4 May 2026, Questions & Answers

Explanation

The article explicitly states that reproductive autonomy is grounded in dignity and bodily integrity, which are integral to the right to life and personal liberty guaranteed under Article 21 of the Constitution.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article. Statement 2 is incorrect; the 2021 amendment expanded limits for certain categories but did not remove all limits. Statement 3 is correct as mentioned in the article.

Explanation

The article clearly mentions that the Supreme Court allowed the termination of a 30-week pregnancy for the 15-year-old rape survivor, which is beyond the standard gestational limits, highlighting the exceptional circumstances.

Explanation

The article emphasizes the Court's call to move away from the MTP Act's current structure as a 'conditional permission' and 'exception to criminality' towards a framework where reproductive autonomy is the presumption. This is a shift from permission-based to rights-based.

Explanation

The Supreme Court emphasized the judiciary's duty to safeguard constitutional guarantees of equality, directly invoking the principle of equality before the law enshrined in Article 14 of the Constitution.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: The Supreme Court took suo motu cognisance. Statement 2 is incorrect: The Court observed the opposite, that such conditions seemed to target Dalit and Adivasi communities, not the privileged. Statement 3 is correct: The Registry was directed to circulate the order to all High Courts.

Explanation

The article specifies the order directed the applicant to clean the premises of the Kashipur police station every morning between 6 am and 9 am for two months.

Explanation

The Court held that the conditions struck at the dignity of the accused and reflected bias, violating the constitutional guarantee of equality under Article 14. It emphasized the judiciary's duty to protect the vulnerable, linking dignity directly to equality.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the Special TADA Court in Jamnagar delivered the verdict convicting the 12 individuals. Jamnagar is a city in Gujarat.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect because the conviction was based on the confessional statement and other evidence; the court used it as a 'key reference' but not the sole basis. Statement 2 is incorrect as the article clearly states the weapons were 'sourced from Pakistan'. Statement 3 is correct as per the details of the meeting in the article.

Explanation

The article directly quotes the confessional statement of Usmangani, who said he attended the meeting at Dawood Ibrahim's Dubai residence 'between January 11 and 15' where the revenge was planned.

Explanation

The court held that although Usmangani died during the trial, his confessional statement was recorded without force and following due process, and thus 'can be utilised in evidence'. This highlights a procedural aspect of the TADA Act regarding confessional statements.

Explanation

As clearly stated in the article, CBAM is a mechanism implemented by the European Union (EU) which came into full effect on January 1, 2026.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article. Statement 2 is incorrect; CBAM's stated aim is to make importers pay a carbon price equivalent to what EU producers pay domestically, not to exempt EU producers. Statement 3 is correct as the article mentions free allowances are being phased out from 2026 to 2034.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that free allowances under the EU ETS 'will be phased out gradually from 2026 to 2034'. The other options are close distractors with different start or end years.

Explanation

The article's core argument is that Indian exporters face the 'full weight of CBAM charges' while EU producers benefit from 'large decarbonisation subsidies' and 'free allowances', creating an unlevel playing field. This is the central concern raised.

Explanation

The Information Technology Act, 2000, which is central to the news on online takedowns, is administered by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY). This ministry formulates policies related to IT, electronics, and the internet.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article mentions the use of IT Rules amendments to pressure platforms with a three-hour timeline. Statement 2 is incorrect; the article states the Sahyog portal was opened to 'police officials around the country', not specifically to CBI officials. Statement 3 is correct as the Shreya Singhal case is explicitly mentioned as a binding precedent.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the government has pressured platforms 'to take down content within three-hour timelines'. The other options are plausible distractors for different compliance deadlines that exist in various global regulations.

Explanation

The central thesis of the editorial is that the expansive takedown regime is 'a threat to the fundamental right to free expression' (Article 19(1)(a)). While other principles like judicial independence might be indirectly affected, the primary argument focuses on the chilling effect on free speech.

Explanation

The article's footnote explicitly states that Tiwari is the coordinator and Pai is a member of the UP Chief Minister's Economic Advisory Group. This is a direct static fact from the source.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article. Statement 2 is correct as it quotes the ultimate capacity. Statement 3 is incorrect; 28 lakh MT is the ultimate cargo capacity, while the initial capacity is 2.55 lakh MT. Hence, only statements 1 and 2 are correct.

Explanation

The article clearly states the project was built at a cost of around ₹11,200 crore. The other options are plausible but incorrect distractors.

Explanation

The article states that air cargo hubs are economic engines that facilitate over 35% of global trade by value (about $8 trillion annually), drive GDP growth, create jobs, and play a pivotal role in drawing FDI and generating forex.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the IEA was established as a result of the Yom Kippur War, following a conference convened by US Secretary of State Henry Kissinger in January 1974 to counter OAPEC.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article's description of the AECC's purpose. Statement 2 is incorrect; the AECC is proposed to be modeled on the IEA's post-1973 response, not on OAPEC. Statement 3 is correct as the article states the IEA currently provides this intelligence but Asia should have its own agency.

Explanation

The article clearly states that the bulk of the 13 million barrels trapped, approximately 85 per cent, was destined for the Asian markets, highlighting the region's acute vulnerability.

Explanation

The article questions whether the price spike was due entirely to supply-demand mechanics or also because of 'asymmetric bargaining', implying Asian importers did not use their aggregate purchasing strength effectively, which is a core rationale for the proposed AECC.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the 'ministry of Road Transport and Highways' has issued the draft notification. This ministry is responsible for motor vehicle regulations in India.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article mentions 'draft amendments to the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989'. Statement 2 is incorrect; vehicles since April 2023 are E20-compliant, not E100-compliant. Statement 3 is correct as the article states ethanol (₹60.73-₹71.86/litre) is cheaper than petrol (requiring ~₹89/litre ex-refinery price).

Explanation

The article specifically states that distilleries are fetching 'Rs 60.73-71.86 per litre' for the ethanol supplied to OMCs. This data point is crucial for the economic argument favoring ethanol blending.

Explanation

The article states that compatibility with higher blends 'will require major overhaul of internal combustion engines and auto parts to withstand any potential corrosion from the hygroscopic (moisture-absorbing) property of ethanol.' This is the direct technical challenge identified.

Explanation

The article states that after Nayara Energy made representations, the Finance Ministry pointed to the EU statute example and proposed a similar domestic law. MeitY was involved later in seeking Microsoft's response but was not the proposer of the law.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per Regulation No 2271/96. Statement 2 is correct; the article mentions it was aimed at American sanctions against Cuba and later Iran. Statement 3 is correct; one of the three ways the statute works is by allowing recovery of damages in court.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that Russian oil giant Rosneft holds over 49% stake in Nayara Energy. The other options are close distractors not mentioned in the text.

Explanation

The core objective, as stated in the article's title and content, is to create a legal shield to protect Indian companies from critical service disruptions when foreign companies cite sanctions from other jurisdictions. The other options are not the primary aims discussed.

Explanation

The article mentions the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) official spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal, issuing India's statement rejecting Nepal's claims. The MEA is the nodal body for handling India's foreign relations and diplomatic communications.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as Nepal's Foreign Ministry cited the Sugauli Treaty of 1816. Statement 2 is incorrect; India stated the yatra has been ongoing via Lipulekh since 1954, not 1947. Statement 3 is correct as the article mentions Nepal's objection to trade resumption in August 2025. Hence, option C is correct.

Explanation

The MEA spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal, explicitly stated that "Lipulekh pass has been a long standing route for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra since 1954." The other options are significant years in Indian history but are not mentioned in the context of this pilgrimage route.

Explanation

Nepal's objection is fundamentally territorial. Its Foreign Ministry asserted that Limpiyadhura, Lipulekh and Kalapani are integral parts of Nepal since the Sugauli Treaty of 1816. The other options, while plausible in other contexts, are not the core reason presented in the article.

Explanation

The article clearly states that currently, the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE), under the Prime Minister's Office, is the administrative authority for matters related to nuclear power. This is a key static fact about India's nuclear governance.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article states the SHANTI Act allows private participation. Statement 2 is correct as it mentions the Act omitted a key liability clause. Statement 3 is incorrect; the article discusses a future debate on jurisdiction for *new* private projects, but legacy projects continue under DAE. The Act did not transfer existing plants.

Explanation

The article explicitly states: 'India aims to achieve 100 GW of nuclear power by 2047.' This is a critical data point for prelims factual recall. The other figures are plausible but incorrect distractors.

Explanation

The article directly links the jurisdictional debate to 'rising concern over potential conflict of interest due to DAE’s full control over the entire nuclear power supply chain — from research and development to fuel supply and spent fuel management.' This is the core analytical reason presented.

Explanation

The article states the operation is expected to begin Monday morning in the Middle East and is being handled by the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), which is responsible for U.S. military operations in the Middle East, including the Persian Gulf region.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article. Statement 2 is incorrect; the strait has been closed since late February 2026, not January. Statement 3 is incorrect; the article explicitly states that talks do not include Iran's nuclear programme for now. Hence, only statement 1 is correct.

Explanation

The article states that the operation will involve 'around 15,000 service personnel' according to the U.S. Central Command. The other options are close but incorrect distractors.

Explanation

The article quotes the U.S. President describing the stranded crews as 'victims of circumstance' and frames the move as a humanitarian effort to help 'neutral and innocent' countries get their ships out safely. While the operation has strategic dimensions, the primary stated reason is humanitarian.

Explanation

While the Quad and 2+2 dialogues are important, the article describes a bilateral meeting between the two Prime Ministers. Such summit-level engagements are typically held under the framework of annual leaders' meetings, which are the highest mechanism for bilateral strategic dialogue.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect as the article mentions cooperation in energy, defence, and critical minerals, not specifically space tech or cybersecurity. Statement 2 is incorrect; the article states Japan is one of Australia's top five suppliers of refined products, not the other way around. Statement 3 is correct as the article explicitly links the cooperation to securing critical mineral supply chains amid global threats.

Explanation

The article explicitly states: "Australia provides almost half of Japan’s liquefied natural gas." This is a direct factual data point from the content, making it a potential Prelims question.

Explanation

The article directly links the deepened cooperation to the threat the Iran war poses to global supply chains. The core objective is risk mitigation and building resilient supply chains for essential resources, which is a key aspect of economic and national security strategy.

Explanation

The Central Information Commission (CIC) is a statutory body established under Section 12 of the Right to Information Act, 2005. Its primary function is to adjudicate appeals and complaints related to the RTI Act.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect: The Allahabad High Court refused to direct disclosure and actually quashed the CIC order. Statement 2 is correct as per the court's ruling. Statement 3 is correct as the CIC order was dated 04.04.2013.

Explanation

The article clearly states that the RTI application sought the evaluated answer sheets of the UP Higher Judicial Service Examination, 2009. The year 2005 is when the RTI Act was passed, 2013 is when the CIC gave its order, and 2026 is when the High Court gave its judgment.

Explanation

The court explicitly held that the Higher Judicial Services Examination is 'sacrosanct' and its confidentiality must be maintained, balancing it with the RTI Act's transparency mandate. The other options are either not mentioned (Official Secrets Act) or were arguments by the petitioner's counsel, not the court's final ruling.

Explanation

As per the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Rules, 2026, the Online Gaming Authority of India (OGAI) is housed under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY). This ministry oversees digital economy regulations, making it the nodal body for online gaming.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect. PAI 2.0 assessed panchayats for the 2023-24 financial year, not 2022-23. Statement 2 is incorrect. UAE joined OPEC in 1967; the founding members in 1960 were Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and Venezuela. Statement 3 is correct as explicitly mentioned in the article.

Explanation

PAI 2.0 data states that 1,18,824 Gram Panchayats were ranked as 'Performer'. The other options are distractors: 3,635 were 'Front Runner', 13,689 were 'Beginner', and 1,23,719 were 'Aspirant'.

Explanation

OPEC+ derives power by coordinating production limits among members to influence oil prices. The exit of a major producer like the UAE reduces the alliance's control over total supply, potentially weakening its collective influence on the global market, as noted in the article.

Explanation

The Election Commission of India (ECI) is the autonomous constitutional authority responsible for administering election processes for Parliament, State Legislatures, and the offices of the President and Vice-President. The article states results are 'As per the Election Commission of India (ECI)'.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article states 'BJP is ahead in 194 seats'. Statement 2 is correct as it states 'TMC is leading in 92 seats'. Statement 3 is incorrect; the article mentions the voter turnout was '92.84 per cent', not over 95%.

Explanation

The article explicitly states: 'the state recorded its highest-ever voter turnout of 92.84 per cent.' The other options are close distractors but do not match the precise figure provided in the source.

Explanation

A record high voter turnout, as described in the article ('highest-ever'), typically signifies heightened political awareness, competitive electoral contests, and strong mobilization efforts by political parties to bring voters to the polls.

Explanation

The news article explicitly mentions that the Supreme Court's ruling pertains to the definition under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016. The 1995 Act was its predecessor, while POCSO and SC/ST Acts deal with different subject matters.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article. Statement 2 is incorrect because the article states the 2016 law 'recognised only victims of acid-throwing, and not forcible acid ingestion.' Statement 3 is incorrect as the article clearly mentions the order is 'operative retrospectively from the inception of the Act.'

Explanation

The article explicitly states: 'the order is operative retrospectively from the inception of the Act.' The Act in question is the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, which was enacted in 2016.

Explanation

The core implication, as stated in the article, is that the 'deemed recognition would aid victims of forcible acid ingestion to claim disability benefits due under the 2016 Act.' The other options, while possibly related to acid attack jurisprudence, are not mentioned as direct outcomes of this specific ruling.

Explanation

The Election Commission of India (ECI) is the autonomous constitutional authority established under Article 324. It is responsible for administering the election process for the Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha, State Legislative Assemblies, and the offices of the President and Vice President of India.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article mentions a historic voter turnout of approximately 85.1%. Statement 2 is incorrect because the article clearly states that TVK 'chose to contest solo across all 234 constituencies' and was not part of any alliance. Statement 3 is correct as the election was contested on a total of 234 seats.

Explanation

The article explicitly states: 'the TVK is ahead in 108 seats'. AIADMK was leading in 68 seats, which is a close distractor. The other options are not mentioned in the provided content.

Explanation

The article states the AIADMK-BJP alliance 'reunited in April 2025 with Edappadi K Palaniswami as the chief ministerial candidate.' Projecting a clear CM face is a key electoral strategy to consolidate votes and present a stable alternative to the incumbent. The other options are administrative details not linked to the strategic alliance reunion.

Explanation

The article explicitly mentions Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister (EAC-PM) Chairman S. Mahendra Dev. Bibek Debroy and Arvind Panagariya are former chairmen, and Rathin Roy is a former member.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article mentions mapping vulnerabilities in energy, food, fertilizers, metals, and critical minerals. Statement 2 is incorrect; he argued for going BEYOND conventional reliance on forex reserves. Statement 3 is correct as the West Asia conflict is explicitly mentioned as the context.

Explanation

The article states the statement was made on Monday, May 4, 2026. The other dates are close distractors to test attention to detail.

Explanation

The article clearly states the need is to 'proactively address both supply disruptions and price volatility to mitigate the impact of future West Asia-like crisis.' The other options are not mentioned as objectives.

Explanation

The article explicitly mentions Section 118 of the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023. This is the law that replaced the Indian Evidence Act, 1872, as part of the recent criminal law reforms.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the Supreme Court set aside the High Court's bail order. Statement 2 is incorrect; the Court explicitly questioned whether delay in FIR should be a ground for bail in serious crimes like dowry death and criticized the High Court for using it. Statement 3 is correct as the bench expressed concern over rising dowry deaths in Uttar Pradesh.

Explanation

The article states: 'The deceased died on 11.07.2024 and... on the very next date, i.e., on 12.07.2024 the FIR came to be lodged.' The other dates are distractors: 11 July is the death date, 30 April is the SC order date, and 04 May is the article publication date.

Explanation

The core message from the Court, as quoted, is that bail courts must ensure their orders 'should not be seen or read by the society at large that the courts are taking serious crimes against women very lightly.' The other options are either contrary to the judgment's spirit or not mentioned as primary principles.

Explanation

The article states that the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE), under the Prime Minister's Office, is currently the administrative authority for matters related to nuclear power. The AERB is the regulator, and the Ministry of Power's role is under discussion.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article's details on the Treaty of Sugauli. Statement 2 is incorrect; the EU Blocking Statute prohibits compliance only with listed foreign sanctions, not all sanctions. Statement 3 is incorrect because Drishti uses Opto-SAR technology for simultaneous optical and SAR imaging, not SAR alone.

Explanation

The article explicitly mentions that the European Union Blocking Statute was introduced by Brussels in 1996. This is a key factual detail for Prelims questions on international economic law.

Explanation

The article discusses India's study of the EU Blocking Statute following Microsoft's suspension of services to Nayara Energy due to EU sanctions. The primary objective of such a law is to protect Indian entities from being forced to comply with foreign sanctions that have extraterritorial application, thereby safeguarding critical services and economic sovereignty.

Explanation

The article explicitly mentions the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955, as the governing law under which the marriage was challenged. The court's analysis revolves around Sections 5(iv) and 3(a) of this specific Act.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: The court declared the marriage void under Section 5(iv). Statement 2 is incorrect: The court specifically rejected the 'Brahma marriage' custom claim. Statement 3 is correct: The court detailed these exact legal requirements for proving a custom under Section 3(a) of the Act.

Explanation

The article states: "...on January 14, 2022, a customary divorce was granted to them in a societal meeting." April 20, 2018, is the marriage date. March 2020 is when the wife left home. January 3, 2024, is the family court decision date.

Explanation

The court's core reasoning was that the wife failed to plead and establish that the custom was continuously and uniformly observed for a long time and had obtained the force of law as required by Section 3(a) of the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955. The judgment did not base its decision on secular values, scriptures, or the size of the practicing group.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the OGAI is a unified regulator under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY). While other ministries have joint secretaries as members, the parent ministry and chairperson (Additional Secretary) are from MeitY.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as OGAI is established by the 2025 Act. Statement 2 is correct as the article lists its powers to classify games and impose penalties. Statement 3 is incorrect; the chairperson is the Additional Secretary of MeitY, not a Joint Secretary from Youth Affairs.

Explanation

The article clearly states that the OGAI comprises six members, all of whom are government nominees. This includes the Chairperson (Additional Secretary, MeitY) and five Joint Secretaries from other ministries.

Explanation

The article explains that the rules 'expanded the compliance perimeter by bringing financial institutions directly into the regulatory net.' Banks and payment gateways must verify a game's regulatory status, and for banned 'Online Money Games,' they must act on OGAI's directions to restrict payments, making them a key enforcement tool.

Explanation

The article explicitly states 'The strait sits between Iranian and Omani territory.' This is a key geographical fact about one of the world's most important maritime chokepoints.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article's core description. Statement 2 is incorrect; the article describes it as a US-led initiative announced by President Trump, with no mention of a UN mandate. Statement 3 is correct as Iran's Major General Ali Abdollahi and parliamentarian Ebrahim Azizi issued such warnings.

Explanation

The article specifically states: 'The disruption of the waterway through which roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil typically passes...' This is a critical data point for understanding the strategic importance of the strait.

Explanation

The article directly states: 'The disruption of the waterway... has become one of the most enduring consequences of the war.' This highlights the long-term strategic and economic impact of the conflict on global energy supplies, beyond immediate military or humanitarian aspects.

Explanation

The article clearly states that the Himachal Pradesh High Court, with Justice Sushil Kukreja presiding, dismissed the bail plea. The Supreme Court, SEBI, and ED are not mentioned as the adjudicating body in this specific bail denial.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article mentions Korvio, Voscrow, and Hypenext. Statement 2 is incorrect; the HC denied bail, and the chargesheet was already filed (investigation was complete). Statement 3 is correct as the court noted an estimated loss of ₹500 crores to investors.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the fraudulent scheme defrauded 'over 80,000 investors.' The other options are plausible but incorrect distractors.

Explanation

While other options are factually mentioned in the article (like unsatisfactory explanation and larger public interest), the court's core reasoning, as directly quoted, is that 'Economic offences are considered grave offences as they affect the economy of the country as a whole.' This is the primary legal principle applied.

Explanation

Justice Bagchi explicitly stated the amendment should be examined 'in the light of Article 21'. The NALSA judgment anchored the right to self-identification of gender as an aspect of dignity, which is a component of the right to life and personal liberty under Article 21 of the Constitution.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article states the amendment 'did away with self-identification of gender'. Statement 2 is incorrect; the certificate is issued by a District Magistrate after examining a medical board's recommendation, not directly by a Chief Medical Officer. Statement 3 is incorrect as the Supreme Court explicitly refused to grant any interim stay, saying 'no question of interim stay'.

Explanation

The article specifically states that the certificate is issued by a district magistrate 'after examining the recommendation of a designated medical board, headed by a chief medical officer'. The District Magistrate is the issuing authority, but the medical board is headed by the Chief Medical Officer.

Explanation

CJI Surya Kant asked, 'In this country of 140 crore people, some can masquerade this facility for the grant of reservations also, isn't it?' This directly highlights the concern about potential misuse of self-identification for availing benefits like reservations, which was a key argument during the hearing.

Explanation

The article explicitly mentions that the Iranian parliament's national security commission made the statement regarding the ceasefire violation. This is a specific institutional fact from the news.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article. Statement 2 is incorrect; the article states the plan was announced by U.S. President Donald Trump, not the Secretary of Defense. Statement 3 is correct as the article mentions the blockade choked flows of oil, gas, and fertiliser.

Explanation

The article's published date and the text of the warning specify the date as May 4, 2026 ('Iran warned on Monday (May 4, 2026)'). This is a precise factual recall.

Explanation

The core implication is the escalation risk. By framing U.S. action as a 'ceasefire violation', Iran connects a tactical naval issue to the broader, fragile West Asia ceasefire, raising the stakes for a wider conflict.