12 June 2026, Questions & Answers

Explanation

As per the article, the election petition was filed by Raj Narain, the socialist leader who was defeated by Indira Gandhi in the 1971 Rae Bareilly parliamentary election.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: The judgment annulled her 1971 election. Statement 2 is incorrect: The article states Justice Sinha dismissed twelve of the fourteen charges, upholding only two. Statement 3 is correct: The judgment barred her from contesting elections for six years.

Explanation

The article states that on June 24, Justice V.R. Krishna Iyer of the Supreme Court issued a conditional stay on the Allahabad High Court judgement. June 12 is the HC verdict date, June 23 is when SC began hearing, and June 25 is the Emergency proclamation date.

Explanation

As detailed in the article, the judgment triggered a political crisis. Following a Supreme Court stay and massive opposition protests, a state of Internal Emergency was proclaimed on the night of June 25, 1975. This is cited as the direct and most significant consequence.

Explanation

AFSPA is a law related to the maintenance of public order in 'disturbed areas', which falls under the internal security domain. Internal security is the primary responsibility of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect. The announcement was for withdrawal in 2027 (next year) and specifically mentioned barring one or two states, not a complete withdrawal from all states. Statement 2 is correct as per the article detailing the MoU for the Assam-Nagaland border area stalled for over 30 years. Statement 3 is correct as the article cites an 80% drop in violence due to 12 accords since 2019.

Explanation

The article explicitly quotes the Home Minister stating, "In one field alone, there are possibilities of recovery of more than ₹15,000 crore." The other options are plausible but incorrect distractors.

Explanation

The article states the MoU is for "joint exploration and production" in a "disputed area belt" where work was "stalled for more than three decades due to jurisdictional differences." It is highlighted as an example of cooperative federalism opening doors for development, not boundary demarcation, central takeover, or creating a new PSU.

Explanation

As stated in the article, SIPRI stands for Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, a Sweden-based think tank established in 1966 that publishes the annual yearbook on global security.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article: global spending was $2.9T with an 11-year consecutive increase. Statement 2 is incorrect; India was the second largest recipient (8.2% of imports), not the largest. Statement 3 is correct; the article confirms New START expired in February 2026.

Explanation

The article explicitly states India spent $92.1 billion on its military in 2025, an 8.9% increase from the previous year, making it the fifth highest spender globally. $114 billion was Germany's spending.

Explanation

As defined in the article, Nuclear-Conventional Entanglement refers to the 'grey area' where the same missiles can carry both nuclear and conventional warheads. This creates the risk that a conventional strike could be misinterpreted as nuclear, leading to unintended escalation, as seen in the India-Pakistan context.

Explanation

The Ministry of Labour and Employment is the nodal ministry for labour laws and policies in India. It is responsible for drafting and notifying rules under the consolidated Labour Codes.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect: The article states the rules remain silent on specifying a minimum tenure for Fixed-Term Employment. Statement 2 is incorrect: The article states the rules provide only a vague definition of the 'floor wage'. Statement 3 is correct: The Industrial Relations Code (Central) Rules provide that a sole registered trade union must have at least 30% membership to be recognised.

Explanation

The article explicitly states: 'The Rules further provide that the hourly wage shall be calculated by dividing the daily wage by eight.' This is highlighted as a conceptually flawed approach but is the current rule.

Explanation

The article criticizes the Social Security Code Rules for making 'no attempt to clarify the employment relationship in the gig economy' and that 'gig and platform workers continue to be treated as self-employed and remain part of the unorganised workforce,' leaving them vulnerable.

Explanation

The Supreme Court Bench specifically cited Article 329(b) of the Constitution, which stipulates that no election to Parliament or a State Legislature can be called in question except through an election petition.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect. The Court held it had NO jurisdiction to interfere due to Article 329(b). Statement 2 is correct as the Bench referenced the N.P. Ponnuswami case. Statement 3 is correct as the Court stated an election petition is the only remedy.

Explanation

The article states the plea challenged 'a June 9 order of the RO... rejecting her nomination'. June 11 is when results were declared, June 12 is when the SC dismissed the plea, and October 2025 is when a notice was issued in the pending case.

Explanation

The core legal reasoning, as stated in the article, was the principle contained in Article 329 of the Constitution, which bars courts from intervening in ongoing electoral processes, relegating the challenge to an election petition.

Explanation

As per the article, Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India launched the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI) in 2019. This is a key Indian foreign policy initiative for the region.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article cites the Quad's decision to start the maritime surveillance initiative. Statement 2 is incorrect because the IPOI was launched in 2019, not 2021. Statement 3 is correct as the article explicitly mentions the U.S. Pax Silica initiative for silicon supply chains. Hence, option C is correct.

Explanation

The article clearly states that Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI) in 2019. The other options are years associated with other geopolitical events but are distractors in this context.

Explanation

The article quotes the envoy stating that the COVID-19 pandemic gave the world a reality check on the challenges posed by product and supply chain concentration in foreign geographies. This directly underscores the impetus for building more reliable and diversified supply chains, a key point in his discussion.

Explanation

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) is responsible for India's foreign relations and diplomatic communications. As per the article, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal addressed the issue, and the MEA summoned the U.S. diplomat and handed over the demarche.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article names the three vessels and confirms Indian casualties. Statement 2 is incorrect because the article explicitly states the vessels were foreign-flagged (Palau and Guinea-Bissau) and not Indian-owned. Statement 3 is correct as MEA spokesperson Jaiswal emphasized these points during the briefing.

Explanation

The article states that 'more than 18,000 Indian seafarers remained in the Gulf region' as mentioned by Mukesh Mangal, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways. This is a key data point highlighting the scale of the Indian diaspora at risk.

Explanation

The article directly quotes the U.S. Central Command's social media post, stating that Jalveer 'violated the blockade against Iran by attempting to transport Iranian oil' and failed to comply with directions. This connects the incident to the enforcement of U.S. sanctions on Iranian oil exports.

Explanation

According to the article, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) release detailed the MoU and stated it establishes a coordinated framework. The signing occurred in the presence of the Home Minister, highlighting MHA's role in resolving the interstate boundary dispute to enable exploration.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the MoU paves the way for resumption after 30 years. Statement 2 is incorrect; it was a tripartite MoU involving the Union Government as well. Statement 3 is incorrect; the percentages are swapped – Assam has nearly 22% of crude oil and about 15% of natural gas reserves.

Explanation

The article explicitly states: "India depends on imports to meet over 88% of its crude oil needs." The figure for natural gas imports is about half (50%), which is a potential distractor.

Explanation

The article repeatedly links the agreement to India's high import dependency (88% crude oil) and vulnerability to international shocks. While economic development of the states and attracting investment are mentioned benefits, the core national objective stressed by ministers is enhancing domestic production for energy security.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that no new fertiliser can be introduced without registration under the Fertiliser (Control) Order (FCO) of 1985. This is the primary regulatory framework governing fertiliser quality and approval in India.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article mentions field trials through ICAR institutes and state agricultural universities. Statement 2 is incorrect as the approval time in India is 800+ days, while in the US it is 90 days. Statement 3 is correct as the government is considering exempting fertilisers meeting quality standards from field trials.

Explanation

The article states the Union government's fertiliser subsidy bill for 2026-27 is set to touch ₹3,40,000 crore. ₹1,70,799 crore is the budgeted amount, and ₹2,51,339.36 crore was the previous record in 2022-23.

Explanation

The article's core focus is on liberalising the 'cumbersome' and 'time-consuming' approval process that takes 800+ days. The reform aims to speed up the introduction of innovative, non-subsidised fertilisers like water-soluble and controlled-release variants to improve efficiency and manage the subsidy bill.

Explanation

The article's byline explicitly states 'The writer is chief economic advisor, Government of India'. This is a direct factual extraction from the provided content.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article discusses the 'chronological' factor covering events from 2008-2023. Statement 2 is correct as it defines the 'generational' factor. Statement 3 is correct as the article explicitly mentions the 2005 study by Morck, Wolfenzon, and Yeung.

Explanation

The article states: 'Morck, Wolfenzon and Yeung, in the Journal of Economic Literature in 2005, documented...'. This is a direct data point. 2006 is the year of the Pérez-González study mentioned later, which is a potential trap.

Explanation

The article's core argument is about strategic survival. It states: 'As competitors from East Asia continue to climb the value chain, the space available to Indian businesses that decline to invest in frontier capabilities will narrow.' The other options are not the primary implication discussed.

Explanation

The article states that CPI data was released by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI). MoSPI is the nodal agency for official statistics in India, including price indices.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: May CPI inflation was 3.93%, higher than April's 3.48%. Statement 2 is incorrect: April WPI inflation was 8.3%, which is higher than May's CPI of 3.93%. Statement 3 is correct: The Consumer Food Price Index rose 0.92% month-on-month in May.

Explanation

The article explicitly states: "Tomato prices were 48% higher year-on-year in May." The other percentages correspond to ginger's increase (32%) or the April figures for tomatoes (35%) and ginger (14%).

Explanation

The article provides the RBI's quarterly inflation forecasts: 4.2% in April-June, 5.1% in July-September, 5.9% in October-December, and 5.4% in January-March 2027. The highest projected value is 5.9% for the October-December 2026 quarter.

Explanation

The Mental Healthcare Act, 2017, specifically in Section 115, states that a person who attempts suicide shall be presumed to have severe stress and shall not be punished under the Indian Penal Code, thereby decriminalizing the attempt.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the judgment specifically applied Section 115 of the MHCA. Statement 2 is incorrect because the Court reaffirmed the Act's retrospective effect for trials begun after its enforcement. Statement 3 is correct as the judgment explicitly states that Section 309 IPC focuses on the attempt, not the fatal potential of injuries.

Explanation

The article states, 'The Act, which came into effect in 2018.' While the Act was passed in 2017, its enforcement date is a key factual distinction often tested.

Explanation

Section 115 of the MHCA presumes severe stress in case of a suicide attempt and states the person 'shall not be punished for any of the offences under the IPC.' The Court applied this presumption, which was the direct legal basis for setting aside her conviction and life sentence.

Explanation

The article mentions the park is expected to emerge as a major hub for the Kalyana Karnataka region. This region, comprising six backward districts, receives special development attention under Article 371-J of the Constitution.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as mentioned in the article. Statement 2 is incorrect; the CETP capacity is 2.5 MLD, not 5 MLD. Statement 3 is correct as explicitly stated. Hence, option C is correct.

Explanation

The article specifically mentions that a comprehensive water management system would include a 'five-lakh-litre Ground Level Service Reservoir (GLSR) for potable water supply'. The other options are distractors based on other reservoir capacities mentioned (like the 10 lakh litre ELSR).

Explanation

The Minister stated the project would be developed under a 'plug-and-play' model, enabling investors to commence production with minimal delay by providing ready-to-use world-class infrastructure. This model reduces the time and capital expenditure required for investors to set up operations.

Explanation

The FCRA is administered by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). The MHA grants registration and prior permission to associations to receive foreign contributions and monitors their utilization.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as Section 16A enables provisional vesting of assets. Statement 2 is correct as the article states the Bill proposes abolishing Section 22. Statement 3 is correct as the article mentions the sector contributes around 2% of GDP and, according to a 2014 report, generates 27 lakh jobs.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that between 2014 and 2026, about 22,000 FCRA licences have been cancelled. The other options are plausible distractors but are not mentioned in the provided text.

Explanation

The article highlights that the Bill raises constitutional concerns under Articles 14, 19(1)(c), 25, 26, 29, 30, and 300A. These articles pertain to equality, freedom of association, rights of religious denominations, and protection of minority interests, directly linking to the autonomy of minority institutions and property rights. The other options, while potential concerns, are not specifically mentioned in the article.

Explanation

The article's byline explicitly states that Aparajita Chattopadhyay is a Professor at the International Institute for Population Sciences (IIPS). IIPS is India's premier demographic research and training institute.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article states India's TFR is now 1.9, below the replacement rate of 2.1. Statement 2 is incorrect because Andhra Pradesh announced incentives for the third (₹30,000) and fourth (₹40,000) child, not the second and third. Statement 3 is incorrect as the article mentions that in Sweden, France, Singapore etc., such incentives brought only short-term changes that were difficult to sustain.

Explanation

The article clearly states: "Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu announced cash incentives of ₹30,000 and ₹40,000 to women having their third and fourth child respectively." Therefore, the incentive for the fourth child is ₹40,000.

Explanation

Expert Aparajita Chattopadhyay argues that "reversal of fertility trends cannot be a policy driven thing. It is deeply rooted socio-culturally and is an individualistic choice." The other options are contrary to the article's analysis, which states that such incentives have limited success and do not address core issues like skilling.

Explanation

DGFASLI is a technical wing under the Ministry of Labour & Employment, responsible for providing advice on occupational safety and health in factories and docks, as mentioned in the context of implementing the OSH Code.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect: The OSH Code is the legislation; it is DGFASLI that has been renamed as the Directorate General of Occupational Safety and Health under this Code. Statement 2 is incorrect: The article explicitly states the data from the two sources in SRNs 'never match'. Statement 3 is correct as per the article.

Explanation

The article states that 'nearly 50% of the 349 sanctioned posts remained vacant as of 2023' in DGFASLI, highlighting a critical institutional capacity gap.

Explanation

The article's core argument is that the mismatched data reveals fundamental flaws in the accident reporting system, undermining effective policy-making and enforcement of safety norms. The other options are contrary to the article's findings.

Explanation

Both MGNREGA and the new VB-G RAM G Act are rural employment guarantee schemes, which fall under the mandate of the Ministry of Rural Development. This ministry formulates policies and programs for rural poverty alleviation, infrastructure, and employment.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article states VB-G RAM G proposes 125 days of work compared to MGNREGA's 100. Statement 2 is incorrect; the funding model is 60:40 (Centre:State), not 50:50. Statement 3 is correct as the article mentions the 60-day 'Seasonal Alignment Window' provision. Hence, option C is correct.

Explanation

The article explicitly states, "Women have accounted for over 58% of MGNREGA workers for the last five years, as per official data." The other options are plausible but incorrect distractors.

Explanation

The article's core critique is that VB-G RAM G moves away from MGNREGA's fundamental principle of a 'demand-based' legal guarantee. Instead, it adopts a 'supply-driven' model where work is limited by a fixed central budget and approved projects, effectively rationing employment based on supply rather than honoring demand.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that DPIIT functions under the Union Ministry of Commerce and Industry. This is a key static GK fact about India's administrative structure.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article states PESO comes under DPIIT. Statement 2 is correct as DPIIT is focusing on automation and phasing out old electric detonators for electronic ones. Statement 3 is correct as the article mentions the ₹33,660 crore outlay for 100 parks under Bharat Audyogik Vikas Yojana.

Explanation

The article quotes DPIIT Joint Secretary Dr. Kajal stating that India recorded an all-time high gross FDI inflow of nearly $95 billion in FY26. Option C ($94 billion) is a close distractor mentioned earlier in the same quote, but the final figure given is $95 billion.

Explanation

The article's core theme is safety reform following the Nagpur blast. The official explicitly states DPIIT is focusing on automation 'to make operations safer' and prevent accidental blasts. While efficiency and FDI are mentioned elsewhere, the primary driver for automation in this context is safety.

Explanation

The article explicitly mentions the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) and its Secretary, Santosh Kumar Sarangi, holding meetings and monitoring the situation regarding DCR-compliant solar panels for the PM Surya Ghar scheme.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect. The article states the DCR mandate from June 1 applies to "all domestic, commercial and industrial solar projects," not just residential ones. Statement 2 is correct as per the article: India's cell capacity is ~30 GW against module production of 60-65 GW. Statement 3 is incorrect; the article mentions a price rise adding "at least Rs 20,000" per installation, not Rs 50,000.

Explanation

The article explicitly states: "About 40 lakh rooftop systems have been installed under the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana so far, adding over 12 GW capacity." The other options are close distractors using plausible numbers.

Explanation

The article directly states: "While the move is aimed at reducing India’s dependence on imports and strengthening the domestic solar manufacturing ecosystem..." The other options describe potential side-effects or incorrect rationales not mentioned in the article.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the government issued a letter to the chairman-cum-managing director of the Odisha State Road Transport Corporation (OSRTC) to implement the free bus travel facility for NEET aspirants.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect as the free education policy is for government schools and colleges, not private ones. Statement 2 is correct as per the article's data. Statement 3 is correct as the announcement was made on the 2-year anniversary and the article mentions 121 welfare schemes.

Explanation

The article specifically states that the free bus travel facility will be available to all 56,983 candidates across the state. The other options are close numerical distractors.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the decision aims to 'reduce the risk of heatstroke, support candidates from economically weaker sections, and ensure hassle-free travel to the exam centers.' The other options are not mentioned as primary objectives.

Explanation

The article explicitly mentions 'University Grants Commission (UGC) regulations' in the context of gaps in addressing student suicides. The UGC is the statutory body established for coordination and maintenance of standards in university education.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the NTF's central argument is that suicides are a structural issue. Statement 2 is incorrect; the report's most important finding is the 'complete absence' of a direct statutory framework. Statement 3 is correct as the article states student suicides were 7.6% of all suicides in 2022.

Explanation

The article explicitly states: 'student suicides in India had doubled over a decade, reaching 13,000 cases in 2022'. The other options are plausible but incorrect distractors.

Explanation

The article states the court held that 'mental well-being is inseparable from the right to life' under Article 21. This constitutional interpretation is the judgment's core significance, forming the basis for the NTF's work. The other options describe potential outcomes or recommendations, not the judgment's primary holding.

Explanation

The G-7, or Group of Seven, is a forum of seven major advanced economies: Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States. The European Union participates as a non-enumerated member.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect. India's first invitation was in 2003, during Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee's tenure. Statement 2 is correct as per the article's historical data. Statement 3 is correct as mentioned in the article.

Explanation

The article states that while the G-8 (which included Russia) controlled over two-thirds of global GDP, the G-7's share has now declined to roughly 40 per cent due to the rise of other major economies like China and India.

Explanation

The article defines the Indo-Mediterranean as "an important corridor for trade, technology, energy, data and ideas, tying the Indian Ocean to Europe." It is a strategic framework, not a military alliance or a market integration plan, and is presented as a collaborative alternative, not a direct replacement, for China's Belt and Road Initiative.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar made these remarks at the 'Emerging Powers and the New Geopolitical Competition' session at the Kultaranta Talks in Finland.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article. Statement 2 is incorrect; Jaishankar defended purchases based on 'cost and availability' and national interest, not on supporting Russia. Statement 3 is correct as he contrasted India's peaceful record with European arms sales.

Explanation

The article mentions that Jaishankar recalled that 'in 2022', the United States had encouraged India to procure Russian crude to stabilise energy markets following Western sanctions on Moscow.

Explanation

The core of Jaishankar's argument is defending India's sovereign right to make energy choices (strategic autonomy) based on cost, availability, and national interest, and calling out inconsistency in external pressure. The other options are either extreme or contrary to the article's narrative.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) announced the formation of El Niño conditions. NOAA is the primary US agency for monitoring oceanic and atmospheric conditions.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as multiple forecasts in the article predict 2027 to be the hottest year. Statement 2 is correct as the article states El Niño suppresses Atlantic hurricanes but increases activity in the Pacific. Statement 3 is incorrect because the article clearly mentions India received only 86% of its long-period average rainfall in 2015-16.

Explanation

The article directly quotes NOAA, stating there is a 63% chance of El Niño intensifying and ranking 'among the largest El Niño events in the historical record going back to 1950.' This is a precise data point from the source.

Explanation

The article specifically states that the El Niño condition is likely to 'cause more intense heatwaves in India, which, in the past, have led to health hazards and hundreds of deaths.' The other options are not mentioned as direct impacts in the provided content.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the latest IGCC report was 'published on Wednesday in the journal Earth System Science Data'. This is a direct factual extraction from the provided content.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article: 'Solar, wind and hydro edged out fossil fuels as the predominant source of power.' Statement 2 is incorrect; the budget 'could be completely depleted in about three years', not already exhausted. Statement 3 is incorrect; the talks were in Bonn, not Geneva.

Explanation

The article provides the exact data point: 'human activities pushed global warming to 1.37 degrees Celsius in 2025, according to the latest Indicators of Global Climate Change (IGCC) report'. The other options are close but incorrect distractors.

Explanation

The article explicitly states: 'Unfortunately, know-how transfer has been the Achilles Heel of global warming mitigation.' This directly points to the challenge of international cooperation in sharing green technologies, which is crucial for industrial decarbonization.

Explanation

The article explicitly states at the end: "The writer is chief economic advisor, Government of India." This is a direct factual extraction from the provided content.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article describes the 'Dutch disease' effect of a vast captive market. Statement 2 is incorrect; colonial rule caused deindustrialisation, suppressing manufacturing instincts. Statement 3 is correct, as detailed with references to Lazonick's research and executive stock options.

Explanation

The article states: "Between 2003 and 2012, the 449 companies... spent 54 per cent of their earnings on buybacks and another 37 per cent on dividends." The other percentages are distractors: 37% was spent on dividends, and 91% is the sum of both, which is not asked.

Explanation

The article's section 'Democracy, uncertainty, and the discount rate' argues that democratic uncertainty makes confident long-run prediction difficult. Businesses internalise this as a higher discount rate, making long-payoff investments like R&D less attractive.