4 April 2026, Questions & Answers

Explanation

The article states that India's nuclear-powered submarine project was initiated more than three decades ago with help from Russia. Germany is mentioned in the context of the conventional submarine Project-75I, not the nuclear submarine program.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article. Statement 2 is incorrect; the article states INS Aridaman is powered by advanced reactors understood to be an upgrade, and that the 83 MW reactors power INS Arihant and INS Arighaat. Statement 3 is correct as mentioned in the article.

Explanation

The article explicitly mentions that INS Aridaman is a 7,000-tonne vessel. INS Arighaat is noted as a 6,000-tonne vessel, making it a close distractor.

Explanation

The article emphasizes that SSBNs like INS Aridaman guarantee India's second-strike capability, establishing deterrence as per its 'No First Use' policy. This is their primary strategic role, distinct from conventional warfare or peacekeeping.

Explanation

The article states that India's nuclear-powered submarine project was initiated more than three decades ago, involving both private firms and the Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO), with help from Russia.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article. Statement 2 is incorrect; while INS Arihant and INS Arighaat have 83 MW reactors, INS Aridaman is powered by advanced reactors understood to be an upgrade. Statement 3 is incorrect; the K-4 missile has a range of 3,500 km, while the K-15 missile has a range of more than 700 km.

Explanation

The article explicitly mentions that INS Aridaman is a 7,000-tonne vessel. INS Arighaat, inducted in 2024, is a 6,000-tonne vessel.

Explanation

The article emphasizes that SSBNs guarantee India's second-strike capability. Should an adversary deliver a first nuclear strike, an SSBN can launch a retaliatory attack, which is central to India's nuclear doctrine of 'No First Use' and establishes credible deterrence.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has re-categorised the LWE-affected districts. The MHA is the nodal ministry for internal security, including matters related to extremism and insurgency.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect: INS Aridhaman is the third, not the second, indigenously built SSBN (after Arihant and Arighat). Statement 2 is correct: The article states the number of LWE-affected districts remains 38. Statement 3 is incorrect: The Supreme Court observed it was impermissible to stall election petition proceedings for fresh evidence; they must be decided on the material on record.

Explanation

The article clearly states that the number of districts in the LWE category remains unchanged at 38 compared to 2024–25. This is a direct factual data point from the news.

Explanation

The article states that the submarine "falls under the domain of the Strategic Forces and is part of the country’s nuclear triad." Its primary role is to provide a secure, second-strike capability from the sea, which is the core of a nuclear triad's submarine leg. The other options are secondary or unrelated functions.

Explanation

As per the IBC framework mentioned in the article, the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) oversees the corporate insolvency resolution process. The amendment Bill mandates NCLT to admit applications once default is proven.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article. Statement 2 is incorrect; the US tariff applies only to patented pharmaceuticals, with generic drugs exempt 'at this time'. Statement 3 is incorrect; INS Aridaman is the third SSBN, not the first. INS Arihant was the first, commissioned in 2016.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the PLI Scheme for Pharmaceuticals was approved with a financial outlay of Rs 15,000 crore. This scheme runs from FY 2022-23 to FY 2027-28.

Explanation

The article quotes the official release from the 2003 CCS meeting defining NFU: "Nuclear weapons will only be used in retaliation against a nuclear attack on Indian territory or on Indian forces anywhere." This defines the policy's retaliatory and defensive posture.

Explanation

The article mentions Secretary Amardeep Singh Bhatia of DPIIT speaking about coordinating with the law ministry and departments regarding the withdrawal of cases. DPIIT is the nodal department for this initiative.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the bill amends 79 central laws. Statement 2 is incorrect; the bill proposes amendments under the New Delhi Municipal Council Act, 1994, AND the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 (among others), not only the MV Act. Statement 3 is correct as Minister Piyush Goyal cited the estimate of 5 crore pending cases.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the bill amends 784 provisions in 79 central laws. The other numbers are close distractors.

Explanation

The article quotes the Commerce Ministry official stating that withdrawing such cases would 'significantly reduce load on the judiciary'. Easing the judicial backlog is a core objective, alongside promoting ease of living and business.

Explanation

The FCRA is administered by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). The MHA grants FCRA registration and monitors compliance, making it the nodal ministry for regulating foreign contributions in India.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article. Statement 2 is incorrect; the article clearly states the process is 'automatic and instantaneous... requiring no judicial determination'. Statement 3 is incorrect; the FCRA was first enacted in 1976, not 2010 (2010 was the year of reenactment).

Explanation

The article explicitly states: 'Introduced in the Lok Sabha on March 25, 2026'. The years 2020 and 2024 are related to previous amendments and data disallowance respectively, making them close distractors.

Explanation

The article's core criticism is procedural unfairness. It argues that automatic seizure 'requiring no judicial determination' violates natural justice. The other options are not supported by the article's content.

Explanation

The article explicitly mentions V.K. Ramachandran as the Vice-Chairperson of the Kerala State Planning Board. This body is highlighted as enabling Kerala to sustain a formal planning process.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article. Statement 2 is incorrect; the article states the share of funds 'exceeded' the population share. Statement 3 is incorrect; Kerala Bank was created by consolidating 'district cooperative banks', not urban cooperative banks.

Explanation

The article clearly states that Kerala's key health indicators include an infant mortality rate of just five per 1,000 live births, which is noted to be better than the United States.

Explanation

The article details that Kerala's development is constrained by a structurally imbalanced federal fiscal architecture, citing centralisation under GST, withdrawal of compensation, restrictive borrowing limits, and reliance on conditional transfers as key challenges.

Explanation

The article clearly states that 'Karnataka's Health Department' has issued the directive. This is a direct factual recall from the news text.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect because the reporting age is 'below 18 years', not 21. Statement 2 is incorrect as legal action is against 'both doctors and hospital managements'. Statement 3 is correct as per the article's instruction to dial Childline 1098.

Explanation

The article explicitly instructs reporting to the 'Child Helpline by dialling Childline 1098'. 100 is police, 108 is for medical emergencies, and 112 is the single emergency number.

Explanation

The directive aims to close the reporting gap in private healthcare, ensuring all cases of minor pregnancy are reported to authorities (police and Childline) as required by the POCSO Act, thereby facilitating protection and rehabilitation for the child victim.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that China uses its strong relationship with Taiwan's main opposition party, the KMT, to propagate its views on unification. It further mentions KMT Chairperson Cheng Li-wun accepting an invitation from Xi.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article cites the 'wide expanse of the Taiwan Strait, along with difficult terrain and the lack of viable landing beaches' as challenges. Statement 2 is incorrect; the article states the opposite—a military failure would 'dent China’s image and put pressure on the Communist Party', diminishing Xi's stature. Statement 3 is correct as the article notes Taiwan produces '90 per cent of the world’s most advanced semiconductors' and a conflict would damage global supply chains impacting China.

Explanation

The article provides the specific data point: 'Taiwan produces 90 per cent of the world’s most advanced semiconductors'. This is a critical fact highlighting Taiwan's economic and strategic significance.

Explanation

The article identifies economic interdependence, specifically in semiconductors, as a key constraint. It states a military conflict would 'severely damage its capabilities, leading to a complete breakdown of the global supply chain that would impact China as well'. While other factors like US deterrence exist, the article highlights the semiconductor dependency as a distinct and primary economic constraint.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the Jan Vishwas project has 'amended the Companies Act' as part of its decriminalization efforts.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article's data. Statement 2 is correct as the PM's 2024 DGP conference speech emphasized 'danda with data'. Statement 3 is correct as the article cites this example of bureaucratic rule multiplication.

Explanation

The article states that 'one act of policy irrationality — prescribing jail for cheque bouncing — accounts for 43 lakh cases' within the 5 crore case backlog.

Explanation

The article's core argument is that Jan Vishwas represents a shift where the state 'adjusts its grip' and prioritizes trust (jan vishwas) and justice (nyaya) over control (niti) and punishment (danda).

Explanation

The Act East Policy, launched in 2014, is India's foreign policy initiative aimed at strengthening economic and strategic ties with countries in Southeast Asia and the broader Indo-Pacific region, succeeding the earlier Look East Policy.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect: The article states that in the second Trump administration, China is being seen primarily as an economic competitor rather than a systemic rival, and the Western Hemisphere is elevated above Asia. Statement 2 is correct as per the article. Statement 3 is incorrect: The article explicitly states that 'India's salience has declined in both capitals', exposing a strategic vulnerability.

Explanation

The article states that 'China seeks stability to deal with economic headwinds, complete its technological self-reliance drive, and buy time in the domains in which it lags.' The other options are not mentioned as primary reasons.

Explanation

The article clearly states India must 'build economic and technological resilience through dual de-risking, vis-à-vis both China and the US.' This involves reducing dependencies on China while avoiding new dependencies on the US in domains like AI, and investing in a sovereign AI stack.

Explanation

The Artemis program is a NASA-led international human spaceflight program. While it involves collaboration with other agencies and countries, NASA is the primary architect and lead, as indicated by the mission's context and objectives.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect: Artemis II is a preparatory mission to test systems; it does not involve a landing (planned for Artemis III in 2028). Statement 2 is correct as per the article. Statement 3 is incorrect: while the Outer Space Treaty applies, the mission specifically operates under the principles of the non-binding Artemis Accords, which involve over 50 countries.

Explanation

The article explicitly states: "The last time humans headed toward the Moon was more than 53 years ago." The last Apollo mission was in 1972, and Artemis II launched in 2026, making it a gap of 54 years, but the article's phrasing "more than 53 years" closely aligns with the 53-year option as the most accurate choice given.

Explanation

The article clearly states that deposits of ice at the South Pole "can provide drinking water and produce oxygen and hydrogen, which can then fuel rockets." This in-situ resource utilization (ISRU) is key to sustainable exploration, making the Moon a launchpad for deeper space missions, which is the core strategic objective mentioned.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC) issued the draft regulations. The CAC is China's central internet regulator, making it the nodal body for such cyberspace governance rules.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the rules require prominent labeling. Statement 2 is correct as the draft bans using virtual humans to bypass identity verification. Statement 3 is incorrect; the rules explicitly prohibit digital humans from providing 'virtual intimate relationships' to those under 18 without any exception for supervision.

Explanation

The article specifies that the rules were published for public comment until May 6. This is a precise data point often targeted in prelims-style questions.

Explanation

The article states the rules aim to 'fill a gap in governance' and set 'clear red lines for the healthy development of the industry'. While other options mention elements (like national security), the primary objective is establishing a regulatory framework for controlled growth.

Explanation

As per the article, Mission MITRA is led by ISRO's Human Space Flight Centre. HSFC, based in Bangalore, is the nodal centre for the Gaganyaan human spaceflight program.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: The article states Mission MITRA is testing astronauts in Ladakh's extreme conditions. Statement 2 is incorrect: The objective is to assess crew interoperability and human performance, not launch vehicle technology. Statement 3 is correct: The article mentions partnership with the Institute of Aerospace Medicine of the IAF.

Explanation

The article clearly states that Mission MITRA is taking place between April 2-9, 2026, in Leh. The published date of the article is also April 04, 2026, confirming the timeframe.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that Ladakh's low temperatures, hypoxia, and isolation are analogous to spaceflight conditions, making it an ideal testbed. This is the core reason for selecting the location, not cost or infrastructure.

Explanation

Article 136 grants the Supreme Court special leave to appeal from any judgment or order by any court or tribunal in India. This discretionary power was the basis for the Supreme Court hearing the bank's appeal against the Delhi High Court order.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect. The Supreme Court explicitly rejected applying parity uniformly, stressing that rank and responsibility matter. Statement 2 is incorrect, as the Court reaffirmed limits on judicial review and stated courts should not substitute their views. Statement 3 is correct, as the judgment detailed the application of the Doctrine of Proportionality.

Explanation

The departmental inquiry culminated in the senior manager's dismissal from service on November 25, 2014. The Delhi High Court later modified this to compulsory retirement, which the Supreme Court set aside, restoring the original dismissal order.

Explanation

The Supreme Court held that the senior manager's rank was not merely titular but carried an increased degree of responsibility, integrity, and supervisory duty over subordinates. This placed him in a distinct category from the gunman, making the principle of parity inapplicable.

Explanation

Article 226 of the Constitution empowers High Courts to issue writs for enforcement of fundamental rights and for any other purpose. Article 32 gives the Supreme Court this power specifically for fundamental rights, which is a common distractor.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article. Statement 2 is incorrect; the relief specifically pertains to eligible students under the reimbursement scheme (SC, ST, BC, EBC, MW) and suspends GOs that prohibited collection from them. Statement 3 is correct as the court clarified that colleges will have to refund fees if the petitions are dismissed.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the government dues run to about ₹1,500 crore. The other figures are plausible distractors given the scale of such schemes.

Explanation

The article states the colleges approached the court 'citing financial strain due to amounts due from the state government'. The relief sought was interim permission to collect fees to manage day-to-day administration, not to increase fees generally or challenge the scheme's validity.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that The Global Fund is a 'Geneva-based health initiative'. This is a key static fact about a major international organization relevant to global health governance.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article. Statement 2 is incorrect; the U.S. programme specifically delivered HIV and malaria products. Tuberculosis is part of The Global Fund's mandate, not the specific U.S. programme mentioned. Statement 3 is correct as the article states the contract ends Sept 30 'in line with all USAID awards - although its official end date is in November'.

Explanation

The article provides the specific data point: 'it delivered a total of more than $5 billion of HIV and malaria products to 90 countries'. This is a precise figure testable in prelims.

Explanation

The core concern raised by sources in the article is that 'the speed of the change could cause shortages or gaps in the provision of life-saving products in some countries, with grave impacts'. The other options, while plausible, are not the primary risk explicitly stated in the provided content.

Explanation

The article explicitly states 'As the Ministry of External Affairs reports, the number of Indian students going abroad has surged...' This ministry handles India's foreign relations and tracks such diaspora data.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article. Statement 2 is incorrect; the article states the exodus contributed to a $6-billion deficit, not a surplus. Statement 3 is incorrect; the article mentions post-study work visas abroad as a pull factor, not their lack.

Explanation

The article clearly states: 'Data from the Reserve Bank of India’s quarterly balance of payments further shows that this outward push has contributed to a $6-billion deficit.' The other figures are distractors.

Explanation

The article's core argument is that educational renewal alone is insufficient. It must be matched by an economy that can absorb and reward talent. The solution lies in creating a broader landscape of quality institutions and a labor market that offers dignified opportunities.

Explanation

The judgment explicitly states that a strikingly disproportionate punishment 'would border on arbitrariness and offend Article 14 of the Constitution.' Article 14 guarantees equality before law and protects against arbitrary state action.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect. The Court restored the punishment of 'dismissal from service', not compulsory retirement. Statement 2 is incorrect. The Court rejected the parity argument, stating higher rank justifies stricter punishment. Statement 3 is correct, as the judgment mentions this phrase to describe warranted judicial interference.

Explanation

The article explicitly mentions that the respondent (senior manager) was holding the post of 'senior manager in MMGS-III scale'. This detail is crucial as the Court used his higher rank compared to the co-delinquents as a ground for the harsher punishment.

Explanation

The core of the judgment is that with higher authority comes greater responsibility (accountability). Therefore, a senior official's misconduct, given their position of trust and supervisory role, can legitimately attract a more severe punishment than a junior employee involved in the same act, without violating Article 14.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that Justice Nagarathna recalled Dr Rajendra Prasad's role as the President of the Constituent Assembly (1946–1950). Dr B.R. Ambedkar was the Chairman of the Drafting Committee.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article. Statement 2 is correct as she noted 'more than 50 per cent of recent entrants into judicial services are women'. Statement 3 is incorrect because she specifically stated the Basic Structure doctrine is 'not about protecting individual rights alone; it is about preserving the structural integrity of the Constitution.'

Explanation

Justice Nagarathna clearly stated, '30 per cent of the panel advocates in public sector organisations must be women.' The other options are common reservation percentages used as distractors.

Explanation

The article states that increasing women's presence as law officers would 'significantly improve their visibility, thereby enhancing their prospects for judicial appointments.' She linked courtroom visibility directly to elevation to the bench.

Explanation

The Right to Education Act, 2009, is the enabling legislation for Article 21A of the Constitution, which was inserted by the 86th Amendment in 2002 to make education a fundamental right for children aged 6-14.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect as the court explicitly ruled that the right to education does NOT include the right to select a particular school. Statement 2 is correct, as mentioned in the article. Statement 3 is incorrect because the court stated that the right to admission perishes once the academic year is over, in the absence of an interim order.

Explanation

The article clearly states that the Delhi High Court ruled on March 25. The year is 2026, as the article was published on April 04, 2026, and references this judgment. March 25, 2023, is the date of the draw of lots mentioned in the case, not the judgment.

Explanation

The court stated that the RTE Act is a beneficial legislation enacted to achieve social inclusion and ensure schools become common spaces not differentiated by barriers of caste or economic lines. Granting a right to choose a specific school could undermine this objective by allowing segregation.

Explanation

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) is a branch of the Iranian Armed Forces, founded after the Iranian Revolution. The article explicitly mentions the IRGC releasing a video of a US F-15 shootdown.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: The article states the incidents occurred just 48 hours after President Trump declared the US had 'beaten and completely decimated Iran'. Statement 2 is incorrect: Bavar-373 is a long-range system capable of engaging targets beyond 200 km; MANPADS are the short-range systems effective below 15,000 feet. Statement 3 is correct: The article mentions the Hormuz closure blocks '~20% global oil/LNG'.

Explanation

The article's data tracker explicitly lists 'Oil Price/bbl' as '$100+' and the summary states 'Brent $100+' as a result of the Hormuz closure. The other options are plausible but incorrect distractors.

Explanation

The article states: 'The key reason lies in Iran’s architecture. Rather than relying on a single, centralized system, Iran operates a layered air defence network designed for survivability and redundancy.' This is the core strategic reason highlighted, not external technology or US failures.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that exporters approached the Arab desk of the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI). FICCI is a key apex business organization in India that often acts as an interface between industry and government.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article mentions exporters urged formal recognition of force majeure 'with effect from 1 March'. Statement 2 is correct as the article states 'By the end of January, India had already exported 5.4 million tonnes of basmati rice'. Statement 3 is correct; the doctrine of frustration of contract is indeed covered under Section 56 of the Indian Contract Act, 1872.

Explanation

The article clearly states that after exporting 5.4 million tonnes by January, there was 'approximately one million tonnes more to be exported by the end of the 2025–26 financial year'. This is a direct data point from the news.

Explanation

The central legal argument of the exporters, as detailed in the article, is based on 'force majeure', a clause that frees parties from liability when extraordinary, unforeseen events prevent contract fulfillment. While the 'doctrine of frustration' is also mentioned, the primary and explicit request is for a force majeure declaration.

Explanation

As mentioned in the article, the nine-judge bench has framed questions specifically concerning the scope and interplay of Articles 25 (freedom of religion for persons) and 26 (rights of religious denominations). These are the core constitutional provisions at issue.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article: the 5-judge bench struck down Rule 3(b). Statement 2 is correct: the article states a 9-judge bench under CJI S.A. Bobde held review petitions maintainable. Statement 3 is incorrect; the article says the LDF government 'supported' the 2018 decision, not opposed it.

Explanation

The article explicitly states: 'The bench will commence hearing in the matter from April 7.' The other dates are close distractors, with April 4 being the publication date of the news.

Explanation

The article lists seven framed questions. Question 4 is precisely: 'What is the scope and extent of the word ‘morality’ under Articles 25 and 26 of the Constitution, and whether it is meant to include constitutional morality?' The other options are not mentioned in the article.

Explanation

Justice Nagarathna's lecture explicitly stated that the independence of the Election Commission of India is central to the conduct of elections and the political process. While other bodies are important, the article specifically mentions the EC alongside the CAG and Finance Commission.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect. Justice Nagarathna stated the independence of these bodies is "not incidental but structural." Statement 2 is correct, as she explicitly said, "Constitutional breakdown can occur within legality through gradual hollowing-out of structure." Statement 3 is correct, as the article mentions she referred to Prasad's disagreement with the Hindu Code Bill.

Explanation

The article clearly states that Justice Nagarathna delivered the lecture at Chanakya National Law University in Patna. The other options are other prominent national law universities in India.

Explanation

The core argument of the lecture, as reported, is that the risk lies "not only in the violation of rights but also in the weakening of institutions that enforce limits on power." She elaborates that a constitutional identity can be lost through the 'hollowing-out' of structure while rights exist formally untouched.

Explanation

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is the central banking institution responsible for regulating commercial banks, their internal controls, and financial stability. The article discusses fraud within banks, making RBI the relevant regulator.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article states the fraud targeted government departments' FDs. Statement 2 is correct as it mentions fake reinvestments to delay detection. Statement 3 is incorrect because funds were routed into shell firms and real estate, not just personal accounts.

Explanation

The article explicitly states: "At the heart of the probe is the IDFC First Bank’s Sector 32 branch, where the prime accused, Ribhav Rishi, worked as branch manager."

Explanation

The article describes Step 5 of the fraud: "funds were transferred into multiple intermediary accounts... belonging to shell entities... The purpose was layering, a classic money-laundering technique."

Explanation

The article states that the Haryana government has written to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to take over the probe. The ED is already investigating, but the request is for the CBI to take over.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article states 'Public funds worth nearly Rs 950 crore were siphoned off'. Statement 2 is correct as the Kotak Mahindra Bank fraud of Rs 158 crore involves Panchkula Municipal Corporation. Statement 3 is incorrect; AU Small Finance Bank came under scrutiny for suspicious transactions but is not directly accused, and it was de-empanelled as a precaution.

Explanation

The article explicitly states: 'The case involves about Rs 116.84 crore belonging to Chandigarh Smart City Limited (CSCL) and linked to the IDFC First Bank’s Sector-32 branch.' The other amounts correspond to different fraud cases mentioned.

Explanation

The article repeatedly mentions fake FDRs, forged signatures and seals, and fabricated documents as the key methods to conceal the frauds. For example, it states 'FDRs issued by the bank were found to be fake, with no corresponding deposits' and 'fake confirmations, fabricated FDRs and misleading statements were allegedly used.'

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the New Delhi station falls under the administrative control of Northern Railway's Delhi Division.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article mentions the redevelopment is under ABSS. Statement 2 is incorrect; the capacity is 7 lakh passengers daily, not 5 lakh. Statement 3 is correct as per the details about the Exception Event Display-based AI control room.

Explanation

The article states that the new station building will have a built-up area of approximately 1,09,000 sq. m.

Explanation

The Railway Minister stated that around 1,500 AI cameras will be installed at platforms, concourses, and other points, with an AI control room for real-time monitoring. The other options are not mentioned in the article.

Explanation

The article states that concerns about instability posed by Iran's revolution were among factors leading to the creation of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) in 1981. The GCC includes Saudi Arabia, UAE, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman, and Bahrain.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect. The article explicitly states the tensions go 'beyond the ideological Shia-Sunni divide' and include threats from Iran's armed forces, nuclear program, and hegemonic tendencies. Statement 2 is correct as per the article. Statement 3 is incorrect; the article says the 2023 deal 'briefly restored diplomatic ties' but that Iranian attacks have since widened the divide.

Explanation

The article clearly states: 'By 2020, the UAE and Bahrain became the first Arab countries to formally recognize Israel since Jordan in 1994 as part of the Abraham accords.' 1994 is the year Jordan recognized Israel, 2023 is the year of the China-brokered Saudi-Iran deal, and 2015 is not mentioned.

Explanation

The article identifies the 'common anxiety' that the US will 'unilaterally declare victory and withdraw from the war — leaving the Iran regime not only standing but maintaining a chokehold on the Strait of Hormuz.' This fear, coupled with past perceived lack of US response (e.g., to Houthi attacks in 2019/2022), drives hedging. The other options are extreme or not supported by the text.