, in the new series.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the new series pegs India's economy at ₹345.47 lakh crore in 2025-26. This is a key data point, and the other options are close distractors based on the mentioned 3.3% downward revision.

Explanation

Fiscal deficit and debt are expressed as percentages of nominal GDP. A downward revision in the denominator (nominal GDP) increases these ratios, making it more challenging to achieve reduction targets, as mentioned in the article. The revision is statistical, not indicative of a real contraction.

Explanation

The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow channel connecting the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea. It is a globally critical chokepoint for maritime oil transport.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: The article explicitly states Israel described the campaign as 'pre-emptive' and the invading bloc wanted regime change. Statement 2 is incorrect: The article quotes an Iranian analyst saying Iran would NOT surrender its ballistic missiles, as it views them as a last deterrent. Statement 3 is correct: The article's core analysis is that removing Iran would set the stage for a 'unipolar West Asia, with Israel... at its center.'

Explanation

The article specifically states that the Strait of Hormuz is 'the narrow chokepoint... through which a third of the global energy supply flows.' The other options are plausible but incorrect distractors.

Explanation

The article's core analysis states that for Israel, 'Iran is the only revisionist country that challenges its supremacy in West Asia.' Its goal is regime change to remove this challenge and create a unipolar regional order. While oil and sanctions are relevant, they are not the primary driver as per the article's argument.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the constitutional challenge in the Vishwaprasad Alva case is against the search and seizure powers granted under Section 132 of the Income Tax Act, 1961, as applied to digital devices.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the case is about extending Section 132 to 'computer systems' and 'virtual digital space'. Statement 2 is incorrect; the challenge is anchored in the Puttaswamy judgment's recognition of 'informational privacy', not the Right to Property. Statement 3 is correct as the article mentions the Union's defence rests on the settled doctrine from the Pooran Mal (1974) judgment.

Explanation

The article clearly states that the ideas that survived scrutiny in the 1974 Pooran Mal judgment, which upheld the constitutionality of search and seizure provisions in the Income Tax Act, now demand recalibration in the post-Puttaswamy order.

Explanation

The article's core argument is that digital devices contain vast personal data, and unrestricted access under Section 132 converts a specific fiscal search into a general exploratory intrusion, which is disproportionate to the aim of tax evasion and violates the right to informational privacy under Article 21.

Explanation

The Supreme Court of India, as the apex judicial body, made the observation about AI-generated judgments being 'misconduct'. It is established under Part V of the Constitution as the final interpreter of the Constitution.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the Supreme Court's White Paper. Statement 2 is incorrect; the fine imposed by the Bombay HC was Rs 50,000, not Rs 1 lakh. Statement 3 is incorrect; the Kerala HC policy mandated 'meticulous verification' of AI output, especially legal citations, and did not allow unrestricted use.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that a Bench of the Bombay High Court imposed a cost of Rs 50,000 on a litigant in January 2026 for citing a fake case in written submissions. The other options are plausible but incorrect distractors.

Explanation

The Supreme Court noted the issue raises 'considerable institutional concern' about the 'process of adjudication and determination'. The core risk identified is that AI 'hallucination' can generate fake judgments and citations, which, if relied upon without verification, undermines the factual foundation and integrity of legal decisions.

Explanation

As per the article, the CAG performance audit report was prepared for submission to the Governor of Bihar under Article 151 of the Constitution. Article 148 deals with the appointment and conditions of service of the CAG, while Articles 149 and 150 relate to duties and the form of accounts respectively.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: The article states only 2.56 crore beneficiaries (41%) were verified against a target of 6.18 crore. Statement 2 is correct: The article mentions the State Health Agency admitted 19,917 time-barred claims. Statement 3 is correct: The IEC Cell was set up only in April 2022, more than three-and-a-half years after the scheme's launch in September 2018.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the State Health Agency made inadmissible payments of ₹33.44 crore. ₹12.20 crore was the amount for rejected pre-authorisations, ₹25.25 lakh was paid on cards not found in the system, and ₹53.58 crore was a closing balance figure mentioned for a different year.

Explanation

The article highlights that physical verification found roof casting pending in 23% of houses marked 'completed', and toilets were absent in 56% of verified completed houses. This reveals a major gap between official completion data and ground reality, which is the core finding. The other options are contradicted by the article, which mentions issues with convergence and geo-tagging errors.

Explanation

The article states that the Assembly of Experts, a deliberative body, chooses the next Supreme Leader. This is a key feature of Iran's theocratic political structure where religious scholars appoint the highest leader.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article mentions the abolition of the Prime Minister's position through the 1989 constitutional changes. Statement 2 is correct as 'Velayat-e-Faqih' (rule of the jurisprudent) projects the idea of Islamic Government under religious leadership. Statement 3 is incorrect because the article states the IRGC was founded immediately after the 1979 Revolution.

Explanation

The article explicitly begins by stating that the assassination of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the Supreme Leader, marks the end of a significant figure and sets the succession process in motion. Khomeini was the first leader, Montazeri was a designated successor who did not assume the role, and Raisi is a recent President.

Explanation

The article details that Ayatollah Khomeini's idea of 'velayat-e-faqih' became the cornerstone of the political system, covering his political theology and the post-revolutionary government structure. This concept grants supreme religious and political authority to a leading Islamic jurist.

Explanation

The article explicitly mentions the 'National People's Congress (NPC)' as the country's largely ceremonial national legislature that holds an annual meeting. The CCP Congress is the party's meeting, the State Council is the executive, and the Central Military Commission oversees the military.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article which states 'China reported it reached "around 5%" economic growth in 2025'. Statement 2 is incorrect; the article says home prices are 'down 20% or more from 2021', not increasing. Statement 3 is correct as the article mentions 'China recorded a $1.2 trillion trade surplus in 2025, as exports kept its factories humming'.

Explanation

The article states: 'with 12.7 million graduates entering the job market this year, more than 16% of young Chinese are unemployed.' This matches option B precisely. The other figures are distractors not mentioned in the provided text.

Explanation

The article quotes analysts stating that massive state support for high-tech industries will 'continue to fuel overcapacity' and that 'the more successful the so-called future industries become, the more they will draw resources away from the traditional sectors that still provide the bulk of employment.' The other options contradict the article's analysis which points to persistent unemployment and a narrow job creation trickle-down from tech sectors.

Explanation

As per the Delimitation Commission Act, 1962, the Delimitation Commission is the statutory body empowered to redraw constituency boundaries. The Election Commission conducts elections based on these finalized boundaries.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article states the Commission reviewed demographic changes from the 1961 Census. Statement 2 is incorrect; Article 170 requires the number to be an integral multiple, not specifically twice. Statement 3 is correct as the article explicitly mentions raising the multiple from 5 to 6 to assign 234 seats.

Explanation

The article clearly states the Commission assigned 234 seats to the Madras Legislative Assembly by raising its multiple from 5 to 6 (39 Lok Sabha seats x 6). 206 was the previous strength, 195 would have been the result with a multiple of 5, and 280 is the seat count for West Bengal mentioned in the article.

Explanation

The article states the Commission decided to raise the multiple specifically for Madras because its Assembly had 206 elected members, and applying the old multiple would have reduced it to 195 seats. The decision was a structural adjustment to preserve proportionality and effective representation.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that BMI is a Fitch Group company. Fitch Group is one of the 'Big Three' credit rating agencies, alongside Moody's and S&P.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article. Statement 2 is incorrect; the potential GDP reduction is up to 0.5 percentage points, not 1 percentage point. Statement 3 is the core warning of the report and is correct. Therefore, both 1 and 3 are correct.

Explanation

The article clearly states that 'India imports 88% of its crude oil needs.' This high import dependency is a key factor in the country's vulnerability to disruptions in oil supply routes like the Strait of Hormuz.

Explanation

The report highlights two main channels: 1) Discouragement of investment due to increased uncertainty, and 2) The risk of a Strait of Hormuz closure leading to higher energy costs, which could reduce GDP by up to 0.5 percentage points. The other options are not mentioned as primary mechanisms in the article.

Explanation

The article explicitly states the claim was filed under the Employees' Compensation Act, 1923. The Workmen's Compensation (Amendment) Act, 1995, is mentioned as the act that amended Section 4A, but the principal legislation is the 1923 Act.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect. The Supreme Court set aside the High Court order that had fastened penalty liability on the insurer and held the employer liable. Statements 2 and 3 are correct as per the article, which mentions the Bench and its emphasis on liberal interpretation.

Explanation

The article states that the Commissioner imposed a 35% penalty on the employer for delaying the deposit. While the Act allows for a penalty up to 50%, the specific penalty imposed in this case was 35%.

Explanation

The article highlights that the Supreme Court stressed the 'liberal and purposive interpretation' of the Act, treating it as social-welfare legislation meant to benefit employees. This principle guides courts to look at the purpose of a welfare law rather than a narrow, literal reading.

Explanation

The Office of the Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India, which conducts the decennial census, functions under the administrative control of the Ministry of Home Affairs.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article. Statement 2 is incorrect because the article specifies the HLO start date (May 11, 2026) for Telangana, not for all of India. Statement 3 is incorrect as self-enumeration starts 15 days prior to HLO, not after.

Explanation

The article clearly states that the upcoming Census-2027 will be the first-ever fully-digital census. The year 2021 was the originally scheduled census which was postponed.

Explanation

The article states that the digital exercise, using a mobile application, aims to ensure real-time data capture, enhanced accuracy, transparency and faster processing. While cost-saving may be a benefit, it is not the primary objective stated. Data collection is not made voluntary, and the central framework remains under the Registrar General.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that India's strategic petroleum reserve (SPR) facilities are located at Mangalore, Padur, and Visakhapatnam. These are the three operational SPR sites in India.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article states India imports about 88% of its crude needs. Statement 2 is correct as it mentions over 50% is supplied by Middle Eastern countries. Statement 3 is correct as it notes roughly one-third of global seaborne crude exports transit the Strait of Hormuz.

Explanation

The article clearly states that India's 100 million barrel crude stocks could cover roughly 40-45 days of its requirement if flows through the Strait of Hormuz are disrupted, as per Kpler's analysis.

Explanation

The article quotes the analyst stating that the immediate impact would be 'logistical and price-driven', with supply risks intensifying only if the disruption is prolonged. It emphasizes price volatility and higher import costs as the near-term risk, not an immediate physical shortage.

Explanation

The article mentions Jean-Marie Collin of ICAN stating that ending transparency is "contrary to the spirit" of the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). The NPT promotes disarmament and transparency among its nuclear-weapon state signatories, which include France.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect: The article specifies "temporarily host" and "spread out across the European continent," not permanent stationing. Statement 2 is correct: The article explicitly states the U.S. stations bombs in Italy, Germany, Netherlands, Belgium, and Turkey. Statement 3 is incorrect: The article lists Britain (United Kingdom) among the eight agreeing countries.

Explanation

The article states: "France maintains the world's fourth-largest nuclear arsenal, with around 290 warheads." The other options are distractors; the U.S. and Russia have thousands, while the UK's arsenal is smaller.

Explanation

The article directly links the move to European fears about "Washington's wavering commitment to Europe" and "fickleness under U.S. President Donald Trump." While the Russia-Ukraine war is the broader context, the specific driver mentioned is U.S. political uncertainty.

Explanation

Article 39A of the Constitution, added by the 42nd Amendment Act, 1976, directs the State to provide free legal aid to ensure that opportunities for securing justice are not denied to any citizen by reason of economic or other disabilities. This is operationalized through the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the court dismissed the plea due to a 2,804-day delay. Statement 2 is incorrect; the Tribunal declared the petitioner a foreigner who entered India from Bangladesh after March 25, 1971. Statement 3 is correct as the judgment explicitly mentions the availability of free legal aid. Hence, option C is correct.

Explanation

The article explicitly states the delay was 2,804 days, which is equivalent to 7 years, 8 months, and 5 days. This precise figure is a key factual takeaway for prelims-style questions.

Explanation

The core legal reasoning of the High Court was the doctrine of 'laches' or inordinate delay. The court held that a delay of 2,804 days (over 7 years) was unreasonable and could not be condoned, especially when it allowed a declared illegal migrant to defeat the expulsion process.

Explanation

The Karnataka High Court order specifically directs the Principal Secretary of the Department of e-Governance to formulate the comprehensive policy. This department is responsible for IT and digital governance initiatives in the state.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the core directive of the court. Statement 2 is incorrect; the article states the policy shall provide for legal vetting before uploading any document relating to statutory rights, obligations, fees, charges, classifications, penalties, entitlements, OR interpretations of any provision of an Act. Statement 3 is a direct quote from Justice Govindaraj's order.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the Karnataka High Court directed the principal secretary to formulate a comprehensive policy 'in three months'. The other options are plausible but incorrect distractors for administrative deadlines.

Explanation

Justice Suraj Govindaraj's order, as quoted in the article, states that uniform standards of accuracy on official websites are 'essential to uphold transparency, reduce litigation, and protect citizens from avoidable confusion'. The other options are not mentioned as primary reasons in the article.

Explanation

Article 280 of the Indian Constitution provides for the formation of a Finance Commission every five years. Its primary function is to recommend the distribution of net tax proceeds between the Union and the States.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article states cash transfers recorded a 53.6% trend growth. Statement 2 is incorrect; Maharashtra saw the second-largest increase after Jharkhand. Statement 3 is correct as the Commission recommended including sunset or exit clauses.

Explanation

The article states that DISCOM debt rose from ₹35,197 crore to ₹84,171 crore, which is an increase of nearly ₹49,000 crore. The other options represent the starting debt (₹35k Cr), the final debt (₹84k Cr), and the state's fiscal deficit (₹1.36 Lakh Cr).

Explanation

The Commission's core warning is that rising revenue expenditure on cash subsidies leaves less fiscal space for capital investment and essential public services, undermining long-term financial stability. The article explicitly states they can 'crowd out capital expenditure and other critical expenditures'.

Explanation

The IAEA is an autonomous international organization that reports to both the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) and the Security Council (UNSC). Its relationship with the UN is governed by a special agreement, and it submits annual reports to the UNGA.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect: Uranium-238 (99.3%) is the most abundant natural isotope, not U-235 (0.72%). Statement 2 is correct: Enrichment increases U-235 concentration for reactor fuel. Statement 3 is incorrect: SMRs have a capacity of 30 MWe to 300 MWe, which is lower than conventional reactors (500 MWe or more).

Explanation

The article explicitly states that natural uranium typically contains only 0.72 per cent of U-235. Option D (99.3%) is the abundance of U-238. Options B and C are enrichment levels required for reactors and other applications, not natural abundance.

Explanation

The article directly states this dual-use nature of enrichment technology leads to 'one of the great challenges of enforcing nuclear non-proliferation.' This is because a civilian nuclear energy program can potentially be diverted to weapons development, making monitoring and verification by bodies like the IAEA critically important.

Explanation

The article mentions that GIC Re, the public sector reinsurer, has decided to withdraw marine hull war risk cover in high-risk regions like the Persian Gulf, Black Sea, and Red Sea.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article which states premiums are up by nearly 80%. Statement 2 is incorrect because war risk cover is withdrawn in Iranian waters, Gulf, and adjacent waters including Persian Gulf, Black Sea, and Red Sea, not only Black Sea. Statement 3 is correct as insurers said cancellations will take effect from March 5.

Explanation

The article quotes Hari Radhakrishnan stating that normal rates are around 0.2% to 0.5% for high-risk areas.

Explanation

The article states that for India, heavily dependent on oil imports from the Gulf, this can have a serious economic impact, leading to higher shipping costs and inflation.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the issues were discussed in detail at the meeting of the Cabinet Committee of Security (CCS) on Sunday, March 1. The CCS is the apex body for national security decisions.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article says 'The internal assessment is that the war may get over in a week’s time'. Statement 2 is incorrect because the government is preparing for the worst-case scenario of the war lasting six months, not just short-term. Statement 3 is directly correct as per the article: 'asking domestic refiners to supply to the local market instead of exports is an option being considered'.

Explanation

The article provides specific numbers: 'UAE has nearly 3.5 million Indians'. The other options are distractors: 2.7 million is for Saudi Arabia, about a million is for Kuwait, and 8.5 lakh is for Qatar.

Explanation

The article clearly states the objective: 'The government is also planning to provide a cushion to the middle class should oil prices shoot up, impacting petrol and diesel prices.' The other options, while related to broader energy policy, are not the stated primary purpose of this specific cushion mechanism.

Explanation

The article explicitly states: 'The Ministry of Coal periodically reviews the status of non-operational mines to identify bottlenecks.' This is the nodal ministry for coal block auctions and operations in India.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article: 'only 55 are currently producing coal'. Statement 2 is incorrect; the commercial mining auction was launched in 2020, not 2015. Statement 3 is incorrect; the article states coking coal was notified as a critical mineral in January (of the publication year 2026), but the statement specifies '2026', which is the publication year, making it factually correct based on the article's context. However, the article does not specify the year '2026' for the notification; it only says 'in January'. Therefore, based strictly on the article text, statement 3 is not fully verifiable as '2026' and is considered incorrect for a strict factual question. Thus, only statement 1 is correct.

Explanation

The article states: 'India’s domestic output touched a record 1,047.52 million tonnes (mt) in 2024–25'. Option B is the import quantity, option C is the coking coal import, and option D is the estimated domestic coking coal resources.

Explanation

The article clearly states: 'An analysis of such reviews shows that environmental and forest clearances remain the most frequently cited reason for delays in projects that have missed deadlines.' The other options are mentioned as 'other issues flagged' but are not the most frequent.

Explanation

The article states that Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal announced the creation of the Inter-Ministerial Group, indicating it is under the Commerce Ministry's purview.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article. Statement 2 is incorrect because the IMG includes Department of Financial Services (not Ministry of Finance) and other ministries like External Affairs and Shipping, but not Home Affairs. Statement 3 is incorrect as exporters are advised to avoid CIF and use FOB terms to transfer risks.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that nearly 4 lakh metric tonnes of basmati rice is stuck at ports and in transit, as mentioned by exporters and the All India Rice Exporters’ Association.

Explanation

IREF advised members to avoid new CIF commitments and use FOB terms so that freight and insurance risks remain with international buyers, aiming to protect exporters from losses due to increased costs and volatility.

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, and its mandate is to make recommendations on GST rates, exemptions, and thresholds.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article: 'The February GST mop-up shows an impressive year-on-year rise of 8.1%, with gross collections touching about ₹1.83 lakh crore.' Statement 2 is incorrect; import IGST was ₹47,800 crore (up from ₹40,800 crore a year ago), indicating a rise, not a decline. Statement 3 is correct: 'Import IGST is now roughly 27% of gross GST collections in the April 2025-February 2026 period, up from about 24% in the previous year.'

Explanation

The article states: 'Import IGST collections in February rose to roughly ₹47,800 crore, up from about ₹40,800 crore a year ago.' ₹33,800 crore was the figure for February 2022, and ₹1.83 lakh crore is the total gross GST collection for Feb 2026.

Explanation

The article's core argument is that higher import IGST, driven by rupee depreciation and global prices, inflates input costs for domestic industries. This could lead to higher final prices for consumers, thereby offsetting the intended price relief from the GST rate rationalization implemented in September 2025.