12 April 2026, Questions & Answers

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the 73rd and 74th constitutional amendments were passed in 1992 and 1993. These amendments mandated reservation for women in panchayats and municipalities.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article confirms the bill was passed in 2023. Statement 2 is incorrect; the article says implementation was contingent on a delimitation based on a post-2023 Census, not the 2021 Census. Statement 3 is correct as the article lists these exact years for previous attempts.

Explanation

The article clearly states that Lok Sabha seats are likely to increase from 543 to 816, which is a 50% increase. The other numbers are distractors; 543 is the current strength.

Explanation

The article explicitly mentions the lack of clarity on how the rotation of reserved constituencies will be implemented, and its potential impact on political continuity and accountability, as a key concern. The other options are not raised as primary criticisms in the given text.

Explanation

The Delimitation Commission is a statutory body established under the Delimitation Commission Act. Its mandate is to redraw the boundaries of Lok Sabha and Assembly constituencies based on the latest census data, as discussed in the article concerning the women's reservation implementation.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the Act mandates 33% reservation. Statement 2 is incorrect; the original trigger was the delimitation based on the first Census after the Act's commencement (scheduled for 2027), not the 2021 Census. Statement 3 is correct, as the article discusses amending the Act via a constitutional amendment to advance implementation to 2029.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the women's quota would have come into effect only after delimitation based on the 2027 Census, meaning it would not have been enforceable before 2034. The current proposal aims to implement it from the 2029 elections.

Explanation

As stated by CPI(M) MP John Brittas in the article, the proposal to increase Lok Sabha seats by 50% would grant northern states around 200 more seats compared to only 65 for southern states, which is seen as undermining federal balance and penalizing states that have controlled population growth.

Explanation

The article explicitly refers to the 'JCPOA in 2015', which is the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action. This was the nuclear deal negotiated between Iran and the P5+1 group of nations.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article which states this was the 'first high-level political contact... since the 1979 Islamic Revolution'. Statement 2 is incorrect; it is the US that demanded Iran reopen the Strait of Hormuz, not the other way around. Statement 3 is directly correct as the article mentions 'more than 440 kg of highly enriched uranium' as a sticking point.

Explanation

The article clearly states Iran's demand for 'about $27 billion in frozen revenues held abroad be released'. The other figures are plausible distractors but not mentioned in the provided content.

Explanation

The article states India has been 'hoping the talks will lead to reopening of the Strait of Hormuz' due to the 'extremely adverse' economic impact of the war, including gas shortages and potential price hikes. This directly links India's interest to energy security and economic stability.

Explanation

The article explicitly mentions the PFBR is in Kalpakkam. Kalpakkam is home to the Madras Atomic Power Station and the Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research (IGCAR), which is spearheading the FBR program.

Explanation

Statements 1 and 2 are correct as per the article's definition of an FBR. Statement 3 is incorrect. The article states that Superphénix produced less than 20% of its capable energy, faced long shutdowns, and its economic rationale was wiped out by falling uranium prices.

Explanation

The article clearly states the capacity as '500 MWe' (Megawatt electric). This is a key factual detail about the PFBR project.

Explanation

The article's subtitle describes the milestone as 'shadowed by limited oversight and persistent concerns over transparency and accountability'. This frames the technological success against a backdrop of governance challenges.

Explanation

UNCLOS is the comprehensive international treaty that defines maritime zones and establishes the legal framework for navigation, including the right of innocent passage through straits.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article. Statement 2 is incorrect; tolls are typically charged only in artificial waterways (Suez, Panama), not natural straits. Statement 3 is a well-known static fact about the Strait of Hormuz.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the negotiations began on Saturday, April 11, 2026. The other dates are close distractors.

Explanation

The article clearly states that Iran has floated the idea of levying tolls specifically to fund post-war reconstruction. The other objectives are not mentioned.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the 'draft Electric Vehicle Policy 2026' was 'released by the Delhi government'. Chief Minister Rekha Gupta and Transport Minister Dr Pankaj Kumar Singh are quoted discussing the policy.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect because the 100% exemption is for EVs including cars priced up to Rs 30 lakh, not all electric cars (those above Rs 30 lakh are ineligible). Statement 2 is incorrect as the 50% discount is for strong hybrid cars priced up to Rs 30 lakh, not above. Statement 3 is correct as per the article which mentions a proposed ban on registration of new CNG autorickshaws from 2027.

Explanation

The article clearly states, "an overall budget of Rs 3,954.25 crore has been allotted for this policy." The other figures are plausible distractors but not mentioned in the provided content.

Explanation

The draft explicitly reads, "Two-wheelers constitute approximately 67% of the total vehicle stock in Delhi, making their rapid electrification critical for achieving meaningful reductions in vehicular emissions." The other options are not supported by the article's content.

Explanation

The article explicitly states 'the enactment of the Mediation Act, 2023'. The Arbitration and Conciliation Act was enacted in 1996.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article. Statement 2 is incorrect because the article states the Mediation Act, 2023, lacks active implementation, its provisions are not yet notified, and the Mediation Council is not constituted. Statement 3 is correct as she advocated for hybrid models like Med-Arb.

Explanation

The article lists 'questions of enforceability of awards, delays, and rising costs' and 'growing mistrust' as hurdles. It does not mention a lack of statutory backing; in fact, the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996, provides the statutory framework.

Explanation

The article states that to cement India's position as a credible global arbitration hub, disputes in complex fields require arbitrators who understand technical and commercial practices, not just legal analysis.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that China has set up the new county Cenling in its Xinjiang province. Xinjiang is officially known as the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region (XUAR).

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect as the article mentions Cenling is the third new county in Xinjiang in just over a year, not the first in a decade. Statements 2 and 3 are directly verifiable from the article content, which states the county's location near PoK and Afghanistan and its aim to secure the Wakhan Corridor.

Explanation

The article clearly states: "The county, named Cenling, is the third new county established by China in Xinjiang... in just over a year." This is a direct factual extraction from the provided content.

Explanation

The article directly states the move is "in an apparent move to strengthen security along the narrow Wakhan Corridor to curb infiltration of Uyghur separatist militants." The other options, while related to broader regional dynamics, are not the primary reason mentioned in the provided text.

Explanation

The article states NPC is an autonomous organisation under the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce & Industry. While option C is the broader ministry, the specific department is DPIIT.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect: NPC is an autonomous organisation, not a statutory body created by an Act. Statement 2 is correct as per the article. Statement 3 is correct as NPC signed an agreement with MoEF&CC to act as EADA under the 2025 Rules.

Explanation

The article explicitly mentions that the National Productivity Council was established in the year 1958. This is a direct factual recall question.

Explanation

The article states the initiative aims to 'strengthen environmental compliance mechanisms' and 'institutionalise standardised environmental auditing practices'. While NPC's traditional role (option A & D) and QCI's role (option B) are mentioned, the specific objective of the EADA designation is environmental compliance.

Explanation

The article states that the curriculum was released by Dharmendra Pradhan, the Education Minister of the Union Government. This falls under the purview of the Ministry of Education.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the curriculum is on Computational Thinking and AI. Statement 2 is incorrect; the article specifies it is for classes 3 to 8, not 1 to 10. Statement 3 is correct as the article highlights that teachers need time to understand the new terms and cooperation is vital.

Explanation

The article explicitly mentions that the curriculum was released for CBSE students between Classes 3 and 8. The other options are common distractors based on other educational stages.

Explanation

The article states that the inclusion of this curriculum will equip students with skills such as logical reasoning, problem solving, and identification of patterns. This is its stated primary objective, aligning with broader educational goals of skill development.

Explanation

As clearly stated in the article, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is the central bank that has proposed the 'Kill Switch' mechanism in its discussion paper to enhance digital payment security.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article mentions the discussion paper. Statement 2 is incorrect because the article explicitly states that certain transactions like payment mandates and standing instructions may be exempted from the 'Kill Switch'. Statement 3 is correct as the article cites Singapore as an example where such a system exists.

Explanation

The article provides the specific data point: according to the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (NCRP), digital payment frauds in 2025 amounted to Rs 22,931 crore. The other figures are close distractors.

Explanation

The article states that in fraud situations, time is critical, and a kill switch enables customers to immediately disable all digital payment access without navigating multiple systems. This is listed as a key 'Pro' of the proposal.

Explanation

As per the article's 'Do You Know' section, the Strait of Hormuz lies between Oman and Iran, linking the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman. This is a key geographical fact for Prelims.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as mentioned in the article. Statement 2 is incorrect because Artemis II was a crewed mission with four astronauts. Statement 3 is incorrect; the proposed asset threshold for NBFC-UL is Rs 1 lakh crore, not Rs 50,000 crore.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the Strait of Hormuz is the chokepoint through which 20-25 per cent of global oil supply normally flows. This is a crucial data point for energy security questions.

Explanation

The opinion piece argues that 'time poverty, rather than lack of ambition, emerges as a central constraint,' stemming from women's disproportionate burden of unpaid care work like childcare and household responsibilities, which rigid workplaces do not accommodate.

Explanation

The article states that Iran's pivot to asymmetric warfare was institutionalized with two distinct navies: the IRIN remained the symmetrical force, while the IRGC's navy is deployed for asymmetric disruption. Over 60% of the IRGC's fast-attack craft fleet remains intact.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per claims by US Centcom and General Dan Caine in the article. Statement 2 is incorrect; the article explains Iran controls the strait despite the loss of major warships, using asymmetric means like mines, missiles, and fast-attack boats. Statement 3 is correct, as the article links the doctrinal shift to the 1988 operation.

Explanation

US Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Dan Caine stated, "We assess that we've sunk more than 90% of their regular fleet, including all of the major surface combatants." The other options are plausible but incorrect distractors.

Explanation

The article's analysis, citing experts, concludes that Iran has weaponized the chokepoint, using relatively few missiles and drones to threaten the global economy. This serves as a form of non-nuclear deterrence and bargaining chip, as seen in the peace talks, without the costs or opprobrium of nuclear proliferation.

Explanation

Article 26(b) of the Indian Constitution specifically grants every religious denomination the right to manage its own affairs in matters of religion. Article 25 deals with the freedom of conscience and free profession, practice, and propagation of religion for all persons.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per Article 25(2)(a). Statement 2 is incorrect because the rights under Article 26 are subject to public order, morality, and health; they are not absolute. Statement 3 is the exact wording of Article 25(2)(b).

Explanation

The article explicitly states that a nine-judge bench of the Supreme Court, presided by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, is examining the constitutional questions. This is a significant bench size reserved for matters of substantial constitutional importance.

Explanation

As per the article, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta argued that appointing a pujari (priest) requires expertise in Agamas and religious knowledge, and thus this function "can never be left to the government" and must emanate from the religion or denomination itself.