4 September 2026, Questions & Answers

Explanation

As per the article, the Bar Council of India is a statutory body created by Parliament under the Advocates Act, 1961. It regulates and represents the Indian Bar and consists of members from State Bar Councils, the Attorney General, and the Solicitor General.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: Roman Telescope is named after Nancy Grace Roman (mother of Hubble) and launched on a SpaceX rocket. Statement 2 is incorrect: It operates from Lagrange Point 2 (L2), not L1, located about 1.2 million km from Earth. Statement 3 is correct: It will measure gravitational lensing to create a 3D map of galaxy distribution and study dark matter.

Explanation

The article states: 'this temperature index value surpassed 1.5 degrees Celsius above normal during May-July and further escalated 2 degrees Celsius above normal in July.' Option A (1.5°C) was earlier in May-July, but the July value was 2°C. Options C and D are not mentioned.

Explanation

The SC bench held that the Advocates Act, 1961 does not confer any express or implied power on BCI or State Bar Councils to take disciplinary action against law students; such power is preceded by registration as an advocate. That domain belongs to the parent institution. Option A is false because BCI exists under the Act. Option C was not the primary reasoning. Option D is false as BCI has nationwide regulatory powers.

Explanation

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is the national space agency of India, which launched the EOS-05 satellite using the GSLV-F17 vehicle from Sriharikota.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: EOS-05 is India's first imaging satellite in geosynchronous orbit. Statement 2 is incorrect: it was launched using GSLV-F17, not PSLV-C62. Statement 3 is correct: the launch was from the second launch pad of Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota.

Explanation

The article states that the GSLV-F17 injected the heaviest satellite carried by this vehicle, weighing 2367 kg. 1536 kg was the payload of the first GSLV-D1 mission, not EOS-05.

Explanation

The article mentions that EOS-05 will provide real-time imagery and help in agriculture, environment, disaster management, among others. It is an Earth observation satellite, not a communication or navigation satellite.

Explanation

The article specifically states that PM Modi attended the annual meeting of SCO leaders in Bishkek, marking 25 years of the Eurasian grouping. BRICS, NATO, and UN are different organisations.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: the declaration condemned the US-Israel attacks on Iran. Statement 2 is correct: it supported Iran's right to peaceful nuclear technology under the NPT. Statement 3 is incorrect: the declaration did not name Pakistan; India's reference to countries that 'use terrorism as an instrument of policy' was indirect.

Explanation

The article explicitly mentions that PM Modi attended the annual meeting of SCO leaders in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. Tashkent was also visited by PM Modi but for bilateral talks, not the summit. Tianjin hosted the 2025 summit.

Explanation

PM Modi's speech focused on dismantling the ecosystem of terrorist financing, recruitment, radicalisation, and safe havens, and called for strong action against countries that use terrorism as an instrument of policy. This was India's key agenda.

Explanation

The Supreme Court referred to Section 2(e) of the NCTE Act, which defines Teacher Education Institutions (TEIs). The RTE Act focuses on elementary education but does not define TEIs. UGC and AICTE deal with higher and technical education respectively.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the Court added TEIs and NCTE as the sixth and seventh duty-bearers. Statement 2 is incorrect because the Court observed that teacher education has NOT received the attention it deserves. Statement 3 is correct as the Court upheld the NCTE's move to call for annual Performance Appraisal Reports.

Explanation

The original five duty-bearers (government, local authority, school, parents/guardians, teacher) plus the two newly added (TEIs and NCTE) make a total of seven. The Court explicitly listed these seven duty-bearers in its observation.

Explanation

The Court stated that for the RTE Act to work effectively, an academic authority like NCTE has to lay down the minimum qualifications for teachers. This is a core function of NCTE, distinguishing it from other bodies. Recruitment, infrastructure, and salaries are not its primary role.

Explanation

The RAKSHA framework was unveiled by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, indicating that the Ministry of Defence is the nodal ministry for its implementation. The framework integrates defence diplomacy with foreign policy, but the lead remains with the Ministry of Defence.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article explicitly calls it a 10-year blueprint. Statement 2 is incorrect because RAKSHA moves beyond ceremonial exchanges to include industrial cooperation, capacity building, and exports. Statement 3 is correct as the framework places strong emphasis on defence industrial cooperation and boosting exports. Hence option C is correct.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that 'India's defence exports touched a record ₹38,424 crore in FY 2025-26'. The other options are close distractors designed to test precise recall of the exact figure.

Explanation

The article states that the blueprint 'seeks to integrate defence diplomacy more closely with India's wider foreign policy, economic interests and national security objectives'. Options A and B are opposite to the framework's intent, while D is not mentioned.

Explanation

The 1.5°C target was established under Article 2 of the Paris Agreement (2015), which aims to limit global warming to well below 2°C and pursue efforts to limit it to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: the report says overshoot is unavoidable. Statement 2 is incorrect: the report says overshoot is unavoidable even under an optimistic scenario with full implementation of pledges. Statement 3 is correct: the report notes that some damage, including sea-level rise and ecosystem shifts, may continue even after temperatures decline.

Explanation

The UNEP report 'Limiting Overshoot' states that even under an optimistic scenario where governments fully implement current climate plans and net-zero pledges, warming is expected to peak at about 1.8°C above pre-industrial levels.

Explanation

The report explicitly says that the world must shift strategy to approach 1.5°C from above, meaning countries should aim to keep the peak as low as possible for as short a time as possible, and then work on bringing temperatures down. It does not abandon the 1.5°C goal.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that 'NCERT has developed toy-based pedagogy and has named it the Jadui Pitara'. NCERT (National Council of Educational Research and Training) is the apex body for curriculum development in India.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect: The article states that NEP 2020 envisions a four-year Integrated Teacher Education Programme (ITEP) to meet NPST benchmarks, not the existing D.El.Ed/B.Ed. Statement 2 is correct: MP reduced cascades from three to two. Statement 3 is correct: NISHTHA provides certification courses at elementary, secondary, and FLN levels.

Explanation

The article states: '87% of teachers use some form of technology.' The other options are distractors: 50% use it daily, and 90% refers to the percentage of Indian households with a smartphone.

Explanation

The article criticizes current pre-training (D.El.Ed/B.Ed) as 'overly theoretical, lacking practical classroom training.' The ITEP, aligned with NPST, aims to address this by focusing on ECE, FLN, and inclusive education, ensuring teachers meet practical competencies.

Explanation

The article states that Sikkim's Department of Science and Technology was designated the nodal department for GLOF hazard assessment and mitigation studies in February 2025. NDMA and CWC are involved in DPR preparation but are not the nodal body at the state level.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: 40 high-hazard lakes identified, 16 in Category A. Statement 2 is correct: the October 2023 GLOF caused at least 60 deaths and destroyed the Chungthang dam. Statement 3 is incorrect because the DPR for Shako Chho was submitted to the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), not the Ministry of Jal Shakti (a preliminary report was sent to Jal Shakti Ministry).

Explanation

The article clearly states that of the 40 high-hazard lakes, 16 are in Category A (highest risk), 2 in Category B (high risk), 9 in Category C (moderate to low risk), and 13 remain unclassified. Option A (40) is the total high-hazard lakes, not Category A.

Explanation

The article states that Sikkim is working on what could be the country's first dedicated GLOF Risk Mitigation Protocol, aimed at creating a standardized scientific framework for assessing, preparing for, and mitigating glacial flood risks. It could also serve as a model for other Himalayan regions.

Explanation

The judgment was delivered by a bench of Justices Bharati H Dangre and Manjusha A Deshpande of the Bombay High Court. The case dealt with Maharashtra government resolutions on compensation for manual scavenging deaths.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the HC set aside the December 2019 and April 2025 GRs. Statement 2 is incorrect – the compensation ordered was ₹30 lakh, not ₹20 lakh. Statement 3 is correct as the bench comprised Justices Dangre and Deshpande. Hence option C is correct.

Explanation

The HC explicitly directed the state authorities to pay ₹30 lakh to the kin of five private sanitation workers who died while engaged in manual scavenging. The other options are common distractors.

Explanation

The article states the GRs 'discriminated against sanitation workers employed with private establishments under private contractors by paying them lower compensation than those employed by the state government'. Option B directly captures this discriminatory aspect. Option D is also a factor but the primary reason stated is the differential payment.

Explanation

The FMGE is conducted by NBEMS, as clearly stated in the article. NMC is the regulatory body for medical education, but NBEMS administers the screening exam. MCI was replaced by NMC in 2019. The Ministry of Health is the parent ministry, not the exam conducting body.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: the court upheld NMC's decision holding students ineligible. Statement 2 is incorrect: the court upheld the embassy attestation requirement as necessary to prevent fake degrees; petitioners argued that the IMC Act does not prescribe it, but the court rejected that argument. Statement 3 is correct: the students first studied at Micronesia Medical College and then moved to Belize Medical University, and they submitted qualifications from both institutions covering the same period.

Explanation

The article states that the judgment was penned on September 3, 2026. May 14, 2025 is the date when NMC communicated the ineligibility to the petitioners. June 2023 and December 2023 are the months when the students applied for FMGE.

Explanation

The court explicitly stated that fragmented education compromises the quality of medical professionals and is not in public interest. The judgment emphasized that allowing such candidates would amount to playing with the health of the people. Options A and C are not mentioned; option D is not the primary reason given by the court.

Explanation

The Spear Corps (III Corps) is headquartered at Rangapahar, Dimapur, Nagaland. It is responsible for operations in Nagaland, Manipur, and the central and eastern sectors of Arunachal Pradesh along the Line of Actual Control. The Fire and Fury Corps (XIV Corps) is based in Ladakh.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: new hotlines at Kolkata (eastern sector) and Lucknow (middle sector). Statement 2 is incorrect: the new BPM point is in Joshimath, Uttarakhand, not Chushul. Statement 3 is correct: Doval and Wang Yi are the Special Representatives. Hence option C is correct.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that Chinese President Xi Jinping is expected to attend the BRICS summit in New Delhi on September 12-13, 2026. The other dates are distractors: August 25 was the Doval-Wang meeting, and October dates are not mentioned.

Explanation

Military hotlines and BPM points are confidence-building measures (CBMs) designed to enable direct communication between local commanders, reduce misunderstandings, and prevent small incidents from escalating into larger conflicts. They do not demarcate the border or facilitate civilian movement.

Explanation

The Quad consists of India, USA, Japan, and Australia. The UK is not a member. This is a common static GK question that can be linked to the news about Quad summit preparations.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: the Quad FMs met on 26 May 2026 in New Delhi. Statement 2 is incorrect because the Sherpas also discussed economic prosperity, critical technologies, and humanitarian assistance, not just maritime security. Statement 3 is correct: the Quad summit is likely on the G20 sidelines.

Explanation

The article explicitly mentions the G20 summit at Trump National Doral Miami on December 14-15. The close distractors use adjacent dates to test accurate recall.

Explanation

Holding the Quad summit alongside the G20 leverages the presence of all Quad leaders (who attend G20) for focused discussions on Indo-Pacific cooperation, without requiring separate travel. The article notes PM Modi's likely attendance at G20, making the sideline summit logistically efficient and strategically aligned.

Explanation

ESIC is a statutory body under the Ministry of Labour and Employment, established under the ESI Act, 1948. This is standard static GK about the nodal ministry for social security schemes.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: the report recommends increasing the wage ceiling to ₹33,000. Statement 2 is incorrect: the report warns against privatisation as a default ideological position, calling it counter-productive. Statement 3 is correct: DG Ashok Kumar Singh mentioned Panchdeep 2.0 will be rolled out soon. Hence option C is correct.

Explanation

The report explicitly states the current wage ceiling is ₹21,000 and recommends raising it to ₹33,000. The other options are distractors; ₹33,000 is the recommended amount, not the current one.

Explanation

The report recommends raising the wage ceiling to include more workers under ESIC's social security net. The DG ESIC also emphasised that implementation of the Code on Social Security would help more workers avail benefits. Options A, C, and D are not supported by the article.

Explanation

The article states that the National Statistical Office (NSO) released the new series of National Accounts Statistics early this year. The other bodies are not associated with the release of NAS.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per NAS data. Statement 2 is incorrect because the ASI+ASUSE combined GVA is ₹27.4 lakh crore, while ₹31.0 lakh crore is the likely potential GVA after adding residual workers' contribution. Statement 3 is correct: manufacturing GVA is 14.7% of GDP.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the official figure is higher than the Alternative Estimate by 40.9%. The other options are related figures: 14.7% is the share of GDP, 24.5% is the remaining shortfall after adding potential GVA, and 19.7% is the unexplained share.

Explanation

The authors question the NSO methodology of scaling up sample estimates of active companies for a universe whose size and composition are hazy and unverified. Option A is false because ASUSE covers the unincorporated sector. Option C is not discussed. Option D is opposite to the article, which says MCA-21 data are used.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the Gadchiroli field trial was conducted by the Society for Education, Action and Research in Community Health (SEARCH). SEARCH is a community health research organization founded by Dr. Abhay Bang.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article: institutional deliveries rose from 39% (NFHS-3) to 90% (NFHS-6). Statement 2 is correct: sick newborns in SNCUs rose from 11.3 lakh to 14.45 lakh, a 28% increase. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Gadchiroli model achieved a 62.2% reduction, not 50%.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the Gadchiroli field trial resulted in a 62.2% reduction in neonatal mortality, as published in The Lancet in 1999. The other options are distractors.

Explanation

The article advocates a 'hospital plus home' approach, not either/or. The three-part strategy focuses on decongesting SNCUs via HBNC, strengthening SNCUs, and ensuring safety. It does not aim to replace hospital care or reduce institutional deliveries, but to optimize the continuum of care.

Explanation

The Ministry of Railways is the nodal ministry for all railway operations in India, including the 19 zones such as South Central Railway. The other ministries handle different transport modes.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: SCR was established in 1966 and Kavach was first tested here. Statement 2 is incorrect: SCR eliminated all unmanned level crossings by 2018, not 2020. Statement 3 is correct: After the creation of South Coast Railway in 2026, SCR retained three divisions: Secunderabad, Hyderabad, and Nanded. Hence option C is correct.

Explanation

The article specifically states that SCR handled 286.46 million passengers in 2025-26. 115 million was the figure for 1966-67. 350 is the number of passenger-carrying train services in 1966-67, and 454 is the number of daily trains currently.

Explanation

The Amrit Bharat Station Scheme aims to redevelop stations across India with enhanced passenger facilities, accessibility, and modern infrastructure. SCR has identified 43 stations for redevelopment under this scheme. The other options are not the primary objective of this scheme.

Explanation

The article quotes James Rockall, CEO and Managing Director of the World Liquid Gas Association (WLGA). The WLGA is a global industry body representing the LPG sector.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: Union Oil Minister Hardeep Puri said India sources 67% of LPG imports from the US. Statement 2 is incorrect: the WLGA CEO also emphasised actively managing freight costs, not just storage. Statement 3 is correct: the article lists Canada, Algeria, Argentina, Australia, and West Africa as potential sources. Hence option C is correct.

Explanation

The article explicitly states: 'India currently sources 67% of its LPG imports from the North American country, Union Oil Minister Hardeep Puri had said.' The other options are close distractors.

Explanation

The CEO said: 'Having storage does not solve the problem but it gives you a little bit more time to fix the issues. I think greater storage is something India should look at to manage the volatility of the market.' Option B is the direct purpose. Options A, C, and D are not the primary objective mentioned.

Explanation

The article explicitly mentions the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Health and Family Welfare as the body that presented the report with 368 recommendations. The other options are plausible but not mentioned in the article.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: 'more than 60% of inpatient care... delivered by the private sector'. Statement 2 is correct: childbirth cost is ₹37,630 private vs ₹2,299 public, which is over 16 times. Statement 3 is incorrect: medicines account for nearly 30%, not 50%.

Explanation

The article states: 'Average out-of-pocket spending on childbirth is ₹37,630 in private facilities against ₹2,299 in public facilities — more than 16 times higher.' The other options are close but incorrect.

Explanation

The article says the Committee has called for stronger public healthcare infrastructure, nationwide implementation of the Clinical Establishments Act, mandatory quality standards, and greater price transparency. While expanding Ayushman Bharat is not mentioned, the focus is on structural reforms beyond insurance.

Explanation

The article mentions 'World Physiotherapy's profile of the Indian Association of Physiotherapists estimates 52,000 practising physiotherapists in India'. Thus, World Physiotherapy is the global organization that provided the estimate.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect as India has 52,000 physiotherapists, not over 1 lakh. Statement 2 is correct as per the article: 'several countries in Europe have over 10 per 10,000 people'. Statement 3 is incorrect because the article clearly states physiotherapy helps in stroke, heart disease, surgery, etc. Hence only statement 2 is correct.

Explanation

The article explicitly states 'equivalent to only 0.36 physiotherapists per 10,000 people'. The other options are common distractors: 3.6 would be 10 times higher, 0.036 would be 10 times lower, and 36 is unrealistic.

Explanation

The article describes that the physiotherapy service was far away, and the family dependent on daily earnings had to spend on transport, lose working days, and manage moving a dependent person, eventually giving up on regular rehabilitation. This highlights distance and travel cost as the primary barrier.

Explanation

The article clearly states that the RBI announced measures to boost capital flows, including the forex swap facility. The other options are not involved in this monetary policy action.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: inflows through the forex swap facility stood at $136.3 billion by end of August 31. Statement 2 is correct: liquidity surplus began to swell from over Rs 3 lakh crore to Rs 6.7 lakh crore by end of month. Statement 3 is correct: RBI's forex reserves rose to a record high of $729 billion as on August 21. Hence all three statements are correct.

Explanation

The article states that by end of August 31, inflows through the forex swap facility stood at $136.3 billion. The other options are distractors: $63.5 billion is the amount coming in the last 10 days, $127 billion is the FCNR(B) route inflow, and $729 billion is the total forex reserves.

Explanation

The article highlights that the surge in inflows has created a liquidity surplus, which comes at a time when inflation is edging upwards, and the MPC may need to raise interest rates. The other options are not the primary challenge; the rupee's fall has been stemmed, FPIs are net buyers, and CAD is a separate issue.

Explanation

The article states that the report was submitted to the UN General Assembly on August 31, 2026. The UN General Assembly is the main deliberative body of the UN, and such reports are often submitted to it for consideration.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: the article says global sea levels rose at a record rate of 5.9 mm in 2024. Statement 2 is incorrect: the report projects at least 0.5 metres (not 1 metre) of sea level rise by 2100 under aggressive emissions reduction scenarios. Statement 3 is correct: MCAP was released by the BMC in 2021.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the average annual sea level rise between 2014 and 2023 was 4.7 mm, compared to the record 5.9 mm in 2024. Options A (5.9 mm) is the 2024 record, C (0.5 m) is the projected minimum rise by 2100, and D (2 m) is the worst-case projection.

Explanation

The article states: 'For Mumbai, the risks are compounded by land subsidence and saltwater intrusion, which can contaminate freshwater aquifers and coastal wells.' While storm surges and extreme rainfall are also mentioned as additional pressures, the primary compounding factors highlighted are land subsidence and saltwater intrusion.

Explanation

The NFHS is conducted by the International Institute for Population Sciences (IIPS) under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. NSSO conducts employment and consumption surveys, CSO compiles national accounts, and ICMR focuses on medical research.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: the national gap decreased from 9.2 to 8.2 pp. Statement 2 is incorrect: the urban gap is 2.5 pp and rural gap is 10.2 pp (the reverse). Statement 3 is correct: only Kerala (4.5 pp lead), Sikkim (4.3 pp), and Meghalaya (3.2 pp) have rural women ahead of men. Hence option C is correct.

Explanation

The article states: 'Nationally, an urban woman is 21.8 percentage points more likely than a rural woman to finish ten years of schooling.' The other options are distractors: 14.1 pp is the urban advantage for men, 10.2 pp is the rural gender gap, and 8.2 pp is the national gender gap.

Explanation

The article argues that 'the main limitation facing the majority of Indian girls is no longer a household decision; rather, it is the availability of a nearby secondary school.' In states like Kerala and Himachal where schools are accessible, the gender gap vanishes. The article contrasts this with the anganwadi system which has smaller urban-rural gaps because of state provision.

Explanation

Piyush Goyal is the Commerce Minister, hence the Ministry of Commerce and Industry handles trade policy, FTAs, and matters related to the US trade deal.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the White House report. Statement 2 is incorrect – India is in Tier-1, not Tier-2. Statement 3 is correct; the additional 10% tariff was imposed from July 24.

Explanation

The article explicitly states 'India's nine free trade agreements (FTAs), spanning economies representing about $60 trillion of GDP.' The list includes pacts with UK, Mauritius, Oman, UAE, Australia, and more.

Explanation

Goyal said 'We should be trusted partners of the world' and emphasized that India's country of origin certificates should carry weight. The statement is about maintaining trust, not revenue or dependency reduction.

Explanation

The All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) is the statutory body for technical education in India. It launched the AIEDFP programme, as clearly stated in the article. UGC oversees higher education broadly, while NAAC handles accreditation and ICSSR focuses on social science research.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article mentions a Rs 245 crore outlay over five years. Statement 2 is incorrect because the programme supports 150 fellowships, not 250, and focuses on innovation/entrepreneurship, not purely academic research. Statement 3 is correct as the article states it will promote 'problem-driven and application-oriented research'. Hence option C is correct.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the initiative will support '150 PhD fellowships'. The other options are close distractors — 100, 200, and 250 are plausible but incorrect numbers often used in similar schemes.

Explanation

The article emphasises that AIEDFP is designed to promote 'problem-driven and application-oriented research' leading to 'technology transfer, commercialisation, innovation and societal impact'. While increasing PhD numbers may be a secondary effect, the core objective is outcome-driven research with real-world impact, not just financial aid or replacement of existing schemes.

Explanation

The Allahabad High Court noted that CCTV footage is covered by the exception contained in Section 8(1)(g) of the RTI Act, 2005, which exempts information that could endanger life or safety, impede investigation, or invade privacy.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: the court held that CCTV footage cannot be provided directly. Statement 2 is incorrect: the court clarified that a court or commission can direct preservation and production, but not direct supply. Statement 3 is correct: the petitioner had not filed any complaint before any court or commission.

Explanation

The article states that the court noted its order dated September 1. The news was published on September 4, 2026, but the order date is September 1.

Explanation

The court ruled that CCTV footage cannot be directly provided under RTI, but if a complaint is filed before a court or commission, that forum can direct preservation and production of the footage. Thus, the proper procedure is through a judicial or quasi-judicial body.

Explanation

The article states that the Allahabad High Court, presided by Justice Arun Kumar, delivered the ruling on September 3, 2026. This is a direct factual question from the news.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: the court allowed adoption of illegitimate child. Statement 2 is incorrect: the court held that absence of a formal adoption deed was not fatal since the adoption was before 1977. Statement 3 is correct: the adoption ceremony took place in 1970. Hence option C is correct.

Explanation

The article explicitly mentions the Hindu Adoptions and Maintenance Act, 1956, as the statute under which the court analyzed the adoption. The other options are related but distinct Hindu personal laws.

Explanation

The court held that Sections 9 and 6-7 operate in different fields. The capacity to give (Section 9) does not disqualify a biological father from taking the child in adoption under Sections 6-7. This distinction is the core of the ruling.

Explanation

The FRBM Committee (Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management) headed by former civil servant N.K. Singh in its 2017 report recommended 20% as the prudent limit for states' debt-GSDP ratio. This is a key static fact from the news article.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: the economic consultant K.R. Shanmugam said the sustainable debt-GSDP ratio for TN is 23%. Statement 2 is incorrect because the FRBM Committee's 20% prudent limit is for states in general, but the article mentions an allowance of additional 3 percentage points for TN considering macroeconomic factors. Statement 3 is correct: the article explicitly states that only Gujarat, Odisha, and Maharashtra have debt-GSDP ratios below 20%.

Explanation

The article states that in 2019-20 the ratio was 22.78%, and it rose to 28.67% in 2020-21. The other options are distractors: 22.78% is the pre-pandemic level, 26% is an approximate later figure, and 27% is the current approximate level.

Explanation

The article quotes the economic consultant saying that the revenue deficit of 1.4% of GSDP means that nearly 50% of the borrowed money is spent on consumption and not on investment. This is concerning because it indicates unsustainable borrowing for day-to-day expenses rather than productive assets that generate future income.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the 4,500 electric buses are procured for the Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC). The other options are state transport corporations of other regions.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct – the article confirms procurement under PM E-DRIVE. Statement 2 is incorrect – only 400 of the 4,500 buses will be air-conditioned. Statement 3 is correct – the article states total expenditure of ₹12,000 crore over 20 years. Hence option C is correct.

Explanation

The article specifies that of the 4,500 electric buses, 3,800 will be 12-metre buses and 900 will be 9-metre buses. 400 of the total will be AC. Therefore, 3,800 is the correct answer.

Explanation

The article mentions the free 'Shakti' smart cards as part of the free bus travel scheme for women. The primary objective is to facilitate free travel, improving women's mobility and welfare. Options A, C, and D are not the main objective.