4 March 2026, Questions & Answers

Explanation

The article explicitly states that 'Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps have announced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.' The IRGC is a major branch of the Iranian military with significant political and economic influence.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article ('gateway to 20% of the world’s oil exports'). Statement 2 is correct ('represents 31% of all seaborne crude flows'). Statement 3 is correct ('China received 5.4 million barrels... per day'). All facts are directly mentioned.

Explanation

The article provides the exact figure: 'oil prices soared to $78.31 on Monday, almost 12% higher than a week ago.' The other options are plausible distractors but not the specific data point mentioned.

Explanation

The article's core theme is the threat to global fuel trade, explicitly stating that the closure led to a surge in oil prices and threatens global energy security. The other options are either not mentioned (A, D) or are not described as an immediate, universal consequence (C).

Explanation

The article states that India's Defence Acquisition Council recently cleared the procurement. The DAC is the apex body for defense capital acquisitions, chaired by the Defence Minister. The CCS gives final approval for large deals, but the DAC is the primary procurement-approving body.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: 18 jets will arrive fly-away, and 96 will be manufactured in India. Statement 2 is incorrect: the article clearly states France has denied sharing critical source codes. Statement 3 is correct: indigenous content is targeted at 30% initially and 60% eventually.

Explanation

The article explicitly states: 'The deal is valued at approximately Rs 3.25 lakh crore.' The other figures are plausible distractors but not mentioned in the provided content.

Explanation

The article's core analysis revolves around the challenge that while airframe assembly (Make in India) is happening, France's refusal to share source codes for electronic warfare and radar systems limits India's autonomy to customize, integrate indigenous weapons, and control lifecycle upgrades.

Explanation

The article explicitly mentions the 'Iranian nuclear deal known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) in 2015'. This is the correct formal name of the agreement signed under President Obama.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article states they 'developed substantive economic and military ties' without formal recognition. Statement 2 is correct as it describes the Iran-Contra affair where 'Israel played the role of a conduit'. Statement 3 is incorrect because 'Trident' was between Iran, Israel, and Türkiye, not Saudi Arabia.

Explanation

The article clearly states: 'On June 13, 2025, Israel initiated 'Operation Rising Lion''. June 22, 2025, is the date of the subsequent U.S. 'Operation Midnight Hammer'. October 7, 2023, is the date of the Hamas attack.

Explanation

The article states the fall of Assad 'significantly undermined Iran's capacity to project power in Syria' and 'Iran's supply lines to Hezbollah in Lebanon were disrupted'. This was a major strategic setback for Iran's 'axis of resistance'.

Explanation

The article states that in his November 2025 address on the 'National Day of Fighting Global Arrogance', Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei elaborated on the two-pillared description of 'Istikbar'. The Supreme Leader is the highest political and religious authority in Iran.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: Operation Ajax in 1953 was a CIA-MI6 led coup against PM Mosaddegh. Statement 2 is incorrect: The article mentions that when Marxists first attempted a takeover in February 1979, Khomeini expressed disapproval. The November 1979 siege by different students was later endorsed. Statement 3 is correct: The Iran-Contra Affair (1981-1986) involved the Reagan administration secretly selling arms to Iran to fund the Contra rebels in Nicaragua.

Explanation

The article explicitly states: 'Tehran succeeded in securing a nuclear deal with the Obama administration in Washington in 2015... then faced a unilateral withdrawal from that deal by the Trump Administration in 2018'. This is a key date in the cycle of engagement and hostility.

Explanation

The article repeatedly emphasizes that Iran's intent to engage with Washington has invariably been motivated by the core logic of 'regime preservation'. This is driven by geopolitical necessities, domestic economic compulsions, and threat assessment, overriding purely ideological hostility.

Explanation

The article explicitly states the JF-17 fighter jets are 'built in Pakistan with Chinese assistance'. This is a key static GK fact about the aircraft's origin.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article detailing the Libya-LNA deal. Statement 2 is incorrect; the article states Pakistan's economy and manufacturing are a tenth and a thirteenth of India's respectively, but Pakistan's defence production is $7B vs India's $18B (India's is larger). Statement 3 is correct as mentioned in the article.

Explanation

The article clearly states: 'India’s defence exports have grown rapidly to stand at $2.8 billion in 2024-25'. The other figures correspond to Pakistan's deals ($4.6B Libya, $1.5-$4B Sudan) and Pakistan's annual production ($7B).

Explanation

The article argues that Pakistan's success in forging a regional security role 'would be a force multiplier, enabling it to reclaim parity with India in that region'. This is identified as a key strategic challenge. Other options are either not mentioned or are exaggerated consequences.

Explanation

The Forest Rights Act, 2006 specifically recognizes the rights of Scheduled Tribes and other traditional forest dwellers, as mentioned in the article. This act requires rights recognition before any diversion or regulation affecting traditional access.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article: any construction after 1980 is generally treated as encroachment under the Forest (Conservation) Act. Statement 2 is incorrect because the Wildlife (Protection) Act permits only limited, carefully justified interventions, not unrestricted activities. Statement 3 is correct as the guidelines advocate a no-expansion principle. Hence, option C is correct.

Explanation

The article states that in 2023, ATREE and WWF published a set of guidelines on religious tourism within tiger reserves. This is a specific data point mentioned directly in the content.

Explanation

The green pilgrimage model aims to manage religious activities sustainably in protected areas without undermining ecological integrity or community rights, as highlighted in the article. It focuses on coexistence through measures like no-expansion and pilgrim caps.

Explanation

The article references the Indian government's statement on diaspora safety, which aligns with the Ministry of External Affairs' role in protecting Indian citizens overseas and managing international relations.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per article: 3.3 million Indians make up 35% of UAE population. Statement 2 is incorrect: Gulf remittances were $30 billion of $69 billion total, i.e., 43.5%, not 50%. Statement 3 is correct: UP crossed Kerala in migrant numbers since 2011.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that trade with the UAE reached its highest level of $100.06 billion in 2024-25, making UAE India's third-largest trading partner.

Explanation

The article emphasizes the government's statement prioritizing the safety of nearly one crore Indian citizens in the Gulf, indicating that diaspora welfare is the key concern amid the crisis.

Explanation

The article explicitly mentions the Department of Atomic Energy in the context of the uranium deal with Canada. This department oversees India's nuclear power and research initiatives.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article. Statement 2 is incorrect because domestic uranium grade is 0.02-0.45%, not 1-2%. Statement 3 is incorrect as the third stage using thorium is still distant, with current reactors in the first stage.

Explanation

The article states that India aims to increase installed nuclear capacity from the current 9GW to 100 GW by 2047. This is a key data point for energy policy questions.

Explanation

The article explains that domestic uranium deposits have low ore grades (0.02-0.45%) compared to the global average, making extraction costly, hence reliance on imports. Other options are not supported by the article.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that Kurdish geography straddles Turkey, Syria, Iraq, and Iran. This is a key static fact about the distribution of the Kurdish people, who are the largest stateless nationality in the Middle East.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article: 'Persians form about 60 per cent of the population.' Statement 2 is correct: 'The Azeris... remain relatively well integrated in the Islamic Republic.' Statement 3 is incorrect. The article states Iran's Arab minority is concentrated in 'oil-rich Khuzestan,' not the Baluch community.

Explanation

The article provides a specific figure: 'minorities include roughly 16 million Azeris.' The options of 8-10 million and 1.5-2 million refer to the Kurdish and Baluch populations, respectively, mentioned elsewhere. 19 million is a close distractor but refers to the article's later mention of 'Azeris, nearly 19 million strong,' which is likely a rounded-up or inclusive figure.

Explanation

The article emphasizes that 'Iran's minorities do not form a unified bloc' and that 'Kurdish aspirations differ sharply from those of the Baluch or Arabs.' This lack of coherence and shared political vision is identified as a key factor limiting the utility of any minority-based external strategy.

Explanation

The NGT is a statutory body established by the National Green Tribunal Act, 2010. The other Acts are foundational environmental laws but do not establish the tribunal itself.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the NGT Act, 2010. Statement 2 is correct as the article mentions the tribunal ruled in favor of developers in four out of five cases (i.e., a majority). Statement 3 is incorrect; the article states most expert members since 2016 were former senior officials of the Environment Ministry, not scientists from research institutions.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that 'nine of the 13 expert members appointed since 2016 previously held senior positions in the environment ministry.' The other options are distractors.

Explanation

The article highlights that expert positions mandated by the NGT Act are rarely filled, and the existing expert pool is drawn largely from the Indian Forest Service, lacking scientists, economists, and engineers needed for complex environmental challenges. This constitutes the 'expertise gap'.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), which includes Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, has characterized Hezbollah as a terrorist organization.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article: Hezbollah was formed in the early 1980s. Statement 2 is correct: Israel withdrew in 2000. Statement 3 is correct: The 2006 war started after Hezbollah killed three Israeli soldiers and abducted two others. All statements are directly supported by the article.

Explanation

The article states: "The establishment of the state of Israel in 1948 was accompanied by the violent displacement of more than 750,000 Palestinian Arabs in the event known as the Nakba." The other numbers are plausible distractors but not mentioned.

Explanation

The article concludes by stating: "Despite its weakening, Hezbollah's dominant position in Lebanon comes from a relatively weak Lebanese state, and a formidable arsenal built up over the years." This highlights the connection between state fragility and the rise of powerful non-state actors.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the contract for ALH Mk-III, worth ₹2,901 crore, was inked with the state-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article. Statement 2 is incorrect; the Shtil missiles are Surface-to-Air missiles for air defence, not for submarine detection. Statement 3 is correct as the article mentions the project is expected to generate approximately 65 lakh man-hours of employment.

Explanation

The article clearly states that the contract for Shtil missiles and associated equipment is worth ₹2,182 crore. ₹2,901 crore is for the helicopters, and ₹5,083 crore is the combined total.

Explanation

The article directly quotes that with the barge contract, "the Navy continues to encourage and bolster the growth of MSME Shipyards, thereby contributing immensely towards the domestic shipbuilding ecosystem in line with Maritime India Vision 2030."

Explanation

As per the article and constitutional provisions, delimitation is carried out by a quasi-judicial Delimitation Commission appointed by the President. The Election Commission is associated with the process but is not the primary body.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect: the article states Census 2001 was used instead of Census 2011. Statement 2 is correct as 'cracking' is described as dispersing Muslim votes. Statement 3 is correct as the article mentions 'reserving' seats that elected Muslim MLAs for SC/ST as a known trick.

Explanation

The article explicitly states: 'The cumulative impact of this partisan delimitation was a reduction in the number of Muslim-majority seats, from 29 to 22.' Hence, the number before delimitation was 29.

Explanation

The article defines 'packing' as concentrating all Muslim pockets into one seat, giving them a supermajority which increases the victory margin but doesn't change the seat count, thereby reducing the effective weight of their vote. 'Cracking' is the technique for dispersing votes.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that ICMR recommends HPV vaccination, along with global bodies like CDC. This is a key static GK point for health policy in exams.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article's mention of vaccinating girls aged 9-14. Statement 2 is incorrect because the article clarifies that deaths in the 2009 study were not caused by the vaccine, and Gardasil is part of India's rollout. Statement 3 is correct as stated in the article.

Explanation

The article specifically mentions that about 160 countries recommend HPV vaccination. This factual data is crucial for prelims-type questions on public health.

Explanation

The article explains that vaccinating at age 9-14 is not about endorsing sexual activity but about maximizing the vaccine's benefit by administering it before potential exposure to HPV. This tests understanding of public health strategy.

Explanation

The article explicitly mentions that the National Investigation Agency (NIA) filed the application in the Special NIA Court and is seeking legal assistance from China. The NIA is India's designated central agency for investigating terror offences.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article clearly states the order was passed under Section 112 of the BNSS. Statement 2 is incorrect because the article says India and China are NOT signatories to any MLAT. Statement 3 is correct as the court noted that both nations have ratified the UNTOC, which will be used to seek assistance.

Explanation

The article states that the manufacturer, GoPro B V, informed that the camera was activated on January 30, 2024, at Dongguan, China. April 22, 2025, is the attack date, March 04, 2026, is the news date, and December 31, 2023, is not mentioned.

Explanation

The article directly quotes the court order: 'since India and China are not signatories to any mutual treaty, i.e. Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty/Agreement (MLAT)... assistance as requested can be sought under the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime (UNTOC).' This is the stated legal reason.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the HSBC India Services PMI is compiled by S&P Global. This is a static fact about the index's methodology.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: The PMI was 58.1, which is above the 50-mark separating growth from contraction. Statement 2 is incorrect: The article states new business expanded at the slowest pace since January 2025, not the fastest. Statement 3 is correct: The article confirms the composite PMI rose to 58.9.

Explanation

The article clearly states the HSBC India Services PMI fell to 58.1 in February from January's 58.4. 58.4 was the January figure and a preliminary estimate for February. 58.9 is the composite PMI.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that service providers faced a sharper increase in operating expenses, driven primarily by higher food costs along with energy and labor. This is a direct application of the data presented.

Explanation

The article's byline explicitly states that Biju Dharmapalan is an adjunct faculty member at the National Institute of Advanced Studies (NIAS), Bengaluru.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article identifies publishing delays as a major cause for prolonged PhDs. Statement 2 is correct as it highlights the misconception linking thesis page count to quality. Statement 3 is incorrect because China's practical PhD model evaluates candidates on working prototypes and tangible products, not published papers.

Explanation

The article states that China's practical PhD model seeks to 'bridge this gap by matching doctoral outputs with real-world applications and industrial scalability'. The other options are not mentioned as primary objectives.

Explanation

The article explicitly lists 'the conventional thesis-defence model and long-lasting bureaucratic procedures' as a major structural impediment, causing administrative delays that can extend the PhD completion timeline by months or years.

Explanation

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is the central banking and monetary authority responsible for regulating and supervising all banks in India, including cooperative banks, under the Banking Regulation Act, 1949. NABARD inspects them but the primary regulatory power rests with RBI.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect as the penalty was imposed using powers under the Banking Regulation Act, 1949 (Sections 47A, 46, 56), not the RBI Act. Statement 2 is incorrect as the violations are between six to seven years old (around 2019). Statement 3 is correct as the article mentions violation of rules regarding non-disbursal of loans to directors.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the Reserve Bank of India has imposed a fine of ₹2 lakh on the Belagavi District Central Cooperative (BDCC) Bank. The other options are plausible distractors for different penalty amounts.

Explanation

The RBI's letter, as quoted in the article, clearly states: "This action is based on deficiencies in statutory and regulatory compliance..." It also clarifies that the action is not intended to judge the validity of customer transactions (option A). Options C and D are not mentioned as objectives of this penalty action.

Explanation

The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow channel that links the Persian Gulf (west) with the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea (east). It is the only sea passage from the Persian Gulf to the open ocean, making it a critical global chokepoint.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per Clarksons Research data cited in the article. Statement 2 is correct as per Boeing's World Air Cargo Forecast mentioned. Statement 3 is incorrect; the article states ships are taking a much longer detour around the southern tip of Africa (Cape of Good Hope), not via the Suez Canal, which is also mentioned as facing instability.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that 'about 20% of the world's oil that comes from the region' passes through the Strait of Hormuz. This is a critical static GK fact related to global energy security and geography.

Explanation

The article states that President Trump ordered the U.S. International Development Finance Corp. to provide political risk insurance for tankers carrying oil and goods through the Persian Gulf. While naval escort was mentioned as a potential future step, the immediate announced measure was the insurance provision.

Explanation

As per the article, the Assembly of Experts is the 88-member body elected by the public that holds the constitutional responsibility for appointing and overseeing the Supreme Leader of Iran.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect: The article explicitly states Mojtaba is 'not considered a high-ranking religious scholar.' Statement 2 is correct: The article mentions he 'wields significant influence... through his close ties with the powerful Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).' Statement 3 is correct: The article states, 'In 2019, the United States sanctioned him, alleging that he acted in an official capacity on behalf of the supreme leader.'

Explanation

The article specifically states that the Assembly of Experts is an '88-member body.' This is a precise factual detail examiners can test.

Explanation

The article highlights that Iran's leadership has 'long rejected the idea of hereditary rule' and that 'succession from father to son is not traditionally viewed favourably within Shia clerical circles.' Therefore, his appointment would break a core ideological principle, making it historically significant.

Explanation

Article 142 of the Indian Constitution grants the Supreme Court the unique power to pass any decree or order necessary for doing 'complete justice' in any matter before it. The article explicitly mentions this in the news where the SC ordered judicial adjudication for West Bengal's pending voter cases.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article: the SIR required submission of enumeration forms and, for those enrolled after the early 2000s, documents for eligibility. Statement 2 is incorrect: micro-observers were deployed only in West Bengal, not all states. Statement 3 is correct: the SC used Article 142 specifically for West Bengal's pending cases.

Explanation

The article states that the final electoral roll published on February 28 showed the total electorate in West Bengal had 'decreased by 8% or around 61 lakh names'. The other options are close but incorrect distractors.

Explanation

The article states EC officials alleged the need for micro-observers arose as EROs were acting on orders of the ruling party and not deleting ineligible voters, uploading fake documents. While option C mentions a related administrative reason, the primary reason per the article was to check the documents and oversee the process due to alleged bias and non-cooperation.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that 'highly placed sources in the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoPNG) said that the government is closely monitoring the situation...'. This ministry is the nodal body for India's oil and gas policies, including LNG imports and supply security.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article. Statement 2 is incorrect; the article states the Strait of Hormuz handles 'approximately one-fifth of global liquid petroleum consumption and LNG trade', not one-third. Statement 3 is correct as per the data from PPAC mentioned in the article.

Explanation

The article clearly states: 'Petronet LNG has long-term contracts to buy 8.5 million tonnes per annum (mtpa) of Qatari LNG.' This is a key data point highlighting the scale of the supply disruption.

Explanation

The article details that due to the anticipated supply shortfall, Indian gas marketers have 'reduced supplies to industries and even the city gas distribution (CGD) sector by up to 40% in some cases.' This is the direct, immediate impact of the supply disruption caused by the force majeure.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and Israel's MASHAV signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to set up IINCA. ICAR is the apex body for coordinating agricultural research and education in India.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article's details on IINCA's focus. Statement 2 is incorrect; Pax Silica is a US-led initiative to counter China's dominance in AI and tech supply chains, not a Russia-led space tech group. Statement 3 is correct as the article mentions 35 operational Centres of Excellence.

Explanation

The article clearly states: 'So far, 35 Centres of Excellence have become operational, and India plans to expand the number to 100.' This is a precise data point for factual recall.

Explanation

The article describes Pax Silica as an initiative to counter China's dominance and build secure supply chains for critical technologies. India's entry is strategic to reduce 'coercive dependencies' and position itself in the global supply chain realignment away from China.

Explanation

The article states that a key sanction was preventing Iranian banks from using the Belgium-based SWIFT network, the largest electronic payment network in the world. This is a common tool for financial isolation.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article. Statement 2 is incorrect; the article explicitly states 'India stopped importing oil from Iran'. Statement 3 is correct, as Iran's strategy involves partners like Russia and memberships in BRICS and SCO.

Explanation

The article cites World Bank reports stating Iran's GDP was roughly US$ 436 billion in 2024 (current USD), comprising 0.4% of the world economy. This is a key macroeconomic data point.

Explanation

The article details that Iran's 'Maximum Resistance' strategy focuses on building ties with sanction-tolerant partners. China is central, purchasing discounted oil and providing an economic lifeline, which is a pragmatic adaptation to pressure.

Explanation

The GHADC, like other Autonomous District Councils in Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Mizoram, is established under the provisions of the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution, which deals with the administration of tribal areas.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article states GHADC has 30 constituencies and elections are held in 29 seats. Statement 2 is incorrect; the article clarifies that Paragraph 11 only outlines how laws take effect upon gazette notification and does not grant the council authority to prescribe new qualifications. Statement 3 is correct as opponents cite violation of Article 14 (Right to Equality).

Explanation

The article explicitly states, "The nominations for the GHADC elections begin on March 9, 2026." February 17 is the notification date, and April 10 is the election date.

Explanation

As per the article, tribal organizations like the A'chik State People's Forum defended the notification by citing Article 244(2) of the Constitution, which grants autonomous district councils the authority to ensure indigenous communities remain primary custodians of their governance under the Sixth Schedule framework.

Explanation

The article explicitly states the IRIS Dena participated in the International Fleet Review (IFR) and MILAN-2026, which were organized by the Indian Navy last month in Visakhapatnam.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the US Defence Secretary's statement in the article. Statement 2 is incorrect; the article clarifies the ship sank 'just outside Sri Lanka's territorial waters'. Statement 3 is correct as the article identifies the vessel as a Moudge-class frigate of the Iranian Navy's Southern Fleet.

Explanation

The article mentions that Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath told parliament that '180 people were on board the Iranian vessel', and a top government official later reiterated this estimate.

Explanation

The article directly states that 'Sri Lanka has maintained a policy of neutrality in international conflicts'. A major incident involving two foreign powers in its vicinity inherently tests this policy as it navigates rescue operations and diplomatic fallout.

Explanation

The article explicitly states the Strait of Hormuz is 'a chokepoint between Iran and Oman'. This is a key geographical fact for maps and international relations questions.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article. Statement 2 is incorrect; the article states 'around a fifth' (20%), not one-third. Statement 3 is correct as explicitly mentioned. Hence, option C is correct.

Explanation

The article specifies 'around a fifth of the world's oil is shipped' through the strait. One-fifth equals 20%. The other options are plausible but incorrect distractors.

Explanation

The article quotes the US President saying, 'No matter what, the United States will ensure the free flow of energy to the world.' The context of rising crude prices and blocked shipments confirms the objective is energy security and price stability, not direct conflict or permanent fleet expansion.

Explanation

Article 200 of the Indian Constitution deals with the powers of the Governor concerning Bills passed by the State Legislature, including giving assent, withholding assent, or reserving the Bill for the President's consideration.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article. Statement 2 is incorrect; the Governor stated the practice began from Andhra Pradesh, not Tamil Nadu. Statement 3 is correct as he mentioned the Justice Kurian Joseph Committee appointed by Tamil Nadu.

Explanation

The article explicitly states: "As many as 14 Bills passed by the Kerala Assembly are currently pending with the Governor." The number 8 is a distractor referring to Bills from Andhra Pradesh mentioned in the historical context.

Explanation

The Governor's key statement was: "We are creatures of the Constitution of India. As a Governor, you should be more constitutionally oriented." This underscores the constitutional basis of the Governor's role, rejecting monarchical or purely partisan interpretations.

Explanation

The article explicitly states the standard is proposed under the Securities and Exchange Board of India's (SEBI) Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements (LODR) Regulations, 2015. This is the framework governing listed entities in India.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect as India's R&D intensity is low at 0.23% of GDP, not high. Statement 2 is incorrect; the article states capital expenditure on tangible assets does NOT rise in the same way, and transparency pushes investment towards risky innovation. Statement 3 is correct as per the evidence cited from Liu, Ye & Liu (2023).

Explanation

The article states: "Corporate R&D intensity in India stagnates at 0.23% of GDP". This is a key data point highlighting the core problem the proposed policy seeks to address.

Explanation

As per the article, when firms observe competitors' projects due to disclosure, weaker firms terminate or scale back dominated projects. This 'portfolio purification' prunes low-quality projects, shifting capital to higher-quality opportunities, thereby improving overall innovation efficiency and safety.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the latest warning comes from the World Obesity Federation and cites data from the World Obesity Atlas 2026. This is a key static fact to remember.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect: India ranks second worldwide, trailing only China. Statement 2 is correct as per the article's projection. Statement 3 is correct as the article mentions CBSE's directive on 'sugar boards'.

Explanation

The article states that in 2025, nearly 15 million children aged 5–9 and over 26 million adolescents aged 10–19 were reported overweight or obese. 15 + 26 = 41 million.

Explanation

The article's core analysis emphasizes that overweight children can develop adult diseases like hypertension and diabetes, leading to a long-term strain on healthcare systems, which experts call a 'future health emergency'. This is the primary concern.

Explanation

The article mentions US Central Command provided initial statements. CENTCOM is the unified combatant command responsible for the Middle East, including Kuwait.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article. Statement 2 is incorrect; officials raised concerns that personnel were in a temporary office setup (a trailer), not a permanent fortified center. Statement 3 is incorrect; the article does not mention any immediate US counter-attack, only Iranian retaliatory strikes on Gulf nations earlier.

Explanation

The article states that initial reports mentioned 3 fatalities, but by Monday, authorities revised the toll to 6 after one injured soldier died and two additional bodies were recovered.

Explanation

The analysis suggests the strike reveals vulnerabilities and tests the US military's deterrent credibility in the region, prompting a reassessment of defense measures. The other options are extreme conclusions not supported by the article's content.

Explanation

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is India's central bank and the primary authority for formulating and implementing monetary policy, including setting the repo rate. The article discusses the RBI's dilemma in managing imported inflation.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: The article mentions that companies with foreign currency borrowings face a sharper blow as servicing overseas debt becomes costlier in rupee terms. Statement 2 is incorrect: The article states a $1 rise in crude oil increases India's annual import bill by roughly $1.5-2 billion, not $10-15 billion. Statement 3 is correct: The article explicitly mentions IT services majors and pharmaceutical exporters as principal beneficiaries of a weaker rupee.

Explanation

The article explicitly states: "India’s CAD increased to $13.2 billion (1.3 per cent of GDP) in the third quarter of 2025-26 from $11.3 billion (1.1 per cent of GDP) in the same period of last year, according to the RBI data." The other options are distractors based on previous data or close approximations.

Explanation

The article explains that IT companies bill largely in dollars and euros while incurring costs in rupees. Therefore, when the rupee weakens, each dollar of revenue translates into more rupees, enhancing profitability without an immediate change in sales volumes. This is the natural hedge mentioned.

Explanation

The National Statistical Office (NSO), under the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation, is responsible for compiling macroeconomic data like the Consumer Price Index (CPI) and conducting surveys like the Household Consumption Expenditure Survey (HCES).

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article states the new CPI has a 2024 base and follows COICOP 2018. Statement 2 is incorrect; the revision reduces food weight and increases housing/services weight. Statement 3 is correct as HCES data is used for updating weights.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that Telangana recorded the highest inflation at 5% in January 2026, followed by Kerala (3.67%) and Tamil Nadu (3.36%). Rajasthan recorded 3.17%.

Explanation

As stated in the article, food prices are often volatile, while service prices remain high for longer. The new CPI, by giving more weight to services, provides a clearer signal to the RBI on whether inflation pressures are transitory (food) or persistent (services), which is crucial for interest-rate decisions.