11 May 2026, Questions & Answers

Explanation

The article mentions the 'Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, 2026'. A bill that seeks to amend the Constitution is called a Constitution Amendment Bill. It requires a special majority in Parliament, unlike ordinary or money bills.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article states the proposal is to 'Reserve one-third of seats in the Lok Sabha and state assemblies'. Statement 2 is incorrect because the article mentions implementation debates linked to delimitation and Census, indicating conditions. Statement 3 is correct as the article explicitly mentions 'The Bill’s proposed 15-year sunset clause also invites review.'

Explanation

The article states: 'Women form nearly half the population, yet they have hovered around 14 per cent in the Lok Sabha'. The other options are distractors: 33% is the proposed reservation, 10% and 20% are not mentioned.

Explanation

The article argues: 'Concerns around delimitation and federal balance deserve serious attention. They are not imaginary... These risks should be managed, not used as excuses for indefinite delay.' It emphasizes that the need for correcting the democratic imbalance is immediate, and postponement has its own costs.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the defence ministry is in conversations with Indian companies like SarvamAI and BharatGen regarding integrating AI technology with India's defence capabilities.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article mentions these conflicts showed AI can be a game-changer. Statement 2 is incorrect; the article mentions the aim is an 'Indian version of Palantir', not OpenAI/Anthropic. Statement 3 is correct as the government provides discounted GPU usage under the IndiaAI Mission.

Explanation

The article states that computing alone costs close to $200 million, and data training and annotation costs can take the total figure up to $500 million-$600 million.

Explanation

The article emphasizes that for strategic sectors like defence, there is a clear need to have own technology to avoid reliance on something sourced from outside, highlighting strategic autonomy as the primary objective.

Explanation

The notification was issued by Rohini R Bhajibhakare, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Rural Development, as stated in the article. Rural employment guarantee schemes fall under the purview of this ministry.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article. Statement 2 is incorrect because VB-G RAM G is a centrally sponsored scheme with shared funding, unlike MGNREGA where the Centre paid 100% of wages. Statement 3 is incorrect because the funding pattern is 60:40 for most states, but 90:10 for Northeastern states, Himalayan states, and UTs with a legislature.

Explanation

The Central Government notification appoints the 1st day of July, 2026 as the date from which MGNREGA 2005 shall stand repealed. May 11, 2026 is the article's publication date, while the other dates are distractors.

Explanation

Under MGNREGA, the Centre paid 100% of the wage bill. Under VB-G RAM G, states will now share the cost, with a standard 40% contribution (60:40 pattern). This increases their financial burden, which is a key fiscal implication highlighted in the article.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the World Press Freedom Index is an annual report published by Reporters Without Borders (RSF). This is a key static fact associated with the index.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: NCRB reported 58.85 lakh cases in 2024, a 6% dip from 62.41 lakh in 2023. Statement 2 is incorrect: Cyber crimes saw an almost 18% jump, not a decrease. Statement 3 is correct: Crimes against STs fell by 23.1% to 9,966 cases, while crimes against SCs fell by 3.6% to 55,698 cases.

Explanation

The article clearly states that the Centre approved Rs 5,659.22 crore for the Mission for Cotton Productivity for five years (2026–27 to 2030–31). ₹2.55 lakh crore is the target for the Emergency Credit Line Guarantee Scheme 5.0, and ₹3,068 crore is for a semiconductor plant.

Explanation

The article states that ANEEL fuel blends thorium with HALEU and is designed for deployment in India's Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs) at scale. This represents an important step towards the third stage of India's three-stage nuclear power programme, which is based on the thorium cycle.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the notification was issued by the Ministry of Rural Development, which is the nodal ministry for rural employment guarantee schemes. MGNREGA also falls under this ministry.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article. Statement 2 is incorrect because the article clarifies that existing e-KYC verified job cards will remain valid until new cards are issued. Statement 3 is correct as the Ministry stated draft rules are being prepared in consultation with States and UTs.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the VB-G RAM G Act will come into force across the country from July 1, 2026. This is a key factual date for Prelims.

Explanation

The article directly quotes the government describing gram panchayats as the 'central pillar' of rural transformation under the new law. This highlights the continued focus on decentralized implementation at the village level.

Explanation

As per the article, the Responsible Nations Index (RNI) was launched by India under the aegis of the World Intellectual Foundation (WIF). The World Economic Forum publishes the Global Risks Report, the Sustainable Development Solutions Network partners for the World Happiness Report, and the Wellbeing Research Centre is at the University of Oxford.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article states the GTI 2026 is published by IEP and Pakistan is ranked number one. Statement 2 is correct as Denmark tops CPI 2025 with a score of 89 and India is 91st. Statement 3 is incorrect because while the CCPI is jointly published by Germanwatch and New Climate Institute, India's rank fell to 23rd in the 2026 edition, not 10th.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that Russia stands at #163, making it the least peaceful country in the world on the 2025 GPI, followed by Ukraine at #162. Afghanistan is mentioned as the unhappiest country in the World Happiness Report, and South Sudan is among the most corrupt in the CPI.

Explanation

These reports are high-yield study material. They provide concrete data (ranks, scores, dates) for direct Prelims MCQs. Simultaneously, they offer analytical depth on governance, economy, security, and environment, serving as evidence and themes for Mains answers and essays, connecting current affairs to the static syllabus.

Explanation

As per the article, the 'Su Sahay' chatbot was developed by the National Informatics Centre (NIC) in collaboration with the Supreme Court Registry. NIC is the primary IT solutions provider for the government.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect. The 'One Case One Data' initiative aims to integrate information from High Courts, District, and Taluka courts, not just the Supreme Court and High Courts. Statement 2 is incorrect as 'Su Sahay' is specifically for the Supreme Court website, not all courts. Statement 3 is correct as explicitly mentioned in the article.

Explanation

The article clearly states the announcement was made by CJI Surya Kant on Monday, May 11, 2026. This is a precise factual date that can be asked in Prelims.

Explanation

As stated by the CJI, the 'One Case One Data' initiative aims to integrate multi-level information from High Courts, District, and Taluka courts into a unified system to develop an efficient case management system. The other options, while related to judicial reforms, are not the stated objectives of this specific initiative.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the Women-Friendly Gram Panchayat initiative was developed by the Ministry of Panchayati Raj. This ministry is the nodal agency for all matters related to Panchayati Raj Institutions in India.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article mentions the model was 'Piloted in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan'. Statement 2 is incorrect; the study covered '163 villages in 12 states', not 10. Statement 3 is correct as the article states the initiative was developed 'to localise the Sustainable Development Goals, especially Goal 5 on gender equality'.

Explanation

The article provides the exact data point: 'On International Women’s Day 2025, 770 panchayats formally resolved to adopt it.' The other options are plausible distractors close to the correct figure.

Explanation

The article states the study 'found that women’s political reservation...doubled the rate at which women opened bank accounts.' While it also mentions a 'over 50 per cent' increase in employment scheme participation, the 'doubled' rate is specifically for bank accounts. The eradication of child marriage is cited as an outcome in Nongarh panchayat, not as a general finding of the study.

Explanation

The article quotes Union Minister of Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw discussing railway capex and new train corridors. The Ministry of Railways is the nodal body for all railway infrastructure and operations in India.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article. Statement 2 is incorrect; the correct figure for electrified tracks is 49,000 km, not 48,000 km. Statement 3 is correct as the Minister stated Hyderabad to Bengaluru will be around 2 hours.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the travel time on the new corridor from Mumbai to Pune will come down to just 28 minutes. The other options are plausible but incorrect distractors.

Explanation

The Minister's statements, such as "These sectors will be 99% dominated by railways" and "So nobody will fly," clearly indicate the objective is to capture passenger traffic from airlines by offering significantly reduced travel times.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the estimates of $299 billion in economic losses to the Asia-Pacific region and 8.8 million people being pushed into poverty are according to the United Nations Development Program (UNDP).

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article. Statement 2 is incorrect; the article says Asian budgets assumed oil at $70 a barrel, not $90. Statement 3 is incorrect; experts state the global oil and gas trade will not bounce back right away and recovery will take weeks or months.

Explanation

The article states that tourism makes up nearly 8% of Vietnam's gross domestic product. This sector is particularly vulnerable to the jet fuel shortages and flight cuts mentioned.

Explanation

The analyst in the article describes the dilemma where subsidies strain public finances, and cutting them passes costs to consumers, risking backlash. This unsustainable policy choice is termed a 'fiscal time bomb'. The other options are not supported by the article's content.

Explanation

While multiple bodies are involved, the Ministry of Jal Shakti, created in 2019, is the nodal ministry for the conservation and management of water resources, including river systems and their floodplains, in India. The MoEFCC oversees broader environmental policy, the CPCB monitors pollution, and the NGT is a judicial body.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article's explanation of how urban materials create a 'heat re-trap'. Statement 2 is incorrect; the article states that ACs expel heat outdoors, raising ambient temperatures by 1-2°C, not lowering them. Statement 3 is correct, as the loss of vegetation and water bodies weakens natural temperature regulation via evapotranspiration.

Explanation

The article explicitly states: "At a broader level, India loses over $100 billion annually due to the decline in heat-related productivity." The other figures are plausible distractors but are not mentioned in the provided content.

Explanation

The article's 'What measures are needed' section explicitly calls for urban planning to "restore airflow through ventilation corridors and better street orientation" to combat the stagnation of air and heat accumulation. The other options are either counterproductive (glass facades worsen the problem), extreme (banning all vehicles), or address symptom relief rather than the structural cause (subsidizing ACs).

Explanation

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is India's central bank and is responsible for managing the country's foreign exchange reserves. The article explicitly states that the RBI has been aggressively accumulating gold, adding 168 tonnes over the past year.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article: 'India is not a gold producer and imports its entire gold. Last year, India spent about $72 billion...'. Statement 2 is incorrect because the article distinguishes between RBI's reserve-management (strategic) and consumer demand which 'directly increases dollar outflows'. Statement 3 is correct as the article states India meets '89% of its oil needs from external sources' and the price rose from '$70 per barrel a year ago to over $113 now'.

Explanation

The article clearly states: 'Gold currently comprises 16% of Indian total forex reserves, an increase from 10% last year.' The other options are distractors: 10% was the previous year's share, while 12% and 20% are not mentioned.

Explanation

The article's core analysis is that consumer demand for imported gold 'directly increases dollar outflows from the economy', which can 'add pressure on India’s current account deficit and increase demand for dollars, which may weaken the rupee over time'. Thus, the primary rationale is forex conservation and CAD management. The other options are not the central focus of the article's economic argument.

Explanation

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

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article states the post was created in December 2019 and Gen Bipin Rawat was appointed in January 2020. Statement 2 is incorrect because the June 2022 amendment allowed both serving AND retired Lt Generals below 62 to be appointed. Statement 3 is correct as the article mentions both officers served as Military Adviser to the NSCS before their CDS appointments.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that Lt Gen N S Raja Subramani "will assume office on May 31." The year 2026 is inferred from the article's publication date of May 11, 2026, and the context of the appointment announcement.

Explanation

The article critically examines the trend of appointing retired Army officers as CDS, noting that this reflects a "deeply ingrained policy orientation" that the Army is best suited for the role. It argues this excludes equally deserving officers from the Navy and Air Force, which is problematic in an era of multi-dimensional conflict.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the 'NITI Aayog Education Quality Report 2026' placed Punjab ahead of Kerala. NITI Aayog is the premier policy think tank of the Government of India.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article. Statement 2 is incorrect; the improved ratio is 22:1, not 25:1. Statement 3 is correct as the article mentions 'over 90 per cent of Class 10 students now transition smoothly to Class 11'. Hence, both 1 and 3 are correct.

Explanation

The article directly quotes the minister: '99 per cent have functional computers'. The other options are close distractors related to other infrastructure metrics mentioned, like smart classrooms (80%) or schools with internet (88.9%).

Explanation

The article's core narrative is that Punjab's focused policy initiatives—Mission Samarth for post-COVID recovery and the Schools of Eminence programme—have yielded tangible results, as now validated by the NITI Aayog report. The other options are misinterpretations or overstatements not supported by the article's content.

Explanation

The article explicitly states the visit comes 'at the invitation of President Xi Jinping', who is the President of the People's Republic of China.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article dates. Statement 2 is incorrect; the key issues mentioned are trade, Iran, and Taiwan, not Ukraine. Statement 3 is correct as the article states it is the first visit by a US president since 2017.

Explanation

The article clearly states: 'Trump’s visit marks his first trip to China in his current term and the first by a US president since 2017.'

Explanation

Taiwan's Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung stated that Taiwan trusted the US relationship would remain stable and that the US had 'repeatedly expressed' its policy towards Taiwan would not change, indicating this is their core concern.

Explanation

The article states the court directed the state government to consider making the Uttar Pradesh Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) an autonomous department under its Home Ministry, as requested by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the court directed the state to consider providing personal security officers to all district court judges. Statement 2 is incorrect; the AI module is for recording witness statements, not accused statements. Statement 3 is correct as per the information provided by the FSL director in the article.

Explanation

The director of FSL informed the court that forensic laboratories in Uttar Pradesh were facing acute shortages and that only eight out of 12 FSLs in the state currently have DNA profiling facilities.

Explanation

The direction is part of broader tech integration to streamline the criminal justice process. Using AI for speech-to-text conversion aims to improve the accuracy and efficiency of recording witness statements, reducing manual errors and delays, as inferred from the context of tackling systemic delays.

Explanation

The article explicitly discusses the interpretation of Sections 132, 153A, and 153C of the Income Tax Act, 1961, by the Karnataka High Court. The other acts govern corporate law, indirect tax, and criminal procedure, respectively.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect as the court ruled a search is 'person-centric', not 'premises-centric'. Statement 2 is correct as per the article: the 'searched person' is determined by the person against whom 'reason to believe' under Section 132 is recorded. Statement 3 is correct as the Bench clarified proceedings against any other person can be initiated only under Section 153C.

Explanation

The article states: 'The case originated from a search conducted in September 2017 at the residence of one Ram Mohan Raju...' The other options are distractors: 2025 is the year of the single judge's order, and 2026 is the year of the Division Bench judgment.

Explanation

The core ruling was that the identity of the 'searched person' is tied to the person named in the warrant under Section 132. Therefore, merely having one's premises searched does not grant the status of a 'searched person' or the associated procedural advantages under Section 153A. The other options are not supported by the article's content.

Explanation

Article 324 of the Indian Constitution establishes the Election Commission, a permanent independent body responsible for conducting free and fair elections in the country. This is a fundamental static GK fact relevant to any news about the ECI.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article. Statement 2 is incorrect; the ECI disposed of only about 1,607 inclusion appeals, while nearly 34 lakh appeals remained pending. Statement 3 is incorrect; the proposed AI layer is for continuous, real-time oversight, not just post-facto review.

Explanation

The article states: "the ECI neither disclosed the status of nearly 34 lakh appeals... pending before the 19 Supreme Court-appointed tribunals." The other options are numerical distractors using different units (lakh vs. crore).

Explanation

The article's core proposal is for an AI layer to provide continuous oversight, audit processes using existing data, and flag irregularities like bias or inconsistent SOP application as they happen, thereby strengthening transparency and accountability.

Explanation

The Supreme Court Bench headed by Justice Dipankar Datta stated that the issue was within the domain of the Ministry of Education, and the court need not intervene for now. This is explicitly mentioned in the article.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the petition sought a direction to declare coverage under Article 26(a). Statement 2 is the correct description of Article 26(a) as per the article. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Supreme Court did not issue a directive; it left the decision to the government (Ministry of Education).

Explanation

The article explicitly states 'The Supreme Court of India on Monday (May 11, 2026) left it to the government...'. The published date is also May 11, 2026.

Explanation

The petition argued, "This is an issue of national security as young kids form the future of the nation, and can be brainwashed/manipulated in unregistered institutions." This is a direct quote from the provided article content.

Explanation

The Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006 mandates the recognition of rights of forest-dwelling Scheduled Tribes and other traditional forest dwellers. The article mentions a PIL alleging illegalities in the islands administration's order claiming compliance of FRA for the Great Nicobar project, making it the central legislation for tribal consent in forest land diversion.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article states DRDO achieved a 1,200-second runtime for its scramjet combustor. Statement 2 is incorrect; the article says gold's share in reserves increased from 10% to 16%. Statement 3 is correct as the project includes a transshipment port at Galathea Bay. Hence, option C is correct.

Explanation

The article explicitly states: 'Last year, India spent about $72 billion – approximately $6 billion per month – on gold alone.' The other options are plausible distractors but do not match the precise monthly figure derived from the annual total provided.

Explanation

The article highlights a 'concerted push to decouple from foreign-made technology in strategic sectors' and mentions New Delhi's irritation at US expectations for allies to build on the 'America AI stack'. This indicates the core rationale is strategic autonomy and data sovereignty, not merely cost reduction or immediate wholesale replacement.

Explanation

The article mentions that forex reserves are held with the RBI, India's central bank. The RBI manages these reserves and intervenes in the foreign exchange market to defend the rupee's exchange rate, as described when it sells dollars during a BoP deficit.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article's explanation of a BoP surplus. Statement 2 is incorrect; the article states the current BoP is as weak as in 2013 (the 'Fragile Five' period), not stronger than pre-1991. Statement 3 is correct, as a BoP deficit leads to rupee weakening, which is a core point in the analysis.

Explanation

The article explicitly states, "He also urged Indians to cut back the use of edible oil in their food by 10%." The other options are plausible but incorrect distractors.

Explanation

The article argues that cutting consumption (e.g., not buying gold, reducing travel) could come at the cost of economic growth. It states such a move "will likely come at the cost of overall economic growth" and that "weaker consumption... will drag down growth." The other options are contrary to the article's analysis.

Explanation

The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas is the nodal ministry for exploration, production, refining, distribution, marketing, and import/export of petroleum products and natural gas. It oversees the functioning of PSU OMCs like IOCL, BPCL, and HPCL.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: The article states India is a net exporter of major fuels like diesel and petrol. Statement 2 is incorrect: The article clarifies there has been no rationing of petrol and diesel, but rationing WAS done for commercial and industrial LPG. Statement 3 is correct: Prices of petrol and diesel have not been hiked since April 2022 (over four years).

Explanation

The article explicitly states, "The OMCs are estimated to be incurring daily losses worth about Rs 1,000-Rs 1,200 crore." The other options are plausible but incorrect figures not mentioned in the text.

Explanation

The article quotes the source saying, "A primary function of the OMCs is to maintain price and supply stability. It is a sovereign function that they perform." The core objective is consumer protection and macroeconomic stability, not OMC profitability, import reduction, or climate goals.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that Shaktikanta Das was speaking at the 'Confederation of Indian Industry’s Annual Business Summit 2026'. CII is a premier industry association in India.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article says 'resilience maximisation is increasingly replacing cost minimisation as a priority'. Statement 2 is incorrect because the strategy explicitly advises 'market diversification' to reduce vulnerability. Statement 3 is correct as strategic investment in 'technology innovation, sustainability, and capacity building' is listed as the sixth strategy.

Explanation

The article states that India 'recorded average annual GDP growth of about 7.4% between 2022-23 and 2025-26'. This data point is crucial to remember as it highlights India's economic performance during a turbulent global period.

Explanation

The article explains that by diversifying sourcing and integrating into multiple global value chains, firms 'can reduce exposure to external shocks while positioning themselves as reliable partners in the evolving global trading system'. The objective is resilience and strategic positioning, not just cost-cutting or isolation.

Explanation

The article's byline explicitly states 'The writer is former chairman, Indian Oil Corporation Ltd'. This is a direct factual extraction from the provided content.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect: The article states the crisis is a severe disruption but that past episodes 'never resulted in the closure of the strait'. Statement 2 is correct as per the article's description of the government's response. Statement 3 is incorrect: The article states the OMCs' post-tax profit was ₹33,602 crore on revenues of ₹18,20,477 crore, which is a return of only 1.85%.

Explanation

The article explicitly states: 'Based on excise duty reductions alone, the government is estimated to lose nearly Rs 460 crore per day'. ₹30,000 crore is the total GoI loss from the crisis period, ₹62,000 crore is the total combined loss, and ₹1,68,000 crore is the annualized figure.

Explanation

The article's core thesis, stated explicitly, is that 'Neither the government nor the oil companies can indefinitely absorb such financial stress' and calls for a shared burden model. It does not advocate for immediate price hikes to global levels, halting refinery investments, or placing sole blame on states.

Explanation

The article explicitly mentions that a NITI Aayog report had estimated the ethanol requirements for E20. NITI Aayog is the premier policy think tank of the Government of India, making it the correct nodal body in this context.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect: The original target year for E20 was 2030, but it was achieved earlier in 2026. Statement 2 is correct: The EBP programme was launched in 2003. Statement 3 is correct: The article states that producing one litre of sugarcane-based ethanol requires nearly 2,860 litres of water.

Explanation

The article states that in 2025, India produced around 985 crore litres of ethanol, according to the Renewable Fuel Association. 1,016 crore litres was the NITI Aayog estimate for E20 requirements, and 1,735 crore litres is the projected need for achieving E30 by 2030.

Explanation

The article concludes that scaling second-generation (2G) ethanol, produced from non-food biomass, is the most critical priority as it directly addresses the core concerns of water stress and food security that arise from food-based (first-generation) ethanol production.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the World Health Organisation (WHO) has hailed the findings as a major milestone. WHO is the specialized UN agency responsible for international public health and sets recommendations for vaccines like RTS,S.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article's core finding. Statement 2 is incorrect; the article clearly states there are currently no WHO-recommended vaccines for malaria caused by Plasmodium vivax. Statement 3 is correct as mentioned in the article. Hence, option C is correct.

Explanation

The article provides specific data: "Between 2015 and 2023, the country reported an 80.5 per cent decline in malaria cases and a 78.3 per cent reduction in malaria-related deaths." The other options are close distractors using the death reduction figure or higher estimates.

Explanation

The article highlights that the successful vaccines target P. falciparum, but India's dominant and challenging species is P. vivax, for which no vaccine exists. Therefore, the logical implication for India's policy is to boost R&D for a vivax-specific vaccine while maintaining other control measures.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that Rajasthan's Special Operations Group (SOG) is investigating the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET-UG) 2026 for an alleged leak. ADGP Vishal Bansal of the SOG addressed journalists in Jaipur regarding the probe.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect: The article states that about 120 questions appeared in Chemistry, not Physics. Statement 2 is correct: NTA received inputs on May 7 and escalated them on the morning of May 8. Statement 3 is correct: The article mentions AI-assisted CCTV monitoring and GPS-tracked vehicles as part of the security protocol.

Explanation

ADGP Vishal Bansal stated, "There is a 'guess paper' with 410 questions. Of those 410 questions, it is said that about 120 questions appeared in chemistry." The other numbers are distractors: 410 is the total questions in the guess paper, while 100 and 150 are not mentioned.

Explanation

The article quotes ADGP Bansal saying, "since it was in the public domain, it isn't easy to zero in on the source," giving the example of it being shared via WhatsApp and photocopied at e-mitra kiosks. The other options contradict the article, which states NTA is cooperating, security protocols were followed, and biometric verification was in place.

Explanation

Article 142 of the Constitution grants the Supreme Court the power to make any order necessary for doing complete justice. The article was explicitly invoked by the Supreme Court in this case to suspend the conviction.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article mentions the use of Article 142. Statement 2 is incorrect; the Court explicitly stated it did not find any reason to interfere with the High Court order. Statement 3 is incorrect; the review interval is every 2 years, not 3 years.

Explanation

The article clearly states that the Full Court of the High Court shall undertake periodic review of the appellant's conduct at an interval of every 2 years.

Explanation

The Supreme Court bench stated that while it did not find reason to interfere with the conviction, it was granting relief in a 'final act of forgiveness' by exercising powers under Article 142.

Explanation

The article states that the responsibility for implementing the seven HSR projects has been entrusted to the National High-Speed Rail Corporation Limited (NHSRCL). NHSRCL is the dedicated SPV for high-speed rail projects in India.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article. Statement 2 is incorrect; the project was announced in the Union Budget 2026-27, not 2025-26. Statement 3 is incorrect; the committee advised completing land acquisition BEFORE sanctioning projects, not after.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that Ashwini Vaishnaw said travel time between Delhi and Varanasi will be reduced to 3 hours and 50 minutes. The 2-hour figure is for Delhi-Lucknow.

Explanation

The article quotes the Minister saying the Varanasi-Patna and Varanasi-Lucknow regions will become a single economic zone due to the high-speed rail corridor. This is a direct impact mentioned, focusing on regional economic integration.

Explanation

The article explicitly mentions Santosh Kumar Sarangi as the Secretary at the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) who spoke about these issues. MNRE is the nodal ministry for all policies related to new and renewable energy in India.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article which states 23 GWh was curtailed daily, enough for one-fourth of Delhi. Statement 2 is incorrect; the mandate for domestic solar cells started in June 2026 (the current year of the article), while the mandate for wafers and ingots starts in June 2028. Statement 3 is correct as mentioned in the article's section 'Incentive for agri-photovoltaic and floating solar'.

Explanation

The article provides the specific data point: "In April, on average 23 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of solar power were curtailed every day." The other options are plausible distractors but not mentioned.

Explanation

The article states that as RE deployment is concentrated in states like Rajasthan and Gujarat, the ministry is considering such incentives "to encourage more geographically diversified clean energy development." The other options relate to different parts of the strategy but are not the primary reason for these specific incentives.

Explanation

The Finance Commission is a constitutional body established under Article 280 of the Constitution. Its primary mandate includes recommending the distribution of the net proceeds of taxes between the Union and the States, which is directly relevant to the news about Kerala's share.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect as the article clearly states the 16th FC has NOT recommended revenue deficit grants for Kerala. Statement 2 is incorrect as Kerala's share increased from 1.92% to 2.382%. Statement 3 is correct as multiple CAG reports warned about uncontrolled off-budget borrowings landing Kerala in a debt trap.

Explanation

The article explicitly states: "Currently at ₹2,000, these pensions are paid out to approximately 60 lakh people." It further mentions the UDF's promise to hike it to ₹3,000 as part of its election manifesto.

Explanation

The article identifies the mixed outcome of the 16th FC award as a key challenge. While Kerala's share rose to 2.382%, the absence of revenue deficit grants, coupled with the end of GST compensation, creates fiscal stress for a state with high revenue expenditure commitments.

Explanation

The Morley-Minto Reforms of 1909 introduced a separate electorate for Muslims for the first time. This is a key static GK fact for modern Indian history and is directly mentioned in the article as the historical parallel to current trends.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article explicitly mentions '0 Muslim MLAs' in the ruling BJP-led dispensation. Statement 2 is correct as the article cites that 'the Muslim League swept the Muslim seats, winning 87% of them' in 1946. Statement 3 is the core argument of the article's conclusion, stating 'Muslims need a voice, but the voice has to come from across the political spectrum, not confined to a single party.'

Explanation

The article provides a breakdown: Congress has 19 MLAs (18 Muslims), its ally Raijor Dal has 2 MLAs (1 Muslim), AIUDF has 2 MLAs (both Muslim), and Trinamool Congress has 1 MLA (Muslim). This sums to 22 Muslim MLAs in the opposition space. The other options are partial counts or distractors.

Explanation

The article defines 'political ghettoisation' in the context of the Assam results, where Muslim MLAs are found almost exclusively on the opposition benches, creating a segregated legislature. While the other options are related issues mentioned (residential colonies, ticket denial, historical separate electorates), they are not the direct referent for the term 'political ghettoisation' as used in the article's conclusion.

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. This is a fundamental static GK fact related to the office discussed in the article.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the Sarkaria Commission recommendations. Statement 2 is incorrect; the Governor's discretion is not absolute but is bounded by constitutional conventions. Statement 3 is incorrect and is the core criticism in the article; demanding signed letters pre-oath subverts the floor test process.

Explanation

The article explicitly states: "The Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK)... emerged as the single largest party with 108 seats in a House of 234." 59 was DMK's tally, 47 was AIADMK's, and 121 was the final support tally after alliances.

Explanation

The article argues that demanding proof before the oath undermines the floor of the House as the legitimate arena for proving majority, which is a fundamental feature of parliamentary democracy. The Governor's action, therefore, challenges this core principle.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that KIND-X is expected to be led by South Korea's Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) and India's Defence Innovation Organisation (DIO). DRDO was mentioned in the context of a 2010 MoU, not for leading KIND-X.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: Relations began in 1973 and the first formal defence MoU was in 2005. Statement 2 is incorrect: The Special Strategic Partnership was elevated in 2015, not 2010. Statement 3 is correct: The K9 Vajra-T is a co-produced artillery system by L&T and Hanwha Aerospace.

Explanation

The article clearly states: "In 2015, the partnership was elevated to a Special Strategic Partnership." The years 2005 and 2010 relate to earlier MoUs, and 2020 is the year of the Defence Industries Cooperation Roadmap.

Explanation

The article describes KIND-X as a "defence innovation bridge" aimed at expanding defence R&D, innovation, co-development and co-production by connecting startups, investors, and academia from both countries. It focuses on building a joint ecosystem, not just trade or alliance formation.

Explanation

The article explicitly states the Indian Ocean Dialogue was co-hosted by the IORA and the Ministry of External Affairs and organised by the Indian Council of World Affairs (ICWA). The ICWA is India's premier think tank on international relations.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article mentions IORA was formed in 1997 with Nelson Mandela among its founders. Statement 2 is incorrect because the IORA charter explicitly excludes 'bilateral and other issues likely to generate controversy'. Statement 3 is incorrect; Pakistan requested membership but was never admitted as it violated the 'sovereign equality' clause by not granting India MFN status.

Explanation

The article lists the 23 member states and explicitly states the association is supported by 12 dialogue partners. This is a factual data point crucial for Prelims.

Explanation

The article quotes the Secretary-General stating that the contemporary situation (the West Asia war) has increased the realization that maritime safety and security are primordial for 'our energy security, our food security, [and] many livelihoods'. The other options, while relevant to maritime security in general, are not the specific reason highlighted in the context of this news.

Explanation

The Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) is the statutory body established under the Energy Conservation Act, 2001, and is responsible for energy efficiency policies including the Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) norms for vehicles, as mentioned in the article.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article states the plan to stop new ICE three-wheeler registrations from January 2027. Statement 2 is correct as the article mentions the continued use of super-credit multipliers for hybrid technologies in the CAFE-3 draft. Statement 3 is incorrect; the article states trucks account for only 3% of the vehicle fleet but contribute around 44% of transport emissions.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that passenger cars are a weak link in India's electrification story, with EV penetration at only around 4 per cent. This is a key data point highlighting the challenge in this segment.

Explanation

The article emphasizes that Delhi's policy moves beyond incentives and establishes a clear regulatory direction by proposing bans on new ICE vehicles. This shift aims to provide certainty to industry and consumers, driving sustained adoption, unlike the previous reliance on subsidies.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that 'Successive Law Commission reports have highlighted that India’s judge-population ratio... remains far below...' This body is tasked with legal reforms and its recommendations are often cited in judicial discourse.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect. The article states SC pendency accounts for only about 0.14% of total pendency. Statement 2 is correct as per the news. Statement 3 is incorrect; India's ratio is 19 per million, while 150 is the figure for countries like the US and China.

Explanation

The article provides the specific data point: 'According to the National Judicial Data Grid, as of May 7, the Supreme Court is burdened with over 93,000 pending cases.' The other options are plausible distractors but not the exact figure mentioned.

Explanation

The article's core argument is that SC pendency is a tiny fraction (0.14%) of the total pendency, with 88% in district courts and 12% in high courts. Therefore, a top-down approach focusing only on the SC is unsustainable without comprehensive lower judiciary reforms.

Explanation

As per the amended RBI Act, the three external members of the six-member Monetary Policy Committee are appointed by the Central Government. The other three members are from the RBI, including the Governor.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article where Singh states, "This shows our potential growth rate is at least 8%." Statement 2 is incorrect; he argues the opposite, stating US rates are higher now (4.4% vs near 0% in 2013), making foreign deposits costly. Statement 3 is directly quoted: "Our forex reserves today are around three times compared to 2013."

Explanation

The article explicitly states: "CPI inflation is forecast at 4.6% for FY27, comfortably within the tolerance band." Option A (3.4%) is the March inflation figure mentioned. Option D (5.2%) is the forecast for the third quarter of 2026-27.

Explanation

Singh's core argument is the changed global interest rate environment. He states, "In 2013, US interest rates were near 0% whereas today US yields are significantly higher at 4.4%, making it costly for us to raise capital from abroad." This economic rationale is central to his view against such a scheme.