5 April 2026, Questions & Answers

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the 2026 Bill is an amendment to the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2014, which was the original law that bifurcated the state and created Telangana.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article. Statement 2 is incorrect; the proposed three-capital plan was Visakhapatnam (executive), Amaravati (legislative), and Kurnool (judicial). Statement 3 is correct as the Bill seeks to declare Amaravati as capital from June 2, 2024.

Explanation

The article clearly states: 'On April 2, Parliament passed the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill, 2026...' March 28, 2026, is the date the Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly adopted the resolution, and June 2, 2024, is the date the joint capital arrangement ended.

Explanation

The article explicitly mentions that 'the State government believed that the only way to prevent a future dispensation from shifting or splitting the capital was to amend the Act.' This is the core legal objective stated, making the capital's location a matter of central statute.

Explanation

Part XV of the Indian Constitution (Articles 324 to 329) deals with Elections. This includes provisions for the Election Commission, adult suffrage, and parliamentary authority over election laws, as mentioned in the article's 'Do You Know' section.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: The article states India now imports energy from 41 countries vs 27 a decade ago. Statement 2 is incorrect: The article specifies that prior to the conflict, 70% of crude was rerouted outside the Strait; currently, 50% (2.5-2.7 million bpd) transits it. Statement 3 is correct: The article mentions strategic petroleum reserves of 5.3 mmt being expanded by 6.5 mmt more.

Explanation

The article's infographic on 'India's Three-Pillar Exposure to West Asia' clearly states that 38% of India's remittances come from the GCC. This is a critical data point highlighting the economic vulnerability to the West Asia conflict.

Explanation

The article explains that coal-based power plants are operationally inflexible and cannot ramp down easily to accommodate variable solar generation. Therefore, greater reliance on coal, especially when gas-based flexible plants face supply issues, could lead to solar power being wasted or 'curtailed' to maintain grid stability.

Explanation

As mentioned in the article, SHAPE, the unified command structure for NATO operations, is based in Belgium. This is a standard fact about NATO's organizational structure.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article. Statement 2 is incorrect; the article states NATO did not carry out military operations during the Cold War, with its first missions occurring in the 1990s (e.g., Bosnia). Statement 3 is correct as explicitly mentioned regarding the withdrawal process under Article 13.

Explanation

The article specifically states that the U.S. provides 62% of NATO's defense spending. The distractor 'About 15%' refers to the U.S. share of the civil budget, also mentioned in the text.

Explanation

The article explains that the Biden administration pushed a law through Congress in 2023 that prohibits the President from withdrawing from NATO without the advice and consent of the Senate or an act of Congress. This is the key domestic legal hurdle mentioned.

Explanation

Articles 15(4) and 16(4) of the Constitution empower the State to make special provisions for the advancement of any socially and educationally backward classes of citizens or for SCs and STs. This is the foundation for reservation policies in education and public employment.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article. Statement 2 is incorrect; the new quota is 11.25% for SEBCs (OBCs), not for EWS. Statement 3 is correct as the policy covers UG and PG levels in medical, engineering, and other notified courses.

Explanation

The article states that for STs, the number of engineering seats will increase from 5,349 to 10,030. Option A is the old number, option B is the new number for SCs, and option D is a distractor.

Explanation

The Chief Minister explicitly stated that the ST population is over 22% but their reservation was only 12%, and the SC population is over 17% with only 8% reservation. Therefore, the quotas were raised 'according to their proportion in the population'.

Explanation

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) regulates foreign donations in the country through the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act to ensure such funds do not adversely affect internal security, as stated in the article.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article. Statement 2 is incorrect; the Bill proposes to reduce the maximum imprisonment from five years to one year, not increase it. Statement 3 is correct as the Bill seeks to amend Section 43 to require prior central approval for investigations.

Explanation

The statement of objects and reasons of the Bill mentions that around 16,000 associations are registered under the FCRA. Option D (22,000) is a distractor representing the annual fund amount in crores.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the Catholic Bishops' Conference of India said the Bill amounts to 'executive overreach' and raises concerns about 'undue interference' in the functioning of minority institutions and civil society groups.

Explanation

The Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP) is the procurement manual of the Ministry of Defence, Government of India. It governs the capital acquisition process for the Indian Armed Forces.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect: The project is under the 'Make-II' (industry-funded) category, not 'Make-I'. Statement 2 is incorrect: The bomb must be compatible with both Russian and Western-origin aircraft. Statement 3 is correct as per the article, which mentions a requirement to achieve a minimum of 50% indigenous content.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that a total of '600 aerial bombs are planned to be procured' under the 'Buy (Indian–IDDM)' category in accordance with DAP 2020 provisions.

Explanation

The article states the initiative aims 'to boost India's "Aatmanirbharta" in the sector.' While other options might be indirect outcomes, the core objective is to reduce dependency on foreign imports and build indigenous capability, which is the essence of the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative in defence.

Explanation

As per the article, the decision was made in a 'late-night cabinet decision Saturday'. The State Cabinet, chaired by the Chief Minister, is the supreme executive authority for such policy decisions within a state.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article: 'seats reserved for ST students will increase from 12 percent to 22.50 percent'. Statement 2 is incorrect; the new 11.25% quota is for 'socially and educationally backward classes (SEBC)', not EWS. Statement 3 is correct: 'the total number of reserved seats has been kept within 50 per cent'.

Explanation

The article explicitly states: 'for SC students from 8 percent to 16.25 percent.' Option A (8%) is the old quota, Option B (12%) is the old ST quota, and Option D (22.5%) is the new ST quota.

Explanation

The article quotes an official stating 'The reservation has been allowed in accordance with their population size in the state.' The Chief Minister also highlighted that previous quotas were 'far below their population size'. The other options are not mentioned as reasons in the provided text.

Explanation

Articles 315 to 323 in Part XIV of the Constitution deal with Public Service Commissions for the Union and the States, including their establishment, composition, and functions. BPSC is a State Public Service Commission constituted under these provisions.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article. Statement 2 is incorrect because the 300-mark essay paper has been introduced in the Mains examination, not the Prelims. Statement 3 is correct as the optional paper is now qualifying, objective, and its marks are not counted in the final merit list.

Explanation

The article states that after clearing the 150-mark Prelims, candidates must take the 900-mark Mains. This total comprises General Studies-I, General Studies-II, and Essay papers of 300 marks each.

Explanation

The article quotes a BPSC source stating that serving senior officers were included specifically because they can better evaluate a candidate's on-ground decision-making skills and temperament for administrative crisis management, adding practical administrative perspective to the selection.

Explanation

Moody's, along with Standard & Poor's (S&P) and Fitch Ratings, is one of the 'Big Three' global credit rating agencies that assess the creditworthiness of borrowers, including sovereign nations like India.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article. Statement 2 is incorrect; Moody's projects inflation to average 4.8% in FY27, up from 2.4% in FY26 (the figures are swapped). Statement 3 is correct as mentioned in the article. Hence, option C is correct.

Explanation

Moody's specifically cut its estimate for India's real GDP growth in FY27 to 6%, down from its earlier projection of 6.8%. Option C (6.5%) is ICRA's projection, and option D (6.8%) is the previous Moody's forecast, making them close distractors.

Explanation

The report states that elevated oil, gas, and fertiliser prices would intensify pressures on targeted subsidies, resulting in higher government outlays. This, combined with potential revenue erosion (from excise cuts and softer tax collections), constrains fiscal space.

Explanation

The article clearly states that the Artemis II mission is a NASA mission, with images and updates provided by NASA. NASA is the lead agency for the Artemis program.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as Artemis II is the first crewed mission, performing a flyby. Statement 2 is correct as the crew includes Americans Reid Wiseman, Christina Koch, Victor Glover, and Canadian Jeremy Hansen. Statement 3 is incorrect because Artemis II is only a flyby mission; a lunar landing is planned for the subsequent Artemis III mission.

Explanation

The article states: 'the Artemis 2 crew will be just over 4,000 miles at their closest approach'. This is distinct from the Apollo missions, which flew about 70 miles above the surface.

Explanation

The article highlights that the astronauts received geology training to photograph and describe lunar features. This, along with the mission's role as a precursor to establishing a permanent lunar base, indicates the program's focus on scientific utilization and sustainable exploration, not just a one-time visit.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that CMLRE is a premier institute under the Ministry of Earth Sciences, Government of India. MoEFCC designated the repository, but CMLRE's parent ministry is MoES.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the designation is under the Biological Diversity Act, 2002. Statement 2 is correct as the repository is vested with the authority to hold type specimens for new species. Statement 3 is incorrect; the repository's objectives are preservation, study, and documentation, not promoting mining, which is actually a threat mentioned in the article.

Explanation

The article states: "It constitutes nearly 90–95% of Earth’s habitable space." This is a key factual data point about the significance of the deep-sea biome.

Explanation

The article explicitly lists deep-sea mining as a threat, stating: "The deep sea is threatened by the commencement of deep-sea mining." The other options are not mentioned as threats; deep-sea organisms are slow-growing, and the environment has low sunlight and high pressure.

Explanation

The collegium system, as mentioned in the article in the context of needing a 'special invitee', is the judge-led body that makes recommendations to the government for appointing judges to the higher judiciary (Supreme Court and High Courts).

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect; Justice Bhuyan proposed a woman judge as a 'special invitee', not a permanent member. Statement 2 is correct; the article mentions the petition 'Atul Mishra vs Union of India' concerning the film was filed in the Supreme Court. Statement 3 is correct; the article states he had a 'different view' from former CJI Chandrachud on women's representation translating into more judges.

Explanation

The article explicitly states: "As per the Bar Council of India statistics, the number of women advocates is hovering around three lakh." The other options are close but incorrect distractors.

Explanation

The article quotes Justice Bhuyan saying, "So that we have a women's perspective also." His proposal is directly aimed at bringing that missing perspective into the collegium's deliberations to address the issue of poor representation, not to speed up appointments, reduce workload, or meet a legal quota.

Explanation

The National Exit Test (NExT) was introduced through the National Medical Commission Act, 2019, which established the NMC as the apex regulatory body for medical education, replacing the Medical Council of India (MCI). The NBE conducts the FMGE, and the IMA is a professional association, not a regulator.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article. Statement 2 is incorrect; NExT aims to replace three exams: MBBS finals, NEET-PG, and FMGE. Statement 3 is correct as the article mentions NExT Step 2 aims to assess practical skills, communication and clinical competence. Hence, only statements 1 and 3 are correct.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that NExT was envisaged as a singular qualifying examination to replace three existing exams: the final MBBS exams, the NEET-PG, and the FMGE. This is a key factual point from the news.

Explanation

The editorial emphasizes that NExT will 'set a national minimum standard that every graduate must achieve before independent practice' and 'ensure that every licensed doctor demonstrates a uniform threshold of competence'. This is the core objective, unlike the other options which are not mentioned.

Explanation

The article specifically quotes a senior officer from the Punjab Agriculture Department discussing the assessment of losses. This department is responsible for crop production, horticulture, and related farmer welfare schemes in the state.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article states wet field conditions delayed harvesting. Statement 2 is incorrect; the article mentions Red and Orange alerts, not a Green alert. Statement 3 is correct as experts warned that lodging leads to quality deterioration and affects prices.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that moderate thunderstorms with wind speeds of 40–60 kmph were very likely over several regions including parts of Jalandhar and Hoshiarpur. The other options are close but incorrect distractors.

Explanation

The article defines lodging as standing crops being flattened due to strong winds and hailstorms. It states this impacts yield and grain quality, and experts warn it leads to discolouration and deterioration, affecting market prices. The other options are not supported by the article's content.

Explanation

As per the article and standard financial governance, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) manages the issuance of State Development Loans on behalf of state governments. SEBI regulates securities markets, the Finance Ministry deals with central government borrowing, and NABARD focuses on rural credit.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article states RBI is introducing BIS on a pilot basis in nine states starting FY 2026-27. Statement 2 is incorrect; the primary objective is to enhance transparency, liquidity, and price discovery, not to increase borrowing. Statement 3 is correct as the strategy involves issuing bonds in specific benchmark tenor buckets as per a pre-announced calendar.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the Telangana government has submitted an indent for raising market borrowings to the tune of ₹18,900 crore during the first quarter of the current fiscal year (2026-27). The other figures are distractors.

Explanation

As per the article, the BIS is aimed at 'enhancing transparency and providing greater clarity to investors,' creating 'larger, more liquid benchmark bonds,' and 'improving price discovery.' It does not fund central projects, replace bank lending, or reduce RBI's role.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the Rupee payment mechanism is a corpus fund managed through UCO Bank, which was set up in 2012 for commodities trade with countries like Iran.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article. Statement 2 is incorrect; the article states trade was $1.6 billion in 2024, down from about $15.7 billion in 2014. Statement 3 is incorrect; the proposal is for Basmati rice, not wheat.

Explanation

The article clearly mentions that the government prepaid its investment commitment of $120 million to Iran in November 2025 for the Chabahar port project.

Explanation

The article states that Iran's continued restrictions on the Hormuz Strait are a big concern for exporters because over 80% of India's Basmati exports go to West Asia and many consignments are currently stranded, causing financial losses.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the LPG tankers Shivalik and Nanda Devi are owned by the public sector player Shipping Corporation of India (SCI).

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article states 'Around 40% of India’s crude oil imports... came from West Asia through the strait.' Statement 2 is correct as it mentions 'over 50% of its LNG imports.' Statement 3 is correct as it mentions 'India’s annual LPG consumption stands at a little over 33 million tonnes... with an import dependency level of 60%.'

Explanation

The article calculates: With 60% import dependency and 90% of those imports coming via the Strait, the Strait effectively sees the movement of around 54% of India’s LPG consumption (60% of 90%).

Explanation

The article states that 'India is among the handful of countries that have been successful...' and attributes this to direct diplomatic engagement, noting 'India is among the countries that have been engaging directly with Iran at the diplomatic level.' Iran's Foreign Minister also listed India among friendly nations allowed transit.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the China-Pakistan peace plan calls for dialogue through multilateral platforms, 'particularly the United Nations'. While BRICS is mentioned as a platform China promotes, the specific emphasis for this peace initiative is on the UN.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect. The article clearly states the plan 'focuses on stabilising maritime routes and preventing further escalation rather than offering a detailed political settlement, making it more a mechanism for crisis management than conflict resolution.' Statement 2 is correct as per the article's analysis. Statement 3 is correct, as the article mentions a London-based think tank reported China overtook the West as the largest trading partner with Gulf countries, with trade valued at $257 billion in 2024.

Explanation

The article explicitly states: 'last year, a London-based think tank reported that China has overtaken the West as the largest trading partner with countries in the Gulf region... for the first time in 2024. Their trade was valued at $257 billion.' The other options are distractors not mentioned in the text.

Explanation

The article explains that the 'Malacca dilemma', coined by Hu Jintao, concerns the Strait of Malacca, a critical chokepoint through which a significant portion of China's energy imports and trade flows pass. The current disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb reinforce this vulnerability, threatening China's sea lines of communication and supply chains, which is a primary motivation behind its diplomatic initiatives.

Explanation

The Election Commission of India, the body mentioned in the news for conducting elections and seizing inducements, is established under Article 324 of the Constitution. This article vests the superintendence, direction, and control of elections in the ECI.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: The article states the seizure value was ₹651.51 crore. Statement 2 is incorrect: West Bengal had the highest seizures (₹319 crore), not Tamil Nadu (₹170 crore). Statement 3 is correct: The article explicitly mentions 5,173 flying squads were deployed.

Explanation

The article provides a detailed breakdown for West Bengal, stating drugs worth ₹65 crore were seized. ₹39 crore was for precious metals, ₹55 crore for liquor, and ₹150 crore for 'other freebies'.

Explanation

The article specifically mentions that the EC stressed that ordinary citizens should not be inconvenienced and that 'District Grievance Committees have also been set up to address any grievances in this regard.' The other options are not mentioned.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that Abhijit Ghorpade is the director of the State Climate Action Cell of the Environment and Climate Change department. This is the nodal agency for climate action planning in the state.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article mentions Maharashtra's aspirational target is net zero by 2050, while India's target is 2070. Statement 2 is correct as it states 15 districts are vulnerable, with 11 in Vidarbha. Statement 3 is incorrect because the article mentions changes to the Unified Development Control and Promotion Regulations (UDCPR) and state building codes, not the National Building Code.

Explanation

The article clearly states that research found 15 districts in Maharashtra are most vulnerable to the impacts of heatwaves. The breakdown is 11 in Vidarbha, 2 in Marathwada, and 2 in Khandesh.

Explanation

The article directly states that the idea behind discussing plans with the Urban Development department and introducing changes to UDCPR and building codes is 'to promote the use of sustainable construction materials and make buildings greener.' This is a key component of the state's cooling action plan.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that Bahrain's Gulf Petrochemical Industries Company was attacked. GPIC is a joint venture but is headquartered and operates in Bahrain.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article. Statement 2 is incorrect; the article repeatedly mentions 'no injuries were recorded' and 'no injuries reported'. Statement 3 is correct as the article mentions Abu Dhabi's air defence intercepted threats, with falling debris causing fires at Borouge plant.

Explanation

The article's published date is April 05, 2026, and it reports the incidents as happening 'on Sunday', which corresponds to April 5, 2026. The tweets referenced are also dated April 5, 2026.

Explanation

Kuwait, like many Gulf nations, relies heavily on desalination for freshwater. Attacking such critical civilian infrastructure constitutes economic warfare and directly threatens national security and public welfare, which is a severe escalation as indicated in the article's analysis.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that Justice Vivek Agarwal, appointed as the chairman of the committee, is a sitting judge of the Madhya Pradesh High Court.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the Court's order quoted in the article. Statement 2 is incorrect; while the application arose from an Essential Commodities Act case, the Court and experts highlighted the problem's specific relevance to NDPS and Prevention of Corruption Act cases. Statement 3 is correct as the article mentions the original 7-member committee constituted in March and its subsequent expansion.

Explanation

The article clearly states that the exercise has to be completed and a report submitted 'within a month'.

Explanation

The Supreme Court's core concern, as quoted in the article, is that the practice 'goes to the very root of fairness and impartiality of investigation'. The Court explicitly stated this could be 'termed anathema to a country governed by the rule of law'.