9 May 2026, Questions & Answers

Explanation

The article is authored by R.K.S. Bhadauria, identified as a former Air Chief Marshal who served as Chief of the Air Staff of the Indian Air Force. The other options represent chiefs of other services or the CDS, which are not mentioned as the author's role.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: Operation Sindoor was a direct response to the Pahalgam carnage on April 22, 2025. Statement 2 is incorrect: The initial strikes were on nine terrorist targets, not eleven. Statement 3 is correct: The IAF counter-strikes hit 11 bases including Nur Khan and Sargodha.

Explanation

The article explicitly states 'After 88 hours of Operation Sindoor, by noon on May 10, Pakistan was reeling...'. The operation started at 1:05 a.m. on May 7 and the ceasefire was announced by noon on May 10, totaling approximately 88 hours.

Explanation

The article's section 'Accelerate indigenous defence growth' stresses the need for the defence industry to ramp up to achieve Atmanirbharata (self-reliance). It calls for a 'whole-of-nation' approach involving DRDO, DPSUs, and MSMEs to 'Innovate, Design, and Manufacture' at scale.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the National High Speed Rail Corporation Limited (NHSRCL) is the government organisation responsible for building and managing the high-speed rail corridors. NHSRCL is a special purpose vehicle under the Ministry of Railways for this purpose.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article mentions 465.38 km (over 90%) of the track will be on viaducts. Statement 2 is incorrect because the project involves a soft loan from Japan's JICA. Statement 3 is correct as the article states the 48-km Surat-Bilimora stretch is scheduled for completion by August 2027.

Explanation

The article clearly states the cost as 'Rs 1.98-lakh-crore'. Option D (₹16 lakh crore) is a distractor, as it is the estimated cost for all eight proposed high-speed rail lines spanning 4,000 km.

Explanation

A senior NHSRCL officer in the article explains that the tracks had to be elevated because running a train at 300+ kmph on the surface would be unsafe due to the risk of people and animals crossing the line, a challenge even on existing broad gauge lines.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the Supreme Court invoked its powers under Article 142 to order the Election Commission to publish supplementary voter lists. Article 142 grants the SC the power to pass any order necessary for doing 'complete justice'.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article. Statement 2 is correct as the EC notified tribunals on orders of the SC and recommendations of Calcutta HC Chief Justice Sujoy Paul. Statement 3 is incorrect; 1,607 was the number of additions according to CEO data, but the article reveals one tribunal alone cleared 1,717 appeals, indicating the total was likely higher.

Explanation

The article states: 'Over 700 judicial officers considered 60.06 lakh electors identified by the EC using a centralised algorithm...' The other numbers are distractors: 27.16 lakh were found ineligible, and 34 lakh appeals were filed.

Explanation

The article explicitly mentions: '...after noting there was a trust deficit between the Election Commission of India and the state government.' This was the core judicial rationale for direct intervention in the adjudication process.

Explanation

As mentioned in the article, labour is a concurrent subject. The Concurrent List (List III) includes subjects on which both the Parliament and the State Legislatures can make laws.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article states 29 laws were consolidated. Statement 2 is incorrect; the article specifies free health check-ups are for workers aged 40 years and above, not all organised sector workers. Statement 3 is correct as the National Reskilling Fund is explicitly mentioned.

Explanation

The article explicitly states: "the rules also capped the weekly working hours at 48 hours." The other options are common distractors based on work hour norms in different countries or sectors.

Explanation

The article states the codification was undertaken "to address long-standing challenges and make the system more efficient and contemporary" and that it "aims to enhance ease of doing business." The other objectives are not mentioned as primary goals in the provided content.

Explanation

The article explicitly states the missile was tested from APJ Abdul Kalam Island, Odisha. This island, formerly Wheeler Island, is India's primary missile test range located in the Bay of Bengal off the Odisha coast.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article which mentions 'Advanced Agni missile with MIRV'. Statement 2 is incorrect; the test was from APJ Abdul Kalam Island, Odisha, not Sriharikota. Statement 3 is correct as the article states the payloads targeted different locations in the Indian Ocean Region.

Explanation

The article clearly states that the Defence Ministry confirmed the missile system was tested on Friday, May 8, 2026. May 9, 2026, is the publication date of the article, not the test date.

Explanation

As defined in the article, the MIRV feature ensures that a single missile can deploy multiple warheads at different locations. This is its core strategic function, acting as a force multiplier and complicating enemy defence strategies. The other options describe potential features of other technologies, not the defining characteristic of MIRV.

Explanation

Article 324 of the Constitution deals with the superintendence, direction, and control of elections, which is the foundational power of the Election Commission of India. Articles 326, 329, and 352 relate to adult suffrage, bar on court interference in electoral matters, and proclamation of emergency respectively.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: The Act was enacted in 2023 after the Supreme Court's March 2023 ruling. Statement 2 is correct: The Act specifies a committee of PM, LoP, and a Cabinet Minister. Statement 3 is correct: The Act replaced the CJI (from the Court's interim order) with a Cabinet Minister.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that SIPRI ranks India as the second-largest arms importer, accounting for 8.3% of global imports in 2020–24. The other options are plausible but incorrect figures.

Explanation

Tagore argued in 'The Cult of the Charkha' that the repetitive labour demanded by spinning engaged 'the muscles and not the mind' and that spinning had turned into a ritual, undermining its original purpose. While he also worried about nationalism and isolation, his core critique was about the mindless ritualization.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the BSF, which is primarily responsible for border security, raised its first drone squadron last year. The BSF is tasked with guarding India's borders with Pakistan and Bangladesh.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: the article confirms the first drone terror attack was on the IAF station in Jammu on June 26, 2021. Statement 2 is incorrect: the article says Pakistan used 300-400 drones in Operation Sindoor, not 500-600. Statement 3 is correct: the article mentions the indigenous D-4 anti-drone system and the KAVACH laser system deployed in J&K.

Explanation

The article states that security agencies have seized nearly 68,000 kg of narcotics valued at around ₹30,000 crore across J&K over the past five years. This highlights the scale of the narcotics smuggling issue linked to drone droppings.

Explanation

Former J&K DGP Kuldeep Khoda is quoted stating that Pakistan turned to drones because border fencing, night vision devices, and other monitoring systems made ground infiltration nearly impossible. Drones provided an easier means to penetrate and deliver weapons and narcotics.

Explanation

The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow passage that connects the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea. It is the only sea passage from the Persian Gulf to the open ocean, making it a globally strategic chokepoint for oil shipments.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: The article states Operation Earnest Will (1987-88) involved minesweepers and warships escorting convoys and was largely successful. Statement 2 is incorrect: The article says President Trump cited progress in negotiations, but the context implies this was a reason given, while the actual situation involved Iranian attacks and industry reluctance; it was not a permanent resolution. Statement 3 is correct: Experts in the article state that drones have changed the strategic equation, making a few low-cost weapons disproportionately impactful.

Explanation

The article explicitly states: 'The U.S. announced Project Freedom on May 4...'. It was suspended the next day (May 5). May 8 is the date of the photo caption, and May 9 is the article publication date.

Explanation

The article states: 'The industry sought more details since the U.S. indicated it was not going to escort ships individually, unlike 30 years ago...'. This missing operational detail, compared to the successful template of Operation Earnest Will, contributed to the industry's unchanged risk assessment.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the National Data and Analytics Platform vision document and the June 2025 report on welfare programme databases were released by NITI Aayog.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the NITI Aayog report mentioned. Statement 2 is correct as IDMO is proposed under NDGFP. Statement 3 is incorrect because the OECD estimate of 2.5% GDP addition includes private-sector data; for public-sector data alone, the estimate is 1.5%.

Explanation

The article clearly states that eliminating 16 million fake ration cards may save around ₹100 billion annually. ₹90 billion is the saving from PM-KISAN clean-up, and ₹210 billion is the saving from LPG clean-up over two years.

Explanation

The article states that IDMO has the potential to be the keystone of reform by 'developing and enforcing common rules, standards, guidelines and protocols for data across all Ministries and States.' It is not meant to replace NITI Aayog or directly manage all databases.

Explanation

As per the static GK linkage, the National Health Authority (NHA) is an attached office of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. It is the apex body responsible for implementing the Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY scheme.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect. The article states the hackathon was organized by NHA in collaboration with the IndiaAI Mission and the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru, not NITI Aayog and IIT Delhi. Statements 2 and 3 are correct as per the article, which mentions the third problem statement on 'detecting document forgery and deepfakes' and the second on 'Radiological Image-Based Condition Detection and Report Correlation'.

Explanation

The article explicitly quotes NHA CEO Sunil Kumar Barnwal stating that the authority's in-house auto-adjudication initiatives had reduced average claim processing time from nearly 20 days to around four hours. This is a key data point from the news.

Explanation

The article's core theme is the use of AI to transform healthcare claims management. It states that the solutions were aimed at 'improving the speed, accuracy and transparency of claims adjudication while reducing fraud and manual intervention.' The other options are either not mentioned (A, C) or contrary to the scheme's objective (D).

Explanation

As per the news article and the government notification, the Chief of Defence Staff also functions as Secretary to the Government of India, Department of Military Affairs. This department was created in 2019 to promote jointness among the armed forces.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article: Lt Gen Subramani will assume office after Gen Chauhan's tenure ends on 30 May 2026. Statement 2 is incorrect: Vice-Admiral Swaminathan is currently the Western Naval Commander, not the Vice Chief of Naval Staff. Statement 3 is correct: The article states he will be the third CDS after Gen Rawat and Gen Chauhan.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that 'Vice-Admiral Swaminathan’s tenure will be up to December 31, 2028.' This is a precise data point for factual recall in exams.

Explanation

The article mentions the CDS functions as Secretary, Department of Military Affairs. The core rationale for creating the CDS post, as per historical context, is to provide integrated military advice and promote jointness (synergy) among the three services, not direct operational command or exclusive financial/diplomatic roles.

Explanation

As per the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, the Juvenile Justice Board (JJB) is the competent authority constituted to deal with matters concerning children in conflict with law, as mentioned in the article regarding the petitioner's conviction.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect. The court ruled that a past juvenile conviction cannot be a legal impediment. Statement 2 is correct as the article states the 'right to be forgotten' for juveniles is an absolute right. Statement 3 is correct as the court noted that pending criminal proceedings are the only valid ground for refusal under Section 6(2)(f).

Explanation

The article explicitly states: 'the authorities failed to identify any currently pending criminal proceedings, which is the only valid ground for refusal under Section 6(2)(f) of the Passports Act, 1967.'

Explanation

The article repeatedly highlights the court's emphasis on the 'fresh start' principle, removal of stigma, and the Acts' objective to reintegrate juveniles as normal persons. It quotes the court stating the statute is 'framed with an object to minimise the stigma' and to provide for 'rehabilitation and social reintegration'.

Explanation

The IAEA is the nuclear inspectorate for the NPT, responsible for monitoring and verifying that member states use nuclear energy for peaceful purposes only, as mentioned in the article's context of Iran's inspections.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article's description of counterproliferation. Statement 2 is correct; Iran signed these agreements as mentioned. Statement 3 is incorrect; the article states North Korea's actions invited diplomatic engagement and sanctions, not military coercion.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that North Korea withdrew from the NPT in 2003. The year 2006 is when it conducted its nuclear test, making it a close distractor.

Explanation

The article argues that counterproliferation's selective application (against Iraq/Iran but not North Korea) and use of force/sanctions erodes the credibility of the cooperative NPT regime and may fuel nuclear ambitions.

Explanation

The Department of Military Affairs (DMA) was created in 2019 and is headed by the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS). The CDS serves as its Secretary. This is a key institutional reform in India's higher defence management.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article: Lt Gen Subramani is currently Military Adviser, NSCS. Statement 2 is incorrect; he succeeds General Anil Chauhan, not General Bipin Rawat (the first CDS). Statement 3 is incorrect; the CDS is Secretary of the Department of Military Affairs, not Defence Production. Hence, only statement 1 is correct.

Explanation

The article clearly states that he will assume office after General Anil Chauhan completes his tenure on 30 May 2026. 1 September 2025 is the date he started as Military Adviser in NSCS. 9 May 2026 is the announcement date.

Explanation

The dual role empowers the CDS beyond being just a military advisor. As Secretary DMA, he handles administrative, financial, and procurement issues related to the armed forces, facilitating faster decision-making and promoting jointness. This is a key reform in defence management.

Explanation

The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow channel that links the Persian Gulf (west) with the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea (east). This is a fundamental static geography fact relevant to international trade routes.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect: Project Freedom concerned the Strait of Hormuz, not the Strait of Malacca. Statement 2 is correct as per the article: it was suspended after attacks and lack of industry confidence. Statement 3 is correct: the article compares it to the successful Operation Earnest Will from 1987-88.

Explanation

The article explicitly states: "The U.S. announced Project Freedom on May 4 to end the Iranian blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. It was suspended the next day..." May 5 is the suspension date, while May 8 and 9 are other dates mentioned in photo captions and publication.

Explanation

The article states that the industry sought more details because "the U.S. indicated it was not going to escort ships individually, unlike 30 years ago..." This lack of a concrete protective commitment was a key factor in the industry's unchanged risk assessment.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the Supreme Court took up a suo motu case for the creation of exclusive courts across the country for faster disposal of trials under special statutes like the UAPA and the NDPS Act.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the CJI suggested there can be a Central agency to monitor drugs-related cases on a pan-India level. Statement 2 is incorrect because the bench comprised CJI Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi, not Justice D.Y. Chandrachud. Statement 3 is correct as the article mentions the CJI citing an instance of an old woman who lost her fifth son, with all five children dying due to drug addiction.

Explanation

The article directly quotes CJI Surya Kant stating, "an old woman, more than 60 years … crying because she lost her 5th son to drug addiction. All of her 5 children have died, one after the other."

Explanation

The core critique in the article is that the police "nab small-level peddlers for publicity" and "catch hold of a small villager, poor boy" for photographs, instead of going after the "bigger sharks" and influential people involved in the drug trade.

Explanation

The article explicitly states the court held that the right to a clean environment formed an inseparable part of the fundamental right to life under Article 21. This is a well-established judicial interpretation cited in cases like Subhash Kumar vs State of Bihar.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article states the court directed no mining activity within a one-kilometre buffer zone of the sanctuary. Statement 2 is incorrect; the deadline given to the DLTF was eight weeks, not four. Statement 3 is correct as the court held the pollution control board responsible for failing to invoke the 'Polluter Pays' principle.

Explanation

The article clearly states that the court directed the District Level Task Force (DLTF) to review all environmental clearances, pollution consents, and mining permissions within eight weeks. This is a specific directive and a key data point from the news.

Explanation

The article explicitly quotes the court criticizing authorities for failing to effectively enforce the law despite having technological tools such as satellite imagery, GIS mapping, and GPS tracking. The court stated that a continued failure to act with such tools 'can only be interpreted as a deliberate, willful closing of those eyes'.

Explanation

The Artemis program is a flagship human spaceflight initiative led by NASA, the United States' civilian space agency. The article repeatedly mentions NASA's plans and its partnerships with SpaceX and Blue Origin for the lunar landers.

Explanation

Statements 1 and 2 are correct as per the article, which states Artemis 3 is an orbital test in 2027 and Artemis 4 targets a Moon landing in 2028. Statement 3 is incorrect because the article explicitly lists 'orbital refueling' as a major challenge still facing SpaceX's Starship HLS.

Explanation

The article clearly states: 'A full Moon landing is currently targeted for Artemis 4 in late 2028.' The year 2027 is a distractor as it is the target for the Artemis 3 orbital test.

Explanation

The article identifies 'demonstrating orbital refueling' as one of the most important tasks and biggest challenges still ahead for SpaceX. This is because the mission architecture relies on multiple tanker launches to fuel the lander in Earth orbit for its journey to the Moon.

Explanation

The report was released by the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) and Tamil Nadu Election Watch (TNEW), as explicitly stated in the article. ADR is a well-known NGO working on electoral reforms.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect: The report analysed 233 of the 234 winning candidates, as one affidavit was unclear. Statement 2 is correct: The article states crimes against women fall under 'serious criminal cases'. Statement 3 is correct: The article explicitly mentions the sole BJP MLA-elect declared no criminal cases.

Explanation

The article states: '19 MLAs-elect from the TVK... have declared that serious criminal cases were pending against them.' 41 is the total number of TVK MLAs with any criminal case, while 33 and 14 are figures for AIADMK and DMK respectively for total criminal cases.

Explanation

The core objective of ADR's work, as inferred from the article, is to bring transparency by analysing publicly available affidavits. This information arms voters and civil society, fueling the debate on electoral reforms and criminalization of politics, which is a major governance issue.

Explanation

As per the article, IN-SPACe (Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre) functions as an autonomous agency in the Department of Space (DOS). It acts as an interface between ISRO and private entities.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as Drishti uses 'Opto-SAR' technology for simultaneous imaging. Statement 2 is incorrect; it was launched on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from the US. Statement 3 is correct; the article states this is a 'primarily tropical country's problem' that Drishti solves.

Explanation

The article explicitly states the Drishti satellite was launched on 3 May, 2026. The other dates are close distractors: May 4 is when Pixxel announced a partnership, May 9 is the article's publication date, and May 8 was mentioned in a correction note.

Explanation

The core innovation of Drishti is placing both optical and SAR sensors on one platform to operate in sync, producing simultaneous images of the same place. This solves the problems of parallax and temporal gaps, removing the need for manual data alignment from different satellites, as detailed in the article.

Explanation

The Supreme Court ordered the Delhi Development Authority (DDA), the statutory urban planning body for Delhi, to refund the amount. The DDA had conducted the public auction of the land in question.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: The judgment extensively discusses Order XIII-A CPC for summary judgment. Statement 2 is incorrect: The Court explicitly rejected DDA's argument that possession must be returned first, calling it 'fanciful'. Statement 3 is correct: The acquisition lapsed under Section 24(2) as compensation was not paid.

Explanation

The Supreme Court decreed a refund with interest at 7.5% per annum from July 2007 until actual payment. The other options are plausible but incorrect distractors commonly seen in interest rate questions.

Explanation

The Court's reasoning was based on restitution, meaning that when the basis of a transaction collapses (here, the lapsed acquisition), the parties must be restored to their original positions. The company paid for a right it could no longer exercise, so the money must be returned.

Explanation

The article explicitly states the order was issued by the Procurement Policy Division of the Department of Expenditure, Ministry of Finance. This division handles government procurement policies.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article mandates payment via bank/electronic mode. Statement 2 is incorrect; the Labour Codes became effective from November 2025, not 2024. Statement 3 is correct as the order specifies blacklisting from all central ministries for repeat delays.

Explanation

The article clearly specifies the timeline: 'within seven days of next month for monthly work.' The other options are plausible distractors but are not mentioned in the text.

Explanation

The core objective, as stated in the article, is to ensure timely payment of wages to contractual workers and enforce compliance with the Labour Codes, thereby addressing labour unrest caused by delays. The other options are secondary effects or not the primary focus.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that data is from the 'Grid Controller of India (Grid India)' and that the NLDC, which directs curtailment under Emergency TRAS, is part of the national grid operation framework managed by Grid-India.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect: 'Must-run' status means plants cannot be backed down for commercial reasons, but they CAN be curtailed for grid security and system safety. Statement 2 is correct: The article states generators backed down under Emergency TRAS receive compensation. Statement 3 is correct: Grid India data cited heavy under-drawl in Gujarat as a key factor for technical curtailment.

Explanation

The article clearly states: 'According to data from Grid India, at least 693.81 GWh of solar power was curtailed...' 399.34 GWh was the total for Jan-Mar. 900 GWh was curtailed in October 2025 alone, and 2,300 GWh was the total under TRAS from May-Dec 2025.

Explanation

The article defines Emergency TRAS as a mechanism under which the NLDC can direct renewable projects to reduce generation 'during system-wide emergency conditions to maintain grid stability.' It acts as a third layer of grid control after primary and secondary reserves.

Explanation

As per the news article and the established structure, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) is also the Secretary of the Department of Military Affairs (DMA) in the Ministry of Defence. This department was created in 2019 to promote jointness among the armed forces.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article: he was commissioned into the 8th Battalion of the Garhwal Rifles on December 14, 1985. Statement 2 is correct: the article mentions he was the defence attache in Kazakhstan. Statement 3 is incorrect: the article states he commanded the 17 Mountain Division in the Central Sector, not the Eastern Sector.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that Lt Gen N S Raja Subramani was commissioned into the 8th Battalion of the Garhwal Rifles on December 14, 1985. This is a factual data point directly from the source.

Explanation

The article quotes an officer stating that Lt Gen Subramani "can integrate academia and industry, and he is a results-oriented person." This suggests his approach as CDS may involve leveraging innovation and research from educational and industrial sectors for defence preparedness, which is a key aspect of modern military reforms.

Explanation

As per the article, the TARA system was designed and developed by the Hyderabad-based DRDO facility Research Centre Imarat (RCI) in collaboration with other DRDO labs and industry partners.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: TARA is a modular kit for unguided warheads. Statement 2 is incorrect: The article states it glides rather than relying on a rocket motor, making it lightweight. Statement 3 is correct: The Defence Ministry stated it is the first glide weapon to use low-cost systems.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that three TARA versions are being produced to be used with warheads of different weights ranging from 250 to 500 kg.

Explanation

The article highlights that TARA is strategically significant because it enhances stand-off strike capability, meaning an aircraft can hit targets from a distance that puts it out of the reach of air defence systems, increasing aircraft survivability.