12 July 2026, Questions & Answers

Explanation

The Central Information Commission (CIC) is the highest appellate body under the RTI Act, 2005. It hears complaints and appeals against decisions of Central Public Information Officers (CPIOs) and First Appellate Authorities.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the RTI Act. Statement 2 is correct as Section 8(1)(j) exempts personal information unless public interest justifies disclosure. Statement 3 is incorrect because the RTI Act applies to both Central and State public authorities, with State Information Commissions at the state level.

Explanation

The CPIO informed that IIT-M had received ₹537 crore towards sponsored research projects during FY 2023-24. ₹241 crore was for industry research projects. ₹778 crore is their sum, but the question specifically asks for sponsored research.

Explanation

The CIC directed IIT-M to provide project-wise grant utilisation details, rejecting the voluminous data and privacy exemption arguments. This upholds the principle that public funds must be transparently accounted for, and RTI cannot be denied on procedural grounds.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect: The Election Commission consists of a Chief Election Commissioner and two other Election Commissioners (three members). Statement 2 is incorrect: The election schedule is decided by the Election Commission, not the Home Ministry. Statement 3 is correct: The EC has the power to resolve disputes regarding splits/mergers of recognised political parties under the Election Symbols (Reservation and Allotment) Order, 1968.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: They elevated ties to strategic partnership. Statement 2 is incorrect: The target is to double trade by 2030, not 2040. Statement 3 is correct: They signed a pact on Antarctic research. Statement 4 is incorrect: The Centres of Excellence are for Nagaland and Uttarakhand, not Gujarat and Sikkim. Thus only statements 1 and 3 are correct, so only two are correct.

Explanation

In a hydrogen fuel-cell train, hydrogen and oxygen combine in fuel cells to produce electricity, which then powers electric traction motors. It does not involve direct combustion or steam generation. The train also has batteries for energy storage.

Explanation

Statement 1 is not correct because Section 69A allows blocking only for specified grounds (sovereignty, security, etc.), not 'any information' arbitrarily. Statement 2 is not correct because the necessity is justifiable under the grounds specified in Section 69A itself, not only under Article 19(2). Therefore both statements are not correct.

Explanation

The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), headed by the Defence Minister, is the highest decision-making body for capital acquisitions and grants Acceptances of Necessity (AoNs) for procurement of defense platforms like warships.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: The frigates were designed by the Warship Design Bureau. Statement 2 is incorrect: INS Mahendragiri is the sixth frigate; the seventh (INS Vindhyagiri) is expected later in 2026. Statement 3 is correct: The article states over 75% indigenous content.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that INS Mahendragiri has a displacement of approximately 6,670 tonnes. The other options are plausible distractors; 5,500 tonnes is typical of smaller frigates, while 7,200 and 8,000 are higher than the actual figure.

Explanation

The rapid commissioning of advanced stealth frigates strengthens India's naval presence in the Indian Ocean Region and demonstrates self-reliance in defense manufacturing. While exports may be a secondary benefit, the core objective is operational readiness and indigenous capability, as highlighted in the article.

Explanation

The article states that the report was 'commissioned by the United Nations'. The UN Secretary-General António Guterres also released the report.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: the panel was co-chaired by Yoshua Bengio and Maria Ressa. Statement 2 is incorrect: the report says AI capabilities are progressing faster than scientific understanding. Statement 3 is correct: the US accounts for about 75% of global AI computing capacity.

Explanation

The article explicitly states: 'the United States accounting for around 75% of global AI computing capacity and China another 15%, leaving the rest of the world to share the remaining 10%'.

Explanation

The report explicitly warns: 'The concentration of AI capabilities in a small number of firms and countries could enable authoritarian capture and undermine democratic accountability'. The other options are either opposite or not mentioned.

Explanation

The article states that NATO was founded in 1949 as a bulwark against Soviet expansion and its foundational mandate is European security. The Russia-Ukraine war remains its foremost priority in this context.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: European allies pledged $50 billion in new defence procurements and €70 billion in Ukraine aid. Statement 2 is incorrect: only five of NATO's 32 members are on track to meet the 5% target in 2026. Statement 3 is correct: the summit declaration included an 'ironclad commitment' to Article 5. Hence option C is correct.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that European allies pledged $50 billion in new defence procurements (a bonanza for America's military-industrial complex). €70 billion was pledged as military assistance to Ukraine, not defence procurements. The other options are distractors.

Explanation

The article highlights that the US drawdown and Trump's conditional approach to Article 5 create 'strategic ambiguity on the matter of American intervention'. European allies want to develop capabilities to provide credible deterrence against Russia even without guaranteed US help. Options A, B, and D are not supported by the article.

Explanation

The Ministry of Commerce and Industry, through its Department of Commerce, is the nodal ministry for India's international trade negotiations, including FTAs and CEPAs. The article mentions Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal's visit to Canada, confirming this.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect: the 3rd round was held in Ottawa, not New Delhi. The 2nd round was held in New Delhi (May 4-8, 2026). Statement 2 is correct: the Canadian minister's office stated the agreement is intended to provide preferential market access. Statement 3 is correct: Sidhu was born in Punjab and moved to Brampton, representing Brampton East.

Explanation

The article states the 2nd round took place in New Delhi on May 4-8, 2026. Option A (July 6-10) is the 3rd round. Option C (June 2025) is when PM Modi and PM Carney first met at the G7 Summit. Option D (October 2026) is when the business delegation will visit India.

Explanation

The article explicitly states the agreement will 'support more resilient supply chains' and mentions 'geopolitical turmoil over US tariffs and the repercussions on energy supplies'. The CEPA aims to create opportunities by reducing trade barriers and strengthening access to supply chains, not to replace existing agreements or form a military alliance.

Explanation

The 2016 arbitral tribunal was established under Annex VII of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). The other options are not directly related to maritime boundary disputes.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: the Philippines initiated arbitration in 2013. Statement 2 is incorrect: China refused to participate and rejected the tribunal's jurisdiction. Statement 3 is correct: the ruling held that China's historic rights within the nine-dash line have no legal basis under UNCLOS.

Explanation

The article lists 14 nations: US, UK, Philippines, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Germany, Italy, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Romania, and Slovenia. The number 12 is a distractor from the headline '12 other nations' (excluding US and UK).

Explanation

The ruling reaffirmed that UNCLOS is the governing legal framework for maritime claims and that historic rights cannot override it. It demonstrated the effectiveness of compulsory arbitration under UNCLOS Annex VII, even without the respondent’s participation.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the US Central Command (CENTCOM) launched the strikes. CENTCOM is responsible for military operations in the Middle East and Central Asia, including the Persian Gulf region.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: the US launched the third round of strikes this week after the IRGC attacked a vessel. Statement 2 is correct: the IRGC announced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Statement 3 is incorrect: the vessel was Cyprus-flagged, not US-flagged. Hence option C is correct.

Explanation

The article states the strait is 'a critical route for nearly a fifth of the world's traded oil and gas'. One-fifth is equivalent to 20%. Other options are close distractors but not mentioned in the article.

Explanation

The article explicitly says 'The declaration has raised concerns over global energy supplies, as the strait is a critical route for nearly a fifth of the world's traded oil and gas.' The other options are not mentioned as primary concerns.

Explanation

The article mentions the 'Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG)' report on State Finances 2024-25. The CAG is the constitutional authority under Article 148 that audits the accounts of the Union and state governments.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect — the article says Telangana spent 12.74% of its 'revenue expenditure' (not total expenditure) on interest. Statement 2 is correct — the three states availed 62% of total WMA. Statement 3 is correct — own tax revenues exceeded 60% but receipts were only 90% of revenue expenditure, indicating a revenue deficit.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that Telangana's dependence on Way and Means Advances was for 363 out of 365 days. Options 365, 300, and 250 are distractors — 365 days is close but incorrect.

Explanation

High interest payments indicate large accumulated debt, while 363-day reliance on WMA shows that the state's receipts do not match its payment obligations, forcing it to borrow short-term. This indicates fiscal stress, not a surplus or high capital expenditure.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the study was conducted by the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Bibinagar in Telangana. AIIMS Delhi or ICMR headquarters were not the primary conducting institute.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: expenditure dropped to ₹90.9 (≈₹91). Statement 2 is incorrect: patient delay remained at 6 days, not reduced from 15 to 5 (that was diagnostic delay). Statement 3 is correct: 76.3% received results the next day during drone phase. Hence option C is correct.

Explanation

The study reported the median turnaround time dropped from 15 days (pre-drone) to 5 days (post-drone). Options like 5 days (post-drone), 10 or 12 days are distractors not mentioned in the article.

Explanation

The article clearly states the drone programme aims to 'streamline the transport of sputum samples from PHCs in remote areas to district tuberculosis (TB) units, with medicines delivered back to the PHCs on return flights.' Options A and C are not mentioned; option D is a secondary activity.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the Joint Maritime Information Center (JMIC) is an organisation that the US Navy oversees. CENTCOM is a separate command that issued statements on the strait's status.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: IRGC closed the strait after firing warning shots. Statement 2 is incorrect: JMIC said the southern route remains open, not the entire strait closed. Statement 3 is correct: CENTCOM declared 'Iran does not control the strait.' Hence option C is correct.

Explanation

The article states that the Omani 'southern route' remains open for two-way traffic, as reported by JMIC and CENTCOM. This is the key factual detail for prelims.

Explanation

The article quotes CENTCOM stating 'Hormuz is open for all vessels to lawfully transit the strategic waterway' and that US forces are positioned to ensure freedom of navigation. This reflects the US stance against Iran's closure claims.

Explanation

The article explicitly mentions MHADA as the nodal agency for the Bandra-Worli redevelopment projects. This is a state-specific body under the Maharashtra government, responsible for housing development in the state.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the court explicitly observed the policy serves 'larger public interest'. Statement 2 is incorrect; the court held that societies do not have 'absolute or unfettered' rights over MHADA land. Statement 3 is correct as per the article, the developer is bound to obtain 51% consent of cooperative societies.

Explanation

The article states the Bandra and Worli redevelopment projects are 'together valued at over Rs 37,000 crore'. Option B (₹36,000 crore) is a distractor, being the bid amount for the separate Motilal Nagar project.

Explanation

The court observed that integrated redevelopment would allow for the planning of roads, utilities, and amenities from a 'broader perspective' in a 'planned and comprehensive manner', and also proposed solutions for long-term problems like flooding. This is in contrast to piecemeal redevelopment by individual societies.

Explanation

As stated in the article, the hydrogen train was developed by the Chennai-based Integral Coach Factory (ICF). RDSO conducted trials, Railway Board gave approval, and Northern Railway will operate the train.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: the route is Jind-Sonipat, 89 km, under Northern Railway's Delhi Division. Statement 2 is correct: hydrogen fuel cell emits only water vapour, maximum speed 75 kmph. Statement 3 is incorrect: the license was from the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO), not the Ministry of Railways.

Explanation

The 10-car trainset includes two Driving Power Cars (DPCs) each of 1,200 kW, providing a combined power output of 2,400 kW. Option A (1,200 kW) is the power of a single DPC, not the total.

Explanation

The article states that the hydrogen fuel cell process produces only water vapour as an emission, making it a cleaner alternative to fossil fuel-based traction. While hydrogen production may have emissions, the train itself has zero tailpipe emissions of pollutants or CO2. Options A and D are not mentioned, and option B is incorrect because the article does not claim elimination of all greenhouse gases (depends on hydrogen source).