11 April 2026, Questions & Answers

Explanation

Article 12 defines 'State' for Part III of the Constitution, which deals with Fundamental Rights. It includes the Government, Parliament, State Legislatures, and all local or other authorities. The Supreme Court judgment specifically referenced Article 12 to conclude cooperative societies are not 'State'.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect as the SC held these are statutory, not fundamental rights. Statement 2 is incorrect as the SC clarified cooperative societies are not 'State' under Article 12. Statement 3 is incorrect as the SC ruled writ petitions under Article 226 are generally not maintainable for such internal disputes, which should be resolved through statutory forums.

Explanation

The article clearly states the judgment was delivered by a bench of Justices B V Nagarathna and R Mahadevan. The verdict dated April 10, 2026, was authored by Justice Mahadevan. Memorizing bench compositions is crucial for polity questions.

Explanation

The Supreme Court clarified that the impugned bye-laws prescribing conditions like minimum milk supply were 'eligibility criteria' (threshold requirements for active members) and not 'disqualifications' (legal bars due to negative factors). This distinction is central to understanding the reasonableness of such regulations.

Explanation

The United Nations Security Council has five permanent members (P5) with veto power: China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States, as mentioned in the article's explanation of veto power.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article. Statement 2 is incorrect because the resolution concerned the Strait of Hormuz, not the Strait of Malacca. Statement 3 is incorrect; Xi met the leader of the Kuomintang (KMT), not the DPP, which Beijing refuses to engage with.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the Strait of Hormuz is 'the transit route for a fifth of global energy supplies.' This is a critical data point for understanding the strategic importance of the conflict.

Explanation

The article details that Iran seeks to 'legitimise its control at the negotiation table, demanding the US's recognition of Iran's sovereignty over the Strait.' This is a core geopolitical demand, unlike the other options which are not mentioned.

Explanation

The discussion paper titled 'Exploring Safeguards in Digital Payments to Curb Frauds' has been released by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), India's central bank and primary regulator of payment systems.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect. The proposed delay is not for 'all' digital payments; it is specifically for APP transactions above ₹10,000. Statement 2 is correct as per the article. Statement 3 is also correct; the RBI's discussion paper uses fraud data from the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (NCRP).

Explanation

The article states that digital payment frauds amounted to ₹22,931 crore in 2025, based on data from the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (NCRP). ₹22,848 crore was the value for 2024, making it a close distractor.

Explanation

The RBI explicitly states that the short delay is intended to act as a 'preventive control' by breaking the psychological hold fraudsters have during social engineering scams, giving the payer a chance to reconsider. The other options are not mentioned as objectives in the article.

Explanation

The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of the Reserve Bank of India is the statutory body mandated to decide the benchmark interest rate (repo rate). This is a core static GK fact linked to the news article which mentions the MPC meeting.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article. Statement 2 is incorrect; the MPC meeting and decision date was April 8, 2026, not April 11, 2026 (which is the publication date). Statement 3 is incorrect; the article states the decision offers stability and predictable EMIs, which is welcomed by the sector, implying a positive or neutral impact, not a negative one.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the Reserve Bank of India decided to maintain the repo rate at 5.25%. This is a direct data point from the news. The other options are close distractors representing possible rate changes.

Explanation

The article focuses on the impact on the real estate sector, stating that the decision 'allows for better planning among homebuyers, as they benefit from stable EMIs and the potential for long-term savings'. The other options are generic impacts not specifically mentioned in the provided content.

Explanation

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) is the central authority that receives extradition requests from foreign governments. It reviews the request for compliance with the relevant treaty before forwarding it to the Ministry of Home Affairs and the judiciary for further action.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect: The article states the request was first made by a previous caretaker government, not the current BNP government. Statement 2 is correct: The demand is made under the India-Bangladesh Extradition Treaty. Statement 3 is correct: The article mentions talks with NSA Ajit Doval in Delhi.

Explanation

According to the article, Bangladesh Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman made the announcement in Port Louis, Mauritius, on April 10, 2026, where he was attending the 9th Indian Ocean Conference. The talks with Indian officials had occurred earlier in New Delhi.

Explanation

The core challenge is the need to adhere to the legal process under the Extradition Treaty while simultaneously managing the wider impact on the strategic partnership with Bangladesh, which encompasses security, connectivity, and regional cooperation. The decision could set a significant precedent.

Explanation

The Election Commission of India (ECI) is the autonomous constitutional authority under Article 324 responsible for superintendence, direction, and control of all elections. The SIR is a nationwide exercise directed by the ECI, implemented by state-level officers like the Chief Electoral Officer.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article states deletions (2,04,45,300) represent 13.21% of total voters before SIR. Statement 2 is incorrect; the final list has 7,30,71,071 male and 6,09,09,525 female voters, meaning more male voters. Statement 3 is correct as the article mentions the SIR process commenced in October 2025.

Explanation

The article explicitly states the final list comprises 13,39,84,792 electors. Option B is the pre-SIR electorate count (15.44 crore). Option C and D are incorrect figures not mentioned in the article.

Explanation

The core objective of the SIR is to clean up and ensure the accuracy of electoral rolls, which involves the deletion of ineligible entries. While new voters are also added, the massive scale of deletions (over 2 crore) highlights the purification objective. The other options describe different electoral activities.

Explanation

The 'Transit Passage' regime is a specific provision created by the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) to ensure freedom of navigation through international straits. The article explicitly mentions UNCLOS in this context.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article states the strait falls within Iranian and Omani territorial waters. Statement 2 is incorrect because the article clarifies Iran signed but has NOT ratified UNCLOS and is applying the restrictive 'Innocent Passage' clause, not 'Transit Passage'. Statement 3 is correct as Hugo Grotius's concept of 'Mare Liberum' is mentioned.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the Strait of Hormuz impacts 'nearly 20 per cent of the world’s oil and 25 per cent of LNG trade'. The close distractor 20% refers to the oil trade figure.

Explanation

The article explains that Iran's navy may have been destroyed, but the threat from its 'coastal missile batteries, drone swarms, and sea mines' has been sufficient to deter commercial shipping. This highlights asymmetric warfare and the strategic leverage of controlling a choke point's geography.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that NASA's Artemis II mission was successfully completed. NASA is the US government agency responsible for the civilian space program.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect: Artemis II was a crewed mission with astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Jeremy Hansen. Statement 2 is incorrect: NASA is looking to both SpaceX and Blue Origin for Moon landings. Statement 3 is correct as per the article which mentions China hoping to send humans to the Moon by 2030.

Explanation

The article clearly states that Artemis II successfully completed its mission 'on Friday (April 10, 2026)'. The other dates are close distractors related to the article's publication date.

Explanation

The article contrasts the Apollo program, which was designed and run entirely by the government, with the current approach where NASA is 'banking on billionaires' and their companies for the landing systems. This represents a strategic shift towards a public-private partnership model.

Explanation

In 2019, the International Court of Justice (ICJ), the UN's principal judicial organ, issued an advisory opinion stating that the UK is obliged to end its administration of the Chagos Archipelago. This is a key static fact linked to the dispute.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect: The UK has 'paused' or put the plan 'on hold', not permanently cancelled it. Statement 2 is correct as per the article: the deal included a 99-year lease for the Diego Garcia base. Statement 3 is incorrect: the opposition came from the U.S., not France.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that under the deal, Britain would retain control of the Diego Garcia military base on a '99-year lease'. This is a precise data point that can be asked in prelims.

Explanation

The article states the deal 'preserves U.S. operations there' and the pause came after U.S. criticism. Diego Garcia is a pivotal logistics hub for U.S. forces in the Middle East and Asia, making the continuity of operations the core strategic concern.

Explanation

As stated in the article, the RBI is the sole authority for G-Secs and issues them through auctions conducted on its electronic platform E-Kuber. SEBI regulates securities markets, but G-Sec issuance is under RBI's debt management function.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect: According to the RBI, the Central Government issues both T-Bills and bonds, while State Governments issue only bonds (SDLs). Statement 2 is correct: CMBs were introduced in 2010 to manage cash flow mismatches and have maturities less than 91 days. Statement 3 is correct, as per the RBI statement quoted in the article.

Explanation

The article explicitly states the limits for FY27: 6% for Central G-Secs, 2% for State Government Securities (SGSs), and 15% for corporate bonds. This data point is crucial for prelims questions on capital market regulations.

Explanation

The article states that RBI uses OMOs to adjust rupee liquidity conditions. When there is excess liquidity, RBI sells G-Secs to suck it out; when liquidity is tight, RBI buys securities to release liquidity. This is a key monetary policy tool for inflation and money supply management.

Explanation

The Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) mission is a flagship program of the Government of India under the Ministry of Finance. It aims to reform the government delivery system by re-engineering existing processes and leveraging digital and biometric platforms. While other ministries implement DBT for their schemes, the overarching framework and mission are anchored in the Ministry of Finance.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect. The policy states that electric cars priced above ₹30 lakh will NOT be eligible for any road tax or registration fee exemption. Statement 2 is correct as per the article. Statement 3 is incorrect; the policy proposes incentives for electric trucks (N1 category) but does not mention a mandate or ban on new ICE commercial four-wheelers.

Explanation

The article clearly states the tiered incentive structure: In the first year, it is ₹10,000/kWh (cap ₹30,000); in the second year, it reduces to ₹6,600/kWh (cap ₹20,000); and in the third year, it drops to ₹3,300/kWh (cap ₹10,000).

Explanation

The policy document explicitly states that two-wheelers constitute about 67% of Delhi's vehicle stock, and three-wheelers and commercial cars have high daily mileage. Therefore, their electrification is deemed critical for achieving meaningful reductions in vehicular emissions and sustained improvements in air quality.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the draft guidelines were released by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). The RBI is the primary regulator for banks and Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs) in India.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article. Statement 2 is incorrect; the new framework replaces the earlier parametric scoring model with an asset-based one, but does not 'abolish' the concept—it changes the primary determinant. Statement 3 is incorrect because the article states a 'key ambiguity persists' regarding mandatory listing for CICs, and the RBI is yet to clarify this.

Explanation

The article specifically states: 'With Tata Sons’ FY25 asset base estimated at around Rs 1.75 lakh crore...'. The other options are close but incorrect distractors.

Explanation

The article quotes the RBI stating that the change is aimed at making the process 'transparent, simple and objective,' eliminating the ambiguity of the earlier methodology. The other options are not mentioned as primary objectives in the provided content.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the Artemis II mission was conducted by NASA. The capsule used was NASA's Orion, and the mission was a key part of NASA's Artemis program to return to the Moon.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article: 'the debut crewed test flight in a series of Artemis missions'. Statement 2 is correct: the crew's peak distance of 252,756 miles broke the record set by Apollo 13 (~248,000 miles). Statement 3 is correct: Glover, Koch, and Hansen were respectively the first Black astronaut, first woman, and first non-U.S. citizen on a lunar mission.

Explanation

The article specifically states: 'The Artemis II flight, traveling a total of 694,392 miles (1,117,515 km)...' Option A is the peak distance from Earth, not the total mission distance.

Explanation

The article explicitly states: 'The agency more broadly aims to establish a long-term lunar presence as a stepping stone to eventual human exploration of Mars.' While competition with China is mentioned, it is not stated as the primary strategic objective.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the sickle cell screening effort in Nandurbar is backed by the state's Arunodoy initiative, which focuses on last-mile healthcare delivery in vulnerable regions.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article mentions the shift to DBS-PCR testing. Statement 2 is correct as it states nearly 7 lakh people have been screened since April 2025. Statement 3 is incorrect because the article clearly states the solubility test 'cannot distinguish between patients and carriers'.

Explanation

The article provides the data point that 'around 7,000 people diagnosed so far in Nandurbar and up to 22% of those screened identified as carriers' and later reiterates '15% to 22% of those screened are carriers'.

Explanation

The article highlights that the DBS method combines accuracy (genetically confirmed diagnosis) with feasibility, as samples can be collected in remote villages and transported without refrigeration. It does not claim it is faster, cheaper, requires no training, or tests for multiple disorders.

Explanation

Article 154 of the Constitution states that the executive power of the State shall be vested in the Governor. This power includes the authority to sanction discretionary benefits like extraordinary pensions under rules like the UPCS Rules 1981, as highlighted in the Supreme Court judgment.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the Supreme Court finalised the compensation at ₹1 crore. Statement 2 is incorrect; the Court specifically clarified that the sanction of the Governor is necessary for an extraordinary pension. Statement 3 is correct as the Court allowed the widow to apply for the pension under the Rules. Hence, option C is correct.

Explanation

The article states that in 2018, a division bench of the Uttarakhand High Court ordered the state to pay approximately ₹1.99 crore in compensation. The Supreme Court later modified this order to ₹1 crore. ₹50 lakh was the state's initial proposal, and ₹2 crore is not mentioned.

Explanation

The Court's ruling underscores the principle of separation of powers and procedural compliance. While courts can award compensation, discretionary benefits like extraordinary pensions under specific rules require the sanction of the executive head (the Governor), as per the delegated legislation. This ensures adherence to established administrative procedures.

Explanation

The article quotes Santosh Kumar Sarangi, Secretary of the Ministry for New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), discussing the subsidy reduction potential of solar programmes. This ministry is responsible for policy related to renewable energy sources like solar.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect because the subsidy of ₹2.4 lakh crore is for both agricultural and domestic consumers, not just agricultural. Statement 2 is correct as per the article which states ALMM is the Centre's primary tool for building a domestic solar manufacturing base. Statement 3 is incorrect; the article says solar programmes are 'increasingly designed not just to add clean energy capacity but to persuade States' to eliminate subsidy bills.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that Indian States collectively spend nearly ₹2.4 lakh crore a year on subsidising electricity. The other options are plausible but incorrect figures that could be used as distractors.

Explanation

The core insight from the news is that solar programmes are now being designed with the explicit objective of helping states eliminate their massive electricity subsidy bill through farm and rooftop solarisation. This represents a strategic shift from a pure capacity-addition goal to a fiscal relief goal.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the investigation by the Lok Sabha committee was under the Judges (Inquiry) Act, 1968. This act regulates the procedure for investigation and proof of misbehaviour or incapacity of a judge.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the term was coined by George Grote. Statement 2 is correct as Ambedkar quoted Grote in the Constituent Assembly. Statement 3 is incorrect because, as the article notes, constitutional morality is 'indeterminate' and 'cannot, by itself, yield a standard of adjudication'; it is more of a guiding principle or diagnostic tool.

Explanation

The article directly states: 'We estimate the national average CoHD for a non-vegetarian diet at Rs 73.1 per person per day in 2023-24.' This is a precise data point crucial for understanding economic and social welfare dimensions.

Explanation

The article explains that the Strait of Hormuz qualifies as a 'strait used for international navigation' under UNCLOS, where the 'Transit Passage' regime applies. This regime guarantees continuous transit and cannot be suspended. By applying the more restrictive 'Innocent Passage' regime, Iran brings itself into conflict with UNCLOS.

Explanation

The article quotes Paul Heslop, an expert with the UN Mine Action Service (UNMAS), discussing the dynamic challenges of clearing sea mines. This is the primary UN entity responsible for coordinating mine action globally.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article's classification. Statement 2 is incorrect because Bottom mines are classified as 'Influence' mines, not 'Contact' mines. Statement 3 is correct as the article defines Limpet mines precisely as such. Hence, only statements 1 and 3 are correct.

Explanation

The article explicitly states, 'According to the US, Iran has about 5,000 to 6,000 naval mines.' The other options are plausible distractors but not mentioned in the provided text.

Explanation

The article quotes UN expert Paul Heslop explaining that sea mines operate in three spatial layers and a 'fourth dimension, which is time,' as currents can move them, creating a dynamic and changing environment for deminers. This is cited as the core challenge.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the Nur Khan Airbase 'is also home to PAF College Chaklala, a key training institution for the Pakistan Air Force.' The other institutions, while related to Pakistani defence, are not mentioned in the article in this context.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article which says the base is in Rawalpindi and is a 'key logistical hub'. Statement 2 is incorrect; Operation Sindoor was launched in response to the 'Pahalgam terror attacks', not Pulwama. Statement 3 is correct as visuals showed 'five PAF F-16s escorting the US Air Force’s Boeing C-32A plane'.

Explanation

The article clearly states 'Operation Sindoor, launched between May 7 and 10 last year'. The other options are distractors based on other months mentioned in the article (June 2025 for the Pak Army Chief's US visit, September 2025 for the White House meeting).

Explanation

The article's analysis emphasizes that the visit, with its symbolic F-16 escort, shifts attention to Pakistan's strategic site and is part of Islamabad's effort to 'place Pakistan at the centre of world diplomacy, Washington by its side.' While the other options are potential broader implications, the article most directly supports this interpretation of the visit's primary strategic messaging.

Explanation

As per the article, in 2019, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) issued an advisory opinion that the UK must hand over the Chagos islands to Mauritius. The ICJ is the UN's principal judicial organ for settling disputes between states.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: The article states Britain 'detached' Chagos from Mauritius in 1965 to create BIOT. Statement 2 is incorrect: The US Navy sought Diego Garcia after WWII due to Cold War concerns, not before. Statement 3 is correct: The 2025 deal includes leasing Diego Garcia back to the UK for 99 years.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that as part of the deal, Diego Garcia would be leased back to the UK for the next 99 years for £101 million a year. £40 million is for the Chagossian trust fund, making it a close distractor.

Explanation

The article states that after WWII, US naval planners wanted a permanent foothold in the ocean. Diego Garcia's central Indian Ocean location puts critical chokepoints like the Strait of Hormuz, Bab-el-Mandeb, and Malacca Strait within reach of long-range bombers, making it strategically vital.

Explanation

The Chief of Integrated Defence Staff (CIDS) is the head of the Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff (IDS), which is the joint organization of the Indian Armed Forces aimed at fostering integration and jointness among the Army, Navy, and Air Force.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect. The Army Chief specifically said warfare must be 'technology-enabled, and not technology-led'. Statement 2 is correct as per the article's description of Operation Sindoor. Statement 3 is correct as the Navy Chief highlighted that speed is a 'distinct capability' in modern warfare.

Explanation

The article explicitly quotes the Army Chief stating, 'Today, we are looking at about 15 regiments...' as part of the force's drone battalion expansion following lessons from Operation Sindoor.

Explanation

The article states that a lesson from Operation Sindoor was the requirement of a 'psychological warfare division' because 15% of the effort was in managing disinformation. Consequently, a psychological division under a Brigadier is being set up.

Explanation

The article explicitly states the Iranian delegation is headed by Parliamentary Speaker Mohammad Baqher Ghalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.

Explanation

Statements 1 and 2 are correct as per Iran's Speaker Ghalibaf's tweet quoted in the article. Statement 3 is incorrect; the article mentions these conditions 'have yet to be implemented' and talks are uncertain because they are not fulfilled.

Explanation

The article specifically states: 'Lebanese officials say nearly 2,000 people have been killed in Israeli strikes since early March.' The figure 'Over 350' refers to a single deadly attack mentioned earlier.

Explanation

The article mentions Iran's blockade of the Strait of Hormuz disrupting energy flows and its backing of Hezbollah fighting in Lebanon. These are the tangible points of pressure it holds, as opposed to other potential but unmentioned leverages.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the Home Secretary advised state extradition cells to consult the 'CBI’s extradition cell for clarification in complex cases.' This highlights the CBI's nodal role in coordinating international police and judicial requests.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article states the Rule of Specialty is 'a statutory mandate under the Extradition Act, 1962.' Statement 2 is incorrect and is the trap; the rule explicitly prohibits trying the individual for other offences. Statement 3 is correct as per the article which says trying them for any other offence requires 'prior consent of the surrendering State.'

Explanation

The article's final paragraph provides the exact data: 'According to the CBI, it was able to secure the extradition or deportation of 134 fugitives from 2020 to 2025.' 71 is the number located abroad in 2024-25, 203 is the number of foreign fugitives located in India, and 27 is the number returned to India in 2024-25.

Explanation

The article directly quotes the Home Secretary stating that deviations 'may adversely affect India’s credibility in the ongoing extradition matters and could have wider implications in future extradition requests.' While other options might be secondary consequences, the core strategic risk highlighted is to India's international credibility and cooperation.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that Artemis II is a mission of NASA's Artemis programme. NASA is the United States' civilian space agency.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the crew included three US astronauts and one Canadian. Statement 2 is correct as it reached 4,06,778 km, surpassing Apollo 13. Statement 3 is incorrect; Artemis II was a crewed flyby mission, not a landing mission. The landing is planned for Artemis III.

Explanation

The article clearly states, "Their spacecraft reached 4,06,778 km from the Earth at its furthest." Option A is the average Earth-Moon distance, serving as a common distractor.

Explanation

The article explicitly mentions that "Artemis II successfully completed the dress rehearsal for the actual Moon landing mission in 2028." It tested crewed operations and high-speed re-entry, critical for the next step (Artemis III landing).

Explanation

The article explicitly states that Artemis II is a mission of NASA. NASA is the United States government agency responsible for the civilian space program and aeronautics research.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article: 'Artemis II was the first crewed mission of the Artemis programme.' Statement 2 is incorrect: Apollo 17 traveled about 2.38 million km, while Artemis II traveled 1.12 million km. Statement 3 is correct: Artemis II reached 406,778 km, which was about 6,606 km farther than Apollo 13.

Explanation

The article states: 'At the time of re-entry... the Orion spacecraft were travelling at a speed of about 11-12 km/sec (about 40,000-42,000 kmph).' The other options are distractors: 26,000-28,000 kmph is the speed for re-entry from Low Earth Orbit (like the ISS).

Explanation

The article directly states: 'Artemis II successfully completed the dress rehearsal for the actual Moon landing mission in 2028.' The other options, such as establishing a space station or testing Mars propulsion, are not mentioned as primary objectives of this specific mission.

Explanation

The Strategic Forces Command (SFC) is the tri-services command responsible for the management and administration of India's tactical and strategic nuclear weapons stockpile. It exercises operational control over all nuclear delivery platforms, including SSBNs like INS Aridhaman.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article. Statement 2 is correct as INS Aridhaman can carry 24 K-15 missiles compared to 12 in its predecessors. Statement 3 is incorrect because the K-15 Sagarika is a submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM), not a land-based missile.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that INS Aridhaman is a larger 7,000-tonne vessel. This is a key data point distinguishing it from its predecessors in the Arihant class.

Explanation

SSBNs like INS Aridhaman form the most survivable component of the nuclear triad due to their stealth. Their primary role is to ensure a second-strike capability, thereby strengthening nuclear deterrence as per India's doctrine. The other options describe conventional naval roles.

Explanation

Entry 66 of the Union List in the Seventh Schedule of the Constitution specifically grants Parliament legislative power for 'Coordination and determination of standards in institutions for higher education or research and scientific and technical institutions'. This is the legal basis cited in the article for Parliament's limited role.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article states the Bill proposes to statutorily take forward NEP 2020. Statement 2 is incorrect because the Bill gives power to Union government-controlled councils, not State councils. Statement 3 is correct as the article explicitly mentions the Bill dilutes the consultative requirements of Section 13 of the UGC Act.

Explanation

The article specifically states: 'The Bill dilutes the University Grants Commission’s (UGC) consultative requirements. Section 13 of the UGC Act provides for inspections...' This exact section number is a key factual detail for exam purposes.

Explanation

The article's core argument is that the Bill is a 'constitutional overreach' as it gives 'sole discretionary power to Union government-controlled councils' beyond the limited power granted by Entry 66 of the Union List. This centralization of power at the expense of States and autonomous institutions is the main criticism.

Explanation

The article uses 'examination republic' metaphorically to describe India's massive scale of high-stakes exams (~6 crore annual test-takers), not a formal constitutional or international status. It emphasizes the pervasive role of exams in the national fabric.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article explicitly calls India the 'world's largest examination republic'. Statement 2 is correct as it mentions 'around six crore' annual participants. Statement 3 is incorrect; the article frames the system's primary function as an 'instrument of social justice', not revenue generation.

Explanation

The article states: 'Every year, around six crore students and job aspirants appear for high-stakes examinations across the country.' The other options are close distractors.

Explanation

The article directly links exam integrity to national trust by stating that for millions, 'a single examination can determine the trajectory of a lifetime' and that the system 'functions as a powerful instrument of social justice'. Breaches of integrity thus undermine a core mechanism for equitable opportunity.