5 May 2026, Questions & Answers

Explanation

The article states that the Union Cabinet approved the fifth edition of the Emergency Credit Line Guarantee Scheme on Tuesday (May 5, 2026). The Union Cabinet is the supreme executive decision-making body of the Government of India.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article mentions the approval was 'In response to the crisis in West Asia'. Statement 2 is incorrect; the total outlay is ₹18,100 crore, while ₹2.25 lakh crore is the expected additional credit flow. Statement 3 is correct as the article highlights the extension of cover to airline companies.

Explanation

The article clearly states: 'The total outlay of the scheme is expected to be ₹18,100 crore'. ₹2.25 lakh crore is a distractor, representing the expected credit flow, not the government's outlay.

Explanation

The article specifies that 'For airlines, the loans can be for up to 100% of their peak working capital...'. This is the direct operational objective stated. The other options, like purchasing aircraft or subsidizing fares, are not mentioned as the scheme's purpose.

Explanation

The Strait of Hormuz connects the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and is bordered by Iran to the north and Oman (specifically the Musandam Peninsula) to the south. This is a fundamental fact of world geography relevant to international relations.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article timeline. Statement 2 is incorrect; Iran confirmed the strait was 'closed' but this was not a legally formalised blockade. The closure was functional due to risk, not a formal declaration. Statement 3 is correct as the article mentions Iran permitted limited passage to 'friendly' nations.

Explanation

The article states: 'shipping traffic dropped, with early data showing a 70 per cent reduction in movement.' This is a key data point highlighting the immediate economic impact of the conflict on global trade.

Explanation

The article emphasizes that no formal, universally recognised blockade was declared. Instead, the strait became 'functionally shut down' due to the scale of attacks, threats, and rising insurance risks (premiums surging, coverage withdrawn). This made the route practically unusable for commercial shipping.

Explanation

The article mentions that the case moved through consumer forums, including the National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (NCDRC), which is the highest consumer court in India established under the Consumer Protection Act.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect as the Court clarified that claims relating purely to personal injury do NOT survive the death of the wrongdoer. Statement 2 is correct as the Court said compensation can be recovered from the estate, not from legal heirs personally. Statement 3 is correct as the ruling extensively examined the Consumer Protection Act and tort law principles.

Explanation

The article states that the husband filed a consumer complaint in August 1997, seeking compensation of Rs 4.5 lakh for treatment expenses, loss of vision, and mental agony. Rs 2.6 lakh was the amount awarded by the district commission, not the amount sought.

Explanation

The core ruling is that while personal liability ends with death, financial liability (pecuniary loss) tied to the estate can survive and be pursued. This provides clarity on the survival of legal claims and protects victims' rights to compensation.

Explanation

The statement was made by Chief Economic Advisor (CEA) V Anantha Nageswaran at a seminar on state finances. The CEA is the top economist in the government advising the Finance Ministry on economic policy.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as explicitly mentioned in the article. Statement 2 is incorrect because the CEA stated that global investors now assess the 'general government fiscal position' which is the combined deficit of Centre and States. Statement 3 is correct as per the article's data on the nine deficit states.

Explanation

The article states that eight states (Odisha, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, Goa, Gujarat, Uttarakhand, Telangana, and Bihar) were expected to post a revenue surplus. The other key number is nine states projected to have a revenue deficit.

Explanation

The CEA's core argument is about fiscal interdependence. He stated that when external shocks hit, fiscally-constrained states 'press the hardest on the Centre and they do so at the very moment when the Centre itself is going to be facing significant challenges'. This creates a compounded pressure on the overall fiscal position.

Explanation

The District Level Committee (DLC) is a statutory body constituted under the Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006. Its primary role is to process and approve claims for individual and community forest rights.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article mentions the Lucknow Bench of the Allahabad High Court and Lakhimpur, UP. Statement 2 is incorrect; the court held the opposite – that the FRA, as a later law, supersedes inconsistent prior orders. Statement 3 is correct as the news highlights the court reminding the DLC of its authority under the FRA.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the ruling was given by the 'Lucknow Bench of the Allahabad High Court'. This is a specific factual detail that can be directly tested in prelims.

Explanation

The court's ruling is based on the fundamental legal principle that a later enacted statute (lex posterior) prevails over an earlier contrary law or judicial order. The Forest Rights Act, 2006, being the later specific law, was held to supersede any previous inconsistent court orders.

Explanation

The article explicitly mentions DRDO multiple times in the context of defence research, technology transfer, and opening patents. DRDO is the nodal agency under the Ministry of Defence for military R&D.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article. Statement 2 is incorrect; the article states the 20% fee has been waived, not a 50% fee. Statement 3 is correct as Akash and BrahMos are specifically mentioned as systems used in Operation Sindoor.

Explanation

The article provides the specific data point: "DRDO has, so far, transferred over 2,200 technologies to various industries." The other options are plausible but incorrect distractors.

Explanation

The article directly states this objective: "a move that will bolster both their technological capabilities and global competitiveness." The other options contradict the article's emphasis on self-reliance and industry empowerment.

Explanation

As mentioned in the article, the consent of a state is mandatory under the Delhi Special Police Establishment Act, 1946, for the CBI to begin a probe within that state. This is a foundational legal provision for the agency's jurisdiction.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article. Statement 2 is incorrect; the article states the SC ruled in 2024 that West Bengal's suit was maintainable. Statement 3 is correct as the article mentions the YSRCP government restored consent in 2019.

Explanation

The article explicitly states: "In 2021, the West Bengal government filed an original suit before the Supreme Court..." The other options are years associated with different events: 2018 (withdrawal of consent), 2019 (AP restored consent), and 2024 (SC ruling on maintainability).

Explanation

As inferred from the article mentioning an 'original suit', this directly refers to the Supreme Court's original jurisdiction under Article 131 of the Constitution, which is invoked specifically for disputes between the Government of India and one or more States. This is a key feature of Indian federalism.

Explanation

The article explicitly mentions the Rajasthan Public Service Commission (RPSC) as the recruiting body whose clarification and appeal led to the Supreme Court case. The rules in question are the Rajasthan Prosecution Subordinate Service Rules, 1978.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect. The Court ruled eligibility is fixed on the last date for submission of the application, not the exam date. Statement 2 is correct as the article states the SC did not align with the HC's view on beneficial interpretation. Statement 3 is correct as the article mentions the Court's concern about "uncertain selection process" and "unnecessary administrative burden".

Explanation

The article clearly states: "They acquired the requisite qualification on August 22, 2024." November 19, 2024, is the date of an RPSC press note, and January 15, 2025, is the date of the High Court order.

Explanation

The article quotes the Court's concern that accepting later qualifications would "create an uncertain selection process and would warrant an unnecessary administrative burden on the RPSC." The core rationale is upholding the rule of law in recruitment and ensuring a fair, predictable process for all.

Explanation

The article explicitly mentions data from the Central Electricity Authority (CEA) regarding forced outages. The CEA is the statutory body for technical coordination and power sector development, while Grid-India is the grid operator.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article. Statement 2 is incorrect because the night-time shortage is due to a combination of factors including lack of storage, thermal plant outages, and rising evening demand (EV charging, cooking), not just the absence of solar. Statement 3 is incorrect as forced outages are defined in the article as unplanned disruptions, not planned maintenance.

Explanation

The article states that battery storage deployment remains nascent, with installed battery energy storage capacity at just 0.27 GW. 5.4 GW was the night-time shortage, and 8.8 GW is the installed nuclear capacity.

Explanation

The article quotes Alekhya Datta from TERI stating that in the near term, improved demand-side management, flexible operation of existing thermal assets, and optimized inter-regional power flows can help bridge the gap. The other options are medium to long-term or demand-side measures mentioned elsewhere.

Explanation

The article explicitly mentions that the report was published by 'Moody's Ratings'. The other options are names of other major international credit rating agencies, making them plausible distractors.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article's headline and content. Statement 2 is incorrect; the report cites multiple factors including forex reserves and a clear monetary policy framework, not 'solely' high GDP growth. Statement 3 is directly mentioned in the article. Hence, both 1 and 3 are correct.

Explanation

The article clearly states, 'India has been the most resilient large emerging market economy since 2020...'. The other options are close distractors representing other recent years.

Explanation

The article explicitly mentions that India is well placed to manage future shocks 'because monetary policy frameworks are clear and predictable...'. While the other options may be positive factors, the report specifically highlights the policy framework as a key reason for future resilience.

Explanation

The article mentions the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment in the context of the Supreme Court's directive for a senior officer to participate in the monitoring process. This department, under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, is the nodal agency for policies and programs for persons with disabilities.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article clearly states the final deadline is May 15, 2026. Statement 2 is incorrect; the Court endorsed and accepted the Union government's 'own merit' principle. Statement 3 is correct as NLU Delhi was specifically tasked with mapping the Union government's compliance. Hence, option C is correct.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the Supreme Court granted a 'final opportunity' and directed that nodal officers must be appointed by May 15, 2026. April 15 was an earlier direction date, September 12, 2025 is the date of the previous judgment, and September 22, 2026 is the date for the next hearing.

Explanation

The article states that the exercise must involve a 'substantive evaluation of implementation, including enforcement of rights, accessibility measures, and institutional mechanisms, rather than a mere formality.' The other options, while potentially related, are not the primary objective mentioned in the news.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the right to a speedy trial is a fundamental right under Article 21 of the Constitution. Article 14 is Right to Equality, Article 19 is Freedom of Speech, and Article 32 is Right to Constitutional Remedies.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect as the Court ruled the opposite: bail MUST be considered even for serious crimes if speedy trial is violated. Statement 2 is correct as mentioned in the article. Statement 3 is correct as the petitioner was in custody since November 1, 2022, with no witness examined.

Explanation

The article clearly states: "the petitioner has been in judicial custody since November 1, 2022." This is a key factual data point from the case.

Explanation

The core ruling is that violation of the fundamental right to a speedy trial (Article 21) compels courts to consider bail, irrespective of the crime's seriousness. The ruling does not create an absolute right to bail (A), nor does it prioritize the charge over delays (B). It also does not set a specific six-month timeline (D).

Explanation

The Strait of Hormuz is located between Iran and the Musandam Peninsula of Oman. It is the only sea passage from the Persian Gulf to the open ocean, making it a globally significant chokepoint for oil shipments.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article. Statement 2 is incorrect; the UAE accused Iran, not Saudi Arabia, of the attack. Statement 3 is correct; the Abraham Accords were signed in 2020 between Israel and the UAE, Bahrain, Sudan, and Morocco.

Explanation

The article states: 'The resumption of hostilities comes amidst a tenuous, fragile ceasefire brokered between the US and Iran on April 8...'. February 28 is the date of US-Israel strikes on Iran, May 3 is when Iran presented a peace plan, and May 5 is the date of the Fujairah attack.

Explanation

The article explicitly details that the UAE is targeted because it is 'home to major American military bases' like Al Dhafra Air Base and, 'most significantly for Iran', it is 'Israel's biggest ally in West Asia' following the Abraham Accords. While oil reserves and expatriates are mentioned, they are not cited as the primary reasons for being targeted.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the goals of vaccinating 90% of girls, screening 70% of women, and treating 90% of cases are the World Health Organization's (WHO) targets for eliminating cervical cancer globally.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as Prof Marc Brisson states reaching WHO targets would avert over 10 million cases. Statement 2 is incorrect; the campaign is for 14-year-old girls, not boys. Statement 3 is correct as Dr. Smita Joshi states screening coverage is less than 2%.

Explanation

The article specifically states that data from the Government of India's U-WIN portal suggests that till April 10 this year, only 10.63% of the 1.15 crore eligible girls got their HPV vaccine shot.

Explanation

Dr. Smita Joshi identifies multiple factors for low uptake, including insufficient awareness generation, no strong public messages, and negative messages going viral on social media. The article does not mention cost, supply issues, or international opposition as primary challenges.

Explanation

The Supreme Court emphasized that forcing the minor to carry an unwanted pregnancy would violate her fundamental right to reproductive autonomy, which is derived from the right to life and personal liberty under Article 21 of the Constitution.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: The court issued a contempt notice to AIIMS after it filed a curative petition against the April 24 order. Statement 2 is incorrect: The MTP Act upper limit is 24 weeks, not 30 weeks. Statement 3 is correct: CJI Surya Kant, while rejecting the curative plea, asked the government to consider amending the MTP Act regarding the time limit for minor rape victims.

Explanation

Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati informed the bench that the infant, born with certain disabilities following the MTP procedure, has an 80 per cent survival rate and is in the NICU. The other options are plausible but incorrect distractors.

Explanation

Justice Nagarathna stated that if premier institutes like AIIMS do not assist, women would depend on unqualified practitioners ('quacks') in 'bylanes', risking their lives. This underscores the public health rationale behind ensuring access to safe and legal abortion services.

Explanation

The article mentions data from the National Health Authority (NHA). The NHA is the apex body responsible for implementing the Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY). It is an attached office of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article states the scheme provides Rs 5 lakh coverage. Statement 2 is incorrect; the article clearly mentions the scheme was launched in 2018, not 2020. Statement 3 is correct as the article states West Bengal was the last state to stay away and will now implement it, after Odisha (2024) and Delhi (2025).

Explanation

The article explicitly states: 'The scheme... will cover over 1.24 crore of the poorest and 15.9 lakh elderly aged 70 and above in West Bengal.' The other numbers are distractors: 1.24 crore refers to the poorest families, 3.4 crore is the total beneficiaries identified in Odisha, and 7.63 lakh is the beneficiaries identified in Delhi.

Explanation

The article states: 'it dropped out in 2019, stating that the Modi-led government was taking credit while the state had to foot at least 40 per cent of the cost.' This highlights the financial and political friction in centrally sponsored schemes. The other options describe concerns raised by other states (like Delhi) or are not mentioned in the article.

Explanation

The article explicitly states "The Union Cabinet on Tuesday approved two new semiconductor plants." The Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister, is the supreme executive decision-making body of the Government of India.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article: "The project will cost Rs 3,068 crore, with approximately 50% of capex costs covered by the government." Statement 2 is incorrect; the OSAT facility's capacity is 1 billion chips per annum, not 10 billion. Statement 3 is correct: "With these two approvals, the total number of approved projects under the USM reaches 12, with cumulative investments of around Rs 1.64 lakh crore."

Explanation

The article clearly states: "Launched in 2021 with a Rs 76,000-crore outlay, ISM 1.0 was conceived as a state-backed push..." ₹3,936 crore is the cost of the two new plants. ₹1.64 lakh crore is the cumulative investment of all 12 approved projects. $11 billion is the reported potential outlay for the upcoming ISM 2.0.

Explanation

The article states: "While ISM 1.0 focused on attracting chipmaking infrastructure to India, ISM 2.0 is likely to offer greater support to ancillary industries such as gases, chemicals and capital goods, among others." This indicates a strategic shift towards strengthening the entire supply chain ecosystem, not just the core fabrication units.

Explanation

The article explicitly mentions Justice Nagarathna stating "The right to conscience under Article 25(1) is a right by birth, and it can't be taken away by marriage." This forms the core constitutional basis for the discussion.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article mentions "a nine-judge bench of the Supreme Court". Statement 2 is incorrect; the PIL was filed in 2006, not 2018 (the 2018 date refers to the landmark judgment). Statement 3 is correct as the article states the bench "questioned Gupta, representing the IYLA, on the organisation's locus standi".

Explanation

The article clearly states that the NGO Indian Young Lawyers Association (IYLA) "had filed the Sabarimala PIL in 2006". The year 2018 is a distractor as it is the year of the Supreme Court's landmark judgment.

Explanation

Justice Nagarathna is quoted saying, "Public Interest Litigation has now become Private Interest Litigation, Publicity Interest Litigation, Paisa Interest Litigation and Political Interest Litigation, all are called PILs. We entertain only real and genuine PILs." This directly captures the judges' concern about the misuse and dilution of the PIL mechanism.

Explanation

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) was created by the National Investigation Agency Act, 2008, following the 2008 Mumbai attacks. It is the central counter-terrorism law enforcement agency in India.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article calls it the "first-of-its-kind case in India." Statement 2 is incorrect; the case was first investigated by the Gujarat ATS and later transferred to the NIA. Statement 3 is correct as the NIA stated the handler promised the main accused "being made an ISIS 'Amir' of South Asia."

Explanation

According to the article, a Gujarat ATS team intercepted a car at the Adalaj toll plaza on November 7, 2025, which kicked off the investigation. The case was transferred to the NIA in January 2026, and the chargesheet was filed in May 2026.

Explanation

The UAPA is India's primary law for tackling terrorism. Using it in this first-of-its-kind ricin bioterror plot establishes a framework for legally addressing complex, non-conventional terror threats involving biological agents, which is its core significance.