6 March 2026, Questions & Answers

Explanation

Article 155 of the Constitution states that the Governor of a State shall be appointed by the President by warrant under his hand and seal. Article 156 deals with the term of office, and Article 153 states there shall be a Governor for each State.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article. Statement 2 is incorrect; the article states basmati consumes less water than non-basmati varieties. Statement 3 is correct as SRI methodology involves alternate wetting and drying, a fact often tested in UPSC.

Explanation

The article explicitly states India's rice exports were 21.69 million tonnes in 2024-25, making it the world's largest exporter. The other figures are distractors: 7.86 mt (Thailand's export) and 145.28 mt (China's production).

Explanation

The article's analysis focuses on the environmental and sustainability cost. It states that for every kg of rice exported, India indirectly exports about 3000 litres of water, as paddy is a water-guzzling crop. This is the core concern raised.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) issued the draft guidelines. The RBI is India's central bank and primary regulator for banking and digital payment systems.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article. Statement 2 is incorrect because compensation is 85% of net loss OR ₹25,000, whichever is lower. 85% of ₹40,000 is ₹34,000, but since ₹25,000 is lower, the compensation would be capped at ₹25,000. Statement 3 is incorrect because the reporting window for third-party breaches is five calendar days, not three working days.

Explanation

The article clearly states that the compensation is 85% of the net loss amount or ₹25,000, whichever is less. Therefore, ₹25,000 is the upper limit or maximum compensation payable under this scheme.

Explanation

The core objective of the framework, as derived from the article, is to enhance consumer protection. It does this by establishing 'zero liability' for customers in cases of lender negligence and placing the 'burden of proving customer liability' on the banks, thereby shifting significant responsibility onto financial institutions.

Explanation

The State Finance Department, under the Finance Minister (in this case, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis), prepares and presents the annual budget to the State Legislature. This is a standard procedure in Indian states.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: The scheme is called the Punyashlok Ahilyadevi Holkar Shetkari Karjamafi Yojana. Statement 2 is correct: ₹20,000 crore is allocated for the free electricity scheme. Statement 3 is incorrect: The cost of the Wainganga-Nal Ganga project is ₹94,968 crore, which is less than ₹1 lakh crore.

Explanation

The article's fiscal data table shows the Fiscal Deficit for 2026-27 (BE) as ₹1,50,491 crore, which is approximately ₹1.50 lakh crore. The other options are distractors: ₹1.36 lakh crore was the previous year's deficit, ₹1.24 lakh crore was 2024-25's deficit, and ₹1.75 lakh crore is not mentioned.

Explanation

The article states that the 'Lakhpati Didi scheme aims to create 25 lakh more women entrepreneurs next year.' While skill training might be a component, the stated primary objective is entrepreneurship creation, not healthcare, crafts, or education.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that international maritime law falls under the purview of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). While the UN Charter addresses the use of force, UNCLOS is the comprehensive framework governing ocean usage, navigation, and resources in peacetime.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect. The article states UNCLOS does NOT contain explicit provisions for armed conflict; its primary focus is peacetime governance. Statement 2 is correct as per the article's description of Article 51. Statement 3 is incorrect. Chapter VII requires a majority vote with none of the permanent members exercising their veto, not a unanimous vote from all permanent members.

Explanation

The article explicitly states: 'The sinking of the frigate, in which at least 80 sailors were killed...'. The other options are incorrect as they do not match the specific figure provided in the content.

Explanation

The article quotes Rear Admiral Sudhir Pillai stating that force is 'presumptively unlawful unless clearly justified as self‑defence'. It further notes that a strike could be valid if it met the grounds for self-defence under Article 51 of the UN Charter. Sanctions, UNCLOS, or prior exercises are not cited as primary legal justifications for the use of force.

Explanation

NDA stands for National Democratic Alliance, a centre-right political coalition led by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). It is frequently in the news regarding government formation and coalition dynamics at the Centre and in states like Bihar.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: The article states the BJP won 74 seats against JD(U)'s 43 in the 2020 Assembly polls. Statement 2 is incorrect: The article states the BJP's long-term objective shifted 'from being a reliable junior partner to becoming the alliance's hegemonic pole'. Statement 3 is correct: The article explicitly states, 'The party has yet to produce a leader who commands the kind of cross-caste appeal that Nitish once did.'

Explanation

The article provides precise data: 'In the 2020 Assembly polls... the BJP won 74 seats and 19.46% vote share against JD(U)'s 43 seats and 15.39%.' Option A is JD(U)'s share, option C is BJP's share in 2025, and option D is BJP's share in the 2015 election.

Explanation

The article directly states, 'the BJP faces challenges of its own: producing a credible local leadership capable of filling Nitish’s large boots and expanding its social base...' and later reiterates, 'The party has yet to produce a leader who commands the kind of cross-caste appeal that Nitish once did.' This is the core challenge identified.

Explanation

U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced the waiver via social media platform X. The Treasury Department oversees financial and economic sanctions, including those related to energy trade.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect. The waiver specifically authorizes transactions involving Russian oil 'already stranded at sea,' not any new purchases. Statements 2 and 3 are correct as per the article, which states the Strait of Hormuz handles about one-fifth of global oil consumption and India's import dependence is over 88%.

Explanation

The article cites data from commodity analytics firm Kpler stating that around 130 million barrels of crude is estimated to be on ships on water. This is a key factual data point for prelims-style questions.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that experts see the waiver as part of an effort to prevent a further and sustained spike in oil prices, which would lead to higher U.S. fuel prices—a politically sensitive issue in a midterm election year. The waiver is temporary and does not provide significant financial benefit to Russia.

Explanation

Article 155 of the Indian Constitution explicitly states: 'The Governor of a State shall be appointed by the President by warrant under his hand and seal.' Article 153 states there shall be a Governor for each State, Article 154 deals with the executive power of the State, and Article 156 deals with the term of office of the Governor.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect. The Constitution (Article 155) does not mandate consultation with the Chief Minister; it is a convention and a recommendation by commissions. Statement 2 is correct as the Sarkaria Commission (1988) recommended amending Article 155 to require consultation. Statement 3 is correct as Article 156 states 'The Governor shall hold office during the pleasure of the President.'

Explanation

Article 156(3) of the Indian Constitution states: 'A Governor shall hold office for a term of five years from the date on which he enters upon his office.' However, he holds office 'during the pleasure of the President' and can be removed before completing the term.

Explanation

As highlighted in the article and by expert commissions, the root cause of friction is the constitutional design where the Governor is appointed by the President (on Union Cabinet advice) under Article 155 and holds office 'during the pleasure of the President' under Article 156. This lack of a mandatory consultative process with the state leads to perceptions of the Governor being an 'agent of the Centre,' especially when different parties rule at the Centre and State.

Explanation

The article explicitly states the conviction was upheld under Sections 304 (culpable homicide not amounting to murder), 326A (voluntarily causing grievous hurt using acid), and 452 (house trespass after preparation for hurt) of the IPC. The other options list sections related to murder, dowry death, outraging modesty, attempt to murder, cruelty, sexual assault, and unnatural offences, which are not mentioned in the context of this case.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article quotes the court stating, "Acid attacks in India predominantly target women... making it a form of gender-based violence." Statement 2 is incorrect because the article states the sentence was reduced to 14 years, not 10 years. Statement 3 is correct as the court observed that prioritizing medical aid is a natural cause for delay and this alone cannot refute the prosecution story.

Explanation

The article clearly states that the bench, while upholding the conviction, modified the sentence "from life imprisonment to a fixed term of 14 years of rigorous imprisonment." The other options are distractors: 10 years is the minimum under Section 326A IPC, 20 years is a plausible but incorrect reduction, and 'no reduction' contradicts the core news.

Explanation

The article mentions specific factors considered for sentence reduction: "It has come on record that the appellant has been in jail for over 12 years. Further, the custody certificate shows he has no criminal history. It has also come on record that the appellant has a wife and a son to support." The other options, like lack of premeditation, young age, or an apology, are not mentioned as considerations in the provided text.

Explanation

The article explicitly mentions Logan Wright, Partner and Director of China Markets Research at Rhodium Group, as the source of the analysis describing 'prolonged decay' in China's economy. The other institutions are not mentioned in the provided content.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: The article states the 2026 target is 'below the 5% growth achieved in each of the last three years'. Statement 2 is incorrect: The article says the trade surplus contributed 'almost a third' (not half) of the GDP growth. Statement 3 is correct, as directly quoted from analysts at Trivium China.

Explanation

The article provides this exact figure: 'India’s total merchandise and services exports in 2025 stood at $862 billion.' It is used to provide perspective on the scale of China's $1.2 trillion trade surplus.

Explanation

The article clearly states that a lower growth target 'allows officials to focus on the structural problems facing the economy, such as high levels of local government debt, low household spending...' and mentions the leadership's weariness of 'the frivolity of chasing GDP growth and all of the subsequent problems.' The other options are not supported by the article's content.

Explanation

The FRRO functions under the Foreigners Division of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). The MHA handles all matters related to immigration, citizenship, and deportation of foreigners in India.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect. The Court explicitly stated that Article 22 protection is 'person-centric' and extends to all persons within India, including foreign nationals. Statement 2 is correct as the release was ordered due to non-compliance with Article 22(1). Statement 3 is correct as per the Court's directive to constitute FRRO screening committees.

Explanation

The article clearly states that the Nigerians had overstayed 'for over 10 years' after their visas expired in 2015. The other options are close but incorrect distractors.

Explanation

The Court's order for release was specifically based on the police's failure to inform the accused of the grounds of arrest, which it termed a 'mandatory constitutional safeguard' under Article 22(1). The other options, while plausible, were not the grounds cited in the judgment as described in the article.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is forced to aggressively intervene using its foreign exchange reserves to prevent a currency freefall. The RBI is India's central bank and the manager of its forex reserves.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article. Statement 2 is incorrect; the article clearly states that 'strategic reserves for LPG are practically non-existent,' making India highly vulnerable. Statement 3 is correct as mentioned in the article.

Explanation

The article states: 'Astoundingly, around 80 per cent of India’s LPG imports originate from Gulf suppliers and depend on the Strait.' The other options are distractors: 54% refers to LNG imports, 60% relates to DAP fertiliser imports, and 88% is India's overall crude oil import dependency.

Explanation

The article details that a price shock creates a 'textbook stagflation drag, importing inflationary pressures while suffocating domestic expansion.' It specifies that a $10/bbl rise adds 30-35 bps to CPI inflation and shaves 15-20 bps off real GDP growth. The other options are opposite to the described effects.

Explanation

The article states the CMS was signed 'under the United Nations Environment Programme'. UNEP is the leading global environmental authority that sets the agenda and promotes coherent implementation of environmental dimensions of sustainable development.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: The article calls CMS a 'legally binding global treaty, signed in 1979'. Statement 2 is incorrect: The article states Appendix II is for species conserved through 'Agreements', while Appendix I requires 'strict protection'. Statement 3 is correct: The article explicitly lists the Great Indian Bustard and Olive Ridley turtle as included in Appendix I.

Explanation

The article clearly states '49 per cent of the migratory species population protected by the...CMS are declining'. The other options are close distractors. The report also mentions a 5% increase in this threat over two years, making the exact figure crucial for prelims.

Explanation

The article directly quotes the CMS Executive Secretary: '"Overexploitation, and habitat loss and fragmentation, are the two greatest threats to migratory species worldwide."' While climate change and disease (like H5N1) are mentioned as concerns, the report highlights these two as the primary drivers.

Explanation

As per the article's context on judicial appointments, the Collegium System (comprising the CJI and senior judges) is responsible for appointments to the Supreme Court and High Courts, a key static GK point for Polity.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article states the SC upheld the 3-year litigation experience rule. Statement 2 is correct as it mentions the Shetty Commission recommended replacing the rule with two years of training. Statement 3 is incorrect because CJI Surya Kant expressed concerns that the rule would deter women, not improve gender representation.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the data noted only two women judges (5 per cent) working in the Supreme Court. 10% is the figure for High Courts, and 37% is for District and subordinate courts.

Explanation

The article clearly states the CJI's concern that familial expectations and social pressures like marriage and relocation may prevent women from completing the required years of practice, thereby shrinking female representation in the judiciary.

Explanation

The budget speech explicitly stated that the AI-based Facial Recognition Software attendance system will be implemented in all Anganwadis, schools, colleges, and hostels across the state. This is a direct factual recall from the article.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article. Statement 2 is incorrect because the grant for Modern AI Data Labs is ₹10 crore, not ₹5 crore. Statement 3 is correct as ART-PARK is under IISc. Hence, option C is correct.

Explanation

The article specifically mentions that a Centre of Excellence for Artificial Intelligence will come up at IIIT Raichur at a cost of ₹5 crore. The other figures are distractors: ₹10 crore is for AI Data Labs, and ₹16 crore is for two additional AI CoEs.

Explanation

The article directly states that this project 'aims to make rural youth employable by providing them with the necessary skills'. The other options, while possible secondary benefits, are not the primary objective as mentioned in the budget speech.

Explanation

The 74th Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992, gave constitutional status to Urban Local Bodies (Municipalities). This act is foundational to urban governance and empowers ULBs, making the concept of Municipal Bonds relevant. The 73rd Amendment pertains to Panchayati Raj Institutions (rural local bodies).

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article: the 9 km walkway is sponsored by ORRCA. Statement 2 is incorrect because the KWSRP is a World Bank-funded initiative, not solely state-funded. Statement 3 is correct as explicitly mentioned: land acquisition for Corridor-2 is complete and for Corridor-4 is underway.

Explanation

The budget announcement clearly states that "a total of 41km of additional Metro lines will be completed during the financial year 2026-27". The other options are close distractors based on other potential infrastructure lengths mentioned in the article.

Explanation

The budget speech explicitly states that city corporations "will mobilise resources for development works by issuing 'Municipal Bonds' based on their balance sheets." This indicates the primary objective is financial empowerment and resource mobilization at the municipal level, not necessarily replacing grants or focusing on FDI.

Explanation

The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas is the nodal ministry for policies related to petroleum products, including LPG production, distribution, and pricing. The article discusses government directives to oil refiners, which fall under this ministry's purview.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article states India is the 'world's second-biggest importer of LPG'. Statement 2 is incorrect because the article says imports account for 'about two-thirds' (not one-third) of consumption. Statement 3 is correct as per the line 'the Middle East making up about 85–90% of that supply'.

Explanation

The article explicitly states: 'The country has about 332 million active LPG consumers, government data showed.' The other options are close distractors around the correct figure.

Explanation

The article clearly states: 'A mandatory diversion of propane and butane for LPG production would curtail the output of alkylates, a gasoline blending component, by Reliance Industries Ltd.' This is the direct impact mentioned. The other options are not supported by the article's content.

Explanation

EPFO is a statutory body under the Ministry of Labour and Employment, Government of India. It administers social security schemes like the Employees' Provident Fund (EPF) for organized sector workers.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect: An account becomes inoperative after 3 years of no contribution post the member attaining 55 years or retirement, whichever is later, not 58. Statement 2 is incorrect: The article states that only 13,000 accounts with balances above ₹10 lakh hold ₹4,553 crore, meaning high-value accounts are a minority in number, not the majority. Statement 3 is correct as per the article's report on the 239th CBT meeting decision.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that EPFO has a total of 31.83 lakh inoperative accounts. Option A (27.05 lakh) is the number of establishments, C (34.63 crore) is the total number of members, and D (7.83 crore) is the number of active contributing members.

Explanation

The article clearly states that under the pilot, amounts will be credited directly to members' bank accounts 'without requiring fresh claims or documentation,' simplifying the process. The other options are not mentioned as objectives in the article.

Explanation

The Forest Survey of India (FSI) is an organization under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC). Its mandate is to conduct forest resource assessments, which is directly relevant to its role in providing technical opinion on the Aravalli hills definition.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article: the Amicus Curiae submitted that the report 'completely suppressed' the FSI's views. Statement 2 is incorrect because the article states the CEC's letter clarified the report was never placed before it and was never approved. Statement 3 is correct as the article mentions the FSI's warning that the definition would exclude 90% of the hills.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the committee recommended a '100-metre height definition' for the Aravalli hills. This is the core factual data point around which the controversy and the FSI's dissent revolve.

Explanation

The article quotes the Amicus Curiae stating the definition 'suffered from an inherent defect' because the committee repeatedly recorded that 'it is for the purpose of operationalising mining alone.' This was criticized as an incorrect reading of the SC's order which intended protection and conservation.

Explanation

The article explicitly cites a report by the New Delhi-based trade think tank, the Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI), which provided the data on India's $98.7 billion imports from West Asia in 2025.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article. Statement 2 is incorrect; the article states it is currently an off-season for fertilizer consumption in India, so the impact would not be immediate. Statement 3 is correct as mentioned by a steel industry insider in the article.

Explanation

The article directly states: 'According to a report by New Delhi-based trade think tank GTRI, India imported goods worth $98.7 billion from the region in 2025.' The other options are plausible but incorrect distractors.

Explanation

The article quotes a steel industry insider stating that while alternative sources exist for inputs like limestone and DRI, 'the real challenge is volatility in oil and gas prices.' This is because the industry relies on gas for decarbonisation and energy, making it vulnerable to price fluctuations.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the US Treasury Department, under Secretary Scott Bessent, issued the temporary waiver. The Treasury Department is responsible for enforcing financial and economic sanctions.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect. The waiver specifically authorizes transactions involving oil "already stranded at sea," not new production. Statement 2 is correct as per the article's description of the Strait of Hormuz. Statement 3 is correct as the article mentions India imported "just over 1 million barrels per day (bpd) of Russian crude" in February.

Explanation

The article clearly states that India "imports 88% of its oil needs." This high import dependency is a critical vulnerability and a key data point for questions on India's energy security.

Explanation

The article mentions that experts see the waiver "as part of US President Donald Trump's effort to prevent a rise in domestic fuel prices in the US given the midterm elections later this year." This highlights the domestic political calculus behind an international economic decision.

Explanation

The article explicitly mentions the BBIN (Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal) initiative as a sub-regional cluster serving as a pragmatic alternative to the long-dormant SAARC. ASEAN is Southeast Asian, SAFTA is South Asian, and the Ganga River Basin Commission is not mentioned.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article describes Nepal's economy as remittance-reliant with a trade deficit. Statement 2 is incorrect because Nepal maintains a fixed exchange rate peg with the Indian rupee (1 INR = 1.6 NPR since 1993), not a floating one. Statement 3 is correct as per the article which states the first trilateral power transaction took place flowing electricity from Nepal to Bangladesh through the Indian grid.

Explanation

The article states that trade with New Delhi accounts for approximately 63 per cent of Nepal's total trade. The other options are distractors.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that for a nation structurally dependent on the Gulf corridor, the geoeconomic fallout is twofold: vulnerability of the remittance pipeline and susceptibility to energy price spikes due to petroleum imports. The other options are not mentioned as primary vulnerabilities.

Explanation

The article states that a 2025 presentation by the federal government think tank NITI Aayog showed Karnataka's population as 67.6 million. NITI Aayog replaced the Planning Commission as the government's premier policy think tank.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as Karnataka's Chief Minister announced the ban. Statement 2 is correct as Australia was the first country to do so in December 2025. Statement 3 is incorrect as the article explicitly states that LESS than one-quarter (i.e., less than 25%) of Karnataka's population is under 15.

Explanation

The article clearly states that a 2025 presentation by NITI Aayog showed Karnataka has a population of 67.6 million. The other options are close distractors.

Explanation

The article directly quotes activists and experts saying that age-based curbs do not work as children can bypass them with fake identification documents. Their suggested alternative is measures to help children and parents develop healthy usage habits.

Explanation

As per the article, the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) is the nodal agency that comes out with estimates and revisions of India's GDP. This is a core static GK fact about national income accounting.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article states the new series takes a fresh guard from 2022-23 as the base year. Statement 2 is incorrect because the new estimate for FY26 GDP is Rs 345 lakh crore, which is lower than the old estimate of Rs 357 lakh crore. Statement 3 is incorrect as the new per capita income is Rs 2,43,180, which is below Rs 2.5 lakhs.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that for the current financial year (2025-26), India's GDP is not Rs 357 lakh crore but Rs 345 lakh crore according to the new estimates. ₹261 lakh crore is the revised figure for 2022-23, and ₹269 lakh crore was the old figure for that year.

Explanation

A downward revision in the absolute size of GDP (the denominator) means that ratios where GDP is in the denominator, such as Fiscal Deficit/GDP or Public Debt/GDP, will increase even if the numerator (deficit or debt) remains unchanged. This has significant implications for fiscal policy and credit ratings. The article does not link the revision to HDI, automatic rupee strength, or WPI base year changes.

Explanation

The article clearly states that the Karnataka High Court asked the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) to deport the two Nigerians. The FRRO, under the Bureau of Immigration (Ministry of Home Affairs), handles registration and immigration-related matters for foreign nationals in India.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect. The court explicitly observed that protection under Article 22 is 'not citizen-centric but person-centric' and extends to all persons within India. Statement 2 is correct as the release was ordered due to the police not informing them of arrest grounds. Statement 3 is correct as the HC directed the creation of screening committees at state and district levels for the FRRO.

Explanation

The article states that the Nigerians had overstayed in India for over 10 years after their visas expired in 2015. The court also mentioned they had stayed 'without valid documents for more than a decade'.

Explanation

The court ordered the release specifically because the police did not inform the accused of the grounds of their arrest. The judgment emphasized that this is a 'mandatory constitutional safeguard' under Article 22 of the Constitution and not a mere procedural formality.

Explanation

Article 342 of the Constitution empowers the President to specify the tribes or tribal communities which shall be deemed Scheduled Tribes for a state or union territory. This article was cited in the judgment regarding the protection of tribal customary laws.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the court interpreted Section 2(2) as protective. Statement 2 is factually correct as per the article. Statement 3 is incorrect because the judgment explicitly allowed an ST member who voluntarily followed Hindu customs to invoke the Act's provisions.

Explanation

The article explicitly states the couple's application for dissolution of marriage was for divorce on the basis of mutual consent under Section 13B of the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955.

Explanation

The core ruling was that Section 2(2) is protective, not exclusionary. Therefore, when a member of a notified Scheduled Tribe voluntarily submits to the court's jurisdiction under the Act, citing adherence to Hindu customs, they cannot be barred from invoking its provisions.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that security approval was granted by the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS). DGCA is responsible for the aerodrome licence, AAI manages many airports, and the Ministry is the parent administrative body.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article. Statement 2 is incorrect because security clearance was granted by the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS), not DGCA. Statement 3 is correct as mentioned in the article. Hence, option C is correct.

Explanation

The article clearly states that under the Rs 6,500-crore phase one of the airport operations, Jewar will have one runway and one terminal. The other figures are close distractors.

Explanation

The article explicitly mentions that the airport was "Commissioned in 2021 to lighten the existing passenger load on Delhi’s IGI Airport". While it may serve other purposes, this is stated as the primary objective.

Explanation

The Census of India is conducted by the Office of the Registrar General and Census Commissioner, which operates under the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). While other ministries like MeitY (for C-DAC) are involved in the digital tools, the overall responsibility lies with MHA.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article explicitly mentions the Self-Enumeration Portal is 'a first in Indian census history'. Statement 2 is incorrect because the article describes the HLO Mobile App as 'a secure offline app for enumerators'. Statement 3 is correct as per the article which states the mascots 'symbolise... India's resolve to become a developed nation by 2047'.

Explanation

The article clearly states that the HLO Mobile Application allows enumerators to collect data 'in 16 regional languages'. The other numbers are plausible distractors given India's linguistic diversity.

Explanation

As per the article, the spokesperson stated the mascots 'will help disseminate census messages to diverse audiences in a relatable way' and 'symbolise equal participation of men and women in India's resolve to become a developed nation by 2047'. The other options are not mentioned in the article.